title: Former NBA Star, Suspected Israeli Crime Figure Arrested on Federal Indictment Alleging High-Stakes Illegal Poker Games at Encino Mansion

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas and five other defendants – including a suspected high-level member of an Israeli transnational organized crime group – were arrested today on a federal indictment alleging they operated an illegal gambling business in which high-stakes poker games were played at an Encino mansion Arenas owned. Arenas, 43, a.k.a. “Agent Zero,” of Woodland Hills, is charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business, one count of operating an illegal gambling business, and one count of making false statements to federal investigators. He is scheduled to make his initial appearance and be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Also charged in the indictment and arrested today in connection with the illegal gambling business charges are: Yevgeni Gershman, 49, a.k.a. “Giora,” of Woodland Hills; a suspected organized crime figure from Israel; Evgenni Tourevski, 48, a.k.a. “Eugene,” of Tarzana; Allan Austria, 52, a.k.a. “Elica,” of West Hills; Yarin Cohen, 27, a.k.a. “YC,” of Tarzana; and Ievgen Krachun, 43, of Tarzana. Each of these defendants is charged with one count of conspiracy to operate an illegal gambling business and one count of operating an illegal gambling business. Their initial appearances and arraignments are scheduled for this afternoon in United States District Court in Los Angeles. According to the indictment returned on July 15 and unsealed today, from September 2021 to July 2022, Gershman, Arenas, and the other defendants operated an illegal gambling business. Arenas rented out an Encino mansion he owned for the purpose of hosting high-stakes illegal poker games. At Arenas’ direction, Arthur Kats, 51, of West Hollywood, staged the mansion to host the games, found co-conspirators to host the games, and collected rent from the co-conspirators on Arenas’ behalf. Gershman, Tourevski, Austria, and Cohen managed illegal “Pot Limit Omaha” poker games, among other illegal games, at the Encino mansion, collected a “rake” – a fee the house charged from each pot either as a percentage or a fixed amount per hand – and invited players to compete. Gershman hired young women who, in exchange for tips, served drinks, provided massages, and offered companionship to the poker players. The women were charged a “tax” – a percentage of their earnings from working the games. Chefs, valets, and armed security guards also were hired to staff these illegal poker games. Krachun worked as a “chip runner,” in which he tracked players’ wins and losses, distribute poker chips to players, and pay employees. Gershman, an Israeli citizen, also is charged along with Valentina Cojocari, 35, of Woodland Hills, with three additional counts – conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, marriage fraud, and making a false statement on an immigration document. In early 2022, Gershman conspired with Cojocari to enter into a sham marriage for the purposes of obtaining permanent legal status in the United States and lied to immigration authorities to procure legal status for Gershman, who provided financial support to Cojocari in exchange for her participation in the sham marriage. Both Gershman and Cojocari submitted false information on their U.S. immigration forms, including Gershman’s answers of “no” as to whether he had ever been detained by any law enforcement official and as to whether he intended to engage in illegal gambling or any other form of commercialized vice. Cojocari also was arrested today and is scheduled to make her initial appearance and be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in Los Angeles. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court. If convicted, the defendants would face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison for each count. Homeland Security Investigations’ Northridge Office, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Major Crimes Division – Transnational Organized Crime Section, and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Samuel J. Diaz of the Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan J. Waters of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section is handling the asset forfeiture-related portion of this case.


title: Oyster Bay Resident Pleads Guilty to $30 Million Investment Fraud Scheme and Selling Foreign Nationals Access to Prominent U.S. Politicians

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Sherry Xue Li pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and conspiracy to defraud the United States by obstructing the Federal Election Commission’s (FEC’s) administration of campaign finance laws. Li orchestrated a nearly decade-long scheme to defraud investors in a fictitious development project out of more than $30 million. As part of the scheme, Li and her co-defendant Lianbo Wang falsely promised those investors that their investments would guarantee them lawful permanent resident status in the United States. Li and Wang also sold foreign investors access to U.S. politicians at fundraisers by collecting foreign-sourced funds from them and unlawfully contributing those funds to U.S. political campaigns and committees. When sentenced, Li faces up to 20 years in prison. As part of her plea agreement, Li agreed to forfeit $31.5 million, as well as property at three locations. In 2024, Wang pleaded guilty to engaging in unlawful monetary transactions and conspiracy to defraud the United States, and was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York); and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI New York) announced the guilty plea. “Li defrauded more than 150 victims in the United States and abroad through years of lies and deception and sought to profit by selling access to the democratic process,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “In doing so, she attempted to corrupt a fundamental institution in this country—fair and transparent elections free from unlawful foreign influence. Our Office is committed to investigating and prosecuting predatory fraudsters who steal victims’ hard-earned money.” “Sherry Li admitted to her role in a long running fraud, profiting off of the exploitation of our nation's political and immigration system,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “Li's corrupt scheme may have led to initial profits but ultimately will result in the loss of her freedom. The FBI will continue to investigate and hold accountable any malicious actor attempting to manipulate the electoral or immigration process of the United States for personal gain.” “Sherry Li’s guilty plea today demonstrates HSI New York’s commitment to dismantling transnational schemes that try to exploit our immigration and financial laws. Irrespective of the deceitful, and oftentimes creative methodologies that fraudsters pose to unwitting victims, we will ensure they do not take advantage of our laws that are made to protect individuals and entities from swindlers,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Patel. “Li’s victims thought that they were investing in the American dream, but instead were left in a nightmare of fraud and deceit,” stated IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Chavis. “While she pocketed the money and traveled on lavish vacations, not one EB-5 or stock investor received what they were promised in return for their backing. Now, with today’s plea, she will finally move forward in facing the consequences of her selfish acts,” said Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI New York.” The Scheme to Defraud Investors Li and Wang defrauded investors in a fictitious development project in Sullivan County, New York called the Thompson Education Center (TEC) (the TEC Project) out of more than $30 million. Many of the victims were foreign nationals located in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) who were persuaded to invest in the project by the defendants’ false assurances that their $500,000 investments would guarantee them lawful permanent residence in the United States through the EB-5 investment visa program administered by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The defendants falsely represented the progress they were making on the project and its support from government officials. The defendants distributed promotional materials that contained photographs of Li with prominent U.S. politicians to falsely convey government support for the project. Li and Wang siphoned off the money they fraudulently obtained from investors by transferring the funds through bank accounts held in the names of various companies that Li had created. Once the funds were in those accounts, Li and Wang used the funds to pay for personal expenses including clothing, jewelry, housing, vacation travel, upscale dining, and political contributions to prominent politicians. The portion of the invested capital Li and Wang actually spent on the TEC Project was used merely to create and perpetuate the fiction that the TEC Project was a viable development project that was actually under construction. For example, Li and Wang hired contractors, engineers, and other professionals to create architectural drawings and plans and perform minor work on or around the development site, which Li and Wang showed to potential investors to mislead them into believing the TEC Project had a realistic probability of completion and of delivering the returns on investment that the co-conspirators promised their investors. Ultimately, more than 150 investors invested at least $31.5 million in the TEC Project, including approximately $16.5 million from EB-5 investors who were promised green cards in return for their investments, and approximately $15 million from stock investors who were promised that an initial public offering (IPO) would take place. No EB-5 investor in the TEC Project ever received a temporary or permanent green card and the TEC Project did not have an IPO or list on any stock exchange. Selling Access to U.S. Politicians In furtherance of their scheme, Li and Wang also acted as “straw donors” for foreign nationals to unlawfully contribute to campaigns supporting U.S. politicians and political committees. Li and Wang promised foreign nationals access to U.S. political events and politicians in exchange for a fee. Li and Wang used the money they received from foreign nationals to fund political contributions, and falsely identified themselves and other U.S. citizens as the contributors of the funds, in violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) and FEC regulations. In some cases, Li and Wang used TEC investors’ investment funds to make the political contributions which they used to gain access to the political events, where Li and Wang took photographs with elected officials. Li and Wang would then use the photographs as a marketing tool in soliciting investments from foreign nationals in the TEC Project. For example, as alleged in the complaint, Li and Wang charged 12 foreign nationals $93,000 per person for admission to a June 28, 2017 fundraising event (the June 28, 2017 Fundraiser) with the then-President of the United States. Li and Wang used the funds that they collected from the foreign nationals to unlawfully make $600,000 in political contributions in their own names—$270,500 from Li and $329,500 from Wang—to the joint fundraising committee hosting the June 28, 2017 Fundraiser. At the time they made these contributions, they were the largest contributors to the joint fundraising committee, which was unaware of the charged schemes. Li, Wang, and their foreign national guests attended the June 28, 2017 Fundraiser and took photographs with the then-President of the United States. Li and Wang later used a photograph of Li and the President taken at the June 28, 2017 Fundraiser to solicit investments in the TEC Project. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime and Public Integrity Sections. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Reich and Meredith A. Arfa are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Magdalena St. Surin and Rebecca Roth. Assistant United States Attorney Claire S. Kedeshian of the Office’s Asset Recovery Section is handling forfeiture matters. The Defendant : SHERRY XUE LI Age: 53 Oyster Bay, New York The Defendant Who Previously Pleaded Guilty: LIANBO WANG Age: 48 Oyster Bay, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-484 (GRB)


title: Chinese Nationals Charged with Illegally Possessing Counterfeit and Unauthorized Gift Cards

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury in Birmingham has returned an indictment charging two Chinese nationals with possessing counterfeit devices, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. A one-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Jiadong Cao, 36, and Xuejun Zheng, 48, with possession of counterfeit and unauthorized access devices. According to court documents, the defendants engaged in a retail scheme to steal funds from gift cards purchased by consumers at various retail stores. Perpetrators stole un-activated gift cards from stores, carefully opened the gift card packages to conceal damage to the packaging, and altered the cards so the perpetrators could access funds that were later loaded onto the gift cards by consumers at checkout. The perpetrators then put altered gift cards back into the original packaging, returned to the store, and placed the altered gift cards on the shelf for sale to the public. Once the gift cards were purchased and consumers loaded funds, the perpetrators electronically drained the funds from those gift cards for their own use. On June 20, 2025, the Hoover Police Department issued a BOLO regarding two Asian males driving a Lexus SUV who were believed to be involved in switching gift cards at local CVS stores. The next day, the Pelham Police Department conducted a traffic stop on the Lexus SUV and received consent to search the vehicle. During the search, officers found multiple boxes containing more than 5,000 gift cards. Additional investigation revealed that parts of the gift card numbers and/or PIN number on most of these gift cards had been obliterated or altered. The maximum penalty for this offense is 10 years. The United States Secret Service investigated the case along with the Hoover Police Department and Pelham Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan S. Rummage is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.


title: Columbia Falls man sentenced to prison for pointing a laser at a helicopter

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

body_text: MISSOULA – A Columbia Falls man who pointed a laser-mounted firearm at a helicopter was sentenced today to eight months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $15,000 fine, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Travis Kurt Myers, 57, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The government alleged in court documents that Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies received a report from a delivery driver that had a green laser pointed at his vehicle and then heard a gunshot in Columbia Falls, Montana. Another witness also reported Myers had pointed a gun at her and discharged it at the ground. As deputies were interviewing the witness, they continued to hear gunshots coming from the area. Aerial surveillance was requested. A helicopter equipped with thermal-capable cameras was able to locate Myers outside his residence with a firearm. Myers repeatedly pointed the firearm with a laser mounted on it at the helicopter. The pilots were able to see the laser and able to capture it on their cameras. The pilots observed the gun being fired but were unsure if he had it pointed in their direction. Law enforcement officers on the ground near Myers’ residence could hear the helicopter in flight, supporting Myers had knowledge he was aiming the laser at the helicopter. Law enforcement took Myers into custody without incident. They obtained a search warrant for the property and located numerous firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammo. They located an unregistered silencer and a rifle with a green laser attached. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office. XXX


title: Man Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Assault of a Postal Employee

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: Benjamin Gregory Shirley Assaulted Postal Employee Attempting to Obtain Fentanyl GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced that Benjamin Gregory Shirley, age 41, of East Lansing, Michigan, was sentenced today to 15 months in prison for assaulting a postal employee. According to court records, Shirley arranged for fentanyl to be shipped from Tennessee to East Lansing in a U.S. Mail parcel to a P.O. Box that he recently opened. When it arrived at the Post Office in East Lansing, Michigan, Shirley attempted to obtain the parcel, but the parcel was mistakenly addressed to a P.O. Box different than the one Shirley opened. When the United States Postal Service clerk told Shirley she could not give him the parcel, he became agitated and eventually climbed over the counter and attempted to wrestle the parcel from the clerk’s hands. After the altercation, inspectors executed a warrant to search the parcel and found a quantity of fentanyl concealed inside a teddy bear. “My office stands ready to investigate and prosecute those who assault federal workers; no one should be subject to attack simply for doing their job,” said U.S. Attorney VerHey . “Further, my office is dedicated to combatting fentanyl trafficking, particularly through the U.S. Mail. Postal workers should be able to come to work and do their jobs without the fear of violence or drugs.” “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is firmly committed to protecting our postal employees and ensuring the safety of every Post Office across the country” said Sean F. McStravick, Acting Inspector in Charge, of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Detroit Division . “This individual, who has a lengthy criminal history, brazenly jumped the counter of a Post Office to retrieve a package later found to contain fentanyl, a reckless act that put postal employees and the public at serious risk. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of those actions. We will continue to hold offenders accountable and remain focused on our mission to safeguard the mail and the employees who serve the American public every day.” The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vito S. Solitro prosecuted the case.


title: Dayton man arrested for threatening to kill Congressman

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: DAYTON, Ohio – Federal agents arrested a Dayton man on charges related to threatening to kill a United States Congressman. Jeffrey Dorsey, 60, formerly of Columbus, was arrested yesterday evening and his case was unsealed this morning. He appeared in U.S. District Court in Dayton today at 1:30pm. According to charging documents, Dorsey left a voicemail on the Congressman’s main office line threatening to kill the representative if he voted to make cuts to Medicaid. He stated, in part, “If you vote to take my f***ing Medicaid away, I’m gonna cut your f***ing head off…But I tell you this, clearly to your brain, if you f*** with my Medicaid, you’re a dead f***.” Making interstate communications with a threat to injure is a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison. "The FBI takes all threats seriously," stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. "Threats to harm others, including public officials, will never be tolerated.” Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is representing the United States in this case. A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: U.S. Attorney announces immigration case updates for the Eastern District of Virginia

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, announced today case updates on 11 immigration cases in the district. On Jan. 20 the President signed executive orders addressing the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Protecting the American People Against Invasion recognized that enforcing our Nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States, and that it is the policy of the United States to faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens, particularly those aliens who threaten the safety or security of the American people. The order tasked the Department of Justice with prioritizing the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the unauthorized entry or continued unauthorized presence of aliens in the United States. Securing Our Borders prioritizes the pursuit of criminal charges against illegal aliens who violate immigration laws and against those who facilitate their unlawful presence in the United States. According to court records, on March 4, 2000, Mexican national Noe Medrano Nuñez, 51, was convicted in Dallas for carrying a firearm on an alcohol premises. Pursuant to a final order of removal, Medrano Nuñez was removed from the United States on June 1, 2000. On Dec. 13, 2024, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) learned that Medrano Nuñez had illegally reentered the United States and was residing in Hampton. On June 3, Medrano Nuñez pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 4:25-CR-7 On Oct. 21, 2011, Honduran national Wuender Santos-Gonzalez, 39, was convicted in Fairfax County of forgery of public records. Pursuant to a final order of removal, on Jan. 13, 2012, Santos-Gonzalez was removed from the United States. Santos-Gonzalez illegally reentered the United States and on May 18, 2013, was encountered by ICE agents near Carizo Springs, Texas. On Dec. 18, 2013, Santos Gonzalez was convicted in federal court in Texas for illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal and on Aug. 11, 2014, was removed again. On June 22, 2016, U.S. Border Protection agents encountered Santos Gonzalez near Amado, Arizona. On April 18, 2017, Santos-Gonzalez was federally convicted for illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal and on April 25, 2017, was removed yet again. On Feb. 28, ICE agents learned that Santos Gonzalez had once again illegally reentered the United States and was in the Richmond area. On June 10, Santos Gonzalez pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 3:25-CR-73 Pursuant to a final order of removal, on Feb. 17, 2017, Honduran national Roger Alfonso Marin, 55, was removed from the United States. ICE agents learned that Marin had illegally reentered the United States following a traffic violation on Dec. 25, 2024. On July 15, Marin pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 3:25-CR-84 On June 16, 2014, Guatemalan national Hamilton Estuardo Marroquin-Barillas, aka Jair Figueroa, Haminton Barillas, Jose Carlos Gonzalez, or Alexander Jaramillo, 32, illegally entered the United States and, on Nov. 20, 2018, was removed from the United States pursuant to a final order of removal. Marroquin-Barillas illegally re-entered the United States and, on May 16, 2021, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Chesterfield County. On Dec. 10, 2021, he was arrested and charged with grand larceny (auto theft), again in Chesterfield County. On April 15, Marroquin-Barillas was charged in the Eastern District of Virginia with illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. He pled guilty on May 14 and remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 3:25-cr-69 On Aug. 27, 2015, Salvadoran national Alfredo Dubon-Navarro, 30, was arrested near Roma, Texas, for illegally entering the United States and, pursuant to an expedited order of removal, was removed from the country. On Sept. 5, 2015, Dubon-Navarro was arrested near Rio Grande City, Texas, for illegally entering the United States and was removed again on Sept. 7, 2015. ICE agents encountered Dubon-Navarro on July 7, 2019, at the Henrico County Jail following his arrest for assault and battery on a family member. During processing, Dubon-Navarro stated that he had previously misrepresented himself to be a Mexican citizen and admitted that he is a citizen and national of El Salvador. On Aug. 30, 2019, Dubon-Navarro was removed from the United States to El Salvador. On April 6, ICE agents learned that Dubon-Navarro was once again illegally present in the United States following a DWI arrest in Henrico County. On May 22, Dubon-Navarro pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 3:25-CR-78 On Oct. 11, 2006, pursuant to a final order of removal, Salvadoran national Walter Caceres Chavarria, 50, was removed from the United States. Caceres Chavarria illegally reentered the United States and, subsequent to an aggravated felony conviction in 2009, was removed again on Jan. 13, 2009. ICE agents learned that Caceres Chavarria had unlawfully returned to the United States following an arrest in Fairfax County. Caceres Chavarria was indicted on a charge of illegally reentering the United States after removal for an aggravated felony conviction. A federal judge convicted Caceres Chavarria on July 14. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 1:25-cr-79 On March 30, 2015, Guatemalan national Otilio Herrera Morales, 40, was removed from the United States pursuant to a final order of removal. On Jan. 2, ICE agents learned that Herrera Morales was illegally present in the United States when he was detained at the Fairfax County Jail. On July 23, Herrera Morales pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a prior removal. He remains subject to the previous order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-207 After unlawfully entering the United States, Honduran national Walter Lagos-Duron, 38, was convicted in Michigan in 2012 of driving without a license. Later in 2012, Lagos-Duron fraudulently obtained the identities of multiple individuals and used their personal information to illegally withdraw money for himself. He was convicted in 2013 of felony identity theft and was removed from the United States pursuant to a final order of removal. After illegally reentering the United States, in 2024 Lagos-Duron sexually assaulted two minors, ages four and five, in Virginia. Lagos-Duron pled guilty to sexual battery of a child under the age of six and must register as a sex offender. On May 12, Lagos-Duron pled guilty to illegal reentry subsequent to a felony conviction. On July 29, Lagos-Duron was sentenced to two years in prison and remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-93 Guatemalan national Felipe Perez-Cartalina, 44, was removed from the United States on July 31, 2009. After unlawfully reentering the United States, Perez-Cartalina was removed again on Oct. 5, 2017. Following his illegal return to the United States, Perez-Cartalina was removed a third time on Dec. 15, 2017. ICE Agents learned that Perez-Cartalina once again had illegally reentered the United States when he was detained at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and, pursuant to a federal warrant, arrested him on June 16. On July 29, Perez-Cartalina pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal and remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-202 On April 3, 2014, pursuant to a final order of removal, Salvadoran national David Jonathan Rodriguez Zelaya, 36, was removed from the United States. On Nov. 26, 2024, ICE agents learned that Rodriguez Zelaya had reentered the United States when he was detained in Stafford County. On July 29, Rodriguez Zelaya pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal and remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-189 On Feb. 9, 2009, Ecuadoran national Luis Gançalo Manobanda-Leon, 45, was convicted in Virginia Beach of aggravated malicious wounding, and on July 24, 2014, was removed from the United States. Manobanda-Leon illegally reentered the United States in April 2015. On Oct. 27, 2015, Manobanda-Leon was convicted of illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal and was deported on Jan. 19, 2018. On April 3, Manobanda-Leon was found unlawfully present in the United States and on April 22 he was arrested in Virginia Beach. On July 29, Manobanda-Leon pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal and remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 2:25-CR-47 Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for the case number provided above.


title: West Melbourne Man Sentenced To 15 Years On Fentanyl And Methamphetamine Charges

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Wendy W. Berger today sentenced Darrell Lamar Corbin (35, West Melbourne) to 15 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Corbin pleaded guilty on January 3, 2025. According to court documents, Corbin possessed and intended to distribute over 400 grams of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and over 5 grams of methamphetamine. These drugs were found throughout Corbin’s apartment after law enforcement executed a search warrant at the home. Law enforcement also seized drug distribution paraphernalia, including digital scales, pill presses, and an electronic money counter from the apartment. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Melbourne Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert D. Sowell.


title: Harrison County Doctor Sentenced for Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substances

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Harrison County doctor, Michael Gainey, 70, was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove to 80 months in prison, after previously pleading guilty to seven counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. According to his plea agreement, Gainey practiced as a family medicine specialist in Harrison County. In that role, Gainey treated and prescribed controlled substances to a number of patients with whom he maintained personal relationships. Gainey knew that the prescriptions he issued to these patients were outside the scope of legitimate medical practice, in part because of the ongoing relationships he maintained with these patients and because Gainey relaxed applicable prescribing standards for these patients. Gainey issued unlawful controlled substance prescriptions for hydrocodone, oxycodone, gabapentin, and other controlled substances to at least seven patients with whom he had ongoing relationships; his misconduct began as early as 2015 and continued through the fall of 2023. Under federal law, Gainey must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. “While the nature of the opioid epidemic in Kentucky has changed, bad prescriptions for these highly addictive drugs continue to be contributing factor,” said Acting United States Attorney Paul McCaffrey. “Solving this crisis requires a zero-tolerance policy for physicians like Dr. Gainey who intentionally abuse their prescribing authority.” “The vast majority of doctors take their oath to first do no harm very seriously, but every now and then we arrest one that is just a drug dealer in a white lab coat, like Dr. Gainey,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Louisville Division. “Dr. Gainey chose to put his own needs above those of his patients and now he will have to answer for his misdeeds.” Acting U.S. Attorney McCaffrey, DEA Special Agent in Charge Scott, and Director Mark Burden, Bluegrass Narcotics Taskforce, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the DEA and the Bluegrass Narcotics Taskforce. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andy Boone is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Federal Correctional Officer Sentenced To More Than Three Years In Federal Prison For Accepting Bribes And Introducing Contraband Into Prison

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Samuel Brandon Smith (38, Ocala) to three years and one month in federal prison receipt of a bribe by a public official and providing contraband to a federal prisoner. The court also ordered Smith to forfeit $43,901, which represents the proceeds of these offenses. Smith pleaded guilty in February 2025. According to court records, Smith was a correctional officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and worked at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) in Sumter County. As an employee of a government agency, Smith was a “public official” under federal law. Between December 18, 2023, and September 4, 2024, Smith received $43,901 in bribes to smuggle contraband into FCC Coleman for inmates. On September 4, 2024, when Smith reported to work at FCC Coleman, staff members searched him and found 668 grams of marijuana and other controlled substances hidden within his duty vest. Smith was smuggling this contraband into the facility with the intent to distribute it to federal prisoners in exchange for monetary payments. This case was investigated by the United States Department of Justice - Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.


title: Galveston man sentenced to federal prison for trafficking drugs through the Eastern District of Texas

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – A Galveston man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Alan Anthony Gomez, 29, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 30, 2025. According to information presented in court, in November 2022, Gomez was the passenger in a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation in Liberty County. There was an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and the driver and passenger gave conflicting stories of where they had been. A search of the vehicle revealed marijuana, air fresheners, and bundles containing nine kilograms of powder cocaine. Gomez told law enforcement the bundles were cocaine and not fentanyl. This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove. ###


title: Defendant who trafficked drugs while absconding from federal drug trafficking sentence, gets additional five years in prison

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle –A citizen of Mexico who resided in Renton, Washington before being sent to the Federal Correctional Institution Lompoc, California for drug trafficking, was sentenced today to an additional five years in prison for a second drug trafficking conviction, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Humberto Lopez Rodriguez, 31, was previously sentenced to five years in prison. He failed to report to federal prison and was arrested in December 2023 with 13 kilos of cocaine and a loaded gun in a vehicle driving to Washington from California. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Tana Lin said the sentence should run consecutively. “You committed this crime after you failed to surrender to corrections…. You’ll be deported after serving your sentence and the American Dream is dead for you.” “This defendant continued to deal drugs while on pretrial release and later was arrested in a car with a drug load when he should have been serving his federal sentence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Miller. “Such conduct – ignoring our laws and criminal justice system – appropriately results in additional prison time.” Lopez Rodriguez was charged in connection with a lengthy investigation of drug traffickers with ties to Mexico and Colombia. In June 2024 law enforcement teams from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Seattle Police Department and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) executed 24 search or arrest warrants. At that time Lopez Rodriguez was already in prison having been arrested on a drug run six months earlier. Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement seized 84,000 fentanyl pills, more than a kilogram of fentanyl powder, 32 kilograms of cocaine, 15 kilograms of methamphetamine nearly three kilograms of heroin, 18 firearms and $71,000 in drug proceeds. Five of the 16 defendants charged in this drug trafficking investigation have now pleaded guilty: Ramon Duarte Garcia, 38, a citizen of Mexico residing in Kent, Washington was sentenced in May 2025 to ten years in prison; Curtis McDaniel, 56, a U.S. citizen residing in Tukwila, Washington was sentenced to five years in prison. Jose Luis Villafañe Osorio, 36, a citizen of Colombia, residing in Plainfield, New Jersey, has pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on August 13, 2025; and Manuel Garcia Hernandez, 39, a citizen of Mexico, residing in Renton, Washington has pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on September 9, 2025. In asking for a six-year prison sentence for Lopez Rodriguez, prosecutors wrote to the court with the latest figures on fatal overdoses in our area. “Indeed, drug overdoses resulted in 1,044 deaths in King County in 2024. Through not quite seven months of 2025, there have been 541 confirmed overdose deaths, with another 47 suspected overdose deaths. Though fentanyl gets the lion’s share of attention with respect to overdose deaths—and rightly so―cocaine was the third most common drug involved in overdose deaths in King County in 2024. Specifically, cocaine was involved in 26% of overdose deaths―often in combination with fentanyl.” This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Justice Department 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 (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). The investigation is being led by the DEA and Seattle Police Department. Additional assistance was provided by Renton Police Department, Centralia Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of the Inspector General (HUD OIG), Washington State Patrol, Pierce County and Valley SWAT teams. The Colombian National Police (CNP) and Colombian Prosecutor’s Office (Fiscalia General) partnered with U.S. law enforcement on this investigation. The Justice Department’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá provided critical assistance. The cases from this investigation are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Joe Silvio and C. Andrew Colasurdo in the Western District of Washington.


title: Dallas County man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for money laundering and ordered to pay over $14 million in restitution

component: USAO - Texas, Eastern

body_text: SHERMAN, Texas – A Dallas man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution for defrauding numerous individuals out of more than $14 million in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Rahool Amin Makani, 32, pleaded guilty to money laundering and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant on July 30, 2025. Judge Mazzant also ordered Makani to pay restitution in the amount of $14,732,023.31. According to information presented in court, Makani was identified as a multi-million-dollar money launderer who conned victims into investing large amounts of cash into fictitious businesses. Further investigation revealed that Makani used a variety of schemes to defraud numerous investors. Makani used the money he fraudulently obtained to maintain a lavish lifestyle, including leasing private jets, purchasing numerous Rolex watches, purchasing luxury cars including an Aston Martin, a Lamborghini, a Maserati, a Rolls Royce, a McLaren, and a Ferrari. Makani also frequently traveled to Las Vegas to gamble thousands of dollars of the investors’ money. As part of his plea agreement, Makani admitted he defrauded multiple individuals by his schemes and further admitted that the amount of restitution owed was over $14 million dollars. This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Batson. ###


title: Mexican National Unlawfully Residing in Oregon Faces Federal Charges for Trafficking Large Quantities of Fentanyl and Heroin

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—Gildardo Rivera Garcia, 45, a Mexican national unlawfully residing in Salem, Oregon, has been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin for trafficking more than 43 pounds of illicit drugs in Oregon. According to court documents, on July 27, 2025, as part of a drug trafficking and fatal fentanyl overdose investigation, investigators from the Westside Interagency Narcotics (WIN) team, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) executed a federal search warrant on Garcia’s residence in Salem. Investigators located and seized approximately 32 pounds of fentanyl, 11 pounds of heroin, an automated money counter, and cash. Garcia made his first appearance in federal court Tuesday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was ordered detained pending further court proceedings. This case was investigated by the FBI, HSI, DEA, and WIN. It is being prosecuted by Scott M. Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org . Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.


title: St. Louis Postal Worker Admits Stealing Checks from Mail, Pandemic Fraud

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A former U.S. Postal Service mail handler on Wednesday admitted committing pandemic fraud and stealing checks from hundreds of pieces of mail. Anthony Virdure II, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of mail theft and one count of wire fraud. On Dec. 1, 2023, U.S. Postal Inspectors were called to the Hazelwood Police Department to examine 30 stolen checks that were found in a rental vehicle when it was returned. The postal inspectors determined that the checks had been routed through the St. Louis Processing and Distribution Center at 1720 Market Street in St. Louis, where Virdure worked as a mail handler. He had access to all first-class mail routed through the center. Virdure’s fingerprints were found on one check that he’d removed from a letter that he’d stolen. On Jan. 3, 2024, the Frontenac Police Department contacted postal inspectors about checks that had been left behind when a tenant vacated an apartment in St. Louis. All the checks had been routed through the Processing and Distribution Center where Virdure worked, and his fingerprints were found on one of the checks. On April 30, 2024, law enforcement agents conducted a court-approved search of an apartment and found 298 more stolen checks, many with Virdure’s fingerprints. The total value of the checks stolen by the defendant was $68,486. In addition to the theft of the checks, Virdure admitted fraudulently applying for and receiving a $20,832 Pandemic Protection Program (PPP) loan in 2021 for a tobacco store called Virdure Dynamics. Virdure admitted falsely claiming that he was the sole proprietor of the store, which he falsely claimed had a gross income of $100,000. Virdure is scheduled to be sentenced on November 30. The wire fraud charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. The mail theft charge carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and the same fine. He will also be required to repay the money. This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Frontenac Police Department and the Hazelwood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case.


title: Convicted felon pleads guilty to gun and drug charges

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jeremy Hodge, 39, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and being a felon in possession of a firearm, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a $5,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey E. Intravatola, who is handling the case, stated that on April 4, 2025, the FBI executed a search warrant at Hodge’s Ernst Avenue residence, on his vehicle, and person. Law enforcement seized a semi-automatic handgun, ammunition, and drug paraphernalia. Hodge was arrested at the scene. He was previously convicted of felony charges in April 2008 and March 2009, and is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm. Sentencing is scheduled for December 8, 2025, before Judge Vilardo. # # # #


title: Chesapeake fentanyl dealer sentenced to 20 years in prison for selling counterfeit pills that caused high school student’s death

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Chesapeake man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. According to court documents, Izayah Dural, 23, was a regular supplier of fentanyl pills to an individual identified as C.W. and several of C.W.' s high school friends and classmates. On June 2, 2024, Dural sold two counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to C.W., who used a portion of one of the pills, overdosed, and died of acute fentanyl toxicity. “As a fentanyl trafficker, Izayah Dural displayed a callous disregard for the lives of others,” said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Even worse, he chose to target minors to sell one of the most dangerous drugs plaguing our society. His reckless pursuit of money to fuel his own consumption cut short the life of a young person who, unlike Mr. Dural, will never have the opportunity to make his own decisions as an adult. So, for drug traffickers in the Eastern District of Virginia, let this case make one thing clear--you are on notice. My office, along with our federal, state, and local partners, will not stop until we find you and hold you responsible to the fullest extent of the law.” “Drug traffickers like Dural prioritize profit over the lives and families they destroy,” said Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division. “They exploit the trust of vulnerable citizens by distributing fake pills that mimic legitimate medication but are, in fact, toxic substances, many of which contain fentanyl. The quantity of pills seized from this individual could have potentially resulted in the deaths of 40 people. Such actions are unacceptable, and we are committed to investigating to hold accountable those involved in the illegal production and distribution of drugs, thereby safeguarding American lives. One Pill Can Kill, and conversations save lives.” On June 11, 2024, investigators observed Dural engaging in what appeared to be a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction in a convenience store parking lot in Norfolk. Dural was in possession of 80 counterfeit Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. During a search of Dural's residence, investigators recovered additional fentanyl pills, a handgun with an extended magazine, and $7,870 in cash. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Virginia Beach Police Department, and Norfolk Police Department assisted in the investigation of this case. Dural was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Olivia L. Norman and Patrick J. McGorman prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-156.


title: Grand jury indicts Buffalo man on multiple drug charges

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Jaime Smith, 37, of Buffalo, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and crack cocaine. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between January 2022, and May 2024, Smith conspired with others to possess and sell methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. 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. The indictment is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, III, New York Field Division, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie P. Feroleto. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.


title: Four Members and Associates of Paterson Based Gang Known as “4K” Indicted for Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering for their Role in a Shooting

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Four members of the Paterson based neighborhood street gang known as “4K” were indicted for their roles in a shooting, Acting U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced. The Superseding Indictment charges Jatrail Avent, a/k/a “Curry” (“Avent”); Shequan Roberts, a/k/a “Shingy” (“Roberts”); Jahmir Moody, a/k/a “Jahdi” (“Moody”); and Wizair Johnson, a/k/a “Wababy” (“Johnson”), all of Paterson with one count of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering activity and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. The Superseding Indictment also incorporates individual firearms charges, which were previously charged in the Indictment. These charges are the result of a long-running investigation coordinated between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, among other law enforcement agencies. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Avent, Roberts, Moody, and Johnson are all members and associates of the neighborhood based street gang known as “4K,” which operates in the area of Rosa Parks Boulevard near Lyon Street, Keen Street, and Mercer Streets in Paterson, New Jersey (the “4K Enterprise”). These members and associates of the 4K Enterprise have engaged in numerous criminal acts in furtherance of their gang, including shootings, robberies, homicides, and drug trafficking. Members and associates of the 4K Enterprise have engaged in acts of violence against members of rival gangs. On or about November 6, 2022, Avent, Roberts, Moody, and Johnson opened fire on members of a rival gang, called the 230 Boyz, who were inside a van, as part of a dispute between 4K and the 230 Boyz. The defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison on the violent crime in aid of racketeering charge, and a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison on the firearm offense, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Both offenses carry a maximum fine of $250,000. Acting U.S. Attorney Habba credited law enforcement members with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr.; the New Jersey State Police, Gangs and Organized Crime North Unit, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff Thomas Adamo; the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of Officer In Charge Patrick Murray, with the investigation leading to yesterday’s charges. This case is part of the Paterson Violent Crime Initiative (VCI), which was formed in 2020 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Paterson’s Department of Public Safety for the purpose of combatting violent crime in and around Paterson. As part of this partnership, federal, state, county, and city agencies collaborate and pool resources to prosecute violent offenders who endanger the safety of the community. The VCI is composed of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals, the Paterson Department of Public Safety, the Paterson Police Department, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office, N.J. State Parole, Bergen County Jail, N.J. State Police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center/Real Time Crime Center, and N.J. Department of Corrections. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Sussman and Dan Rosenblum of the U.S Attorney’s Office Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ### Defense counsel: Jatrail Avent – Michael T Simon Shequan Roberts - Richard J. Verde Jahmir Moody - Ernesto Cerimele Wizair Johnson - Mary Toscano avent.indictment.pdf


title: Illegal Alien Sentenced to More than 19 Years in Prison for  Role in Trafficking More than 100 Pounds of Cocaine from Texas to Ohio

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: AKRON, Ohio – A criminal illegal alien from Mexico who supplied Cleveland-area drug traffickers with more than 100 pounds of cocaine has been sentenced to prison. Dionicio Galindo-Salinas, age 49, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 235 months (more than 19 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams after pleading guilty in April to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Judge Adams imposed the sentence July 28, 2025. According to court records, Galindo-Salinas is a Mexican national who had previously been removed from the United States. Another co-conspirator Earl King, age 45, of Cleveland, regularly traveled more than 1,600 miles to the US-Mexico border to purchase bulk quantities of cocaine from Galindo-Salinas. After purchasing the cocaine, King would ship it to the Cleveland area through a UPS-Staples store in Brownsville, Texas. Investigators discovered records indicating that King had been making these longs treks from Cleveland to Brownsville since approximately 2020, and that King had purchased at least 47 kilograms (more than 100 pounds) of cocaine from Galindo-Salinas during the conspiracy. According to testimony from the lead federal investigator, the estimated street value of 47 kilograms of cocaine in the Cleveland area would have been more than $2 million during the timeframe of the conspiracy. “Anyone who thinks they can use Northern Ohio as a marketplace to peddle illegal drugs on behalf of transnational criminal organizations will face consequences,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “We are fully committed to protecting the public by aggressively enforcing federal laws to keep our communities safe.” “ICE HSI will continue to investigate, disrupt and dismantle cross border drug trafficking organizations that seek to poison our communities,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “I’m proud of the agents, prosecutors and law enforcement partners who relentlessly pursued justice in this case in order to safeguard the communities where they live and work.” Galindo-Salinas is the fourth defendant to be convicted and sentenced in the investigation. Earl King was previously sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to his role in the conspiracy. Co-conspirator Curtis Anderson , who was involved in obtaining the cocaine and reselling it in the Cleveland area, was previously sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted by a jury at trial. A third co-conspirator, Donnell Gochett, age 42, of Cleveland, who provided King with addresses in Cleveland where the cocaine parcels could be shipped, was previously sentenced to 100 months (over eight years) in prison after pleading guilty. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with assistance from the DEA Cleveland Field Office and the Cleveland Division of Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James P. Lewis and Yasmine Makridis for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Department of Energy Employee Indicted for Attempted Bribery of a Public Official

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Security Specialist with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly trying to bribe another DOE employee in order to secure government contracts for a private company. Edward Doherty, 34, of Washington, D.C. and Weymouth, Mass., was charged with honest services fraud, payment of illegal gratuities and bribery of a public official. Doherty had previously been charged by criminal complaint and was arrested on July 1, 2025. He will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date. According to the indictment, Doherty worked for the DOE as Security Specialist until he agreed to participate in the deferred resignation program in February 2025. Just before he started working with the DOE, in November 2024, Doherty allegedly started a company in Massachusetts called MAE Systems, LLC (MAE). It is alleged that, in February 2025, Doherty offered a DOE employee money in exchange for the DOE employee ensuring that MAE received DOE contracts. The DOE employee reported the incident to law enforcement. Between February and June 2025, it is alleged that Doherty was recorded agreeing to pay the DOE employee at least $10,000 in exchange for the DOE employee awarding a DOE contract to MAE. In June 2025, Doherty allegedly made two downpayments on the bribe, totaling $2,500, to the DOE employee. “Federal contracts are not for sale. Attempting to buy influence in our government is a serious crime, and we will treat it as such,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Bribery corrodes trust in our public institutions and we will not tolerate efforts to manipulate government contracts for personal enrichment.” “Here’s another public servant, accused of fully embracing the practice of pay to play in an attempt to benefit from an illicit quid pro quo,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Edward Doherty was indicted today for trying to generate business for his firm – not by working harder or smarter, but allegedly through what we believe to be blatant bribery. Now, he’s facing justice and will answer for his alleged actions.” “The Department of Energy, Office of Inspector General will continue to ensure that there is no place in federal service for bribery and corrupt schemes,” said Department of Energy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Lewe Sessions. “Anyone who suspects such conduct is encouraged to report it immediately. We appreciate the diligent work of the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our federal law enforcement partners on this joint investigation.” The charge of honest services wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of payment of illegal gratuities provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of bribery of a public official provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. U.S. Attorney Foley, FBI SAC Docks and DOE Assistant IG Sessions made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Federal grand jury indicts former Rochester couple for defrauding VA out of hundreds of thousands of dollars

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Michael Joyce, 53, and Sarah Joyce, aka Sarah Shultis, 33, both formerly of Rochester, NY, now living in New Jersey, with theft of government funds, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment and a previously filed complaint, in April 2016, Michael Joyce submitted claims for disability compensation to the Department of Veterans Affairs for several purported disabilities, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and a back issue. Following multiple consultations and examinations for these various issues, Michael Joyce was awarded a 100% disability rating for reported PTSD, 30% for his reported symptoms of TBI, and 40% for his back. In February 2018, he applied for a status of permanent and total disability (PTD), which removes an individual’s obligation to continue getting re-evaluated for various disabilities and makes them eligible for other veteran benefits. In his Statement in Support of Claim, Michael Joyce asserted, “Every disability that I have either is the same but will not get better or has gotten worse.” He stated that his PTSD has not improved, that he is more housebound, and feels that he will die if he goes outside. Michael Joyce was subsequently granted a PTD status in April 2018. In November 2017, the couple applied for Sarah Joyce, as Michael Joyce’s proposed caregiver, to receive payments through the VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP), claiming that Michael Joyce is wholly reliant on Sarah Joyce for multiple life tasks, including feeding, bathing, and dressing. Sarah Joyce was approved and received a retroactive payment of $8,345.82 and began to receive $2,890.14 per month for the care of Joyce. As of March 2024, Sarah Joyce has received over $250,000. A review of Michael Joyce’s Army personnel file and during interviews with former members of his unit, investigators found multiple inconsistencies in his claims. Unit members described Michael Joyce as having never been deployed to a combat zone. Subsequent investigation and surveillance documented, on multiple occasions, Michael Joyce walking with no apparent difficulty or assistance, driving a motor vehicle, and performing household maintenance tasks, including climbing a ladder and snow shoveling. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Amy Connelly, and the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher F. Algieri, Northeast Field Office. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Philadelphia Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Unlawful Gun Possession

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Abdul Porter, 28, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Mitchell S. Goldberg to 48 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a felon. The defendant was charged by indictment with that offense in June 2024 and pleaded guilty in April of this year. As detailed in court filings, on May 2, 2023, at approximately 9:12 p.m., uniformed officers with the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) were on routine patrol in the 39th District, traveling eastbound on the 1900 block of West Cambria Street. A black Hyundai Sonata traveling westbound passed the officers, who observed and then ran a database search for the car’s South Carolina license plate. The Hyundai, which was occupied by two men, came up as having been stolen in a carjacking in Philadelphia just days prior, on April 28, 2023. The PPD officers made a U-turn and drove in the same direction as the Hyundai. As they did so, the Hyundai pulled over and parked on the north side of Cambria Street. Approaching in their patrol vehicle, the officers observed the individual in the driver’s seat, later identified as the defendant, exit the stolen vehicle and cross Cambria Street. Soon thereafter, Porter started running and was quickly apprehended. One of the police officers then went back to the Hyundai and saw a black gun in plain view on the floor in front of the driver’s seat. A subsequent DNA analysis of the firearm by the PPD lab found evidence of Porter’s DNA on the weapon, a Ruger 9mm semiautomatic pistol. Porter had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and was not permitted to possess a firearm. The case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Zaleski.


title: Former and Present Owners of Standish Surveying Company Plead Guilty in Scheme to Defraud the United States Department of Transportation, Corporation to Enter Compliance Agreement and Pay $1.1 million in Connection with the Scheme

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: BAY CITY – Anthony Thelen, current co-owner and executive of Surveying Solutions Inc. (SSI), a surveying firm based in Standish, Michigan, and Adam Ball, a former owner and executive of SSI, have pleaded guilty today to defrauding the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) through the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced. United States Attorney Gorgon also announced that SSI has agreed to enter a non-prosecution agreement with the United States, enabling the corporation to avoid criminal prosecution in exchange for enhanced internal controls, corporate reporting requirements, and a criminal monetary penalty. Gorgon is joined in this announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Michigan Division, and Anthony Licari, Special Agent in Charge United States Department of Transportation – Midwestern Region. Adam Ball, 48, of Saginaw, Michigan and Anthony Thelen, 47, of Pewamo, Michigan, pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States. On July 28, 2025, their co-defendants Jeffrey Bartlett, Brian Bartlett, and Andrew Semenchuk pleaded guilty. According to facts made public at the plea hearings, from approximately February 2011 through July 2019, Adam Ball and Anthony Thelen, along with their co-defendants, owned and operated SSI, a surveying company that was directly or indirectly awarded millions of dollars in highway construction contracts by MDOT. Those contracts were funded almost entirely by federal funds through USDOT. In the course of seeking and participating in MDOT contracts and reimbursement for work performed on those contracts, Ball, Thelen, and their co-defendants engaged in fraudulent overbilling resulting in MDOT making millions of dollars of overpayments to SSI, a large portion of which Ball, Thelen and their co-defendants distributed among themselves. The fraudulent overbilling included reporting false and non-existent employee and information technology costs, reporting improper and inflated equipment and real property lease costs, and concealing the true ownership of and control over the SSI entities to justify the overbillings. Under the terms of the non-prosecution agreement SSI has entered with the United States Attorney’s Office, SSI has agreed to, among other things, enter into an enhanced compliance program, to report to the government regarding remediation and implementation of their enhanced compliance program, and to pay $1.1 million in a monetary penalty. If SSI satisfies the terms of the agreement, the company will not be charged criminally. The United States Attorney’s Office reached this agreement with SSI based on numerous factors, among those the fact that SSI cooperated with federal agencies investigating the case and that SSI has implemented extensive remedial measures, including reorganizing under new management, and establishing a compliance program to detect and prevent similar fraud in the future. This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Department of Transportation, Office of Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Karen L. Reyolds, T. Patrick Martin, William Vailliencourt, and K. Craig Welkener. npa_ssi_-_executed_7-30-2025.pdf


title: Five Co-Conspirators Plead Guilty to Smuggling Contraband into the D.C. Jail

body_text: WASHINGTON – LaTara Brown, 31, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, Kiya Holland, 33, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, Darius Robertson, 31, of Washington, D.C., Marcel Vines, 28, of Washington, D.C., and Stefon Freshley, 28 of Washington, D.C. have all pleaded guilty in a conspiracy to provide a knife, cell phones, and fentanyl and other controlled substances to inmates in the D.C. jail as they awaited trial for murder and assault with intent to kill while armed. The pleas were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Brown, Holland, Robertson, Vines and Freshley pleaded guilty in District Court. They were previously indicted on November 14, 2024 for providing or possessing contraband in a prison, as well as conspiring to do so. The sixth co-conspirator, Rashaad Roper, 45, of Gaithersburg, MD is set to go to trial. As part of the plea, Brown, Holland, Robertson, Vines and Freshley admitted to their role in the conspiracy which included Holland and Brown admitting to packaging contraband, such as a knife, cell phones, and controlled substances to include fentanyl, into Tupperware containers which would then be brought to the Central Detention Facility, also known as the D.C. Jail. Robertson, Vines, and/or Freshley, who were inmates inside the housing unit, admitted to receiving the contraband from Officer Roper or another corrections officer after they were smuggled into the jail. Sentencings are scheduled for August 13, 2025 (Vines), September 5, 2025 (Holland), September 16, 2025 (Robertson), September 25, 2025 (Freshley), and October 21, 2025 (Brown). Each defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 5 years in prison for conspiracy to provide or possess contraband in a prison. Judge Timothy J. Kelly will determine the appropriate sentence at each of the respective sentencings. Joining in the announcement was FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis and Chief Investigator Kevin L. Hammond of the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services with the assistance of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Gold and Sarah Santiago.


title: Seekonk Postmaster Who Stole Thousands of Dollars in Government Money Pleads Guilty

body_text: BOSTON – The former Postmaster for the Seekonk Post Office pleaded guilty today to stealing over $19,000 through no-fee money orders. Bethany LeBlanc, 48, of Seekonk, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Oct. 29, 2025. LeBlanc was arrested and charged in May 2025. LeBlanc served as the Postmaster of the Seekonk Post Office from November 2023 to about February 2025. Prior to holding this position, she worked for the United States Postal Service in a variety of roles including carrier, window clerk and customer service manager. As Postmaster of the Seekonk Post Office, LeBlanc had the authority to issue and approve “no fee” money orders. Money orders are generated by the USPS and serve as a safe alternative to sending cash or a check through the mail. “No fee” money orders are issued solely for the purpose of paying USPS-related expenses and, thus, no fee is charged. LeBlanc generated a total of 25 no fee money orders to herself, totaling approximately $19,917. To avoid detection, LeBlanc presented false invoices for USPS expenses to clerks at the Seekonk Post Office, who would then issue LeBlanc the money orders. For two money orders, she entered “Fire Dept. Box” in the memo section to give the appearance that these money orders were used to pay for Post Office related expenses. For many money orders, LeBlanc entered the names of her relatives and associates to make it appear as if the funds were coming from sources other than the USPS. LeBlanc used the stolen proceeds for personal expenses, including thousands of dollars spent at casinos. The charge of theft of government money provides a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office, made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Chao, Chief of the Public Corruption Unit, is prosecuting the case.


title: Albuquerque Felon Gets 51-Month Prison Term for Firearm Offense

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison after he illegally possessed a firearm during a 2020 vehicle breaking and entering in Santa Fe. According to court records, on June 29, 2020, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a reported vehicle breaking and entering at a residence in Santa Fe and found Michael Matthew Martinez , 31, asleep in the backseat of the car. When deputies instructed Martinez to exit the vehicle, he reached toward his jacket pocket, where deputies observed what appeared to be a firearm. Martinez was immediately removed from the vehicle, restrained, and searched, and deputies recovered the firearm from his pocket. Image from bodyworn video of Martinez's arrest The vehicle owner told deputies he had interacted with Martinez earlier in the afternoon and later noticed his car keys were missing and became suspicious. After spotting Martinez inside the vehicle later that night, the owner contacted law enforcement. Martinez pled guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to his plea agreement, Martinez admitted that he had previously been convicted of residential burglary, and he knew he was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Upon his release, Martinez will be subject to up to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Elena Stiteler is prosecuting the case.


title: Lawton Man to Serve 30 Years in Federal Prison for Aiding and Abetting in the Production of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – CHRISTOPHER KYLE BUXTON , 35, of Lawton, has been sentenced to serve 360 months in federal prison for aiding and abetting in the production of child pornography and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public record, between August 2023 and April 30, 2024, Buxton induced others to produce child pornography and possessed child pornography. Public record further reflects that Buxton possessed a large collection of child pornography, distributed child pornography, and caused others to sexually exploit children for his own gratification. “Securing justice for vulnerable child victims, and holding child predators accountable, remains an unwavering priority for my office and the Justice Department,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “This 30-year sentence sends a clear and uncompromising message that such heinous crimes will be met with the full force of the law. I commend the relentless efforts of law enforcement and prosecutors who stand firm in protecting our children from the threat posed by this defendant.” “A sentence of this magnitude reflects the severity of the crimes committed,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “I commend the efforts of agents and prosecutors in holding this dangerous predator accountable. He will now spend decades behind bars where he can no longer target children in our communities.” On December 26, 2024, Buxton was charged by Superseding Information with aiding and abetting in the production of child pornography and possessing child pornography. On January 7, 2025, Buxton pleaded guilty to the Superseding Information and admitted to these offenses. At the sentencing hearing on July 18, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Buxton to serve 360 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, and ordered Buxton to pay $41,500 in restitution. In sentencing Buxton, Judge Dishman stated that Buxton’s conduct was egregious and reprehensible and indicated that the depravity of his conduct was difficult to comprehend. Judge Dishman further noted that Buxton’s sentence must serve a strong retributive purpose. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Joynes prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Gulfport Man Sentenced to 87 Months for Possession of Videos and Images of Minors Engaging in Sexually Explicit Conduct

component: Department of Justice

body_text: Gulfport, MS – A Gulfport, Mississippi man was sentenced yesterday to 87 months in prison, followed by twenty-five years of supervised release, for possessing images and videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In 2020, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) in Gulfport learned that Nicholas Snyder, a now 29-year-old male, was in possession of images and videos of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. In May 2020, HSI and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division, seized the defendant’s cellphone. A forensic examiner with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division, conducted a forensic extraction on those devices. The evidence showed Snyder possessed multiple images of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct, including children under the age of five years old. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Eric P. DeLaune of Homeland Security Investigations made the announcement. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Cybercrime Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee Smith and Andrea Jones prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.


title: Honduran National Sentenced For  Re-Entry of a Deported Alien

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that CARLOS MASARIEGO ROSALES (“ROSALES”) , age 48, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on July 22, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). According to court documents, ROSALES , a Honduran national, was found in Jefferson Parish on or around March 30, 2025. He had previously been deported to Honduras on November 20, 2006. ROSALES was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter to time served and one year of supervised release, as well as payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.


title: Chippewa Falls Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jason Barnard, 39, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in prison for possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution. Barnard pleaded guilty to this charge on May 9, 2025. Barnard sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to a confidential informant two times in October 2024. While traveling back from his source of supply in Minnesota, law enforcement stopped and arrested Barnard. They searched his car and found more than two kilograms of methamphetamine, 85 grams of fentanyl, and $3,696 cash. At sentencing, Judge Peterson described Barnard’s trafficking of “vast” quantities of drugs as a “very serious crime” that results in devastating consequences for the community. The charge against Barnard was the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Enforcement Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington prosecuted this case.


title: Meth Trafficker Sentenced to Nearly 22 Years in Federal Prison

body_text: BOISE – Deann Tackman, 55, of Boise, was sentenced to 262 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today. According to court records, Tackman was the Idaho arm of a multi-state and multi-national drug trafficking organization. Tackman supplied the Idaho Treasure Valley area with large quantities of methamphetamine over a five-month period prior to her arrest. The investigation, which involved several law enforcement agencies and spanned multiple federal districts, revealed that Tackman distributed over 60 pounds of methamphetamine in the Treasure Valley area a few weeks before her arrest. During the execution of a search warrant at Tackman’s residence, law enforcement located over 36 individually wrapped packages, each containing approximately one pound of methamphetamine, in the gas tank of a vehicle that had just been delivered to her residence. “Ms. Tackman’s drug trafficking organization flooded our state with immense quantities of dangerous methamphetamine” said Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott. “Fortunately for Idahoans, six law enforcement agencies worked together to dismantle the organization and stop the flow of methamphetamine. This appropriately severe sentence sends the message to drug traffickers that they are not welcome in Idaho.” “Ms. Tackman preyed on Treasure Valley residents by poisoning our community with large quantities of methamphetamine, leaving a trail of misery in her wake,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “I am proud that DEA and our partners were able to hold her to account for her crime with this lengthy sentence that she richly deserves.” U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Tackman to serve five years of supervised release following her prison sentence. Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Nampa Police Department Special Investigations Unit, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Boise Police Department, the Meridian Police Department, and the Oregon High Desert Drug Task Force, which led to the charges and arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse prosecuted this case. The DEA Task Force and High Desert Drug Task Force are multi-jurisdictional narcotics task forces that identify, disrupt, and dismantle local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. They are supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Georgia Man Sentenced to 5 Years Probation Including 2 Years Home Confinement for Money Laundering During Internet Scams

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that EMMANUEL UGBAJA (“UGBAJA”) , age 56, of Duluth, Georgia, was sentenced by United States District Judge Darrel James Papillion to 5 years probation with two years of home confinement, after previously pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. Court records show that in 2018, two persons were victimized by two separate internet scams – one victim from Kansas sent money to an unknown co-conspirator posing as a love interest in a “romance scam,” and the other victim from California sent money to a person posing as an attorney in an “inheritance scam.” At the direction of the co-conspirators, the victims were told to send the funds to a bank account controlled by UGBAJA . UGBAJA retained a portion of the funds for himself and then sent the victims’ funds, in the total amount of $60,000, to a local maritime broker as part of a down payment for the unrelated purchase of a vessel. In addition to probation and home confinement, UGBAJA was ordered to pay restitution of over $97,000 to the two fraud victims and over $135,000 to the Small Business Administration for uncharged CARES Act COVID-19 funding fraud, in addition to a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. This indictment is part of an ongoing national effort by the Department of Justice to address online fraud schemes often based overseas that target U.S. citizens. The public is encouraged to report potential online fraud activity or scams to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at https://www.ic3.gov/ . The United States Attorney’s Office would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation with this matter. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward J. Rivera of the Financial Crimes Unit.


title: Navajo Tribal Members Sentenced to Over 25 Years in Prison for Murder of Transgender Victim

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Isiah Adam Smith, 25, of Leupp, Arizona, was sentenced on July 28, by United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi to 324 months in prison after pleading guilty to Second Degree Murder. Smith’s co-defendant, Trevor Joe Begay, 24, of Tuba City, Arizona, pleaded guilty to the same crime and was sentenced on September 23, 2024, by Judge Liburdi to 365 months in prison. On or about June 11, 2021, Smith and Begay murdered the victim because of her gender identity. Smith and Begay had previously communicated with the victim online, where she disclosed to them that she was transgender. Smith and Begay decided to “teach the victim a lesson.” They arranged to meet the victim in the middle of the night, and when the victim got into their vehicle, they took her cell phone so that she could not call for help. Smith and Begay then drove the victim into the desert and beat her to death. Smith and Begay attempted to cover up their crimes by burning their bloody clothes and the victim’s cell phone. The victim’s body was found the morning after her death by a hiker. Smith and Begay murdered the victim on the Navajo Nation, where they are both enrolled tribal members. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Phoenix and Flagstaff Indian Country squads and the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-23-8104-PCT-MTL RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-127_Smith, et al. # # # 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 Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Keizer Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl in Oregon and Montana

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A Keizer, Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for trafficking more than 17 pounds of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Oregon and Washington. Caden Jay Christman, 29, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years’ supervised release. According to court documents, on February 21, 2024, as part of a drug trafficking investigation, law enforcement officers in Powell County, Montana, conducted a traffic stop and arrested Christman and his co-conspirator. Officers searched the vehicle, which had multiple hidden compartments, and seized nine pounds of methamphetamine, over 5,000 fentanyl pills, approximately $17,000 in cash, and two loaded firearms. On February 22 and 26, 2024, investigators executed search warrants on Christman’s residence and seized 15,000 fentanyl pills, four pounds of fentanyl powder, two pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, $21,600 in cash, and twelve firearms. On April 16, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a four-count indictment charging Christman with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On February 4, 2025, Christman pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. This case was investigated by the FBI, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gresham Police Department. It was prosecuted by Nicole M. Hermann, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org . Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.