title: Arden, N.C. Fentanyl And Methamphetamine Trafficker Is Sentenced To 11+ Years In Prison

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Franklin Carlos Fair, 55, of Arden, N.C., was sentenced today to 134 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. According to documents filed with the court and proceedings, in July 2023, law enforcement learned that Fair, who had prior state convictions for drug trafficking, was distributing kilogram amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl in Buncombe County. During a November 7, 2023, traffic stop in Anderson, South Carolina, deputies stopped Fair as he traveled from Atlanta to Western North Carolina. Deputies found nearly $3,800 in cash in Fair’s pockets. They also recovered a heat-sealed package and a plastic bag that contained more than 255 grams of fentanyl, which Fair had tossed out the car window before he was stopped. According to court documents, on April 17, 2024, an individual cooperating with law enforcement arranged to buy from Fair $4,400 worth of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Fair was arrested when he arrived at the agreed location to make the drug sale. After Fair was taken into custody, law enforcement searched his vehicle and recovered more than a half a kilogram of methamphetamine and over 20 grams of fentanyl. On October 23, 2024, Fair pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. He remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending placement by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina, and Waynesville Police Department for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville handled the prosecution. 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: Armed Asheville Drug Distributor Of Fentanyl And Methamphetamine Is Sentenced To Over 28 Years In Prison

body_text: ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Zachery Micah Rice, a 35-year-old Asheville man, was sentenced today to 342 months in prison for his role in a drug trafficking ring that distributed many kilograms of fentanyl, methamphetamine and other drugs in Asheville and surrounding areas, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. In addition to the prison term, Rice was sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to records filed in the case, from 2021 to 2023, Rice was a major distributor methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in Buncombe, Henderson, and Transylvania Counties. He obtained the drugs from a supplier in Atlanta and transported them back to Western North Carolina for further distribution through a local network of traffickers and dealers. During one trip, law enforcement stopped and searched Rice’s vehicle, seizing over 11.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, a .40 caliber pistol modified to fully automatic with a machinegun conversion device known as a “Glock switch,” and more than $32,683 in cash. Investigators later executed search warrants at stash houses and a storage unit used by Rice, recovering kilogram quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine, multiple firearms, including high-capacity magazines ammunition, digital scales, drug paraphernalia used for drug distribution, and more than $27,470. Rice pleaded guilty on October 18, 2024, to conspiracy to possess methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a machinegun. Rice remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending placement by the federal Bureau of Prisons. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina, the Asheville Police Department, the Waynesville Police Department, the Cherokee Indian Police Department, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, the Swain County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville handled the prosecution. 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: Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty in the Middle of Trial to Sexual Exploitation of Children and Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Pittsfield man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Springfield to child exploitation offenses while in the middle of testimony from the Government’s final witness. Justin Benoit, 39, pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni scheduled sentencing for Aug. 20, 2025. The defendant was arrested on Feb. 15, 2022 and has been in custody since that time. According to court records, Benoit has several related state charges pending in Central Berkshire District Court. On at least five occasions between February 2021 and February 2022, Benoit sexually exploited minor victims known to him to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM). During searches of the Benoit’s residence, more than 250 CSAM files were found stored on Benoit’s tablet – including approximately 100 files showing Benoit raping minor victims. The charge of sexual exploitation of a child provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a lifetime 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. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Colonel Geoffrey Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Pittsfield Police Department and the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Luke A. Goldworm, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and Jessica L. Soto of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case. The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/ .


title: Colombian National Sentenced to Over 20 Years in Prison for Role in Conspiracy to Kidnap and Assault U.S. Army Soldiers in Colombia

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A Colombian national was sentenced today in the Southern District of Florida for her role in kidnapping and assaulting two members of the U.S. military who were on temporary duty in Bogotá, Colombia. Kenny Julieth Uribe Chiran, 35, was sentenced to 262 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $24,115 in restitution. She is the third and final defendant to be sentenced and held accountable for this criminal conspiracy. She pleaded guilty in March 2025 to conspiracy to kidnap an internationally protected person. “Members of our military, whether serving here or abroad, can count on this Department of Justice’s respect, support, and protection,” said U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida. “Kidnappings and assaults against U.S. service members will not be tolerated. To those who would dare commit such reprehensible acts against America’s heroes, know this: We will identify you; we will find you; and we will prosecute you as aggressively as the law permits.” “Uribe Chiran and her co-defendants mercilessly preyed on U.S. soldiers when they drugged their drinks, stole their valuables, and left them incapacitated on the street,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Kidnapping and assaulting two U.S. military service members is deplorable and the Criminal Division will continue to prioritize protecting our service members through these prosecutions. I thank the prosecutors and our law enforcement partners who work tirelessly to bring justice to these victims.” “The FBI’s commitment to investigate criminal acts against the U.S. military beyond our borders is clearly demonstrated by our persistent pursuit of justice for the two kidnapped soldiers,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office. “Our close cooperation with Colombian and Chilean law enforcement authorities was essential to this international investigation’s success. To all would be kidnappers the message is clear: target our citizens with violence anywhere in the world and we will hold you accountable for your actions.” According to court documents, the two U.S. soldiers went to an entertainment district in Bogotá to watch a soccer game on the evening of March 5, 2020. They later went to a pub, where Uribe Chiran and one of her co-defendants approached the soldiers and, without their knowledge, put drugs in their drinks that rendered them incapacitated. Medical examinations later confirmed the presence of benzodiazepines in the two soldiers’ systems. The defendants then kidnapped the soldiers, took their valuables, including their credit and debit card information, and left them incapacitated on the street in separate locations. The defendants used one victim’s credit card and the other victim’s debit card to make purchases and withdraw money. Uribe Chiran was extradited in September 2024 from Colombia to the United States. Co-defendant Pedro Jose Silva Ochoa was extradited in April 2024 from Chile to the United States, pleaded guilty in December 2024, and was sentenced in March 2025 to 27 years and three months in prison. Co-defendant Jeffersson Arango Castellanos was extradited in May 2023 from Colombia to the United States, pleaded guilty in January 2024, and was sentenced in May 2024 to 48 years and nine months in prison. The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá provided significant assistance in this matter. The United States thanks Colombian law enforcement authorities for their valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bertila Fernandez for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Clayton O’Connor and Elizabeth Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are prosecuting the case. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 23-cr-20173. ###


title: Mooresville Man Sentenced To Prison For Defrauding Investors And Stealing Millions in COVID Relief Funds

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Steven Andiloro, 53, of Mooresville, N.C., was sentenced today to 45 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for orchestrating a $6.1 million investment fraud scheme and fraudulently obtaining over $2.6 million in COVID relief funds, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell also ordered Andiloro to pay $5,341.155 in restitution the victims of his fraud. Jason Byrnes, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Secret Service, Charlotte Field Office, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Acting Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in North Carolina, and Amelaka McCall-Brathwaite, Special Agent in Charge of the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement. According to documents filed in the case and the sentencing hearing, from 2018 to 2021, Andiloro operated an investment fraud scheme where he induced victims to invest in businesses, both real and fictitious, by making false representations about where and how the investors’ money would be invested. For example, some of Andiloro’s victims were told their money would be invested into his car service business, while others believed they were investing into a non-existent marijuana dispensary business. Contrary to representations made to victims, Andiloro did not invest the money as promised. Instead, he used the funds to pay for personal expenses and to operate a Ponzi scheme, where he used money from new investors to pay earlier investors purporting that the returns were the result of profitable investments. In addition to the investment scheme, Andiloro also engaged in COVID fraud. Court records show that, from April 2020 to March 2021, Andiloro obtained funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) by submitting fraudulent applications for disaster relief loans intended for businesses that suffered economic hardship due to the pandemic. To obtain the PPP funds, Andiloro submitted applications that contained false financial information about his businesses, including fake employment data and inflated revenues, costs, and payroll expenses. Andiloro received more than $2.6 million in disaster relief funds, which he used to fund his personal lifestyle and to make payments in furtherance of the investment scheme. Andiloro remains released on bond. He will be ordered to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the U.S. Secret Service, the FBI, and the SBA-OIG for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Graham Billings and Katherine Armstrong with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Man Who Made Bomb Threat on a Flight To Seattle Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Brandon L. Scott, age 40, to 22 months in prison for making a bomb threat onboard a flight to Seattle. Judge Rice also imposed 3 years of supervised release and $79,449.47 in restitution to Alaska Airlines and the Spokane International Airport. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, On July 5, 2023, Scott was a passenger on an Alaska Airlines flight from Atlanta to Seattle. During the flight, Scott handed a flight attendant a note that said in part: “There is a bomb on the plane. This is not a joke. Several pounds of homemade explosives are in my carry-on bag. I have a detonator with me. Handle this matter carefully and exactly how I say, otherwise I will detonate the explosives and kill everyone on board. You are to alert the pilot to this note and keep the issue to yourself. Many innocent lives are in your hands, do as I demand and everyone will live. Deviate and the consequences will be deadly for all of us. I have nothing left to lose.” The note included instructions to reroute the plane from its destination in Seattle and land at another airport. The flight attendant alerted the captain and co-pilot to the threat who then alerted Air Traffic Control. Air Traffic Control diverted the flight to the Spokane International Airport. The airport placed a ground stop on all aircraft, resulting in significant delays to other departing and arriving aircraft and passengers. The plane landed at Spokane International Airport and Scott was taken into custody and admitted to what he had done. No explosive materials or devices were found on the plane. “Threatening the safety of a commercial flight is a serious federal crime that puts lives at risk, disrupts national air travel, and drains emergency resources,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “Mr. Scott’s actions caused widespread disruption and alarm, and this case underscores our commitment to protecting the safety of passengers and airline personnel in Eastern Washington and across the country.” “The threat made by Mr. Scott ended up being a hoax, but he is finding it had real-life consequences,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Fortunately, his actions did not result in anyone being hurt. I am grateful that the flight landed without incident in this case and applaud the flight crew for the professional manner in which they handled a potentially dangerous situation.” This case was investigated the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyler H.L. Tornabene and Patrick J. Cashman. 2:23-cr-00084-TOR


title: Ohio Woman Who Defrauded Hundreds of Victims in Advance-Fee Scheme Involving High-End Handbags and Other Luxury Goods  Sentenced to 20 Months in Prison

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Rashell Ortiz, 23, of Grove City, Ohio, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Gerald J. Pappert to 20 months in prison, three years supervised release, restitution of $130,255 and a $600 special assessment for defrauding hundreds of victims in an advance-fee scheme involving the purported sale of high-end handbags and other luxury items. Ortiz was charged by indictment in January 2024 with six counts of wire fraud, and in December was convicted of all charges at trial. As proven at trial, from October 2019 to November 2021, Ortiz and her boyfriend, Orvil Cataquet Jr., 25, of Syracuse, New York, marketed items, predominantly luxury purses, through online sales platforms like Poshmark and Offer Up. Throughout the scheme, they posed as a young female who was selling the bags at reduced prices because she was going through a divorce and wanted to get rid of her ex-husband’s gifts. They offered interested buyers a discount to conduct the transaction through a third-party money transfer app such as Zelle, CashApp, Venmo, Google Pay, or PayPal. Once they received the victims’ money, they failed to deliver the goods and eventually ceased contact. In all, Ortiz and Cataquet Jr. defrauded more than 300 victims, some of whom resided in the greater Philadelphia region out of approximately $130,225, which they used to fund their lifestyle of frequent food deliveries and video games. Cataquet Jr. pleaded guilty to wire fraud last year and was sentenced in October to 14 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and $156,074 in restitution. This case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia’s Newtown Square Resident Agency and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meghan Claiborne and Sarah Wolfe


title: South Texan man admits to cocaine possession

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 48-year-old Edcouch resident has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. On Dec. 13, 2024, authorities conducted a traffic stop on a Ford F-150 near Mercedes. Fernando Aguilera-Chavez was driving. A search of the vehicle revealed 30 packages wrapped in clear plastic and duct tape. The bundles weighed approximately 30.4 kilograms and tested positive for cocaine. Aguilera-Chavez admitted he knew he was in possession of the narcotics and intended to distribute them. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton will impose sentencing Sept. 9. At that time, Aguilera-Chavez faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Hidalgo County Constables Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.


title: Federal Charges Filed After Deadly Shooting of Israeli Embassy Staffers in D.C.

component: Civil Division

body_text: WASHINGTON – Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, has been charged with federal and local murder offenses in connection with the fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staff members outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on May 21, 2025. Rodriguez is charged in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with the murder of foreign officials, causing death through the use of a firearm, and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. He is also charged with two counts of first-degree murder under the D.C. criminal code. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen, and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela A. Smith. “This brutal, anti-Semitic violence has no place in our country or anywhere in civilization,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will follow the facts and secure the most severe possible punishment for the perpetrator of this heinous crime, which robbed two wonderful young people of a bright future together.” “Our community is reeling. Because of one person’s actions, two families are left to grieve for dreams that will never be realized,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Violence of any kind is unacceptable. Senseless acts that take innocent lives are intolerable. We will hold accountable anyone who inflicts harm on our families, our neighbors, the citizens of our nation, or the visitors to our great capital city. We are united in that purpose, and we hold strong against those whose reckless actions claim as victim any part of our community.” “This Civil Rights Division is aggressively pursuing every avenue to investigate this crime,” said Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division Harmeet Dhillon.” Let me be clear: hateful violence against Jewish Americans will be met with the full force of the Justice Department. We are expanding enforcement, increasing our outreach, and holding perpetrators accountable wherever they act.” “Make no mistake: This attack was targeted, antisemitic violence,” said Assistant Director in Charge Jensen. “The FBI will continue to pursue all leads and use all available resources to investigate this heinous murder.” “We continue to work closely with our federal partners and want to assure our community that the safety of all residents and visitors remains our top priority,” said Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith. “Out of an abundance of caution we are increasing our presence at religious institutions citywide.” According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Rodriguez allegedly opened fire on the victims as they were leaving an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, which brought together Jewish professionals and members of the diplomatic community. Both victims were employed by the Israeli Embassy. One was an Israeli citizen and an official guest of the U.S. government. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Rodriguez walking past the victims before turning and firing multiple rounds. After the victims fell, he allegedly continued firing at close range, including as one attempted to crawl away. Investigators recovered a 9mm handgun and 21 spent shell casings at the scene. Rodriguez entered the Museum after he committed the murders. Witnesses and surveillance video reportedly confirmed his involvement. He had flown from Chicago to Washington the day prior with the firearm declared in his checked luggage. The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia with assistance from the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Woman Caught Dealing Drugs While on Supervised Release Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

body_text: Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that Gabriela Abundiz, age 45, was sentenced after pleading guilty to distributing methamphetamine. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed a sentence of 180 months to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in 2017 Abundiz was convicted of selling drugs in Montana and sentenced to 70 months in prison. Following her sentence, and during the period of her supervised release in that case, Abundiz was found to be selling drugs in the Eastern District of Washington. A warrant was issued for her arrest. On April 2, 2024, officers and detectives with the Omak Police Department (OPD) saw Abundiz go into an apartment. OPD obtained a warrant to enter the apartment and arrest Abundiz. Inside the apartment OPD located two backpacks that contained methamphetamine, 2,649 fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, marijuana, a digital scale, and a pipe used for smoking drugs. Abundiz had two cellphones when she was arrested. One of the phones contained pictures of large sums of cash, fentanyl pills, and text conversations regarding illegal drugs. “Ms. Abundiz returned to drug trafficking even while under federal supervision for a prior conviction,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “Her continued criminal conduct, especially involving fentanyl, posed a serious threat to the safety and health of Eastern Washington communities. Her sentence reflects the consequences of violating the Court’s trust and our office’s continuing commitment to combating drug trafficking in communities and neighborhoods throughout Eastern Washington.” “DEA’s core mission is to protect Americans from drug traffickers like Ms. Abundiz and we will go to any legal length to ensure traffickers like her are accountable for their crimes,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Despite serving a lengthy prison term, Ms. Abundiz would not stop selling poison to her community and ultimately paid a heavy price for continuing her wicked ways.” This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Omak Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Murphy. 2:24-cr-00071-SAB


title: Sacramento Man Indicted Twice in Four Months for Firearms and Controlled Substance Offenses

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Gabriel Erasmo Cabrera, 22, of Sacramento, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possessing a controlled substance with intent to distribute, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. According to court documents, Cabrera was originally indicted on Feb. 6, 2025, for two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The second indictment now charges that on March 28, 2025, Cabrera was in possession of fentanyl, a semiautomatic Sig Sauer handgun, and .45‑caliber ammunition. Cabrera is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to multiple felony convictions for sale of a controlled substance, infliction of corporal injury on a spouse, and willfully discharging a firearm with gross negligence. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Douglas Harman and Justin Lee are prosecuting the case. If convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition, Cabrera faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $$250,000 fine for each count. If convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Kansas City Woman Sentenced for COVID-19 Scheme

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Kansas City, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for filing a false claim as part of a scheme to fraudulently receive approximately $62,811.75 in COVID-19 relief funds from the government. Robin Brooks, 55, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to 15 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $62,811.75 in restitution to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and to Jackson County, Missouri. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was a federal law enacted in or around March 2020 and designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a part of the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was created to provided forgivable loans to small businesses that were administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) through corresponding financial institutions. The purpose of PPP was to provide support to small businesses and assist their payroll to their employees during the coronavirus pandemic. In her guilty plea, Brooks admitted that, in 2021, she two submitted fraudulent applications to the Small Business Administration for the loans using fake businesses. In fact, Brooks’ business never actually existed and did not have any employees. In a related scheme, Brooks submitted approximately $30,345 in false invoices to Jackson County, Missouri, to receive CARES Act Funds for a non-profit organization she created to provide food to people negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on these false claims, the SBA issued payments totaling $32,466 to Brooks and Jackson County issued payments totaling $30,345. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman. It was investigated by United States Secret Service.


title: Mexican National Charged with Illegal Firearm Possession

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Illegal Possession of a Firearm. Jose Montero-Barradas, 34, was charged in a one-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. Today’s indictment charges that Montero-Barradas, a citizen of Mexico, knew he was present in the United States illegally and unlawfully, when he knowingly possessed two firearms on March 23, 2025. According to an affidavit previously filed in support of a federal criminal complaint against Montero-Barradas, members of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department were dispatched to a residential area in Kansas City following a report of shots fired. Officers arriving on the scene observed Montero-Barradas walking into a residence with two firearms, which were later recovered. Witnesses stated Montero-Barradas and another male had been firing shots into the air and the ground, and provided a cell phone video showing, among other things, Montero-Barradas holding firearms. Under federal law it is illegal for an alien to possess a firearm or ammunition. The charge contained in this indictment is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Foley. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Sierra Pacific Industries to Pay for Damages Caused by Forest Fire in El Dorado County

body_text: Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) has agreed to pay $204,284.42 to resolve the United States’ claim for damages resulting from a 2021 wildfire that burned about 29 acres, including National Forest System lands on the Eldorado National Forest, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced today. The wildfire, known as the “Cold Fire,” ignited on Jan. 19, 2021, on SPI land in El Dorado County. U.S. Forest Service fire investigators determined that the fire originated from one of SPI’s timber slash piles that escaped containment during a wind event. “Our office will continue to hold individuals and corporations responsible for damages caused by wildfires,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Beckwith. “Every fire impacting federal lands, no matter the size, is a priority.” “These settlements are essential in restoring our landscapes after wildfires,” said U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Acting Regional Forester Jason Kuiken. The investigation was conducted with the U.S. Forest Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara Amin handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Honduran Man Charged With Re-Entry Of Removed Alien

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – ERIK ROBERTO MACHADO-MENCIA , a/k/a “ROBERTO MACHADO-MENCIA,” (“MACHADO-MENCIA”), age 36, a native of Honduras, was indicted on May 22, 2025, for re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8 United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. According to the indictment, MACHADO-MENCIA was found in the United States on May 15, 2025, having reentered the United States, without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States, after being previously deported on December 16, 2019. MACHADO-MENCIA faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 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 the United States Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Hattiesburg Man Pleads Guilty to SNAP Benefits Fraud

component: Department of Justice

body_text: Hattiesburg, MS – A Hattiesburg man pleaded guilty today in federal court to stealing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits intended for low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford nutritious food. According to court documents and statements made in court, Velton Taylor Williams, Jr., 31, of Hattiesburg unlawfully acquired and used SNAP benefits in November 2023. Williams admitted to selling the benefits to others and using them for himself. SNAP, formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federally funded, national benefit program to help qualifying low- and middle-income families buy food, thus reducing hunger. Williams also admitted to using TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) cash benefits intended for low-income families with children under the age of 18. Williams pleaded guilty to Food Stamp Fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Dax Roberson of United States Department of Agriculture Office of the Inspector General made the announcement. The United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie is prosecuting the case.


title: Two out-of-state residents charged with stealing Alaskan identities to target local financial institutions

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment yesterday charging two out-of-state residents with conspiring to commit bank fraud by stealing identities and creating false identification documents. According to court documents, on April 14, 2025, the Anchorage Police Department (APD) received a report that a female entered three local bank branches in Eagle River, Wasilla and Anchorage, respectively. The female presented potentially fraudulent military ID and passport cards and requested to withdraw $9,500 from accounts at each branch. The documents had the female’s picture but the name and date of birth of the account holders. The female successfully withdrew $9,500 from the Eagle River and Wasilla branches for a total of $19,000. On April 15, 2025, Soldotna Police Department (SPD) received a report similar to the report APD received the day prior, detailing that a female entered a local credit union and presented a potentially fraudulent military ID and passport card to try and withdraw cash. Staff suspected the identification was fraudulent and attempted to contact their fraud department. While on the phone, the female left the credit union. Later the same day, the Kenai Police Department (KPD) received the same report of a female presenting a potentially fraudulent military ID and passport card at a local bank to try and withdraw cash. Bank staff recognized the female from a recent internal fraud alert. Staff at the Kenai bank attempted to call the police after the female suspect presented the alleged false documents, but she fled the bank in a vehicle. SPD officers located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Law enforcement identified the driver as Karey McLeish, 25, of Texas and the female suspect, who was a passenger in the vehicle, as Rebekah Walker, 45, of Connecticut. Officers searched the defendants and located over $700 in cash and a plane ticket from Texas to Anchorage dated April 13, 2025. Officers also searched the vehicle and discovered over $1,600 in cash, three cell phones and key cards for a local hotel. Court documents further explain that law enforcement searched the hotel room McLeish and Walker were staying at in Soldotna and located a bag containing men’s clothing and hygiene products, as well as 11 military ID’s and 11 U.S. passport cards. The identification documents contained different names and dates of birth for Alaska residents, but all had Walker’s picture. McLeish and Walker were originally charged by complaints on May 16, 2025, and were arrested in Kenai on May 21, 2025. McLeish and Walker are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, five counts of aggravated identity theft, five counts of forgery or false use of a passport and one count of fraud in connection with identification documents. The defendants are scheduled to make their initial court appearance on May 23, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kyle F. Reardon of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison for each aggravated identity theft count, and up to 30 years in prison for the other seven counts. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge William Chang of the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), San Francisco Field Office made the announcement. The DSS San Francisco Field Office, with assistance from APD, KPD and SPD, is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Miller is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Man Who Attempted to Carjack a Deputy U.S. Marshal Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Kentrell Flowers, 19, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for the attempted gunpoint carjacking of an unmarked vehicle occupied by a Deputy U.S. Marshal. The sentence was announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Acting U.S. Marshal Ron Carter of the District Court for the District of Columbia, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. Flowers pleaded guilty on Feb. 20, 2025, before District Court Judge Richard J. Leon to using, carrying, possessing, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. In addition to the 120-month prison term, Judge Leon ordered Flowers to serve five years of supervised release. According to court documents, on July 5, 2024, at 1:17 a.m., two deputy U.S. Marshals were working a protective detail on the 2100 block of 11th Street, NW. The deputies were parked in separate unmarked vehicles when a silver minivan pulled up alongside one of them. A man, later identified as Flowers, got out of the van, approached the driver’s side-door, and pointed a pistol directly at the deputy marshal. The deputy marshal pulled out his own department-issued firearm. The deputy fired four shots through the side window, striking Flowers in the mouth. The second deputy marshal at the scene also fired on Flowers. Flowers fell to the ground. The deputy marshals provided first aid, while the silver minivan driven by the unknown accomplice fled the scene. A second unknown suspect ran away on foot. Flowers was treated at a local hospital. Law enforcement recovered Flowers’.40 caliber Smith & Wesson which was loaded with eight rounds of ammunition. This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared English and Emory V. Cole. 24cr331


title: Sonoma Real Estate Developer Arrested On Charges Of Defrauding Hundreds Of Investors

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – Kenneth W. Mattson, 63, of Sonoma, was arrested today pursuant to an indictment returned by a federal grand jury charging him with wire fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice. According to the nine-count indictment filed May 13, 2025, and unsealed today, Mattson was the President of LeFever Mattson, a corporation based in Citrus Heights, Calif., that controlled several limited partnerships that owned and managed commercial and residential properties. For more than a decade, Mattson allegedly solicited and obtained millions of dollars in investments from hundreds of investors—many of whom were nearing or in retirement—in what he represented were legitimate and safe interests of limited partnerships that owned real estate. Those representations were false: although many of the partnerships were real entities, Mattson’s victims, referred to in the indictment as “off-books investors,” never had interests in those partnerships. “This indictment alleges that Kenneth Mattson defrauded hundreds of victims, many of whom entrusted him with retirement savings they could not afford to lose. He allegedly raised tens of millions of dollars by falsely claiming that investors would have legitimate stakes in real estate projects. Instead of delivering the investment returns he promised, Mr. Mattson is charged with cheating these investors out of their hard-earned money and, in many cases, out of their life savings,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins. “Mr. Mattson will now be held to account on charges of perpetrating a scheme that he kept afloat only by using new investors’ money to pay obligations to earlier investors—a classic Ponzi scheme.” “As alleged, Mattson orchestrated a fraudulent real estate investment scheme over several years, stealing millions of dollars from hundreds of victims, many of them retirees or nearing retirement. This case underscores the serious impact financial fraud can have on a community, particularly on those least able to recover,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani. “The investigation in this case is ongoing. We encourage anyone who believes they may be a victim to come forward. The FBI and our partners remain steadfast in our commitment to uncovering the truth and seeking justice for those affected.” “The allegations against Mr. Mattson describe a long-standing scheme with hundreds of victims duped out of millions of dollars,” said IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen. “Simply put, white-collar crime is not victimless, and our special agents and professional staff are the experts at tracing money trails and building cases that lead to justice while simultaneously deterring future criminal activity.” “Postal inspectors will not allow the mail to be used to defraud people. The American people trust us to end fraud schemes and bring fraud perpetrators to justice—we are proud to work with our federal law enforcement partners in investigations like this one,” said U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood. The indictment describes that, from at least 2009 and continuing through 2024, Mattson solicited investments from off-books investors into Divi Divi Tree, LP (Divi Divi), a LeFever Mattson-controlled partnership that owned an apartment complex in Riverside County, Calif. The vast majority of these investors used their retirement funds to invest in Divi Divi. Mattson never told the LeFever Mattson company about these investors, and the investors were not listed as partners in the company’s official books and records. Contrary to Mattson’s representations to these victims, these “off-books” investors never became true owners in the partnership. Although some investors received distribution payments from their “off-books” investments, that money did not come from the rents of the partnership’s underlying property, as Mattson promised; instead, it came from loans, Mattson’s comingling of other assets, and from new investors, in the manner of a Ponzi scheme. Mattson’s scheme reached beyond Divi Divi to other LeFever Mattson limited partnerships, including Heacock Park Apartments, LP, an entity that was formed to purchase another apartment complex. Among other conduct, the indictment describes Mattson’s concealment from the “off-books” investors of the 2021 sale of the Heacock Park Apartments, the asset underlying Heacock Park, which resulted in net proceeds of over $8 million. Notwithstanding Mattson’s prior representations to “off-books” investors that they would be notified upon sale and be entitled to share in profits proportionate to their ownership stake, Mattson concealed the sale from existing “off-books” investors and omitted that the primary asset of the entity had, in fact, been sold when recruiting new investors for Heacock Park. The indictment also alleges that Mattson engaged in similar fraudulent conduct through another real estate holding entity over which he exercised sole business control, KS Mattson Partners, LP. Between 2019 and 2024, Mattson obtained at least $28 million from investors for “off-books” investments in Divi Divi and Heacock Park alone. The indictment further alleges that Mattson learned of an investigation into his conduct by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in April 2024. After the SEC instructed Mattson to preserve and retain relevant evidence and served him with a subpoena for documents, Mattson deleted thousands of files that were relevant to the SEC’s investigation. The indictment charges Mattson with seven counts of wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343, one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity (money laundering) in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957, and one count of destruction of records in a federal investigation (obstruction of justice) in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1519. Mattson is scheduled to make his initial federal court appearance at 10:30 a.m. on May 23, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alex G. Tse in San Francisco. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, Mattson faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison as to each count of wire fraud and the obstruction of justice count and 10 years in prison as to the money laundering count. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Individuals who believe that they are “off-books” investors with Mattson are urged to fill out the following form: https://forms.fbi.gov/victims/lfminvestors and send copies of any relevant documents to LFMInvestors@fbi.gov . The SEC today filed a civil enforcement action against Mattson and KS Mattson Partners LP in the Northern District of California. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christoffer Lee and Nikhil Bhagat are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Mimi Lam. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS-CI, and USPIS. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the San Francisco Regional Office of the SEC for its assistance in the investigation. Mattson Indictment


title: Registered sex offender charged federally with possession of images of child sexual abuse

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle A 34-year-old Kirkland, Washington man appeared on a federal criminal complaint today charging him with possession of images of child sexual abuse, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Daniel Jose Lile was arrested April 16, 2025, by Department of Corrections Officers for possessing unapproved electronic devices. Lile remains detained at the Federal Detention Center (FDC) at SeaTac. According to the criminal complaint, Lile was on community supervision from the Washington State Department of Corrections for a 2019 conviction for child sexual abuse. Lile was arrested April 16, 2025, for having unauthorized electronic devices. On May 12, 2025, law enforcement served a search warrant at the residence Lile had shared with his girlfriend. At that location they seized additional unauthorized electronic devices including two external hard drives, a laptop, and a cellphone. Forensic analysis of the electronics is ongoing. One of the external hard drives was found to contain more than 130,000 files of child sexual abuse. One folder alone allegedly contains more than fifty videos and picture files of infants and toddlers being sexually abused. Law enforcement was in the process of pursuing a report from Google to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about Lile uploading images of child sexual abuse when the Department of Corrections found the unapproved electronics. Possession of images of child sexual abuse is punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment and carries a mandatory minimum of ten years in this circumstance. The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Washington State Department of Corrections and the Kirkland Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson. 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Convicted Child Predator Sentenced To 16 Years In Federal Prison For Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: ASHEVILLE, N.C. – A previously-convicted child predator was sentenced to 192 months in prison today for distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Justin Matthew Adkins, 40, of Marion, North Carolina, was also ordered to serve a lifetime of supervised release and to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison. According to records, Adkins was convicted of Second-Degree Exploitation of a Minor in Buncombe County and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment. Adkins was released from state custody in April 2023, and was placed on post-release supervision until 2028. On November 7, 2023, officers with the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, deputies with the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office, and deputy marshals with the U.S. Marshals Service conducted a probation search at Adkins’ home. During the search, law enforcement reviewed Adkins’s electronic devices for compliance with his post-release conditions and found that the defendant possessed CSAM. Law enforcement also seized narcotics and drug paraphernalia. Court records show that a computer forensic analyst with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) analyzed Adkins’s electronic devices and located thousands of CSAM images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of prepubescent children. The analysis also revealed that Adkins had distributed CSAM to other individuals online. On December 18, 2024, Adkins pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography. He is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended HSI in Greenville, the U.S. Marshals Service, the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections, and the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Alexis Solheim of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Las Vegas Man Sentenced To Three Years In Prison For Extorting, Stalking, Threatening Text Messages And Money Laundering

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who pleaded guilty to extortion, money laundering, stalking, and sending threatening text messages to injure and kill two people and their families, including children, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II to 36 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, a fine of $75,000, and $200,000 in restitution. According to court documents, on April 29, 2024, Idriss Qibaa threatened force and extorted $200,000 from a victim. As part of the extortion scheme, on March 7 and 8, 2024, he obtained $63,500 worth of cryptocurrency. Then, in June and July 2024, he engaged in online direct messages, texts, and postings, to cause substantial emotion distress to his victims. On July 19, 2024, Qibaa sent text messages containing threats to injure and kill a victim and members of the victim’s family. Later, on July 24, he sent text messages containing threats to injure and kill another victim. In February 2025, Qibaa pleaded guilty to one count of extortion, two counts of money laundering, one count of stalking, and two counts of interstate communications containing a threat to injure. United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI Las Vegas Division made the announcement. The FBI and the Beverly Hills Police Department investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case. ###


title: Former Exec at O.C. Company and Illegal Alien Arrested on Federal Complaint Alleging He Embezzled $7 Million from His Employer

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: SANTA ANA, California – A former executive at a Newport Beach company that specializes in the purchase of classic cars – who also happens to be an illegal alien from Mexico – was arrested today on a federal complaint alleging he embezzled approximately $7 million from his employer. Alexander G. Ramos, 62, of Newport Beach, is charged with wire fraud, a felony that carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. A federal magistrate judge ordered Ramos jailed without bond and scheduled an arraignment for June 30. According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Ramos was employed at the victim company since 2017 until his termination in September 2024 in the company’s Risk Management Department. Through his positions, he knew his employer’s loans and held relationships with title agents or other partners nationwide. He also oversaw requests by the company’s Title and Risk Department to its Accounting Department for payment to title agents, sometimes submitting the requests himself. Ramos allegedly caused checks to be issued from the victim company to certain parties, including a Las Vegas DMV services business. The checks were supposed to cover expenses for tax, titling, and licensing associated with car purchases. However, Ramos purposely caused his employer to send too much money to the outside entities. He then directed those entities on how to dispose of the extra money, including by sending the funds to bank accounts that he controlled. A law enforcement review of financial records revealed that approximately $7 million in checks and wires were deposited into Ramos-controlled bank accounts from the outside entities in the car industry. The origin of some of the funds deposited into Ramos’s bank accounts showed the checks and wires were made out to the victim company and were intended as refunds to that company’s clients who had overpaid for vehicle registration fees. Instead of being returned directly to the Ramos’s employer, Ramos allegedly moved the funds to other accounts he controlled for his personal use, including buying a home in Irvine. The illegal transfers date back to at least January 2020, according to the complaint. Ramos is an illegal alien from Mexico who was removed from the United States in 2017 but later returned. A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court. The FBI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Fu of the Orange County Office is prosecuting this case.


title: Guatemalan man pleads guilty, sentenced for illegal re-entry

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Isaias Fernando Diego-Lucas, 40, a citizen of Guatemala, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to illegal re-entry. Diego-Lucas was sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sasha Mascarenhas, who handled the case, stated that Diego-Lucas is an alien without any legal status in the United States. In February 2012, he was physically removed from the United States. On February 24, 2025, Diego-Lucas was found in Chautauqua County. He was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by Department of Homeland Security agents. Diego-Lucas presented a Guatemalan Identification Consular card. 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 plea and sentencing are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and Immigration, Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, under the direction of Acting Field Office Director Steven Kurzdorfer, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. # # # #


title: Saratoga County Man Arrested and Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Eric Mosier, age 37, of Galway, New York, made an initial appearance yesterday on a criminal complaint charging him with the sexual exploitation of a child. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo Field Office, made the announcement. According to the complaint, between on or about March 1, 2025 and May 17, 2025, Mosier used a 4-year-old child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating child sexual abuse material. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “We are thankful for the quick response of the New York State Police and HSI, which led to the defendant’s arrest. As U.S. Attorney I will continue to do everything I can to keep our children safe from sexual predators and pedophiles.” HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan stated: “Through his alleged crimes, the defendant subjected this four-year-old victim to unimaginable exploitation and trauma. Our children deserve the right to be children, free from the awareness of the darkness that exists in our society. HSI Albany commits to working with our state and federal partners in our pursuit for justice on behalf of this victim.” Mosier initially appeared yesterday afternoon before United States Magistrate Daniel J. Stewart and was ordered detained pending trial. If convicted, he faces at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a supervised release term of at least 5 years and up to life. Mosier may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim of his offense and forfeit the device used in the offense. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. If convicted, Mosier would also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. HSI is investigating this case with assistance from the New York State Police and its Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph Hartunian and Allen J. Vickey are prosecuting this case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood is led by United States Attorney’s offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and is designed to marshal federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Cayuga County Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Possessing Child Pornography

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Andrew Wilbur, age 25, was sentenced today to 12 years’ incarceration for possessing child pornography. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. As a part of his prior guilty plea, Wilbur, who previously served a state sentence for a 2019 child pornography conviction in Cayuga County Court, admitted that between January and May of 2024 he possessed child pornography images and videos depicting children as young as 4 years old being sexually abused. Wilbur admitted that he maintained these files in both an online social communication platform, and on his cellular telephone. In addition to the 12-year sentence, Wilbur was ordered to serve 15 years of supervised release following his term of incarceration, and to forfeit the cellular telephone he used to commit the offense. In addition, Wilbur will be required to continue to register as a sex offender. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “This arrest continues to demonstrate my office’s close cooperation with our state and local partners to prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law, especially those who repeatedly victimize children.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli said, “This sentence sends a clear message that our office will use every resource available to bring individuals who repeatedly victimize innocent children to justice. We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities from these dangerous predators.” The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated this case, which was initiated by the New York State Police, and the Cayuga County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York, prosecuted the case. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Montgomery Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison Following Federal Firearm Charge

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: MONTGOMERY, AL – On May 22, 2025, 29-year-old Corey Jarrod Wortham of Montgomery, Alabama, received a sentenced of 84 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson. Following his prison term, Wortham will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, on November 24, 2024, law enforcement in Montgomery responded to a report of a sexual assault, in which the caller identified Corey Wortham as a potential suspect. Upon arrival, officers spotted Wortham in a vehicle, but he fled the scene and successfully evaded capture. Before losing sight of Wortham, officers observed what appeared to be an AR-style pistol in his possession. The firearm was later recovered. Then, on December 18, 2024, agents with the Montgomery Area Crime Suppression (MACS) detail spotted a vehicle matching the description of the one used in the earlier incident. When agents attempted a traffic stop, the driver of the car initially refused to pull over. Law enforcement ultimately had to block his vehicle to prevent another escape. Inside the vehicle, agents found Wortham and a handgun. Due to prior felony convictions, Wortham is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. He pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on January 23, 2025. The investigation was conducted by members of the MACS detail, which includes the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montgomery Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joel Feil prosecuted the case.


title: Selma Felon Sentenced to Eight Years for Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Selma man was sentenced today to 96 months in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. According to court documents, Marquavius Benjamin, 25, was sentenced today for possession of a Glock handgun. On October 4, 2024, a Selma Police Department officer responded to a call at Creekside Apartments, Selma, Alabama in reference to a stolen vehicle. While speaking with the victim, the officer heard a commotion around the corner and walked towards his marked police vehicle to observe. As the officer approached his vehicle several shots were fired close by, he observed a black male fire multiple shots with a handgun and the officer immediately called for backup. The officer’s body camera shows Benjamin approaching him unprompted as the officer calls for backup. Benjamin walked up and the officer attempted to take him into custody. Benjamin handed over a Glock, semi-automatic pistol to the officer but resisted efforts to be taken into custody and stated, “you’d better call for backup” and walked off. After Benjamin made an aggressive move, the officer immediately deployed his Taser and Benjamin was taken into custody. The officer ran Benjamin’s information and learned that he was a convicted felon, and that the Glock in his possession, a Glock, Model 43, 9mm semi-automatic pistol, had been reported stolen through the Selma Police Department. A Special Agent of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives examined the pistol and determined that it was manufactured outside the state of Alabama and that it had been reported as stolen. The agent further determined that Benjamin had prior felony convictions in Dallas county of Robbery in the First Degree in 2018, Felony Murder and Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle in 2024, and Escape in the Third Degree in 2024. “Together with our partners in law enforcement in Selma and Dallas County, we will continue our mission to bring to justice those who illegally possess guns,” said Sean P. Costello, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama. “Our communities are safer today thanks to the dedicated men and women in law enforcement helping to remove criminals from our streets.” The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), Selma Police Department, and ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew D. Arrington prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.


title: Agendia, Inc., Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center, PLLC, And Knoxville Dermatopathology Laboratory, LLC Agree To Settle False Claims Act Allegations For More Than $3,750,000

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Agendia, Inc., a global molecular diagnostics company that offers genomic testing designed to profile certain types of breast cancer, including a lab test called MammaPrint, agreed to settle allegations under the False Claims Act (FCA) that the company submitted deceptive claims for reimbursement for MammaPrint genomic tests to government health care benefit programs. Under the terms of the settlement, Agendia will pay at least $3,250,000 and potentially additional sums if the privately held Company is sold. In separate settlements, Knoxville Comprehensive Breast Center (KCBC) and Knoxville Dermatopathology Laboratory (KDL) agreed to resolve related FCA allegations for $322,500 and $207,500, respectively. According to filed documents, it was alleged that from August 1, 2019, through September 30, 2022, Agendia knowingly submitted false claims for MammaPrint testing to Medicare, Medicaid, and other government payors. The United States contended that the MammaPrint claims were false because Agendia caused physicians and providers (referring providers) to order MammaPrint testing that was not reasonable or medically necessary through standing or automatic orders. The government also maintained that certain claims submitted by Agendia were deceptive because they were tainted by the payment of illegal remuneration to referring providers who ordered the tests - including extravagant dinners, excessive or improper honoraria, gift cards, and payments per referral or monthly flat rate payment arrangements. The settlements also resolve allegations that KCBC and KDL, working together, knowingly participated in Agendia’s scheme to obtain referrals for MammaPrint that were not reasonable and necessary and/or were induced by illegal compensation provided by Agendia. “The Medicare and Medicaid programs deliver coverage for vital medical and diagnostic testing to beneficiaries and recipients,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee. “False claims submitted to these programs for costly genomic testing that was not reasonable and medically necessary and inducing referrals through improper payments made to referring providers are not victimless offenses. The settlement in this case demonstrates that the United States Attorney’s Office and federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, are using all tools available to redress fraud and abuse and preserve scarce financial resources for legitimate and necessary medical care.” "Violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute related to laboratory testing waste valuable federal health care program funds and undermine the integrity of medical decision-making," said Special Agent in Charge Kelly J. Blackmon of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "Participants in federal health care programs must comply with laws designed to protect program funds and ensure patients receive appropriate, high-quality care." “Wrongful billing for unnecessary medical testing undermines the integrity of the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, generating costs for the government but no benefit to patients,” said Special Agent in Charge Derek M. Holt of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General. “We applaud the tireless work of our investigative staff and partners at the Department of Justice, holding accountable those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of the taxpayers.” The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam , or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act by two relators, Dr. Raymond Brig and Mr. Lance Albertson, in two separate cases. Under the whistleblower provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and may receive a portion of any recovery. The two qui tam cases are captioned U.S. ex rel. Raymond Brig, M.D. v. Agendia, Inc. et al. , Case No. 3:21-CV-286 (E.D. Tenn.) and U.S. ex rel. Lance Albertson v. Agendia, Inc. , Case No. 3:23-CV-289 (E.D. Tenn.). The relators will receive $296,725 of the proceeds from the settlement and may eventually receive as much as $921,725. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of Tennessee, with assistance from OPM-OIG, HHS-OIG, and the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Office of the Inspector General (TVA-OIG). The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan G. McGonigal and Alexa Ortiz Hadley for the Eastern District of Tennessee. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. ###


title: Eight Indicted in Transnational Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A federal indictment returned in U.S. District Court in Providence, RI, charges eight individuals for their roles in orchestrating and executing an elaborate transnational fraud and money laundering scheme targeting elderly citizens in the United States and Canada, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. A defendant was taken into custody this morning in New York. He is expected to appear later today in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Charging documents allege the following: To date, law enforcement has identified approximately 300 individuals in at least 37 states, including several in Rhode Island, who have been defrauded. At this time, victims are estimated to have suffered known losses exceeding $5 million. However, investigators have identified a bank account through which approximately $16 million in additional suspected fraud funds appear to have been laundered. To carry out the scheme, members of the conspiracy sent pop-up messages to seniors’ computers, often styled to appear as if they were originating from a well-known technology company. The messages contained various false claims, including that the victims’ financial accounts had been compromised, that their computers had been hacked, or that the victims had been identified as the target of a criminal investigation. The pop-up message contained information that directed victims to call a “live agent,” who informed the victims that their financial assets were at risk or could be garnished, but that they, the agent, could assist in protecting their assets. During a series of calls, victims were connected with other persons who falsely claimed to be “representatives” of the victim’s financial institutions and/or government agencies, including the Federal Trade Commission and Federal Reserve Bank. Those “representatives” were, in fact, members of the conspiracy. During these calls, some victims were instructed that, in order to protect their assets, they should initiate a transfer of their funds from their accounts via wire transfers and cryptocurrency transfers to accounts controlled by agencies the scammers purportedly represented. Other victims were told to withdraw their funds in cash and purchase gold bars and turn them over to a purported government courier who would come to their home for transfer to a secure government location. Still others were told to simply turn the cash over to a courier for safe keeping by the government. The indictment charges Nanjun Song 27, of Brooklyn, NY, a Chinese national who has allegedly overstayed a B2 visa, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The defendant is detained in federal custody in Rhode Island. Jirui Liu, 23, of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, a citizen of China and Canada, whose U.S. visa has expired, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The defendant is detained in federal custody in Rhode Island. Xiang Li, 37, of Flushing, NY, a Chinese national and lawful permanent U.S. resident, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The defendant was detained in New York and is being transferred to Rhode Island. Xuehai Sun, 37, of Flushing NY, a Chinese national and lawful permanent U.S. resident, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The defendant was arrested today in New York and is expected to appear tomorrow in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Fangzheng Wang, 24, of Westborough, MA, a Chinese national, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The defendant is detained in federal custody in Rhode Island. Cynthia Jia Sun, 25, of Houston, TX, a naturalized United States citizen born in China, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The defendant is in federal custody in Houston and is awaiting transfer to Rhode Island. Zhenyang Xin, 25, of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, a Chinese national, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. An arrest warrant has been issued for the defendant. Wing Kit Ho, 22, of Markham, Ontario, Canada, a Canadian citizen born in Hong Kong, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. An arrest warrant has been issued for the defendant. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise M. Barton. The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Providence and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, as part of the Rhode Island Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), a multi-agency task force focused on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. This HSTF investigation is led by HSI Providence, with assistance from the Narragansett Police Department, East Providence Police Department, New York Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and agents from HSI New England, HSI New York, HSI Houston, and HSI Los Angeles. Acting United States Attorney Bloom thanks the United States Attorney’s Offices in the Eastern District of New York and Southern District of Texas for their assistance following the apprehension of defendants arrested in their districts. 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). ### indictment.pdf


title: NY Man Charged With Using Sham Blockchain Venture To Defraud Investors

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging JEREMY JORDAN-JONES, the self-styled “founder” of a purported technology company, with wire fraud, securities fraud, making false statements to a bank, and aggravated identity theft. JORDAN-JONES was arrested today and is expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian. “As alleged, Jordan-Jones, capitalizing on the publicity around blockchain technology, perpetrated a brazen scheme to defraud investors,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “He touted his company as a groundbreaking blockchain startup, backed by high-profile partnerships. In reality, Jordan-Jones’s company was a sham, and investors’ funds were siphoned off to bankroll his lavish lifestyle. This should be an example to would be financial fraudsters that the women and men of the Southern District and the FBI are watching and to the investing public that fraudsters often use the promise of new technology to cloak their schemes.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Jeremy Jordan-Jones allegedly defrauded investors of more than one million dollars through misrepresentations of his purported company's capabilities, partnerships, and investment intentions. Jordan-Jones's alleged blatant lies funded his personal lifestyle at the expense of unknowing victims. The FBI is committed to apprehending any individual who employs deceitful tactics and illusionary business models to steal from trusted investors.” As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court: [1] From at least in or about January 2021 through at least in or about November 2022, JORDAN-JONES engaged in a scheme to defraud investors in Amalgam Capital Ventures (“Amalgam”), a technology startup that purported to offer point-of-sale systems and blockchain-based payment and security solutions. JORDAN-JONES misrepresented that Amalgam had developed functioning software products, falsely claimed that it had lucrative high-profile partnerships with major-league sports teams and prominent payment-processing platforms, and made misleading statements about Amalgam’s financial condition. In perpetrating his fraudulent scheme, JORDAN-JONES submitted falsified financial documents to a bank. He also falsely represented to investors that their money would be used for listing a proprietary cryptocurrency coin on global cryptocurrency exchanges, as well as for hardware, software, and other expenses associated with the Amalgam’s operations. All the while, JORDAN-JONES well knew that Amalgam had no operable products, few—if any—customers, and zero legitimate business partnerships. Based on his materially false and fraudulent representations, JORDAN-JONES obtained over $1 million from investors and lenders, much of which he used for his personal benefit. Ultimately, Amalgam ceased operations, and investors and lenders suffered significant financial losses. * * * JORDAN-JONES is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of false statements to a financial institution, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which has filed a parallel civil action. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marguerite B. Colson is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. us_v._jordan-jones_25_cr_232.pdf [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact descried therein should be treated as an allegation.


title: Mexican National Indicted for Allegedly Attempting to Smuggle Over 1100 Pounds of Meth into the U.S. Through Eagle Pass

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A federal grand jury in Del Rio returned an indictment charging a Mexican national with four counts related to methamphetamine trafficking. According to court documents, Veronica Sanchez-Pineda, 46, of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, approached the Eagle Pass Port of Entry in a pickup truck on April 20, allegedly giving Customs and Border Protection officers a negative declaration for contraband including narcotics. A secondary inspection allegedly resulted in the discovery of a crystal-like substance inside an auxiliary tank in the bed of the truck. The liquid was extracted and resulted in a positive test result for the properties of methamphetamine, a criminal complaint alleges. The total approximate weight of the alleged narcotic was 521.03 kg. The criminal complaint also alleges that Sanchez-Pineda consented to a search of her cell phone, which contained a text message about a “job” in Eagle Pass as well as screenshots of money transfers between the defendant and another individual. Sanchez-Pineda allegedly admitted to being involved in illegal activity regarding the contents of the auxiliary tank and that she was being compensated in Mexican Pesos. Sanchez-Pineda is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one count of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute; one count of conspiracy to import methamphetamine; and one count of importation of methamphetamine. She was arrested and made her initial court appearance April 24 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew H. Watters of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. If convicted, Sanchez-Pineda faces 10 years to life in prison and up to a $10 million fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Warsame Galaydh is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Dover Man Pleads Guilty for Stalking Three Women for Multiple Years

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Dover man plead guilty yesterday in federal court for stalking three women he was in romantic relationships with by using anonymous phone numbers and email accounts to create a fictious stalker, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces. Jason Subirana, age 48, pleaded guilty in federal court in Concord to three counts of Stalking. U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for August 27, 2025. According to the charging documents and statements made in court, between November 2016 - December 2021, the defendant stalked three women he was in romantic relationships with. He used more than 50 anonymous phone numbers, provided by TextNow, and anonymous email accounts to send over 650 harassing messages to the three victims from a fictious stalker. He attempted to manipulate his victims, catch them in lies, and cause emotional distress. For example, he sent one victim a text message that read: “How can you b*tch to everyone about your birthday? You should be grateful he’s put up with all your lies and shit for so long. Stop trying to make him look like a bad guy, he’s the best thing you have and lucky he hasn’t put you to the curb like the trash bag that you are. Own your shit and stop lying to everyone. You want more? Be honest to EVERYONE around you. Stop thinking you are smarter than everyone.” In addition to sending harassing communications to the victims, the defendant also sent himself harassing messages from the fictious stalker using anonymous accounts. For example, the defendant texted himself from an anonymous TextNow number, “Do you really think you're the only one she's banging? You really should get yourself tested. Put something in the mail for you keep an eye out for it.” On February 10, 2021, the defendant texted himself from an anonymous TextNow number, “How many times do you think she’s going to take it this afternoon before coming to give you sloppy seconds?" The defendant also collected compromising information about the victims and then sent the compromising information to himself under the guise that he received it from “the stalker”. For example, the defendant gained access to Victim 2's email account and forwarded himself an email exchange from 2015 where Victim 2 mentioned a potential romance with an acquaintance of hers. The defendant orchestrated a series of email forwards through anonymous accounts before making its way back to Victim 2. This email controversy led to Victim 2 admitting to the defendant a prior romantic relationship with that acquaintance, with the defendant responding, “You're only telling me this now because of the email you got. What else are you hiding from me?” and "What wlse [sic] is out there? Has this all been based on lies???” The defendant actively distanced himself from “the stalker” by accusing innocent individuals of being his victim’s “stalker.” For example, the defendant sent numerous harassing messages to a male colleague of Victim 3. Between April 22, 2018, and August 15, 2018, the defendant sent 52 harassing text messages to the victim’s colleague from at least five anonymous TextNow numbers. The defendant also sent the victim’s colleague numerous explicit photos of a woman's body that resembled Victim 3 but was not in fact Victim 3. When Victim 3 described this to the defendant in messages, he then sent himself multiple messages from “the stalker,” including two of the explicit photos that he had sent to the victim’s colleague and suggested to Victim 3 that her colleague was in fact her stalker. The charging statute provides for a sentence of a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Assistant U.S Attorney John Kennedy is prosecuting the case. ###