title: Orange County Judge Agrees to Plead Guilty to Knowingly Paying Convicted Doctor to Work on Workers’ Comp Cases Despite Suspension

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: SANTA ANA, California – An Orange County Superior Court judge was federally charged today with defrauding California’s workers’ compensation program. Israel Claustro, 50, was charged via information with one count of mail fraud, a crime that carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Claustro signed a plea agreement – also filed in court today – in which he agreed to plead guilty to the felony charge. Claustro is expected to make his initial appearance on January 12 in United States District Court in Santa Ana. Claustro has agreed to resign from his position as a judge. “Judge Claustro violated the law for his personal financial benefit,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “We will not hesitate to prosecute anyone – judges included – who defraud public benefits intended to help those in need.” According to the plea agreement, Claustro – who was an Orange County prosecutor at the time of the fraud – operated Liberty Medical Group Inc., a Rancho Cucamonga-based medical corporation, despite being neither a physician nor a medical professional as required under California law. One of Liberty’s employees was Dr. Kevin Tien Do, 60, of Pasadena, a physician who had served a one-year federal prison sentence after being convicted in 2003 of felony health care fraud. Because of this conviction, in October 2018, Do was suspended from participating in the California’s workers’ compensation program. Claustro was aware of Do’s prior criminal conviction and suspension from California’s workers’ compensation program. According to the plea agreement, Claustro admitted that he defrauded California’s Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF), a special fund administered by California’s workers’ compensation program to provide additional compensation to injured workers who already had a disability or impairment at the time of a subsequent injury. Specifically, Claustro paid Do more than $300,000 for preparing medical evaluations, medical record reviews, and med-legal reports after Do’s suspension. Claustro caused Liberty to mail these reports to California’s SIBTF, concealing that they were prepared by Do by listing other doctors’ names on the billing forms and reports. Based on these fraudulent submitted reports, Liberty received hundreds of thousands of dollars from SIBTF. The loss amount from Claustro’s participation in this scheme is approximately $38,670 – the amount SIBTF paid to Liberty based on reports Claustro knew Do had drafted after his suspension from SIBTF. In connection with this scheme, Do pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and one count of subscribing to a false tax return. Do is expected to be sentenced in the coming months. The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the California Department of Insurance are investigating this matter. Former Special Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Orrick of the Orange County Office prosecuted this case.


title: Two Healthcare Executives Convicted for Exploiting Elderly Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries in $34 Million Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A Miami federal jury convicted two healthcare executives on Dec. 22, 2025 for their roles in a scheme that resulted in the submission of approximately $34 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare Advantage plans for medically unnecessary durable medical equipment, including back, knee, shoulder, and ankle braces. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michael Kochen, 42, and Sandro Herek, 56, targeted Medicare Advantage beneficiaries through deceptive telemarketing practices, pressuring elderly individuals to accept medical equipment they did not need — and in some cases, did not want. Over the course of the scheme, more than $17 million was paid by Medicare Advantage plans on fraudulent claims. “This case was simple at its core,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “The defendants exploited trust and age, using pressure tactics and fake medical justifications to push unnecessary equipment onto elderly patients who deserved better. The jury saw through it. This verdict sends a clear message that schemes targeting seniors and abusing our healthcare system will be met with accountability and real consequences.” Kochen owned dozens of companies that sold durable medical equipment supplies, such as braces. Herek oversaw and directed overseas call centers, including in Egypt and other foreign jurisdictions, which aggressively cold called Medicare beneficiaries without prior requests for services. Call-center representatives repeatedly contacted beneficiaries — often after initial refusals — and used high pressure tactics to induce them to accept braces regardless of medical necessity. Marketing scripts falsely suggested that the braces would be provided at no cost to the beneficiaries. Evidence further showed that physicians frequently issued standardized or boilerplate medical authorizations for braces based solely on call recordings rather than individualized medical evaluations. In many instances, doctors did not speak with beneficiaries at all. When calls did occur, they were often brief, lasted only minutes, and did not include a meaningful assessment of medical necessity. Kochen paid kickbacks to telemedicine companies to obtain prescription orders for braces for Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, which were then used to submit claims for unnecessary equipment. Kochen was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care and wire fraud, six counts of health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and three counts of payment of health care kickbacks. Herek was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care and wire fraud, one count of health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks, and three counts of receiving health care kickbacks. Kochen and Herek each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy to commit health care and wire fraud conviction, 10 years for each health care fraud conviction, five years for the kickback conspiracy conviction, and 10 years for each substantive kickback-related conviction. The sentencing hearing in this case is scheduled for Mar. 25. A federal district court judge will determine sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones; Acting Special Agent in Charge Ricardo M. Carcas of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, (HHS-OIG), Miami Regional Office; and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. HHS-OIG Miami and FBI Miami are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roger Cruz, David Turken and Robert F. Moore are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra Demici is handling asset forfeiture. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 24-cr-20078. ###


title: Bronx Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison In Connection With The Shooting Of An Innocent Bystander

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that KEANO SAHUSILAWANI, a/k/a/ “Chino,” a/k/a “Bhino,” a/k/a “Bhino Shots,” was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for illegally possessing ammunition in connection with a June 12, 2024, shooting during which SAHUSILAWANI and an accomplice fired multiple shots on a residential street in the Bronx, New York, striking and injuring an innocent bystander. SAHUSILAWANI previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who imposed yesterday’s sentence. “On June 12, 2024, Keano Sahusilawani and his accomplices fired several shots in an attempt to kill an intended target who was riding a bicycle down the street,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Instead, they struck an innocent bystander and caused others to run in fear for their lives. New Yorkers want gun-toting criminals off our streets, and the women and men of our Office are committed to delivering that.” According to the allegations in the Complaint, court filings, and statements made in court proceedings: On the evening of June 12, 2024, three individuals emerged from an SUV parked along Morris Avenue in the Bronx, just north of 151st Street. The three individuals—SAHUSILAWANI, who was unmasked and wearing a gray sweater; a second individual, who was masked up and wearing all black clothes (“Shooter-2”); and a third individual, who wore a black hoodie and light-colored pants (“CC-1”)—walked towards 151st Street. A few minutes later, the three individuals turned north onto Courtlandt, with SAHUSILAWANI and CC-1 walking up one sidewalk of Courtlandt and Shooter-2 walking up the opposite sidewalk. Coming from the opposite direction was someone riding a bicycle in the middle of Courtlandt Avenue (the “Intended Target”). As the Intended Target got closer, SAHUSILAWANI pulled out a gun and quickly fired off multiple shots aimed at the Intended Target. As SAHUSILAWANI finished shooting, Shooter-2 fired off one or more shots. The Intended Target stumbled off his bike and was able to sprint away seemingly uninjured. However, an innocent bystander was grazed by a bullet that broke the skin on the back of his right leg. SAHUSILAWANI was not permitted to possess ammunition because of prior felony convictions for multiple gunpoint robberies, a knifepoint robbery, and criminal possession of a firearm. At the time of the shooting, SAHUSILAWANI was also on parole for his state convictions. * * * In addition to the prison term, SAHUSILAWANI, 25, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, and thanked the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their assistance with the investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Ly is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Possession

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. – A citizen of Honduras, living illegally in the United States after having been previously removed from the country on at least two occasions, was sentenced yesterday to time served, or approximately six months in prison for once again illegally reentering the country without authorization and for illegally possessing a firearm as an alien illegally in the United States Brayan Sanchez-Varela, pled guilty in December 2025 to one count of possessing a firearm as an alien illegally and unlawfully present in the United States and one count of reentering the United States after having been previously deported. According to court documents, in July 2025, Sanchez-Varela was arrested by officials in Radford, Virginia after he was observed shooting a firearm into the New River. At the time, Sanchez-Varela, and others, were illegally spearfishing. Radford officials contacted immigration authorities who determined Sanchez-Varela was first encountered by immigration authorities in May 2011. At that time, he was ordered removed from the United States. That removal took place in June 2011. However, Sanchez-Varela returned to the U.S. at an unknown time and immigration officials again encountered him in September 2016. He was once against ordered removed to Honduras via airplane. The second removal took place in September 2016. At an unknown point following his second removal, and prior to his December 2025 arrest, Sanchez-Varela returned to the United States, illegally and without authorization. The case was investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources’ Law Enforcement Division, and the Radford Police Department. Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Coleman Adams, and Special Assistant United States Attorney John Beamer, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, prosecuted the case for the United States.


title: Fitness Club Operator Pays More Than $2 Million to Resolve PPP Loan Allegations

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that IFH Holdings Group, Inc., doing business as IGNITE Fitness Holdings, formerly known as ECP-PF Holdings Group, Inc. (“IGNITE”), has paid $2,067,726.03 to settle allegations that it applied for and received a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan that it was not eligible for. IGNITE owns and operates more than 130 Planet Fitness locations in the United States and Canada, and has its principal place of business in Milford, Connecticut. Congress created the PPP in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The PPP was administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and was intended to support small businesses struggling to pay employees and other expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. When applying for PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify that they were eligible for the requested loans and that the information they provided was true and accurate. In December 2020, Congress approved funding for a second round of forgivable PPP loans, which became available to borrowers beginning in January 2021. This “second-draw” loan program included additional eligibility requirements. One of the eligibility requirements for receiving a second-draw PPP loan was that the entity could have no more than 300 employees, with certain limited exceptions. The second draw PPP loan application required the applicant to certify, among other things, that it had fewer than 300 employees. In February 2021, IGNITE applied for a second-draw PPP loan for $2,000,000, certifying that it was eligible for a “per-location” exception to the employee-count size standard. However, this exception did not apply to IGNITE. After receiving this PPP loan, IGNITE sought and received forgiveness of the total loan amount of $2,007,726.03, including $2,000,000 in principal and $7,726.03 in interest. The government alleges that IGNITE was not eligible for the PPP loan it received and had forgiven because it had more than 300 employees and no exception to the employee-count size standard applied to IGNITE. This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kaczmarek, with assistance from SBA’s Office of General Counsel. Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Tomball man sentenced for possession of sexually explicit videos and images of children

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 53-year-old Houston-area resident has been ordered to federal prison for possession of child sexual abuse material, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Sean M. Doran pleaded guilty April 24, 2025. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt sentenced Doran to 60 months in federal prison Jan. 6. At the hearing, the court heard additional information detailing how Doran possessed over 500 images on seven devices. Some of the images portrayed sadomasochistic conduct and bestiality with minors younger than the age of three. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Doran’s conduct contributed to trauma the victims suffered. Doran was further ordered to pay $55,000 in restitution to the victims and will serve 10 years on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous conditions designed to restrict his access to both children and the internet. Doran will also be ordered to register as a sex offender for the remainder of his life. On July 29, 2020, law enforcement discovered an online user, later identified as Doran, sharing multiple files containing CSAM in a public Kik chat room. The videos and images depicted children under the age of 12 in various sexual acts with adults, animals and other victims. Authorities obtained a search warrant for Doran’s residence and seized his electronic devices. Forensic analysis resulted in the discovery of 62 images and seven videos of CSAM. Doran will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ekua Assabill prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page .


title: Helena man sentenced to 15 years in prison for illegal firearm possession

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

body_text: GREAT FALLS – A Helena man who possessed a firearm illegally was sentenced today to 180 months in prison to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Chaz Dean Cox, 29, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged in court documents that in April 2019, Chaz Dean Cox was convicted of multiple felony counts of burglary and drug possession in Lewis and Clark County. Because of his convictions, the defendant was prohibited from owning, possessing, transferring or controlling any firearm or ammunition. On March 31, 2024, law enforcement officers were on patrol in Helena and saw Cox and his co-defendant accessing the interior of a vehicle. Cox was taken into custody based on active arrest warrants. Officers seized the involved vehicle based on plain view observations related to suspected drug possession. On April 1, 2024, law enforcement obtained and executed a search warrant on the vehicle. Items seized from the vehicle included a loaded 7.62x25mm caliber pistol. In a law enforcement interview, Cox denied possessing the firearm. His co-defendant was interviewed and admitted concocting a lie with Cox about who possessed the gun to prevent Cox from getting into trouble. The co-defendant was not responsible for getting the gun, and it belonged to Cox. The first time the co-defendant saw the gun was the night before Cox was arrested and Cox was worried about getting caught with the gun. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The ATF, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Helena Police Department, and State of Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation. XXX


title: New Jersey Man Sentenced for Promoting Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: CAMDEN — A New Jersey man was sentenced yesterday to 14 years in prison and 15 years of supervised release for promoting child sexual abuse material on the dark web. According to court documents, between Oct. 18, 2020, and Jan. 20, 2023, Declan Golden, 39, of Middletown Township, New Jersey, accessed and engaged with a website on the Tor network known to encourage its users to post and trade child sexual abuse material. While on this website, Golden created numerous posts related to voyeurism and the sexual exploitation of children while encouraging other users to share images with him. Golden also posted links for users to access images of children engaging in sexually explicit conduct and statements about using a spycam on girls in the shower and on the toilet. A search of his devices revealed many videos and image files of child sexual abuse material, including depictions of prepubescent children engaged in sexual acts. In an interview with law enforcement, Golden admitted to viewing child sexual abuse material beginning in 2014. Golden pleaded guilty in May 2025 to the charge of promoting material containing child pornography involving a prepubescent minor in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello for the Criminal and Special Prosecutions Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy of the FBI Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force made the announcement. This case was investigated by the FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit (CEOU). The Department also thanks the Middletown Police Department for its assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Fell for the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorney Anglica Carrasco of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section are prosecuting 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 CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Stabbing of a Tourist in November 2024 Yields Prison Term for D.C. Man

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Maurice Felder, 54, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 54 months in prison for charges related to stabbing a man who was visiting D.C. on November 10, 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Felder was found guilty by a Superior Court jury on October 15 th , on one count each of assault with significant bodily injury while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a prohibited weapon. On January 6, 2026, the Honorable Todd Edelman sentenced Felder to a combined total of 54 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. According to the government’s evidence, at about 1:00 a.m., on November 10, 2024, as the victim and his friends were walking near the intersection of 7 th Street N.W. and T Street N.W. , while visiting Washington, D.C. for a weekend from Pennsylvania, Felder followed the group down the sidewalk and began arguing with them. The victim got in between Felder and other members of his friend group, telling the defendant to leave. The defendant then asked the victim, “do you want to die,” pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim in his chest, leaving him with a stab wound two centimeters from his heart, which required urgent medical care. Felder was arrested the same day, within a block from the location of incident, and has been in custody since his arrest. Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Valerie Tsesarenko and Randle Wilson, who prosecuted the case.


title: Guatemalan National with Negligent Homicide Conviction Sentenced for Illegally Reentering U.S., Attempting to Engage in Sex with Minor

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that RAFAEL VINCENTE VINCENTE, also known as “Rafael Vicente Vicente,” “Vincente Carlos Vincente,” “Carlos Vincente,” “Carlos Vicente,” “Rafael A Vincente,” and “Rafael A Vicente,” 41, a citizen of Guatemala last residing in New London, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment for illegally reentering the U.S. after being deported, and attempting to engage in sex with a minor. According to court documents and statements made in court, in October 2004, Vincente, who has never held legal immigration status in the U.S., was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court of negligent homicide and evading responsibility for a motor vehicle accident resulting in death, and was sentenced to a 10-year term of incarceration, suspended after 13 months. In July 2005, he was deported to Guatemala. Vincente subsequently reentered the U.S. and, on June 7, 2024, was arrested by Groton Town Police after he was caught in an undercover law enforcement operation in which he responded to an advertisement on Skip the Games, a website commonly used to advertise commercial sexual activity, and traveled to a hotel in Groton to meet a 15-year-old girl for sex. Vincente has been detained since his federal arrest on November 21, 2024. On September 4, 2025, he pleaded guilty to illegal reentry, and admitted that he attempted to entice, patronize, or solicit a minor in violation of federal law. This matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Gordon. U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of New London for its cooperation in the prosecution of this case.


title: Colorado Man Convicted of Trafficking Fentanyl, Illegally Possessing Firearms

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Denver man was convicted by a federal trial jury of trafficking fentanyl and illegally possessing firearms. Jason S. Thompson, 50, was found guilty of one count each of possessing fentanyl with the intent to distribute, possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms. In the early morning hours of Aug. 30, 2024, officers with the Nixa, Mo., Police Department contacted Thompson, who was camping in a minivan in the parking lot of the Nixa Walmart. Thompson initially provided officers with a false name and date of birth. When officers attempted to arrest him, Thompson fled on foot but was quickly apprehended. Once Thompson gave officers his actual name and identifying information, they learned that he had a federal probation and parole warrant for his arrest. Officers searched Thompson and found a small bag of cocaine and more than $1,000 in cash. Officers also located two loaded firearms, drug paraphernalia, and a large plastic bag containing nearly 140 grams of fentanyl pills in the minivan. Thompson has an extensive criminal history that includes prior felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, felon in possession of a firearm, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and theft. Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., deliberated for about two hours before returning guilty verdicts yesterday to U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough, ending a trial that began Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. Under federal statutes, Thompson faces a sentence of 15 years to life in federal prison, without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron A. Beaver, James J. Kelleher, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Lucas. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Nixa, Mo., Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Project Safe Neighborhoods This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: McCreery Aviation finance director sentenced in $1.2 million mail fraud scheme

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 57-year-old Mission resident has been ordered to federal prison after diverting company funds to pay for her personal expenses, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei. Elizabeth Batten pleaded guilty July 9, 2025. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Batten to serve 25 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $1.2 million in restitution. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Batten used company funds to pay her personal debt. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Batten abused a position of trust for her own benefit. Batten was the director of financing at McCreery Aviation in the Rio Grande Valley from 2019 to 2023. Batten worked for the company for 16 years. As part of the plea, she admitted that during her tenure, she diverted company funds to pay for her personal expenses. Batten used signed blank company checks intended for legitimate business purposes to settle her personal credit card accounts. She also used the U.S. Postal Service to conceal her behavior and actions by mailing her fraudulent payments to multiple credit card companies in different states. The investigation began after a McCreery Aviation employee noticed irregularities in the handling of company checks in late 2023. Ultimately, it revealed Batten had fraudulently diverted a total of $1.2 million as part of her scheme. She was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.


title: Two Rio Grande Valley men sentenced for roles in fentanyl trafficking operation

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – Two Rio Grande Valley men have been ordered to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. James Queen, 41, McAllen, and Angel Valdez, 36, Alton, pleaded guilty Sept. 4 and Oct. 28, 2025, respectively. U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now imposed a 60-month term of imprisonment for Queen, and Valdez received 27 months. Both must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Tipton noted the dangers of fentanyl and its use in the community. The investigation began in May 2025 when law enforcement discovered Valdez was selling fentanyl in the McAllen area. Over the next two months, authorities determined Queen supplied Valdez with fentanyl. As part of an undercover operation, law enforcement purchased more than 50 grams of fentanyl directly from Valdez. During the investigation, authorities learned Valdez routinely met Queen at his residence to obtain the drugs. On June 23, 2025, authorities executed a search warrant at Queen’s residence and seized an additional 15 baggies of fentanyl weighing more than 50 grams. They also discovered multiple firearms, a bulletproof vest, a large amount of currency and a money counter. Queen later confessed that he distributed user-level amounts of fentanyl to approximately 30 repeat customers. Valdez and Queen have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia prosecuted the case.


title: Registered Sex Offender Sentenced To 30 Years For Transporting And Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material And AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced James Matthew Oxley (53, Polk City) to 30 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for transporting child sexual abuse material. Oxley was also sentenced to 20 years, to run concurrently with the 30-year sentence, for possession of child sexual abuse material and possession of obscene visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The court also ordered Oxley to forfeit a cellphone used in the commission of the offense, pay $18,000 in restitution to victims, and register as a sex offender. Oxley pleaded guilty in September 2025. According to court documents, on December 17, 2024, Oxley left the Tampa seaport onboard a cruise ship. The ship traveled to two destinations in Mexico before returning to Tampa. On December 22, 2024, upon disembarking in Tampa, all individuals aboard the ship went through U.S. Customs. Oxley was referred for a secondary inspection. During the secondary inspection, agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection discovered suspected child sex abuse material on Oxley’s cellphone. The agents observed images and videos involving the sexual abuse of minors, including children under 12 years of age. Oxley also possessed AI-generated images that appeared to depict minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Oxley is a registered sex offender who was previously convicted in 2012 of three counts of possessing images showing the sexual performance by a child, in violation of Florida state laws. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.


title: Key Bank Agrees to Pay $7.7 Million to Resolve Branch Manager’s Fraud

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – KeyBank National Association (“Key Bank), headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, has entered into a settlement agreement with the United States resolving allegations that the bank violated the False Claims Act by submitting for forgiveness fraudulent loans from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which one of its branch managers had fraudulently conspired to obtain, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced today. “The Paycheck Protection Program was designed to support small businesses during the pandemic, not to enrich insiders. This resolution holds KeyBank accountable for submitting forgiveness claims it had compelling evidence were fraudulent, makes taxpayers whole, and reinforces our Office’s commitment to holding both individuals and institutions responsible for fraud.” - Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello According to the contentions of the United States contained in the settlement agreement: Congress created the PPP in March 2020, as part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to provide emergency financial support to the millions of Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized billions of dollars in forgivable loans to small businesses struggling to pay employees and other business expenses. Tommy Hawkins was a bank manager at the Conshohocken Branch of Key Bank. In 2020 and early 2021, he worked with his co-conspirators to recruit individuals who owned companies with little or no actual operations to open bank accounts and apply for PPP loans at the bank branch that Hawkins managed. Hawkins helped the recruited individuals submit PPP loan applications that contained materially false representations about the companies’ number of employees and payroll expenses. The applications also included false documentation, including tax forms. Hawkins facilitated approximately four dozen applications, for which the Small Business Association (“SBA”) paid nearly $6 million. Before Key Bank became aware of the scheme, Hawkins received incentive compensation through the bank related to opening new business bank accounts for the companies that received fraudulent PPP loans. In doing so, he violated Key Bank’s policies. In spring 2021, Key Bank detected suspicious patterns in Hawkins’ origination of new business accounts. After an internal investigation, Key Bank disclosed to the SBA its concerns with eighteen loans Key identified as potentially fraudulent. Over the ensuing months, Key Bank’s investigations identified approximately a dozen additional loans that were likely fraudulent, and it disclosed those to the SBA. Key Bank did not investigate or otherwise detect fraud in the remaining seventeen loans to Fraudulent PPP Borrowers that Hawkins facilitated during that time. Notwithstanding its concerns with the loans, Key Bank submitted forgiveness applications or guaranty purchase forms to the SBA for all forty-eight loans. Because each individual loan was below $150,000, SBA granted that forgiveness on an expedited basis. Key Bank cooperated in the investigation of Hawkins’ misconduct, and the settlement reflects that cooperation. Key Bank has agreed to pay $7,770,595.25 to resolve claims under the civil False Claims Act and CARES Act. “Today’s settlement of $7.7 million holds Key Bank accountable for violating the False Claims Act. This settlement resolves allegations that the bank submitted fraudulent loan applications for forgiveness under the Paycheck Protection Program. The bank did so, despite having concerns about the origination of many of the loans,” said Special Agent in Charge Patricia Tarasca, of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG), New York Region. “The FDIC OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate fraud that occurred in the Paycheck Protection Program, and other instances of fraud that threaten to undermine the integrity of our Nation’s financial institutions.” In addition to civil settlement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division previously charged seven individuals as part of the criminal conspiracy. On May 28, 2024, Tommy Hawkins pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. In October 2024, Hawkins was sentenced to 65 months’ imprisonment. On July 5, 2023, William Ingram pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He has not yet been sentenced. On July 10, 2023, Yasha Barjona pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. He has not yet been sentenced. On July 17, 2024, Lisa Smith pleaded guilty to an Information charging her with conspiracy to commit bank fraud. She has not yet been sentenced. On May 23, 2024, Sieff Robert Sargeant pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with money laundering by transacting in criminal proceeds. On October 3, 2024, he was sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment and 6 months of home detention with location monitoring. On April 17, 2024, Eric Rivera was indicted on one count of bank fraud conspiracy, three counts of bank fraud, one count of wire fraud conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and eight counts of money laundering. Also on April 17, 2024, James Wessels was indicted on with one count of bank fraud conspiracy, three counts of bank fraud, and one count of money laundering conspiracy. The charges and allegations contained in the Indictment against Eric Rivera and James Wessels are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Senior Counsel Lamparello credited with the investigation special agents of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of the Inspector General, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Patricia Tarasca; special agents of the FBI’s South Jersey Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs in Philadelphia; special agents of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Boston-New York Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Corwin Rattler; and special agents and attorneys of the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Supervisory Criminal Investigator Angelo Palmeri in New York. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul W. Kaufman of the Health Care Fraud and Opioid Enforcement Unit. The government is represented in the parallel criminal investigation by former Assistant United States Attorney Daniel A. Friedman and Attorney-in-Charge Jason M. Richardson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden. 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 Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . 26-003 ### Counsel for Key Bank: Justin Herdman, Adam Hollingsworth, and Brittany Wilhelm, Jones Day, Cleveland, OH keybank.agreement.pdf


title: Department of War Assigns 20 Military Lawyers to Serve as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys in Memphis

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, for the Western District of Tennessee, is pleased to announce the temporary assignment of twenty (20) military lawyers from the Department of War to serve as Special Assistant United States Attorneys (SAUSAs) to support the White House “Restoring Law and Order in Memphis” Presidential Action issued on September 15, 2025. The SAUSAs are Judge Advocates (JAGs) detailed from all four branches of the armed forces and will be assigned to prosecute federal cases referred by the Memphis Safe Task Force, which was established by Presidential Order with the objective to end street and violent crime in Memphis to the greatest possible extent through the promotion and facilitation of hypervigilant policing, aggressive prosecution, complex investigations, financial enforcement, and large-scale saturation of besieged neighborhoods. The JAG SAUSAs are deployed from states all over the country, and many have prior federal and state prosecutorial experience as well as litigation practice backgrounds. Members of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee provided foundational federal prosecution training, as well as district-specific rules and information for the SAUSAs at the Department of Justice National Advocacy Center in November. Thus far during the Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) operational period from October 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee has charged a total of 195 defendants, including 136 by criminal complaint and 141 by indictment. Our office has also reviewed, approved, and issued over 130 search warrants and has accepted 99.4% of the cases referred for federal prosecution through the Virtual Command Center (VCC) from the MSTF. Those numbers include a total of 14 defendants charged with Assaulting, Resisting, or Impeding Federal Law Enforcement Officers under 18 U.S.C. § 111. Other federal charges filed include: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), Unlawful Possession of a Machinegun under 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), Hobbs Act Robbery under 18 U.S.C. § 1951, Carjacking under 18 U.S.C. § 2119, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute under 21 U.S.C. § 841, Child Exploitation offenses under 18 U.S.C. § 2251, and Possession of a Firearm in furtherance of a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Crime under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). A comparison of cases indicted and defendants charged for the same period in 2024 and 2025 reveals the following: From October 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee filed a total of 35 indictments charging a total of 37 defendants. During the MSTF operational period thus far from October 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee has filed a total of 111 indictments charging a total of 141 defendants. This represents a 217.14% increase in cases indicted and a 281.08% increase in defendants charged. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Our office is committed to supporting the work of the MSTF by responsive and aggressive federal prosecution of cases involving offenders who pose a significant risk to public safety, to effectively punish, incapacitate, and deter criminal conduct and reduce violent crime. This coordination and personnel-sharing between the Department of Justice and the Department of War is unprecedented and comes at a time when federal prosecutorial resources are most needed due to increased court dockets caused by the outstanding work of the MSTF. I am thankful to the Armed Forces leadership for their commitment to bringing the skill and dedication of America’s service members to deliver justice, restore order, and protect the people of Memphis.” U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller, of the Western District of Tennessee, stated: "The Memphis Safe Task Force has created momentum in reducing violent crime, and the arrival of these Special Assistant United States Attorneys means progress made on the streets will continue in the courtroom. They will ensure prosecutions keep pace with the surge and justice is served, resulting in sustained positive change for Memphis." Pictured: JAG SAUSAs with members of the U.S. Attorney's Office and U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller for the Western District of Tennessee. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Georgia Man Sentenced to 200 Months in Prison for Crimes Involving Missouri Teen

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Wednesday sentenced a Georgia man who committed sex crimes with a 15-year-old Missouri girl to 200 months in prison. Carlan Travis Penney Jr., now 46, pleaded guilty in October to coercion and enticement of a minor and transportation of a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity. He admitted meeting the 15-year-old online and exchanging nude photos with her. Penney then rented a car, drove to Missouri and picked the girl up. Penney tried to destroy her laptop and phone to conceal his crime and brought the victim to Georgia, where he engaged in sexual activity with her. The teen’s family alerted the local sheriff’s office when she went missing, and the sheriff’s office enlisted the assistance of the FBI. FBI special agents learned that the teen had been in contact with Penney, and investigators rescued her from a home belonging to Penney’s family. After his release from prison, Penney will be on supervised release for life. “Carlan Penney Jr. attempted to conceal his identity and cover his tracks, including destroying and discarding the victim’s mobile devices. Still, the FBI found the victim’s location in Georgia within 24 hours,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “We want to thank again the Worth County and Crisp County Sheriff’s Offices for recovering the girl safely after Penney refused to comply with orders for more than half an hour.” The FBI’s St. Louis Division, FBI Atlanta’s Albany Resident Agency, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Worth County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office and the Crisp County (Georgia) Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Hayes is prosecuting 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 Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Georgia man sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for leading $90,000+ bank fraud, identity theft scheme in downstate Illinois

body_text: EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a Georgia man to 70 months in federal prison after he admitted to leading a check cashing conspiracy that involved stealing the identities and checks belonging to local business owners and defrauding financial institutions across central and southern Illinois. Traveon H. Reese, 31, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. Reese will serve the 70-month term of federal imprisonment following a 20-year term on similar state charges in Iowa. “This conspiracy victimized numerous hardworking people across central and southern Illinois by trying to cash bogus checks belonging to legitimate businesses at local financial institutions, leaving the banks on the hook and causing them financial harm when successful,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “This case required an extensive investigation, and I commend the work by the local police departments, the Illinois State Police and the FBI to bring the offenders to justice.” According to court documents, the conspiracy occurred on several occasions in southern Illinois from March through May 2023. Conspirators stole business checks from the mail, copied the account information and printed fraudulent checks using forged signatures of the local business owners. "Identity theft and bank fraud can financially decimate a business owner's life," said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. "ISP special agents will continue to work with our local and federal law enforcement partners to fully investigate these cases to help bring the perpetrators to justice." Reese and his conspirators then recruited individuals, often from local homeless shelters or bus terminals, to cash the fraudulent checks on their behalf. In total, members of the conspiracy attempted to cash 26 checks for an intended loss of at least $93,413.19. The actual loss suffered by the financial institutions was an estimated $46,842.47. The conspiracy targeted financial institutions across central and southern Illinois in Arthur, Champaign, Charleston, Collinsville, Effingham, Greenup, Marion, Marshall, Oblong, Olney, Royalton, Sigel, Teutopolis and Waterloo. Co-defendants charged in the conspiracy include: Brandon R. Cooperwood, 25, of Rex, Georgia, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment. DeMarcos M. Miller, 22, of Atlanta, Georgia, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment. T’ziah T. Thomas, 25, of Villa Rica, Georgia, pleaded guilty in July 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft and was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment. Joshua C. Pruitt, 25, of Rex, Georgia, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft and is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 26 at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis. The Illinois State Police led the investigation with support from the FBI Springfield Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Gross is prosecuting the case.


title: Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national in state custody at Souza-Baronowski Correction Center in Lancaster, Mass., pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Carlos Alexander Martinez-Jimenez, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Feb. 9, 2026. In December 2025 , Martinez-Jimenez, who is currently serving a state prison sentence, was indicted by a federal grand jury. In February 2017, Martinez-Jimenez was convicted of Furnishing a False Name or Social Security Number as well as Identity Fraud in Fall River District Court, for which he was sentenced to 134 days in state prison. He was subsequently removed from the United States in April 2017 after serving his sentence. On Jan. 31, 2024, Martinez-Jimenez was convicted of Trafficking 18 grams or more (Less Than 36 grams) of Heroin/Morphine/Opium/Fentanyl in Essex Superior Court. He was sentenced to three-and-a-half to five years in state prison and is currently serving that sentence. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meghan C. Cleary and Zachary Stendig of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Man Pleads Guilty to Destroying Rockford Restaurant by Arson

body_text: ROCKFORD — A Rockford man has pleaded guilty to maliciously destroying - by means of fire and explosive materials – the former "15th and Chris" restaurant in Rockford. JAMES PURIFOY, 51, admitted in plea agreement on Tuesday that he intentionally started a fire inside of his restaurant. Purifoy was still inside the restaurant when he started the fire and suffered burn injuries. To hide his involvement from the police, Purifoy left the premises before police and fire personnel arrived to put out the fire. Purifoy admitted to making false statements to the police during a traffic stop after the fire and to making false statements when he was interviewed at the hospital by investigating agents. Additionally, Purifoy admitted to filing a fraudulent insurance claim, from which he received $305,400. Purifoy faces a minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years. The sentence will be determined by the U.S. District Court in Rockford, guided by U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Sentencing is set for April 13, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The guilty plea was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge for ATF’s Chicago Field Division, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The Rockford Fire Department and the Rockford Police Department assisted in this investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S. Maveus.


title: St. Louis County Man Sentenced to 151 Months in Prison on Child Sex-Related Charges

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Tuesday sentenced a former paramedic / firefighter from St. Louis County to 151 months in prison on child sex-related charges. Judge Pitlyk also ordered David S. Becker, 70, to pay $17,000 to victims who have appeared in child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and ordered him to be placed on supervised release for life after his release from prison. In August, jurors in U.S. District Court in St. Louis found Becker guilty of one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of possession of child pornography. Trial evidence and testimony showed that Becker began corresponding with a person on a nudist website. That person claimed to be the mother of an 11-year-old girl in France. Becker and the person discussed having sex with each other and the child. He also sent her an image of child sexual abuse material in October of 2022. Becker bought plane tickets for France and obtained an extended-stay visa, planning to travel there in June of 2023, evidence and testimony showed. At the time, investigators were already working on a cyber tipline report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about someone uploading child sexual abuse material (CSAM). On May 22, 2023, investigators conducted a court-approved search of Becker’s home. Becker admitted planning the trip to France to meet the mother and her daughter. Investigators found CSAM on Becker’s electronic devices, as well as years of communications about Becker’s plans to sexually abuse the child, evidence and testimony showed. After the trial, additional electronic devices were discovered that showed Becker corresponding with someone else who claimed to be the mother of a young girl, according to court testimony. Judge Pitlyk told Becker near the end of Tuesday’s hearing that the evidence at trial showed both that he “fully intended” to sexually abuse a child in France and the danger he poses to the community. The St. Louis County Police Dept. Special Investigations Unit, the FBI and the Maryland Heights Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jillian Anderson and Michael Hayes are prosecuting 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 Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Detroit Resident Sentenced to Prison for Cocaine, Fentanyl, and Heroin Trafficking

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Detroit, Michigan, has been sentenced in federal court to 18 months in prison on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on Patrick Brown, 33, who previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of cocaine, and a quantity of heroin between August 2023 and August 2024, and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine on August 1, 2024. Judge Colville also ordered Brown to pay a $1,000 fine and to serve two years of supervised release following his prison term. Prior to sentencing, Judge Colville was informed that Brown was part of a conspiracy that was responsible for the distribution of large quantities of controlled substances in New Castle as well as in Detroit, Michigan. Brown primarily participated in the conspiracy by regularly selling fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine to customers, including moving from the Detroit area to work the conspiracy’s trap houses in New Castle. Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States. First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Lawrence County Drug Task Force, New Castle Police Department, Michigan State Police, Pennsylvania State Police, Mercer County Drug Task Force, United States Postal Inspection Service, Department of Homeland Security, and Douglas County (Nebraska) Sheriff’s Office for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution in this case. This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations that have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.


component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Dominican National Sentenced to 28 Months in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine in the New Hampshire Seacoast CONCORD – A citizen of the Dominican Republic, who previously lived in Massachusetts, was sentenced today in federal court for drug trafficking in New Hampshire, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Eddy Mendez Carmona, 44, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 28 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. Mendez Carmona previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute and one count of distributing controlled substances. Mendez Carmona will be removed from the United States upon the completion of his prison sentence. Charges are still pending against two of Mendez Carmona’s co-conspirators, Jose Luis Guerrero Nunez and Juan Carlos De Los Santos Romero. Two other co-conspirators, Carlos Alejandro Chevalier Santos and Luis Guerrero Cabral, have previously pleaded guilty and have been sentenced by the Court. “Fentanyl and methamphetamine are a scourge on our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “We will continue to pursue and hold accountable those individuals participating in drug trafficking organizations that affect the Granite State.” “DEA stands committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl off the streets of New Hampshire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Jarod Forget, New England Field Division. “Today’s sentence not only holds Mr. Mendez Carmona accountable for his crimes but serves as a warning to those traffickers who are contributing to the drug crisis in New England and America. This investigation demonstrates the strength of collaborative law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.” Mendez Carmona was part of a Methuen-based drug trafficking organization that was distributing significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Seacoast area. In late 2023, Mendez Carmona made at least three deliveries of controlled substances to undercover law enforcement officers. The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. The Seabrook Police Department, Hampton Police Department, Portsmouth Police Department, Methuen Police Department, and the New Hampshire State Police provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Former Richmond City Employees Federal Credit Union CEO Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Bank Fraud

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Daniel Johnson, 37, of Centerville, Indiana, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to two counts of bank fraud. Johnson must also pay $285,855.66 in restitution. According to court documents, Johnson served as Chief Executive Officer and Manager of Richmond City Employees Federal Credit Union (“Credit Union”). In this role, he held significant authority over the underwriting and processing of member loans. While Credit Union officials are permitted to apply for loans, such applications must be reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors. On August 5, 2021, and September 16, 2021, Johnson submitted two fraudulent applications for secured loans, each valued at $150,000, claiming the funds were intended for the purchase of recreational vehicles. In reality, Johnson had no intention of purchasing the vehicles. To conceal his scheme, Johnson falsely represented that the Board of Directors had approved the loans, when in fact no such approval had been granted. After obtaining the funds, Johnson used a portion to pay off previously secured loans totaling approximately $65,697.98, thereby eliminating the Credit Union’s security interest. He then diverted the remaining proceeds to pay personal debts, including student loans, and to purchase a home. In the September 2021 application, Johnson further violated Credit Union policy by forging his then-wife’s signature, making it appear as though she had requested the second loan. Through this scheme, Johnson obtained what were effectively unsecured loans totaling approximately $300,000. As a result, the Credit Union suffered losses estimated at $285,855.66. “As the Chief Executive Officer, Johnson was tasked with protecting money earned by hardworking public servants for the City of Richmond. Instead, Johnson chose to abuse this trust and line his own pockets through dishonesty,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “His actions not only violated the law but also undermined the integrity of the institution he was entrusted to serve. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold accountable those who exploit positions of authority for personal gain.” “Credit union members rely on their leaders to safeguard their finances - not misuse them for personal gain,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “This sentence demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to pursuing those who exploit financial institutions through fraudulent schemes.” The FBI investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young. U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Eakman and Kyle M. Sawa, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: Pittsburgh Investment Manager Pleads Guilty to $3.7 Million Wire Fraud

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of wire fraud, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Thomas Pipich Jr., 74, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, between May of 2017 and August of 2023, Pipich transferred more than $3.7 million from the bank account of a fund for which he managed investments to another client’s account in order to backfill investment losses. Pipich told the victim fund’s members a series of lies about the transfers, including that the funds were part of a secured loan when in fact there was no collateralized loan. Pipich paid himself and his wife more than $800,000 from the funds. Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for May 12, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or twice Pipich’s gain from the offense, whichever is greater, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney William Guappone is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Pipich.


title: Dominican National Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Reentry

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation. Yonelin Manuel Baez Soto, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to one year and one day in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release. In May 2025, Baez Soto pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Baez Soto was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025. In November 2020, Baez Soto was removed from the United States after being convicted of a felony narcotics offense in Essex Superior Court. Additionally, prior to his removal, Baez Soto was also convicted of multiple counts of misuse of a Social Security number and aggravated identity theft in U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Sometime after his November 2020 removal, Baez Soto illegally reentered the United States without permission. Also in May 2025, Baez Soto was indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, and other offenses. That case is currently pending in federal court in Boston. Baez Soto is subject to deportation upon completion of all imposed sentences. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cutshall of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Florida Man Sentenced To 30 Years For Interstate Travel To Engage In Sexual Conduct With Minor

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On January 7, 2026, Jeffrey Lee Robertson, 35, of Jacksonville, Florida and Indianapolis, Indiana was sentenced to 360 months by the Honorable Thomas A. Varlan, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. Following his imprisonment, Robertson will be on supervised release for life and will be required to register with state sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions. As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Robertson agreed to plead guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of interstate travel for the purpose of engaging in illicit sexual conduct, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2423(b); one count of enticement of a minor under the age of 18 to engage in illegal sexual activity, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b); and one count of tampering with a victim to destroy evidence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(b)(2). Investigators with the Homeland Security Investigations-Internet Crimes Against Children (HSI-ICAC) Task Force and local law enforcement investigated a report of child sexual abuse and determined that from December 2023 to February 2024, Robertson, along with co-defendant and wife, Kasey Lynn Skaggs, travelled across state lines on three different occasions into the EDTN to have sex with a 14-year-old female. On the victim’s phone, investigators located text and social media messages between the two defendants enticing and talking to the minor about illicit sexual acts they would together. Investigators also found additional evidence that the two defendants instructed the victim to destroy their communications to avoid detection by law enforcement. Co-defendant Skaggs is set to be sentenced by District Judge Varlan on February 17, 2026, in the United States District Court at Knoxville. U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement. The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by HSI-ICAC, 9 th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and Lenoir City Police Department. This investigation was led by HSI-ICAC Task Force Officer Cortney Dugger. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Wildlife Trafficking

body_text: BOSTON – A Reading, Mass. man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to trafficking in wildlife parts from endangered and protected species. Adam Bied, 40, has pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to smuggle goods into the United States, specifically, illegally imported wildlife parts, and two counts of violating the Lacey Act, which prohibits trafficking in wildlife. The wildlife that Bied unlawfully imported and conspired to import was protected by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) as well as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). U.S. Senior District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV scheduled sentencing for April 2, 2026. Bied was charged by an Information in June 2024 . Beginning in least January 2018 and continuing until at least June 2021, Bied bought, sold and traded in wildlife parts and products from threatened and endangered species knowing that many of the transactions violated U.S. laws and regulations, including the ESA and the Lacey Act. Bied also knowingly failed to declare the wildlife to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) upon importation into the United States. Specifically, Bied placed orders with individuals in Cameroon and Indonesia who were in the businesses of killing and acquiring wildlife, including endangered and protected species. Bied purchased the wildlife parts from two individuals, received the parts in the United States unlawfully, and then resold or traded the wildlife to customers in the United States. Bied neither sought nor obtained the necessary USFWS import/export licenses or CITES permits before importing these items, nor did he declare the wildlife to the USFWS upon import as required. Instead, Bied and his co-conspirators took steps to conceal the wildlife parts from U.S. authorities by falsely labeling them as “decorative masks” and “rodents,” among other things. Bied unlawfully imported skulls from the following wildlife species, among others: baboon, chimpanzee, pangolin, orangutan and leopard. Bied also consented to the civil forfeiture of over 100 wildlife parts from endangered, threatened, or protected species seized by the USFWS in July 2021 from Bied’s residence, storage unit and vehicle. The wildlife parts identified in the civil forfeiture complaint include: Orangutan skulls Tiger skulls Leopard skin, skulls and a claw Jaguar skin and skull African lion skulls Polar bear skull Narwhal tusk Otter skeleton Harp seal skull Pangolin skull South American fur seal skull Elephant seal skull Babirusa skulls Mandrillus skulls Wallaby skull Jackal skull Federal wildlife statutes and regulations prohibit international and illegal trade in vulnerable wildlife species. The ESA, the Lacey Act and CITES, as well as the accompanying regulations, prohibit the import, export, possession, transport, purchase and sale of protected species. The restrictions apply to live and dead wildlife specimens, as well as the skins, parts and products made in whole or in part from listed species. Additional documents are also required for wildlife protected by the CITES treaty, which regulates trade in endangered or threatened species through permit requirements. The lawful importation of vulnerable wildlife species requires a CITES permit. The lawful importation of any foreign species requires a USFWS wildlife declaration. Individuals are also required to have a USFWS import/export license to import wildlife for commercial purposes. The charges of conspiracy as well as the charges under the Lacey Act each provide for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Preston Fant, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement made the announcement. This case was worked jointly with the United States Marshals Service and the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Casey and Carol E. Head are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol E. Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit is prosecuting the civil forfeiture case.


title: Lynn Man Sentenced for Drug Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A Lynn man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston in connection with an investigation into drug conspiracy. Meliek Bennett, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy to three years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In August 2025, Meliek Bennett pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He was arrested and charged in May 2025 along with his brother Maurice Bennett. Maurice Bennett was identified as a member of the Bloods street gang in Lynn with prior convictions for carrying firearms and other violent crimes. During the investigation, numerous text messages between Maurice and his brother Meliek were intercepted, wherein they coordinated the distribution of drugs including cocaine, prescription medication, counterfeit pills and marijuana. The brothers discussed sharing drug customers, sharing drug supplies, paying Meliek Bennett’s drug debts and making a trip to New Hampshire to sell controlled substances together. In September 2024, during a recorded conversation, Meliek Bennett described intending to use a silenced pistol to shoot up the residence of a drug supplier and potentially murdering the drug supplier to whom he owed a drug debt – after the supplier had beaten up Meliek Bennett. Shortly thereafter, a search warrant was executed at Meliek Bennett’s residence in Lynn, where fentanyl tablets, oxycodone, gabapentin and marijuana, as well as a .22 caliber pistol with a threaded barrel and ammunition were discovered. On Nov. 3, 2025, Maurice Bennett was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty in August 2025. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Boston made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lynn Police and Massachusetts Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Bronx Woman Sentenced In Nationwide Sweepstakes Fraud Scheme Targeting The Elderly

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that RICKI RICKALINE GIBBS was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas to 51 months in prison for perpetrating a multi-year scheme to defraud elderly victims across the United States, which resulted in losses of over $1.6 million to more than 20 victims. GIBBS pled guilty in September 2025 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud. “Fraudsters who prey on our most vulnerable must be brought to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Today’s sentence reinforces that message.” According to the Superseding Indictment and statements made in public filings and in public court proceedings: From at least 2019 through at least 2023, GIBBS and others engaged in a fraud scheme perpetrated against elderly victims (the “Elder Fraud Scheme”), through which GIBBS and her co-conspirators defrauded more than 20 elderly victims of more than $1.6 million. Victims of the Elder Fraud Scheme typically received an unsolicited phone call or text from an individual using a common name—e.g., “Robert James,” “Robert Hill,” or “Mark Miller”—claiming they had won a life-changing amount of money and a luxury car, but needed to pay taxes or fees to addresses and accounts specified by the caller before receiving the prize. The caller then remained in contact with the victims and, after the victims made their initial payments as directed, informed the victims that additional payments were required to receive their purported winnings. In particular, victims were instructed to send money by mailing checks, money orders, Vanilla Visa gift cards, and cash concealed in books, as well as by wire and Zelle transfer, to addresses and accounts identified by the caller. After luring in victims with the sweepstakes lie, the perpetrators of the Elder Fraud Scheme also used romance scam tactics to induce victims to continue making payments. Of the more than $1.6 million lost by victims of the Elder Fraud Scheme, at least $1,379,402 went to Gibbs, or accounts belonging to or controlled by Gibbs. Gibbs, a dual citizen of Jamaica and the United States, participated in the scheme from both New York and Jamaica, alongside co-conspirators based in Jamaica. Gibbs used proceeds obtained from victims to, among other things, fund a clothing business she started called “Fairy’s Crown” and make numerous purchases of luxury items. After her arrest, Gibbs twice met with federal law enforcement officers and falsely denied participating in the Elder Fraud Scheme and claimed to be a victim of the scheme. For example, on each occasion, Gibbs falsely told law enforcement officers that she had received calls from men named “Simon” and “Peter” saying that she had won an $8.5 million prize and that she was given instructions to pay taxes required to receive the money. Gibbs also falsely stated that she believed the money she had received from actual victims of the Elder Fraud Scheme was money from “sponsors” who were helping her pay taxes to obtain her sweepstakes prize. * * * In addition to the prison term, GIBBS, 31, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture of $1,018,703, and restitution of $1,379,402. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Division. Mr. Clayton also thanked the New York Field Office of U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their assistance in the investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Levander and Margaret Vasu are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Possession of Child Pornography Lands Warr Acres Man in Federal Prison for a Decade

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – BRENDON SHEA COOPER , 38, of Warr Acres, has been sentenced to serve 120 months in federal prison for possession of and access with intent to view material containing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. During the summer of 2024, public records reflect the FBI investigated an Internet Protocol (IP) address suspected of making available child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to others through a file-sharing website. Investigators traced the IP address to a Warr Acres residence and ultimately to a cellular phone owned by Cooper, on which law enforcement located files depicting CSAM. On October 15, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Cooper with possession of and access with intent to view material containing child pornography. Cooper pleaded guilty on June 12, 2025, and admitted that he possessed CSAM, including images depicting prepubescent children, on his cellular phone. At a sentencing hearing on January 6, 2026, U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin sentenced Cooper to serve 10 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, Judge Goodwin noted the seriousness of the offense and the need to deter Cooper from future crimes. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office with assistance from the Warr Acres Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession Following Shooting

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – KEANO DENZELL THREATS , 26, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 57 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public record, on March 29, 2023, Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) officers responded to an apartment on a reported assault. At the residence, OCPD spoke with a victim who reported that Threats had pointed a firearm at him, threatened him, and fired the weapon near his head. Threats was taken into custody, and officers recovered a firearm from the apartment. On May 3, 2023, a federal grand jury charged Threats with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Threats pleaded guilty on July 15, 2025, and admitted that he possessed a firearm despite his felony conviction. Federal law prohibits felons from possessing firearms or ammunition. At a sentencing hearing on January 6, 2026, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Threats to serve 57 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the need to protect the public from further crimes of Threats and his history and characteristics. Public record reflects that Threats has previous felony convictions in Oklahoma County District Court, including convictions for assault and battery on a juvenile affairs officer in case number CF-2017-3225, and domestic abuse by strangulation and domestic abuse in the presence of a child in case number CF-2019-4220. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and OCPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation 922 and Operation Shots Fired, the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Operation 922 prioritizes prosecution of federal firearms violations connected to domestic violence. Operation Shots Fired targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, including drive-by shootings or shots fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit justice.gov/psn. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Cocaine trafficker who distributed millions of dollars of illegal drugs sentenced to federal prison

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA - Maurice Lynch has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for his role in a nationwide cocaine trafficking conspiracy, during which he sold approximately two million dollars’ worth of cocaine from a Fairburn, Georgia residence. “Lynch was part of a large network of cocaine traffickers that peddled millions of dollars of deadly drugs from a metro-Atlanta residence,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Our office will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to hold dangerous drug dealers accountable.” “This case demonstrates how illegal drug and firearms possession can create a serious public safety threat,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “DEA will continue working alongside our federal, state, and local partners to identify and dismantle drug operations that endanger our communities.” “Let the word get out that if you spread poison in our community there is no way you can run and hide from the U.S. Marshal’s service,” said U.S. Marshal Thomas E. Brown. “We will hunt and find you, there is no rock large enough to conceal your whereabout from us.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Lynch participated in a conspiracy that distributed cocaine from stash houses located across the United States, including in the Northern District of Georgia; Baltimore, Maryland; Buffalo, New York; Charlotte, North Carolina; Chicago, Illinois; and northern New Jersey. Lynch operated one of the organization’s stash houses in Fairburn, Georgia. From there, Lynch distributed 86 kilograms of cocaine, worth approximately two million dollars, during the summer of 2022. On July 18, 2022, Lynch departed the Fairburn stash house in a ride-share vehicle, carrying two bags. When a Georgia State Patrol trooper attempted to stop the vehicle, Lynch fled on foot, tossing the two bags into nearby trees. He was quickly apprehended, and troopers found two kilograms of cocaine inside the bags. Law enforcement subsequently searched the Fairburn stash house and found two firearms under a couch, over $100,000 in cash, and a drug ledger. Maurice Lynch, 50, of Tacoma, Washington, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. Lynch was convicted of conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute on September 25, 2025, after he pleaded guilty. Lynch was charged with eight other defendants, four of whom have pleaded guilty: Tyronne Johnson, Jr., 49, of Queens, New York, pled guilty to possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute on August 20, 2025. He was sentenced to six years, six months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release on November 19, 2025. Elisa Johnson, 35, of Kirkland, Washington, pled guilty to conspiring to maintain a premise to distribute a controlled substance on August 20, 2025. She was sentenced to two years, six months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release on November 21, 2025. Jovan Jackson, Sr., 49, of Snellville, Georgia, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and conspiracy to commit money laundering on July 23, 2025. Jackson’s sentencing is set for February 16, 2026. Dominique Gwinn, 29, of Atlanta, Georgia, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute and conspiracy to commit money laundering on August 6, 2025. Gwinn’s sentencing is set for March 2, 2026. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew R. LaGrone, Sandra E. Strippoli, Elizabeth M. Hathaway, and Nicholas L. Evert, and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua May and Norman L. Barnett, prosecuted the case. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Marshals Service, with valuable assistance provided by the Georgia State Patrol. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood. This prosecution is also part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Atlanta Wilhelm HSTF comprises agents and officers from ATF, CGIS, DEA, FBI, ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, DSS, USMS, USPIS, and USSS, as well as numerous state and local agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Nelson County Woman Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Children

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Nelson County woman was sentenced on January 5, 2026, for two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of distribution of child pornography. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville made the announcement. Kathlen Flener, 27, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a term of 30 years of supervised release, for two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of distribution of child pornography. The Court ordered Flener to pay $6,000 in restitution, $3,000 to each victim. Flener used an online social media application to distribute two sexually explicit images of the minor victims to an adult male living in Australia. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the Kentucky State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Yannelli prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” ###