title: Illegal Alien with Serious Criminal History Sentenced to over 19 Years in Prison for Conspiracy to Traffic Fentanyl and Methamphetamine in Fresno County

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Gilberto Arteaga, 43, of Michoacan, Mexico, illegally residing in Fresno, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to 19 years and five months in prison for his role in a fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, between Oct. 1, 2022, and July 16, 2023, Arteaga joined in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine in Fresno County. On July 15, 2023, a car that law enforcement agents believed Arteaga and his co-conspirators were using crossed from the United States into Mexico and then back, all in less than 12 hours. The car then traveled to a residence in Sanger. Law enforcement agents followed the car, stopped it along with a second car and searched both cars. Arteaga was the sole occupant of one car and two of his co-defendants were in the other car. One of the cars had about 30 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 6 pounds of fentanyl. Law enforcement agents searched Arteaga’s cellphone and found photographs of packages of methamphetamine as well as messages between Arteaga and his co-defendants with directions about unloading drugs out of the gas tank. Further evidence revealed that for at least seven months, Arteaga and his co-defendants had been smuggling drugs across the border in the gas tank of a car, traveling to a residence in Sanger, and then disassembling that car to remove the drugs for distribution. Arteaga pleaded guilty to the charge on May 19, 2025. He is the last defendant in this case to be sentenced. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fresno and Clovis Police Departments conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio 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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.


title: Bellevue, Washington tax preparer convicted of assisting in the creation of false tax returns

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 65-year-old Bellevue, Washington tax preparer was convicted last week of three counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false tax returns, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Thanjavur Manavalan, the owner and operator of Mano Accounting Services, was convicted following an eight-day jury trial. Jurors deliberated for about two days before reaching the guilty verdicts. U.S. District Judge Lauren King scheduled sentencing for July 15, 2026. According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, Manavalan falsified a variety of items on clients’ tax returns, including charitable contributions, proceeds and initial price (basis) of investments sold, business losses, rental income, and private loans. Manavalan’s tax preparation business attracted clients who worked in the tech field, many of whom were originally from India, and they testified that they trusted Manavalan to compute and file their taxes correctly. In closing argument, Assistant United States Attorney Carolyn Forstein told the jury that the items Manavalan added to the tax returns “were not typos, they were complete inventions… (For three clients) these businesses did not exist. Manavalan made up businesses with substantial losses in order to deduct the losses on tax returns.” Prosecutors noted that Manavalan’s tax prep business filed thousands of returns and grew substantially over the course of the fraud scheme. By saving his clients money on their taxes, Manavalan developed a reputation that helped build his business. That business growth meant he earned more money. “Taxes can be complicated, but Mr. Manavalan’s scheme was not. He simply lied, going out of his way to falsify his clients’ tax returns,” said Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “Mr. Manavalan tried to grow his business and increase his profits through fraud, but today’s guilty verdict puts an end to these schemes.” The trial detailed 12 different tax returns for tax years 2018-2020 with false and fraudulent information. The jury convicted on three of the twelve counts, acquitted on one count and was unable to reach a verdict on eight of the counts. The total tax loss to the U.S. Treasury from the 12 counts is estimated to exceed $420,000. Manavalan’s attorneys attempted to place the blame on the taxpayers who used Manavalan for their tax preparation, saying they were the ones who provided information to the tax preparer. Assistant United States Attorney David T. Martin countered that, if that were true, “Manavalan found an extremely dishonest group of clients.” The reality was that “Manavalan took a kernel of truth and made it into a lie on the tax return.” Manavalan has owned and operated Mano Accounting Services since 2004. Aiding and assisting with the preparation and presentation of a false tax return is punishable by up to three years in prison. The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David T. Martin and Carolyn Forstein.


title: Maryland Man Sentenced to More Than 13 Years for Drug Trafficking  and Unlawful Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – A Maryland man is headed to federal prison for more than a decade for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon and possessing drugs, some of which contained fentanyl. The Honorable Lydia Kay Griggsby sentenced Anthony McNair, 37, to 140 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition and possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute. McNair, who received a 210-month federal sentence in the District of Columbia for multiple counts of robbery last year, will serve his Maryland sentence consecutive to the District of Columbia sentence. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD). According to the guilty plea, on April 21, 2022, PGPD officers conducted a traffic stop on McNair’s vehicle for multiple traffic violations in Suitland, Maryland. Prior to the traffic stop, officers observed McNair as he continued driving his vehicle for an additional 18 seconds before coming to a complete stop. Based on training and experience, officers knew that the “slow roll” technique is a way for individuals to attempt to hide contraband before officers approach a vehicle. When officers approached, they smelled the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Then McNair provided the officers with a driver’s license that belonged to someone else. After McNair handed an officer three bags of marijuana, totaling 19.5 grams, officers directed him to exit the vehicle. In response, McNair began to rev the car engine in an apparent attempt to flee from the scene. The officers removed McNair from the vehicle and detained him. Law enforcement then recovered a firearm with nine rounds of .45 caliber ammunition from McNair’s vehicle. They also discovered approximately 43.4 grams of a white powdery substance in a clear glassine baggie; 26 blue pills; drug paraphernalia; a digital scale; and a box of sandwich baggies. This is McNair’s sixth felony conviction, and as a convicted felon, McNair is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. 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. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and PGPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Rosenthal and Patrick D. Kibbe, along with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanay Mitchell, who prosecuted the case. For more information on the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md . # # #


title: Amherst Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Possessing Enormous Child Pornography Collection

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – An Amherst, Mass. man has been sentenced in federal court in Springfield, Mass. for possessing more than 100,000 files of sexual abuse material (CSAM). The defendant possessed disturbing images of violent acts including a female being shot in the head, a cat in a blender and a dog being beaten to death. Daniel Tocci, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to four years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. The government recommended a sentence of 70 months in prison. In September 2025, Tocci pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography. During a search of Tocci’s Amherst residence in November 2023, it was revealed that Tocci possessed over 100,000 images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of minors. More than 100,000 CSAM files were found saved across five thumb drives and more than 10,000 CSAM files were found on Tocci’s laptop. Some CSAM files portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct or sexual exploitation of a toddler. Tocci’s laptop also contained extremely disturbing images of violent acts, such as a cat being killed by being put in a blender; a male shooting a female in the head; a dog being beaten to death; severed limbs; as well as images and videos of bestiality. Tocci’s devices also revealed Google searches related to child sexual abuse, such as “countries with legal prostitution under 18.” United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Amherst Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Tobin of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Former High School Wrestling Coach Sentenced for Sending Obscene Material to Minor

body_text: BOSTON – A Burlington, Mass. man was sentenced on March 26, 2026 for sending obscene material to an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old girl on Kik messenger. Stephen James Lemelin, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In December 2025 , Lemelin was convicted of three counts of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. Lemelin was arrested and charged in May 2024 and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2024. Over the course of five months, Lemelin –a Burlington High School wrestling coach at the time – sent sexually explicit messages and obscene material over Kik Messenger to an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old girl. In the messages, Lemelin sent three separate obscene photographs of his genitals to the purported child and proposed meeting in person for sex. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Customs and Border Protection and the Arlington, Boston, Brookline, Burlington, Salisbury and Winchester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David G. Tobin and Eric L. Hawkins prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Lynn Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges

body_text: BOSTON – A Lynn man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to drug trafficking and firearm offenses. Denys Gonzalez Hernandez, 33, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 28 grams or more of cocaine base and methamphetamine. The defendant also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for June 25, 2026. Hernandez was indicted in March 2025 , along with his alleged co-conspirator Lexus Perez. During a February 2025 search of Perez and Gonzalez Hernandez’s shared apartment in Lynn, it is alleged that two loaded firearms, 465 grams of fentanyl, 34 grams of cocaine base (commonly known as crack cocaine) and 21 grams of methamphetamine were seized. Following the search, Gonzalez Hernandez was located and taken into custody. During a search of his person, 16 baggies of cocaine and two baggies of fentanyl were found inside Gonzalez Hernandez’s sock. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 28 grams or more of cocaine base and methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime supervised release and a fine of $10 million. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking carries a sentence of at least five years consecutive to any other term of imprisonment. 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; Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; and Christopher P. Reddy, Chief of the Lynn Police Department made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Worcester Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Sexually Exploiting Minors

body_text: BOSTON – A Worcester man has been sentenced for sexually exploiting three minor females. Antonio Merced, 29, was sentenced on March 26, 2026 by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to 30 years in prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. This sentence will run consecutive to his state prison sentence. In July 2025 , Merced pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of possession of child pornography. In July 2024, Merced exposed two minor victims to pornography and sex toys. A subsequent investigation revealed that Merced had been sexually abusing three minors and producing videos of their sexual abuse. Documentation of the abuse occurring in 2023 of a six year old child, and videos created in 2024 of two other children being sexually abused by Merced were found during the investigation. At a plea hearing in July 2025, Merced admitted to using the three minors to create sexually explicit videos and to possessing hundreds of photos and videos of child sex abuse material of children unknown to him. Merced was arrested in September 2024 and was subsequently indicted in Worcester Superior Court. He was convicted of 10 counts of aggravated rape of a child and sentenced to 25-30 years in state prison. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Worcester Police Chief Paul B. Saucier made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of the Worcester Branch Office prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: South Carolina Businessman Who Operated Bowling Entertainment Business in Massachusetts Pleads Guilty to $1.2 Million COVID Relief Fraud

body_text: BOSTON – A South Carolina businessman has pleaded guilty in federal court in Worcester to COVID relief fraud. David Breen, 54, of Mount Pleasant, S.C., pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government property, for misappropriating COVID-19 funds for personal use. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for June 25, 2026. Breen spent more than $1.2 million in Economic Injury and Disaster Loan (EIDL) money that he obtained from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to build a home and purchase motor vehicles. Through the EIDL program, the SBA provided loans to small businesses that suffered substantial economic injury due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, in March 2022, Breen applied for EIDL funds on behalf of ‘Fun Zone,’ an entity through which he operated ‘Pinz,’ a bowling alley and other entertainment venue in Milford, Mass. To obtain the loan, Breen entered into a loan agreement with the SBA in which he agreed, among other things, to use the loan proceeds as working capital for his business. After receiving approximately $1.5 million from the SBA, Breen used more than $1.2 million of this money, through June 2023, to build a home for himself in Mount Pleasant, S.C., and for down payments on a $111,000 truck and a $98,289 Mercedes. The charge of theft of government property carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Massachusetts Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, Boston Region. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan D. O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus and https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus/combatingfraud . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form .


title: Akron Man to Spend More Than 10 Years in Prison for Trafficking Meth and Fentanyl While Out on Parole

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

body_text: CLEVELAND – A Summit County man has been sentenced to prison for trafficking controlled substances and for having a pistol in his possession while he was out on parole. Travon Robinson, 32, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced to 130 months (10.83 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker after pleading guilty in November of 2025 to the following charges: Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; Prior conviction of Trafficking in Heroin in 2016 Robinson was also ordered to serve four years of supervised release after imprisonment. Due to his previous drug convictions, he was designated as a career offender. According to court documents, in early 2022 investigators learned that Robinson was trafficking drugs while he was out on parole after serving prison time for a previous drug offense. A parole search of Robinson’s bedroom revealed a grocery bag containing 450 grams of methamphetamine. Investigators also seized several cellphones, cash, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and more than four grams of fentanyl. Robinson was also found to be in possession of a Beretta, 32 caliber pistol and ammunition. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Ohio Adult Parole Authority with assistance from the Akron Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin E. Bringman for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Treasurer for Maryland Candidate’s Political Campaigns Indicted on Embezzlement Charges

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland unsealed an indictment, charging a treasurer who works for several political candidates and organizations, in connection with an embezzlement scheme. James Appel, 58, of Annapolis, Maryland, is charged with wire fraud and money laundering. The indictment alleges that, in 2024, Appel stole approximately $100,000 from a Maryland State Delegate’s campaign accounts and embezzled an additional $100,000 from an Anne Arundel County community organization. It is further alleged that Appel reported the stolen funds as his own assets on a loan refinance application for his yacht. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office. According to the indictment, in May 2023, Appel transferred $100,000 from Politician 1’s Account A to Politician 1’s Account B, which was an account for which he was the sole designated representative. Then in April 2024, Appel contacted a bank about refinancing a loan on his Pacific Mariner 65 Motoryacht. The bank advised Appel that he needed to provide information about his assets, including the balances of his bank accounts. In May 2024, Appel transferred campaign funds from Politician 1’s Account B into his business account before eventually moving the money into his personal financial accounts. Specifically, on May 13, Appel transferred $40,000 from Politician 1’s Account B to his business account. Then, on May 13, Appel transferred $20,000 from his business account to one of his personal accounts and transferred another $40,000 from his business account to pay part of the outstanding balance from his line of credit. Additionally, on May 30, Appel transferred $60,000 from Politician 1’s Account B to his business account. On the same date, Appel then transferred $60,000 from his business account to his personal account. In total, Appel embezzled $100,000 from Politician 1’s campaign accounts. On June 5, Appel transferred $100,000 from the Anne Arundel community organization account to his business account. On the same day, Appel transferred that $100,000 from his business account to his personal account. Additionally, on June 5, Appel emailed the bank about a refinancing loan for the yacht. In the email, he wrote: “I will be able to pull [bank] statements dates 6/18 and 6/22 for our checking account and [money market account] and they will show balances of 70k and 100k.” Then in August 2024, Appel submitted false and fraudulent information about his assets to the bank. He also prepared, signed, and submitted a false and fraudulent campaign report to the Maryland Board of Elections. This report falsely inflated the total balance of Politician 1’s campaign accounts. Additionally, in January 2025 and January 2026, Appel prepared, signed, and submitted false and fraudulent campaign reports to the Maryland Board of Elections. These reports falsely inflated the total balance of Politician 1’s campaign accounts. In 2026, Appel also falsely and fraudulently represented the status and amount of Community Organization 1’s assets to its board members. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. If convicted, Appel faces a maximum of up to 20 years in federal prison for each wire-fraud count and up to 10 years in federal prison for each money laundering count. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the FBI for its work in the investigation and the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor for its valuable assistance. U.S. Attorney Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Wenner and Ari D. Evans who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud . # # #


title: Kenton County Man Sentenced for  Illegal Firearm Possession

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. – A Crescent Springs, Ky., man, Quenton Abell, 22, was sentenced on Monday to 60 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to his plea agreement, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Abell’s residence in Kenton County on August 25, 2025, after surveillance officers observed Abell outside his residence in possession of two firearms. During the search, law enforcement located two handguns and multiple magazines, including loaded extended magazines. Abell was aware at the time of the search that he had a prior felony conviction and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Messages on Abell’s phone indicated that he was involved in buying and selling controlled substances while in possession of the firearms. Abell was previously convicted in 2023 of Second Degree Assault and First Degree Wanton Endangerment in the Kenton County Circuit Court. Under federal law, Abell must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Scott Hardcorn, Director of the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Florida Pair Pleads Guilty to Filing Fraudulent Tax Returns

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Rossy Alberto, age 45, and Juan Nunez, age 38, both of Lakeland, Florida, pled guilty on March 27, 2026, before United States District Judge Julia K. Munley, to conspiring to defraud the United States, among other tax related crimes. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Alberto and Nunez operated a tax-preparing business, RA Multiservices and Immigration, in Hazleton, Pennsylvania, and between 2016 and 2021 they conspired to defraud the United States by preparing approximately 35 false or fraudulent tax returns on behalf of their unknowing clients. These false returns reported false tax withholding amounts, childcare expenses, residential energy credits, among other false items, causing the IRS to issue inflated tax refunds Alberto and Nunez’s clients were not entitled to receive. Additionally, Alberto and Nunez impeded and obstructed the functions of the IRS in that after the IRS expelled Alberto from the electronic filing program, Alberto continued to prepare and electronically file tax returns between 2016 and 2021 using Nunez’s name and electronic filing identification number. Alberto further pled guilty to two counts of tax evasion, for evading her personal taxes in years 2018 and 2020. Alberto also admitted that she was in contempt of court for continuing to prepare and file tax returns after she was permanently enjoined from doing so by a court order from a U.S. District Court Judge in 2020, including five false returns in 2021. “Tax return preparers have a duty to their clients to prepare tax returns that comply with the law and are accurate,” stated Yury Kruty, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Philadelphia Field Office. The matter was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service. Assistant United States Attorneys James Buchanan and Trial Attorney Likhitha Butchireddygari of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is five years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. ###


title: Arms Dealer Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export American-Made Ammunition Used in War Against Ukraine

component: National Security Division (NSD)

body_text: Today, Italian national Manfred Gruber pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit export control violations. Gruber illegally exported ammunition worth over $540,000 from the United States to Kyrgyzstan, via companies that the defendant and his co-conspirator controlled in Italy. After reaching Kyrgyzstan, most of this ammunition was subsequently reexported to Russia. Today’s proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Taryn A. Merkl for the Eastern District of New York. In January 2026, Sergei Zharnovnikov, a Kyrgyzstan-based co-conspirator of the defendant, was sentenced to 39 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to violating the Export Control Reform Act. “Gruber’s crimes helped sustain a bloody war that has claimed countless lives,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “NSD is committed to holding accountable those illegally funneling weapons and ammunition to Russia’s war machine.” “Manfred Gruber put many lives at risk by illegally supplying Russia with hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of American-made, military-grade ammunition to advance its war in Ukraine,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates the serious consequences of violating U.S. export controls and the FBI’s commitment to holding accountable those who illegally fuel our foreign adversaries’ war efforts. We will continue working with our partners across law enforcement and the private sector to safeguard our national security by keeping American-made military supplies out of the hands of hostile nation-states.” “The defendant used multiple companies to hide his scheme to send military‑grade ammunition to Kyrgyzstan, before it was reexported to Russia to support its war effort,” stated United States Attorney Joseph Nocella for the Eastern District of New York. “I commend our partners at the FBI and the Department of Commerce for uncovering this deadly scheme and swiftly bringing Gruber to justice.” “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates our commitment, in concert with our partners, to aggressively enforce America’s export control laws," said Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement David Peters. As set forth in court filings, Gruber is Director of Sales for Italian Company-1, a large wholesale distributor of firearms and ammunition. Gruber served as a key member of an international ammunition procurement network for Russia during its war against Ukraine, purchasing ammunition from the United States and reexporting it to Kyrgyzstan in violation of DOC licenses issued to Italian Company-1, which required that the ammunition stay in Italy. Gruber did not apply for, obtain, or possess a license to export or reexport ammunition to Kyrgyzstan. For example, U.S. Company-1, headquartered in Nebraska, had a license to lawfully export ammunition to Italian Company-1, but the ammunition could not be reexported out of Italy. In violation of the license, Gruber, using a cutout company, Italian Company‑2, reexported U.S. Company-1 ammunition to Zharnovnikov, an arms dealer from Kyrgyzstan who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate export controls by sending U.S.-made firearms and ammunition to Russia. A contract found on Zharnovnikov’s phone indicated that he had contracted with a Russian company for ammunition manufactured by U.S. Company-1. In addition, U.S. Company-2, headquartered in Tennessee, had a license to lawfully export ammunition to Italian Company‑1, but the ammunition could not be reexported out of Italy. Gruber exported the ammunition from U.S. Company-2 to Italy, and then reexported the U.S. Company-2 ammunition from Italy to Kyrgyzstan. Gruber was aware that U.S. law prohibited the reexport of U.S. ammunition without further licenses, which he did not obtain. To help the unlawful export scheme succeed, the defendant took steps to disguise the true destination of the ammunition. In encrypted messages on or about September 23, 2023, Gruber exchanged the following messages with an unapprehended co-conspirator: Co-Conspirator: Approximately 100,000 [U.S. Company-1 bullets] What delivery time do we have? *** Gruber: 🤣🤣🤣they give me an answer in a few days... you have to give them everything at once? I ask because of the possible destination.... They caught the Slovenian [U.S. Company-1] distributor who had triangulated with Russia... FBI International Co-Conspirator: No, this request is from an Armenian customer. We can even split up the shipment Gruber: I’d say that would be better, so it goes unnoticed. 😉 The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Ellen H. Sise, Tara B. McGrath, and Adam Amir for the Eastern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution, along with Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, with assistance from Litigation Analysts Rebecca Roth and Matthew Jennings.


title: Arms Dealer Pleads Guilty to Conspiring to Export American Made Ammunition Used in War Against Ukraine

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Italian national Manfred Gruber pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit export control violations. Gruber illegally exported ammunition worth over $540,000 from the United States to Kyrgyzstan, via companies that the defendant and his co-conspirator controlled in Italy. After reaching Kyrgyzstan, most of this ammunition was subsequently reexported to Russia. Today’s proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Taryn A. Merkl. In January 2026, Sergei Zharnovnikov, a Kyrgyzstan-based co-conspirator of the defendant, was sentenced to 39 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to violating the Export Control Reform Act. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and David Peters, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement, U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC), announced the charges. “The defendant used multiple companies to hide his scheme to send military‑grade ammunition to Kyrgyzstan, before it was reexported to Russia to support its war effort,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “I commend our partners at the FBI and the Department of Commerce for uncovering this deadly scheme and swiftly bringing the defendant to justice.” “Gruber’s crimes helped sustain a bloody war that has claimed countless lives,” stated Assistant Attorney General for National Security Eisenberg. “NSD is committed to holding accountable those illegally funneling weapons and ammunition to Russia’s war machine.” “Manfred Gruber facilitated an international network to unlawfully supply American-made ammunition to Russia during its war against Ukraine. Gruber exploited licensing caveats and ignored export restrictions to support an adversarial nation’s military campaign. The FBI continues to hold accountable any individual who utilizes U.S. companies or armaments to further a foreign country’s wartime agenda,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “Today’s guilty plea demonstrates our commitment, in concert with our partners, to aggressively enforce America’s export control laws," stated DOC Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement Peters. As set forth in court filings, Gruber is Director of Sales for Italian Company-1, a large wholesale distributor of firearms and ammunition. Gruber served as a key member of an international ammunition procurement network for Russia during its war against Ukraine, purchasing ammunition from the United States and reexporting it to Kyrgyzstan in violation of DOC licenses issued to Italian Company-1, which required that the ammunition stay in Italy. Gruber did not apply for, obtain, or possess a license to export or reexport ammunition to Kyrgyzstan. For example, U.S. Company-1, headquartered in Nebraska, had a license to lawfully export ammunition to Italian Company-1, but the ammunition could not be reexported out of Italy. In violation of the license, Gruber, using a cutout company, Italian Company‑2, reexported U.S. Company-1 ammunition to Zharnovnikov, an arms dealer from Kyrgyzstan who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate export controls by sending U.S.-made firearms and ammunition to Russia. A contract found on Zharnovnikov’s phone indicated that he had contracted with a Russian company for ammunition manufactured by U.S. Company-1. In addition, U.S. Company-2, headquartered in Tennessee, had a license to lawfully export ammunition to Italian Company‑1, but the ammunition could not be reexported out of Italy. Gruber exported the ammunition from U.S. Company-2 to Italy, and then reexported the U.S. Company-2 ammunition from Italy to Kyrgyzstan. Gruber was aware that U.S. law prohibited the reexport of U.S. ammunition without further licenses, which he did not obtain. To help the unlawful export scheme succeed, the defendant took steps to disguise the true destination of the ammunition. In encrypted messages on or about September 23, 2023, Gruber exchanged the following messages with a co-conspirator: Co-Conspirator: Approximately 100,000 [U.S. Company-1 bullets] What delivery time do we have? *** Gruber: 🤣🤣🤣they give me an answer in a few days... you have to give them everything at once? I ask because of the possible destination.... They caught the Slovenian [U.S. Company-1] distributor who had triangulated with Russia... FBI International Co-Conspirator: No, this request is from an Armenian customer. We can even split up the shipment Gruber: I’d say that would be better, so it goes unnoticed. 😉 The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Ellen H. Sise, Tara B. McGrath, and Adam Amir are in charge of the prosecution, along with Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, with assistance from Litigation Analysts Rebecca Roth and Matthew Jennings. The Defendant : MANFRED GRUBER Age: 61 Ora, Italy E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-61 (HG)


title: Pensacola Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison For Attempting To Kill an Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy

body_text: Pensacola, Florida – Darrion K. Finley, 22, of Pensacola, Florida, has been sentenced in federal court on charges related to a shooting incident in late 2024. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentencing. The Indictment charged Finley with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, attempting to kill an Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy to prevent certain communications, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case shows the deadly threats our brave men and women in law enforcement face every day as they fight to remove violent criminals from our communities. My office remains firmly committed to aggressively prosecuting those violent offenders, and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners in the fight to keep our streets safe. Let me be clear: anyone who threatens, shoots at, or in any way harms a law enforcement officer in the Northern District of Florida will face the full might of the Department of Justice.” Court documents reveal that on December 17, 2024, the defendant was driving in Pensacola in a stolen vehicle. When the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the defendant, he accelerated and law enforcement began its vehicle pursuit. One of the pursuing deputies executed a PIT maneuver to immobilize Finley’s vehicle, after which Finley fired a 9-millimeter pistol at the Deputy’s vehicle, striking the passenger side door of the patrol vehicle. As the Deputy and his K9 approached the defendant’s vehicle, Finley exited the car armed with the pistol, and began pointing it at the officer. The Deputy released his K9, which lunged at Finley and prevented him from firing the pistol, after which Finley attempted to flee on foot but was immobilized and detained. Upon recovering Finley’s handgun, it was discovered that a live round had lodged in the ejection port, indicating the defendant had tried to fire the weapon a second time at the Deputy but it malfunctioned. “Darrion Finley’s brazen attempt to murder one of our deputies during a routine traffic stop highlights the extreme dangers our officers face every single day,” said Escambia County Sheriff Simmons. “Thanks to the quick thinking and bravery of our deputy and his K9 partner, a dangerous felon is now off our streets for decades. We will continue working shoulder-to-shoulder with our federal partners to hold violent criminals accountable and keep Escambia County safe.” “Escambia County residents are better off with this violent man behind bars,” said Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Change Kirk Howard. “The suspect shot at law enforcement with complete disregard for the community and this sentencing sends a clear message that acts of violence against law enforcement and our community will not be tolerated.” The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Shooting at DEA Special Agent and Drug Trafficking Crimes Results in 30-Year Federal Prison Sentence for Pensacola Felon

body_text: Pensacola, Florida – Austin James McCastler II, 36, was sentenced on two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, attempted prevention of the government’s authority to take property during an authorized search and seizure, assault with a deadly weapon of a Special Agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. John Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentencing today. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case exemplified the extreme dangers faced by the brave men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe from violent criminals. I am incredibly proud of the outstanding trial work by the talented prosecutors in my office that resulted in this successful outcome. Let me be clear: anyone who threatens, shoots at, or in any way harms a law enforcement officer in the Northern District of Florida will face the full might of the Department of Justice.” McCastler was sentenced after being found guilty in a jury trial. Trial testimony and court documents revealed that, after undercover law enforcement purchased methamphetamine from McCastler’s Pensacola residence on two occasions, a warrant was obtained to search for and seize illicit narcotics from his home. On March 7, 2025, law enforcement attempted to execute the lawful warrant, but McCastler refused to comply with commands to surrender, instead arming and barricading himself in the home. As law enforcement surrounded the residence, McCastler opened fire with a semi-automatic rifle, including shooting at a DEA Special Agent. McCastler then fled from the residence in his vehicle, leading to a high-speed chase that ended after an Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy executed a PIT maneuver to immobilize McCastler’s vehicle. McCastler then tried to flee on foot, but law enforcement captured him. A search of his residence led to the recovery of a loaded semi-automatic rifle and two spent casings from the shots fired by McCastler, a second firearm, dozens of rounds of ammunition, fentanyl, and marijuana. “Most investigations happen without incident,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, DEA Tampa Field Division. “However, times like this reinforce how dangerous this career can be. I’m thankful no one was injured.” “If you fire at law enforcement, we will use every tool and partnership to bring you to justice,” said Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Charge Kirk Howard. “This incident could easily have ended in tragedy for law enforcement or innocent bystanders, but this sentencing will ensure this suspect is no longer a danger to our community.” Escambia County Sheriff Simmons said: “Austin James McCastler II chose violence over compliance when law enforcement came to execute a lawful search warrant at his home. His decision to open fire on officers, including taking a shot at a DEA Special Agent, endangered the lives of brave men and women who were simply doing their jobs to remove dangerous drugs from our community. Thanks to the professionalism and courage of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies involved in the pursuit and apprehension, along with our federal and local partners, this violent offender is now facing serious consequences. We remain committed to working together to protect Escambia County families from drug traffickers and those who arm themselves against law enforcement.” “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed and the danger posed to our community and law enforcement,” said Sheriff Johnson, Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. “When an individual chooses to traffic deadly drugs and use violence against officers, there must be strong consequences. I commend the courage and professionalism of all deputies and partner agencies involved in bringing this case to justice.” The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department, the State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit, and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton 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. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Illegal Alien from Mexico Living in West Virginia Pleads Guilty and Is Sentenced for Federal Fraud Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Rosmery Morales-Mejia, also known as “Rosita Mejia-Perez,” 27, a Mexican national living illegally in Nitro, pleaded guilty today to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents and was sentenced to time served. Morales-Mejia will be subject to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer for her transfer to ICE administrative custody for removal proceedings. According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about June 28, 2025, to on or about January 16, 2026, Morales-Mejia used a counterfeit Immigration Form I-551, also known as a Permanent Resident Card or Green Card, to obtain employment at the Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant in Nitro. Morales-Mejia admitted that she and her husband each purchased a counterfeit Green Card and a counterfeit Social Security card, that she and her husband knew these documents were counterfeit, that her counterfeit documents did not list her real name, and that she and her husband both used their counterfeit documents to obtain employment at the restaurant. Morales-Mejia further admitted that she and her husband rented a room from restaurant owner Miguel Aguirre-Arello Sr. in a house he owned behind the restaurant. Morales-Mejia also admitted that she and her husband lived in the house with other foreign nationals who were living and working in the Southern District of West Virginia without legal status. Morales-Mejia and her husband, Wilmar Aristo Pablos-Miguel, are among six illegal aliens indicted following the execution of a January 16, 2026, search warrant at the restaurant on charges alleging they were working there without legal status. In addition to Morales-Mejiam, Pablos-Miguel, also known as “Ariosto Pablos-Miguel,” 42, and Jose Alfredo Cruz-Perez, 22, each pleaded guilty to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents and were sentenced to time served with ICE immigration detainers pending. Aguirre-Arello Sr., 65, and his son, restaurant manager Miguel Angel Aguirre, 43, both of Nitro, were indicted on charges alleging each harbored aliens, while aiding and abetting each other, and aided and abetted fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents. That indictment and the indictments against the remaining illegal alien defendants are pending. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The January 16, 2026, search warrant was executed as part of Operation Country Roads . Conducted by ICE with state and local law enforcement partners, the immigration enforcement operation resulted in over 650 arrests throughout West Virginia. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO), the Nitro Police Department, and the St. Albans Police Department. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing and imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case, as part of a special unit within the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia focused on the immigration enforcement objectives of Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-16. ###


title: Gardner Woman Pleads Guilty to Social Security Fraud

body_text: BOSTON – A Gardner woman pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to fraudulently receiving Social Security disability benefits for 10 years. Michelle M. DiSalvo, 53, pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of stolen government money or property; one count of Social Security fraud; and one count of false statements. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for July 16, 2026. DiSalvo was charged in February 2026 . In 2001, DiSalvo began receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Eligibility for SSI is based, in part, on the applicant having limited income and resources. In assessing a married individual’s eligibility for SSI, the income and resources of the applicant’s spouse is considered if they live together. If an applicant is awarded SSI, they have a continuing obligation to notify SSA of any changes in their marital status, living arrangements and household income and resources. In June 2014, DiSalvo truthfully reported to SSA that she was married, but falsely stated that she and her husband had separated in September 2013, when, in fact, they were living together. In five additional redetermination interviews with SSA between December 2014 and August 2023, DiSalvo continued to conceal that she lived with her husband with the intent to fraudulently obtain SSI benefits. DiSalvo also submitted a fraudulent lease agreement to SSA in October 2023 that DiSalvo omitted her husband because she knew that if she reported living with him, DiSalvo’s husband’s income and resources would have made her ineligible for SSI. From October 2013 through October 2023, DiSalvo fraudulently received $93,640 in SSI disability benefits. The charge of receipt of stolen government money or property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of Social Security fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charge of false statements provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. 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 Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Sparks Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of Multiple Children

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: RENO – A Sparks resident was sentenced today by United States District Judge Miranda M. Du to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing four Native American children on the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and two other children. “This sentence underscores the severity of the sexual abuse crimes the defendant committed against children,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Thanks to the diligent work by our law enforcement partners, the defendant is no longer a danger to the community. We will continue to work together to protect our youth from child predators.” “Angel Fernandez is a child predator, and today he received a fittingly severe sentence,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Division. “We must protect the children in our community from the actions of sex offenders like Fernandez, who abused four Native American children on the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and two others. The FBI is committed to tirelessly working to identify and arrest anyone who preys on innocent children. I am grateful for the law enforcement officers and prosecutors who investigate these horrifying cases and hold dangerous child predators accountable.” From 2004 until 2022, Angel Fernandez engaged in the sexual abuse of multiple children and continued to abuse some of the victims after they reached 16 years of age. Fernandez pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual abuse of a minor within Indian Country and two counts of abusive sexual contact within Indian Country. Following his release from imprisonment, the Court ordered that he serve 15 years of supervised release and register as a sex offender. The FBI and Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Police investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Penelope Brady and Andrew Keenan prosecuted the case. ###


title: Zuni Man Charged with Kidnapping

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man has been charged with kidnapping after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman he tricked into getting in his car by offering her a ride home. According to court documents, on March 23, 2026, Barton Rico Cooeyate , 41, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted Jane Doe after offering her a ride home in Zuni, New Mexico, only to transport her to an abandoned rural residence 15 miles away. The victim escaped from Cooeyate ’s vehicle and hid until a Zuni Pueblo Tribal Ranger conducted an unrelated DWI stop on Cooeyate . As a result of the assault, the victim suffered injuries including a contusion to her left forearm. Cooeyate is charged with kidnapping by inveiglement. This means Cooeyate lured the woman into his car by false representations or promises, or other deceitful means. He will remain in La Pasada Halfway House pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, Cooeyate faces up to life in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Fish and Wildlife and the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Reporting Voluntary Self-Disclosures of Violations of National Security Laws Under the Department-wide Corporate Enforcement Policy

body_text: The mission of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division (NSD) is to protect and defend the United States against the full range of national security threats, consistent with the rule of law. Business organizations and their employees are at the forefront of protecting the national security of the United States by preventing the unlawful export of sensitive commodities, technologies, and services, as well as unlawful transactions with sanctioned countries and designated individuals and entities. Enforcing our export control and sanctions laws, and holding accountable those who violate them, is a top priority for NSD. On March 10, 2026, the Department released its first-ever Department-wide corporate enforcement policy (CEP) for criminal matters, promoting uniformity, predictability, and fairness in how it pursues white-collar cases to protect the American people. As the announcement explains, the “Department-wide CEP provides concrete benefits to incentivize companies to voluntarily disclose discovered misconduct, cooperate with our investigations, and timely and appropriately remediate the wrongdoing. For companies that do, absent certain limited aggravating circumstances, the Department will decline to prosecute the company. Incentivizing corporate self-disclosures — while still permitting prosecutions in appropriate circumstances — allows the Department to quickly pursue culpable individuals, secure justice for victims, and deter white-collar crime, all while not unduly burdening American businesses.” Under the CEP, “disclosure must be made to the appropriate component of the Department,” CEP n.5, and all resolutions under the CEP “must be approved by the Assistant Attorney General (AAG) for the relevant Division.” CEP Background ¶ 4. The CEP also provides that a “[g]ood faith disclosure to one component where the matter is later brought to another appropriate component for investigation will also qualify” for declination. CEP n.5 As pertaining to national security laws, the Justice Manual (JM) assigns the “enforcement of all criminal laws affecting, involving or relating to the national security, and the responsibility for prosecuting criminal offenses, such as conspiracy, perjury and false statements, arising out of offenses related to national security . . . to the AAG of NSD.” JM § 9-90.010 . The scope of these matters, which includes violations of the U.S. government’s primary export control and sanctions regimes — the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), 22 U.S.C. § 2778, the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA), 50 U.S.C. § 4801 et seq., and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 50 U.S.C. § 1701 et seq. – can be found at JM § 9-90.020 . While the conduct of business organizations and their employees has the greatest potential to implicate U.S. national security interests in the enforcement of export control and sanctions laws, the conduct of business organizations and their employees can also violate other U.S. national security laws, including laws prohibiting material support to and financing of foreign terrorist organizations, criminal violations in connection with the work of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), and the Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Services Sector (Team Telecom). Companies are encouraged to voluntarily self-disclose to NSD any potential criminal violations of U.S. law relating to matters conducted, handled, or supervised by the NSD AAG. All voluntary self-disclosures concerning potential criminal violations of U.S. national security laws should be sent, with the company name in the subject line, to NSD’s email inbox for voluntary self‑disclosures: NSD.VSD@usdoj.gov .


title: 12 Previously Removed Aliens Charged with Illegal Re-entry into the U.S.

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: CLEVELAND and TOLEDO, Ohio – Federal grand juries returned indictments charging 12 individuals from Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico with violating immigration laws. These are separate cases and not related. The following defendants were charged with illegal reentry of a previously removed alien, in violation of Title 8 U.S. Code 1326. They were found in the Northern District of Ohio without the consent of the U.S. Attorney General or the Secretary for Homeland Security for readmission. Alonso Diaz-Espinosa, 38, a citizen of Mexico, was previously removed from the U.S. on at least two occasions with the most recent being Feb. 13, 2026. He was found near Fremont, Ohio, (Sandusky County) on March 7. Fredy Garcia Rosa, 26, a citizen of Honduras, was previously removed from the U.S. on at least one occasion with the most recent being Aug. 14, 2023. He was found in Elyria (Lorain County) on March 5. Santos Antonio De Jesus Gomez, 46, a citizen of Mexico, was previously removed from the U.S on at least two occasions with the most recent being Oct. 26, 2024. He was found near Fremont, Ohio (Sandusky County) on March 7. Mario Gregorio-Arias, 49, a citizen of Guatemala, was previously removed from the U.S. on at least four occasions with the most recent being April 17, 2018. He was found in Norwalk (Huron County) on Feb. 17. Cuauhtemoc Hernandez-Marquez, aka Ramon Velarde-Marquez, aka Rafael Partida, aka Ramon C. Velarde, aka Cuatemoc Ramon Velarde-Marguuez, aka Cuatemoc Ramon Velarde-Marques, aka Ramon Velarde, aka Abraham Perez-Rodriguez, 56, a citizen of Mexico, was previously removed from the U.S. on as least one occasion with the most recent being May 2, 2003. He was found in Oregon, Ohio, (Lucas County) on March 4. Candelaria del Rosario Lopez-Bautista, 38, a citizen of Mexico, was previously removed from the U.S. on at least one occasion with the most recent being Nov. 16, 2010. She was found in Sandusky, Ohio (Erie County) on Feb. 20. Cesar Mazariegos-Lopez aka Cesar Masariegos-Lopez aka Cesar M. Lopez, 45, a citizen of Mexico, was previously removed from the U.S. on at least one occasion with the most recent being Nov. 16, 2010. He was found in Sandusky, Ohio (Erie County) on Feb. 20. Wiliam A. Mendez-Rivera, aka William Rivera-Santos, aka Wuilian Mendes-Santos, 32, a citizen of Honduras, was previously removed from the U.S. on at least three occasions with the most recent being April 6, 2016. He was found in Akron (Summit County) on Jan. 10. Alan Ramos-Capultitla, 21, a citizen of Mexico, was previously removed from the U.S on at least one occasion with the most recent being Feb. 14, 2026. He was found near Fremont, Ohio (Sandusky County) on March 7. Jeyson Rodriguez-Lanza, 35, a citizen of Honduras, was previously removed from the U.S. on at least one occasion with the most recent being March 15, 2023. He was found in Norwalk, Ohio (Huron County) on Feb. 17. Genry Sanchez-Espinoza, 29, a citizen of Honduras, was previously removed from the U.S. on at least one occasion with the most recent being Feb. 9, 2018. He was found in Sandusky, Ohio (Erie County) on Feb. 16. Carlos Sauceda-Alvarez, 38, a citizen of Honduras, was previously removed from the U.S. on at least two occasions with the most recent being Sept. 23, 2025. He was found near Fremont, Ohio (Sandusky County) on March 7. The investigations in these cases leading to the indictments were conducted by U.S. Border Patrol-Sandusky Bay Station and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ava Rotell Dustin , Matthew D. Simko , Frank H. Spryszak , Jennifer King , and Brett S. Hammond for Northern District of Ohio. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Meridian Man Pleads Guilty to Bribing Commercial Driver's License Skills Tester

body_text: BOISE – Ryan Basnaw, 29, of Meridian, pleaded guilty to federal program bribery, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. According to court records, to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Idaho, an applicant must, among other requirements, receive a passing score from a CDL skills test examiner. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) contracts with third-party CDL skills test examiners to administer CDL skills tests in Idaho. On July 2, 2025, Basnaw offered and agreed to give a CDL skills tester $500 cash in exchange for a passing score on a CDL skills test without ever taking the test. Basnaw did so corruptly and with the intent to influence and reward the CDL skills tester, so that Basnaw could have three restrictions removed from his CDL without taking the required CDL skills test. In 2025, the Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles, a department of ITD, received more than $10,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation under a CDL Program Implementation Grant. Basnaw is scheduled to be sentenced on June 16, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a minimum of three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. U.S. Attorney Davis commended the cooperative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Transportation—Office of Inspector General, which led to charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Mazorol prosecuted the case. ###


title: Oviedo Man Convicted of Attempting to Coerce and Entice a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – A federal jury has found Rusbel Montoya Mandujano (32, Oviedo) guilty of attempting to coerce and entice a minor to engage in sexual activity. Montoya Mandujano faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 25, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on June 25, 2025, Montoya Mandujano began communicating online and via text messaging with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old “girl.” The “girl” was actually a team of detectives working with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office in an undercover capacity. After Montoya Mandujano learned the “girl’s” age, he initiated discussions of various sexual acts he wanted to engage in with her and made a plan to meet up with her to do so. When Montoya Mandujano arrived at the meeting location on June 26, 2025, he was arrested by law enforcement. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Andrejko. 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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Tavoyn Billy Morrison, 26, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of cocaine base, also known as “crack.” According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 31, 2025, Morrison sold approximately 3 grams of crack to a confidential informant for $200 at a Huntington residence. As part of his guilty plea, Morrison admitted to conducting the transaction and further admitted that he sold approximately 3 grams of crack to a confidential informant for $200 outside of the Huntington residence on August 14, 2025. Morrison is scheduled to be sentenced on July 13, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Morrison is among seven individuals who pleaded guilty as the result of an investigation targeting the distribution of controlled substances in the Huntington area. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Huntington Police Department, and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-156. ###


title: Naples Man Pleads Guilty to $1.2 Million Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme Targeting Elderly Hurricane Ian Victim

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – Luis Emilio Hernandez (45, Naples) today pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and six counts of money laundering in connection with a scheme to defraud an elderly victim following Hurricane Ian. Hernandez faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count and up to 10 years for each money laundering count. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of over $1.2 million and other assets traceable to the proceeds of the offenses. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court records, following Hurricane Ian in 2022, Hernandez convinced an 85-year-old victim to write him personal checks totaling over $1.2 million for construction materials and repairs that were never performed. Instead, Hernandez cashed the checks for his own personal gain. Investigators confirmed that Hernandez did not hold a contractor’s license in Florida, and no permits were ever pulled for any of the alleged work. Even after the elderly victim sold the home and it had been demolished, Hernandez continued to contact the victim through text messages and even made personal visits to their assisted living residence, intentionally lulling the victim to provide him with additional funds. To conceal the source of the funds, Hernandez laundered the victim’s money by purchasing and flipping vehicles in trade-ins at multiple car dealerships throughout the area. This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.


title: Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun Crimes

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jeffrey Allen Jones, also known as “Ben,” 46, of Columbus, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 7, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Jones’ Huntington residence and seized approximately 44 grams of fentanyl, approximately 23 grams of cocaine base, also known as “crack,” and a loaded Glock 23 .40-caliber pistol. As part of his guilty plea, Jones admitted that he possessed the seized controlled substances and intended to distribute them, and that he possessed the firearm to protect himself and the seized drugs. Jones also admitted to selling fentanyl on four occasions between January 2, 2025, and March 5, 2025, in quantities of approximately 1 gram each time to a confidential informant at the Huntington residence and in exchange for $80. On December 17, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Huntington motel room, where they arrested Jones and seized approximately 15 grams of crack and 5 grams of fentanyl in his possession. Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on July 13, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, a consecutive term of at least five years and up to life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to 1,250,000.00. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie Taylor and Courtney L. Finney are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-153. ###


title: Suspect arrested in O’Fallon bank robbery investigation

body_text: EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A man appeared in federal court last Wednesday to face a federal charge for allegedly robbing a bank in O’Fallon, Illinois. George E. Habermehl, Jr., 62, is facing one count of bank robbery. “Anyone who robs a bank will face federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “The O’Fallon Police Department acted decisively. They released the suspect’s image immediately, mobilized the public’s tips, and brought this defendant into custody the very same day. That is outstanding police work and exactly the kind of strong partnership that delivers results for our community.” According to the complaint, Habermehl is accused of robbing a federally insured bank on Highway 50 in O’Fallon around 11:10 a.m. on March 20. He allegedly approached the teller, presented a demand note, and demanded cash. After receiving the cash, Habermehl took off from the bank on foot. Following the robbery, the O’Fallon Police Department released still images of the alleged suspect on social media. According to the complaint, the O’Fallon Police Department received several tips identifying the suspect as Habermehl. Habermehl is on federal probation for bank robbery, and recently absconded. Officers took Habermehl into custody after locating him in East St. Louis. "Protecting the integrity of our financial institutions and the safety of our citizens who work there is a top priority," said FBI Springfield’s Acting Special Agent in Charge Karen Marinos. "Thanks to the diligent investigative work and support of the O’Fallon Police Department, we are sending a clear message that these actions will not be tolerated in our community." A complaint is merely an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The FBI Springfield Field Office is investigating with support from the O’Fallon Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Fischer is prosecuting the case.


title: The Rosenda Strong/Jedidah Iesha Moreno Murder Cases Have Concluded

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Yakima, Washington – As of March 30, 2026, all seven defendants indicted for their involvement in the Rosenda Strong/Jedidah Iesha Moreno murders have been sentenced. The following information was made public during the legal proceedings. In early October 2018, Rosenda Strong, who was an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, was reported as missing. Later that month, Jedidah Iesha Moreno was also reported as missing. Both women were reported as last being seen within the boundaries of the Yakama Nation Indian reservation. The Yakama Nation Police Department (“YNPD”) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) began two separate investigations into the cases of the missing women. Cissy Strong, the sister of Rosenda Strong, led a public campaign to ensure that her sister would not be forgotten. On November 28, 2018, the remains of Jedidah Iesha Moreno were discovered in the closed area of the Yakama Nation. It was determined that she had been bound and shot by multiple caliber bullets. On July 4, 2019, human remains were found in a freezer within the boundaries of the Yakama Nation Indian reservation. Dental records confirmed that the human remains were those of Rosenda Strong. Despite the lack of physical evidence, the FBI and the YNPD refused to allow these cases to go cold. Over the next few years, the FBI and the YNPD conducted hundreds of interviews, followed up on leads throughout the United States, dug up multiple areas were tipsters advised remains would be located, and obtained and executed multiple search warrants. As the investigation progressed, the FBI learned that the two cases were related. The FBI learned that Jedidah Iesha Moreno had shot and killed Rosenda Strong at a residence in Wapato, Washington. After the murder, Andrew Zack and Jamaal Pimms stuffed Rosenda Strong’s body into a freezer. Andrew Zack, Kevin Todd Brehm, and Michael Moody attempted to find a location to dump the freezer. Ultimately, the FBI learned that Andrew Zack contacted Wilson Louis Hunt and advised him of the situation. Zack inquired about a good location to dump the body. Wilson Louis Hunt subsequently met with the men and advised him of a place to dump the freezer that contained the body. The men then dumped the freezer at the location in which it was later found. A day or so after the murder of Rosenda Strong, Jedidah Iesha Moreno shot Wilson Louis Hunt. Later that evening. Moreno and Zack were at a residence in Toppenish, Washington. Moreno and Zack exchanged words, and Zack entered a garage to urinate. Moreno took out her gun and fired multiple shots at Zack. Zack suffered a minor wound and hid on the floor of the garage. Zack was able to make phone calls and beg for assistance. Ultimately, Uriel Balentine Badillo arrived at the residence. Badillo found Moreno but could not find Zack. At that time, Zack was still on the floor hiding in the garage. Badillo transported Moreno to another location to look for Zack. Upon arrival, a Native American female advised Badillo that he needed to restrain Moreno and take her back to the residence in Toppenish. Moreno was bound and gagged and transported back to the residence. Upon their return to the residence, Zack had emerged from his hiding spot. Zack, Badillo, and two juveniles were present. Badillo forced Moreno into the trunk of a stolen vehicle. Badillo shut the trunk and fired multiple shots into the trunk. Moreno was struck by multiple bullets. The two juveniles were instructed to dump Moreno’s body at another location. After dumping the body, one of juveniles fired multiple rounds into Moreno’s lifeless body. The following day, Joshua Max Estrada arrived home and learned what had happened. The juvenile told Estrada where he had dumped the body. Estrada teased the juvenile for dumping the body in such a public place. Estrada and the juvenile were then tasked with picking up Moreno’s body and dumping it at another location. Estrada and the juvenile found Moreno’s body, put it into the back of Estrada’s truck, the dumped the body in the closed area. After dumping the body, the juvenile again filed multiple rounds into the lifeless body. On June 13, 2023, an Indictment was returned charging all known individuals who were involved in the murder investigations. Ultimately, all of the Defendants pled guilty. Cissy Strong was present for almost every court hearing and exercised her right to speak at the sentencing hearings. United States District Chief Judge Stanley A. Bastian imposed the following sentences: Kevin Todd Brehm , to 70 months in federal prison for being an Accessory After the Fact. Brehm will also serve a 3-year term of federal supervised release after serving his custodial sentence. Brehm was sentenced on March 30, 2026. Uriel Balentine Badillo , to 292 months in federal prison for Kidnapping Resulting in Death. Brehm will also serve a 5-year term of federal supervised release after serving his custodial sentence. Badillo was sentenced on March 25, 2026. Wilson Louis Hunt , to 84 months in federal prison for being an Accessory After the Fact. Hunt will also serve a 3-year term of federal supervised release after serving his custodial sentence. Hunt was sentenced on January 14, 2026. Andrew Norris Zack , to 43 months in federal prison for being an Accessory After the Fact and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Zack will also serve a 3-year term of federal supervised release after serving his custodial sentence. Zack was sentenced on December 2, 2025. Jamaal Antwan Pimms , to 26 months in federal prison for Misprision of Felony. Pimms will also serve a 1-year term of federal supervised release after serving his custodial sentence. Pimms was sentenced on May 28, 2025. Joshawa Max Estrada , to 100 months in federal prison for being an Accessory After the Fact. Estrada will also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after serving his custodial sentence. Estrada was sentenced on March 26, 2025. Michael Lee Moody , to 87 months in federal prison for being an Accessory After the Fact. Moody will also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after serving his custodial sentence. Moody was sentenced on March 11, 2025. “The sentencing of Kevin Brehm today concludes an intensive seven-year long investigation by our tribal partners, federal agencies, local police, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring justice to Rosenda Strong,” stated First Assistant Pete Serrano. “Rosenda Strong was senselessly murdered and for years her family sought answers. Through the tireless efforts of law enforcement, the advocacy of Rosenda Strong’s sister and family, we hope today brings a measure of peace and finality to this community. The United States Attorney’s Office is grateful for all the partners who worked so hard to seek answers and to the Strong family for their relentless pursuit of justice for Rosenda. We will continue to fight for those silenced by violence.” “Seven and a half years after this horrific murder, the final sentence in this tragic case has been handed down,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Seattle. “We hope today will help bring a degree of comfort and closure to the families of the victims, in knowing that justice has been served. FBI Seattle has a strong, long-standing commitment to investigating violent crime on tribal lands alongside our partners in tribal law enforcement and at the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We do not forget. We do not give up. And we will hold violent offenders accountable, no matter how long it takes.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Yakama Nation Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Murphy and Tom Hanlon.


title: Onetaste Founder Nicole Daedone Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Forced Labor Conspiracy

body_text: Nicole Daedone, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of OneTaste, Inc. (OneTaste), a sexual wellness education company founded in San Francisco, California, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Diane Gujarati in federal court in Brooklyn to nine years in prison for her role in a forced labor conspiracy. Also today, Rachel Cherwitz, OneTaste’s former Head of Sales, was sentenced by Judge Gujarati to 78 months in prison for her role in the scheme. Daedone and Cherwitz were convicted by a federal jury in June 2025 of forced labor conspiracy following a five-week trial. The Court also imposed a $12 million forfeiture money judgment against Daedone, and awarded $887,877.64 in restitution to seven victims of Daedone and Cherwitz. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentences. “This case exposed a decade-long scheme in which the defendants used psychological, emotional, and financial coercion to control their victims and extract labor and services for their own benefit,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The jury’s verdict and today’s sentences demonstrate that coercion can take many forms—and that those who exploit others through such means will face serious consequences. Coercion disguised as wellness or empowerment is still exploitation and it is a crime that causes harm to vulnerable victims. The defendants’ combination of forced labor with sexual exploitation caused trauma to the victims in ways that extend beyond lost wages or long hours.” “For decades, Nicole Daedone and Rachel Cherwitz preyed on vulnerable women, coercing them into a calculated forced labor conspiracy. These defendants subjected their victims to repeated psychological manipulation and sexual abuse to obtain unpaid or underpaid labor and services for their personal and financial benefit. The FBI is committed to holding accountable those who traffic in human labor and exploit others for profit. We thank the victims for their courage in coming forward,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. OneTaste was a privately held company co-founded by Daedone in 2004. Its principal place of business was San Francisco, California, and it operated at various locations within New York, Los Angeles, Denver, Austin, and London. OneTaste promoted itself as a sexually focused wellness education company that offered hands-on classes on “orgasmic mediation” (OM), which involved stroking a woman’s genitals for 15 minutes. OneTaste generated revenue by providing courses, coaching, OM events, and less-publicized courses in other sexual practices in exchange for a fee. From approximately 2006 through May 2018, Daedone and Cherwitz orchestrated a scheme to obtain the labor and services of multiple young women who had turned to OneTaste seeking healing and spiritual growth by coercing them to perform labor, including sexual labor, for the defendants’ benefit. OneTaste advertised that its courses and teachings could heal past sexual trauma and dysfunction. In reality, Daedone and Cherwitz used abusive and manipulative tactics designed to control OneTaste members by making them emotionally and psychologically dependent on OneTaste, including encouraging them to incur debt by opening lines of credit to finance the expensive courses, subjecting them to constant surveillance in communal homes, collecting sensitive information about their prior trauma and sexual histories, depriving them of sleep, and subjecting them to sexual abuse. Once they had secured the loyalty and indebtedness of certain OneTaste members, Daedone and Cherwitz engaged in exploitative labor practices. They directed OneTaste members to work long hours—often seven days per week—with little or no compensation. This work included manual labor and the provision of sexual services. For example, Daedone and Cherwitz coerced their victims to engage in sexual acts with OneTaste’s then-current and prospective investors, clients, and employees for the company’s financial benefit. Three witnesses testified at trial about how they were coerced into becoming “handlers” for OneTaste’s initial investor, who was also Daedone’s boyfriend, which required them to live with him, perform sex acts at his direction, and provide domestic labor for him. Multiple other witnesses testified that they were coerced under threat of termination, demotion, ostracism, and financial and spiritual ruin by Daedone and Cherwitz into performing various sex acts with OneTaste’s potential clients and investors. In 2017, Daedone sold OneTaste—a company built on the backs of coerced and unpaid or substantially underpaid labor—for $12 million. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Kayla Bensing, Kaitlin T. Farrell, Nina C. Gupta, and Sean Michael Fern are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Liam McNett and Marlane Bosler. The Defendants : NICOLE DAEDONE Age: 58 New York, New York RACHEL CHERWITZ Age: 45 New York, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-146 (DG)


title: Pawtucket Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A Pawtucket man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence to one count of possession of child pornography, including hundreds of images and videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. William Dickson, 61, of Pawtucket, pleaded guilty on March 27, 2026 to one count of possession of child pornography. Dickson will be sentenced on July 13, 2026. The sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. He faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least five years. According to court documents, law enforcement identified an online peer-to-peer file sharing account used by Dickson to download and share CSAM. On April 10, 2024, federal agents executed search warrants on Dickson’s residence, person, and vehicle, where they seized multiple electronic devices. A forensic analysis of the defendant’s devices revealed approximately 820 images and 20 videos depicting CSAM. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie M. White. The case was investigated by the FBI. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/PSC