title: U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller Highlights a Dozen Significant Prosecutions During Government Shutdown

body_text: LAFAYETTE – United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller announces that during the federal government shutdown, the United States Attorney’s Office continued its critical work making the community safer by charging and resolving many significant pending cases in the Western District of Louisiana. “Our Office’s support staff and prosecutors remained committed to and focused on our mission to make this community safe alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners throughout the shutdown,” U.S. Attorney Keller said. “These dozen cases are just a sample of the impactful matters that our Office continues to prosecute, ranging from combatting child predators, to tackling violent crime, to prosecuting sophisticated frauds including bribery schemes and healthcare fraud. Our Office and partners will continue to stand firm and work tirelessly to make Louisiana a safer place to live, work, raise and family, and run a business.” The following are a dozen select cases where defendants were charged or sentenced to prison during the federal government shutdown: Boris Braggs , 43, an elementary school teacher and pastor in the Monroe area, was indicted for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual conduct on October 15, 2025. The indictment is based on allegations that on September 24, 2025, Braggs communicated online with an undercover law enforcement agent posing as a 15-year-old girl to have sex in exchange for money. Braggs agreed to meet the 15-year-old girl at a local hotel in Monroe, Louisiana. Upon his arrival, Braggs was arrested and placed into custody pending further proceedings, and he is currently detained pending trial. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Louisiana State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Earl M. Campbell. Willie Lee Baker , 45, of Shreveport, was indicted for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl, with both resulting in death or serious bodily injury. The case is being investigated by the FBI, Shreveport Police Department and Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy. Brandon Jermaine Francisco , 39, pled guilty on November 13, 2025, to committing a carjacking resulting in death with Francisco stipulating to a binding and mandatory sentence of life in prison. While pleading guilty, Francisco admitted to carjacking an Uber and Lyft driver who was also a mother of two minor children in 2022. Francisco further admitted that while carjacking and killing the victim, he shot her several times and then disposed of her body before fleeing with the vehicle. The sentencing is currently set for January 27, 2026. This case was investigated by the FBI, Louisiana State Police, St. Joseph’s Police Department, Bedford Police Department, and Scott Police Department, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Nickel and Casey N. Stelly. Mahmoud Amin Ya’Qub Al-Muhtadi , 33, a Gazan native residing in Lafayette at the time of his arrest, was arrested and indicted for his alleged involvement in the Hamas-led terrorist attack against Israel on October 7, 2023. As described in the Department’s press release , this matter was investigated as part of the Department’s Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF 10-7), and involved many federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies investing significant resources to prosecute. Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel for the Western District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case alongside Trial Attorneys A.J. Dixon, Andrew Sigler and JTF 10-7 Lead Attorney Alicia Cook of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Bedell for the Eastern District of Virginia. In October 2025, three defendants were sentenced for their role in a Lafayette-area bribery scheme involving the 15 th Judicial District Attorney’s Office’s Pretrial Intervention Program. Dusty Guidry , 53, of Youngsville, was sentenced to 48 months in prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine, Leonard Franques , 64, of Scott, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison and ordered to pay a $100,000 fine, and Joseph Prejean , 58, of Church Point, was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay a $40,000 fine. The fourth defendant, Gary Haynes , who was convicted at trial in September , is scheduled to be sentenced December 17, 2025. The case was investigated by the FBI and IRS - Criminal Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Luke Walker and John W. Nickel, as well as Steven Loew of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section. Charlie L. Simpson, 52, and Charles D. Gardner , 58, who were previously convicted at trial for conspiring to commit bank fraud , were sentenced to 10 years and four years respectively on October 2, 2025. Simpson and Gardner used their positions as executives at United Care and Trinity Home Health to perpetrate a check-kiting scheme to disguise deficits in their companies, resulting in a $3.3 million loss to a victim bank. The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison L. Duncan. Thomas Dewayne Dew , 47, of Many, was sentenced to life in prison October 22, 2025, for conspiring with six other defendants to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Dew was found to be selling methamphetamine in large quantities in the Sabine Parish area and supplying the narcotic to other drug dealers in the parish. The case was investigated by the FBI, ATF, and Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Moody. Michael L. Riggins , 62, of West Monroe, was sentenced to 57 months in prison and ordered to pay roughly $1.8 million in restitution on October 27, 2025. Riggins had previously pled guilty to committing health care fraud in connection with a durable medical equipment (DME) scheme. From 2018 to 2023, Riggins paid for doctors’ orders for medically unnecessary DME and tricked doctors into signing DME orders and certificates of medical necessity to bill for it. Despite receiving hundreds of complaints from victims about fraudulent orders, Riggins submitted over $3.8 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare and was reimbursed over $1.8 million. The case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Samantha Usher and Kelly Z. Walters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin McCoy. Damario M. Lyons , 36, was sentenced to 324 months in prison on October 27, 2025, after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Lyons was supplying large amounts of various narcotics, including more than ten kilograms of methamphetamine, throughout the Southwest Louisiana area. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson Davis Sheriff’s Office and Jennings Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Vermaelen. Lenzi Desormeaux Babineaux , 35, of Rayne, was sentenced to a year and a day in prison on November 6, 2025, after pleading guilty to wire fraud in connection with a federal program fraud scheme she was involved in with her father and sister. Babineaux served as Senior Program Manager for Regional Nutrition Assistance, Inc. (RNA), a Sponsoring Organization for the Child and Adult Food Program which is a federal program operated by USDA and administered by the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE). RNA would submit provider claims monthly to LDOE for payment and disburse payments to providers. Babineaux submitted fraudulent claims and received payment for them. Babineaux’s father, Brian Desormeaux, 64, and Babineaux’s sister, Amy Desormeaux Hernandez, 38, have both pled guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced on February 3, 2026. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Louisiana State Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren L. Nickel. Christopher Culton , 43, of Deridder, was sentenced to 135 months in prison on November 6, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to possessing child pornography. In 2024, law enforcement received a tip that Culton, who had a prior federal conviction for possessing child pornography, was maintaining a social media account was being used to distribute child pornography. A forensic exam of Culton’s cell phones confirmed prepubescent child pornography to be on both phones, which led to the charges here. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker. Clarence Reginald Colar , 52, of Lake Charles, was sentenced to 120 months in prison on October 23, 2025, for possessing child pornography. Colar was serving his term of federal supervised release for a previous conviction for possession of child pornography when his probation officer made an unannounced home visit and found that Colar had an unauthorized Samsung tablet in his possession that contained child pornography. This case was investigated by HSI and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Luke Walker. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer . CONTACT: Public Affairs USALAW-News@usdoj.gov United States Attorney’s Office www.justice.gov/usao-wdla Western District of Louisiana Twitter @USAO_WDLA # # #


title: Wall Resident Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Minors

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Wall, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of violating federal laws regarding the sexual exploitation of minors, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Dylan Weyandt, 34, pleaded guilty to two counts before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV on November 17, 2025. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from February 2022 through February 2023, Weyandt induced two minors living in jurisdictions outside of the Western District of Pennsylvania to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing and sending to Weyandt visual depictions of such conduct. Weyandt, who met his minor victims on a social media application, would alternate between complimenting and threatening his victims to induce the victims to send him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves. Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for March 23, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Weyandt remains detained pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation-Pittsburgh’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, including the Allegheny County Police Department, and the Selma (California) Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Weyandt. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Las Vegas Resident Charged with Cyberstalking and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Las Vegas, Nevada, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of cyberstalking and sexual exploitation of a minor, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The four-count Indictment named Renad Bautista, 36, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, from May 2022 through August 2025, Bautista intimidated and harassed an individual in the Western District of Pennsylvania when she was a minor and into adulthood by repeatedly attempting to contact and contacting her over social media and by repeatedly sending letters to her through the mail. All of the contact was unwanted and harassing and caused substantial emotional distress to Bautista’s victim and her immediate family members. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or a combination thereof. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Bautista remains detained following his arrest in Las Vegas and arraignment in the Western District of Pennsylvania earlier this week. Assistant United States Attorney Heidi M. Grogan is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation-Pittsburgh conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Former southern Illinois pastor sentenced to prison for fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief money in church’s name

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: BENTON, Ill. – A district judge sentenced a former church pastor in Hamilton County to 21 months’ imprisonment for obtaining COVID-19 money from the SBA by fraudulently representing to the SBA that the money would be used for his church. Terry L. Hall, 58, of McLeansboro, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and three counts of making false statements. Following imprisonment, he will serve two years of supervised release. Hall was ordered to pay $199,900 plus the accrued interest back to the Small Business Administration. “The vast majority of pastors across southern Illinois answered the pandemic with selfless service,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Terry Hall chose a different path: he requested federal relief on behalf of his congregation, then used nearly $200,000 for purely personal expenses. Conduct that far from the calling of ministry demands accountability, and accountability arrived in the form of a 21-month federal prison sentence.” Enacted in March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from impacts by the pandemic. Under the CARES Act and administered by the SBA, the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program provided low-interest funding to small businesses, renters and homeowners. As appropriated, EIDL funds could be used for payroll, sick leave, production costs and other general business expenses. "FBI Springfield is committed to exposing those who abuse positions of trust in southern Illinois" said Special Agent in Charge of FBI Springfield Field Office, Christopher J. S. Johnson. "Our communities deserve honesty, and we remain steadfast in holding accountable anyone who violates that trust." According to the indictment, Hall was the lead pastor of a religious congregation in McLeansboro. As pastor, Hall applied for economic relief on behalf of the church and received two EIDL disbursements totaling approximately $199,900 to his personal bank account in 2020. To ensure he received the loan, Hall created fake documents, contacted elected representatives and intimidated fellow church members. Hall admitted to using the EIDL funds to pay off his mortgage, the construction of a pole barn, various travel and other personal expenses like clothing, gas and food. The church did not receive any assistance to alleviate the economic hardships during the pandemic. The FBI Springfield Field Office led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard prosecuted the case.


title: Clay County Man Found Guilty of “Stolen Valor” and $140,000 in Benefits Fraud

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: SAINT PAUL – Today a federal jury convicted Mikhail Robin Wicker, also known as Michael Robin Wicker, 39, of Clay County, of wire fraud, mail fraud, using a false military discharge certificate, and fraudulent use of military medals, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Wicker spent years posing as a decorated U.S. Marine. He falsely claimed to have been deployed to Iraq in 2005 as part of Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, and falsely claimed to be a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal and the Prisoner of War Medal. For years, he relied on these claims to obtain benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). All of Wicker’s claims were untrue. He never served in any branch of the armed services. Wicker supported his fraud scheme using forged documents, including a counterfeit DD-214 and fake medal certificates, which he submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Relying on those materials, the VA provided him more than $140,000 in healthcare, disability, and education benefits. Wicker was convicted following a one-week jury trial. At trial, Marine veterans from Lima Company testified Wicker never served with them. Agents testified that federal searches across Marine Corps, and Department of Defense databases confirmed there was no record of Wicker ever serving in the military. Employment, pay, and state court records placed Wicker in Michigan during the years he claimed to be deployed to Iraq. The government also demonstrated at trial that Wicker used his false claims and forged certificates to exploit and defraud several VA programs out of monetary benefits and free healthcare. After a few hours of deliberations, the jury found Wicker guilty on all counts. A sentencing hearing in front of United States District Judge Jeffrey M. Bryan will be set at a later date. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Officer of the Inspector General; the Defense Criminal Investigative Service; and the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General; with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Dilworth Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William C. Mattessich and Bradley M. Endicott prosecuted the case.


title: Jury Convicts Owyhee Man Of Witness Tampering

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: RENO – A federal jury yesterday convicted a resident of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation in Owyhee, Nevada, of witness tampering. As proven at trial, from March 11, 2025, to March 16, 2025, R.C. Crutcher made attempts to persuade a victim from testifying at a federal trial. Crutcher made multiple phone calls from jail to his mother, asking his mother to locate and persuade a victim not to show up for trial so his case would be dismissed. Following a four-day trial, Crutcher was found guilty of one count of tampering with a witness. Crutcher is scheduled for sentencing on February 24, 2026, before United States District Judge Anne R. Traum. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant United States Attorney Penelope Brady and Andrew Keenan are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Founder Of “Leadership Training” Company And Co-Conspirator Found Guilty Of Defrauding COVID Relief Programs

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury found Shawn Michael Simmerer (49, Florida) and Seth Downes (30, Michigan) guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”). Simmerer was also found guilty of four counts of submitting false claims to the IRS, related to fraudulent Employee Retention Credits and Sick and Family Leave Credits. Simmerer and Downes face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each wire fraud count, and Simmerer faces a maximum penalty of 5 years on each false claim count. Their sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 17, 2026. Simmerer and Downes were indicted on February 28, 2024. A superseding indictment was later returned on January 29, 2025. According to the testimony and evidence presented at trial, starting in April 2020, the defendants participated in a scheme to fraudulently obtain PPP proceeds and to then live off the proceeds. The scheme involved the submission of PPP loan applications on behalf of multiple companies, including two applications on behalf of “Your 10 Life Foundation,” a “leadership training” company founded by Simmerer. These applications falsely claimed employees and payroll that did not exist. The applications also attached phony payroll records and tax returns that were either never filed, or differed from the versions filed, with the IRS. Through these applications, the defendants were able to obtain over $344,000 in PPP loans. They were later able to have the loans forgiven through a series of loan forgiveness applications, which also included false and fraudulent information. In addition, Simmerer prepared and submitted tax returns on behalf of Your 10 Life Foundation, which claimed hundreds of thousands of dollars of COVID-related tax credits. The evidence at trial showed that these tax credits, Employee Retention Credits and Sick and Family Leave Credits, were fraudulent. Based on these fraudulent credits, Simmerer was ultimately able to obtain over $680,000 in refunds from the IRS. “These defendants didn’t just cheat the system—they stole from the American people,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “Their scheme was built on lies, but thanks to the relentless work of IRS Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners justice caught up with them. We will continue to follow the money and hold fraudsters accountable—no matter how complex the scheme.” “These two individuals engineered a multi-pronged fraud scheme that included exploiting the Paycheck Protection Program to steal valuable funds meant for small businesses that depended on them,” said Caroline O’Brien-Buster, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Orlando Field Office. “The U.S. Secret Service and our partners remain steadfast in our commitment to ensuring fraudsters like Mr. Simmerer and Mr. Downes are held accountable for their crimes.” This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert D. Sowell and Noah P. Dorman.


title: Schuylkill County Man Sentenced To 151 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Pedro Villot-Ortiz, age 26, a resident of Shenandoah, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 151 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on July 25, 2025, agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pennsylvania State Police executed a search warrant at Villot-Ortiz’s residence in Shanandoah, Pennsylvania. Investigators seized methamphetamine and cocaine that Villot-Ortiz intended to sell to his drug customers. He was on probation at the time of this conduct and followed two earlier drug trafficking convictions. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ), 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 investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—Allentown Office, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Shenandoah Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson. # # #


title: Mission Man Sentenced to Federal Prison  for Assaulting a Federal Officer

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Mission, South Dakota, convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on November 12, 2025. Shannon Dunham, age 38, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Shannon Dunham was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2024. He pleaded guilty on August 7, 2025. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in October of 2024, in the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation, wherein a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services officer was dispatched to a residence in Mission based on a report that Dunham was causing a disturbance. Upon arrival at the residence, the officer contacted Dunham, who was verbally aggressive, grabbed the officer, and brandished a knife at him. Dunham was subsequently arrested. This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. Dunham was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Vallejo Felon Indicted for a Second Federal Firearms Offense

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment Thursday against Marquese Alvin Roberts, 36, of Vallejo, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, on May 3, 2025, law enforcement received numerous reports of multiple gunshots heard on the 1600 block of Fairgrounds Drive, in Vallejo. With the assistance of a CHP helicopter and other agencies, officers investigated these reports. During the investigation, officers in the helicopter observed Roberts remove a firearm from a vehicle and conceal it in nearby bushes. They directed law enforcement officers on the ground to the location, where they arrested Roberts and recovered the firearm. At the time of the offense, Roberts was on supervised release following a federal conviction in 2018 for carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. This case is the product of an investigation by the Vallejo Police Department, the American Canyon Police Department, the California Highway Patrol Air Unit, the FBI’s Solano County Violent Crimes Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Solano County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is prosecuting the case. Roberts was arrested for a related supervised release violation on May 7, 2025, and remains in federal custody as a result of that violation. If convicted, Roberts faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Monroe County Man Sentenced to 144 Months’ Imprisonment  for Drug and Firearm Offenses

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that John Nester, age 55, of Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 20, 2025, to 144 months’ imprisonment and a term of supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Nester previously pled guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute approximately 30 grams of fentanyl and possessing a Glock pistol in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. The pistol and fentanyl were found during the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s home in June of 2024. Nester also possessed additional fentanyl on his person and in his vehicle. The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Pocono Mountain Regional Police, and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses. # # #


title: Eight-Time Felon Guilty of Illegally Possessing a Firearm

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – GERARD CARR (“CARR”) , age 27, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on September 30, 2025 before U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan to being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, in April of 2025, CARR was involved in a shootout in front of a convenience store on North Galvez Street in New Orleans. One week later, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a residence associated with CARR and found the gun he used during the shootout. Prior to possessing the firearm, CARR had been convicted in Orleans Parish of several felony offenses, including conspiracy to distribute heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, conspiracy to possess a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and illegally possessing a stolen firearm. CARR faces up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. 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 case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Philadelphia Man Sentenced on Drug Conspiracy

body_text: WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Roberto Febus, age 35, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was sentenced by Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann to 78 months of imprisonment to be followed by four years of supervised release. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Febus conspired with others to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in Northumberland County in May 2022. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. # # #


title: California and Missouri Men Charged in Danbury Kidnapping Conspiracy

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a superseding indictment charging three men for their alleged involvement in a kidnapping in Danbury in August 2024. On February 25, 2025, JAMES SCHWAB , 22, of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, was charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping. The superseding indictment, which was returned on October 28, 2025, and unsealed yesterday, charges Schwab, ADAM IZA , 25, of California, and SAIF FAIQ , 22, of St. Louis, Missouri, each with the same offense, and an additional charge of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on August 25, 2024, Danbury Police arrested six Florida men who were involved in a violent carjacking of a Lamborghini Urus and the kidnapping of two occupants of the vehicle on that date. The investigation revealed that the kidnapping victims are the parents of an individual who is suspected of participating in the theft of hundreds of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency. It is alleged that Schwab, Iza, and Faiq planned and coordinated the kidnapping. Schwab, who had an altercation with the victims’ son in a Miami nightclub in July 2024, was in regular communication with certain of the kidnappers in the days before the crime, provided funding for it, and helped arrange the participants’ transportation and lodging. Iza communicated via cellphone and encrypted messaging applications with certain of the kidnappers and directed them as to the logistics of the scheme. Iza also provided funding for the criminal conspiracies. Faiq recruited participants for the crime, traveled to Connecticut for the planned home invasion and kidnapping, coordinated with Iza, and helped conduct surveillance on the victims. Schwab was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on January 29, 2025, and is currently released on a $1.5 million secured bond pending trial. Faiq was arrested on November 12, 2025, and is detained pending his arraignment in Connecticut, which is not scheduled. Iza has been detained since September 24, 2024, after he was charged in the Central District of California with unrelated federal offenses . The charge of conspiracy to commit kidnapping carries a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and the charge of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. Six other individuals were charged with offenses related to the carjacking and kidnapping. All have pleaded guilty. U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by the FBI New Haven Violent Crimes Task Force, FBI Los Angeles, FBI St. Louis, and the Danbury Police Department. The FBI Task Force includes members from the Connecticut State Police and several local police departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck. U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, and the State’s Attorney’s Office for the Judicial District of Danbury for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution of this matter.


title: Shamokin Man Sentenced for Trafficking Methamphetamine

body_text: WILLIAMSPORT- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Abel Huertas, age 28, of Shamokin, Pennsylvania was sentenced by Chief Judge Matthew W. Brann on a drug-trafficking charge to 57 months of imprisonment to be followed by four years of supervised release and 30 hours of community service. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Huertas distributed 50 grams and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in Northumberland County during May of 2022. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Northumberland County Drug Task Force, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Bloomsburg Police Department, the Sunbury Police Department, the Shamokin Police Department, and the Coal Township Police Department. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Geroge J. Rocktashel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin prosecuted the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. # # #


title: Former Virginia Beach Man Sentenced for Making Threats Against Former  President Joe Biden, Vice President Harris

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. – A former Virginia Beach man, who repeatedly threatened the lives of former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris through a series of phone calls to local government offices, was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison. Kevin Butler, 47, was found guilty of seven counts of knowingly and willfully making various threats against the president and vice president of the United States following a two-day bench trial in December 2024. “Threats of violence against elected officials affront the political process and the rule of law,” Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “This office will seek clear accountability against those who threaten public officials with acts of violence.” According to evidence presented at that trial and other court records, in early December 2022, Butler made a series of phone calls to a Virginia Probation and Parole office in which he threatened the lives of then-President Joe Biden and then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Butler left several voicemails vocalizing his threats. For example, he threatened to get a MAK 90 (a semiautomatic firearm), “jump over the fence” outside the White House and “kill the President.” This is the second time Butler has been convicted of making threats against the president and vice president. In 2014, Butler was convicted in the Eastern District of Virginia for making threats against then-President Barack Obama and then-Vice President Joe Biden. Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia made the announcement. The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Scheff and Keith Parrella prosecuted the case for the United States.


title: Lackawanna County Woman Sentenced to 36 Months’ Imprisonment for Drug Offense

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jazmyn Warshawsky, age 26, of Olyphant, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 19, 2025, to 36 months’ imprisonment and a term of supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick, for attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Warshawsky had earlier pled guilty to attempting to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams and more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. As part of her guilty plea, Warshawsky admitted that on or about May 26, 2023, in Lackawanna County, Warshawsky received and possessed a United States Postal Service mail package that she believed contained a large quantity of controlled substances. Investigators observed the defendant take possession of the package, bring the package to her co-defendant’s home in Luzerne County, where investigators later seized the package, among other controlled substances. As part of that seizure, investigators recovered over 2 kilograms of methamphetamine and nearly 4 kilograms of marihuana. The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Gerard Donahue prosecuted the case. This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. # # #


title: New York Siblings Charged with Conspiracy, Money Laundering, Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft

body_text: SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Mayovanet Fermin, age 26, and Frnsheska Fermin, age 25, of Yonkers, New York, were indicted on August 19, 2025, by a federal grand jury on 68 counts of fraud, including conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft. The case was unsealed following defendants’ arraignment on October 3, 2025. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that from January of 2020 through July of 2021, the Fermins obtained and shared lists of victims’ personal identifying information (PII) to create and submit fraudulent federal income tax returns, economic impact payment applications, and pandemic unemployment assistance benefits. The indictment alleges over $400,000 in fraudulently obtained payments as a result of the scheme. The case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG), and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd 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, among other methods, 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. 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 at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form. The maximum penalty under federal law for the most serious offense charged is 30 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations. # # #


title: U.K. Citizen Indicted for $2.7M Telehealth Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Florida returned an indictment Wednesday charging a U.K. citizen for his role in a conspiracy to submit fraudulent claims for telehealth services associated with prescriptions for genetic testing and for causing the submission of false Medicare enrollment documents. According to the indictment, Marek Rex Vernon Harrison, 61, a U.K. citizen living in Plant City, Florida, was the true beneficial owner and manager of purported telemedicine company CTD Network LLC (CTD). As alleged, CTD employed medical providers to authorize prescriptions for genetic tests, including tests designed to assess cancer risk. The providers conducted purported telehealth consultations in which they approved genetic-testing orders for Medicare beneficiaries referred by marketing companies or laboratories, even though the providers had no prior relationship with the beneficiaries and did not treat them or use the test results for treatment. At Harrison’s direction, CTD allegedly billed Medicare for these telehealth services, which were medically unnecessary and/or not provided as billed. In total, CTD submitted more than $2.7 million in false and fraudulent claims for telehealth services to Medicare, and Medicare paid over $600,000 on those claims. As further alleged, part of the scheme involved falsifying Medicare enrollment documents submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to conceal Harrison’s role in CTD. CMS requires submitting entities to disclose all persons with a 5% or greater ownership interest or managing control, and to identify whether such individuals have been the subject of a final adverse legal action. At Harrison’s direction, CTD allegedly submitted Medicare enrollment forms falsely listing other individuals as owners and/or managers and concealing Harrison’s 2019 bank fraud conviction. Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI’s Tampa Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Douglas DePodesta of the FBI’s Chicago Field Office; and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement. FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case. Acting Assistant Chief Catherine Wagner and Trial Attorney Miriam Glaser Dauermann of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Two Toa Alta Municipal Police Officers Indicted and Arrested for Drug Trafficking

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment today charging two Toa Alta municipal police officers with drug trafficking. According to court documents, Xavier Oropeza-Rosado, 42, and Julio Ángel Berdecía-Rodríguez, 46, of Toa Alta, knowingly and intentionally attempted to possess with intent to distribute cocaine on several occasions since April 2023. Oropeza-Rosado is facing two counts of drug trafficking and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Berdecía-Rodríguez is facing three counts of drug trafficking and three counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. “The vast majority of police officers bravely serve and protect our communities with honor. When law enforcement officers break that trust, it is our responsibility to bring them to justice,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Public trust is the foundation of every badge in this country. When those sworn to protect their communities choose instead to betray that oath, they undermine the integrity of the entire justice system,” said Claudia Dubravetz, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “Today’s arrests make one thing clear: no position, no uniform, and no authority exempts anyone from accountability. The FBI will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to confront corruption wherever it surfaces and ensure the people of Puerto Rico are served with honesty, fairness, and the rule of law.” The defendants made their initial court appearances on November 20, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marcos E. López of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. If convicted, the defendants face a statutory minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life for the drug trafficking counts and a consecutive statutory minimum sentence of 5 years per firearm count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney César E. Rivera Díaz is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Arizona CEO Sentenced to 14 years in Prison for Embezzling $33-Million Dollars from Tribal Healthcare Provider

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Kevin Lamorris McKenzie, 49, of Tucson, was sentenced on October 16, 2025, by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to 14 years in prison, to be served concurrently with an additional 5-year prison sentence. McKenzie previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Embezzlement from an Indian Tribal Organization. From 2015 through 2023, McKenzie, first as Chief Operating Officer and then as CEO of Apache Behavioral Health Services (ABHS), engaged in a scheme to defraud millions of dollars from ABHS and the White Mountain Apache Tribe. McKenzie used two contracts as a front to funnel money from ABHS to himself. Under the first contract, ABHS paid over $35 million to Helping Everyday Youth (HEDY). Thereafter, based on a secret agreement with McKenzie, HEDY funneled approximately $16 million in fraudulent proceeds to a shell company McKenzie controlled. McKenzie concealed this backdoor financial arrangement from ABHS. McKenzie conducted significant efforts to hide his scheme through financial transactions conducted through his shell company. He also attempted to corruptly persuade a witness to lie to investigators. From 2018 through 2023, McKenzie, also as CEO for ABHS, entered phony referral contracts with his co-defendant Corina Martinez. These contracts were used to fraudulently funnel ABHS money through Evolved Health Care Inc. (EHI), a company controlled by Martinez. Under the contracts, EHI would refer qualified employees to ABHS in exchange for compensation. However, EHI never referred any employees to ABHS. Using the phony agreements, McKenzie caused ABHS to pay approximately $16.5 million to EHI. Portions of the fraudulent proceeds were split amongst McKenzie and Martinez. Martinez gave McKenzie large sums of cash, paid $800,000 of his personal credit card bills, and purchased other luxury items: including a $128,000 Rolls Royce Ghost and a $928,000 home for McKenzie’s family. EHI did not perform any services for ABHS. As part of his sentence, McKenzie was ordered to pay $33,155,701 in restitution to ABHS. He was also ordered to forfeit various real estate properties; 2013 Rolls Royce; 1966 Ford Galaxie; 2018 Land Rover Range Rover; 2018 Utility Trailer; a 2021 Cadillac Escalade and $55,000 in U.S. currency. McKenzie also agreed to apply over $364,447 that had been seized in a related case toward the restitution judgment. The FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office conducted the investigation in this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, Financial Crimes and Public Corruption Unit, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-23-02258-SHR-MAA RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-164_McKenzie # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Maryland Man Facing Federal Charges for Sexual Exploitation of Children in Connection With Child Sex Trafficking Ring

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned an indictment, charging Philip Andrew Turner, 46, of Linthicum Heights, Maryland, with sexual exploitation of a minor, online coercion and enticement, receipt of child sexual abuse material, and possession of child sexual abuse. Turner, who is currently detained, is slated for his initial appearance on Wednesday, December 3, in U.S. District Court in Baltimore before Judge Chelsea J. Crawford. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Baltimore; Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Acting Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MDSP); and Anne Colt Leitess, State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County. According to the 15-count indictment, Turner used an online account to connect with known child traffickers in the Philippines. Turner submitted payment after negotiating a price and then selected children that he wanted to watch, and the sex acts he wanted to see. He also received child sexual abuse material images from the traffickers that he saved to an online account. Additionally, Turner possessed commercially available child sexual abuse material images on his laptop computer. If convicted, Turner faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for each count of sexual exploitation of a child. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page. Know2Protect is a national public awareness campaign from the Department of Homeland Security. Know2Protect’s aim is to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults and policymakers to prevent, combat and report online child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information, please visit Know2Protect’s YouTube playlists at Know2Protect Campaign PSA Playlist and Know2Protect Digital Safety Series Playlist on DHS’ main channel. Additional resources are available at Know2Protect.gov , Instagram , Facebook and X , formerly known as Twitter. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI, the MDSP, and Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen E. McGuinn who is prosecuting the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Federal Jury Finds Markita Barnes Guilty of Healthcare Fraud, Aggravated Identity Theft, Providing Unlawful Kickbacks, Obstruction, and Money Laundering

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Brad D. Schimel, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 21, 2025, Markita Barnes, the owner and operator of a now-defunct Prenatal Care Coordination Company called Here for You, was convicted of twenty federal charges, including Healthcare Fraud, False Statements related to Healthcare Matters, Anti-Kickback Statute violations, Aggravated Identity Theft, Obstruction of a Healthcare Fraud Investigation, and Money Laundering. The evidence presented at trial established that Barnes and her employees exploited vulnerable pregnant women and young mothers by luring them into the company’s prenatal care coordination program with kickbacks in the form of cash enrollment bonuses and free baby items such as car seats, pack ‘n plays, diapers, and wipes. Once enrolled, Barnes’s company unlawfully used the women’s personal information to submit claims to Medicaid for services that were never provided, often backdating the claims to months before anyone at the company had met or enrolled the client. In reality, participants often received only occasional deliveries of diapers and wipes, and in some cases, nothing at all. The evidence also demonstrated that Barnes used her fraud proceeds to finance a lavish lifestyle, including luxury travel, designer clothing, and even a $75,000 Mercedes. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on March 17, 2026, by United States District Court Chief Judge Pamela Pepper. Markita Barnes faces a mandatory minimum 2-year sentence on the aggravated identity theft charges, and a maximum 20 years’ imprisonment for each of the healthcare fraud charges. The Federal Bureau of Investigation along with the Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Control Unit investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Julie F. Stewart and Kate M. Biebel prosecuted the case. # # # #


title: Louisville Man Sentenced to Over 8 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun and Machine Gun Possession, and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced on October 21, 2025, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal possession of a machine gun, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to court documents, Dominique Thompson, 30, was sentenced to 8 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a Ruger, Model AR-556, 5.56 caliber pistol, a Glock, Model 17 Gen5, 9-millimeter pistol, ammunition, a machine gun, and for possessing the Ruger in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Thompson was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On May 23, 2023, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Thompson was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, illegal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree Schedule I heroin, and illegal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree Schedule II fentanyl (two counts). On March 18, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Thompson was convicted of receiving stolen property and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Thompson has related and pending charges in Jefferson Circuit Court alleging criminal attempt murder of a police officer and wanton endangerment in the first degree. Mr. Bumgarner stated, “This is an extremely important case for our office and demonstrates our responsibility and commitment to protecting our law enforcement officers that courageously serve our community. This case also demonstrates our commitment to working with the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Louisville Metro Police Department and ATF to aggressively prosecute firearms crimes.” “Violent crime targeting members of our community, including law enforcement officers, will not be tolerated. ATF remains committed to eradicating Machinegun Conversion Devices (MCD) from our streets because of the increased threats they pose. This case and the resulting sentence reflect the strength of the partnership between federal and local law enforcement,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the Louisville Field Division. "This man’s long criminal history, including charges of attempting to kill an LMPD officer, underscores the serious threat he poses to our community,” said LMPD Police Chief Paul Humphrey. “We remain committed to working with our federal partners to keep dangerous criminals off our streets so families can feel safe." There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the ATF and LMPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez prosecuted the case. This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Indian National Indicted for Assault Aboard Aircraft

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – An Indian national was indicted by a federal grand jury yesterday for allegedly stabbing two minor victims with a metal fork while on board a Lufthansa flight from Chicago to Germany on Oct. 25, 2025. The defendant was previously admitted to the United States on a student visa and was enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies. At the time of the alleged incident, the defendant did not have lawful status in the United States. Praneeth Kumar Usiripalli, 28, was indicted on two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Usiripalli was apprehended immediately following the incident and charged by complaint on Oct. 27, 2025 . He remains detained pending trial and will be arraigned in federal court in Boston at a later date. According to the charging documents, on Oct. 25, 2025, while on board Lufthansa flight 431 enroute from Chicago to Frankfurt, Germany, Usiripalli allegedly stabbed a 17-year-old male passenger (Minor A) in the shoulder area with a metal fork. Usiripalli then allegedly stabbed a second 17-year-old male passenger (Minor B) in the back of the head with the same metal fork. Specifically, following meal service, Minor A was sleeping lightly in a middle seat when he allegedly awoke to see Usiripalli standing over him. It is alleged that Usiripalli used his right hand to strike Minor A in the left clavicle area with a metal fork. Usiripalli then allegedly lunged toward Minor B – who was seated to Minor A’s right in a middle seat in the center row of the aircraft – and struck Minor B in the back of his head with the fork. Minor B suffered a laceration to the rear of his head. When flight crew members attempted to subdue Usiripalli, he allegedly raised his hand, formed a gun with his fingers, put it in his mouth and pulled an imaginary trigger. Immediately afterwards, Usiripalli allegedly turned toward a female passenger and slapped her with his hand. Usiripalli also allegedly attempted to slap a flight crew member. As a result of the disturbance, the flight was diverted to Boston Logan International Airport, where Usiripalli was immediately taken into custody. Usiripalli was previously admitted to the United States on a student visa. Most recently, he was enrolled in a master’s program in biblical studies. Usiripalli presently does not have lawful status in the United States. The charge of assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm while traveling on an aircraft in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allegra Flamm of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Dominican National Indicted for Fentanyl Distribution

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Worcester has been indicted by a federal grand jury for distributing fentanyl pills. Miguel Gonzalez Duarte, 37, has been indicted on one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Gonzalez Duarte was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Oct. 29, 2025 and remains in federal custody. According to the charging documents, on Aug. 21, 2025, Gonzalez Duarte distributed approximately 191 counterfeit pills that contained fentanyl, methamphetamine and xylazine, with a total approximate weight of 21.9 grams, in a store parking lot on Main Street in Worcester. On Sept. 3, 2025, Gonzalez Duarte allegedly distributed approximately 482 pills, weighing approximately 54.9 grams, containing the same mixture in the same parking lot. It is further alleged that, in the store parking lot on Sept. 24, 2025, Gonzalez Duarte distributed approximately 2,000 suspected fentanyl pills with an approximate weight of 226 grams. On Oct. 15, Gonzalez Duarte also allegedly distributed approximately 20,000 suspected fentanyl pills in the parking lot of a restaurant in Worcester. It is alleged that, when approached by law enforcement shortly after the transaction, Gonzalez Duarte dropped the bag of pills and attempted to flee before being apprehended. At the time of the alleged offenses, Gonzalez Duarte was on probation for an April 2025 conviction of possession with intent to distribute Class A and B drugs in Worcester District Court. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl each provide for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on 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 Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan O’Shea and Kristen Noto of the Worcester Branch Office are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Western District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office Files Over 230 New Immigration Cases This Week

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – United States Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced today that federal prosecutors in the district filed 233 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from Nov. 14 to Nov. 20. Charges were brought against individuals with multiple prior removals, DWI convictions, kidnapping convictions, and at least two with prior convictions for sex crimes, including child sex crimes. Salvadoran national Elmer Alexander Ramirez Cerna was charged with illegal re-entry in Austin. Ramirez Cerna was found in the Williamson County Jail on Nov. 4. He was convicted of sexual assault of a child in 2017 and removed from the U.S. to El Salvador in April 2019. In Del Rio, USBP agents arrested Honduran national Noel Jose Funez-Antunez . Funez-Antunez was previously deported twice, most recently in June 2024 after he was convicted of sexual assault in Houston and sentenced to two years of confinement. Funez-Antunez was also convicted in 2010 for kidnapping. Honduran nationals Marcos Joel Contreras-Max and Edwin Javier Chinchilla-Lopez were arrested during a multi-agency operation conducted in San Antonio on Nov. 16. Databases revealed that both individuals were in the United States illegally and had previously been removed from the U.S. to Honduras. The two defendants are each charged with one count of illegal re-entry. If convicted, they face up to two years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. In El Paso, Mexican national Miriam Lizeth Gutierrez-Montanez was arrested and charged with human smuggling after she allegedly attempted to enter the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry with two minors in her vehicle. A criminal complaint alleges that the Customs and Border Protection officer received a system-generated alert that Gutierrez-Montanez was a possible child smuggler. Further inspection allegedly revealed that the minors were found to be Mexican citizens and not in possession of any legal documents to enter or be present in the U.S. A U.S. citizen was also arrested and charged with human smuggling in El Paso. U.S. Border Patrol agents allegedly tracked Luis Ramon Carmona to the Cielo Vista Mall after he had picked up seven illegal aliens near the U.S./Mexico border. All eight individuals were placed under arrest and transported to the Clint Border Patrol Station for further processing. A criminal complaint alleges that Carmona was being paid $500 per illegal alien and that he had participated in the same smuggling scheme once before. Mexican national Agustin Cano-Quintero was charged with illegal re-entry after he was found in the Travis County Jail. Cano-Quintero has been convicted three times for driving while intoxicated and has also been previously convicted for improper entry by an alien as well as illegal re-entry. On Tuesday, USBP agents arrested Mexican national Amado Tovar-Tovar , who has three DWI convictions and, in August 2024, was removed from the U.S. to Mexico for the fourth time. Pablo Orozco-Vasquez , also a Mexican national, was arrested near Webb after being previously deported for the fifth time in April. Orozco-Vasquez has been convicted of two DWI charges, along with reckless driving, improper entry and illegal re-entry. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: BRONSON FELON SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR  POSSESSING A FIREARM

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

body_text: GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Kashone Demetrious Bing, 21, of Bronson, Florida, was sentenced to 71 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our brave state and federal law enforcement partners work hard every day to keep our communities safe. Thanks to this successful prosecution, we are able to keep another dangerous, violent felon off our streets and take another step toward fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America from the perpetrators of violent crime.” Court documents reflect that the defendant had a loaded firearm in his lap when law enforcement executed an arrest warrant at his residence. The defendant is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was previously convicted of two felonies, including aggravated battery causing great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement. The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, and the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner. 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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Dilkon Defendants Charged with the Murders of Three Victims and Shooting Others in Teesto, Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – On September 30, 2025, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a 23-count superseding indictment against Ryan Adelbert Johnson, Alexandra Johnson, Charles Lyle Truax, Mike Duffy, III, and Sherry Duffy all of Dilkon, Arizona for crimes related to a shooting and tampering case that occurred in March, 2022, in Teesto on the Navajo Nation, resulting in the deaths of three victims and the injury of others. Charges against Ryan Adelbert Johnson, Alexandra Johnson, Charles Lyle Truax, and Mike Duffy, III include First Degree Murder, Kidnapping Resulting in Death, Felony Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Robbery, and Discharge of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. Mike Duffy, III, Alexandra Johnson, Charles Lyle Truax, and Sherry Duffy were also charged with offenses relating to Tampering with an Official Proceeding and/or False Statement to a Government Agency. Convictions for First Degree Murder and Kidnapping Resulting in Death carry mandatory life sentences. An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The FBI Phoenix office in Flagstaff conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-25-08032-PCT-DLR RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-165_Johnson


title: PANAMA CITY MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO RETALIATING AGAINST AND SENDING THREATS TO A FEDERAL INFORMANT

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Thomas Zachary Breeding, 41, of Panama City, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of retaliation against a federal informant and transmission of threatening communications in interstate commerce. The guilty plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Ensuring the safety of our informants and witnesses against threats of reprisals for their cooperation in our criminal investigations and prosecutions is of critical importance to our success in safeguarding our communities from crime. My office will aggressively prosecute such criminal threats to ensure the brave members of our community who join us in the fight against crime are kept safe from retaliation.” Court documents reflect that on May 31, 2024, the defendant sent Facebook messages threatening bodily injury to an individual. In the messages, the defendant blamed the individual for sending him to prison, called him a “rat,” and promised to “break” a “knife off” in their “guts.” The defendant sent the threats to retaliate against the individual for having provided information to federal law enforcement as part of a prior federal investigation and prosecution of the defendant for distributing cocaine. The defendant, who was on federal supervised release for that prior case at the time he made the threats, also faces revocation proceedings for violating the terms of his supervision. Breeding’s sentencing and violation of supervised release hearings are currently set for December 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. The defendant faces up to 25 years’ imprisonment. The conviction was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes. 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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: TALLAHASSEE MAN SENTENCED FOR  MARIJUANA TRAFFICKING AND MONEY LAUNDERING

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Wesley D. Thomas, 37, of Tallahassee, Florida, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 1000 kilograms or more of marijuana, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Dismantling this transnational drug trafficking scheme required close collaboration and cooperation between our outstanding state and federal law enforcement partners, and my office delivered yet another successful prosecution to send this offender to federal prison.” The defendant led a drug-trafficking organization moving thousands of pounds of marijuana from the West Coast to Tallahassee, Florida. The defendant would pay young men and women to fly from California and Oregon and then return with multiple checked suitcases full of vacuum-sealed marijuana. A codefendant was caught flying into Tallahassee International Airport from Medford, Oregon with suitcases containing 61 pounds of marijuana. The defendant also paid for marijuana to be driven from the West Coast to Tallahassee. One such driver who was prosecuted federally in Georgia was stopped with approximately 100 pounds of marijuana in the car. He estimated that he would transport 350 to 500 pounds of marijuana per month for the defendant and had been doing so for approximately 18 months. The defendant also paid others to use bank accounts, checks, wires, and money orders to launder his drug proceeds. Seven of the defendant’s managers and couriers were also prosecuted and have already been sentenced. “This transnational drug trafficking case was a joint effort with multiple law enforcement partners,” said DEA Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “These relationships allow us to better do our jobs and bring criminals like Mr. Thomas to justice.” “Law-abiding citizens are negatively affected by drug trafficking organizations, such as the one Wesley Thomas led, because they increase crime in their communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Ron Loecker, IRS Criminal Investigation Tampa Field Office. “In an effort to make communities safer, IRS Criminal Investigation, our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners will continue diligently finding, investigating and forwarding for prosecution those who engage in trafficking illegal drugs.” The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement, with assistance from the Tallahassee Police Department, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain 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 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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Illegal alien arrested for impersonating U.S. citizen for over 14 years

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 56-year-old Columbian national illegally residing in Houston has been charged for theft of government funds, false representation of a U.S. citizen and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The individual’s true identity is unknown, but he was most recently known under alias Johnny Mina Rodriguez. He is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo at 2 p.m. The now unsealed indictment, returned Nov. 5, alleges this individual fraudulently applied for and obtained Social Security Administration disability benefits in June 2011 by impersonating a U.S. citizen. According to the charges, they continued receiving SSA disability until his arrest, resulting in a total theft of government funds exceeding $150,000. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years imprisonment as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine for each of the charges. He also faces an additional two years in prison for aggravated identity theft which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. SSA-Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen M. Lansden 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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Ohio Man Sentenced For Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. – A Norwood, Ohio, man, Marcus Goodwin, 37, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning to 200 months in prison, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to his plea agreement, Goodwin conspired with others to distribute over a kilogram of crystal methamphetamine from March 1, 2024 through February 14, 2025 in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Using a confidential informant, law enforcement conducted four controlled purchases of crystal methamphetamine totaling more than a kilogram from Goodwin. Upon arresting Goodwin, law enforcement found three handguns at a hotel room where he was staying, and an additional handgun and 1,192.9 grams of crystal methamphetamine at his residence. Three additional handguns were seized from a location Goodwin used to distribute drugs. Goodwin was previously convicted of drug trafficking and voluntary manslaughter with specification in the Court of Common Pleas for Hamilton County, Ohio and served a sentence of 14 years for those offenses. Under federal law, Goodwin 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 10 years. Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Louisville Field Office; Orville O. Greene, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Detroit Field Division; and Chief Jeff Mallery, Florence Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, DEA, and Florence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Bracke is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Former police captain charged for offenses against children

body_text: GALVESTON, Texas - A 59-year-old resident of League City has been indicted on multiple counts to include coercion and enticement of a minor, and possession and production of child sexual abuse material, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Authorities have now arrested Daryn Edwards. He is now making his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo. A federal grand jury in Galveston returned the five-count indictment Nov. 18. Edwards is charged with two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor and faces up to life in prison, if convicted. He is also facing two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography which carries terms of 20 and 10 years, respectively. He could also be ordered to pay a $250,000 fine. FBI Texas City conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren M. Valenti is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page . An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced to Over 24 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ODINE DOMINICK (“DOMINICK”) , age 35, was sentenced on November 20, 2025 by U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to 292 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release, along with a $300 mandatory special assessment fee, after previously pleading guilty to possession with the intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl and a quantity of marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(D); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i); and being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, in the fall of 2023, law enforcement officers observed a photograph of DOMINICK with a rifle magazine in his waistband and a video of DOMINICK inside of a stolen car with a handgun. On December 14, 2023, the New Orleans Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at DOMINICK ’s residence and found over 100 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin; vacuum sealed bags of marijuana weighing over a kilogram; eight digital scales; drug trafficking supplies; 400 rounds of various calibers of ammunition; and a loaded Glock Model 23 .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine. Prior to his most recent arrest, DOMINICK was convicted of conspiracy to distribute more than 100 grams of heroin in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine in Orleans Parish, and being a felon in possession of a firearm in St. Bernard Parish. 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. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Berman and Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit. ###


title: New York Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Drug-Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on November 19, 2025, Keahnard Rowell, also known as “Stacks,” 35, of New York City, New York, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 60 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Rowell previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl in Bennington, Vermont, in 2022. According to court records, between mid-February and July 2022, Rowell was a high-ranking member of a violent drug-trafficking organization in Bennington led by co-conspirator William McLaughlin. While much of the violence was perpetrated by McLaughlin, Rowell was aware of it. Court records indicate that after a particularly violent beating of a woman by McLaughlin over a drug dispute, Rowell offered to protect the woman by bringing her to New York. Once there, however, Rowell took the woman’s phone and identification, thereby making her feel she was not free to leave his residence. In Bennington, Rowell supervised drug trafficking locations and sold drugs for the organization. He also took trips to New York to obtain more drug supply to bring back to Bennington for the organization to sell. First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bennington Police Department, the Rutland City Police Department, the Vermont State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corinne Smith, Jonathan Ophardt and Paul Van de Graaf. Rowell was represented by Jason Sawyer, Esq.