title: Honduran National Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Identity Theft And Related Fraud Charges

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Juan Ariel Molina-Salles (35, Honduras) today pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft, false representation of a Social Security number, and false claim of United States citizenship for employment purposes. Molina-Salles faces a minimum penalty of 2 years in federal prison, consecutive to any other prison term, and a maximum term of 12 years’ imprisonment. According to court documents, Archer Western-de Moya Group Joint Venture II (Joint Venture) is enrolled in E-Verify, a web-based system through which employers electronically confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. Molina-Salles is an illegal alien from Honduras with no lawful status in the United States. On February 16, 2022, Molina-Salles applied for employment with the Joint Venture in Pinellas County and filled out an I-9 form for use in the E-Verify system. On that form, Molina-Salles falsely identified himself as a United States citizen. He used another person’s means of identification (V.V.R.) to defeat the E-Verify system. Molina-Salles provided no documents or other proof that he was trained or qualified to operate a front-end loader or other heavy construction equipment. On the evening of September 22, 2022, Molina-Salles was working at the Joint Venture’s highway construction site in Pinellas County under the stolen identity V.V.R. That night, while operating a front-end loader, Molina-Salles struck and killed Deputy Michael Hartwick of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). On September 23, 2022, Molina-Salles was arrested in connection with Deputy Hartwick’s death and interviewed by PCSO detectives. Molina-Salles explained to investigators that he was from Honduras and had been in the United States for approximately eight months and confirmed his identity was not V.V.R, but rather Juan Ariel Molina-Salles. Molinas-Salles stated he had come to the United States illegally and was undocumented, having come through Mexico to the United States by entering in Texas. He admitted to using the stolen identity to gain employment with Archer Western. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.


title: First of a pair of men charged in massive stolen goods trafficking scheme enters guilty plea

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 53-year-old Federal Way, Washington man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle for his scheme to sell stolen goods on Amazon or eBay, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Vitaliy F. Bobak, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce. Bobak and his co-defendant Andrey A. Balun, 58 of Bellevue, Washington and Las Vegas, jointly owned MBA Trading LLC which did business at a Burien, Washington storefront operating as “We Buy Gold, Silver, and Electronics.” An extensive law enforcement investigation revealed that the storefront knowingly purchased goods stolen from area retailers which the pair then sold on Amazon or eBay for millions of dollars in profit. According to the plea agreement and other records filed in the case, Bobak co-owned the business since 2020. Bobak admits that he purchased stolen goods from individual sellers knowing that the goods were stolen. He bought primarily over the counter medications and health/beauty products. In many instances the goods still had anti-theft devices attached, and/or stickers saying for sale only at a particular retailer. The men bought the goods far below the retail price and then posted them for sale on two websites they operated on Amazon or eBay. The Amazon store was called “Medikus” and the eBay store was called “abcstore555.” The indictment traces the money from the online stores to the men’s bank accounts. The funds were then used by the men to operate the scheme by paying cash to the “boosters” (people who stole the goods) and payroll to employees who were involved in posting and shipping the goods for sale. The remainder of the proceeds were funneled to the men who then withdrew money to pay themselves and for various personal expenses. For example, Bobak used $66,000 in cash for a new Lexus. Between 2021 and June of 2023, the operation brought in more than $4.5 million. The plea agreement details three items brought to the We Buy store as stolen goods that were then sold on Amazon and eBay: a Braun electric shaver, sold and shipped to Rhode Island, a Keurig coffee maker sold and shipped to Oregon and Sonicare and Rogaine products that Bobak purchased from a “booster.” Bobak used a torch lighter and drill to remove the security devices on the products. The scale of the sales was huge and both national and international. An analysis of the sales of the two online stores reveals that between January 1, 2022, and November 28, 2023, there were over 150,000 sale transactions through the abcstore555 eBay and Medikus Amazon stores. When search warrants were served and merchandise seized on December 19, 2023, the conspirators possessed more than 74,000 items of stolen merchandise valued at approximately $2.4 million. After the seizure, the business shut down. In his plea agreement Bobak admits he personally obtained proceeds of at least $1,000,000. Bobak agrees to forfeit $1,000,000 to the government as part of the resolution of his case. Conspiracy to transport stolen property is punishable by up to five years in prison. Bobak is scheduled to be sentenced on December 3, 2025. Balun is scheduled for a jury trial in front of U.S. District Judge Tana Lin on February 23, 2026. The charges against Balun are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with significant assistance from the Renton Police Department, Seattle Police Department, and the IRS, and aided by investigators from numerous retailers. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean Waite and Asset Forfeiture Assistant United States Attorney Krista Bush.


title: Uintah Basin Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Travis Davies, 47, of Vernal, Utah, was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release after he trafficked narcotics, including hundreds of blue fentanyl pills in the District of Utah. On June 5, 2025, Davies pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. According to court documents and admissions made at Davies’ change of plea and sentencing hearings, on November 9, 2024, law enforcement seized 296 blue fentanyl pills (33 grams) during an executed search warrant at his residence in Vernal. Law enforcement also seized a digital scale, and several small plastic baggies. Additionally, according to court documents, Davies is known to law enforcement as a distributor of fentanyl and was caught with pills while on pretrial release for multiple other drug trafficking cases. He has also obstructed justice while under investigation for drug trafficking cases. The case was investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Vernal Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Sam Pead of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).


title: Jackson Health Foundation Executive Pleads Guilty to Taking Kickbacks, Stealing Foundation Money to Buy Designer Handbags and Golf Cart

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – The former Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Jackson Health Foundation (Foundation) pleaded guilty on September 11 to embezzling millions of dollars from the nonprofit by submitting false invoices and taking kickbacks. According to court documents, from 2014 through 2024, Charmaine Gatlin, 52, served as COO of the Foundation, which is the fundraising arm of Jackson Health System. During her tenure, Gatlin drew a base salary ranging from $185,000 and $290,000. Despite her compensation, in pleading guilty, Gatlin admitted that she defrauded the Foundation out of at least $4.3 million by directing funds to herself, her relatives, or unrelated entities, rather than to the Foundation or Jackson Health System. For example, Gatlin approved approximately $2 million in invoices from a Georgia-based audiovisual company for services that were never provided. In return, the vendor paid Gatlin $1 million in kickbacks, which she used in part to pay her personal credit card bill. Gatlin coached the vendor on how to falsify invoices, including billing for audiovisual services that had already been donated to the Foundation. The vendor, Yergan Jones, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the scheme (25-cr-20312). Gatlin also directed a merchandise vendor to purchase luxury items for her from Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Apple in exchange for keeping the Foundation’s business. Gatlin further misused restricted donations, such as approving $55,101 in Foundation funds to purchase 10,000 “first aid kits” falsely labeled as “trauma burn giveaways” from the same vendor. In another instance, Gatlin submitted a false invoice to cover the purchase of a rose gold-colored golf cart, which she had delivered to her Weston home in September 2023. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom on November 25. Gatlin faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quinoñes for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office made the announcement. FBI Miami investigated the case, with valuable assistance from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Young is prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Raemy Charest-Turken is handling asset forfeiture. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls . The case number is 25-cr-20220. ###


title: North Charleston Woman Pleads Guilty in Public Corruption Scheme

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — Michelle Stent-Hilton, 56, of Goose Creek, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds and honest services wire fraud, bribery with respect to programs receiving federal funds, honest services wire fraud, and money laundering. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that Michelle Stent-Hilton conspired with former North Charleston City Councilmember Jerome Sydney Heyward and others to pay kickbacks to Heyward in exchange for his support of Stent-Hilton's application on behalf of her non-profit—DEEP SC—for grant money. At the time, Heyward was serving as a member of North Charleston’s City Council representing District 5. In 2022, the City of North Charleston decided to award grants to non-profits with the expectation that the non-profits would work to reduce gun violence in the City. Stent-Hilton applied for a grant through her non-profit, DEEP SC, and agreed to pay Heyward 20% of any money DEEP SC received from the City in exchange for his support and influence as a councilmember. Heyward twice voted to award grant money to DEEP SC and at least one other non-profit without disclosing that he had an agreement with the non-profits to pay him a kickback. Soon after DEEP SC received $100,000 from the City, Stent-Hilton purchased a cashier’s check for $20,000. The cashier's check was made payable to Rose Lorenzo, a bookkeeper to whom Heyward directed Stent-Hilton to route the funds. Lorenzo wired the money from Stent-Hilton, as well as one other non-profit, to Heyward's bank account. Stent-Hilton admitted that the kickback was laundered through Lorenzo's account to disguise the nature of the transaction. Stent-Hilton faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. She also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Stent-Hilton after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whit Sowards and Emily Limehouse are prosecuting the case. ###


title: CEO of Georgia Company Convicted in  International Bribery and Money Laundering Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal jury in Miami, Florida, convicted a U.S. businessman today for his role in a nearly five-year long scheme to bribe Honduran government officials and to launder money to secure business for a Georgia-based manufacturer of law enforcement uniforms and accessories. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Carl Alan Zaglin, 70, of Marietta, Georgia, agreed to pay bribes to Honduran officials in order to obtain and retain business with Comité Técnico del Fideicomiso para la Administración del Fondo de Protección y Seguridad Poblacional (TASA), a Honduran governmental entity that procured goods for the Honduran National Police and other Honduran security agencies. “Instead of playing by the rules, Carl Zaglin unfairly sought to get ahead and enrich himself by paying bribes to Honduran officials,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Bribing government officials to win business undermines the rule of law and distorts competitive markets. Today’s verdict reaffirms the Criminal Division’s commitment to rooting out corruption and providing an equal playing field for American businesses.” The trial evidence showed that, between March 2015 and November 2019, Zaglin, the owner and CEO of Atlanco LLC (Atlanco), orchestrated the payment of hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to Honduran officials — including former TASA Executive Director Francisco Roberto Cosenza Centeno (Cosenza) and former TASA Titular Director Juan Ramon Molina — in order to secure contracts with TASA worth more than $10 million. The bribes were paid through Aldo Nestor Marchena, a third-party intermediary then residing in Boca Raton, Florida, who received $2.5 million in payments pursuant to sham invoices authorized by Zaglin. In exchange for the bribes, Cosenza and other Honduran government officials assisted Zaglin, Marchena and others in obtaining contracts for the sale of uniforms and other goods for the Honduran National Police and securing payment on the contracts. Marchena, Cosenza, and Molina all previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the scheme. To conceal the scheme, Zaglin, Marchena, Cosenza, and their co-conspirators used coded and oblique language like “commissions” and “fees” to refer to bribes and “Miami” to refer to Marchena, “the guys” and “the others” to refer to foreign officials, sham “Brokerage Agreements” falsely detailing legitimate services, and they communicated using personal email accounts and encrypted messaging applications. The conspirators laundered the bribes by moving funds from Atlanco to Marchena’s front company in the United States to accounts held for the benefit of Honduran officials in the United States, Belize, and elsewhere. The jury convicted Zaglin of one count of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), one count of violating the FCPA, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on both the FCPA count and the FCPA conspiracy count, and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the money laundering conspiracy count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Charges in the form of a criminal indictment against Zaglin, Marchena, and Cosenza were unsealed on Dec. 20, 2023. Marchena and Cosenza previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on June 5, 2025 and Aug. 13, 2025, respectively. Molina pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on Dec. 11, 2024. The Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami Field Office investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and authorities in Belize, Colombia, and Spain provided assistance with the investigation. Trial Attorneys Peter L. Cooch and Clayton P. Solomon of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli S. Rubin for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA and Foreign Extortion Prevention Act (FEPA) matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA and FEPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa .


title: Waterbury Teen Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Stealing 21 Guns from Salem Store, Carjackings

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that TYSSAN WOODS, also known as “Tigger,” 19, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for stealing firearms from a federally licensed gun dealer in Salem and committing two armed carjackings in Stamford. According to court documents and statements made in court, in the early morning of March 15, 2024, Woods, Eduardo Cruz, and others drove a car into the entryway doors of Statewide Pawn Shop, a federal firearms licensee in Salem, and stole 21 firearms from the store. Later that day, law enforcement made a controlled purchase of three of the stolen firearms from Cruz and a juvenile in Waterbury. On March 18, 2024, investigators purchased another of the stolen firearms from Cruz, who arrived at the meeting location with two juveniles. Cruz was arrested at that time, and law enforcement recovered two additional stolen firearms, one that was carried by one of the juveniles, and one from Cruz’s vehicle. On March 28, 2024, Woods committed two carjackings in Stamford. Later that day, Connecticut State Police found Woods seated in the driver’s seat in one of the stolen vehicles and took him into custody. Investigators recovered the other stolen vehicle in Waterbury, and a search of Woods’ residence revealed two of the stolen firearms. Thirteen of the stolen firearms are still missing. Woods has been detained since his arrest. On June 20, 2025, he pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms from a licensee, two counts of carjacking, and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Cruz pleaded guilty and, on June 9, 2025, was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment. This matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Connecticut State Police, and the Waterbury, Stamford, and Wolcott Police Departments. U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the State’s Attorney for the Judicial Districts of Waterbury, New London, and Stamford-Norwalk for their cooperation in investigating and prosecuting this matter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Mahard through the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program.


title: Jury Convicts Montana Man Of Murder-For-Hire Conspiracy, Tampering With A Witness By Killing, Stalking Resulting In Death, And Firearm And Drug Charges

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: RENO – A federal jury convicted a Missoula, Montana, man on September 12, 2025, for killing two people, and firearm and marijuana trafficking charges. “Last week’s verdict underscores our commitment to holding accountable the defendant who carried out violent criminal acts resulting in the tragic loss of two lives,” said United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “I commend the Assistant United States Attorneys who are prosecuting this case, the staff professionals and Victim Witness Unit, and our law enforcement partners for their tireless work to bringing the defendant to justice.” “This conviction reflects the seriousness of the crimes committed and the devastating loss of lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Division. “The FBI, along with our dedicated local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, stands resolute in its mission to crush violent crime and will hold accountable those involved in such acts." Cory Spurlock, Will Larsen, and others were involved in an illegal, large scale marijuana distribution business based in Mound House, Nevada. During a marijuana transaction in Mound House, Nevada, on June 19, 2020, Jered Stefansky went missing. Stefansky had traveled to Mound House from Redding to pick up a large amount of cash. The last call from Stefansky’s cell phone was to a number associated with Spurlock and Spurlock became a person of interest in the investigation into Stefansky’s disappearance. Stefansky’s mother never gave up on trying to find her son and appeared on a podcast in late September of 2020 where she discussed her son’s disappearance and the people her son was involved with in the marijuana conspiracy, including Larsen and Spurlock. According to testimony, Spurlock listened to the podcast and believed Larsen was a rat and needed to die. Spurlock promised a co-conspirator payment for assistance in killing Larsen. Between October 2020 and November 8, 2020, Spurlock traveled to Nevada and California with his co-conspirators. Spurlock and his co-conspirators stalked Larsen and his wife, Yesenia Larsen, throughout the Reno and Carson City area and followed them to just outside Bridgeport, California. The Larsens were shot and stabbed to death on November 8, 2020, their bodies left on the side of US Highway 395. Spurlock was also convicted of robbery for stealing the money Will Larsen had in his wallet. Stefansky’s skeletal remains were found in March 2021, at the Rye Patch Recreation area in Pershing County, Nevada. Following a four-week trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts in a day-and-a-half. Spurlock was found guilty of one-count each of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute over 1000 kilograms of marijuana; murder-for-hire conspiracy; tampering with a witness by killing; interference with commerce by robbery; causing death through use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and two-counts of stalking resulting in death. United States District Judge Miranda Du scheduled sentencing for December 16, 2025. Spurlock faces the maximum statutory penalty of life imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Division, Deputy Special Agent in Charge Anthony Chrysanthis for DEA’s Los Angeles Division, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Topper, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement. The FBI, Mono County Sheriff’s Office, DEA, ATF, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, and the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Rachow and Penelope Brady are prosecuting the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF . ###


title: San Diego Man Who Twice Illegally Landed Airplane on Navy Base, Stole Truck and Damaged Gates Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A San Diego man pleaded guilty today to federal criminal charges and admitted that he twice illegally landed a small airplane on a United States Navy airstrip on San Clemente Island, then stole a Navy truck and used it to damage gates on the island, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Andrew Kyle White, 37, pleaded guilty to one felony count of theft of government property in excess of $1,000 and one misdemeanor count of illegal entry into a naval installation. White has been in federal custody after he violated the terms of his bond by cutting off his ankle bracelet earlier this year. San Clemente Island is owned and operated by the U.S. Navy and is part of Naval Base Coronado. According to White’s plea agreement, White knew it was illegal to travel to or access San Clemente Island without first obtaining permission from the Navy or a government official with authority to grant such access. On October 29, 2023, White flew a Glastar airplane to San Clemente Island and landed the plane on a U.S. Navy airstrip without the Navy’s permission. At the time, White received, acknowledged, and signed a letter that notified him that it was a federal crime to travel to San Clemente Island without the Navy’s permission and instructed him not to return to the island. On April 6, 2025, White again flew the Glastar airplane to San Clemente Island and landed it on a naval airstrip without permission. While on the island, White stole a white Ford F-150 truck worth approximately $16,000 and which was the property of the U.S. Navy. After stealing the truck, White drove it to various locations on San Clemente Island, including locations that were blocked by locked gates. To gain access to those locations, White used the truck to damage the gates, causing approximately $8,077 in damages and costs to tow the truck. Navy officials estimate that White’s intrusion onto the base cost nearly 500 man-hours and resulted in a $500,000 loss to the American taxpayer. “Whatever [White’s] intentions were, the military did not know them; they responded as one might expect the military to respond to an unknown threat: they assumed the worst,” prosecutors argued in court documents. “The island went on a complete lockdown. Personnel engaged in a highly dangerous mission to locate the unknown intruder(s) notwithstanding the dangers they were exposing themselves too, from the weather, the terrain, and the potential unexploded ordnances that could have been underfoot in that area.” United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II scheduled a September 29 sentencing hearing, at which time White will face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison for theft of government property and up to six months in federal prison for illegally entering a naval installation. United States Attorney’s Office Investigators investigated this matter with assistance from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the FBI, the U.S. Navy Security Forces, and the San Diego Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Frances S. Lewis of the General Crimes Section and Ian V. Yanniello of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Fraud Charges Filed Against 12 Defendants in Phase II of Operation Nightingale

body_text: MIAMI – In the latest development of Operation Nightingale—a scheme that created an illegal licensing and employment shortcut for aspiring nurses—fraud-related charges have been filed against 12 defendants for their roles in selling fraudulent nursing diplomas and transcripts. In Phase I of Operation Nightingale, 30 defendants were charged and convicted by plea or at trial in 2023. According to court records, the defendants conspired to sell false nursing credentials—diplomas and transcripts fraudulently obtained from Florida-based nursing schools—to aspiring Registered Nurse (RN) and Licensed Nurse Practioner/Vocational Nurse (LPN/VN) candidates. Purchasers of the bogus documents used them to qualify for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), commonly known as the nursing board exam. Candidates who passed the exam became eligible for licensure in various states, and once licensed, obtained employment as nurses across the United States. The defendants, which include nursing school owners and employees, are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Their conduct involved multiple for-profit nursing schools in Florida, all of which have since closed. At one time, these schools were authorized to issue diplomas and transcripts to individuals pursuing RN and LPN/VN licensure. In total, the fraudulent schemes generated approximately 7,300 fake diplomas. The charges highlight the purpose of a professional nursing licensure: protecting the public from harm by ensuring that only qualified and competent practitioners provide nursing care. Because nursing is a profession that, if practiced by unprepared or unqualified individuals, poses a serious risk to public health and safety, state boards of nursing establish standards for education, regulate licensure, and oversee compliance with training requirements. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), requires candidates seeking RN or LPN/VN licensure to graduate from a board-approved pre-licensure program and pass the NCLEX. The Nurse Licensure Compact—adopted by 43 states, including Florida—further ensures that nurses meet consistent standards for safe practice. In Florida, the Board of Nursing regulates pre-licensure programs and enforces curriculum requirements under the Nurse Practice Act. To protect patients and ensure safe nursing care, the Board requires that all applicants for licensure as an RN or LPN/VN graduate from an approved program, or its equivalent, and provide official transcripts or equivalent documentation before being permitted to sit for the licensure examination. Florida’s nursing programs must devote at least fifty percent of their curriculum to hands-on clinical training, in addition to academic coursework, for a practical nursing education program, an associate degree professional nursing program, or a professional diploma nursing education program. Herline Lochard (Case No. 24-cr-60201-Singhal), 46, of Orange County, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. Lochard served as the registered agent and/or manager of Center for Professional Training and Development Inc., located in Miami; Center for Professional Training Inc. located in North Miami; and Wheatland Institute Inc., located in Orlando. On July 31, Lochard was sentenced to 13 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Carleen Noreus (Case No. 25-cr-60039-Singhal), 51, of Broward County, is charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering. According to the indictment, Noreus served as the president of Carleen Home Health School, Inc., located in Plantation, and Vice President of Carleen Home Health School II, Inc., located in West Palm Beach. From January 2019 through September 2022, Noreus and her co-conspirators solicited and recruited individuals seeking nursing credentials and health care employment. Noreus and others created and distributed fraudulent transcripts and diplomas that falsely represented the recipients had completed the necessary coursework and clinical training at Carleen Home Health School or Carleen Home Health School II. In reality, the individuals had not completed the required education or training. Co-conspirators used these false and fraudulent documents to obtain nursing licenses in various states, including California, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Under the Nurse Licensure Compact, individuals who secured multi-state licenses through the fraud were also authorized to practice in other compact states without additional licensing. The fraudulent credentials were then used to obtain nursing jobs and benefits from unwitting health care providers across the United States. These employers hired and paid salaries, wages, and benefits based on the fraudulent qualifications. Noreus is set for trial beginning December 1 in Ft. Lauderdale. Patrick Buchanan (Case No. 25-cr-60163-Damian), 40, of Broward County, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Buchanan was the owner, registered agent, and manager of Sigma Institute of Health Careers, Inc., located in Lauderhill. Sigma offered Practical Nursing and Associate of Science in Nursing programs. Buchanan is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19. Gilbert Hyppolite (Case No. 25-cr-60207-Dimitrouleas), 73, of Palm Beach County, is charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Hyppolite was the owner of Techni-Pro Institute LLC, located in Boca Raton. Techni-Pro offered Practical Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing, and Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) programs. Irene Matthews (Case No. 25-cr-60209-Damian), 55, of Palm Beach County, is charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Matthews was the registered agent and/or manager of Agape Academy of Sciences, LLC., located in Delray Beach. Agape offered Practical Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing, and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs. Lemuel Pierre (Case No. 25-cr-60226-Damian), 56, of Broward County, is charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Pierre was the owner of Med-Life Enterprise, Inc., located in Lauderdale Lakes, and founder of all Med-Life Institute locations. Med-Life Institute, doing business as Med-Life Institute Lauderdale Lakes, located in Lauderdale Lakes, offered Practical Nursing and Associate of Science in Nursing programs. Med-Life Institute, doing business as Med-Life Institute Kissimmee, located in Kissimmee, offered Practical Nursing and Associate of Science in Nursing programs. Med-Life Institute, doing business as Med-Life Institute Naples, located in Naples, offered Practical Nursing and Associate of Science in Nursing programs. Joel Lubin (Case No. 25-cr-20391-Bloom), 51, of Miami-Dade County, is charged by information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Lubin was the registered agent and administrator of Ideal Professional Institute, Inc., located in Miami Gardens. Ideal offered Practical Nursing and Associate of Science in Nursing programs. Jose Napoleon (Case No. 25-cr-60213-Martinez), 40, of Palm Beach County, is charged by information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Napoleon was the director of admissions for Azure College, Inc., located in Fort Lauderdale. Azure offered Practical Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing, and Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) programs. Victor Escalante Zerpa (Case No. 25-cr-60216-Smith), 68, of Miami-Dade County, is charged by information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Escalante Zerpa incorporated Academus University Corp, located in Coral Gables. Academus offered Pracical Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing, Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) programs. Cleophat Tanis (Case No. 25-cr-60212-Dimitrouleas), 58, of Collier County, is charged by information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Tanis was the co-owner and operator of Med-Life Institute, doing business as Med-Life Institute Naples, located in Naples. Med-Life Naples offered Practical Nursing and Associate of Science in Nursing programs. Lonnette Blair (Case No. 25-cr-60215-Becerra), 51, of Camden County, New Jersey, is charged by information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Blair was the Chief Academic Officer of Carleen Home Health School II, Inc. Carleen Home Health School II offered Associate of Science in Nursing and Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs. Stephanie Dorisca (Case No. 25-cr-60214-Moore), 57, of Broward County, is charged by information with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Dorisca was the Head of Nursing at Techni-Pro Institute LLC. Techni-Pro offered Practical Nursing, Associate of Science in Nursing, and Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) programs. As to the wire fraud conspiracy charges, the defendants face a statutory maximum of 20 years. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida; Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Isaac Bledsoe of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, (HHS-OIG), Miami Regional Office, made the announcement. FBI Miami and HHS-OIG Miami are investigating. Homeland Security Investigations Miami provided support. Senior Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Clark is prosecuting the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff is handling asset forfeiture. If you have information to report regarding this case or any other case involving falsified medical degrees, please call the FBI hotline: (410) 277-6999. An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov . ###


title: New York Man Pleads Guilty to Identity Theft Charge Stemming from U.S. Postal Service Fraud Scheme

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, announced that EZEKIEL BAILEY, 33, of Brooklyn, New York, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today in New Haven federal court to an identity theft offense stemming from a U.S. Postal Service fraud scheme. According to court documents and statements made in court, the U.S Postal Inspection Service began an investigation after receiving reports that an individual had been passing, and attempting to pass, bad checks to purchase thousands of dollars in postage stamps from U.S. Post Offices in Connecticut and surrounding states. The investigation revealed that Bailey had used the identities of three separate victims, fake driver’s licenses, and checks linked to empty bank accounts that had been created in the victims’ names, to purchase $98,000 in stamps from U.S. Post Offices in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts, and elsewhere. On January 20, 2023, Bailey was arrested on related state charges after he attempted to purchase 25 books of postage stamps for $300 at post office in Stonington. He possessed two fake driver’s licenses in the names of identity theft victims at the time of his arrest. He was charged by federal criminal complaint on November 26, 2024. Bailey pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft, an offense that carries a mandatory term of imprisonment of two years. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 9. Bailey is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing. This investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel George.


title: Carlsbad Man Faces Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A previously convicted felon is facing new federal charges after allegedly engaging in drug trafficking during their supervised release. According to court documents, on September 3, 2025, agents from the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force executed a search warrant at the residence of Jason Cunningham , 46, in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Inside, agents located approximately 1,090 grams of methamphetamine and 56 grams of cocaine. Cunningham is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Cunningham faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment. “Traffickers see only profit, but what they leave behind are broken families and endangered communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “These charges reflect our determination to dismantle the networks that exploit addiction and threaten public safety. That work is only possible because of the extraordinary cooperation between federal, state, tribal and local partners who stand together against those who traffic misery.” “Methamphetamine is one of the most destructive narcotics on the street. This type of crime is an assault on public health and safety, and individuals such as Cunningham profit off human misery.” said Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso. “HSI is united with our law enforcement partners to use every resource at our disposal to cut off their supply chains and hold them accountable.” “The Eddy County Sheriff’s Office and the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force value our relationships with our federal partners,” said Eddy County Undersheriff Mark Cage. “The Cunningham case investigation and very successful prosecution are a testament to the teamwork it takes to ensure the safety and security of our citizens in Eddy County. Our message is clear: drug trafficking and lawlessness will not be tolerated!” At the time of his arrest, Cunningham was on supervised release following an 87-month prison sentence for a 2017 drug conviction. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso, made the announcement today. Homeland Security Investigations El Paso and the Pecos Valley Drug Task Force investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Renee Camacho is prosecuting the case. The Pecos Valley Drug Task Force is comprised of law enforcement officers from the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, the Artesia Police Department, the Bureau of Land Management and is part of the New Mexico High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area program (HIDTA), a federal grant program that supports law enforcement efforts to combat the drug threat in the state. View the Criminal Complaint (Cunningham).pdf A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Denver Man Sentenced To 37 Months, $1.2 Million In Restitution For Defrauding Investment Clients

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Ian Gregory Bell, age 36, of Denver, Colorado, was sentenced to 37 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. The court also imposed restitution in the amount of $1,231,230.14, and a $150,000.00 fine. According to the plea agreement, beginning in early 2020 and continuing through at least 2022, Bell devised, intended to devise, and participated in a scheme and artifice to defraud investors and to obtain money and property by means of materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. Over that time, Bell defrauded approximately 30 investors of over 1.2 million dollars. With the money, he traveled on lavish vacations, purchased jewelry, numerous expensive meals, and paid his fiancée’s monthly credit card statements. He lulled his investors based on his status as a licensed investment advisor with previous experience as a managing director at an investment firm. He also advertised no risk investments and provided false statements showing substantial gains. “Defrauding people who put their trust into a financial advisor is a serious crime,” said United States Attorney Peter McNeilly. “Justice has been served for those who were negatively impacted by the defendant’s dishonest actions.” “Bell portrayed himself as a successful investment advisor and preyed on innocent victims for personal gain,” Amanda Prestegard, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-CI Denver Field Office. “Our special agents are experts in unraveling complex financial crimes such as Ponzi schemes that devastate victims emotionally and financially and erode the public’s trust in our financial system.” “Bell defrauded innocent victims who had placed their trust in him and subsequently suffered financial losses and undue emotional stress,” said Inspector in Charge Bryan Musgrove of the Denver Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “This sentencing showcases the phenomenal work that Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners do daily to bring those to justice who exploit others through fraudulent schemes.” Chief United States District Judge Philip A. Brimmer presided over the sentencing. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Brad Giles. Case Number: 24-cr-00345-PAB


title: Self-proclaimed “Mayor of Bissonnet” sentenced to 10 years for sex crimes

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 58-year-old registered sex offender has been ordered to federal prison for aiding and abetting the transportation of a woman across state lines to engage in prostitution and failing to comply with requirements of the Sex Offender Registration Act, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Paul Edwards Evans aka Blue Diamond pleaded guilty May 29. U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt has now sentenced Evans to a total of 120 months in prison. In imposing the sentence, the court considered Evans had inducted two family members into the family business which involved the trafficking of women to engage in commercial sex acts. The crimes took place in the Bissonnet street area of Houston and in various other cities between Texas and California including Las Vegas, Nevada. The “blade” or “track” is an area near I-59 Southwest Freeway and Bissonnet Street in Houston where pimps and traffickers commonly place their victims to engage in commercial sex. As a registered sex offender, he was also required to notify authorities when traveling from state to state. However, as part of his plea, he admitted that he failed to do so. Evans will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Wirsing prosecuted the case. The FBI and Houston Police Department (HPD) conducted the investigation as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA) with the assistance of the Santa Barbara, California, Police Department. HTRA law enforcement includes members of HPD, FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Attorney General’s Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor (DOL), DOL – Wage and Hour Division, Department of State, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (OIG), Social Security Administration – OIG and Sheriff’s Offices in Harris and Montgomery counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties. Established in 2004, the United States Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.


title: Michigan Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation Offenses

body_text: Miami – A Farmington, Michigan man has been sentenced to 240 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to distribute and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) of children under the age of 13. U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks imposed the sentence on Ahmed Sultan Faraz, 30, on September 10. According to court records, between September and October 2021, Faraz and five co-conspirators participated in a private chat room on a social networking application. Entry into the chatroom required participants to distribute CSAM of children under the age of 13. Once admitted, Faraz distributed CSAM and engaged in discussions with more than 50 other individuals about the sexual abuse of children. The children in the images and videos were as young as 4 years old. In a post-Miranda interview, Faraz admitted to communicating online with five or six minors. Forensic evidence obtained from his electronic devices revealed that Faraz produced CSAM with at least two of these children and attempted to produce CSAM with a third. In 2024, Faraz had a pending application to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, which has since been denied. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida, Acting Special Agent in Charge José R. Figueroa of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Miami, and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. HSI West Palm Beach and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case as part of a joint effort of the South Florida Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Chase prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 the Project Safe Childhood initiative and for information regarding Internet safety, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 25-cr-80036. ###


title: Honduran National Pleads Guilty to Firearms and Immigration Offenses

body_text: MIAMI – A Honduran national pleaded guilty on September 8 to possession of a firearm by an alien and illegal reentry after removal. According to the facts admitted at the change of plea hearing, on February 25, law enforcement officers were monitoring the social media account of Gustavo Benitez Rodriguez, 22, after observing a post advertising a firearm for sale. Benitez Rodriguez, a native and citizen of Honduras without lawful status in the United States, later engaged in an online conversation with an individual he believed to be a purchaser to arrange the sale. Benitez Rodriguez’s prior arrest records also indicate ties to the Little Havana Taliban gang. On February 28, officers executed a search warrant at Benitez Rodriguez’s residence. Inside his bedroom, were two firearms: a Stoeger STR 9mm firearm located in his dresser drawer near his passport and ID, and a Ruger ICS 9mm firearm hidden beneath his mattress. A 9mm magazine and 15 rounds of live Luger 9mm ammunition were also recovered. Benitez Rodriguez had previously been removed from the United States on February 15, 2019, pursuant to a final order of removal. Benitez Rodriguez re-entered the United States without the required consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom on December 5. Benitez Rodriguez faces up to 15 years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida and Field Office Director Garrett Ripa of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO) Prosecutions Unit, Miami, made the announcement. ICE-ERO Miami investigated the case with assistance from the City of Miami Police Department and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Roca Shaw is prosecuting the case. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 25-cr-20244. ###


title: Robbery Spree on the Metropolitan Branch Trail Yields 27 Years in Prison

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Jalique Wiseman, 20, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today, in Superior Court, to 27 years in prison, for a spree of robberies along the Metropolitan Branch Trail, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Wiseman pleaded guilty on May 16, 2025, to three counts of armed robbery and three counts of robbery. The Honorable Judge Jennifer Di Toro, of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, sentenced Wiseman to five years for each armed robbery and four years for each robbery to be served consecutively, for a total sentence of 27 years’ incarceration. A three-year term of supervised release will follow his term of incarceration. According to the government’s evidence, between October 2, 2023, and November 23, 2023, Wiseman robbed multiple people on six separate instances on or near the Metropolitan Branch Trail, using either physical violence or at gunpoint, taking the victims’ cell phones and other property. Wiseman demanded the victims’ passcodes and used that information to access the victims’ financial accounts to transfer money to accounts that Wiseman and his codefendant controlled. Wiseman was arrested on November 29, 2023, and he has been in custody since. Joining the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Kraig Ahalt., who prosecuted the case.


title: Mexican National Indicted for Drug Crimes in Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging an undocumented Mexican national, living in the United States illegally, with drug crimes after he allegedly possessed and intended to distribute methamphetamine in the District of Utah. Manuel Santos-Ramirez, 32, who was living in Salt Lake City, was charged by complaint on August 28, 2025. According to court documents, since July 2025, agents with the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force have been investigating a drug trafficking organization (DTO). In August 2025, during a controlled purchase of methamphetamine, a male later identified as Santos-Ramirez, arrived in a silver Ford F-150 pick-up truck, which agents followed to a residence in Salt Lake City. A search warrant was obtained and executed at the residence in Salt Lake City and the silver Ford F-150 pick-up truck. Law enforcement seized 5,843 grams of methamphetamine, which field-tested positive for the narcotic. Half of the methamphetamine was found in the pick-up truck, and the other half was inside the residence. The substance purchased during the controlled buy also field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Santos-Ramirez was arrested and remains in federal custody. Santos-Ramirez is charged possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment was September 11, 2025. A three-day jury trial is scheduled for November 14, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 7.2 before Senior U.S District Court Judge Clark Waddoups at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force. Special Assistant United States Attorney Peter Reichman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Maryland Man Sentenced for Firearms and Cocaine Convictions

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – John Ryan Zajac, age 31, of Parkville, Maryland, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison for firearms and cocaine offenses. According to court documents and statements made in court, Zajac attempted to trade controlled substances for firearms through social media. Investigators arrested Zajac at the attempted trade and recovered cocaine and a 9mm pistol. Zajac is prohibited from having firearms because of prior armed robbery and firearms convictions. Zajac will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The case was investigated by the Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.


title: Oklahoma Man Sentenced for Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – Joshua Kahanek, age 44, was sentenced today after entering a guilty plea to one count of Failing to Register as a Sex Offender. Kahanek entered his guilty plea on May 21, 2025. According to court documents, Kahanek was convicted of Rape in the First Degree in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 2008. Kahanek was sentenced to 20 years in prison and was released from prison on April 11, 2022. Kahanek’s conviction required him to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Kahanek executed multiple forms with his SORNA officer in Oklahoma throughout 2022-2024 in which he acknowledged his duties and responsibilities to register as a sex offender. Those forms included his duty to register in any jurisdiction in which he was employed. On June 7, 2024, the Foley PD and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office received a report about Kahanek being in the Southern District of Alabama. Mobile Police Department located Kahanek working on the premises of a Target store in Mobile. Kahanek was working with a company that would install fiber optic cables at Target stores. Kahanek had not registered as a sex offender in Alabama. At sentencing, Chief United States District Judge Beaverstock imposed a time-served and a 5-year term of supervised release. Kahanek had been in custody since his arrest on March 6, 2025. During his term of supervised release, Kahanek will be subject to sex offender treatment, substance abuse testing and treatment, and mental health treatment. Kahanek will be required to register as a sex offender. Kahanek was ordered to pay $100 in special assessments. The United States Marshals Service, Foley Police Department, Mobile Police Department, and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kacey Chappelear prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/publications-resources


title: Marengo County Man Sentenced To Thirteen Years For Armed Robbery Of Chevron In Dixon Mills

body_text: United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced Yancy Xavier Dumas to 157 months’ imprisonment for armed robbery of a business and discharging a firearm during the crime. Court documents show that on January 9, 2024, Dumas robbed the Chevron Gas Station located on Highway 43 in Dixon Mills, Alabama. During the robbery Dumas wore a mask, pointed a handgun at the cashier, and demanded money. Dumas kept the gun pointed at the cashier during the robbery and repeatedly stated “give me that bag,” and “I’m going to bust you up.” During the robbery Dumas also discharged a round from the handgun to get the victim to speed up the process in turning over the money. The victim placed approximately $5,000.00 on the counter and Dumas fled the store with the money using a car which belonged to his girlfriend. The Marengo County Sheriff’s Office immediately investigated the case and that evening they arrested Dumas at another gas station owned by the same store owner. Approximately $3,700 of the stolen money was recovered from a shed at Dumas’ mother’s house and the handgun was recovered Dumas’ girlfriend’s trailer. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marengo County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Beckley Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Justin Scott Keyes, 36, of Beckley, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, between October 2024 and January 2025, Keyes conspired with another individual sell drugs in and around the Southern District of West Virginia. As part of his guilty plea, Keyes admitted that he and his co-conspirator sold a total of 12.34 grams of fentanyl on four occasions during the time period, each time to a confidential informant. Keyes further admitted that he conducted the hand-to-hand sales at the Beckley residence where he lived with his co-conspirator, and that his co-conspirator communicated with the confidential informant about each sale beforehand. On January 29, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Keyes’ residence and seized a Ruger model EC9s 9mm pistol and a Taurus model G3c 9mm pistol. Keyes admitted that the seized firearms belonged to him and that he had traded drugs for them. Keyes is scheduled to be sentenced on January 9, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office, and the Beckley Police Department. United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-73. ###


title: Honduran National Pleads Guilty To Federal Drug Charge

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Fredis Amilcar Guiza Hernandez, a/k/a Fredis Amilcar Guiza-Hernandez, age 34, of Honduras, entered a guilty plea to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, punishable by 5 to 40 years in prison and a $5,000,000.00 fine. The Indictment alleged that on October 6, 2024, Guiza Hernandez knowingly and intentionally possessed 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance, with intent to distribute it. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office. The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Guiza Hernandez will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Howanitz represented the United States.


title: North Carolina Resident Pleads Guilty To Federal Drug Distribution Crimes

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Samy Zrida, age 43, of Taylorsville, North Carolina, entered a guilty plea to one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, punishable by a minimum of ten years in prison and a $10,000,000.00 fine, and one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, punishable by a minimum of ten years in prison and a $10,000,000.00 fine. The Indictment alleged that on January 28, 2025, Zrida knowingly and intentionally possessed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 5 kilograms or more of cocaine, both Schedule II controlled substances, intending to distribute them. The charges arose from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Zrida will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard J. Lorenz represented the United States.


title: Love County Resident Pleads Guilty To Possessing Child Sexual Exploitation Material

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Dustin Scott Langley, age 32, of Overbrook, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Possession of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, punishable by up to twenty years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. The Indictment alleged that on July 2, 2025, Langley knowingly possessed visual depictions of a minor who had not attained twelve years of age engaging in sexually explicit conduct, which Langley accessed with the intent to view. The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Honorable Jason A. Robertson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Langley will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Muzljakovich represented the United States.


title: Wisconsin Felon Who Held Woman at Gunpoint  Sent to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A felon who held a woman at gunpoint and threatened to kill her was sentenced today to more than three years in federal prison. Mickey Lee Miller, age 38, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, received the prison term after an April 21, 2025 guilty plea to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. Information in a plea agreement and at the sentencing hearing showed that on October 16, 2024, in Dubuque, Iowa, Miller pointed a loaded gun at a woman and threatened to kill her and others. Miller was taken into custody that night. On numerous occasions since October, Miller assaulted jail staff. Miller has a prior felony conviction for robbery with threat of force. Miller was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Miller was sentenced to 41 months’ imprisonment and must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. 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. 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). Miller is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-CR-1008. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: St. Francis Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison  for Resisting and Impeding Federal Officers and  for Possessing Methamphetamine Bound for Distribution

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from St. Francis, South Dakota, convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding Federal Officers and of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on September 9, 2025. Derek McCloskey, age 30, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, $24,965.83 in restitution, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. McCloskey was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2024. He pleaded guilty on June 2, 2025. The convictions stemmed from a vehicle pursuit on May 16, 2024, involving personnel from the United States Marshals Service, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bennett County Sheriff’s Office. During the nearly two-hour pursuit through several counties, McCloskey hit multiple law enforcement vehicles, causing significant damage to the vehicles. McCloskey and his passenger threw significant quantities of methamphetamine and a rifle from the vehicle during the pursuit. Officers ultimately recovered a rifle and approximately 25 grams of pure methamphetamine. Data from McCloskey’s phone indicated he was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine within the Rosebud Indian Reservation. This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Bennett County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kirk Albertson and Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case. McCloskey was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Co-CEO of Chinese publicly traded technology company and financial advisor indicted for over $100M securities fraud scheme

component: Criminal - Criminal Fraud Section

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An indictment was unsealed yesterday in the Eastern District of Virginia charging two men with orchestrating a securities fraud scheme utilizing Ostin Technology Group Co. Ltd. (OST) stock to target American retail investors. The scheme netted over $100 million for the defendants and their co-conspirators, who siphoned OST shares in non-bona fide securities transactions and then dumped their stock amidst a coordinated social media campaign to pump OST’s share price from April to June 2025. The Department of Justice has already seized nearly $10 million in assets from co-conspirators’ accounts. “Protecting the integrity of our financial markets remains a top priority,” said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Anyone who picks the pockets of American investors in violation of the law will be aggressively prosecuted. The Department of Justice has established whistleblower programs to encourage corporations and individuals to come forward with timely information regarding misconduct and criminal behavior. Failing to do so invites serious consequences.” “The defendants targeted American retail investors through a predatory pump and dump scheme to take advantage of the artificial inflation of the price of OST shares,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s charges show the Criminal Division’s focus on aggressively protecting Americans from foreign actors seeking to exploit U.S. markets. Through the hard work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, we will continue to act quickly to seize the proceeds of these crimes and mitigate losses for victims.” “Securities fraud by foreign actors not only exploits fair investment practices, but also defrauds American investors and harms U.S. markets,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Today’s charges demonstrate the FBI’s continued commitment, alongside our partners, to combatting financial crime and bringing perpetrators to justice.” "The defendants allegedly concocted a scheme that distorted the price of OST stock, costing investors tens of millions of dollars," said Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal Division. "Today's indictment should serve as a warning to fraudsters: If you seek to manipulate U.S. markets for personal gain, the FBI will pursue you even if you're operating halfway around the world." “The SEC-Office of Inspector General (SEC-OIG) will relentlessly investigate individuals who submit false filings with the SEC,” said Inspector General Kevin Muhlendorf of the SEC. “Comprehensive investigative oversight to protect investors, the global markets, and the operational integrity of the SEC’s programs, systems, and operations is a top priority for our office.” According to the indictment, Lai Kui Sen is the co-CEO of OST, and Yan Zhao, who goes by the aliases Hank Shi and Hank Shu, among others, is a financial advisor. OST is a Cayman Islands company with its principal operations in China, that claimed to be a manufacturer of display modules used in consumer electronics, commercial LCD displays, and automotive displays. OST is publicly traded on NASDAQ and operated, at one point, with a variable interest entity (VIE) investment structure, which is often used by Chinese companies. According to the indictment, Sen, Zhao, and others allegedly engaged in a complex scheme to first provide a group of fifteen co-conspirators with tens of millions of OST shares through two securities transactions. In one of these transactions, the co-conspirators allegedly paid nothing to OST for more than 70 million OST shares. On April 15, the same day that the select investors received their first tranche of heavily discounted OST shares, a fraudulent campaign allegedly began to artificially inflate the price and trading volume of the OST stock. This allegedly included promoting the stock by impersonating real investment advisors, among others, promoting the stock on social media, and creating a false impression of market-wide buying momentum. To capitalize on OST’s artificial price inflation and to harm the victim investors, Zhao and Sen allegedly facilitated the opening of brokerage accounts for certain select investors and orchestrated the selling of the shares that they had received either heavily discounted or for no remuneration. These sales generated substantial profits of approximately more than $110 million. Ultimately, according to the indictment, unwitting investors suffered significant losses when, on June 26, OST lost over $950 million in market capitalization, representing over 94% of its value. Zhao and Sen are charged with conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, securities fraud, and wire fraud. If convicted, Zhao and Sen face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiracy and wire fraud, 25 years in prison for Title 18 securities fraud, and 20 years in prison for Title 15 securities fraud. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI and SEC-OIG investigated the case. The Department of Justice appreciates the efforts of FINRA’s Surveillance and Market Intelligence – Market Abuse Group who referred this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Kashan K. Pathan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. An indictment is merely an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty


title: Co-CEO of Chinese Publicly Traded Technology Company and Financial Advisor Indicted for Over $100M Securities Fraud Scheme

body_text: An indictment was unsealed yesterday in the Eastern District of Virginia charging two men with orchestrating a securities fraud scheme utilizing Ostin Technology Group Co. Ltd. (OST) stock to target American retail investors. The charged scheme netted over $100 million for the defendants and their co-conspirators, who siphoned OST shares in non-bona fide securities transactions and then dumped their stock amidst a coordinated social media campaign to pump OST’s share price from April to June 2025. The Department of Justice has already seized nearly $10 million in assets from co-conspirators’ accounts. “The defendants targeted American retail investors through a predatory pump and dump scheme to take advantage of the artificial inflation of the price of OST shares,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s charges show the Criminal Division’s focus on aggressively protecting Americans from foreign actors seeking to exploit U.S. markets. Through the hard work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, we will continue to act quickly to seize the proceeds of these crimes and mitigate losses for victims.” “Protecting the integrity of our financial markets remains a top priority,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Anyone who picks the pockets of American investors in violation of the law will be aggressively prosecuted. The Department of Justice has established whistleblower programs to encourage corporations and individuals to come forward with timely information regarding misconduct and criminal behavior. Failing to do so invites serious consequences.” “Securities fraud by foreign actors not only exploits fair investment practices, but also defrauds American investors and harms U.S. markets,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Today’s charges demonstrate the FBI’s continued commitment, alongside our partners, to combatting financial crime and bringing perpetrators to justice.” “The SEC-Office of Inspector General (SEC-OIG) will relentlessly investigate individuals who submit false filings with the SEC,” said Inspector General Kevin Muhlendorf of the SEC. “Comprehensive investigative oversight to protect investors, the global markets, and the operational integrity of the SEC’s programs, systems, and operations is a top priority for our office.” According to the indictment, Lai Kui Sen is the co-CEO of OST, and Yan Zhao, who goes by the aliases Hank Shi and Hank Shu, among others, is a financial advisor. OST is a Cayman Islands company with its principal operations in China, that claimed to be a manufacturer of display modules used in consumer electronics, commercial LCD displays, and automotive displays. OST is publicly traded on NASDAQ and operated, at one point, with a variable interest entity (VIE) investment structure, which is often used by Chinese companies. According to the indictment, Sen, Zhao, and others allegedly engaged in a complex scheme to first provide a group of fifteen co-conspirators with tens of millions of OST shares through two non-bona fide securities transactions. In one of these transactions, these co-conspirators paid nothing to OST for more than 70 million OST shares. The indictment alleges that, on April 15, 2025, the same day that the select investors received their first tranche of heavily discounted OST shares, a fraudulent campaign began to artificially inflate the price and trading volume of the OST stock. This included promoting the stock by impersonating real investment advisors, among others, promoting the stock on social media, and creating a false impression of market-wide buying momentum. To capitalize on OST’s artificial price inflation and to harm the victim investors, Zhao and Sen facilitated the opening of brokerage accounts for certain select investors and orchestrated the selling of the shares that they had received either heavily discounted or for no remuneration. These sales generated substantial profits of approximately more than $110 million. Ultimately, according to the indictment, unwitting investors suffered significant losses when, on June 26, 2025, OST lost over $950 million in market capitalization, representing over 94% of its value. Both defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, securities fraud, and wire fraud. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for conspiracy and wire fraud, 25 years in prison for Title 18 securities fraud, and 20 years in prison for Title 15 securities fraud. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI and SEC-OIG investigated the case. The Department of Justice appreciates the efforts of FINRA’s Surveillance and Market Intelligence – Market Abuse Group who referred this matter. Trial Attorney Kashan K. Pathan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Avi Panth for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case. If you believe you may have been a victim in this case, visit https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-vns/case/united-states-v-yan-zhao-and-lai-kui-sen for more information. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Justice Department Issues Policy Defending Parental Rights in Schools

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – On September 8, 2025, Attorney General Pamela Bondi issued a memorandum to all United States Attorneys highlighting the Department of Justice’s policy to prevent and act upon violations of parental rights and First Amendment liberties in educational settings. General Bondi also directed United States Attorneys to work with federal, state, and local partners to identify and respond to credible threats against parents whose federal rights have been violated. Under the leadership of President Trump and General Bondi, parents’ First Amendment rights – and their “fundamental right to direct the moral and religious education of their children” – will be protected from unlawful attacks. United States Attorney Ellis Boyle stated, “Here in the Eastern District of North Carolina, parents should feel safe to raise their children in accord with their religion and customs and as the Supreme Court recently recognized in Mahmoud v. Taylor to protect them from the radical ideology that has infiltrated our schools. We will protect parental rights when parents interact with their children’s schools. To promote this and inform parents across the District, we shared a copy of the Attorney General’s memo with all county boards of education in the EDNC, the North Carolina Department of Education, the Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, and the President Pro Tempore of the North Carolina Senate. Let me be very clear – here in Eastern North Carolina, we fully support the Attorney General’s policy, and we will act quickly to enforce it. Conspiring to violate constitutional rights is a crime under federal law. We will enforce these laws.” The Attorney General’s full memo can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/ag/media/1413671/dl?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ###


title: Justice Department Sues Uber for Denying Rides to Passengers with Service Dogs, Wheelchairs

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Yesterday, the Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc. for discriminating against passengers with disabilities, including those who use service animals and mobility devices such as stowable wheelchairs. Uber is the largest provider of ride-hailing services in the United States. The lawsuit seeks $125 million for individuals who have been subject to discrimination and previously submitted complaints to Uber or the Department. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges Uber violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination based on disability by private transportation companies like Uber. The ADA also requires Uber to allow service animals to accompany individuals with disabilities in vehicles and to provide rides to, and assist, riders with stowable wheelchairs and mobility devices. The Department’s civil complaint alleges that Uber and its drivers routinely refuse to serve individuals with disabilities; impose impermissible surcharges by charging cleaning fees for service animal shedding and cancellation fees to riders whom Uber has unlawfully denied service; and refuse to reasonably modify Uber’s policies, practices, or procedures, where necessary, to avoid discriminating against riders with disabilities, including by denying individuals with mobility disabilities the option to sit in the front seat when needed. Due to Uber’s ride denials, individuals with disabilities have experienced significant delays, missed appointments, and have been left stranded in inclement weather. “For too long, blind riders have suffered repeated ride denials by Uber because they are traveling with a service dog,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit seeks to end this persistent discrimination and allow riders with disabilities to use Uber. We will enforce the ADA’s guarantee that people with disabilities have equal opportunity and full participation in all aspects of American society, including transportation.” “Rideshare companies like Uber are prohibited from denying riders with disabilities the same access to transportation that riders without disabilities enjoy,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian of the Northern District of California. “This complaint underscores the United States’ commitment to enforcing the ADA’s promise of equal access.” The lawsuit seeks a court order to force Uber to stop discriminating against individuals with disabilities, to modify its policies to comply with the ADA, and to train its staff and drivers on the ADA. In addition to the monetary damages to compensate aggrieved individuals subjected to Uber’s discrimination, the lawsuit demands that Uber pay a civil penalty to vindicate the public’s interest in eliminating disability discrimination. To learn more about the Civil Rights Division visit www.justice.gov/crt , and to report possible violations of federal civil rights laws go to www.civilrights.justice.gov . For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264) or visit www.ada.gov .


title: ICE Captures Illegal Alien Who Cape Hatteras Park Rangers  Cited for Poaching Fish

body_text: ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – Earlier this week, the U.S. Marshals arrested Walter Betancourth, 46, a Honduran citizen illegally present in the United States, and turned him over to the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”). The Marshals arrested Betancourth following his appearance in Federal Court related to fish and wildlife crimes at the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Court documents show that on June 15, 2025, Park Rangers noticed a group of five Hispanic males overfishing red drum. The Rangers’ investigation revealed that Betancourth and his gang poached 16 red drum. The daily limit is one per person. Several of the fish were too big and should have been thrown back. Betancourth had an existing final order of removal from the United States from April 14, 2022. “Illegal Aliens come to our land and exploit our national resources doing as they please because they completely disregard our shared values, customs, and rules. North Carolina strictly regulates our fish to ensure their availability to all North Carolina citizens now and in the future. This sort of disgusting disregard for our natural bounty is exactly the sort of behavior you might expect from someone who chose to unlawfully enter and illegally remain in the United States, ignoring a final order of removal,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Let this serve as a reminder to those aliens who are illegally present – we will find you and send you back no matter where you are or what you are doing – even just fishing at the beach. I commend the fine cooperation of the Park Rangers, the Marshals, and ICE in effectuating Betancourth’s deportation.” Betancourth’s arrest was facilitated by active cooperation between ICE, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Those and other components of the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security will continue to work together to further the nationwide mission to repel the invasion of illegal immigration. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement. ###


title: Florida Businessman Charged with Tax Evasion

component: Tax Division

body_text: A federal grand jury in Miami returned an indictment on Wednesday charging a Florida businessman with evading taxes on millions in income and filing false tax returns. The following is according to the indictment: from 2013 to 2021, Joseph Stewart, of Miami, earned more than $6.8 million in dividends from his 50% ownership in a business that sold internet access to American servicemembers and contractors stationed abroad. Though he filed tax returns before the business became profitable, Stewart allegedly stopped filing timely tax returns once he began receiving significant dividends from his business. The indictment further alleges that, after Stewart received letters from the IRS in 2019, he hired a tax attorney and return preparers and told them a false story: that over $3.8 million in dividends that he received between 2013 and 2018 were nontaxable loans. Stewart allegedly also falsely told these professionals that he did not know the other shareholders of the business. As a result of these falsehoods, the tax professionals allegedly drafted tax returns for Stewart for 2013 through 2020 that underreported his income and taxes due. Except for the 2013 return, all these false tax returns were allegedly filed with the IRS. The indictment also alleges that in April 2016, Stewart filed a false affidavit with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service that affirmed that he had filed federal tax returns for the previous three years. Additionally, Stewart allegedly attached false unfiled copies of federal tax returns while falsely attesting that they were the true and correct copies of the returns that had been filed with the IRS. If convicted, Stewart faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each tax evasion count and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of subscribing to a false tax return. Stewart also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. IRS Criminal Investigation and the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Ezra Spiro and Likhitha Butchireddygari of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.