title: Former Prison Guard Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing Inmates

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Hawaii man pleaded guilty yesterday to sexual abuse of inmates under his custody or control. According to court documents, Mikael Rivera, 47, of Kapolei, was a correctional officer at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu from approximately 2014 to 2018. While on duty as a correctional officer, Rivera committed multiple sexual acts with one inmate who did not consent and engaged in sexually abusive conduct with two additional inmates under his supervision. Rivera pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual abuse of a ward. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 3 and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii, and Special Agent in Charge Zachary Shroyer of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) Western Region made the announcement. DOJ-OIG is investigating the case with assistance from the FBI. Trial Attorney Nicole Lockhart of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Ayabe for the District of Hawaii are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from former PIN Deputy Chiefs Jennifer Clarke and Marco Palmieri.


title: Cape Girardeau Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Pornography

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced a man who admitted recording his sexual activity with a child to 30 years in prison. Steven Lee Brown, 33, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau in December to one count of producing child pornography. According to court documents, the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office received a report that Brown had sexually abused a 10-year-old child last May. The child was interviewed and confirmed the abuse. Officers immediately responded to Brown’s residence. During an interview, Brown admitted that he engaged in various sexual acts with the child. Brown further admitted that he used his cell phone to record some of the sexual activity. Officers seized Brown’s phone and discovered sexually explicit images of the minor child on the device. At his guilty plea hearing, Brown admitted that he used his cell phone to produce the sexually explicit material. After serving his 30-year sentence, Brown will be subject to lifetime supervised release. This case was investigated by the Cape Girardeau County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Koester handled the prosecution for the Government. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department of Justice Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Federal Correctional Officer Arrested For Bribery And Introduction Of Contraband Into Prison

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the arrest of Michael Jason Brooks (37, Citra) on an indictment charging him with one count of receiving a bribe by a public official and one count of providing contraband to a federal prisoner. If convicted, Brooks faces up to 15 years in federal prison on the bribery count and up to 6 months’ imprisonment for the contraband offense. According to court documents, on June 12, 2024, Brooks was employed by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons as a correctional officer at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex in Sumter County. Brooks knowingly agreed to receive and accept money in return for being influenced to introduce contraband into the federal prison for an inmate. On June 12, 2024, Brooks provided contraband in the form of tobacco to an inmate at the prison. An indictment is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a federal criminal offense. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice - Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.


title: Massachusetts Man Indicted for Abusive Sexual Contact of Minor Aboard Flight to Boston

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Newton, Mass. man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly making repeated sexual contact with a 17-year-old female passenger (minor victim) seated directly in front of him onboard a flight from Puerto Rico to Boston in August 2024. Jonathan Alan Lefman, 46, was indicted on one count of abusive sexual contact while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States. Lefman was previously arrested on Feb. 7, 2025 on a criminal complaint and released on conditions. According to the charging documents, on Aug. 30, 2024, Lefman was a passenger onboard a JetBlue flight flying from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Boston with his wife and four children. On multiple occasions during the flight and while on the ground waiting to deplane in Boston, Lefman allegedly engaged in abusive sexual contact with the minor victim. Specifically, it is alleged that Lefman intentionally worked his hand in between and through the area between the back and bottom of the seat directly in front of him, where the minor victim was seated, and touched the minor victim’s buttocks without her permission. On at least one occasion when he did so, the minor victim saw his reflection leaning between the seats in the seatback monitor in front of her. On the last occasion when he allegedly touched or attempted to touch her buttocks, the minor victim was able to use her cell phone camera to take a video of Lefman’s fingers protruding between the back and bottom of the minor victim’s seat. According to court documents, after she exited the aircraft, while still on the jet bridge, the minor victim took a video of Lefman as he got off the aircraft. It is alleged that, after deplaning, the minor victim’s adult female family member who had been traveling in a different row reported Lefman’s alleged conduct to a JetBlue supervisor and confronted Lefman, showing the video of his fingers to support her statement. The charge of abusive sexual contact while in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, five years to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by Boston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Poplar Bluff Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Attempting to Sell Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced a man from Poplar Bluff, Missouri who tried to sell methamphetamine shortly after his release from prison to 12 more years in prison. Lonnie C. Hamilton, 40, pleaded guilty in December to one felony count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. His plea says that on May 16, 2023, a Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force officer was approached by someone who said Hamilton tried to sell him an ounce of meth on the street. The officer found Hamilton, who removed a baggie containing meth from his pocket, admitted that the substance was methamphetamine and further admitted that he had recently been released from prison. Hamilton said an acquaintance gave him two ounces of methamphetamine to sell so that he could make some money, adding that he’d used some and intended to sell some. Hamilton was caught with about 48 grams, or roughly 1.7 ounces, of meth. Because he has at least two prior felony convictions of either a crime of violence or a drug offense, Hamilton qualified as a “career offender.” The Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Hunter prosecuted the case.


title: 10 Chinese Nationals Charged With Large-Scale Hacking Of U.S. And International Victims On Behalf Of The Chinese Government

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Sue J. Bai, the Head of the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division; and Leslie R. Backschies, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a two-count criminal Indictment charging 10 defendants with a years-long hacking scheme committed through the Chinese company i-Soon. At the direction of the People’s Republic of China (“PRC”) government, i-Soon employees hacked and attempted to hack victims across the globe, including a large religious organization in the U.S., critics and dissidents of the PRC government, a state legislative body, U.S. government agencies, the ministries of foreign affairs of multiple governments in Asia, and news organizations. i-Soon’s victims were of interest to the PRC government because, among other reasons, they were prominent overseas critics of the PRC government or because the PRC government considered them threatening to the rule of the Chinese Communist Party. The 10 defendants remain at large. Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “State-sponsored hacking is an acute threat to our community and national security. For years, these 10 defendants—two of whom we allege are PRC officials—used sophisticated hacking techniques to target religious organizations, journalists, and Government agencies, all to gather sensitive information for the use of the PRC. These charges will help stop these state-sponsored hackers and protect our national security. The career prosecutors of this Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to uncover alleged state-sponsored hacking schemes, disrupt them, and bring those responsible to justice.” National Security Division Head Sue J. Bai said: “The Department of Justice will relentlessly pursue those who threaten our cybersecurity by stealing from our government and our people. Today, we are exposing the Chinese government agents directing and fostering indiscriminate and reckless attacks against computers and networks worldwide, as well as the enabling companies and individual hackers that they have unleashed. We will continue to fight to dismantle this ecosystem of cyber mercenaries and protect our national security.” Acting Assistant Director in Charge Leslie R. Backschies said: “The charges announced today expose the PRC’s continued attempts to spy on and silence anyone it deems threatening to the Chinese Communist Party. As alleged in the indictment, the Chinese government tried to conceal its efforts by working through a private company, but their actions amount to years of state-sponsored hacking of religious and media organizations, numerous government agencies in multiple countries, and dissidents around the world who dared criticize the regime. The FBI will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt our adversaries’ use of emerging technology to silence dissent and undermine the rule of law across the globe.” As alleged in the Indictment: [1] The PRC’s Ministry of State Security (“MSS”) had responsibility for the PRC’s domestic counterintelligence, non-military foreign intelligence, and aspects of the PRC’s political and domestic security. The PRC’s Ministry of Public Security (“MPS”) had responsibility for the PRC’s public and political security, including responsibility for law enforcement. To acquire information of interest to the PRC government in a manner that obscured their involvement, the PRC’s MSS and MPS used an extensive network of private companies and contractors in China to conduct unauthorized computer intrusions (“hacks”) in the U.S. and elsewhere. One of those private companies was i-Soon. From approximately 2016 through 2023, i-Soon and its personnel engaged in the numerous and widespread hacking of email accounts, cell phones, servers, and websites at the direction of, and in close coordination with, the PRC’s MSS and MPS. i-Soon generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue and at times had over 100 employees. i-Soon’s primary customers were PRC government agencies. It worked with at least 43 different MSS or MPS bureaus and charged the MSS and MPS between approximately $10,000 and $75,000 for each email inbox it successfully hacked. The victims of i-Soon’s hacking included: A newspaper based in New York, New York, that publishes news related to China and is opposed to the Chinese Communist Party. An additional newspaper based in New York, New York. The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, an agency within the Department of Defense that specializes in defense and military intelligence. The U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Administration, an agency within the Department of Commerce that promotes U.S. exports and defends against unfair trade practices. A religious organization based in the U.S. that has thousands of churches and congregations and millions of members. A Texas-based organization founded by a prominent critic of the PRC government focused on promoting human rights and religious freedom in China. A news service funded by the U.S. government that delivers uncensored domestic news to audiences in Asian countries, including China, and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. A state research university in the U.S. The New York State Assembly, a part of the legislature of the state of New York. A religious leader who lived outside of China and the U.S. A newspaper based in Hong Kong, China, that has actively covered the politics of Hong Kong and continues to do so today. The foreign ministry of Taiwan. The foreign ministry of India. The foreign ministry of South Korea. The foreign ministry of Indonesia. In many instances, the PRC government was particularly interested in these victims because they had criticized the PRC government. In other instances, the PRC government was particularly interested in foreign ministries because those foreign ministries were in communication with the U.S. In some instances, i-Soon conducted its hacking at the direct request of the MSS or MPS. In other instances, i-Soon conducted hacks on its own initiative and then sold, or attempted to sell, the stolen data to different bureaus of the MSS or MPS. i-Soon also trained MPS employees how to hack independently of i-Soon and offered a variety of hacking methods for sale to its customers. i-Soon touted what it called a “industry-leading offensive and defensive technology” and a “zero-day vulnerability arsenal” used to successfully hack computer systems. One of i-Soon’s products was software called the “Automated Penetration Testing Platform.” i-Soon advertised the platform’s ability to send email phishing attacks, to create files with malware that could provide access to victims’ computers if opened, and to clone websites of victims in order to induce them to submit personal information. An image of the interface for the Automated Penetration Testing Platform is below: Another of i-Soon’s products was software that allowed the user to gain unauthorized access to online accounts or computer systems by deciphering passwords—also called “password cracking.” This platform was called the “Divine Mathematician Password Cracking Platform.” An image of the interface for the Divine Mathematician Password Cracking Platform is below: i-Soon also sold software specifically designed to target victim accounts on a variety of computer systems and applications, including Microsoft Outlook; Gmail, the email service provided by Google LLC; the social media network X, formerly known as Twitter; the cellphone operating system Android; and the computer operating systems Windows, Macintosh, and Linux. i-Soon advertised its bespoke software as being able to overcome the unique defenses of these systems. For example, with respect to Twitter, i-Soon sold software with the capability to send a victim a spear phishing link and then to obtain access to and control over the victim’s Twitter account. The software had the ability to access Twitter even without the victim’s password and to bypass multi-factor authentication. After a victim’s Twitter was compromised, the software could send tweets, delete tweets, forward tweets, make comments, and like tweets. The purpose of this software was to help i-Soon’s customers, including the PRC government, use hacked Twitter accounts to understand public opinion outside of China. For example, the software could be set to keep track of keywords appearing in tweets or messages. i-Soon referred to this software as its “Public Opinion Guidance and Control Platform (Overseas).” An image from the “Public Opinion Guidance and Control Platform (Overseas)” is below: The 10 defendants charged are WU HAIBO, a/k/a “shutd0wn,” a/k/a “Boss Wu,” a/k/a “吴海波,” the Chief Executive Officer, and leader, of i-Soon; CHEN CHENG, a/k/a “lengmo,” a/k/a “Chief C,” a/k/a “Jesse Chen,” a/k/a “陈诚,” the Chief Operating Officer of i-Soon; WANG YAN, a/k/a “crysolo,” a/k/a “王堰,” the leader of one of i-Soon’s “penetration testing” teams; WANG ZHE, a/k/a “ken73224,” a/k/a “王哲,” the Sales Director of i-Soon; ZHOU WEIWEI, a/k/a “nullroot,” a/k/a “周伟伟,” the leader of i-Soon’s “Technology Research and Development Center”; WANG LIYU, a/k/a “PICNIC350116,” a/k/a “王立宇,” an MPS officer based in Chengdu, China; and SHENG JING, a/k/a “sjbible,” “盛晶,” the defendant, an MPS officer based in Shenzhen, China. If you have information leading to the identification or location of these 10 defendants, please reach out to the Department of State at rewardsforjustice.net. * * * HAIBO, 43; CHENG, 40; GUODONG, 32; LI, 31; YAN, 35; ZHE, 44; WEIWEI, 37; LIANG, 28; LIYU, 36; and JING, 36, all nationals of China, are charged with conspiracy to commit computer intrusions, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge. Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding work of the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan B. Finkel, Steven J. Kochevar, and Kevin Mead are in charge of the prosecution. Trial Attorney Gregory J. Nicosia Jr. of the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section provided valuable assistance. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. u.s._v._wolf_indictment.pdf [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitutes only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.


title: Delaware Man Convicted in 16-Kilogram Drug Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – Shannon T. Hanson, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that on February 24, 2025, a federal jury convicted Dwayne Fountain, 54, of Middletown, on charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, four counts of possession with intent to distribute, and two counts of distribution of controlled substances. The defendant was acquitted on three related charges. Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly presided over the trial. The government’s evidence at trial identified a network of co-conspirators stretching from Scranton, PA to Seaford, DE. Three other defendants, Martin Fountain, Durell Patton, and William Warren, who were indicted along with the defendant, pled guilty and are pending sentencing. The amount of fentanyl seized from this organization, over ten kilograms, represents the largest known fentanyl seizure in Delaware history. This matter was the result of a long-term investigation spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Delaware State Police, and Dover Police Department. The evidence at trial showed that Dwayne Fountain bought kilograms of drugs from his suppliers and added ingredients like xylazine, also known as “tranq,” to make the drugs more potent and profitable. Agents found a kilogram press in a home he owned in Middletown, which was used to put the drugs back into “brick” form after they were adulterated. The defendant also rented an apartment in Bear, Delaware, where he stored his inventory of drugs. Search warrants executed in the case led to the seizure of over 10.5 kilograms of fentanyl, over 200 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine, over 3.5 kilograms of cocaine, and nearly 3 kilograms of heroin. On a recorded call, the defendant admitted that he knew the drugs he was selling could kill people. Acting U.S. Attorney Hanson commented on the case, “The defendant was a savvy drug trafficker who worked with others, including those from other states, to bring kilograms of fentanyl and other drugs to Delaware. The DEA’s investigation led to the seizure of over 16 kilograms of illegal substances, just under $100,000 in cash, and the conviction of a major drug trafficker. Dwayne Fountain profited from addiction, and indeed actively sought stronger and more dangerous drugs. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold those accountable who distribute dangerous drugs within our state.” “The Dover Police Department remains committed to addressing the organized drug crime plaguing our communities” offered Chief Thomas Johnson. “Working together with our State and Federal partners continues to be an effective strategy to remove dangerous individuals who threaten the safety and wellbeing of our citizens. This is just another example of great police work, followed by skillful prosecution, leading to meaningful solutions to problems that threaten our neighborhoods and institutions. Congratulations to the Officers and Attorneys connected to this case.” “This drug seizure demonstrates law enforcement’s unwavering commitment to holding traffickers accountable and protecting our communities,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police. “Fentanyl and other dangerous substances continue to affect too many lives. However, through strong partnerships and relentless investigative efforts, we are making significant strides in this fight. The Delaware State Police continues to collaborate with our federal and local allies to disrupt the flow of these lethal drugs and prevent them from reaching our streets.” “Individuals, such as Dwayne Fountain, who distribute Fentanyl are poisoning our communities. The DEA will continue to work each day alongside our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and convict those who are responsible for distributing deadly drugs," stated Special Agent-in-Charge Thomas Hodnett. Fountain faces a mandatory minimum of ten years in prison when sentenced. Chief Judge Connolly will determine the defendant’s sentence, after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer K. Welsh and Samuel S. Frey are prosecuting the case. This case was investigated by the DEA Dover Post of Duty, Delaware State Police and Dover Police Department, with assistance from the DEA Scranton Resident Office, Delaware National Guard, Smyrna Police Department, Ocean View Police Department, and Delmar Police Department. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 23-CR-49-CFC.


title: Baltimore County Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Elder Fraud Schemes

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher has sentenced Ambrose A. Obinna Warrior, 44, of Milford Mill, Maryland, to 42 months in federal prison. Warrior served as an unlicensed money transmitter in connection with various romance, business email compromise, and investment schemes. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed, FBI Salt Lake City Field Office; and Inspector in Charge Damon Wood, U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Washington Division. According to the plea agreement, beginning in March 2018, and continuing through at least August 2021, Warrior received victims’ funds and transferred them to other scheme participants through federally insured financial institutions in exchange for a percentage. Warrior opened personal and business bank accounts and formed the limited liability company, The Golden Voice of Orientals, to conduct, control, manage, and direct his unlicensed money transmitting business. Additionally, Warrior used WhatsApp to communicate bank account information to other scheme participants and his fee for receiving and transmitting funds from victims, which was usually 20 percent or more. After depositing the funds, Warrior retained a portion of the money as a fee and ensured others received a portion of the fraudulent funds. Warrior also transferred victims’ funds to scheme participants overseas. In total, Warrior transmitted or attempted to transfer more than $700,000 in proceeds from various schemes. Victims lost at least $467,912. Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcement’s efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older, and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available. Call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers through assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps, including identifying appropriate reporting agencies, providing information to callers to assist them in reporting or connecting them with agencies, and providing resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. Learn more about the Department’s Elder Justice Initiative at www.elderjustice.gov . Victims are encouraged to file a complaint online with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at this website or by calling 1-800-225-5324. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and United States Postal Inspection Service for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evelyn Lombardo Cusson and Adeyemi Adenrele who prosecuted the federal case. The FBI's Baltimore and Salt Lake City Field Offices, along with the St. George Resident Agency, investigated this case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Kanawha County Man Sentenced to More Than 16 Years in Prison for Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jonathan Fitzpatrick, 33, of Pratt, was sentenced today to 16 years and two months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 3, 2024, Fitzpatrick sold approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in the Kanawha City area of Charleston. Fitzpatrick admitted to the transaction and further admitted to distributing a total of approximately 90 pounds of a substance that contained methamphetamine to the confidential informant from approximately December 2022 to in or about April 2024. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Route 119 Drug Task Force, which consists of members of the Mingo County Sheriff's Office, the Logan County Sheriff's Office, the Boone County Sheriff's Office, and the West Virginia State Police. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Samuel D. Marsh prosecuted 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. 2:24-cr-112. ###


title: Middle District Of Florida U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects More Than $47 Million In Civil And Criminal Actions In Fiscal Year 2024

body_text: Tampa, FL ― Acting U.S. Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announced today that the Middle District of Florida (MDFL) collected $47,486,214 related to local criminal and civil matters in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024 (FY 2024). Of this amount, $16,429,786 was collected in criminal cases and $31,056,428was collected in civil actions. The MDFL’s Civil Division, led by Civil Chief Randy Harwell, recovered a total of $104,533,923 on behalf of federal agencies and programs in affirmative civil enforcement cases during the last fiscal year. This amount has two components. In addition to its recoveries in local civil cases noted above, the District’s Civil Division also joins forces with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section to address fraud schemes and illegal practices extending beyond district boundaries. The MDFL’s Civil Division recovered an additional $73,477,495 in FY24 in these jointly handled cases. “These strong recovery figures show a continued commitment by our office in the critical areas of criminal and civil enforcement,” said Acting United States Attorney Sara Sweeney. “Safeguarding the interests of crime victims, the American taxpayers, and vital public programs will always be a part of our district’s core mission.” U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigation divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the Department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. The MDFL’s Asset Recovery Division, led by Chief Laura Taylor, recovered a total of $16,456,189. This amount has two components―criminal monetary penalties and forfeiture. First, in addition to the $16,429,786 in criminal monetary penalties collected in cases prosecuted by the District, the Asset Recovery Division worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $26,403 in criminal monetary penalties pursued jointly by these offices. Additionally, the District’s Asset Recovery Division, working with partner agencies, forfeited $35,981,653 from criminal and civil asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024. For instance, in FY 2024, $10,604,039 million forfeited in the MDFL was returned to victims of the criminal offenses, and more than $4 million was shared with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. Significant Affirmative Civil Enforcement Cases United States ex rel. Jacob v. Walgreens Boots Alliance, Case no. 8:20-cv-858 (M.D. Fla.). This qui tam case alleged that between 2009 and 2020, Walgreens submitted false claims for payment to Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health care programs for prescriptions that it processed but that were never picked up by beneficiaries. Through this practice, Walgreens received tens of millions of dollars for prescriptions that it never actually provided to health care beneficiaries. Collaborating with the Dept. of Justice Civil Frauds Section and the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the District of New Mexico and Eastern District of Texas, we resolved all of the allegations in the qui tam case for $106.8 million. Press release: https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/walgreens-agrees-pay-1068m-resolve-allegations-it-billed-government-prescriptions-never United States v. Lubin , Case no. 8:21-cv-2231 (M.D. Fla.). This False Claims Act complaint was filed against Dr. Edward Lubin, who was an outlier prescriber of a powerful opioid medication called Subsys which is prescribed primarily for treatment of various oncology conditions. We alleged that Dr. Edward Lubin received kickbacks from the manufacturer of Subsys, Insys, Inc., through a bogus speaker program sponsored by Insys that paid Lubin hundreds of thousands of dollars to incentivize him to prescribe the potent medication. In October 2023, we settled with Dr. Lubin for $1.5 million. Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/tampa-pain-management-physician-edward-lubin-agrees-pay-15-million-settle-false-claims U.S. ex rel. Loscalzo v. Bluestone Physician Services, et al. , Case No. 2:20-cv-295 (M.D. Fla.). This qui tam case alleged that Bluestone, a geriatric health care provider for residents of assisted living facilities in Florida, Minnesota and Wisconsin, submitted false claims to the government by billing monthly medical visits that are either unnecessary or upcoded. In collaboration with the Department of Justice Civil Frauds section and the United States Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis, Minnesota, we corroborated the allegations and on June 5, 2024, resolved the claims in the qui tam complaint for $14.9 million, on an ability to pay basis. Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/chronic-disease-management-provider-pay-149m-resolve-alleged-false-claims Dan Hurt. Daniel Hurt owned and operated Fountain Health Services LLC, Verify Health, Landmark Diagnostics LLC, First Choice Laboratory LLC and Sonoran Desert Pathology Associates LLC, that we alleged submitted false claims to Medicare for cancer genomic (CGx) tests that were not medically necessary and that were procured through illegal kickbacks. From January 2019 to November 2021, Hurt allegedly conspired with telemarketing agents to solicit Medicare beneficiaries for “free” CGx tests; with telemedicine providers to “prescribe” CGx tests that were not medically necessary; with reference laboratories to conduct the CGx tests, and with billing laboratories and a hospital to submit claims for payment to Medicare. Mr. Hurt pled guilty to criminal healthcare fraud offenses and agreed on an ability to pay basis to settle the civil fraud claims for approximately $27 million. Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/florida-businessman-daniel-hurt-pay-over-27-million-medicare-fraud-connection-cancer?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery United States v. Robert J. Remington, et al. , Case no. 8:24-cv-511 (M.D. Fla.). This False Claims Act case was initiated by a referral from the Veterans Administration Inspector General concerning Jacksonville and Orlando franchises of New Horizons Computer Learning Center. These schools provide federally subsidized educational programs for veterans. The complaint alleged that both franchises violated subsidy program requirements concerning the percentage of student population that were entitled to receive the subsidies. We filed a complaint against the two schools in February 2024, and on July 10, 2024 reached an agreement that resolved all claims in return for $1,350,000. Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/new-horizons-computer-learning-centers-tampa-and-orlando-resolve-post-911-gi-bill United States ex rel. GNGH2, Inc. v. Miles Partnership, LLC , Case No. 8:23-cv-649 (M.D. Fla.). In this qui tam , the relator alleged that Miles Partnership, LLC (“Miles Partnership”) obtained a $2 million second draw Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan by failing to disclose that it was required to register under the Foreign Agent Registration Act (“FARA”), 22 U.S.C. § 611 et seq . Any entity required to register under FARA was ineligible for a second draw PPP loan. Based on various contracts it had with foreign tourism boards, including the Bermuda Tourism Authority, the relator alleged that Miles Partnership was required to register under FARA. On Sept. 17, 2024, we settled these claims for $2,281,950. Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/travel-tourism-company-pays-2-2-million-resolve-civil-claims-regarding-funds-obtained H. Lee Moffitt Cancer and Research Center . A leading Tampa, Florida cancer research center disclosed issues to the Health and Human Services Inspector General concerning its bills to Medicare associated with clinical oncology trials. Specifically, Moffitt disclosed that it had billed federal healthcare programs for items and services provided as part of clinical trial research that should have been billed to non-government trial sponsors. The research center cooperated extensively with the United States Attorney’s Office, Department of Justice Civil Frauds section, and HHS OIG, ultimately agreeing in January 2024, to pay $19,564,743 to resolve all of the billing issues that it had disclosed. Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/florida-research-hospital-agrees-pay-more-195-million-resolve-liability-relating-self Baptist Health System A Jacksonville, Florida area hospital network voluntarily disclosed conduct to the Health and Human Services Inspector General that may have violated the federal Anti-Kickback statute. Specifically, Baptist Health disclosed that it had offered discounts to patients as an inducement to purchase or refer Baptist Health services that are reimbursed by federal health programs. Baptist Health cooperated with the government’s investigation into these issues and agreed to resolve them in exchange for $1.5 million. Press release: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/florida-hospital-system-agrees-pay-15-million-resolve-liability-relating-self


title: Venezuelan National Charged with Assaulting Federal Officers During Execution of Immigration Arrest Warrant

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Venezuelan national illegally present in the United States has been charged in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island with assaulting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Deportation Officers during his arrest on an immigration warrant, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. It is alleged that Edward Antonio Reyes Calderon, 22, resisted arrest and assault three uniformed Deportation Officers, injuring two of them, as they took him into custody outside of the Rhode Island District Court in Providence on February 13, 2025. He had just completed an appearance in state court on a Domestic Violence charge and was being released from state custody on bail. Charging documents allege that the Deportation Officers, in clearly marked ICE/Police body armor, while in front of a law enforcement vehicle with emergency lights flashing, attempted to take Reyes Calderon into custody at the sally port of the courthouse. The Deportation Officers clearly announced that they were “police,” and instructed Reyes Calderon to turn around. As they grabbed his arms, he began to flex and pull away, not complying with orders. The officers gave several verbal commands including: “stop resisting,” and “you are under arrest.” It is further alleged that Reyes Calderon became very aggressive, resisting violently, as the three officers struggled to apply hand cuffs. He continued to push and pull the Deportation Officers, at one point tightly grabbing one of the officer’s utility belt – his hands inches from the officer’s firearm. As the struggle continued for several minutes, an officer deployed pepper spray in order to gain control of the defendant. Two Deportation Officers suffered minor injuries and had to be evaluated medically. At present, Reyes Calderon remains in ICE custody. He will make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court on a date yet to be determined on a criminal complaint charging him with forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing and impeding a law enforcement officer in the performance of official duties. A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. In addition to the pending charge for Domestic Violence in Rhode Island, Reyes Calderon is facing a charge in the State of New York for Grand Larceny. The case in U.S. District Court in Providence is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Peter I. Roklan and Taylor A. Dean. ###


title: Multiple Defendants Charged with Federal Immigration Crimes

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Alabama has indicted a dozen people for illegal reentry after deportation and three individuals for being an alien in possession of a firearm. “Ensuring the safety of our communities is our highest priority,” said U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona. “These charges represent the combined efforts of my office and federal, state, and local law enforcement partners in investigating and prosecuting illegal aliens who engage in criminal activity.” “The enforcement of our immigration laws is essential to maintaining national security, public safety, and the integrity of our legal system,” said Steven N. Schrank, special agent in charge of HSI Atlanta, which covers Georgia and Alabama. “We will continue to use all the available resources to ensure that those who break our laws are held accountable.” Among the people indicted for illegally reentering the United States after having been deported are: Glendi Martinez-Lopez, 30, of Honduras; Anabel Cebreros, 36, of Mexico; Javier Francisco Ricalde-Santos, 31, of Mexico; Gustavo Neri-Soto, 32, of Mexico; Gerardo Rivera-Rodriguez, 36, of Mexico; Jose Arevalo-Carballo, 38, of El Salvador; Leonardo Ayala-Mejia, 33, of Mexico; Francisco Bernabe-Vera, 43, of Mexico; Carlos Crisostomo-Garcia, 47, of Mexico; and Jesus Alberto Ortega-Suarez, 28, of Mexico. In addition, Jose Miguel Martinez-Gonzalez, 22, of Mexico, and Isaias Ramirez-Oliva, 19, of Honduras, have been charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm. In addition to prosecuting these cases, Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Northern District of Alabama continue to provide regular training to attorneys, federal agents, and state and local law enforcement partners to assist them in investigating and prosecuting immigration offenses in federal court. An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Tampa Man Sentenced To Federal Prison For Recruiting Individuals To Pass Counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida –U.S. District Judge Wendy Berger has sentenced Trentavius Quntez Scott (37, Tampa) to two years and six months in federal prison for passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes and ordered him to pay restitution to the victims he defrauded. Scott entered a guilty plea on November 20, 2024. According to court documents and public records, Scott appeared in federal court on September 26, 2024, pursuant to a writ bringing him to Jacksonville from the Hillsborough County jail, where he was serving a sentence for a counterfeit-related crime. The court ordered Scott detained. Scott is also wanted on a felony arrest warrant out of Hernando County in an unrelated financial crime case. According to court documents, in July 2023, Scott, a 10-time convicted felon, recruited an individual to assist him in passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. Scott provided the individual with counterfeit currency, then the two traveled to Ocala. In Ocala, Scott and the individual went to a retail store and passed multiple counterfeit bills. In March 2024, Scott recruited two more individuals and provided them with counterfeit cash. Scott and the two individuals traveled to St. Johns County where they passed more counterfeit Federal Reserve notes at a retail store. This case was investigated by the Ocala Police Department, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Secret Service - Jacksonville Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein.


title: Reeds Woman Sentenced to 12 Years for Meth Conspiracy

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Reeds, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for her role in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine in southwest Missouri. Kimberly C. Elliott, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 12 years in federal prison without parole. On June 8, 2023, Elliott pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of money laundering. Elliott admitted that she participated in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Barry, Stone, Polk, Lawrence, Greene, Jasper, and Newton Counties from Nov. 1, 2020, to April 28, 2022. According to court documents, Elliott personally distributed more than 16 pounds of methamphetamine, an extremely conservative estimate for her involvement. During this conspiracy, law enforcement seized more than 30 pounds of methamphetamine from various co-conspirators. Elliott sold 62 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer on May 3, 2021. At the time of that transaction, Elliott was in possession of at least an additional pound of methamphetamine. On May 12, 2021, Elliott traded her red Chevrolet Colorado for a black 2017 Ford Explorer. Elliott purchased this vehicle with approximately $15,000 from the proceeds of unlawful methamphetamine distribution. Elliott was arrested while driving the Explorer without a driver’s license on June 16, 2021. Elliott had approximately 60 grams of methamphetamine, approximately nine grams of marijuana, and six hydrocodone tablets in her purse. A user quantity of suspected heroin and methamphetamine was located in the driver’s side door pocket of the vehicle, and approximately $7,165 in cash was found in a zipper bag between the driver’s seat and center console. Elliott told investigators she had obtained one pound of methamphetamine approximately two days prior to the traffic stop from a co-conspirator, and what was located in her vehicle was what was left from that transaction. Elliott stated she had been purchasing methamphetamine for the past two months and estimated she had purchased between five and 10 pounds of methamphetamine. She also investigators that conspirators were receiving shipments of 250 pounds of methamphetamine every two weeks from California. Elliott is among 20 defendants who have been convicted in this case, and the fourth defendant to be sentenced. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, the Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Stone County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, COMET (the Combined Ozark Multi-Jurisdictional Enforcement Team), the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Polk County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Ottawa County, Ok., Sheriff’s Department, the Bolivar, Mo., Police Department, the Cassville, Mo., Police Department, the Kimberling City, Mo., Police Department, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: Former Tampa Banker Sentenced For Bank Fraud Scheme

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Igor Shushpanov (39, Tampa) to 15 months in federal prison for bank fraud. The court ordered Shushpanov to pay $407,398 in restitution, which represents the loss amount. The court also ordered Shushpanov to forfeit $303,093.26 in proceeds he obtained through his criminal activity. Shushpanov pleaded guilty on November 18, 2024. According to court documents, from as early as February 2017, until approximately July 30, 2022, Shushpanov opened checking accounts at multiple credit unions that were members of the Federal Home Loan Bank system. Shushpanov then obtained credit cards or personal lines of credit from the credit unions. Upon receipt of the credit cards or personal lines of credit, Shushpanov made purchases or cash advances up to the credit limit. Shushpanov would then purportedly pay off the entire balance by sending worthless checks from accounts under his custody and control. Between the time that the financial institutions credited Shushpanov’s credit account balances, and the worthless checks were returned for insufficient funds, he would again max-out his credit cards and personal lines of credit resulting in higher negative credit account balances. Shushpanov continued perpetrating this scheme by repeatedly depositing worthless checks and making subsequent credit card or personal line of credit purchases. He then filed a bankruptcy petition to avoid paying the credit unions he defrauded. This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Office of the United States Trustee for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division, also provided substantial investigative assistance. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.


title: Jury Finds Pinellas County Man Guilty Of Brandishing A Firearm During Convenience Store Robbery

body_text: Tampa, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that a federal jury has found Jhakheem Smith (25, Pinellas County) guilty of one count of brandishing a firearm during a violent crime. Smith was also charged and previously pleaded guilty to the other offenses he committed, including the robbery of the convenience store, and conspiracy to commit that robbery. Smith faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each of the robbery offenses. He faces a minimum of 7 years, up to life, in federal prison for the firearm offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on November 8, 2023, Smith and his co-defendant, Alex Jones, robbed a convenience store in Clearwater. Jones was armed with a firearm and Smith carried a baseball bat. Jones and Smith forced the victim to give them cash from the register, pushed the victim in the head with the firearm, and forced the victim into a back room. Jones and Smith took more than $800 from the cash register, as well as the victim’s wallet and cellphone. The victim sustained a visible injury to their head. Store surveillance video showed Smith and Jones jumping over the counter to confront the victim, and also showed Smith searching throughout the store for a safe which allegedly contained additional money. The safe was never found. The surveillance video also showed Smith attempting to damage the surveillance cameras. Text messages obtained pursuant to a search warrant for Jones’s phone revealed texts planning the robbery between Jones and Smith. Jones previously pleaded guilty. He was sentenced on February 6, 2025, to 12 years and 11 months in federal prison. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Clearwater Police Department, the Largo Police Department, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. 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 out 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 first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – A Hawaii man pleaded guilty yesterday to sexual abuse of inmates under his custody or control. According to court documents, Mikael Rivera, 47, of Kapolei, was a correctional officer at the Federal Detention Center in Honolulu from approximately 2014 to 2018. While on duty as a correctional officer, Rivera committed multiple sexual acts with one inmate who did not consent and engaged in sexually abusive conduct with two additional inmates under his supervision. Rivera pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual abuse of a ward. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 3 and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii, Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Zachary Shroyer of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) Western Region made the announcement. DOJ-OIG is investigating the case with assistance from the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Ayabe for the District of Hawaii and Trial Attorney Nicole Lockhart of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from former PIN Deputy Chiefs Jennifer Clarke and Marco Palmieri.


title: Federal Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty To Bribery And Introduction Of Contraband Into Prison

body_text: Ocala, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Samuel Brandon Smith (37, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of a bribe by a public official and one count of providing contraband to a federal prisoner. Smith faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the bribery offense and up to 5 years’ imprisonment for the contraband offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court records, Smith was a correctional officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) working at the Coleman Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Coleman) in Sumter County. Between December 18, 2023, and September 4, 2024, Smith received bribes to smuggle contraband into FCC Coleman for inmates. In total, Smith received $43,901 in bribes. On September 4, 2024, BOP staff stopped Smith when he reported to work at FCC Coleman. They found 668.1 grams of marijuana and other substances containing approximately 90 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on Smith’s person, hidden within his duty vest. Smith was smuggling this contraband into the facility with the intent to distribute it to federal prisoners in exchange for monetary payments. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice - Office of the Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.


title: Schuylkill County Man Sentenced To 60 Months’ Imprisonment For Firearm Offense

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Cornelius Green, age 37, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on February 27, 2025, to 60 months’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Robert D. Mariani for one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Green previously pleaded guilty to possessing a Kel-Tec, Model RFB 18, caliber .308 semi-automatic rifle, which had been shipped or transported in interstate commerce, knowing that he had previously been convicted by a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Judge Mariani ordered the five-year sentence to run consecutive to an early seven-year sentence of imprisonment previously imposed for Green’s brandishing of a firearm in relation to a robbery. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The matter was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Schuylkill Haven Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Former Credit Union Employee Sentenced to 27 Months in Prison for Defrauding His Employer, Clients, of More Than $772,000

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Nelson S.T. Thayer, Jr., announced that Kevin Spratt, 36, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Anita B. Brody to 27 months in prison and five years of supervised release for defrauding a credit union and multiple credit union members of approximately $772,155.84 through a combination of fraudulent loans and unauthorized withdrawals. Spratt was also ordered to pay $822,155.84 in restitution. Spratt was charged by information in September of last year with one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. He pleaded guilty to the information in October. The defendant had worked as a senior branch sales representative at a federally insured credit union (FCU) located in South Philadelphia. His duties included opening accounts, processing loan applications, and any branch duty other than depositing and withdrawing customer monies. As detailed in court filings, beginning on or about October 1, 2018, and continuing through on or about September 15, 2022, he stole money from the FCU by, unbeknownst to 10 credit union members, taking out a total of approximately 32 loans in their names and converting the loan proceeds to his own use. Further, beginning on or about February 14, 2020, through on or about September 28, 2022, he stole money from 12 FCU members by routinely withdrawing funds from their accounts without the members’ authorization. Six of these FCU members’ names had been used in the aforementioned fraudulent loan scheme. According to the filings, Spratt deceived credit union tellers into facilitating the withdrawal of money from member accounts by, among other things, providing photocopies of the members’ driver’s licenses to the tellers as evidence that the absent members were in the credit union at the time of each withdrawal. The teller would enter the information provided by Spratt into a computer, which would allow Spratt to retrieve the member funds he sought from a cash machine. After receiving that money, he converted the funds to his own use. Spratt was both familiar with, and personally interacted with, the large majority of the FCU members that he victimized. To hide his fraud from his victims, court documents state, Spratt routinely limited the victims’ access to banking services by cutting off their receipt of paper bank statements. By doing so, Spratt controlled the flow of financial information to his victims and forced many of them to personally interact with him to address any issues related to their FCU accounts. This allowed Spratt to manipulate the outcome of any member inquiry. “While Spratt’s theft from his employer was inexcusable, his theft from clients who knew and trusted him was especially odious,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Thayer. “When crooks like this defraud businesses and steal other people’s hard-earned money, we and our law enforcement partners stand ready to investigate, prosecute, and hold them responsible for their crimes.” “This case highlights the importance of safeguarding our financial institutions and protecting the community from those who seek to exploit their positions of trust. Kevin Spratt's actions not only defrauded the credit union and its members but also betrayed the very principles of integrity and honesty that are essential in the financial sector,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens. “HSI remains committed to collaborating with our partners to investigate and bring to justice individuals who engage in financial crimes. We will continue to work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law and ensure the security of our community's financial systems.” The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Linwood C. Wright, Jr.


title: Dominican Man Who Illegally Entered the U.S. After Multiple Prior Deportations Sentenced to 21 Months in Prison

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – Acting United States Attorney Nelson S.T. Thayer, Jr., announced that Jesus Del Orbe, aka “Angel Cabrera-Santiago” and “Jesus Valdez-Del Orbe,” 55, a Dominican citizen who had been residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Joseph F. Leeson, Jr., to 21 months of imprisonment and one year of supervised release for illegally reentering the United States after deportation. Del Orbe was charged by indictment in August of last year, and in November, pleaded guilty to the charge against him. He had previously been convicted of illegal reentry in 2017, in the District of Puerto Rico, and 2019, in the Southern District of Texas. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers located the defendant working at a Philadelphia tire shop, where he was arrested in July 2024. According to immigration records, the defendant previously had been removed from the United States on three prior occasions — on or about March 1, 2016, February 20, 2018, and November 17, 2020 — and had not sought permission to reenter. “If you’re going to keep breaking the law, we’re going to keep prosecuting you,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Thayer. “Mr. Del Orbe has repeatedly and deliberately entered the United States illegally, in contravention of our immigration laws. We will continue to work to hold such serial lawbreakers accountable.” “The repeated illegal reentry by Jesus Del Orbe demonstrates a flagrant disregard for our nation’s immigration laws. This sentence underscores our commitment to upholding the rule of law and integrity of our immigration system,” said ERO Philadelphia Acting Field Office Director Brian McShane. “We remain steadfast in our efforts to collaborate with federal authorities to ensure that those who violate our laws are held accountable. Our focus will always be on maintaining the safety and security of our communities.” The case was investigated by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John J. Boscia.


title: Dauphin County Woman Indicted For Drug Trafficking Offenses

body_text: HARRISBURG– The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Latika Rainey, age 35, of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 19, 2025, by a federal grand jury on drug trafficking charges. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment charges Rainey for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, cocaine, and marijuana between February 26, 2023 and March 1, 2023. The indictment further charges Rainey for distributing cocaine, as well as possessing with intent to distribute cocaine base, cocaine, and marijuana on March 1, 2023. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Harrisburg Bureau of Police – Organized Crime Vice Control Unit, the Harrisburg Bureau of Police – Street Crimes Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalties under federal law for the indicted offenses are 100 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release after imprisonment, a fine, and a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Santa Maria Investment Advisor Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Elderly Clients Out of More Than $2 Million

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Santa Barbara County investment advisor pleaded guilty today to stealing approximately $2.25 million from elderly clients of her investment advisory business – some of whom were receiving end-of-life care. Julie Anne Darrah, 52, of Santa Maria, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. She remains free on $50,000 bond. Darrah ran a Santa Maria-based investment advisory business called Vivid Financial Management Inc. (VFM). At all relevant times, she was an investment advisor registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and, from 2015 to 2021, she was the president, chief compliance officer, and a one-third shareholder of VFM. During the scheme, Darrah stole approximately $2.25 million from her firm’s clients. She did so by obtaining control of her victims’ assets, and then – without the victims’ knowledge or consent – she liquidated their security holdings and transferred the proceeds to accounts she controlled. As part of this, she convinced victims to sign documents making her the trustee of their trusts or a signatory on their bank accounts or giving her power of attorney over their brokerage accounts and allowing her – as their investment advisor – to transfer funds from their accounts to other bank accounts, including to her own accounts. Darrah took advantage of trust victims placed in her -- often convincing them she would take care of them in their older years like a daughter, and she used this trust to convince them to sign the documents that she then used to steal money from them. In this way, Darrah stole money from victims from approximately November 2016 to July 2023. She used stolen funds to buy properties for herself, pay other personal expenses, buy luxury vehicles, and operate other business ventures. Some victims were left in desperate circumstances, without the money to pay for end-of-life care, when the fraud was discovered. Darrah also convinced a company identified in the plea agreement as “Business Victim 1,” a Minnesota-based investment advisor firm, to acquire VFM based on false and misleading statements and the concealment of material facts, including not telling that firm about her theft of individual client funds. After the fraud was discovered, Business Victim 1 incurred approximately $5.4 million in losses. “The defendant took advantage of her clients’ trust,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “Many of them were elderly and she stole from them using their funds as her own. Our seniors should never have to question whether their money is safe. She will now be held accountable for her actions.” United States District Judge Otis D. Wright II scheduled a May 19 sentencing hearing, at which time Darrah will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. In October 2023, the SEC filed a civil complaint against Darrah in connection with this scheme. In December 2024, United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer found Darrah liable to pay $2,416,511, including interest. The FBI and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Kerry L. Quinn of the Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. English, Spanish and other languages are available.


title: Dauphin County Man Indicted For Firearm Offenses

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Myzere Hill, age 21, of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, was indicted on February 5, 2025, by a federal grand jury for firearm offenses. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on or about January 31, 2024, Hill possessed a Glock firearm with a machinegun-conversion device. It is also alleged that Hill possessed the firearm while he was an unlawful user of, and addicted to, a controlled substance. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Lower Paxton Township Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (Wes) Mishoe is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalties under federal law for the indicted offenses are 25 years imprisonment, a term of supervised release after imprisonment, a fine, and a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Federal Grand Jury in Louisville Indicts One Former and Two Current Kentucky State Police Troopers for Federal Civil Rights Violations

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned an indictment on March 4, 2025, charging one former and two current Kentucky State Police Troopers with violating individuals’ civil rights while acting as troopers with the Kentucky State Police. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement. According to the indictment, former Kentucky State Police Trooper Thomas Czartorski , 34, was charged with two counts of using unreasonable force in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 242. Kentucky State Police Trooper Jarrod Lewis , 29, was charged with one count of using unreasonable force. Kentucky State Police Trooper James Cameron Wright , 30, was charged with two counts of using unreasonable force and one count of perjury related to false declarations made under oath in connection with a federal civil case involving allegations of civil rights violations. Czartorski , Lewis , and Wright will make initial appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky on April 3, 2025. If convicted, Thomas Czartorski faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. If convicted, Jarrod Lewis faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. If convicted, James Cameron Wright faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the FBI Louisville Public Corruption Civil Rights Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Tieke and Stephanie Zimdahl for the Western District of Kentucky and Trial Attorneys Anita Channapati and Katherine DeVar of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. XXX


title: Young driver faces federal charges after pulling gun during road rage incident

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 19-year-old Laredoan has been indicted for possession of a machinegun, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Justin Landen Ruiz was originally charged by criminal complaint and is expected to appear in Laredo federal court before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future. On Feb. 6, authorities responded to a road rage incident on the northbound lane of Bob Bullock near the entrance to Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, according to the charges. The driver and sole occupant of a black Jeep, later identified as Ruiz, allegedly displayed a firearm during the incident. The charges allege authorities had pulled over the vehicle and conducted a search which resulted in the discovery of two firearms and three loaded magazines in the center console. One of the firearms was a tan Glock 19x, 9mm pistol and had an attached machinegun conversion device, according to the charges. These devices convert firearms to be fully automatic. If convicted, Ruiz faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Appoints John A. Sarcone III as U.S. Attorney

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Attorney General Pamela Bondi has appointed John A. Sarcone III as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York. Mr. Sarcone will start on March 17. As United States Attorney, Mr. Sarcone will serve as the Northern District of New York’s chief federal law enforcement officer, supervising an office of 49 Assistant U.S. Attorneys, 4 Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys, 41 support staff members, and 9 contract support staff members. He will be responsible for prosecuting federal criminal offenses and representing the United States in civil litigation in the Northern District of New York and in the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Mr. Sarcone stated: “Coming from a humble, blue-collar background – growing up in Croton-on-Hudson, having the same teachers at Croton High School as my parents had, and with my grandmother and children also graduating from that school, and having worked full-time while going at night to the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University– I am deeply humbled and honored to have been named U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York. “I shall carry out my duties faithfully and with steadfast dedication to our nation, community, and the citizens of the Northern District of New York. “Thank you, Attorney General Bondi, for trusting me to carry out this important mission and most importantly thank you President Trump for once again having faith and confidence in me to do my part to accomplish one of your most important tasks – to restore public confidence and trust in our government and the Department of Justice.” Mr. Sarcone, who will be based in Albany, has been a dedicated public servant and lawyer for many years. From 2018 to 2021, Mr. Sarcone served as Northeast and Caribbean Regional Administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration, overseeing a large team responsible for federal buildings and facilities, procurement, and IT initiatives, and working with dozens of federal agencies and courthouses, including in the Northern District of New York. Earlier in his career, he served as Town Attorney in Eastchester, New York, and General Counsel to the United Federation of Special Police Officers, Inc. and to the Association of Commuter Rail Employees. Mr. Sarcone also founded and built a general practice law firm, providing advice to small businesses and family-owned corporations, handling large real estate transactions, and litigating and arbitrating in areas including business and construction disputes, insurance defense, and toxic torts.


title: Violent Recidivist Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Federal Prison for Racially Motivated Attack on Asian American Woman

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Southern California man has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison for punching an Asian American woman in the head while shouting racial slurs and then leaving her bloodied in a Culver City street in 2021, the Justice Department announced today. Jesse Allen Lindsey, 38, who was transient at the time of the attack, was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald. Lindsey pleaded guilty in December 2024 to one count of a hate crime. He has been in federal custody since July 2024. On June 14, 2021, at approximately 1 a.m., Lindsey began following the victim on her walk to work. According to the government’s sentencing position, Lindsey shouted racial slurs, cursed at the victim, and told her, “You don’t belong here.” He then violently punched her in the head. While the victim lay face down in the street, defendant shouted, “You hear what I said, [N-word]? I said good morning, bitch!” Emergency personnel later transported the victim to a hospital to treat injuries to her head and ear. She was unable to work for a month and suffered years of psychological trauma, prosecutors said. At sentencing, Judge Fitzgerald called the attack a “shocking and horrible crime” and noted Lindsey’s “serious criminal record.” Lindsey has 13 criminal convictions for firearms and narcotics offenses, domestic battery, grand theft, and attempted extortion. He also has at least 14 violations of probation or pretrial release and 19 additional arrests or contacts with law enforcement, the government said at Monday’s sentencing hearing. Lindsey fled California after seeing news reports about the attack. Law enforcement officers eventually located Lindsey in a California state prison serving time for an unrelated conviction. During an interview with law enforcement about the assault, Lindsey eventually admitted to punching the victim, but falsely claimed self-defense, the government’s sentencing position stated. Lindsey said the “little Asian person” was “mouthy” and looked like a “gangbanger.” Referencing the Asian actor known for his martial arts ability, Lindsey claimed the victim might pull “some Jet Li [expletive].” The victim was a middle-aged Asian woman who stood five feet tall and weighed approximately 120 pounds. Lindsey was over six feet tall and weighed approximately 250 pounds. The FBI investigated this matter and received substantial assistance from the Culver City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Greer Dotson prosecuted this case.


title: Mexican national indicted for smuggling $10,000 of cocaine behind trap door

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A driver has been charged with conspiracy and importation of controlled substances, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Mauricio Sebastian Valdez Rivas, 67, is in custody and expected to make his initial appearances before a U.S. magistrate judge in Laredo in the near future. A federal grand jury returned the two-count indictment related to an alleged failed smuggling attempt of 16.95 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico into the United States. On Feb. 7, Rivas allegedly drove into the port of entry at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge seeking entry into the United States. At that time. authorities performed an x-ray scan of the vehicle and noticed an anomaly near the front of the vehicle, according to the charges. At secondary inspection, law enforcement allegedly found a trap door behind the front license plate which had a hidden compartment containing 15 bundles of cocaine. The drugs have an estimated street value of $10,000. If convicted, Rivas faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison as well as up to $10 million in fines. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

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

body_text: BIRMINGHAM Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Nashville Field Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz. U.S. District Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Keundre Levelle Brown, 25, of Birmingham, to 57 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the plea agreement, on October 11, 2023, a Birmingham Police Officer responded to a 911 call regarding a shooting at a motel in Birmingham. Brown was found alone inside of a motel room that showed evidence of gunfire, with the shots appearing to have been fired from within the room. The officer searched Brown and found a loaded Taurus G2C pistol in his waistband. The pistol had been reported stolen about a year earlier in Birmingham. Brown is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions in the Circuit Court of Jefferson County, Alabama, Bessemer Division, for Theft of Property, Burglary and Robbery. ATF investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney W. Lee Gilmer prosecuted the case.


title: Pittsburgh Man Serving Life Sentence for Drug and Firearms Crimes Sentenced to More Than Nine Additional Years in Prison for Assault of His Attorney and Contempt of Court

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to an additional 110 months in prison on his convictions of contempt and assault, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Robert J. Colville imposed the sentence on James Taric Byrd, 46, and ordered that Byrd’s sentence be served consecutive to sentences Byrd is currently serving from other cases. According to information presented to the Court, on July 18, 2022, Byrd struck his attorney in a courtroom during federal criminal trial proceedings in a separate prosecution. Byrd was ultimately sentenced to a term of life imprisonment in 2023 after a jury found him guilty of firearms and narcotics crimes (read the Sentencing news release here ). Byrd was also convicted and sentenced for rape and other offenses in 2024 in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County. “This defendant’s vicious attack upon his court-appointed defense attorney within the walls of the Joseph F. Weis Jr. U.S. Courthouse was an assault upon the rule of law,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Rivetti. “The substantial, consecutive sentence here mirrors the severity of his conduct. We commend the United States Marshals for their quick response and professionalism throughout the prosecution of this defendant.” Prior to imposing sentence, Judge Colville considered victim impact and the defendant’s lengthy criminal history. Noting the very serious nature of the offenses, Judge Colville stated that the sentence was appropriate to help ensure that Byrd and other defendants do not engage in such actions in the future. Assistant United States Attorneys DeMarr Moulton and Soo C. Song prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The United States Marshals Service and Allegheny County Police conducted the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Byrd.


title: Two Men Charged with Trafficking Fentanyl and Cocaine into Waterbury

body_text: Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Stephen P. Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging TERRANCE JOHNSON, also known as “TJ, “Mike,” “James,” and “T,” 39, of Hackensack, New Jersey and JORDAN JAMISON, also known as “J” and “JO,” 29, of Waterbury, Connecticut, and Paramus, New Jersey, with a fentanyl and cocaine trafficking offense. As alleged in court documents, a DEA New Haven District Office Task Force investigation, which included court-authorized wiretaps, controlled purchases of narcotics, physical and electronic surveillance, and other investigative techniques, determined that Johnson and Jamison were trafficking fentanyl and cocaine into the Waterbury area, utilizing an apartment on High Street in Naugatuck and a house on Hunthill Road in Waterbury to store and package narcotics, and distributing the drugs to a network of street-level sellers. It is further alleged that on February 5, 2025, Johnson and Jamison travelled together on a flight to California and, later that day, attempted to mail a package from Monterey Park to Connecticut. Investigators seized the package, which contained approximately one kilogram of fentanyl and three kilograms of cocaine. On February 11, 2025, a court-authorized search of Johnson and Jamison’s alleged stash location in Naugatuck revealed approximately 5.4 kilograms of fentanyl and 1.4 kilograms of cocaine packaged for street distribution, and more than 300 grams of xylazine, an animal tranquilizer used by narcotics traffickers as a fentanyl additive. Johnson was arrested in California on February 12 and Jamison was arrested in New Jersey on February 13, and have been detained since their arrests. The indictment, which was returned on February 25, 2025, charges Johnson and Jamison with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. Jamison appeared yesterday in New Haven federal court and entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. Johnson’s arraignment has not been scheduled. Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This investigation has been conducted by the DEA New Haven District Office (NHDO) Task Force, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, DEA Los Angeles Airport Group, DEA New Jersey Division Office, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Police Department, Paramus Police Department, and Hackensack Police Department. The NHDO Task Force includes members from the DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division, Connecticut State Police and the New Haven, Waterbury, East Haven, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, and Shelton Police Departments. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan J. Keefe and Natasha M. Freismuth through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a prosecutor-led and intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Henrico man sentenced to nearly four years in prison for fraudulent check scheme

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Henrico man was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. According to court documents, from at least June 2018 through April 2020, Deonte Trent, 31, engaged in a scheme known as "card-cracking." Trent offered money to employees and tellers at Wells Fargo to secretly provide him with the names, addresses, bank account numbers, and Social Security numbers of existing Wells Fargo customers. Trent then used the bank customers' personal information to produce fraudulent checks. Trent also solicited existing customers of Wells Fargo to allow him to deposit fraudulent checks into the customers' own bank accounts. In exchange, Trent promised to financially compensate these complicit account holders. In some instances, Trent recruited people to open a bank account with Wells Fargo and to allow Trent to deposit fraudulent checks. The account holders would typically provide Trent with their Wells Fargo debit cards and associated PIN numbers to receive deposits and, after completing the fraudulent deposits, withdraw the funds before Wells Fargo realized the checks were fraudulent. In some instances, Trent provided guidance and coaching to complicit account holders when those individuals were contacted by representatives of Wells Fargo regarding the fraudulent checks. Trent instructed these account holders to provide Wells Fargo with false information. Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Brent Daniels, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Richmond Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather H. Mansfield and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Kashan Pathan prosecuted 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. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-136.


title: Orlando Man Indicted For Child Sextortion Scheme

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging Montrey Roseberry (19, Orlando) with three counts of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, three counts of production of child sexual abuse material, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. If convicted on all counts, Roseberry faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Roseberry has been ordered detained pending the resolution of the case. According to court documents, from at least July 14, 2023, through at least April 2024, Roseberry operated a scheme to extort, intimidate, and threaten children into producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Roseberry, while impersonating a woman, coerced young victims he identified on social media into producing images and videos of themselves engaged in sexually explicit conduct. After obtaining the CSAM, Roseberry used the images and videos to extort the victims into producing increasingly perverse content involving, sadomasochism, coprophilia, bestiality, and the sexual abuse of other children. If the victims did not comply, Roseberry threatened to disseminate the victims’ images and videos to their family members, friends, and classmates. In some cases, Roseberry threatened the child victims with death. As part of the scheme, Roseberry sent the child victims photographs of their homes and names of their schools, friends, and family members. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Noah P. Dorman. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.