title: ILLEGAL ALIEN SENTENCED TO 120 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR ATTEMPTED COERCION AND ENTICEMENT OF A MINOR

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: William Alexander Ruiz-Ponce, age 28, of Honduras, who is present in the United States without authorization, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison following his conviction for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. U.S. District Court Judge Brian A. Jackson further sentenced Ruiz-Ponce to serve five years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment. He is also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completion of his sentence. According to admissions made as part of his guilty plea, in February 2025, Ruiz-Ponce used social media applications and text messages to convince someone he believed was a 14-year-old girl in Denham Springs, Louisiana, to have an illegal sexual relationship with him. Ruiz-Ponce traveled to Denham Springs to meet the supposed 14-year-old girl and engage in sexual acts. An undercover law enforcement officer posed as the 14-year-old girl, and officers arrested Ruiz-Ponce when he arrived at the agreed-upon location. During their conversation, Ruiz-Ponce sent the undercover officer sexually explicit images of himself, including photos of his genitals. Ruiz-Ponce also asked for the undercover officer’s location and expressed his desire to engage in illegal sex acts in person. U.S. Attorney Wall stated, “Make no mistake, our office will aggressively prosecute those despicable individuals who continue to attempt to solicit our children. This conviction is further proof of that effort.” He praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, and Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vick and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Ross lead the prosecution. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc . This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: California Men Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Drug Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced two California siblings to decades in prison for supplying dozens of kilograms of methamphetamine and other drugs to a criminal enterprise in southeast Missouri. Judge Limbaugh sentenced Lorenzo A. Marquez, 32, to 360 months in prison and Adam A. Marquez, 28, to 204 months in prison. Jurors at the trial of both men in March found that they had supplied at least 500g or more of meth, 400g or more of fentanyl and 500g or more of cocaine to co-conspirators in Missouri. Jurors convicted each man of one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Evidence and testimony during the trial showed that the Marquez brothers were the California-based suppliers of illegal drugs that were shipped, driven or smuggled via checked baggage on commercial airlines to Missouri. In Nashville, officers seized 2,973 fentanyl pills and 391 MDMA pills. Three drug couriers were intercepted in Detroit on their way to Southeast Missouri with about 60 pounds of meth and almost three pounds of cocaine. In Perry County, Missouri, investigators found about 20 pounds of meth, 4.5 pounds of cocaine, and 315 grams of fentanyl in a suitcase. The couriers didn’t just take three flights, they took hundreds, a sentencing memorandum filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Shelton says. The memo says the Marquez brothers are likely the most prolific drug suppliers ever prosecuted in the history of the Southeastern Division of the Eastern District of Missouri. The Marquez brothers were indicted along with six others on July 11, 2023. All others pleaded guilty. Javontrey L. Wiley, 25, who admitted providing security for the conspiracy leaders, drugs and cash; managed lower-level participants and personally engaged in drug trafficking, was sentenced to 144 months. Oluwasegun Odumuyiwa, 52, who was also a California-based supplier, was sentenced to 76 months in prison. The Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Mississippi County Sheriff’s Office, the Perry County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Department of Public Safety, the Sikeston Department of Public Safety and the Cape Girardeau Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Shelton and Paul Hahn are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.


title: Sacramento Man Sentenced to 2.5 Years in Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Eric Morgan, 27, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to two years and six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, on June 17, 2025, law enforcement officers located a semi‑automatic handgun in the apartment where Morgan was staying. The firearm was loaded, with a round chambered. Morgan is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his multiple prior felony convictions, including burglary and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Morgan was indicted on July 24, 2025, and pleaded guilty on March 3, 2026. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Harman prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: NIGERIAN NATIONAL SENTENCED TO 27 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY AN ALIEN ADMITTED TO THE UNITED STATES UNDER A NON-IMMIGRANT VISA

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

body_text: Godson Oghenebrume, age 23, a Nigerian national residing in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison by U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick following his conviction for possession of a firearm by an alien admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant visa, announced United States Attorney Kurt L. Wall. He is also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completion of his sentence. According to admissions made during his plea, on February 7, 2025, Oghenebrume possessed a Glock model 43X, 9mm pistol, while he was admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant F-1 student visa. Based on the complaint that preceded the indictment, on the night of February 7, 2025, Oghenebrume was in his apartment when an ex-girlfriend, who is also the mother of his infant child, arrived at the apartment with the baby. Oghenebrume, who had been in the apartment with another young woman, went outside, and an argument ensued between him and the mother of his child. During this argument, and while the baby was present, Oghenebrume discharged the firearm. Oghenebrume went back into his apartment. Sometime thereafter, Oghenebrume’s ex-girlfriend opened his apartment door and observed Oghenebrume and the other young woman in the living room, and she and Oghenebrume began to argue. That argument spilled out of the apartment, and Oghenebrume discharged the firearm more times as the mother of his child fled. Multiple bullet strikes were observed in the walls of the apartment complex. Oghenebrume smashed his ex-girlfriend’s phone and took the baby, who had been present throughout the incident. Oghenebrume’s ex-girlfriend then approached the other woman, who was attempting to leave, and asked her for help getting the baby. She agreed to help and was able to get the child from Oghenebrume. When East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the apartment complex, Oghenebrume walked away from them, ignoring their commands, and discarded the Glock model 43X, 9mm pistol into some shrubs. Oghenebrume was detained soon thereafter. Deputies spoke to Oghenebrume’s neighbor, who confirmed hearing shots and stated his ears had been ringing. In a post Miranda interview, EBRSO detectives asked Oghenebrume why he had shot the firearm in the apartment complex. He claimed that he had wanted his ex-girlfriend to go home and that he had shot the gun to scare her away. U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy S. Johnson and Lyman E. Thornton III led the prosecution. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Civil Complaint Filed Over False Laboratory Claims

component: USAO - Delaware

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – Today, United States Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace announced the filing of civil claims against three defendants, Alpha Care Medical, LLC; its owner Nihar Gala, of Lewes, Delaware; and its laboratory director Bo Wang, of Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, in connection with an alleged scheme to defraud Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program through submission of false claims for laboratory diagnostic testing. The complaint filed in federal court is part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. In its complaint, the United States alleges that the defendants violated the False Claims Act by submitting thousands of claims to government healthcare programs for laboratory diagnostic tests that lacked a valid medical purpose to diagnose or treat patients, were conducted in violation of laboratory clinical standards that ensure reliability, and, in numerous cases, were not conducted at all. “As alleged, the defendants exploited federal health care programs for financial gain at the expense of patients and taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Wallace. “In the District of Delaware, we will continue to vigorously enforce the False Claims Act to protect patients, public funds, and the integrity of our health care system.” The civil claims announced by U.S. Attorney Wallace are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. The 2026 Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: charges in 56 federal districts and involving 45 U.S. states and territories, the most in Department history. In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a $1.2 billion telemedicine scheme. The Takedown involves the cutting-edge use of data analytics to target the worst actors; seize over $182 million in cash, houses, luxury vehicles, jewelry, and other assets; and provide full spectrum accountability for all criminal actors from doctor’s offices to corporate boardrooms. Coordinated enforcement action involving a whole-of-government approach, includes: Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers. 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers. Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million. 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025. The cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virginia participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today. Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here . The District of Delaware, in particular, worked with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) to investigate the case, which is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Vieyra. The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates its emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 800 HHS TIPS (800-447-8477). A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. A copy of the complaint is attached to this press release. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 26-cv-707. The allegations in the complaint are merely accusations. There has been no determination of liability.


title: Two Monroe County Men Convicted Of Drug Trafficking And Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eli Valentine Calero, age 44, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, and John Charles Ehrhard, Jr., age 57, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, were found guilty following a five-day jury trial on drug trafficking and firearms charges. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, a jury found Calero and Erhard guilty of conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine between 2024 and 2025. The jury also found Calero guilty of possessing with intent to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and Ehrhard guilty of five counts of distributing methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a prohibited person. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Deputy Criminal Chief Jenny P. Roberts and First Assistant John Gurganus prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The defendants are facing a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of lifetime imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentencing date has not been scheduled. # # #


title: Philadelphia Man, 20, Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Possession of Child Pornography, Including Videos He Recorded While Sexually Abusing Two Young Children

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Isaiah Smith, 20, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Mary Kay Costello to 20 years in prison, the statutory maximum term, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, for possession of child pornography. This sentence is to run consecutively to his state sentence of 10 to 20 years’ incarceration. In addition, Smith is subject to mandatory registration as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”) and Megan’s Law. Smith was charged by indictment in May of last year and pleaded guilty in January. As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, Smith possessed visual depictions of prepubescent minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. These visual depictions included videos that the defendant recorded as he sexually abused two different child victims, a five-year-old girl, and a nonverbal three-year-old boy, on multiple occasions, over more than a year. The child sexual abuse material was discovered after a friend of the defendant walked in on Smith orally raping one of the child victims. He was prosecuted in Philadelphia County for that sexual assault, for which he received the 10-to-20-year prison sentence. 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to 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 projectsafechildhood.gov . The case was investigated by the FBI and the Philadelphia Police Department Special Victims Unit and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Rotella.


title: Three Philadelphia Men Each Sentenced to Over 10 Years in Prison for Violent Carjacking in the Northeast

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Shemar Williams, aka “Five,” 24, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on Monday to 124 months in prison and five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro for his role in a violent armed carjacking in Northeast Philadelphia. Williams and two co-defendants, Brian Amerman, aka “BD” and “Fat,” 22, and Mustafa Elmitwalli, aka “HR,” 23, were charged by indictment in February 2024 and each pleaded guilty last year to one count of carjacking and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Elmitwalli was sentenced last month to just over 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Amerman was sentenced in October to 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release. As detailed in court filings, in the early hours of May 12, 2023, Victim 1 parked their Nissan Murano next to a standalone ATM in the parking lot of a shopping plaza located in the 6500 block of Roosevelt Boulevard. Victim 1 got out of the vehicle and began using the ATM. As Victim 1 did so, Williams and Amerman, both carrying firearms, got out of a nearby car driven by Elmitwalli and ambushed Victim 1. Williams and Amerman forced Victim 1 to Victim 1’s knees at gunpoint, and Amerman struck Victim 1 on the head with a firearm. The carjackers took Victim 1’s car keys and wallet. Williams then drove away in Victim 1’s Nissan Murano. Amerman returned to the vehicle that he had come from, and he and Elmitwalli fled the scene. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Meghan A. Farley and Priya T. De Souza.


title: Four Former Oakdale-Area Law Enforcement Leaders and One Business Owner Plead Guilty to Falsifying Police Reports and Bribery to Perpetrate Decade-Long Visa Fraud Conspiracy

component: Department of Justice

body_text: ALEXANDRIA – On June 30, 2026, Glynn Dixon , 62, of Forest Hill, pled guilty in federal court for his role in a decade-long scheme involving bribery and a conspiracy to commit visa fraud and mail fraud after his four co-conspirators, Chandrakant Patel , 40, of Oakdale, Chad Doyle , 55, of Oakdale, Michael Slaney , 64, of Oakdale, and Tebo Onishea , 38, of Glenmora, each pled guilty to the same in recent weeks. The defendants were originally indicted on July 2, 2025. Dixon , Doyle , Onishea , and Slaney each face up to 5 years in prison. Patel faces up to 20 years in federal prison. At the time of the offenses, four of the defendants were serving in high-profile law enforcement positions: Doyle as Oakdale Chief of Police; Slaney as Oakdale Marshal for Ward 5; Dixon as Forest Hill Chief of Police; and Onishea as Glenmora Chief of Police. Patel was a business owner. “These defendants’ disgraceful fraud endangered our community and undermined the public trust in the immigration system solely to line their own pockets,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “These guilty pleas confirm the depth of corruption uncovered here and the strength of the evidence developed during an incredible investigation by our law enforcement partners working together, and our Office looks forward to advocating for prison time for each defendant that reflects the seriousness of the crimes they committed.” “HSI is committed to protecting the integrity of our immigration system and lawful immigration benefits,” said Matt Wright, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations, New Orleans. “When anyone, including public officials, exploits immigration relief programs or commits fraud against the government, HSI and our law enforcement partners will investigate, dismantle these schemes, and work to bring those responsible to justice.” "These guilty pleas demonstrate accountability for officials who breach public trust and misuse federal systems," said Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, of the IRS-CI Atlanta field office. "This case shows how IRS Criminal Investigation special agents tracked the funds, uncovered irregularities, and dismantled a network." “Mr. Patel and his law enforcement co-conspirators corrupted the process that helps actual victims of violent crime to allow people to remain in our country under an alleged fraud." said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI's New Orleans Field Office. "The FBI will continue to work with our federal partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensure people who engage in this type of corrupt criminal activity are brought to justice.” The case involves the abuse of U nonimmigrant status, or “U-Visas.” Congress created the U-Visa with the passage of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act in October 2000. The legislation was intended to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute crime while also protecting victims of crimes who are willing to help law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of that criminal activity. Foreign nationals are eligible for a U-Visa if they meet certain criteria, including but not limited to, if they were a victim of qualifying criminal activity that occurred in or violated laws of the United States, or possessed information about the criminal activity. According to court documents, the defendants engaged in U-Visa fraud from December 2015 through July 2025 by fabricating police reports that falsely documented armed robberies that never occurred and then providing these fictitious reports to noncitizens who used them to support fraudulent U-Visa applications. The foreign nationals pursuing U-Visas would pay Patel thousands of dollars to be named as “victims” in these fabricated incidents, and Patel then secured false police reports by coordinating with defendants Doyle , Slaney , Dixon , and Onishea , each of whom used their positions in law enforcement to certify the fraudulent reports. Court records also show that Patel attempted to bribe an agent of the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office with $5,000 in February 2025 to obtain such a report. In addition, the defendants submitted falsified documents via the U.S. Postal Service and other carriers, constituting additional mail fraud charges. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) – Fraud Detection and National Security Division, as part of the Homeland Security Task Force under Operation Take Back America. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John W. Nickel and Danny Siefker, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Joanne Henry-Mills and Denise Duhon. This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (“TCOs”), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (“OCDETFs”) and Project Safe Neighborhood (“PSN”). You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Number 1:25 cr 00173. ### CONTACT: Public Affairs USALAW-News@usdoj.gov United States Attorney’s Office www.justice.gov/usao-wdla Western District of Louisiana Twitter @USAO_WDL


title: Capital District Drug Trafficker Sentenced to  168 Months for Leading Methamphetamine Conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Felix Arencibia, age 40, of Amsterdam, New York, was sentenced today to 168 months’ imprisonment and five years of post-imprisonment supervised release for conspiracy and methamphetamine distribution charges in connection with his distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of pure methamphetamine and fentanyl. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam; and acting Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division, made the announcement. As part of his guilty plea, Arencibia admitted that between November 2022 and July 2023, he received through the United States mail at least 5,615 grams of pure methamphetamine from Christian Mur-Santana, his Nevada-based drug supplier. Arencibia then distributed the methamphetamine to drug dealers in the Capital District. First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Thanks to the outstanding work of our partners at the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, this defendant is no longer able to traffic dangerous narcotics into our community. Dismantling the sophisticated operation run by this individual and his co-conspirators underscores the critical role of federal law enforcement working together to deliver justice for the American people. The U.S. Postal Service is a vital part of our nation’s infrastructure, not a tool for criminal organizations to exploit.” “The sentencing of Felix Arencibia, who operated a significant drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout the Capital District, marks the end of his ability to poison our communities,” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Mr. Arencibia exploited the U.S. Postal Service to facilitate his drug trafficking network, fueling addiction and placing profit above human life. The DEA and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in identifying, targeting, and dismantling those who abuse our nation’s mail system to distribute deadly narcotics. We will continue pursuing those who profit from addiction and work tirelessly to protect the people of New York.” “Today’s sentencing is an example of the resolve of U.S. Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners to uncover and bring to justice drug traffickers who, through their network of criminal enterprise, prey on our communities” said acting Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Boston Division. “We will not tolerate these criminals distributing lethal substances such as fentanyl, destroying the lives of many who fall victim to addiction and despair. Let this be a warning that no matter where you are, you will be held accountable for your illegal activity, restoring safety to the communities we serve.” Arencibia was the leader of the organization comprised of eight additional defendants charged in this investigation. The following defendants have pled guilty and have been sentenced or are pending sentencing: Andrew Deleon was sentenced to 72 months imprisonment, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release Stefanie Plass was sentenced to 24 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release Ahmad Burke was sentenced to 14 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release Todd Austin was sentenced to 78 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release Kevisha Duboise is scheduled to be sentenced on August 13, 2026. Flor Arencibia is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10, 2026. Melissa Karwan is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15, 2026. Christian Mur-Santana is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9, 2026. These cases were investigated by the DEA and USPIS. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua R. Rosenthal is prosecuting the cases. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. he HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Alcohol, Tabacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service (IRS/ CID), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Customs and Border Protection/ Office of Border Patrol (CBP/ OBP), Customs and Border Protection/ Office of Field Operations (CBP/ OFO), DEA, Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), USPIS, U.S. Secret Service (USSS), Department of State/Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.


title: Madison Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal  Prison for Role in Medicare Kickback Conspiracy

body_text: Jackson, MS – A Madison man was sentenced on June 30 th to 30 months in federal prison for conspiring to defraud the United States and to offer, pay, solicit, and receive kickbacks. According to court documents and statements made in court, Auzie Phillip Smith, Jr., 68, of Madison, Mississippi worked as a marketer for various diagnostic laboratories, acting as a middleman between the laboratories and the medical providers. Smith solicited and received kickbacks from the laboratories in exchange for referrals of biological specimens and orders for molecular diagnostic testing of toenails, and in turn, induced providers to refer biological specimens and orders for unnecessary molecular diagnostic testing of toenails in exchange for kickbacks. In total, the diagnostic laboratories submitted over $1.4 million in claims to Medicare that were procured by the payment of illegal kickbacks and bribes, medically unnecessary, and ineligible for reimbursement, and that laboratories were reimbursed over $500,000 for these claims. Smith was also ordered to pay $544,822.68 in restitution to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi; Acting Health Care Fraud Chief Jacob Foster; and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Acting Assistant Chief Sara E. Porter of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly T. Purdie for the Southern District of Mississippi prosecuted the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Former N. Charleston Councilmen, Co-conspirators Sentenced in Public Corruption Scheme

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — Four more defendants charged in a North Charleston public corruption scheme have been sentenced. Jerome Sydney Heyward, 63, a former North Charleston City Councilmember, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for extortion, bribery, and money laundering. Mike A. Brown, 47, former North Charleston City Council Member, has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for accepting a bribe from Aaron Hicks in exchange for his support of a rezoning application. Michelle Stent-Hilton, 58, of North Charleston, and Donavan Laval Moten, 48, founder of Core4Success Foundation, were each sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for paying Heyward $20,000 kickbacks in exchange for his support of their applications for grant funds. “These defendants, who broke the public trust, have been held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Thank you to our law enforcement partners at the FBI and SLED for thoroughly investigating these instances of public corruption.” “Public corruption undermines the trust that citizens place in people with power and tarnishes the goodwill of those who use their positions to act in good faith,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Kevin Moore. “The FBI and our partners are committed to rooting out public corruption and bringing accountability to the bodies of government and organizations meant to serve the people.” “Pay to play politics is an egregious abuse of the public’s trust,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “Elected officials should be serving the community – not lining their own pockets. SLED is proud to work together with our state and federal partners to bring those who unlawfully profit off their positions to justice.” Heyward was charged in three separate schemes with corruptly using his position as a North Charleston City Councilman to personally enrich himself through bribes, kickbacks, and extortion and to deprive the citizens and the government of North Charleston of their intangible right to the honest services of the North Charleston City Council. In the first scheme, Heyward extorted a businessman by soliciting payments in exchange for his official action as a City Councilman. In the second scheme, Heyward conspired with Mike A. Brown and Aaron Hicks to solicit and accept bribes from Aaron Hicks—working on behalf of a company with business before North Charleston City Council—in exchange for his support of the rezoning of the Baker Hospital site. In the third scheme, Heyward conspired with Donavan Moten and Michelle Stent-Hilton to embezzle taxpayer funds from North Charleston. Heyward agreed to support Moten and Stent-Hilton’s applications, submitted on behalf of their non-profits, for violence reduction grants. In exchange, Moten and Stent-Hilton each agreed to pay Heyward $20,000. Thereafter, Heyward conspired with Rose Lorenzo to launder the funds to conceal the nature and source of the kickbacks. Previously, co-defendants Aaron Charles-Lee Hicks and Hason Fields were sentenced. Rose Lorenzo pleaded guilty for her role in the conspiracy, and her sentencing will be scheduled at a future date. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel sentenced Heyward to 72 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. He was ordered to pay $200,000 in restitution. This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whit Sowards and Emily Limehouse prosecuted the case. ###


title: Goliath Ventures CEO Pleads Guilty to Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme Conspiracy

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – Christopher Alexander Delgado (34, Apopka) pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each fraud count and up to 10 years’ imprisonment for the money laundering count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 8,2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. “Delgado provided fraudulent information to solicit investor funds and then spent his ill-gotten gains on his extravagant lifestyle,” stated U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Our office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and disrupt fraud schemes and prosecute fraudsters who steal investors’ hard-earned savings. We will also continue to work with investigators to locate and seize assets traceable to Delgado’s scheme.” According to the plea agreement and other court documents, Delgado was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Goliath Ventures (“Goliath”), formerly known as Gen-Z Venture Firm. From at least January 2023 through at least January 2026, Delgado and his co-conspirators operated Goliath as a “Ponzi scheme,” which is a form of investment fraud that involves the payment of purported returns to existing investors from funds contributed by new investors. Delgado’s scheme involved soliciting victims to invest substantial sums of money under false and fraudulent promises of monthly returns generated through cryptocurrency “liquidity pools.” Victims were induced to give money to Goliath through personal referrals, professional marketing materials, luxury events, charitable sponsorships, and some monthly payments of purported returns, all of which were designed to establish Goliath’s bona fides with investors. As reflected in a companion civil asset forfeiture action, the United States has identified at least $400 million paid by investors to Goliath. Although Goliath represented that it would place the victim investors’ funds in cryptocurrency liquidity pools, in reality, the funds were primarily used to pay purported returns to earlier investors, to return principal to investors who requested it, and for Goliath’s extravagant business gatherings, holiday parties, luxury travel accommodations, and to fund Delgado’s and other Goliath employees’ luxury lifestyles. With victim investors’ funds, Delgado purchased at least six residential properties, each worth between $1.15 million and $8.5 million, and millions of dollars’ worth of high-end vehicles, watches, and jewelry, including Lamborghinis, Rolls Royces, Rolex watches, several dozen Louis Vuitton bags, wallets, luggage, and custom Tiffany jewelry. In the plea agreement, Delgado has admitted to causing a minimum of $250 million in losses to investors. Delgado has agreed to forfeit 8 real properties, 11 vehicles, 30 watches, more than 50 luxury bags and wallets, and at least 29 pieces of high-end jewelry which were purchased with or are traceable to proceeds of the offense. He has also agreed to forfeit several bank and cryptocurrency accounts which were seized by the United States. If you believe you are a victim of these offenses and have not already completed the IRS’s online questionnaire, please consider visiting this link . If you have any questions regarding this questionnaire, please email Goliathvictims@ci.irs.gov . Information about victims’ rights and upcoming hearings is available at https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/goliath_ventures . This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Richard Varadan and Hannah Nowalk Watson. The asset forfeiture is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Anita Cream. Plea Agreement


title: Federal Correctional Officer Sentenced to 200 Months’ Imprisonment for Federal Civil Rights and Firearm Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Leon Wilson, a former correctional officer at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn (“MDC-Brooklyn”), was sentenced by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen to 200 months in prison for willfully depriving an individual of his constitutional rights and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Wilson was convicted at trial in October 2025 on both counts of the indictment. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ryan Geach, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Region, United States Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General (DOJ OIG), and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence. “Leon Wilson used the authority entrusted to him as a federal correctional officer not to protect the public, but to engage in a dangerous and unjustified pursuit that culminated in gunfire on the streets of Brooklyn,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This sentence demonstrates our Office’s unwavering commitment to protecting constitutional rights and prosecuting those who abuse the power of their badges.” Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for its work in this case. “We rely on Correctional Officers to do their work with honesty and integrity. Unfortunately, Wilson chose to exploit his authority," stated DOJ OIG Special Agent in Charge Geach. “The DOJ OIG will continue working with its law enforcement partners to bring to justice anyone who violates their oath and engages in this type of conduct.” “Leon Wilson’s flagrant abuse of authority injured a civilian and gravely endangered the lives of countless other New Yorkers. The FBI New York’s Civil Rights Task Force is dedicated to holding accountable public servants who use their badge as a shield to hide behind while engaging in violent criminal activity,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. Wilson was on duty at MDC-Brooklyn on September 4, 2023, when he chased a civilian car (the BMW) out of the facility’s staff parking lot and off MDC-Brooklyn property. Wilson had no authority to pursue the BMW past MDC-Brooklyn’s property line, but he did so anyway and ultimately chased the car to the edge of the Brooklyn Bridge, approximately 3.5 miles from the facility. During the chase, Wilson exceeded the speed limit, passed other vehicles, and ran red lights. Approximately two minutes after the chase began—and nearly a mile from MDC-Brooklyn—Wilson fired several gunshots at the BMW, one of which penetrated the rear of the vehicle and struck the backseat passenger in the chest and lungs. Wilson continued to chase the BMW for several minutes after firing his weapon. He never reported the on-duty shooting to the NYPD, MDC-Brooklyn or Bureau of Prisons personnel. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Public Integrity and Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Sections. Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Reid, Eric Silverberg, and Raffaela Belizaire are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Daniel Arakawa and Melissa Bennett. The Defendant : LEON WILSON Age: 51 Bronx, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-465 (PKC)


title: Placer County Man Sentenced for Stealing Nearly $1.5 million in COVID-Relief Loans to Fund Lavish Lifestyle

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jedrek Upton, 45, of Lincoln, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to one year in prison to be followed by 36 months supervised release, of which 12 months are to be spent on home detention, for wire fraud and money laundering in a scheme to steal nearly $1.5 million of COVID-relief loans, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, between January 2021 and May 2022, Upton repeatedly submitted fraudulent applications for COVID‑19 disaster relief on behalf of businesses he owned. He falsely inflated the number of employees on payrolls and misrepresented how the funds would be used, claiming that he would spend the money to alleviate economic harm caused by the pandemic. Upton also submitted falsified IRS documents to support the applications. In reality, several of the businesses had no employees and no payroll, and Upton spent much of the relief money on personal expenses. As a result of his misrepresentations, Upton received nearly $1.5 million in fraudulently obtained loans from the United States, a large portion of which was ultimately forgiven after Upton falsely certified that on the funds were used for payroll and legitimate business expenses. Instead, Upton used the money to support a lavish lifestyle, including paying off personal credit cards, transferring money to others, leasing a Ferrari and a Lamborghini, and making a large down payment on a $2.7 million, 10-acre property. As part of his sentence, Upton forfeited his interest in the property, and was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 million in restitution to the United States. The IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dhruv M. Sharma and Kevin C. Khasigian prosecuted the case.


body_text: Keene Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of Firearms While on Federal Supervised Release CONCORD – Christian Torruellas of Keene, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. U.S. District Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for October 14, 2026. According to the record, Torruellas was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including two prior federal convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm. On October 16, 2024, a confidential informant working with law enforcement negotiated with Torruellas to purchase a .38 caliber Taurus revolver and ammunition for $1,700. The sale occurred at Torruellas’ home in Keene, where Torruellas showed the informant multiple additional firearms. Torruellas then offered to sell the informant a .22 Ruger pistol and ammunition for $2,300. The informant left Torruellas’ home to get money from law enforcement and returned to purchase the .22 Ruger and ammunition. Torruellas was then on supervised release for his most recent federal conviction. The charge of felon in possession of a firearm provides a maximum prison term of 15 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of not more than 3 years. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The ATF led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.


title: Wyandotte County District Court bookkeepers sentenced to prison for nearly $1 million theft

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Two former employees of the Wyandotte County District Court received prison sentences for using their positions in the accounting office to steal approximately $980,000 in taxpayer funds. According to court documents, Julia Roberts, 65, of Leavenworth and Vicki Robinson, 63, of Bonner Springs, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud conspiracy. A federal judge sentenced Roberts to 41 months in prison and Robinson to 27 months in prison. Roberts was the accounting supervisor and responsible for collecting and depositing funds into the Wyandotte County District Court’s bank account. She acted as Robinson’s superior until her retirement in 2020. Roberts and Robinson stole incoming cash and concealed the thefts by generating checks and forging the clerk of court’s signature. They fabricated information on the memo lines to make the checks appear to be judgment disbursements or other legitimate court business. The checks functioned as a way to conceal the missing cash in the system. During the time they were stealing money, Roberts had a significant amount of money transactions at a casino — over $1 million in 2017, $480,000 in 2018, and $251,000 in 2019. The amount dropped when she retired in 2020 to $30,000. Roberts also deposited more than $80,000 in cash into her personal bank accounts from 2018-2020. Robinson deposited $20,000 in cash into her bank account from 2021-2023. In August 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) interviewed Robinson, and she admitted she stole money. She said Roberts showed her how to do it. Roberts told the FBI that she came up with the idea of stealing incoming cash. She said Robinson was involved from the beginning and at times they split the cash that was stolen. Roberts’ and Robinson’s scheme resulted in a loss of $979,962 to the Wyandotte County District Court from 2018 to 2023. As part of their sentences, they are individually and collectively responsible for paying $979,962 in restitution. “Roberts and Robinson worked together, stole together, and together conspired to cover up their crimes. They were as thick as thieves, and now the two thieves are headed to prison for stealing from the Wyandotte County District Court,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Public trust is the foundation of an effective government. When public servants betray that trust for personal financial gain, they compromise the integrity of the institutions they are sworn to serve. Today’s sentence sends a clear message: the FBI has zero tolerance for this. Anyone who exploits public office for personal enrichment will be thoroughly investigated, held accountable, and brought to justice,” stated Chris Ormerod, FBI Kansas City Special Agent in Charge. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan J. Huschka and Michelle McFarlane prosecuted the case. ###


title: 7 Charged in $550K SCDC Bribery Scheme

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a nine-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging two people in a $550,000 bribery scheme involving an SCDC corrections officer and two SCDC inmates and their family members and acquaintances. Five others have waived indictment and agreed to plead guilty to their roles in the in the scheme. The following individuals were charged in the Indictment: Courtney Briggs , 39, of Sumter County, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Larry Williamson , 51, a former inmate incarcerated in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, five counts of honest services wire fraud, one count of using an interstate facility to facilitate bribery, and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana. The following individuals were charged by Information and have agreed to plead guilty: Lowanda Atkinson , 52, of Kershaw County, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Atkinson served as a corrections officer in SCDC and was assigned to Lee Correctional Institution. Jason Brown , 43, an SCDC inmate, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Adriana Conyers , 37, of Sumter County, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Christopher Hickman , 46, of Richland County, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. Mary Ann Hickman-Brown , 64, of Clarendon County, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. According to court documents, Lowanda Atkinson worked as a corrections officer at SCDC from 2007 until 2023. At the time of her resignation, she held the rank of Corporal and was assigned to the property room at Lee Correctional Institution (Lee), where she was entrusted to maintain inmate property, search the property for contraband, and enforce contraband laws and policy. Atkinson is alleged to have accepted more than $550,000 in bribes from inmates Jason Brown and Williamson, and Jason Brown’s family and associates in exchange for smuggling contraband. Atkinson allegedly smuggled phones, phone accessories, tobacco, and marijuana into Lee so that Jason Brown and Williamson could sell and distribute the contraband to other inmates. Atkinson is alleged to have received a portion of the cash proceeds from the contraband sales and bribes through Cash App, Zelle, and Apple Cash. It is alleged that Atkinson spent the money on a luxury SUV, designer purchases, and thousands of dollars in cosmetic procedures. Each of the defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment, $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the South Carolina Department of Corrections Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elliott B. Daniels and Samantha Usher are prosecuting the case. All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Chinese National Pleads Guilty to Narcotics Trafficking, Money Laundering, and Material Support to Terrorism in Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Honduras-based Chinese national extradited from Guatemala pleaded guilty today to conspiring to import cocaine into the United States, conspiring to launder money derived from drug trafficking, and to providing material support to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, specifically the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). According to court documents, Wenshen Xu, 52, used a transportation network and contacts in Latin America to smuggle multi-kilogram loads of cocaine into the United States. Xu’s transportation network included access to airstrips, airports, armored cars, couriers, and associates. On July 17, 2025, Xu and others agreed to arrange and facilitate the transportation of a multi-kilogram load of cocaine out of Cali, Colombia, on behalf of an individual who claimed to represent the CJNG. Xu and his co-conspirators imported over 450 kilograms of cocaine into the United States. Xu and his co-conspirators also coordinated the laundering of over $22 million dollars from the sale of cocaine and fentanyl by drug trafficking organizations. This money laundering network used a variety of concealment methods, including cryptocurrency money transfers, trade-based money laundering, and encrypted communications platforms. Xu was arrested in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on July 17, 2025, at the request of the United States and was extradited to the United States on Jan. 30. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 15 and faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Cindy Marx of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Special Operations Division made the announcement. The DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit is investigating the case, with assistance from DEA’s Office of Special Intelligence, Document and Media Exploitation Unit; DEA’s offices in Guatemala and Colombia; the Colombian National Police; and the Guatemalan National Police. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Guatemala. Trial Attorney Chelsea R. Rooney of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edgardo J. Rodriguez and Christopher M. Carter for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations. MNF’s Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit investigates and prosecutes sophisticated money laundering schemes involving financial facilitators, gatekeepers, and other individuals and entities laundering criminal proceeds, and litigates complex civil forfeiture cases to recover assets on behalf of victims.


title: Ripley Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Federal Drug Offense

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – Tyrone Nelson, aka “Swag”, 38 , of Ripley, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. According to information presented in court, in the summer of 2025, Nelson was identified as a narcotics distributor in the Lauderdale County community. Through the utilization of controlled purchases, physical surveillance, and the execution of a search warrant, law enforcement officers recovered 164.1 grams of methamphetamine packaged for distribution, drug paraphernalia, and fentanyl. Nelson has a history of narcotics distribution and was on probation for possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver at the time of the offense. Following Nelson's guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman sentenced Nelson to 120 months’ imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Federal law applies in every square inch of this district, and dealers who distribute harmful drugs in our rural communities can no longer hide. ‘Swag’ is now removed from the street for 10 years, and Lauderdale County is safer with him gone.” Sheriff Brian Kelley, of the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office, said, “This case is another example of what happens when strong local, state, and federal partnerships work together. Career drug dealers who profit by poisoning our communities should understand one thing. If you bring your business to Lauderdale County, we’re going to do everything we can to help shut it down. As for ‘Swag', there’s nothing stylish about spending the next 10 years in federal prison.” “Successful investigations like this one help disrupt the distribution of illegal drugs and make our community safer,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting. “HSI is committed to working with our partners and prosecutors to remove dangerous drugs from our streets and protect the safety and well-being of the public.” This case was investigated by members of the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant United States Attorneys Raven Icaza and Gregory D. Allen prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. ### For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates


title: Burlington Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. – A Burlington man, Derrick Becker, 51, was sentenced on Monday to 180 months by U.S. District Judge S. Chad Meredith for possession of child pornography. On July 23, 2025, law enforcement conducted a search warrant on Becker’s residence and seized his electronic storage devices. An examination of the devices revealed over 7,000 unique digital images and over 80 unique digital videos depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including depictions of minors engaged in bondage and in bestiality. Becker admitted that he knew the production of the images and videos on the storage devices involved the use of minors and that they were sent over the internet. Becker had previously been convicted of possession or viewing of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor in January 2017. Under federal law, Becker must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 15 years. Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Sheriff Les K. Hill, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Boone County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Spievack is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. This case was prosecuted 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 Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . – END –


title: Ghanaian National Extradited to U.S. Pleads Guilty in Romance and Inheritance Scheme Targeting the Elderly

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Last week, Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng, also known as, “Dada Joe Remix,” a citizen of Ghana, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, a felony. Boateng was arrested in Ghana on an extradition warrant on May 27, 2025. In June 2025, Boateng was extradited to the United States, and he has remained in custody since his arrest. In his plea agreement, Boateng admitted that he and his co-conspirators engaged in a romance and inheritance fraud scheme from 2013 through March 2023, targeting the elderly from Arizona and around the United States. The co-conspirators pretended to be romantically involved with the victims through online dating sites, text, or other electronic communications. The co-conspirators also falsely represented that they had received an “inheritance” of gold and jewels and that to release such items to the victims, taxes and other fees would be required. In addition to pleading guilty, Boateng agreed to pay restitution totaling approximately $4.4 million dollars, which was the direct loss caused by his involvement in the scheme. Boateng’s sentencing is scheduled for September 8, 2026, before United States District Judge Angela M. Martinez. The FBI Phoenix Division’s Sierra Vista office conducted the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Arizona, Tucson is handling the prosecution. The following partners provided essential support for the extradition: FBI Legal Attaché in Accra, Ghana; the Office of Attorney General and Ministry of Justice; the Republic of Ghana’s Economic and Organized Crime Office, Ghana Police Services – INTERPOL, and the Department of Justice, Office of International Affairs. CASE NUMBER: 23-CR-00695-TUC-AMM RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-113_Boateng # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Georgia Thief Sentenced to Over 4 Years in Federal Prison for Sampson County Identity Theft and Wire Fraud

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Roderick Michael Bates, 56, to over 4 years in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to identity theft and wire fraud for stealing from a local farm machinery and equipment business in Salemburg. “This Georgia criminal chose poorly coming up here to steal from a local business in Sampson County,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Let this be a message to out-of-state criminals who think they can swindle the good people of the Eastern District of NC. We will find you, no matter where you are, and put you behind bars. Cheaters.Never.Win.” Bates used stolen identities with fake driver’s licenses to secure financing for farm machinery and equipment from a local Sampson County business. Using these identities, he fraudulently purchased high-value items totaling more than $65,000, including a zero-turn mower, an Evolution D5 Ranger golf cart, and 12-foot and 16-foot dump trailers. He then had the business ship the items to him hundreds of miles away, outside the state of North Carolina. The law enforcement officers arrested him during the delivery and recovered the stolen equipment. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Sampson County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI collaborated on this investigation. A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-00117-D.


title: Dixie County Man Indicted for Federal Child Exploitation Crimes Spanning Nearly a Decade

body_text: Gainesville, Florida – Joseph Lee Parker, 37, of Old Town, Florida, was indicted by a federal grand jury charging him with four counts of attempted enticement of a minor, three counts of attempted production of child pornography, and three counts of attempted receipt of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today. Parker appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Midori A. Lowry in Gainesville, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for July 22, 2026, at 8:30 am before Chief District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor in Gainesville, Florida. If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, on each attempted enticement of a minor count; a mandatory minimum of 15 years’ imprisonment, and up to 30 years’ imprisonment, on each attempted production of child pornography count; and a mandatory minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment on each attempted receipt of child pornography count. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office, and the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. 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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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.projectsafechildhood.gov . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Syracuse Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Offense

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Kelvin Lacen-Roman, age 44, of Syracuse, New York, plead guilty today to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine. The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, the Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office of the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General (“USPS-OIG”), Matthew M. Modafferi, and the United States Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), Boston Division, Acting Inspector in Charge Jason Buckley. As part of his plea, Lacen-Roman admitted that on March 17, 2026, he possessed with intent to distribute over 3 kilograms of cocaine in Onondaga County. He had the cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico to Syracuse, New York. After receiving the cocaine Lacen-Roman intended to sell it to numerous customers located in Onondaga County and elsewhere. “This defendant’s scheme to receive dangerous narcotics through the mail was foiled thanks to the efforts of the USPS-OIG and the USPIS,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “The Department of Justice remains committed to disrupting the flow of deadly drugs into our communities. Through our strong partnership with law enforcement across the Postal Service, Mr. Lacen‑Roman is now facing up to 40 years in federal prison.” Matthew M. Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office of the USPS-OIG stated: “The use of the U.S. Mail to traffic dangerous narcotics is a serious federal offense. This guilty plea reflects the coordinated efforts of the USPS OIG, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Central New York Contraband Interdiction Team, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York. The USPS OIG values its strong working relationship with its law enforcement partners.” Acting Inspector in Charge, Jason Buckley of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Boston Division stated: “The Postal Service has no interest in being involved in the distribution of illegal drugs. Our objectives are to rid the mail of illicit drug trafficking, preserve the integrity of the mail and, most importantly, provide a safe environment for postal employees and the American public. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, along with our federal law enforcement partners, will remain vigilant in pursuing criminals who seek to use the mail stream illegally.” Sentencing is scheduled for October 28th, 2026, before Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby. At sentencing, Lacen-Roman faces a prison term of at least 5 years and up to 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and a supervised release term of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. This case is being investigated by USPS-OIG and the Central New York Contraband Interdiction Team which consists of members of USPIS, the Syracuse Police Department, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oswego Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown is prosecuting the case.


title: Former Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Theft of Mail

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: Pensacola, Florida – Evan Aldric Harris, 30, of Evergreen, Alabama, pleaded guilty to theft of mail by a postal employee. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the plea today. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our citizens depend upon the U.S. Postal Service to reliably deliver the mail, and this despicable defendant violated the public trust placed in him as a postal employee by seeking to enrich himself through the theft of mail. I applaud the excellent investigative work by the USPS Inspector General and the aggressive prosecution by my office to hold this thief accountable.” According to court documents, the defendant was caught on video opening and removing the contents of mail he was tasked with sorting while working as an employee of the United States Postal Service at the Pensacola Processing and Delivery Center. When interviewed by law enforcement, the defendant admitted that he had opened greeting cards and stole gift cards out of them. Sentencing is scheduled for September 3, 2026, at 9 a.m. before United States District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Harris faces up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and restitution. The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Former Soldier-Turned-Contractor Found Guilty of Stealing Over $1 Million of MREs in El Paso

body_text: EL PASO, Texas – A federal jury convicted a former U.S. Army civilian contractor in El Paso for stealing more than 200 pallets of Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MREs) valued at approximately $1,120,000, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons. The case is being prosecuted in support of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Joseph Lavar Davis, 47, was named along with three other co-defendants in a two-count indictment on Feb. 12, 2025, for conspiracy to commit theft of government property and a substantive count of theft of government property between Feb. 24, 2020, and Aug. 12, 2020. On Aug. 12, 2020, FBI and Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division agents executed a search warrant at a civilian warehouse in El Paso, where they found about 100 pallets of MREs. The investigation revealed that the owner of the company using the warehouse was purchasing the MREs from individuals who had stolen them from Ft. Bliss. Each of the indicted individuals played a role in the scheme, which involved a civilian contractor who knew how to request and pick up the MREs, a soldier to assist in picking up and transporting the MREs, an intermediary between the buyer of the MREs and these two individuals, and the civilian who sold the MREs online. The investigation showed a scheme involving false paperwork to obtain MREs from Ft. Bliss, truck rentals to transport the MREs, coordination among the co-conspirators to pick up and deliver the MREs, communications and financial transactions between the co-conspirators. While in the Army, Davis held a position in food service supply where he gained knowledge of the process to obtain MREs. Upon retirement, he was hired into a similar position as a civilian contractor and used that position to exploit the process and steal MREs from Ft. Bliss. Davis created false requests, rented trucks to transport the MRE pallets, and picked up or arranged for others to pick up the MREs from Ft. Bliss. Davis also coordinated various individuals involved to obtain, deliver, and receive payment for the MREs. Davis both negotiated the sales price and received payment for the MREs. “Joseph Davis betrayed the very country he once swore to protect in an effort to satisfy his own selfish ambition and a jury of his peers held him accountable for it,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. “Rooting out fraud that undermines our government and our military readiness is a priority of this administration. I want to thank our Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Lori Hughes and Mallory Rasmussen, as well as our support staff and law enforcement partners, for their excellent work in bringing this fraudster to justice. Their dedication resulted in a win for the Western District of Texas, a win for Justice, and a win for the American people.” "This conviction should send a clear message the FBI and our law enforcement partners at the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division make it a priority to bring to justice those who resort to theft of government property for ill-gotten gain”, said Jarod Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI El Paso Field Office. “We are stronger when we work together to seek justice and will continue to combat these issues through strong partnerships.” The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lori Hughes and Mallory Rasmussen are prosecuting the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division ('Fraud Division'). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. ###


title: Five Charged in Alleged Athens to Chicago Gun Trafficking Tied to Gangs

body_text: ATHENS, Ga. — U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes today announced that five people have been charged in a 23-count indictment in the Middle District of Georgia as members of an alleged firearms trafficking ring operating between Athens and Chicago providing weapons to gang members, with some of the guns linked to acts of violence—including a murder in Chicago committed by a juvenile—in this Homeland Security Task Force investigation led by ATF. The federal indictment in Case No. 3:26-cr-00006, filed on April 15 and unsealed on June 23, charges the following individuals: Anthony Edmond, aka “Chapo,” aka “Chapo Barksdale,” of Athens, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit firearms offenses; one count of conspiracy to unlawfully make, transfer and possess machineguns; seven counts of false statement during purchase of a firearm; six counts of possession of firearm by a convicted felon; one count of transfer of a firearm to a convicted felon; one count of possession of a machinegun; one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; one count of conspiracy to possess firearms and machineguns in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; one count of conspiracy to traffic in stolen motor vehicles; three counts of interstate travel with intent to engage in firearms trafficking and is facing up to a maximum of life in prison. Rafael Enriquez, aka “Ritchie Rich,” aka “Ralph,” of Chicago, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit firearms offenses; one count of conspiracy to unlawfully make, transfer and possess machineguns; five counts of false statement during purchase of a firearm; four counts of possession of firearm by a convicted felon; one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; one count of conspiracy to possess firearms and machineguns in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; one count of conspiracy to traffic in stolen motor vehicles; and three counts of interstate travel with intent to engage in firearms trafficking and is facing up to a maximum of life in prison. Elijah Lucena, aka “Eli,” aka “GMT Eli,”of Chicago, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit firearms offenses; one count of false statement during purchase of a firearm; one count of possession of firearm by a convicted felon; and one count of interstate travel with intent to engage in firearms trafficking and is facing up to a maximum of ten years in prison. Keontice Reed, aka “Manman,” aka “GMT Manman,”of Chicago, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit firearms offenses; one count of conspiracy to unlawfully make, transfer and possess machineguns; one count of false statement during purchase of a firearm; one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; and one count of conspiracy to possess firearms and machineguns in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and is facing up to a maximum of 20 years in prison. Melvin Griffin, aka “Memo600,” of Snellville, Georgia, and Chicago, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit firearms offenses; one count of possession of firearm by a convicted felon; one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances; and one count of conspiracy to possess firearms and machineguns in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and is facing up to a maximum of life in prison. The defendants have had or will have their initial appearances at times determined by the Court. According to the indictment and other statements made in court, Edmond is allegedly a member of the Chicago-based gang known as the Black Disciples (BD) and is an associate of another Chicago-based street gang known as the Conservative Vice Lords (CVL), who was directed by the other defendants to make straw purchases of firearms from gun stores in Georgia, which were transported and distributed to criminal street gang members in the Chicago area. From at least March 27, 2020, to Nov. 10, 2021, Edmond allegedly unlawfully purchased dozens of firearms from gun shops in Georgia for members and associates of the BD and the CVL, and between Sept. 18, 2020, to July 24, 2021, he allegedly bought at least 22 firearms in Georgia, some of which were converted into fully automatic weapons and used to commit numerous crimes of violence. Two Glock pistols allegedly purchased by Edmond from a gun shop in Athens on May 15, 2021, and texted to Enriquez in United States v. Edmond, et al. Each time he bought the firearms, Edmond allegedly falsified the required ATF Form 4473 by attesting that he was the true buyer and that he was not acquiring the firearms on behalf of another person. Guns allegedly purchased by Edmond posted on Enriquez’s social media account and distributed in Chicago to gang members in United States v. Edmond, et al. During this time, Edmond made multiple trips from Georgia to Illinois to transport the firearms that he purchased in Georgia to gang members in Chicago, including to Reed, a member of a Chicago-based street gang known as the Mickey Cobras and an associate of the CVL, and to Griffin, a convicted felon, member of the BD, and an associate of the CVL. In addition, two unindicted co-conspirators who are both convicted felons—one is an upper-level member of the CVL and the other is a member of the BD—allegedly asked Enriquez and Edmond to acquire guns for them. In 2021, Enriquez and Lucena, a convicted felon and member of the CVL, allegedly made at least one trip from Illinois to Georgia to retrieve firearms purchased for them by Edmond, which were provided to criminal street gang members. The defendants would allegedly coordinate the purchases and transfers over the phone and through social media, calling the firearms "pipes," "straps," "licks," and "blicks." They also used coded language when discussing specific gun calibers, such as referring to 10mm pistols as "dimes," .45-caliber pistols as "four nickels" or just "nickels," 5.7-caliber pistols as "fifty sevens," and 5.56-caliber pistols as "AR pistols." Edmond was allegedly supplied with machinegun conversion devices (small plastic or metal components designed to convert semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons) by Enriquez, a convicted felon and member of the CVL, which he then installed on several Glock pistols that he distributed. They used coded terms, including referring to the Glock switches as "Nintendos" in reference to the Nintendo Switch video game system. As alleged, at the direction of the conspirators, Edmond also purchased ammunition, extended magazines, drum magazines, and he test-fired the guns in the Athens area, including while they were converted to fully automatic functioning with the magazines inserted. A screenshot of Edmond allegedly firing a fully automatic Glock pistol equipped with a machine gun conversion device and magazine he was reportedly brokering for sale on Sept. 22, 2021, in United States v. Edmond, et al. From April 14, 2021, to Feb. 15, 2026, police recovered 20 firearms allegedly purchased by Edmond in Illinois, Indiana, and Georgia. In one example, on Oct. 6, 2021, Chicago Police Department officers recovered a Glock pistol from the bedroom of a known juvenile criminal street gang member. A forensic examination of the Glock pistol and fired cartridge casings collected from three separate crime scenes in Chicago revealed that the weapon was allegedly used in three separate violent incidents: the firearm was discharged at the scene of a murder in Chicago on June 20, 2021; the firearm was used by the juvenile to shoot and injure a rival gang member on a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus on Sept. 24, 2021; and it was fired 11 times by the juvenile on N. Drake Avenue in Chicago on Oct. 2, 2021, damaging three cars. This Glock pistol was allegedly purchased by Edmond on May 15, 2021, at a gun store in Athens, just 36 days before it was allegedly used in a murder in Chicago. This investigation and prosecution are part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative. The HSTF is a United States government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, transnational gangs, and transnational criminal organizations worldwide. This initiative identifies TCOs engaged in a wide range of criminal schemes that violate federal law, while dismantling cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks that fuel violence and instability that threaten the safety and security of the United States and its global partners. It also places a particular emphasis on criminal offenses involving children and ensures the use of all available law enforcement tools to prosecute offenders and/or facilitate the removal of criminal aliens from the United States. Atlanta Wilhelm HSTF is comprised of agents and officers from the ATF, CGIS, DEA, FBI, ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, DSS, USMS, USPIS, and USSS, as well as numerous state and local agencies, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case with critical assistance from the Chicago Police Department; FBI-Atlanta; the Rockford, Illinois, Police Department; the Athens Clarke County Police Department; and other state and local law enforcement partners. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Morrison is prosecuting the case for the Government. An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.