title: Illinois Man Pleads Guilty to Elder Fraud Conspiracy Involving Gold Bars

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Illinois man pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to taking part in an elder fraud conspiracy in which victims liquidated savings and retirement accounts to buy gold bars, coins, and cash. Syed M. Makki, 37, a citizen of India, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Makki admitted that from 2023 to March 2024, he acted as a courier for the conspiracy, in which he picked up gold bullion and cash from victims and delivered it to co-conspirators. From 2023 through March 31, 2024, conspirators put malware on people’s computers with a phone number to call. When the victims called, they falsely represented themselves as ‘Microsoft’ employees, banking officials, government employees, and law enforcement officers. Conspirators convinced the victims, who were mostly elderly, that their identities had been compromised, that their money was not safe in banks, and often that victims were assisting law enforcement. Having established relationships with the victims, the perpetrators had the victims liquidate bank and retirement accounts and buy gold bullion in the form of gold bars or gold coins with the proceeds. When the gold was delivered to the victims’ houses, conspirators directed the victims to provide the gold for ‘safekeeping’ to a co-conspirator, including Makki. Sometimes conspirators instructed the victims to package the gold and address it to the ‘Department of Justice’ in the name of a specific person, to further the false impression that victims were dealing with trustworthy officials. Makki and others picked up the gold or cash and then transported it across state lines to co-conspirators. On March 25 and 26, 2024, Makki picked up 16 gold bars, weighing one kilogram apiece and worth more than $1 million, from victims in Littleton, Co. and Kansas City, Mo. On March 27, 2024, Makki transported the gold bars to Illinois to deliver them to co-conspirators. That date, Makki was arrested in possession of the gold bars by a Morgan County, Illinois, Deputy Sheriff and by an Illinois State Highway Patrol Sergeant. Ten victims identified to date lost over $6 million in the scheme. Under federal statutes, Makki is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of Makki will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen D. Mahoney. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, the Douglas County, Colorado Sheriff’s Department, the Illinois State Highway Patrol, and the Morgan County, Illinois Sheriff’s Department.


title: Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison  for Child Pornography Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Robert M. Harvey, 49, a registered sex offender, was sentenced to the statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for possession of child pornography. According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 29, 2022, Harvey was at Dismas Charities Inc., a residential reentry facility in St. Albans, when facility staff found Harvey in possession of a cell phone. Harvey was not allowed to possess a cell phone without the approval of his probation officer, and any cell phone he possessed was subject to search and seizure. Law enforcement analyzed Harvey’s cell phone and found it contained images and videos of child pornography. As part of his guilty plea, Harvey admitted that these images and videos include depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. At the time of this offense, Harvey was on supervised release as a result of his conviction for receipt of child pornography in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on March 12, 2007. Harvey was sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for that offense. On August 17, 2022, Harvey was sentenced to three years in prison for violating the conditions of supervised release. Harvey’s criminal history also includes a conviction for possession of child pornography in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on April 4, 2000. “When you steal a child’s safety, you forfeit your freedom,” said United States Attorney Moore Capito. “My office fought for the maximum penalty in this case. Anyone who targets a child will face the full force of our justice system. I strongly believe we have a duty to protect our children and the public demands no less. I am committed to pursuing child predators with every tool the law allows – there is no refuge, no excuse, and no mercy for those who prey on our children.” Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Rada Herrald prosecuted the case. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative of the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-69.


title: Justice Department Opens Investigation Into SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, And Aquatica Orlando For Disability Discrimination

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Today, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced that they have launched an investigation into United Parks & Resorts Inc. to determine whether it violates Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against guests with disabilities. United Parks & Resorts is a global theme park and entertainment company that owns or licenses seven brands including SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica Orlando. The ADA prohibits discrimination based on disability by public accommodations, including theme parks. The Department opened this investigation after receiving complaints from members of the public with disabilities who allege that three of its parks violate the ADA by banning guest use of certain walkers, known as “rollator walkers.” Complainants allege that they cannot access the parks without their rollators and the only alternative the parks offer would require them to use mobility aids that are inappropriate for their individual disabilities and to incur additional charges, among other allegations. “The ADA protects every American from disability-based discrimination in places of public accommodation, including theme parks,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are committed to upholding our federal civil rights laws so that no guest is denied access or charged more because of a disability.” “Every year, millions of people from around the world travel to Florida to visit our theme parks,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “No one should ever be denied equal access to public accommodations based on disability. Our office remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that all individuals with disabilities are guaranteed their rights under the ADA.” Trial Attorney David K. Gardner from the Civil Rights Division’s Disability Rights Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra N. Karahalios from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida are handling this case. If you believe you have been a victim of disability discrimination by United Parks & Resorts Inc., including parks such as SeaWorld Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, and Aquatica Orlando, please file a complaint with the Civil Rights Division online at www.civilrights.justice.gov, or by calling the Department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 1-800-514-0301 (1-833-610-1264 (TTY)). For more information on the ADA and the Civil Rights Division, please visit www.ada.gov or www.justice.gov/crt.


title: Former Recording Financial Secretary Pleads Guilty to Embezzling from Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen Union

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former recording financial secretary of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, AFL-CIO, Local Lodge 21 (BRS Local Lodge 21), pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to embezzling nearly $55,000 from the labor union. David L. Scofield, 65, of Independence, Mo., waived his right to a grand jury and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to an information charging him with four counts of bank fraud, one count of embezzlement theft of labor union funds, and one count of falsification of an annual financial report filed by a labor union. Scofield was an officer of BRS Local Lodge 21, namely, the recording financial secretary, having been elected to that position in or about 2005, and holding that position until in or about November 2023. In that capacity, Scofield had access to BRS Local Lodge 21’s bank account and was authorized to use the checking account only for BRS Local Lodge 21’s expenses. By pleading guilty yesterday, Scofield admitted that he used BRS Local Lodge 21’s bank account to make $54,412.67 in personal expenditures, including expenditures for the payment of his personal PayPal account, personal credit cards, and personal loans. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Scofield must pay a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $54,412.67. Under federal statutes, Scofield is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole on the bank fraud counts to which he has pleaded guilty. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. The sentencing hearing has been scheduled for March 31, 2026. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rudolph R. Rhodes IV. It was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards, Kansas City Resident Investigator Office.


title: Wendell Man Found Guilty at Federal Trial for Armed Bank Robbery

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal jury convicted a Wendell man for armed bank robbery and brandishing a firearm after robbing the PNC Bank in Zebulon on February 7, 2024. “A violent criminal waving a gun while wearing a mask terrorizes innocent employees and customers. We will not tolerate this antisocial mayhem in the Eastern District of North Carolina,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “I want to thank our local and federal partners whose swift investigative work ensured this conviction. This menace will spend years in prison, away from law abiding citizens.” According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Victor Antwan Perez, 24, entered the PNC Bank in Zebulon on the morning of February 7, 2024, wearing a ski mask with a distinctive pattern, a black jacket, grey pants, black latex gloves, lavender crocs, and a black handgun. Perez walked up to a teller, waved the handgun in her face, and demanded money while pointing the gun at her. As the teller gathered the money, Perez threatened to shoot her fingers off if she did not hurry. Perez sped away from the bank with the stolen money. About three weeks later, law enforcement conducted a search warrant of Perez’s home and car, and recovered the distinctive patterned mask, a black jacket, grey pants, black latex gloves, lavender crocs, and a black handgun. Officers also seized Perez’s phone, and forensic analysis placed the phone at the bank during the robbery. Perez faces a mandatory minimum of seven years and a maximum of life in prison when sentenced. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles E. Loeser and Logan Liles prosecuted the case. The Zebulon Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. 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. 5:24-CR-110-D-RJ.


title: Six Virginia nonprofit companies settle Paycheck Protection Program loan allegations

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Southampton Recreation Association located in Richmond, the National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors located in Alexandria, the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference located in Norfolk, Cheers located in Richmond, the Metropolitan Business League located in Richmond, and the Employee Activity Association located in McLean, paid a combined $1,381,646 to settle civil fraud allegations that they were ineligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans that they received during the COVID-19 pandemic. The allegations were that each was a 501(c)(4) entity and not eligible to receive funding through the PPP. The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The settlement began with a lawsuit, United States ex rel. The Tarbell Group, LLC. v. Cheers et al., filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims presented to the federal government and share in a portion of the government’s recovery . The whistleblower in this matter received a ten percent share of each settlement. The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Beerbower and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina Kim. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia . Case records may be found on PACER under case number 1:24-cv-849. The civil claims settled are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.


title: Jay Man Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Distributing Narcotics and Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: A Jay man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for distributing narcotics and illegally possessing a firearm. U.S. District Judge Stacy D. Neumann sentenced Thomas Ray Cook , 46, to four years in prison and three years of supervised release. According to court records, Cook sold $600 worth of cocaine to a Maine Drug Enforcement Agency (MDEA) confidential information source (CI) in February 2025 from Cook’s home in Jay. In March 2025, Cook sold the CI additional cocaine and seven firearms for $1,600, from a different residence in Farmington. Cook is prohibited from possessing firearms because of multiple prior Maine state felony convictions, including Aggravated Operating after Habitual Offender Revocation and Eluding an Officer. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and MDEA investigated the case. Operation Take Back America : 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: Idaho construction company settles paycheck protection program loan allegations

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Engineered Structures, Inc. (ESI), located in Meridian, Idaho, paid $5,750,000 to settle civil fraud allegations that it was ineligible for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan that it received during the COVID-19 pandemic. The settlement began with a lawsuit, United States ex rel. Karen Bloomfield v. Engineered Structures Inc ., filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims presented to the federal government. The whistleblower complaint alleged that ESI received an $8.6 million PPP loan for which it was ineligible. According to the complaint, ESI should have included temporary workers from staffing agencies in its employee headcount, which would have increased ESI’s average employee count above 500 employees, making ESI ineligible for the PPP loan. The complaint also contended that ESI made false representations in connection with its PPP Loan Necessity Questionnaire. After the United States declined to intervene formally in the litigation, the whistleblower continued the litigation. ESI agreed to pay $5,750,000 to settle the whistleblower’s allegations. The United States consented to the settlement. The whistleblower received a share of the settlement. The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard Mene with the assistance of the U.S. Small Business Administration. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia . Case records may be found on PACER under case number 1:22-cv-789. The civil claims settled are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.


title: Tennessee Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Armed Carjacking

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

body_text: A Tennessee man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for a Memphis carjacking and using a firearm during the robbery. His co-defendant in the robbery was previously sentenced to over nine years in prison. According to court documents, during the early morning hours of April 9, 2024, Jadakiss Johnson, 23, and his co-defendant Tyrone White participated in a carjacking of the victim’s 2023 Toyota Camry at gunpoint. Johnson was the driver of the vehicle and once they arrived, White approached the victim, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of the Camry, pointed a gun at her and ordered her to get out of the vehicle. Later, when confronted by police, Johnson fled in a different car and on foot. Upon a search of Johnson’s getaway car, police found multiple firearms and a machinegun-conversion device. Johnson is prohibited from possessing firearms based upon prior felony violent convictions and is considered a career offender under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines for numerous aggravated assault convictions. On Aug. 25, Johnson pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a carjacking and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during the carjacking. White previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a carjacking and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during the carjacking and was sentenced on Oct. 30 to over nine years in prison. At Johnson’s sentencing hearing, the United States presented evidence of the defendant’s violent behavior while in custody, including assaulting another inmate, as well as his repeated access to firearms before his arrest for this crime. Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Jamey VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Nashville Division made the announcement. The ATF and the Memphis Police Department investigated the case. Trial Attorney Ashleigh Atasoy of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Regina Brittenum for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case. This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative in Memphis conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Tennessee and local, state and federal law enforcement. This joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute violent gang members and other violent criminals in Memphis.


title: Alabama corporation settles Paycheck Protection Program false claims

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – Dynamic Staffing, Inc., located in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, has paid $1,725,000 to settle civil False Claims Act (FCA) allegations that it falsely certified that it was eligible for a Second Draw Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. The United States alleged that Dynamic Staffing received a PPP loan of more than $1.4 million, which was later forgiven, after submitting false statements on its application for the PPP loan in February 2021, and again on its application for forgiveness of the loan in October 2021. The settlement began with a lawsuit, United States ex rel. GNGH2, Inc. v. Dynamic Staffing in Virginia, Inc., filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims presented to the federal government and share in a portion of the government’s recovery . The whistleblower in this matter received a ten percent share of the settlement. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the U.S. Small Business Administration. The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McIntosh. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia . Case records may be found on PACER under case number 3:25-cv-200. The civil claims settled are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.


title: Adult residential group homes operator settles healthcare fraud claims

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – Sola, Inc., which formerly operated adult residential group homes in Gloucester, has paid $2,000,000 to the United States and Commonwealth of Virginia to settle civil fraud claims that it billed Virginia Medicaid for skilled and other nursing services for its residents that exceeded the total number of hours worked by its nurses. The United States and the Commonwealth of Virginia alleged that Sola overbilled Medicaid $641,396.11 for nursing services that were impossible to perform, because the amount of time billed (measured in “units”) to the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) exceeded the corresponding number of hours worked by the nurses employed by Sola, as reported on the nurses’ time sheets. The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Virginia Attorney General’s Office. The matter was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McIntosh and Virginia Senior Assistant Attorney General Megan A. Winfield. A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia . The civil claims settled are allegations only; there has been no determination of civil liability.


title: Two Mexican Nationals Plead Guilty to Meth Trafficking

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Two Mexican nationals pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday for possessing more than 56 pounds of methamphetamine. Pedro Alberto Quiroz Ayala, 22, and Pablo DeJesus Peralta Anguis, 26, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Anguis also pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry after removal. On Sept. 3, 2024, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper pulled over a gray 2011 Acura MDX on Interstate 29, near the N.W. 112 th Street exit in Kansas City, Mo. Ayala, who did not have a valid driver’s license, was driving the Acura, with a female juvenile in the front passenger seat and Anguis and Apolinar Gocovachi Pacheco in the back seat. When the trooper searched the vehicle, he found a large duffle bag in the third-row seating area that contained approximately 55.6 pounds of methamphetamine. He also found a grocery bag that contained approximately one pound of methamphetamine on the floorboard where the female juvenile had been sitting, and a loaded firearm in the driver’s door pouch. When the four occupants got out of the vehicle for the search, Ayala and Anguis fled on foot. A manhunt ensued and both were apprehended a short time later. Ayala told investigators that he, Pacheco and Anguis drove to Omaha, Neb., to pick up drugs and that he was going to receive approximately $2,000 for his help in transporting the drugs. Anguis told investigators that he was illegally in the United States from Mexico and that he had arrived in the United States two days before his arrest. Officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed that Anguis and Pacheco had previously been found illegally in the United States by Border Patrol Agents near Nogales, Arizona on Aug. 22, 2024. Anguis and Pacheco were removed from the United States to Mexico that same day. Co-defendant Apolinar Gocovachi Pacheco, 25, pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and one count of unlawful reentry after removal, on Nov. 19, 2025. Under federal statutes, Ayala, Anguis and Pacheco are each subject to a sentence of not less than five years and up to 40 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the FBI, DEA, Jackson County Drug Task Force, Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Operation Take Back America 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: Mexican Citizen Charged with Human Smuggling and Improper Entry

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on November 20, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Juan Pablo Espinoza-Morales, 51, of Sonora, Mexico, with knowingly bringing illegal aliens to the United States for private financial gain and improper entry into the United States. Espinoza-Morales was arraigned on November 24, 2025 before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. According to court records, on October 21, 2025, Espinoza-Morales was apprehended with a group of nine aliens who had unlawfully crossed the border from Canada into the United States. Espinoza-Morales attempted to flee from U.S. Border Patrol agents when they first encountered the group, and he was apprehended approximately one hour later. Investigators subsequently determined that Espinoza-Morales had lead the group across the border for pay. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Espinoza-Morales is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Espinoza-Morales faces a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum sentence of up to fifteen years’ imprisonment, if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney David Golubock. Espinoza-Morales is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sam Ansell. 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.


component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: WASHINGTON – A Tennessee man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for a Memphis carjacking and using a firearm during the robbery. His co-defendant in the robbery was previously sentenced to over nine years in prison. According to court documents, during the early morning hours of April 9, 2024, Jadakiss Johnson, 23 , and his co-defendant Tyrone White participated in a carjacking of the victim’s 2023 Toyota Camry at gunpoint. Johnson was the driver of the vehicle and once they arrived, White approached the victim, who was sitting in the driver’s seat of the Camry, pointed a gun at her and ordered her to get out of the vehicle. Later, when confronted by police, Johnson fled in a different car and on foot. Upon a search of Johnson’s getaway car, police found multiple firearms and a machinegun-conversion device. Johnson is prohibited from possessing firearms based upon prior felony violent convictions and is considered a career offender under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines for numerous aggravated assault convictions. On Aug. 25, Johnson pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a carjacking and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during the carjacking. White previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting a carjacking and aiding and abetting the use of a firearm during the carjacking and was sentenced on Oct. 30 to over nine years in prison. At Johnson’s sentencing hearing, the United States presented evidence of the defendant’s violent behavior while in custody, including assaulting another inmate, as well as his repeated access to firearms before his arrest for this crime. Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee, and Special Agent in Charge Jamey VanVliet of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Nashville Division made the announcement. The ATF and the Memphis Police Department investigated the case. Trial Attorney Ashleigh Atasoy of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Regina Brittenum for the Western District of Tennessee prosecuted the case. This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative in Memphis conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Tennessee and local, state, and federal law enforcement. This joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute violent gang members and other violent criminals in Memphis. ### CRM 25-1116 If you have questions, please use the contacts in the message or call the Office of Public Affairs at 202-514-2007.


title: Oregon Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Hate Crime Violation

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.—A Springfield, Oregon, man appeared before a U.S. District Court Judge today and pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime for assaulting a victim on the basis of their sexual orientation. Daniel Andrew McGee, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of a Hate Crime Act Involving an Attempt to Kill. According to court documents, on the evening of July 5, 2021, McGee met the victim at the victim’s apartment after communicating on the dating application Grindr, an application designed for, and primarily used by, gay men. McGee assaulted the victim over the course of several minutes, striking the victim on the head with a wooden tire thumper. The victim sustained life-threatening injuries during the assault, including serious head wounds. The investigation revealed McGee had been researching and planning the attack for weeks. For at least one month prior to the attack, McGee searched the internet for homophobic and graphically violent anti-gay material. McGee planned for the attack by purchasing the weapon and other materials from Amazon and searching the internet for suggestions on how to get away with murder. On November 18, 2021, a federal grand jury in Eugene, Oregon, returned a one-count indictment charging McGee with a Hate Crime Act Involving an Attempt to Kill. McGee faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on March 3, 2026, before a U.S. District Court Judge. As part of the plea agreement, McGee has agreed to pay restitution in full to his victim. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. Joseph Huynh, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and Tenette Smith, Trial Attorney for the Civil Rights Division Criminal Section, are prosecuting the case.


title: New Hampshire Woman and New York Man Sentenced for Role in Transporting Illegal Aliens

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on November 17, 2025, Jody Lynn McGuire, 52, of Manchester, New Hampshire, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to a time-served term of approximately 2.5 months, to be followed by a 2-year term of supervised release. On October 20, 2025, Judge Sessions sentenced McGuire’s co-defendant, Tyler Kenneth George Leavine, 34, of Dannemora, New York, to a time-served sentence of approximately 7 months, to be followed by a 2-year term of supervised release. Leavine and McGuire previously pleaded guilty to transporting illegal aliens. According to court records, on March 26, 2025, United States Border Patrol received a tip that there was going to be a human smuggling event in Alburgh, Vermont. Upon reporting to the area, Border Patrol found a white Ford Edge with New York plates. Video footage showed several people had run to, and entered, the Ford Edge. Border Patrol stopped the vehicle; the driver was McGuire and the front-seat passenger was Leavine. In the backseat of the vehicle there were three Indian citizens who did not legally enter the United States and had no documentation allowing them to remain in the United States. Leavine and McGuire later told law enforcement they had driven to Alburgh to pick people up and were expecting to be paid for their role in transporting these individuals. First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn. McGuire was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Emily Kenyon. Leavine was represented by Kevin M. Henry, Esq. 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: NURSE SENTENCED FOR TAMPERING WITH VIALS OF FENTANYL

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – A Grosse Pointe Park registered nurse, Travis Eskridge, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for tampering with a consumer product, specifically the Schedule II controlled substance fentanyl. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office. Travis Eskridge, 54, of Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, worked as a registered nurse in the emergency room at Ascension St. John Hospital until August of 2022. In his guilty plea Eskridge admitted that he tampered with vials containing fentanyl, a powerful narcotic pain reliever, which he knew were intended to be administered to patients in the hospital’s emergency room. Eskridge removed fentanyl from the vials, replaced fentanyl with another liquid, and returned the tampered vials to the locked drug storage system. Eskridge did this with reckless disregard for the dangerous risk to patients that resulted from such tampering. The defendant also admitted that he stole fentanyl vials as part of a pattern of thefts for his personal drug use from May of 2022 until August of 2022. Nurse Eskridge was immediately removed from his position at Ascension St. John Hospital in August of 2022 when the hospital discovered the tampering and thefts. United States Attorney Gorgon stated, “When nurse Eskridge placed tampered vials back into the hospital’s medical supply, he exposed patients in desperate need of pain relief to continued suffering. This is a reprehensible crime. No medical professional should torture a patient. I credit the hospital and the FDA investigators for their work in exposing this crime.” “Emergency room patients trust they will be administered the pain relief drugs that the doctor ordered,” said Special Agent in Ronne Malham, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Chicago Field Office. “We will continue to pursue and bring to justice healthcare professionals who violate their position of trust and jeopardize patients’ health and well-being by tampering with their pain medications.” Travis Eskridge was sentenced by United States District Judge Susan K. DeClercq. The case was investigated by special agents of the Food and Drug Administration.


title: Operation Not Forgotten Surged 64 FBI Personnel to 10 FBI Field Offices to Support Investigations of Indian Country Violent Crimes

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: WASHINGTON – The Justice Department yesterday announced results from its six-month surge of FBI assets across the country to address violent crime in Indian Country, including crimes relating to missing or murdered Indigenous persons. The FBI sent 64 personnel, rotating in 30–90-day temporary duty assignments over a six-month period to support field offices in Albuquerque; Denver; Detroit; Jackson, Miss.; Minneapolis; Oklahoma City; Phoenix; Portland, Oreg.; Seattle; and Salt Lake City. The FBI worked in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions. This operation was the longest and most intense national deployment of FBI resources to address Indian Country crime to date. “These dedicated efforts by FBI agents, together with the BIA and our tribal law enforcement partners, have solved crimes, protected victims of violence, and brought much needed safety and security to communities in Indian country,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will never forget the crime victims whose cases remain unsolved, and we will continue our pursuit until justice is served.” “One of the biggest problems tribal communities face is the vast amount of land to account for, requiring significant resources to crush violent crime,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “As FBI Director, I’m committed to surging personnel to these areas and working hand-in-hand with Tribal partners. Operation Not Forgotten is a major step forward in giving these communities the justice that they deserve.” FBI personnel were assisted by 36 personnel from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit (BIA MMU). Combined, those personnel provided investigative and intelligence support by assisting in over 330 investigations. BIA MMU also provided technical support and expertise through ground-penetrating radar, underwater cameras, and sonar searches. Operation Not Forgotten contributed to the success of the FBI’s Indian Country program. In FY25 alone, the FBI’s Indian Country initiatives accomplished the following: 1260 individuals charged, 1123 arrests, 304 weapons recovered, and 458 child victims identified or located. “The United States Attorney’s Office in Arizona continues to bring the most cases related to crimes affecting tribal members in the country” said United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “The national surge in resources brought much needed assets to tribal communities in a number of the twenty-two Indian reservations located throughout the state. Thanks to the continued work of our tribal, FBI, and BIA partners, Assistant United States Attorneys in our office will continue to bring justice for crime victims and their communities.” “Agents assigned to Indian Country offices have significant caseloads and most of those cases include extremely violent crimes,” said FBI Phoenix Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Schaeffer. “The surge of resources here in Arizona thanks to Operation Not Forgotten provided our agents some additional help to move cases along quicker and served as a force multiplier with the primary goal of helping victims and ensuring that justice is served.” In a sustained commitment to justice and public safety in tribal communities, the Arizona United States Attorneys’ Office united with the FBI during the six-month surge in Operation Not Forgotten. During the operation in Arizona, FBI personnel were assigned temporary duties at field offices in some of the most remote tribal communities throughout the state. Together, FBI agents and federal prosecutors addressed urgent law enforcement challenges, particularly crimes against women and children, crimes committed by juveniles, and missing or murdered Indigenous people in Indian Country. Additionally, agents and prosecutors worked closely with tribal law enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and other community partners. During the 2025 surge (from April 1st – September 30th), the United States Attorneys’ Office in the District of Arizona opened approximately 154 Indian Country-Violent Crime investigations, and obtained more than 73 indictments and complaints combined. Overall, Operation Not Forgotten contributed to removing violent criminals from tribal communities throughout Arizona. Some of those defendants charged or convicted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona include the following: Kevin Ronnie Tungovia, 47, was arrested and charged with sexual abuse of a minor and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Tungovia is alleged to have provided methamphetamine to the minor during the timeframe he engaged in sexual acts with her. A federal search warrant was executed on Tungovia’s residence where agents located baggies, scales, and a pipe with residue. Tungovia and will remain in custody pending trial. (FBI Tucson/USAO District of Arizona) Richard Alex Buitimea, 35, was sentenced to 10 years in prison following a conviction for one count of Possession of Child Pornography. According to evidence presented during trial, authorities were alerted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that a Google Drive account belonging to Buitimea contained possible child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Acting on this tip, agents with the FBI obtained a search warrant for Buitimea’s account and discovered over 1,000 images and 21 videos of CSAM. (FBI Tucson/USAO District of Arizona) Indian Country faces persistent levels of violent crime and victimization. At the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025, FBI’s Indian Country program had approximately 4,300 open investigations, including over 900 death investigations, 1,000 child abuse investigations, and more than 500 domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations. Operation Not Forgotten renews efforts begun during President Trump’s first term under E.O. 13898, Establishing the Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives . This is the third deployment under Operation Not Forgotten, which has provided investigative support to over 760 cases in the past three years. Combined, these operations resulted in 249 arrests, 235 subjects charged, 109 subjects convicted, and services were provided to nearly 2,000 victims and victim family members. Operation Not Forgotten also expands upon the resources deployed in recent years to address cases of missing or murdered Indigenous people. The effort will be supported by the Department’s MMIP Regional Outreach Program, which places attorneys and community coordinators in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the United States to help prevent and respond to cases of missing or murdered Indigenous people. RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-168_Operation_Not_Forgotten # # # 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: Recidivist Predator Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Springfield, Mass. man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Springfield for possession and receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and sexual exploitation of children. At the time of these offenses, the defendant was on state pre-trial release for aggravated rape and abuse of a child; posing or exhibiting a child in a state of nudity; disseminating CSAM; trafficking of a person for sexual servitude; extortion; larceny; assault and battery; and trafficking of a person under 18 years of age for sexual servitude. He was later convicted of the state charges in 2019 and sentenced to 10-12 years in prison. Bairon Ubeda, 45, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy to 40 years in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. In August 2025 , Ubeda was convicted by a federal jury of one count of possession of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of sexual exploitation of children. Ubeda was previously indicted in May 2023 . “Ubeda is a vile predator who spent years exploiting fear, shame and manipulation to dominate his victims, including coercing the horrific sexual abuse of a defenseless three-year-old child. His conduct was calculated, deliberate and among the most disturbing crimes we see in federal court,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “This sentence ensures that he can never again terrorize women or children, and it reaffirms our office’s unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable from those who prey on them.” “Ubeda was the mastermind behind the calculated manipulation and coercion of women, using fear and shame to control them. He successfully manipulated one woman into sexually exploiting her own child at his direction – an unimaginable act.” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “With a forty-year federal prison sentence imposed for his horrific crimes, our commitment to bringing peace and justice to the victims of these predators has never been stronger.” From at least 2015 to 2019, Ubeda sought to trick and coerce women using fraudulent social media persona and accounts while claiming to represent a fictitious adult modeling company. Ubeda would trick victims targeted by the scheme into providing explicit images as well as personal information and identification. Ubeda would then threaten to make the images and information public if the victims did not agree to engage in sexual acts with him. Ubeda coerced one woman to sexually abuse a three-year-old minor victim and document it for the purpose of producing CSAM for his gratification. If she did not comply, Ubeda threatened to send the CSAM and her identifying information to child protective services, so that she would lose custody of her children. U.S. Attorney Foley; HSI SAC Krol; Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi; and Superintendent Lawrence Akers of the Springfield Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Hampden County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Maynard and Mark Grady of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: City Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Committing Series of Violent Armed Carjackings and Robberies in Philadelphia

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Khalil Dickens, 22, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 25 years in prison, five years’ supervised release, and was ordered to pay restitution by United States District Judge Chad F. Kenney for committing a series of violent armed carjackings and robberies in the summer of 2023. The defendant was charged by indictment in January 2024 and pleaded guilty in July of this year to conspiracy, eight counts of carjacking, and three counts of carrying, using, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, between approximately June 2023 and July 2023, Dickens and others took part in seven armed carjackings, an attempted armed carjacking, 11 additional gunpoint robberies, and one receipt of a carjacked car, all in the city of Philadelphia. A number of these crimes involved the perpetrators physically assaulting, pistol-whipping, or even shooting, or shooting at, their victims. “Khalil Dickens and his associates created their own crime wave, committing some 20 violent gunpoint robberies and carjackings in six weeks,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “We simply will not permit dangerous criminals to run around our city terrorizing innocent people. As Dickens can now attest, anyone violently victimizing others like this should be ready to spend not just years, but decades, in prison.” “With Khalil Dickens sentenced to a quarter century in federal prison, a dangerous criminal is taken off Philadelphia’s streets,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “Dickens and the other perpetrators physically assaulted and even shot at the victims of their many carjackings and robberies. Working with our Carjacking Task Force partners we are using the ATF’s unique forensic and investigative tools to stop criminals and protect our communities.” “Violent carjackings and armed robberies cause fear in our neighborhoods and inflict real trauma on the people we serve,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message: if you choose to commit violent crimes in Philadelphia, you will be held fully accountable. I want to thank our federal partners and the dedicated investigators of the Philadelphia Police Department who worked tirelessly to bring this individual to justice. Together, we will continue to pursue those who harm our residents and work every day to make our city safer.” The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department.


title: Felon in Possession of a Pistol While on Supervised Release Sentenced to 18 Months

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WASHINGTON – Kevin Hopkins, 39, a previously convicted felon who had been residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced November 24 in U.S. District Court to 18 months in federal prison for illegally possessing a loaded 9mm firearm while on supervised release for another conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Hopkins pleaded guilty on July 25 to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon before Judge Jia M. Cobb. In addition to the 18-month prison sentence, Judge Cobb ordered Hopkins to serve three years of supervised release. Joining in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Washington Division and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). According to court documents, on Nov. 20, 2024, MPD officers and DEA agents executed a search warrant at a residence in Southeast Washington, D.C. Hopkins did not reside at the residence, but the mother of his child did. When officers entered, Hopkins was seated on a couch in the main living area of the apartment. After Hopkins moved from the couch, officers found an Astra A-100 9mm pistol wedged between the cushions on which he had been sitting. The firearm was loaded with 14 rounds of ammunition. As a previously convicted felon, Hopkins was prohibited from possessing any firearm. Hopkins collected five adult convictions between 2004 and 2016 for possession of marijuana, distribution of marijuana, carrying a pistol without a license, attempted unlawful possession of liquid PCP, and burglary, assault with significant bodily injury, kidnapping, stalking, civil protection order violation, and destruction of property under $1,000. All but one of the offenses that led to those adult convictions were committed while the defendant was on supervision. Hopkins had been on supervised release for less than two months before he was arrested on the current felon-in-possession charge. This case was investigated by the MPD and the DEA’s Washington Division. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Naseef and Mark Levy for the District of Columbia. 25-cr-0118


title: South Bend Woman Sentenced to 52 Months in Prison

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Tonya R. Winston, 60 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after being found guilty by a jury in August of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and one count of theft of government money, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor. Winston was sentenced to 52 months of prison followed by 2 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $453,808.48 in restitution. According to documents in the case, Winston devised a scheme to fraudulently obtain loans through the Paycheck Protection Program, which was a COVID-19 pandemic relief program intended to provide loans to small businesses. Winston obtained multiple loans for herself by submitting false loan applications, and she helped others to do the same. She also wrongfully obtained local housing benefits by misrepresenting her finances. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Luke N. Reilander and Joel Gabrielse.


title: Louisville Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – Jonathan Ernspiker, 42, of Louisville, Kentucky, was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in prison, followed by 6 years of supervised release, for firearms trafficking, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, for conspiring to sell 18 firearms and approximately 58 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential law enforcement source on November 20, 2024. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement. United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Ernspiker’s 15-year sentence demonstrates that the United States Attorney’s Office and ATF have absolutely no tolerance for drug trafficking and illegal firearms trafficking. Drug trafficking and illegal firearms trafficking significantly contribute to the violence plaguing our community. Hopefully, Ernspiker’s sentence sends a strong deterrent message to others engaged in or contemplating engaging in similar conduct.” ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes stated, “Firearms trafficking undermines the basic safeguards that are in place to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals. When combined with the distribution of dangerous narcotics such as methamphetamine, it creates an environment that threatens the safety and stability of communities throughout the Commonwealth. Jonathan Ernspiker’s significant prison sentence sends a clear message: the ATF, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our local law-enforcement partners remain fully committed to aggressively pursuing and prioritizing investigations of this nature.” Ernspiker was prohibited from possessing firearms due to the following prior felony convictions. On March 26, 2017, in Bullitt County Circuit Court, Ernspiker was convicted of convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance in the first degree. On November 4, 2013, in Bullitt County Circuit Court, Ernspiker was convicted of fleeing or evading police in the first degree and manufacturing methamphetamine in the first degree. On May 3, 2013, in Bullitt County Circuit Court, Ernspiker was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree. On October 1, 2008, in Bullitt County Circuit Court, Ernspiker was convicted of criminal mischief in the first degree. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Porter prosecuted the case with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Adela Alic. 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: Former School District Accountant Sentenced for Embezzlement of Funds from Savannah School District and His Employees

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Savannah, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court yesterday for theft concerning programs receiving federal funds, wire fraud, and embezzlement from an employee benefit plan. Anthony S. Moon, 44, worked as the district accountant for the Savannah R-III School District (District). In addition to his duties as district accountant, Moon was also the owner and president of Parker and Associates LLC, a tax preparation and bookkeeping service company. Moon was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to a total of 12 months and one day in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Moon to pay restitution of $92,746.99 to the District and $29,695.77 to his two employee-victims. In addition, the court entered a final order of money judgment forfeiture of $122,442.76. Beginning in or about January 2023, and continuing through on or about Nov. 21, 2023, Moon embezzled funds from the District. Moon used his position at the District to write unauthorized checks to himself and his business from the District’s checking account. Moon also used the District’s checking account to make Automated Clearing House payments, to his and his wife’s personal credit card accounts. Moon also devised a scheme as president of his accounting business and embezzled funds from his employees’ retirement savings plan. For his employees, Moon sponsored an employee pension plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Simple IRA Plan (Plan). However, for nearly two years, Moon caused tens of thousands of dollars to be withheld from salaries of his employees but failed to transfer those funds to the Plan. In addition, Moon failed to deposit funds in employer matching contributions to the Plan. Moon used those embezzled funds to pay for his and his wife’s personal expenses, including, among other things, Kansas City Chiefs tickets, food, travel, gas, and entertainment. The court ordered Moon to self-surrender on Jan. 8, 2026. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rudolph R. Rhodes IV. It was investigated by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration.


title: Honduran National, Illegally in U.S., Sentenced to Seven Months in Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Marvin Enrique Pena-Portillo, 38, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to seven months in prison and two years of supervised release by United States District Judge Mia Roberts Perez for possession of a firearm by a felon. Pena-Portillo was arrested on a criminal complaint and warrant in April of this year and charged by information in June. He pleaded guilty in July, waiving prosecution by indictment. As detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, on April 15, 2025, when Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents arrested the defendant for immigration violations, Pena-Portillo had a loaded 9mm semiautomatic pistol in his waistband. In August of 2024, in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Pena-Portillo had pleaded guilty to carrying an illegal firearm in public and was sentenced to two years of probation for that offense. 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 case was investigated by ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations and the ATF and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert Eckert.


title: Man Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Producing Child Pornography

body_text: A man who produced child pornography was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison today, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould. Emmanuel Jacobo Reyes, a 27-year-old Mexican citizen, pled guilty in July 2025, to one count of production of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography. Today, he was sentenced to 420 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Terry Means. According to court documents, the defendant admitted that he enticed a minor victim living in the North Texas area to engage in sexually explicit conduct, produce visual depictions of such conduct, and transmit the depictions to Reyes. At the time, Reyes resided in North Carolina. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Worth Field Office, working from information provided by the North Richland Hills Police Department, reviewed contents of the minor victim’s phone that included screenshots of video chats between Reyes and the victim. As Reyes’s face was visible in some of the screenshots, agents were able to find his social media profile, confirm his identity, and determine his location. FBI’s Fort Worth Field Office, FBI-Raleigh, NC, North Richland Hills Police Department, and the Raleigh, NC Police Department conducted this investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Allyson Monte. This case was part of the FBI’s national Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country. In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation and brought this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc. The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org. The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.


title: Henry County Woman Sentenced to 14 years in Prison for Methamphetamine Offense

body_text: Jackson, TN – A former resident of Henry, Tennessee has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. According to information presented in court, during the first three months of 2024, investigators utilized controlled drug buys, traffic stops, and the execution of search warrants to determine that Carla Sue Stout and others were involved in the trafficking of large amounts of methamphetamine in Henry and Carroll counties in West Tennessee. Investigators were able to use a confidential informant to obtain over 450 grams of pure methamphetamine from Stout at her residence in Henry on two occasions in January 2024. Investigators subsequently executed a search warrant at Stout’s residence where they seized an additional pound of methamphetamine and over $3,000 in U.S. currency. Investigators conducted another controlled drug buy from Stout and executed a search warrant at her trailer in Carroll County in March 2024, which led to the seizure of roughly two more ounces of methamphetamine. In all, Stout is responsible for distributing or possessing with the intent to distribute approximately 900 grams of actual methamphetamine. After Stout’s guilty plea in federal court to conspiring with others to distribute over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine in August 2025, United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Stout to 168 months’ imprisonment on November 18, 2025 to be followed by five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Methamphetamine that is trafficked in and through West Tennessee is increasing in dangerous purity, and continues to destroy individuals, families, and communities. Drug dealers who profit from the pain, addiction, violence and death caused by these dangerous substances deserve proper punishment, and this sentence does just that." This case was investigated by members of the 24 th Judicial Drug Task Force, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow 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: Florencia 13 Gang Member Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Drug and Firearm Crimes

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Florencia 13 Gang Member, Gregorio Tabarez-Hernandez, aka “Trigger,” 20, of Sandy, Utah, was sentenced today to 240 months’ imprisonment, and three years’ supervised release for drug and gun crimes he committed in 2023. The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow, comes after Tabarez-Hernandez pleaded guilty on September 4, 2025 to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a machine gun. According to court documents and admissions made at Tabarez-Hernandez’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on October 19, 2023 law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence. In Tabarez-Hernandez’s closet, investigators located cocaine, small plastic bags, over $23,000 in cash, and two firearms. One of the firearms was a Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun equipped with a machinegun conversion device known as a “switch.” Tabarez-Hernandez admitted that he had been distributing cocaine and that he possessed the firearms to protect his drugs and money. Tabarez-Hernandez has a history of firearm offenses which is consistent with his association with Florencia 13, a criminal street gang affiliated with the Surenos. “I am grateful to our state enforcement partners for their excellent investigation that led to Mr. Tabarez-Hernandez’s arrest,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “This administration is committed to working with our federal and state partners to stop drug trafficking and organized crime in our communities. Mr. Tabarez-Hernandez’s 20-year sentence demonstrates that strong commitment.” “These types of cases require a lot of work for law enforcement, and the arrest and conviction of Mr. Tabarez-Hernandez is a perfect example of how partnering with local, state and federal agencies gets results,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera. "We are thankful for the hard work that the investigators put into this case,” said Sandy City Police Chief Greg Severson. “We are appreciative of our partnerships with local and federal agencies in taking this individual off our streets." The case was investigated jointly by the Sandy City Police Department and the Salt Lake County Metro Gang Unit. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.


title: Group of Eight Pleads Guilty in Bank Fraud Conspiracy Involving Hundreds of Forged Checks Stolen from the Mail

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – DERRY LEE DAVIS , 24, ANTAJAUN MONZELLE BROWN , JR. , 24, AMAURION RAMONE NORMENT , 21, OLIVERNAESHA OLIEAH WOODS , 22, LORENZO JONES IV , 24, and MATEI LEANN BASS , 23, all of Oklahoma City, DAZJUAN JERAE DEMOND MATTHEWS , 21, of Kansas, and AMARION ADRIONE WHITESIDE , 22, of Texas, have pleaded guilty for their roles in a conspiracy to steal mail from mail deposit boxes across the Oklahoma City metro area using a stolen United States Postal Service (USPS) arrow key, forge checks found in the stolen mail, and deposit the forged checks to obtain cash from financial institutions. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public record, beginning in 2022, Davis possessed a stolen USPS arrow key, which he and other conspirators used to access and steal mail from mail deposit boxes across the Oklahoma City area in search of checks. Davis and Brown would then alter information on stolen checks so that they could be deposited into the bank accounts of other conspirators who agreed to participate in the scheme. In order to find people willing to join the scheme, the court records allege that Davis, Brown, Norment, and others, advertised the scheme on social media urging those interested to contact them to make quick money. Matthews, Whiteside, Woods, Jones, Bass, and others agreed to join the conspiracy and allowed forged checks to be deposited into their bank accounts in exchange for a portion of the check proceeds. Brown, Davis, Norment, Matthews, and Whiteside have each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and face up to 30 years in federal prison. Brown has also pleaded guilty to a second count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud for his role in a similar but separate check fraud scheme in Illinois and faces up to an additional 30 years in federal prison. Woods, Jones, and Bass have each pleaded guilty to forgery of securities and face up to 10 years in federal prison. This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson D. Eldridge is prosecuting the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Missouri Man Sentenced to Federal Prison Four Years After Fleeing State Following Drug Charge in 2020

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSHUA KYLE COOK , 39, of Missouri, has been sentenced to serve 210 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public record, on August 27, 2020, Cook was stopped by an Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBN) agent while traveling on Interstate 40 in Canadian County and found to be in possession of approximately 3 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside his vehicle. On September 16, 2020, a federal Grand Jury charged Cook with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Following his initial arrest, Cook was placed on pretrial release, but later absconded and has been a fugitive since March 10, 2021. Recently uncovered information suggested that Cook was living in Theodosia, Missouri. On June 9, 2025, multiple law enforcement agencies located and surrounded Cook who was armed and barricaded inside a shed. An armed standoff ensued, lasting approximately two hours, during which time Cook threatened to shoot officers. Cook was eventually taken into custody peacefully. Cook pleaded guilty to the 2020 drug charge on September 2, 2025, and admitted he possessed methamphetamine which he intended to distribute. At the sentencing hearing on November 24, 2025, Cook was sentenced to serve 210 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court considered the need for Cook’s sentence to provide just punishment, promote respect for the law, and afford adequate deterrence to criminal conduct. By engaging in an armed standoff with officers, the Court noted that Cook had endangered his own life and the lives of law enforcement. This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, OBN, the Ozark County Sheriff’s Office, and Howell County SWAT. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Drew E. Davis and Jason Harley prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Oklahoma City Duo Sentenced to More Than 12 Years Combined in Federal Prison Following Apartment Shooting

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, LARRY DAVID WELCH , 30, and JACOB LEE MADISON , 24, both of Oklahoma City, were sentenced to serve 154 months in federal prison collectively for illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to court records, on April 7, 2025, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) responded to an apartment complex on reports of a shooting. Officers learned that two suspects, later identified as Welch and Madison, had fired weapons during a dispute with neighbors. The two fled the apartment after the shooting but were found hiding in a nearby residential backyard shed, where they did not have permission to be. The firearms used in the shooting were found by OCPD shortly thereafter. On May 6, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged both Welch and Madison with being felons in possession of a firearm. Welch and Madison both have prior felony convictions. Welch’s previous felony convictions include: injuring or burning a public building in Mayes County District Court case number CF-2015-228; possession of a firearm after former felony conviction in Cherokee County District Court case number CF-2015-629; and possession of a firearm after former felony conviction, endangering others while eluding/attempting to elude police officer, and unauthorized use of a vehicle in Mayes County District Court case number CF-2019-90. second degree burglary in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2020-1275; knowingly receiving or concealing stolen property in Canadian County District Court case number CF-2022-437; and possession of a firearm after former felony conviction, unlawful possession of a controlled drug with intent to distribute, and committing a felony with a firearm with a defaced ID number in McClain County District Court case number CF-2023-72. Madison’s previous felony convictions include: On July 16, 2025, both Welch and Madison pleaded guilty and admitted they possessed a firearm despite their prior felony convictions. At sentencing hearings today, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones II sentenced Welch to serve 96 months, and Madison to serve 58 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for both. In announcing the sentences, Judge Jones noted the seriousness of the offenses and the need for deterrence. This case is the result of an investigation by the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Laney Ellis prosecuted the case. SAUSA Ellis is an attorney with City of Oklahoma City whose position is funded by a federal Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) grant awarded to the City of Oklahoma City to enhance efforts to address and reduce violent crime. PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. This case is part of “Operation Shots Fired,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, the Department of Justice’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Operation Shots Fired targets cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, such as drive-by shootings or when shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other incidents. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Oklahoma City Man Lands in Federal Prison for Possessing Firearm While Subject to Protective Order

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – RANDALL JOSEPH WILLIAMS , 56, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 40 months in federal prison for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public record, on April 12, 2025, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) responded to a home disturbance that involved a firearm. At the home, officers learned that Williams had threatened multiple people’s lives, including his family members, while he possessed a firearm. Williams spoke with officers and gave them permission to search his vehicle, where they found a firearm. Public record further reflects that Williams was subject to multiple protective orders, including an order in Oklahoma County District Court that stated that he represented a credible threat to the physical safety of a child and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. On May 20, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged Williams with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. He pleaded guilty on June 18, 2025, and admitted he possessed a firearm despite the protective order issued against him. At the sentencing hearing on November 24, 2025, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Williams to serve 40 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the need to protect the public, promote respect for the law, and deter future criminal conduct by Williams. This case is the result of an investigation by the Oklahoma City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America (OTBA), 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. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of OTBA, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: New Britain Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HENRY MENESES JR., 33, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Janet C. Hall in New Haven to 24 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release, for trafficking fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, a Drug Enforcement Administration Hartford Task Force investigation revealed that Meneses was selling large quantities of fentanyl in the Hartford area. On January 6, 2025, Meneses distributed 6,000 dose bags of fentanyl to an individual who had driven from Vermont to pick up the drugs. On February 25, 2025, investigators made a controlled purchase of 1,200 dose bags of fentanyl from Meneses on Franklin Avenue in Hartford. Meneses was arrested on March 25, 2025. On that date, searches of his residence and vehicle revealed two handguns, five gun magazines, ammunition, and more than $6,000 in cash. On June 24, 2025, Meneses pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Released on a $100,000 bond, he is required to report to prison on January 7. The DEA’s Hartford Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Hartford Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bristol, Hartford, East Hartford, Enfield, Manchester, Middletown, New Britain, Rocky Hill, Wethersfield, and Windsor Locks Police Departments. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted the investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reed Durham.


title: Maryland Felon Sentenced in D.C. for Unlawful Possession of a Loaded Glock Pistol With an Extended Magazine

body_text: WASHINGTON – Anthony Eugene Burns, 31, a previously convicted felon residing in Maryland, was sentenced November 24, 2025, in U.S. District Court to 55 months in prison in connection with his illegal possession of a loaded Glock 27 pistol, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. A federal jury found Burns guilty on September 10, 2025, on a charge unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. In addition to the 55-month prison term, Judge Jia M. Cobb ordered Burns to serve three years of supervised release. Joining in the announcement were ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). According to the evidence presented to the jury, on Feb. 25, 2024, officers from the MPD were on patrol in Southeast when they received a call about a disorderly group of people at an apartment building on the 2700 block of Wade Road Southeast. As officers walked to the building, they observed Burns quickly turn and sprint away. As Burns ran, officers saw him make an overhead throwing motion, appearing to toss a dark-colored object over a fence and into a large vacant lot. Burns continued to run through an alley between Eaton Road Southeast and Sumner Road Southeast. Officers briefly lost sight of Burns in the alley; however, they soon found him hiding on the 1200 block of Sumer Road Southeast. Officers returned to where they observed Burns throw an object and recovered a black Glock 27 pistol with 21 rounds in an extended magazine and one in the chamber. Burns previously pleaded guilty to felony charges in 2017 in connection with a violent armed robbery spree, that included conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, interference with interstate commerce by robbery, and possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, for which he was sentenced to 84 months in prison. Burns was still on supervised release for those charges at the time of this offense. This case was investigated by the MPD and ATF. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole and Special Assistant United States Attorney Emily Reeder-Ricchetti, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Tiffany Robinson. 24cr151


title: St. Louis Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Drug, Gun Crimes

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Clark on Tuesday sentenced a St. Louis man convicted of gun and drug crimes to 30 years in prison. Christopher Glen Rhodes, 47, was found guilty at trial in June of one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, two counts of distribution of a controlled substance, one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Evidence and testimony at trial showed that Rhodes was the supplier of methamphetamine that his co-defendant, Demetrius A. Ransom, sold to a confidential source working with the Drug Enforcement Administration. In late 2022, Ransom twice sold about a pound of meth to the confidential source, who told investigators that he’d previously purchased both meth and fentanyl from Ransom. He tried to sell a third pound but didn’t have enough, and offered to make up the difference in fentanyl, a sentencing memorandum says. That memo says Rhodes and Ransom have been selling drugs together for nearly 25 years. After the drug sales by Ransom, investigators planned a court-approved search of Rhodes’ home in the 4900 block of West Florissant Avenue. On Dec. 19, 2022, they saw Rhodes leaving. They stopped Rhodes’ car, but when he was asked to get out of the car, he sped away. Investigators found a total of 2.7 kilograms of meth, 3.8 kilos of fentanyl, 981.8 grams of cocaine and 129.7 grams of cocaine base in his home, evidence and testimony showed. They also found $21,000 in cash, a loaded 9mm Ruger handgun and drug paraphernalia. Rhodes is a felon and is thus barred from possessing a firearm. Rhodes’ 294-month prison sentence for possession with the intent to distribute cocaine base was commuted in 2016 to expire in 2018. He then sought early termination of his supervised release, saying he was older and wiser and wanted to advance at his job. Ransom, 46, of St. Louis County, was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Torrie J. Schneider and Don Boyce prosecuted the case.


title: Florida Man Ordered to Pay More Than $300,000 in Restitution for Sex Trafficking Victims

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A Lake Placid man has been ordered to pay $327,735 in restitution to the victims he trafficked for sex. The restitution order was entered on Oct. 6 by U.S. District Judge Aileen M. Cannon. Shannima Yuantrell Session, also known as “Shalamar,” 47, was previously sentenced to life in federal prison after a jury found him guilty of 10 counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and three counts of sex trafficking of a minor. The charges stemmed from Session’s exploitation of nearly a dozen women and girls. “Human trafficking is one of the most vicious crimes imaginable—it strips victims of their freedom, dignity, and humanity,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This restitution order ensures that the survivors of Session’s cruelty receive some measure of justice for the years of exploitation and abuse they endured. Our Office will continue to pursue traffickers relentlessly and stand with the victims they sought to silence.” According to evidence presented during the nine-day trial in September 2024, Session compelled his victims to engage in thousands of commercial sex acts between July 2011 and July 2013, and again between February 2016 and February 2019. Session lured women and girls facing unstable housing, substance abuse, or neglect with false promises of legitimate employment and housing assistance—promises calculated to gain their trust, expose their vulnerabilities, and ultimately allow him to control and exploit them. Session forced victims to engage in commercial sex acts in squalid trailers housing migrant workers and in local orange groves. He used food, shelter, and drugs to maintain control, exploiting victims’ addictions and dependence. Evidence showed that Session used a firearm to intimidate and threaten his victims, and that he often resorted to brutal violence—punching and beating them with weapons, and, in one instance, taking victims to a nearby lake where he held two of their heads underwater and threatened to drown them if they disobeyed. At trial and at the restitution hearing, the government demonstrated that Session made approximately $327,735 by compelling the victims’ coerced commercial sex acts. The restitution order requires Session to repay those illicit proceeds to his victims. U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. The FBI Miami, Fort Pierce Resident Agency, investigated the case, with assistance from the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Hoover for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorneys Leah Branch and Matthew Thiman of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 22-cr-14074. ###


title: Panamanian Extradited from Colombia to United States for Alleged Money Laundering

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Homero Angel Cevallos Velasquez, a Panamanian national who was extradited to the United States on November 20, 2025, to face international money laundering charges, was ordered detained pending trial during a hearing in federal court today. Federal prosecutors moved for Cevallos’ detention on the grounds that he posed a serious risk of flight from prosecution. Cevallos did not contest the United States’ motion and instead stipulated to being detained. Cevallos is scheduled to appear before United States District Judge Janis L. Sammartino on December 19, 2025, for a motion hearing and trial setting. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. To date, seven others have been charged or have admitted their roles in the scheme, including: Hector Alejandro Paez Garcia, a Mexico City-based attorney who assisted in laundering narcotics proceeds, pleaded guilty to being involved in the laundering of more than $52 million in May 2025. Miguel Angel Encinas Gomez of Mexicali, México, leader of the Mexicali-based cell of the money laundering organization (MLO), pleaded guilty to laundering $35 million in bulk cash narcotics proceeds in July 2023. Hugo Andres Velasquez Pantza, a Colombian national, allegedly assisted the MLO in the implementation of cryptocurrency into their operations. Velasquez was subsequently targeted in an undercover FBI operation and arrested in Rome, Italy, by Italian law enforcement at the request of the United States in January 2025. Velasquez was extradited to the United States in April 2025. His case is pending. James Harmon Yarbrough of Apopka, Florida, who worked in partnership with Cevallos to receive $326,000 in illicit proceeds in a scheme to convert the funds to cryptocurrency, pleaded guilty in July 2023. Victoria Johanna Lopez, Jose Jesus Lopez, Jose Mayorga Martinez, and Gerardo Vasquez Jr. allegedly worked as bulk cash couriers handling and depositing bulk cash for the MLO. Victoria Lopez, Jose Lopez and Mayorga have pleaded guilty. The case against Vasquez Jr. is still pending. Jhonatan Suarez Florez of Auburndale, Florida, who used accounts associated with his Florida-based construction and door manufacturing businesses to receive and transmit funds belonging to the criminal organization, pleaded guilty in December 2024. Alberto David Benguait Jimenez, an alleged leader of the MLO, remains a fugitive.. If anyone has information related to this individual, please contact your local FBI or DEA office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Benjamin and Robert Miller. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Owen Roth contributed significantly to the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s Judicial Attaché Office in Bogotá, Colombia worked with the Government of Colombia to secure the arrest and extradition from Colombia of Cevallos Velasquez. The FBI worked in close partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration, Imperial County District Attorney’s Office, as well as Panamanian authorities, to seize the MLO’s assets and arrest multiple participants in the scheme. DEFENDANT Case Number 24-cr-1745-JLS Homero Angel Cevallos Velasquez Age:52 Panama SUMMARY OF CHARGES International Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 1956(h), 1956(a)(1)(b)(i) and 1956(a)(2)(B)(i) Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine INVESTIGATING AGENCY Federal Bureau of Investigation *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case 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. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF San Diego comprises agents and officers from FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, Department of Defense, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and INTERPOL, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.