title: Dayton Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Analogue Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. – A Dayton, Ohio, man, Germel Hughes, 45, was sentenced on Friday, by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning to 222 months in prison, for conspiracy to distribute 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue and aiding and abetting the intended distribution of 100 grams or more of a mixture containing a fentanyl analogue. According to court documents, on January 2, 2024, law enforcement used a confidential informant to arrange a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Earnest Bryson, who agreed to sell a kilogram of fentanyl to the informant. On the following day, Bryson and co-defendants Julius Cole and Gerald Young traveled from Dayton, Ohio, to Fort Wright, Kentucky, to deliver the drugs to the informant. Soon after they arrived, law enforcement parked behind their vehicle and forcibly removed them from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed that an attempt was made to destroy the drugs by mixing them with Coca-Cola. Some of the mixture was tested, however, and found to contain fentanyl as well as fluorofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue. Further investigation revealed that Hughes supplied 100 grams or more of drugs intended to be distributed to the informant. Cole and Young have both pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges and have been sentenced to 132 months and 18 months, respectively. Under federal law, Hughes must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years. Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge, ATF, Louisville Field Division; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Director Scott Hardcorn, Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force; and Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by ATF, DEA, Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force and KSP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Winslow is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. -END-


title: Stanislaus County Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Possessing Fentanyl and Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: Salvador Vega Rendon Jr., 33, of Turlock, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to 16 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, on Nov. 29, 2020, in Stanislaus County, Rendon was driving while intoxicated and crashed his vehicle into a parked car. Witnesses observed Rendon remove an ice chest and several other suitcases and bags from his vehicle and place them on the side of the road and in the driveway of a nearby property. Law enforcement officers arrived and apprehended Rendon. The ice chest, bags and suitcases and Rendon’s vehicle were found to contain more than 10 kilograms of methamphetamine, 7,000 pills containing fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, LSD, marijuana, firearms, and body armor. Three of the four firearms that Rendon possessed in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime were outfitted with devices that enabled them to function as fully automatic weapons. This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly A. Sanchez and Michael G. Tierney prosecuted the case.


title: Jacksonville Convicted Child Sex Offender Sentenced To 50 Years For Producing Videos And Photos Depicting Sexual Abuse Of A Child

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Chief United States District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Kevin John Merritt (63, Jacksonville) to 50 years in federal prison for coercing and using a minor child to produce videos and photos that depicted the child being sexually abused. Merritt was arrested on March 16, 2023, and has been in custody since that time. He pleaded guilty on November 7, 2024. Merritt is a registered child sex offender following his 2011 federal conviction for possessing videos depicting the sexual abuse of children. According to court documents, this investigation began when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a “CyberTipline Report” from the company that owns Facebook. This report advised that files depicting child sexual abuse materials had been sent through Facebook Messenger on September 14, 2022, by user “Jackie Frost” to another Facebook user in Jacksonville. This report was forwarded to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO). Subsequent investigation by JSO identified Merritt as “Jackie Frost.” At the time, Merritt was serving a 30-year term of supervised release as part of his prior child sex conviction. On March 16, 2023, JSO detectives and other personnel executed a search warrant at Merritt’s residence. Merritt was at the home and was arrested. Several electronic devices were seized, including a cellphone belonging to Merritt. Subsequent review of the cellphone revealed an email account that was linked to the “Jackie Frost” Facebook account as well as other items attributable to Merritt. The device also contained numerous photos and videos depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of an identified minor child that were produced by Merritt using his cellphone. Merritt’s hand is visible in two of the videos. This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys D. Rodney Brown and Elisibeth Adams. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Federal Detainee Sentenced for Possessing Contraband  Inside Wyatt Detention Center

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A federal detainee at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center was sentenced today on charges of conspiracy and providing and possessing contraband in prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Anthony Whyte, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 12 months of incarceration. Whyte pleaded guilty on May 8, 2025. On May 21, 2023, Whyte took possession of multiple documents from a visitor that had the appearance of having been contaminated with some sort of substance. One of the eight pages later analyzed by the FBI was determined to have been treated with synthetic cannabinoids. Court documents reflect that Whyte arranged for the delivery of the contaminated pages during recorded telephone conversations he made from inside the Wyatt Detention Center. The papers and the manilla envelope they were contained in were seized moments after Whyte took possession of them. At the time, Whyte was detained in an unrelated criminal matter brought in the District of Connecticut. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr. The matter was investigated by the FBI, with the assistance of the Wyatt Detention Center Professional Standards Unit. ###


title: Oregon Man Charged With Coercing A Minor To Engage In Sexual Activity And Production Of Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Aleksandr Golovchenko (49, Oregon) with three counts of production of child sexual abuse material and two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. If convicted on all counts, Golovchenko faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. According to court documents, around February 2025, Golovchenko began a relationship with a 12-year-old girl after meeting her online. Between February and April 2025, Golovchenko persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced the victim to engage in sexual activity over the social media application Snapchat. Golovchenko also employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced the victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Former Department of Labor Employee Indicted for Fraudulently Obtaining Over $40,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Benefits

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A former employee of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) was charged today with fraudulently obtaining over $40,000 in pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA) benefits. Mo Yuong Kang, 50, formerly of Woburn and Dracut, Mass., was indicted today and charged with wire fraud. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. According to the indictment, Kang worked as an Industrial Hygienist with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an agency of the DOL, from June 2016 until July 2023. In 2020 and 2021, Kang was a full-time employee of the DOL and earned $86,667 and $90,738, respectively. According to the indictment, in April 2020, Kang allegedly submitted a false PUA application to the Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). It is alleged that, in the application, Kang claimed under the penalty of perjury that he was “self-employed, an independent contractor, or a gig worker and COVID-19 has severely limited [his] ability to perform [his] normal work,” and that he had not earned more than $89 a week since March 8, 2020. The DUA approved Kang’s claim, and through September 2021 Kang subsequently submitted weekly certifications to the DUA allegedly claiming that he did not work and did not receive any income during those weekly periods. Based upon his application registration and those weekly certifications, Kang allegedly received $45,868 in PUA benefits he was not entitled to. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Labor Racketeering and Fraud, Northeast Region; and Christopher Silvestro, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of the Public Corruption and Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted in March 2020 and designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act created a new temporary federal unemployment insurance program called pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA), which provided unemployment benefits for individuals who were not eligible for standard unemployment benefits. To receive PUA benefits, Massachusetts claimants were required to certify in an initial registration and in weekly certifications whether or not they worked or received any income during the relevant time period. The PUA program was administered in Massachusetts by the Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA). The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Damaging Bluefield Federal Building

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Will Adrian Samuels, 48, of Jefferson, Texas, pleaded guilty today to destruction of government property. According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 19, 2023, Samuels repeatedly threw objects at two glass exterior doors located at the front of the Elizabeth Kee Federal Building in Bluefield, causing more than $1,000 in damage. Samuels is scheduled to be sentenced on December 8, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Marshals Service (USMS) and the assistance provided by the Mercer County Sheriff's Office and the Wytheville, Virginia, Police Department. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney D. Keith Randolph is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-195. ###


title: Two Huntington Men Plead Guilty to Fentanyl Crimes

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Today, Anthony Jackson, also known as “Snake,” 59, of Huntington, pleaded guilty to distribution of a quantity of fentanyl and Brian Lee Moore, also known as “Pooter,” 37, of Huntington, pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the distribution of a quantity of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on January 8, 2025, Jackson and Moore took part in the sale of approximately 3.28 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant located at a 10th Avenue apartment in Huntington. As part of their guilty pleas, Moore admitted that he provided the fentanyl to Jackson and Jackson admitted that he distributed it to the confidential informant. As part of their guilty pleas, Jackson and Moore each admitted to additional criminal conduct. Jackson admitted that between January 11, 2024, and July 3, 2024, he distributed a total of 78.16 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant on eight different occasions. Moore admitted to providing a total of 67.09 grams of fentanyl for six of those transactions. On August 6, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the 10th Avenue apartment and seized approximately 338.34 grams of a substance containing fentanyl, the fentanyl analogue fluorofentanyl, heroin, and xylazine, a veterinary tranquilizer also known as “tranq.” Officers also seized approximately $1,130, a Taurus Model G2C 9mm pistol and a Springfield Model MDM pistol during the search. Jackson and Moore each admitted they were in the apartment during the search. Jackson admitted that he was at the apartment to receive fentanyl to distribute. Moore admitted that he was at the apartment to provide fentanyl for distribution and further admitted that he possessed the seized firearms and cash. On August 9, 2025, officers executed a search warrant for a safe deposit box at a bank in Huntington and seized approximately $50,000. Moore admitted that he possessed the seized cash and that it was proceeds from drug distributions. Jackson and Moore are scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, 2025, and each faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cabell County Sheriff’s Office. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph F. Adams is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-156. ###


title: Orleans Parish Man Guilty of Violating Federal Gun Control Act

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ELIJAH MARTIN (“MARTIN”) , age 27, a resident of New Orleans, plead guilty on August 21, 2025, to violating the Federal Gun Control Act before United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown. MARTIN plead guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm by a felon, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). On each count MARTIN faces a up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to court documents, on December 16, 2023, an officer with the East Jefferson Parish Levee Police Department found MARTIN , a convicted felon, in possession of a firearm, a Smith & Wesson Model M&P Shield, 9mm pistol, during a traffic stop. On January 25, 2024, New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers, again found MARTIN in possession of a firearm, a Glock Model 26, 9mm. MARTIN is prohibited from possessing a firearm dur to his prior felony convictions. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the East Jefferson Parish Levee Police Department, the New Orleans Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Sarver of the Narcotics Unit. * * *


title: Philadelphia Company and Its Founder Charged With Fraudulently Claiming That Pesticide Products Were Effective at Killing Covid Virus

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that ViaClean Technologies, LLC and its founder, James Young, 46, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, were charged by indictment with conspiring to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, mail fraud, and violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (“FIFRA”). Sean Storrie, 59, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was also charged with FIFRA violations. Young and Storrie made their initial appearances in federal magistrate court in Philadelphia this afternoon. ViaClean Technologies, LLC will have its initial appearance on September 5. The indictment alleges that ViaClean Technologies, LLC and Young conspired with others to sell registered pesticides using false and misleading claims about the products, knowingly misleading potential customers by claiming that the pesticide products, which were used to inhibit the growth of odor-causing and stain-causing bacteria, fungi (mold and mildew), and algae, were effective at killing the SARS-CoV-2 virus. All defendants are also charged with misdemeanor FIFRA violations for selling the pesticide products by making claims that differed from the approved master labels for the products. The case was investigated by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division and the United States Postal Inspection Service and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Abrams. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.


title: Luzerne County Man Sentenced To 160 Months For Drug Trafficking And  Firearm Offenses

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Kevin Neysmith, a/k/a Kevin Blackwood, age 45, a resident of Kingston, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 160 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to the Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, on September 9, 2022, members of the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force arrested Neysmith in Moosic, Pennsylvania, as he was attempting to make a fentanyl delivery. During the arrest, Neysmith exited his moving vehicle and fled through a parking lot. His car continued to move and struck an unoccupied car. Task Force Officers arrested him as he tried to hide behind a dumpster. Officer seized from Neysmith--and from a compartment in his car--methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, and an unregistered 9-millimeter Canik 55 Model TP9 semi-automatic pistol equipped with a tactical laser. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)—Scranton Office, the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office, members of the Lackawanna County Drug Task Force, and the Moosic Borough Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson. # # #


title: Mexican National Indicted for Drug and Firearm Crimes

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Mexican national, whose immigration status was revoked at the time of his arrest, is facing federal charges for drug and firearm crimes, and was ordered by the court to remain in federal custody. Ignacio Gonzalez, 27, a Mexican citizen living in Riverton, Utah, was initially charged in a complaint earlier this month and indicted by a federal grand jury last week. According to court documents, on August 5, 2025, federal law enforcement agents assisted Taylorsville Police Department during an executed search warrant at a residence in Riverton. During the search of the residence, law enforcement seized approximately 51.7 pounds of methamphetamine, a stolen Glock 43X, 9mm pistol, and other illegal drugs. Each of the seized bags of methamphetamine contained approximately 2.1 pounds of methamphetamine. Gonzalez is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. A three day jury trial is scheduled for November 3, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 3.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Taylorsville Police Department. Special assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Woolf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Attachments: ignacio_gonzalez.indictment.pdf ignacio_gonzalez._felony_complaint.pdf


title: Seven Defendants Charged With Wide-Scale Narcotics Conspiracy, Racketeering Conspiracy, And Murder

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Christopher G. Raia, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging CARLOS MOLINA RODRIGUEZ; SAMUEL BLAIN, a/k/a “Lobo,” a/k/a “Snipes,” a/k/a “Loboferoz”; CARLOS MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Bway”; KALIF COX, a/k/a “Leef,” a/k/a “LG”; JUSTICE BEARD, a/k/a “Just”; CALVIN LEWIS, a/k/a “Ski”; and EMMANUEL IDYIS with narcotics distribution, narcotics importation, continuing criminal enterprise, racketeering conspiracy, murder, and other related charges in and around Middletown and Newburgh, New York. MOLINA, MARTINEZ, COX, BEARD, LEWIS, and IDYIS were arrested earlier this year in New York, California, and North Carolina. On August 22, 2025, BLAIN was expelled from Mexico and arrested at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. MOLINA, BLAIN, MARTINEZ, COX, BEARD, and LEWIS have been ordered detained pending trial. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Vincent L. Briccetti. “As alleged, these defendants operated a large-scale narcotics distribution, importation, and racketeering conspiracy to smuggle dozens of kilograms of illegal crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl from Mexico and drive them in specially modified minivans all over the United States, including to New York,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The defendants are also charged—in connection with their participation in a violent street gang—with murdering an innocent bystander during a gunfight in Newburgh, in September 2019, committing numerous robberies, illegally trafficking firearms, and creating child pornography. The wide-ranging criminal conduct described in this Indictment shows a troubling indifference to the safety of New Yorkers that cannot be tolerated. This Office and our partners will not rest until every individual responsible for these heinous crimes—wherever they may be hiding, whether in Mexico or New York—is brought to justice.” “These seven defendants allegedly used any illicit means necessary to support their criminal enterprise, including smuggling large amounts of narcotics into this country, trafficking illegal firearms, and shooting at rivals, which included the murder of an innocent bystander by one of the defendants,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “Their alleged nondiscriminatory criminality depicts a relentless appetite to promote the gang’s operations, regardless of the affected community left in its turmoiled wake. This Summer Heat indictment demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast dedication to crushing all forms of violent crime and eradicating any criminal organization using our communities to perpetuate their unlawful activities.” According to the allegations contained in the Indictment unsealed yesterday in White Plains federal court, court filings, and statements made in court proceedings: [1] MOLINA, BLAIN, MARTINEZ, COX, BEARD, LEWIS, and IDYIS are charged with running large-scale narcotics and racketeering conspiracies that involved the importation and cross-country movement of massive quantities of dangerous drugs, including crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. Between at least about 2022 and April 2025, the defendants ran and participated in a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization (the “MOLINA DTO”). The MOLINA DTO was led by MOLINA and BLAIN, among others. The MOLINA DTO recruited drivers from the U.S. to import narcotics from Mexico. At the MOLINA DTO’s direction, the drivers would make their way to California, where they would cross into Mexico and receive a specially modified minivan loaded with narcotics and/or narcotics proceeds. The drivers then drove those narcotics/narcotics proceeds-laden vehicles back across the U.S.-Mexico border and then across the country, including to Middletown, staying in regular contact with their MOLINA DTO recruiter to receive instructions about where next to take the vehicle. In total, the MOLINA DTO is responsible for smuggling dozens of kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl into the U.S. through this scheme. Between at least 2019 and April 2025, MARTINEZ led a highly organized gang known as the Forbes List, which was a subset of the national gang known as the Makk Ballas. MARTINEZ’s gang was based in Middletown and its members included COX, BEARD, LEWIS, and IDYIS, among others. Through BLAIN and MARTINEZ, the Forbes List was connected with the MOLINA DTO and began trafficking the MOLINA DTO’s drugs from Mexico into the U.S. Forbes List members also committed shootings, firearms trafficking, robberies, drug dealing, and fraud as part of their participation in the gang. Specifically, COX is charged with the murder of an innocent bystander, Amed Alberto Alvarado Baquedano, during a gang-related gunfight in Newburgh on September 21, 2019; inducing a minor victim to record herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct and then send that recording to him; illegally trafficking firearms across state lines; and committing a drug‑related shooting in the Bronx, New York, in July 2024. MARTINEZ is also charged with illegally possessing ammunition in Middletown in May 2024, and BEARD is additionally charged with possessing a firearm in connection with drug dealing in Yonkers, New York, and illegally possessing a firearm in Yonkers in July 2024. * * * A chart containing the defendants’ names, ages, charges, and maximum penalties is set out below. COUNT CHARGE DEFENDANTS MAX. PENALTIES I Narcotics distribution conspiracy 21 U.S.C. § 846 CARLOS MOLINA RODRIGUEZ, 31 SAMUEL BLAIN, a/k/a “Lobo,” a/k/a “Snipes,” a/k/a “Loboferoz," 36 CARLOS MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Bway," 35 KALIF COX, a/k/a “Leef,” a/k/a “LG," 28 JUSTICE BEARD, a/k/a “Just," 36 CALVIN LEWIS, a/k/a “Ski," 36 EMMANUEL IDYIS, 25 Life II Narcotics importation conspiracy 21 U.S.C. § 963 CARLOS MOLINA RODRIGUEZ SAMUEL BLAIN, a/k/a “Lobo,” a/k/a “Snipes,” a/k/a “Loboferoz” CARLOS MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Bway” KALIF COX, a/k/a “Leef,” a/k/a “LG” JUSTICE BEARD, a/k/a “Just” CALVIN LEWIS, a/k/a “Ski” EMMANUEL IDYIS Life III Continuing criminal enterprise 21 U.S.C. § 848 CARLOS MOLINA RODRIGUEZ SAMUEL BLAIN, a/k/a “Lobo,” a/k/a “Snipes,” a/k/a “Loboferoz” CARLOS MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Bway” Life IV Racketeering conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 1961(d) CARLOS MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Bway” KALIF COX, a/k/a “Leef,” a/k/a “LG” JUSTICE BEARD, a/k/a “Just” CALVIN LEWIS, a/k/a “Ski” EMMANUEL IDYIS Life V Murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(1) KALIF COX, a/k/a “Leef,” a/k/a “LG” Life VI Murder through the use of a firearm 18 U.S.C. § 924(j) KALIF COX, a/k/a “Leef,” a/k/a “LG” Life VII Attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5) KALIF COX, a/k/a “Leef,” a/k/a “LG” 20 years VIII Sexual exploitation of a child 18 U.S.C. §§ 2251(a), (e) KALIF COX, a/k/a “Leef,” a/k/a “LG” 30 years IX Receipt of child pornography 18 U.S.C. §§ 2252A(a)(2)(B), (b)(1) KALIF COX, a/k/a “Leef,” a/k/a “LG” 20 years X Firearms trafficking conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 933 KALIF COX, a/k/a “Leef,” a/k/a “LG” 15 years XI Discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii) KALIF COX, a/k/a “Leef,” a/k/a “LG” Life XII Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) JUSTICE BEARD, a/k/a “Just” Life XIII Possession of a firearm after a felony conviction 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) JUSTICE BEARD, a/k/a “Just” 15 years XIV Possession of ammunition after a felony conviction 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) CARLOS MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Bway” 15 years The statutory maximum and minimum sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force. Mr. Clayton also thanked the FBI Los Angeles Office; the FBI Dallas Office; Mexican law enforcement partners and the FBI Mexico Legal Attache; the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of California, Northern District of Texas, and Eastern District of North Carolina; the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations; the Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Customs and Border Patrol; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the New York State Police; the City of Newburgh Police Department; the Town of New Windsor Police Department; the Middletown Police Department; the New York Police Department; and the Kingston Borough Police Department for their assistance in the investigation. This case is being prosecuted by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan W. Allison, Justin L. Brooke, Jennifer N. Ong, and Margaret N. Vasu are in charge of the prosecution. u.s._v._molina_et_al_indictment.pdf [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: California Man Sentenced To 97 Months In Prison For Conspiring To Distribute Fentanyl In Central Pennsylvania

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced today that Donnie Woods, age 45, of Northridge, California, was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Keli M. Neary for conspiring to distribute fentanyl. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Woods admitted that from July 2020 through at least April 2021, he conspired with others to distribute substantial quantities fentanyl in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. In April 2021, law enforcement in Pennsylvania seized two packages that Woods had sent from California to a residence in York, Pennsylvania. The two packages contained, in total, nearly four kilograms of fentanyl. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses. # # #


title: Iranian Couple Pleads Guilty After June Confrontation with ICE

component: USAO - Arizona

number: 2025-140_Asadi Eidivand, et al

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand, 41, an Iranian national, and his wife, Linet Vartanniavartanians, 37, a naturalized United States citizen, pleaded guilty on August 21 after a confrontation in June with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Eidivand pleaded guilty to Alien in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition. Vartanniavartanians pleaded guilty to Threats Against a Federal Law Enforcement Officer. Sentencing is scheduled for November 26, 2025, before United States District Judge David G. Campbell. In his plea, Eidivand, a citizen of Iran without legal authority to be in the United States, admitted that, on or about June 21, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona, he possessed two firearms, which is prohibited for illegal aliens. Vartanniavartanians admitted that, on the same date, when ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) came to her residence in Tempe, Arizona to contact her husband, she made threats intended to impede, intimidate, and interfere with the officers engaged in the performance of their official duties. Vartanniavartanias made the following threats: “I’m not letting anybody enter my home without my, you know, permission. So anybody that tries to invade my home, I’m going to shoot them. Like I said, I have a gun, and it’s loaded.” “Anybody trying to enter my house is going to be shooted. I don’t allow anybody in my house, including ICE.” When asked about the location of the gun, I responded “in my hand right now.” “I go outside the backyard, and I’ll just shoot them in the head.” A conviction for Alien in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition carries a maximum term of 15 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, or both, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. The maximum term of probation is five years, including a minimum term of one year if probation is imposed. A conviction for Threats Against a Federal Law Enforcement Officer carries a maximum term of 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000.00, or both, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. The maximum term of probation is five years, including a minimum term of one year if probation is imposed. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ICE ERO, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI’s Phoenix Division conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-25-00931-PHX-DGC RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-140_Asadi Eidivand, et al # # # 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: Former Box Elder Teacher’s Aide Sentenced to 10 Years  in Federal Prison for Enticement of a Minor Student

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a woman from Tonganoxie, Kansas, convicted of Enticement of a Minor Using the Internet. The sentencing took place on August 18, 2025. Duncan Sioux Witt, 29, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. A federal grand jury indicted Witt for the charge in August 2024. She pleaded guilty on April 30, 2025. During the commission of her crime, Witt was employed at Douglas High School in Box Elder, South Dakota, as a special education paraprofessional teacher’s aide. The victim was a student receiving special education services at the school. No later than February 2024, Witt began sending the boy sexually explicit messages, as well as sexually explicit images and videos of herself, using Snapchat. Over time, Witt induced the boy to send her sexually explicit pictures and videos of himself, which she saved in her Snapchat account. Witt and the boy exchanged thousands of messages over the course of several months. When the victim turned 18, Witt convinced her former husband to allow him to move into their home. Then, Witt provided the victim with alcohol and began a sexual relationship with him. Witt repeatedly told the victim she was pregnant with his child and convinced him she intended to leave her marriage to be with him. The investigation revealed Witt had inappropriate conversations over Snapchat with multiple other students, in addition to the victim in this case. Witt was arrested in South Carolina while working at an elementary school. 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 . This case was investigated by the Box Elder Police Department and the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case. Witt was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Aberdeen, SD Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison For Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a man from Aberdeen, South Dakota, convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on August 18, 2025. Kaleb Lee Fletcher Kapit, 44, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Kapit was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in February 2024. He pleaded guilty on May 19, 2025. Kapit and others conspired to distribute methamphetamine in Aberdeen, South Dakota. In February 2023, law enforcement seized a package sent to Kapit by his co-conspirator, which contained approximately one pound of methamphetamine and was intended for distribution to others. Through further investigation, law enforcement learned that Kapit had sent money to someone in California on multiple occasions. This case was investigated by the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case. Kapit was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Pharmacy Owner Sentenced to Federal Prison for Filing False Tax Returns in Connection With More Than $1-Million Tax Loss

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – Today, Judge James K. Bredar sentenced Moshe Gabay, 55, of Baltimore, Maryland, to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment, for filing false tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Judge Bredar also ordered Gabay — a Baltimore pharmacy owner — to pay the IRS $1,039,585 in restitution. On the fraudulent tax returns, Gabay underreported his income by more than $3.5 million which meant he owed more than $1 million in taxes. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington D.C. Field Office. In his guilty plea, Gabay acknowledged that he owned and operated SINU-RX Pharmacy Inc. (SINU-RX), located in Baltimore. Gabay controlled SINU-RX’s finances and was responsible for directing interactions and providing information to SINU-RX’s bookkeepers and tax preparers. From tax years 2017 through 2022, Gabay’s tax returns were filed on his behalf. Gabay’s tax returns included Form 1120S, U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation, for SINU-RX and Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Prior to the filing of the returns, Gabay intentionally and knowingly provided information to his bookkeepers and tax-return preparers that falsely categorized funds taken from SINU-RX. These funds were listed as business expenses, specifically for the cost of goods sold. But Gabay had diverted these funds to himself for his personal use. As a result, Gabay underreported his income by more than $3.5 million which meant he owed more than $1 million in taxes. Pursuant to the guilty plea, Gabay agreed to pay restitution of more than $1 million. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the IRS-CI for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared W. Murphy and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew P. Phelps, who prosecuted the federal case, and Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber for her valuable assistance. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: California Man Charged with Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

component: Tax Division

body_text: An indictment was unsealed last week in Los Angeles charging a California man with mail fraud and various tax crimes related to a tax refund fraud scheme. The following is according to the indictment: from 2016 through 2025, Melvin Louis Hughes, also known as “Melvin Louis Huges” and “Bandele El,” of Los Angeles County, operated a scheme to file false federal tax returns claiming millions of dollars in fraudulent tax refunds. As alleged in the indictment, Hughes submitted fraudulent Forms 1041, U.S. Income Tax Returns for Estates and Trusts, for himself and others, claiming more than $360 million in fraudulent tax refunds based on fictitious federal income tax withholdings. These tax returns allegedly attached Forms 1099, which falsely reported that major banks, online payment platforms, and other legitimate businesses made payments from which substantial amounts of tax had been withheld and paid over to the IRS. In 2024 and 2025, as a further part of the scheme, Hughes allegedly filed false IRS Forms 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns, which claimed more than $370 million in refunds based on false tax withholdings. Hughes allegedly received approximately $6.2 million in tax refunds. He allegedly used the funds to purchase a $1.84 million house in Malibu, California, two Tesla automobiles, and approximately $500,000 in cryptocurrency. Hughes also allegedly promoted this scheme to at least 17 other taxpayers, collecting various fees from them in exchange for his assistance. From at least five taxpayers, Hughes allegedly demanded 10% of the refund they received but instructed that the payment be made to Brother to Brother Outreach Trust, another purported trust he created and falsely characterized as a charitable donation. As alleged, Hughes received approximately $868,704.45 from the taxpayers who had utilized his scheme. In total, Hughes is alleged to have caused a total tax loss to the IRS of approximately $13 million. Hughes was charged with mail fraud, making a false claim, filing a false tax return, and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for mail fraud, a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of making false claims for refund, a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of filing false tax returns, and a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false tax returns. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Patrick Burns and Mahana Weidler of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Fresno Restaurant Operator Charged with Hiring a Gang Member to Set Fire to Restaurant

body_text: Fresno restaurant operator Robert “Bobby” Salazar, 63, has been arrested on a federal complaint for arson of commercial property and arson in furtherance of a felony for directing a motorcycle gang member to set fire to an underperforming restaurant property, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, on April 2, 2024, a fire broke out at the vacant Bobby Salazar’s restaurant on Blackstone Avenue in Fresno. Fire investigators determined that the cause of the fire was arson, with partially burned gas cans located inside the restaurant and extensive fire damage to the interior: Fire damage inside the restaurant Partially burned gas cans According to court documents, agents learned that the person who set the fire was the president of the local Screamin’ Demons Motorcycle Club. Salazar allegedly hired the motorcycle gang member to start the fire and then claimed to his insurance company that he had nothing to do with the arson. He was ultimately paid out at least $980,739 for his insurance claim. This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fresno Fire Department, with assistance from the Fresno Police Department, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert L. Veneman-Hughes and Brittany M. Gunter are prosecuting the case. Salazar is expected to make an initial court appearance on Aug. 27, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara A. McAuliffe in Fresno at 2:00 P.M. If convicted, Salazar faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison for commercial arson, as well as 10 years in prison mandatorily consecutive for arson in furtherance of a felony. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Criminal Complaint salazar_complaint_25mj92.cr_.comp_.0825_redacted_v.1.pdf


title: Nigerian Monarch Sentenced to Over 4 Years in Prison After Pleading Guilty to Wire and Tax Fraud Charges

body_text: CLEVELAND – A dual American and Nigerian citizen has been sentenced to prison for creating and leading a scheme that bilked more than $4.2 million from federal loan and grant programs that were intended to assist small businesses with economic hardship they suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joseph Oloyede, 62, who holds both U.S. and Nigerian citizenship and resides in Medina, Ohio, was sentenced to 56 months (4 and ⅔ years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko on Aug. 26, after he pleaded guilty in April to the following charges: One count of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud Three counts of Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Criminally Derived Property Two counts of Making and Subscribing a False Tax Return Oloyede was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment and pay $4,408,543.38 in restitution. He also forfeited his Medina home on Foote Road, which he had acquired with proceeds of the scheme, and an additional $96,006.89 in fraud proceeds investigators had seized. Court documents show that from about April 2020 to February 2022, Oloyede and his co-conspirator, Edward Oluwasanmi, 62, of Willoughby, conspired to submit fraudulent applications for loans that were made available through the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Among these were the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which aided small businesses that suffered financial hardship as a result of the pandemic with loans and grants. During the investigation, agents found that Oloyede operated as a tax preparer and owned five businesses and one nonprofit. His co-defendant—and tax client—Oluwasanmi, owned an additional three business entities; all were incorporated in Ohio. Both defendants used their businesses to submit loan applications using false information. They obtained approximately $1.2 million in SBA funds for Oluwasanmi’s entities and $1.7 million for Oloyede’s entities. In addition, Oloyede submitted fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications in the names of some of his clients and their businesses. In exchange, Oloyede would receive 15-20% of their loans as the fee, or kickback, for obtaining the loans for them, without reporting this income to the IRS on his own tax returns. Investigators learned that the defendant used funds obtained from these loans to acquire land and build a home and purchase a luxury vehicle. In total, Oloyede caused the SBA to approve 38 fraudulent applications, amounting to $4,213,378 in disbursed loans and advances. According to information presented to Judge Boyko, Oloyede is a naturalized U.S. citizen who also holds a position as the monarch, or traditional ruler, of the Nigerian city of Ipetumodu. In July 2024, Oluwasanmi was sentenced to 27 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy. He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release, pay a $15,000 fine, and pay more than $1.2 million in restitution. Oluwasanmi also forfeited much of the proceeds he received from the scheme, including a commercial property on Green Road in South Euclid that he acquired with fraud proceeds, and more than $600,000 he had transferred to financial accounts. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Transportation-Office of the Inspector General, as part of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee Fraud Task Force; FBI Cleveland Division; and IRS-Criminal Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward D. Brydle and James L. Morford for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Serial Domestic Abuser Sentenced to More than a Decade in Prison for Possessing Firearms

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Ronnie Bila Shaka, 44, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 140 months’ imprisonment followed by 3 years of supervised release for possessing firearms as a felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Domestic abusers are among the most dangerous offenders we face,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “They prey on the very people they should protect and in doing so endanger their victims, police officers, and the community as a whole. When someone shows they are willing to terrorize their own family, they have forfeited their right to walk free. More than a decade in federal prison is exactly what this conduct deserves, and it should serve as a warning: we will not tolerate domestic violence and we will hold these offenders accountable before they can destroy more lives.” According to court documents, on November 2, 2023, officers were dispatched to Shaka’s residence on a report of a domestic dispute involving a firearm. Police ultimately had to force entry into the residence, where they located Shaka along with his pregnant girlfriend and her baby. Shaka threatened the victim with a ghost gun to prevent her from leaving the house. A later search warrant uncovered five firearms from safes next to Shaka’s bed, along with a large quantity of magazines and ammunition. Two of the firearms were Polymer 80 “ghost guns” without serial numbers that were equipped with machinegun conversion devices (commonly called “switches”) that rendered them fully automatic. Videos located on Shaka’s cell phone showed him firing the handguns with switches outside the residence, with accompanying texts messages where Shaka bragged about how powerful they were. Shaka’s criminal history is long and violent. He has eight prior felony convictions, and six prior convictions for firearms offenses. His convictions for domestic violence-related offenses date back to when he was 18 years old and include multiple domestic assaults, terroristic threats, and repeated violations of no-contact orders. Shaka was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 140 months imprisonment before Senior U.S. District Judge Paul A. Magnuson following his guilty plea. In imposing the sentence, Judge Magnuson emphasized the dangerousness of the weapons that Shaka possessed, noting that guns with “switches” are not possessed for any legitimate purpose: “they’re made to kill people.” The judge also credited the evidence that Shaka had threatened his girlfriend with a gun on the night of his arrest, remarking that Shaka’s treatment of her was “unconscionable.” This case is the result of an investigation conducted by ATF and Robbinsdale Police Department, with assistance from the Crystal Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ruth S. Shnider and William C. Mattessich prosecuted the case.


title: Members Of Jacksonville Drug Trafficking Organization Plead Guilty To Operating Multi-Kilo Fentanyl And Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Aaron Jarvis McGhee (39, Sumterville), Shikita Lashelle James (38, Jacksonville), Johnny Angelo Pack (50, Jacksonville), Natra Antonio Jones (33, Jacksonville), and Bobby Warren Harvey, Jr. (28, Jacksonville) have each pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl. James, Pack, Jones, and Harvey also each pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, or both. Each faces a minimum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The sentencing hearings for McGhee, James, Pack, and Harvey are set for December 11, 2025. Jones’s sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled. According to the court documents, in 2022 and 2023, these individuals operated a drug trafficking organization that purchased fentanyl and methamphetamine from Mexican supply sources and transported the drugs through Houston, Texas, to Jacksonville, Florida, where they were sold. Already serving a federal prison term for a prior drug conspiracy conviction, McGhee used a contraband cellphone from prison to coordinate these drug transactions, which resulted in drug shipments across the southern U.S. border from Mexico into Texas. There, Pack secured these drug shipments and transported them back to Florida. Once in Jacksonville, Pack delivered the drug shipments to residences belonging to James, who stored and distributed the drugs to retail dealers in Duval and Clay Counties. Jones and Harvey served as runners for the organization in Jacksonville and were responsible for transporting drugs and drug proceeds. Between April and May 2023, members of the organization routinely flew commercially between Jacksonville and Houston, staying one day at a time in Houston before taking return flights back to Jacksonville. On April 28, 2023, DEA agents observed James travel to the Jacksonville International Airport, where she dropped off Jones and Harvey, both of whom were scheduled to fly to Houston. Agents observed Jones and Harvey check in two bags each as luggage. Agents seized the four bags and secured search warrants for them. Agents recovered a total of $399,800 in cash from inside Jones’s two suitcases. In Harvey’s suitcases, agents recovered approximately five kilograms of fentanyl and an additional $373,980. On May 16, 2023, DEA agents executed search warrants at two of James’s residences in Jacksonville. Inside one house, agents recovered approximately $824,909 in cash, approximately 6.7 kilograms of fentanyl, 4.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of heroin, and five loaded firearms. Inside the second house, agents recovered approximately $28,000 in cash, approximately 5.4 kilograms of methamphetamine, and four loaded firearms. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kirwinn Mike and Elisibeth Adams.


title: Nevada Man with Ties to South Dakota Sentenced to 15 ½ Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography and Cyberstalking

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a man from Las Vegas, Nevada, convicted of Production of Child Pornography and Cyberstalking. The sentencing took place on August 25, 2025. Jaykob Elijah Varner, age 25, was sentenced to 15 years and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200. Varner was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2024. He pleaded guilty on June 2, 2025. The conviction stemmed from incidents occurring between August 1, 2023, and April 13, 2024, when Varner coerced a juvenile female to send him nude photographs and videos of herself. Varner cyberstalked another juvenile female and similarly coerced her into sending nude photographs of herself. In both instances, Varner threatened to expose the victims’ photographs to their family, friends, and classmates if the victims refused to comply with Varner’s intensifying demands. These communications took place through Snapchat. “This case is a sobering example of the real and serious threats our children face online,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “The victims in this case were sextorted by a complete stranger, whose escalating demands for compromising photos led the victims to believe they had no other choice than to comply. Although Varner will rightfully spend the next 15 years of his life in federal prison, there are others out there attempting to perpetrate the same crime. It is therefore critical that we talk with the children in our lives about the dangers associated with social media and how to report this type of illegal activity.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and DCI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb 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 . Varner was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Nigerian National Pleads Guilty to Role in Business Email Compromise Scheme

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – James Junior Aliyu, 30, a Nigerian national residing in South Africa at the time of his criminal conduct, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Aliyu, who was extradited from South Africa to the United States, is the last of three defendants to plead guilty to his role in a business email compromise (BEC) scheme. Eight other defendants previously pled guilty in the District of Maryland in separate cases related to the same conspiracy. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Baltimore. On June 24, 2019, a federal grand jury returned an indictment, charging Aliyu, Kosi Goodness Simon-Ebo, 30, and Henry Onyedikachi Echefu, 31, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. All three are Nigerian citizens who resided in South Africa at the time of the crimes. Federal authorities unsealed the indictment on July 6, 2022, upon the defendants’ arrests outside of the U.S. All three were extradited to the United States from outside the country to face their federal charges. According to his plea agreement, from February 2017 until at least July 2017, Aliyu conspired with others to perpetrate a BEC scheme. Specifically, Aliyu and his co-conspirators, including co-conspirators residing in Maryland, gained unauthorized access to email accounts associated with individuals and businesses that they targeted. The co-conspirators sent false wiring instructions to the victims’ email accounts from “spoofed” emails — accounts associated with forged sender addresses — to deceive the victims into sending money to bank accounts controlled by the scheme’s perpetrators, which are called “drop accounts.” Additionally, during the same timeframe, Aliyu and his co-conspirators plotted to commit money laundering. They conspired to disburse the fraudulently obtained funds into the drop accounts and to other accounts by initiating account transfers, withdrawing cash, obtaining cashier’s checks, and writing checks to other individuals and entities to hide the true ownership and source of the assets. As detailed in the plea agreement, the intended loss for transactions Aliyu was directly involved in was at least $4,162,211.65. The actual loss resulting from these transactions was at least $1,570,475. Aliyu directly controlled at least $1,194,565 of the funds they obtained from victims. According to the plea agreement, Aliyu is required to pay a money judgment of at least $1,194,565, and restitution in the full amount of the victims’ losses, which the parties agree is at least $2,389,130. Aliyu is facing a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman scheduled sentencing for Monday, November 24, at 10 a.m. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI’s Mid-Atlantic El Dorado Task Force for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked the South African Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa, and South African Police Service. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provided significant assistance in securing Aliyu’s extradition from South Africa. OIA and the Department of Justice Canada’s International Assistance Group also provided substantial aid in securing the arrest and extradition of both Echefu and Simon-Ebo. Ms. Hayes also recognized Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan S. McKoy who is prosecuting the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: East Weymouth Woman Charged with Bank Fraud

body_text: BOSTON – An East Weymouth woman was charged today in federal court in Boston with scheming to fraudulently obtain Social Security benefits. Debora A. Siler, 68, was charged with one count of bank fraud and will appear in U.S. District Court in Boston on Sept. 11, 2025. According to the charging documents, Siler fraudulently obtained approximately $61,685.13 in Social Security benefits from June 2015 through September 2020. Siler is alleged to have had access to the checkbook and debit card of a Social Security beneficiary who died in May 2015. Instead of reporting the beneficiary’s death to the Social Security Administration or the bank where the benefits were deposited, Siler allegedly accessed the improperly paid benefits by forging the deceased beneficiary’s name on several checks and regularly depleting the account funds through debit card transactions. The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Topsham Man Serving State Sentence for Sexual Abuse of Children Sentenced to 20 Years for Producing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Topsham man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for sexually exploiting four children. Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Henry Eichman , 65, to 20 years in prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Eichman pleaded guilty on December 10, 2024. According to court records, in August 2022, a worker from a Brunswick landscaping company found two laptops and several hard drives hidden under a kayak on the company’s property. The employee opened the devices, discovered that they contained child sexual abuse material, and recognized Eichman, who was a former employee, in some of the files. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) forensically examined the devices and recovered over 500 images and videos containing child sexual abuse material, including videos showing Eichman setting up a recording device and/or participating in the sexual abuse of minor victims from 2014 to 2016. The videos depicted Eichman engaging in sexually explicit conduct with children under the age of 12. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is limiting identifying information to protect the minor victims’ privacy. Eichman previously entered an Alford plea in state court in 2018 to the sexual abuse of children and is currently serving a 10-year sentence. He will begin serving the sentence imposed today after the completion of his state sentence. HSI investigated the case with assistance from the Topsham Police Department and the Brunswick Police Department. To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678 . If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741 . Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc . ###


title: St. Bernard Parish Man Guilty of Violating Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – TERRY BAHAM, JR. (“BAHAM”) , age 37, a resident of St. Bernard Parish, pled guilty on August 12, 2025 before United States District Judge Brandon S. Long to possession with intent to distribute forty grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, and quantities of mixtures and substances containing detectable amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D), and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. According to court documents, in October 2021, St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s deputies received information regarding the drug trafficking activities of BAHAM at his residence in Chalmette, Louisiana. Deputies obtained a search warrant for the residence. Inside the residence, deputies located and seized approximately 112 grams of fentanyl, 74 grams of cocaine, 14 grams of methamphetamine, 405 grams of marijuana and 112 THC cartridges. Also seized from the residence were four firearms: a Beretta Model BU9 Nano, nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, a Glock Model 27, 40 caliber. semi-automatic pistol, a Zastava Arms Model PAP M85 NP, .223 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Sharps Bros. Model Warthog, .223 caliber rifle. For the drug count, BAHAM faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of forty years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For the firearm count, BAHAM faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed, a fine of up to $250,000.00, five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Effingham County area drug dealers sentenced on meth-related charges

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: BENTON, Ill. – This year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the Effingham Police Department, the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department, and the Effingham County State’s Attorney’s Office, have prosecuted several methamphetamine dealers in the Effingham County area. “Trafficking drugs in southern Illinois will earn dealers a federal prison sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Thanks to the efforts of our local law enforcement partners in the Effingham County area, less meth is circulating on the streets. We will continue to work together to eliminate drugs from our communities.” “These cases show what can be accomplished when local, county, and federal agencies work together toward a common goal,” said Effingham Police Chief Kurt Davis. “I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department, the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and the staff of the Effingham Police Department for their partnership and commitment. Their efforts make our community safer by keeping dangerous drugs off our streets.” Jeramy C. Hoffman, 49, of Effingham, Illinois, was convicted of two counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On May 15, 2025, the Court sentenced Hoffman to 110 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release. Corey W. Dasenbrock, 48, of Effingham, Illinois, was convicted of two counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On Aug. 19, 2025, the Court sentenced Dasenbrock to 110 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by four years supervised release. Hayden L. Limes, 29, of Effingham, Illinois, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On May 1, 2025, the Court sentenced Limes to 96 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years’ supervised release. Taylor K. Nathan, 31, of Effingham, Illinois, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On April 3, 2025, the Court sentenced Nathan to 84 months’ incarceration, to be followed by four years supervised release. Robert J. Beckler, II, 55, of Effingham, Illinois, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The Court sentenced Beckler to 120 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years’ supervised release. Russell A. Beldi, 45, of Teutopolis, Illinois, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On May 15, 2025, Beldi was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by four years supervised release. Jodi L. Corbella, 48, of Citrus Heights, California, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Although from California, Corbella was sending methamphetamine to Russell Beldi for resale in the Effingham area. On Aug. 5, 2025, the Court sentenced Corbella to 144 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by four years supervised release. Jesse D. Blain, 40, of Effingham, Illinois, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On Aug. 12, 2025, the Court sentenced Blain to 60 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release. Three additional Effingham area individuals were indicted on July 25, 2025, on federal methamphetamine related charges in a seven-count indictment. The defendants indicted include: Chelsea J. Sipes, 41, of Effingham, Illinois, Timothy E. Finfrock, 66, of Effingham, Illinois and Philip M. Blair, 43, of Effingham, Illinois. Count 1 charges that from July 2024, until on or about June 2025, in Effingham County, within the Southern District of Illinois, Sipes, Finfrock, and Blair conspired to knowingly and intentionally distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Count 2 charges that on Jan. 30, 2025, in Effingham County, Sipes knowingly and intentionally distributed 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. Count 3 charges that on Feb. 25, 2025, in Effingham County, Sipes knowingly and intentionally distributed 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. Count 4 charges that on March 6, 2025, in Effingham County, Sipes knowingly and intentionally distributed 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. Count 5 charges that on March 14, 2025, in Effingham County, Sipes knowingly and intentionally distributed 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. Count 6 charges that on Feb. 20, 2025, in Effingham County, Blair knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine. Count 7 charges that on Jan. 24, 2025, in Effingham County, Finfrock knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine. With respect to Count 1, all three Defendants face 10 years to life imprisonment, up to a $10 million fine, and supervised release of not less than 5 years. With respect to Counts 2-5, Sipes faces 5-40 years’ imprisonment, up to a $5 million fine, and supervised release of not less than 4 years. With respect to Count 6, Blair faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1 million fine, and supervised release of not less than 3 years. With respect to Count 7, Finfrock faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1 million fine, and supervised release of not less than 3 years. Indictments are merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.


title: Florida Resident Pleads Guilty to Money Laundering Charge in Nationwide Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey announced that Florida resident Danielle Diarbakerly, age 38, pled guilty in federal court to money laundering conspiracy for her role in a multi-state fraud scheme that caused more than $3 million in losses to victims. Diarbakerly faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine, and will owe restitution to the victims. Diarbakerly was indicted by a grand jury in January 2025 and accused of participating in a conspiracy to launder the proceeds of a fraud scheme that ran from at least January 2020 to September 2024. Court records reflect that Diarbakerly admitted that she and others were members of a conspiracy that was designed to defraud people living throughout the United States, including in West Michigan, and conduct financial transactions using that money to conceal the source, control, or location of the fraudulent proceeds. Some members of the conspiracy contacted victims and persuaded them that they had won large prizes in a multistate lottery. To claim these prizes, the victims were told that they would have to pay taxes and fees associated with their winnings. The victims were instructed to send their money, by wire transfer or mail, to shell companies created by Diarbakerly for that purpose. Once the money arrived, she quickly moved the funds into other shell companies that she controlled or sent it to other conspirators. Diarbakerly knew the funds were fraudulent proceeds. “Every day, fraudsters attempt to steal money earned by hardworking Americans and from vulnerable retirees living on fixed incomes. Federal law enforcement is relentlessly pursuing everyone responsible for committing those frauds, including those who facilitate these reprehensible financial crimes. We all must remain vigilant when receiving unsolicited communications to avoid falling victim to these schemes,” said U.S. Attorney Tim VerHey. “These schemes have sadly become increasingly widespread across our state and across the country,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “Thankfully, our agents, law enforcement partners and prosecutors will do everything they can to track down these culprits and hold them accountable under the law. This case is a good reminder for the community to check in on their loved ones, discuss these schemes and how families can protect themselves.” “Schemes that drain the bank accounts of everyday people are terrible and steal the safety and security of victims across the county,” said Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “IRS Criminal Investigation is dedicated to flushing out fraudsters and protecting tax-paying Americans from crimes like these that jeopardize their way of life.” Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation continue to investigate this matter.


title: Three Defendants Plead Guilty in Multi-Million Dollar Pandemic Assistance Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT - Three Macomb County residents have pleaded guilty to conspiring to execute a multi-million-dollar Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) fraud scheme, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. Joining in the announcement were Acting Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey, United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. Rita Shaba, 39, of Macomb and Samer Kammo, 45 of Shelby Township pleaded guilty today before Judge Jonathan J.C. Grey to conspiring to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. Christina Anasi, 35, of Shelby Township, previously pleaded guilty to the conspiracy. According to court records, the defendants caused fraudulent PPP applications to be submitted for several business entities. Those applications misrepresented payroll information for the business entities and falsely certified that PPP loan funds would be used for permissible business-related purposes. The defendants also caused fictitious payroll, health insurance, bank, and tax records to be submitted in connection with the PPP loan applications. According to court records, the defendants received over $3 million in fraudulent PPP loan funds. To date, law enforcement has seized and recovered over $2.1 million of those funds. The Paycheck Protection Program was created by Congress to provide assistance to businesses harmed by the economic dislocations caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. U.S. Attorney Gorgon stated, “While the numbers fraudsters used to illicitly enrich themselves were fake, the prison time they’re facing is very real. My office is committed to holding accountable all those who chose to exploit a global pandemic to steal from hardworking taxpayers.” “Today’s guilty plea reaffirms that those who exploit government programs intended to assist the American people during a national crisis, will be held fully accountable under federal law,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Rita Shaba stole from hardworking taxpaying citizens and struggling businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic, essentially eroding the trust placed in critical relief efforts designed by the U.S. Government. I want to thank our FBI Macomb County Resident Agency, and our law enforcement partners for their diligent work to ensure that bad actors face the full consequences of their criminal actions.” “This money was designed to support businesses and help them navigate the pandemic, instead these defendants used it to enrich themselves and deprive honest businesses of much needed assistance,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “By now the writing is on the wall that if you stole money during the pandemic, it’s only a matter of time before law enforcement is knocking at your door.” Shaba will be sentenced by Judge Grey on January 5, 2026. Anasi’s sentencing is set for January 7, 2026 and Kammo will be sentenced on January 15, 2026. The defendants each face a maximum sentence of up to 30 years’ imprisonment. This case was investigated by special agents of the FBI and ICE HSI Detroit and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Yahkind.


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 18 Months Imprisonment for Reentry of Removed Alien

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – ENRIQUE TORRES-BEIZA, a/k/a “Enrique B. Torres,” age 40, a native of Mexico, was sentenced on August 14, 2025, for reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, one-year of supervised release and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee. According to court documents, ENRIQUE TORRES-BEIZA, a/k/a “Enrique B. Torres,” (“ TORRES-BEIZA ”)reentered the United States after being previously deported on December 26, 2018. On or about October 26, 2024, TORRES-BEIZA was found to be unlawfully present in the United States while being housed in the Terrebonne Parish Jail, Terrebonne, Louisiana, and serving his sentence for a second offense, driving under the influence, conviction. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution. * * *


title: FBI Arrests Seven Alleged Members of DC Fentanyl and PCP Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WASHINGTON – The FBI this morning executed approximately 20 residential search warrants across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Los Angeles, following a year-long investigation into an alleged D.C.-based drug trafficking organization that sold PCP and fentanyl in and around the 2900 block of Knox Place SE, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Law enforcement seized 18 firearms including one AR-Style rifle, a shotgun, and one Draco-style pistol. Agents also seized a pill press commonly used to manufacture fentanyl pills, at least two kilograms of suspected narcotics, and over $50,000 in cash. Last week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia indicted eight individuals – two from California, one from Baltimore, and five from metropolitan Washington D.C. – and charged them in the conspiracy. This morning, the FBI in partnership with the DEA and the Metropolitan Police Department took seven of the indicted defendants into custody. They are Leonard Edwards, 52, of Washington D.C.; Eric “Marbury” Prather, 43, of Washington D.C.; Thomas Wilton Hancock, Jr., aka “Fresh,” 43, of Baltimore, MD; Sarda Smith, 36, of Oxen Hill, MD; Michael Thomas, 49, of Los Angeles, CA; Reginald Lassiter, 39, of Washington, D.C.; and Darryl Riley, 39, Washington, D.C. Joining in the announcement were FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Phil Bates, DEA Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). One additional defendant remains at large and is considered a fugitive. The indictment against that defendant remains sealed. The Knox Place neighborhood has experienced at least five homicides in the past year, among other violent crimes. The alleged D.C.-based traffickers who operated around Knox Place sourced their narcotics through a Baltimore-based co-conspirator, who in turn was importing narcotics from California. One of the shipments from California included 17-gallons of PCP that was intercepted earlier this year by law enforcement outside of Topeka, Kansas. Six of the eight defendants face 10-year mandatory minimum sentences based on the drug quantities for which they were charged. Two of them face 15-year mandatory minimum sentences. Federal agents arrested five additional individuals who face an array of charges that include conspiracy to distribute narcotics, felon in possession of firearms, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and illegal re-entry into the country. This case is being investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office with valuable assistance from the DEA and the MPD. It is being prosecuted Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sitara Witanachchi, Matthew W. Kinskey, and John Parron of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. ## 25cr241


title: Fayetteville Man Sentenced to 24 Years for Federal Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II sentenced Celestio Lefranz Harrington, 34, of Lillington, to 24 years in federal prison on Wednesday for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy involving methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. “Drug traffickers like Harrington flood our communities with meth, cocaine, and fentanyl that kill our children and destroy our families. They prey on the devastation these poisons inflict,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “We will relentlessly target major suppliers, dismantle their networks, and hold them accountable by sending them to federal prison for decades.” In early 2023, detectives with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office received information identifying Harrington as a source of supply for multiple types of drugs in the Fayetteville area. Surveillance showed that he traveled throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and to Philadelphia to meet drug suppliers and addicts. On March 29, 2023, investigators stopped Harrington’s car as he travelled back from Philadelphia. During the search, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol troopers discovered approximately 4.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and 4.1 kilograms of cocaine hidden in the trunk. Investigators then searched Harrington’s Fayetteville apartment and found an additional 3.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, approximately 489 grams of fentanyl, and items used to package drugs for resale. In total, the investigation revealed that Harrington distributed over 180 kilograms of methamphetamine, which is about 400lbs, 15 kilograms of cocaine, and a kilogram of fentanyl, which is enough to kill five times the population of Lillington. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Webb prosecuted the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office appreciates the outstanding efforts of these dedicated law enforcement officers in cleaning up the streets of Eastern North Carolina. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 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. 5:23-CR-336.


title: Inmate Sentenced to Prison for Possessing Weapon at FCI McDowell

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Demetrius McKinney, 45, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) McDowell, was sentenced today to one year and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a weapon by an inmate at a federal prison. Today’s prison sentence will run consecutive to the term McKinney is currently serving. According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 24, 2024, McKinney was involved in an altercation while an inmate at FCI McDowell. After the altercation, an FCI McDowell staff member conducted a search of McKinney and found a handcrafted weapon commonly known as a “shank” in his right front pants pocket. The shank was a piece of metal about six and a half inches long, with one end sharpened to a point and a cloth handle on the other end. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Brian D. Parsons and Timothy D. Boggess prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-31. ###