title: Former Madera County Welfare Benefits Employee Arrested for Improperly Using Other People’s Identities to Steal Benefits

body_text: Former Madera County benefits eligibility worker Leticia Mariscal, 55, of Madera, was arrested today on charges that she stole tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of other people’s CalFresh benefits during a multiyear scheme, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. CalFresh is a financial assistance program that provides qualifying California residents with monetary benefits they can use to buy food. It was formerly known as the food stamp program. According to court records, between December 2020 and April 2025, Mariscal improperly used county databases to which she had access through her job to obtain identifying information for individuals who were elderly or deceased. She then secretly approved these individuals to receive CalFresh benefits, printed EBT cards in their names with the benefits deposited thereon and spent the proceeds. Altogether, Mariscal used the identities of more than 15 people to steal benefits totaling more than $40,000. She was placed on leave earlier this year when her scheme was discovered. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Madera County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Mariscal faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for stealing CalFresh benefits. She also faces an additional two years in prison for misusing other people’s identities to commit the crime. 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.


title: Mexican National Sentenced to Prison Time

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: HAMMOND – Esteban Quino-Rosas, 45 years old, of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to felony reentry of removed alien, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor. Esteban Quino-Rosas was sentenced to time served, based upon his detention since September 26, 2025, followed by 1 year of supervised release. The supervised release term would go into effect should the Defendant remain in, or return to, the United States within that period following expected removal proceedings. According to documents in the case, Quino-Rosas’ criminal history includes one prior removal from the United States in 2012. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Lake County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.


title: Foley Man Sentenced To 10 Years For Attempted Enticement Of A Minor And Possession Of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – Kaden Heard, age 31, was sentenced on December 12, 2025, to 121 months in prison for convictions related to the attempted sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography. Heard entered his guilty pleas on September 19, 2025. According to court documents, Heard was active on a social media application when he began chatting with an individual that he believed to be a 13-year-old female in Phoenix. Heard expressed a desire to travel to Arizona to engage in sexual activity with the 13-year-old and sent explicit photographs of himself to this individual. Heard discussed bringing alcohol, drugs, condoms, and a “secret” phone to their meeting. A search was conducted of Heard’s social media accounts, and investigators found thousands of chats during which Heard was actively seeking images of child pornography. Heard’s cell phone was seized and found to contain hundreds of images of child pornography, including images of prepubescent minors. Heard was interviewed and made a full confession. At sentencing, United States District Judge Kristi DuBose imposed a 121-month term of incarceration and a 15-year term of supervised release upon Heard’s future release. Heard will be subject to sex offender treatment and mental health treatment while imprisoned. Heard will be required to register as a sex offender and is to have no contact with minors. Smith was ordered to pay $7,500 in restitution to the victim of his offenses and $200 in special assessments. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Phoenix and Mobile Divisions, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kacey Chappelear prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about Internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc/publications-resources


title: Roanoke Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing  Child Sexual Exploitation Material

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. – A Roanoke, Virginia man, who used the Kik social media app to send three videos containing child sexual exploitation material to an undercover FBI officer, pled guilty yesterday. Christopher Allan Johnson, 54, pled guilty today to one count of possessing child sexual exploitation materials involving a prepubescent minor. “Protecting young people from online predators is a key priority of law enforcement,” Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said today. “This case serves as a warning to all parents - these threats are real, and they are ever-present in today’s online world. Please take steps to monitor what your children are doing online and who they are communicating with.” “The FBI Richmond team dedicates countless hours to investigating subjects who seek to harm those who are most vulnerable, because there are few callings higher than protecting our children. May today’s guilty plea sends a message to all child predators that we’re going to find them and bring them to justice,” Ian Kauffman, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division said today. According to court documents, on October 10, 2024, after leaving the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Salem, Virginia, Johnson logged into Kik and joined a public group dedicated to incest. There, an undercover FBI task force officer messaged Johnson. During the conversation, Johnson talked about his sexual fantasies involving children. The next day, without prompting, Johnson sent the undercover officer three videos depicting children being graphically sexually exploited. At least one of the videos involved a prepubescent minor. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew Inman is prosecuting the case for the United States. The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. 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 identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/ .


title: Federal employee pleads guilty to selling drugs on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: GREAT FALLS - A Harlem man and federal employee accused of selling methamphetamine on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted to charges on Tuesday, December 9, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. The defendant, Jess Louis Brockie, 35, pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. Brockie faces 20 years of imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, and at least 3 years of supervised release. The government alleged in court documents that in July 2024, the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General became aware of allegations a federal employee working at the Indian Health Services (“IHS”) in Harlem was selling controlled substances out of the facility. The employee was identified as the defendant, Jess Louis Brockie, who worked as a custodian at IHS. While being monitored by the investigating agencies, a confidential source purchased methamphetamine from Brockie after meeting at the IHS facility on August 19 and September 19, 2024. Sentencing will be held on April 1, 2026. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Vestal is prosecuting the case. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General, BIA, DEA, and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Jonesboro Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute 500 Grams or More of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Arthur Ray Osborne, a multi-convicted felon, will spend the next 180 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on December 10, 2025, by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller. On June 18, 2025, Osborne, 44, of Jonesboro, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging him conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. On Wednesday, Judge Miller also sentenced Osborne to five years’ supervised release. An investigation revealed that Osborne was actively selling large amounts of methamphetamine. On December 10, 2019, Osborne arranged for a confidential informant to purchase approximately five ounces of methamphetamine for $1,400. On December 18, 2019, Osborne sold three ounces of methamphetamine to the confidential informant for $1,400. On November 10 and again on November 11, 2020, Osborne sold almost eight ounces of methamphetamine to the confidential informant for $3,000. On April 11, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted surveillance on a business in Jonesboro and observed Osborn arrive in a vehicle. Officers observed marijuana in plain view at the business and because of Osborne’s nervous behavior, they obtained a search warrant for the business. During a search of the business, officers located a Taurus, model Judge, .410 firearm and five rounds of ammunition between the cushions of the couch, a red bag containing two scales, approximately 100 grams of cocaine, 159 grams of methamphetamine, 380 grams of marijuana, and over 120 assorted pills, including ecstasy. Also located during the search was a backpack with Osborne’s name on it, approximately $3,840, a bottle of Promethazine cough syrup in the kitchen area, and an assortment of ammunition was located throughout the search of the building. Because Osborne’s criminal history includes felony drug convictions for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver and possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, he is classified as a career offender and received an enhanced sentence. There is no parole in the federal system. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Little Rock comprises agents and officers from the FBI, Second Judicial District Drug Task Force, Jonesboro Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Arkansas. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Second Judicial Drug Task Force, and the Jonesboro Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Crews and Bart Dickinson. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Southbridge Man Pleads Guilty to Role in Cocaine Conspiracy and Possession of a Machinegun

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Southbridge man pleaded guilty yesterday to his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing a machinegun. Miguel Lopez, 28, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; and one count of unlawful possession of a machine gun. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for March 11, 2026. Lopez was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2024. From in or about April 2023 through in or about April 2024, Lopez conspired with others to distribute cocaine shipped from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts. On at least four different occasions during that period, Lopez was observed collecting packages suspected of containing controlled substances. On or about Jan. 29, 2024, a package addressed to Lopez was seized and found one kilogram of cocaine hidden inside. During an April 2024 search of Lopez’s residence, approximately two kilograms of cocaine was found hidden inside a package that had been delivered earlier that day. A Glock pistol with a machinegun conversion device attached to the back along with ammunition, a 30-round magazine and a 50-round drum magazine were also found at Lopez’s residence. The charge of conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possession with the intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The unlawful possession of a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Nicholas Bucciarelli, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin Brown is prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.


title: General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc. (GD-OTS) Agrees To Pay $838,125 To Settle a Voluntary Disclosure Related to Phosphate Procedure Compliance Issues

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG, PA —The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, Inc. (GD-OTS) has agreed to pay $838,125 to resolve allegations of civil liability associated with phosphate procedure compliance issues identified in several Department of Army contracts. GD-OTS voluntarily disclosed the allegations. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, GD-OTS voluntarily disclosed that, between June 1, 2019 and April 8, 2021, GD-OTS (both as successor in interest to Medico Industries, and as the owner of GD-OTS-WB) submitted vouchers/invoices, and related documents and statements for payment for production of 60mm, 81mm, and 120mm shell bodies that did not receive phosphate tests with the frequency required by the contracts. After it discovered the problems, GD-OTS took prompt corrective action and disclosed the matter to United States government contracting personnel. This matter was handled by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (Army CID), Assistant U.S. Attorney Tamara Haken and the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. # # #


title: Mexican National Sentenced to Serve More Than Three Years in Prison for Illegal Firearm Possession and Illegal Reentry Into the U.S. Following Domestic Assault

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – DANIEL CERON-CERON , 38, of Mexico, has been sentenced to serve 37 months in federal prison for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and for illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public record, on November 22, 2024, officers with the Edmond Police Department (EPD) responded to a home on reports of a domestic incident. At the home, the victim told officers she and Ceron-Ceron had gotten into an argument, during which Ceron-Ceron pointed a gun at her head and put it in her mouth. After a standoff at the house, Ceron-Ceron was arrested, and EPD seized the weapon used by Ceron-Ceron during the assault. Public record further reflects that Ceron-Ceron was previously removed from the United States to Mexico on September 23, 2020. On March 4, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged Ceron-Ceron with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and with illegal reentry of a removed alien. Ceron-Ceron pleaded guilty on May 7, 2025, and admitted he possessed the weapon despite his unlawful presence in the United States and that he knowingly and illegally reentered the United States. At the sentencing hearing on December 10, 2025, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Ceron-Ceron to serve 37 months in federal prison. In announcing her sentence, Judge Dishman noted the nature and circumstances of the offense, the need to protect the public, and the need to deter Ceron-Ceron from future crimes. This case is the result of an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Edmond Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: TIGO Guatemala Paid Over $118M To Resolve Foreign Bribery Investigation

component: Criminal Division

body_text: In November 2025, Comunicaciones Celulares S.A., doing business as TIGO Guatemala, a mobile and fixed telecommunications service provider in Guatemala, paid over $118 million to resolve an investigation by the Justice Department into a long-running scheme to bribe government officials in Guatemala. TIGO Guatemala is a wholly owned subsidiary of Millicom International Cellular, S.A. (“Millicom”), an international telecommunications company incorporated and headquartered in Luxembourg that has its principal place of business in the United States. TIGO Guatemala entered into a two-year deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in connection with a criminal information filed in the Southern District of Florida charging the company with one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). According to court documents, between 2012 and 2018, TIGO Guatemala engaged in a widespread and systematic bribery scheme orchestrated by its then-Guatemalan shareholder and other then-senior personnel. The scheme featured monthly bribe payments, usually paid in cash, to numerous Guatemalan members of Congress or members of their security teams, in exchange for, among other things, their support for legislation that benefited TIGO Guatemala. Some of the cash that TIGO Guatemala used to pay bribes were the laundered proceeds of narcotrafficking. As part of the DPA, TIGO Guatemala agreed to pay a $60 million criminal penalty and $58,198,343 in administrative forfeiture. Pursuant to the DPA, TIGO Guatemala and its corporate parent, Millicom, agreed, among other things, to continue cooperating with the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida in any ongoing or future criminal investigation arising during the term of the DPA. TIGO Guatemala and Millicom also agreed to enhance TIGO Guatemala’s compliance program and to periodically report to the department on remediation and implementation of compliance measures throughout the term of the DPA. The department reached this resolution with TIGO Guatemala based on a number of factors, including, among others, the nature and seriousness of the offense. In determining the appropriate disposition of this matter, the department gave significant weight to Millicom’s initial voluntary and timely self-disclosure to the Criminal Division in 2015. During the ensuing investigation, however, TIGO Guatemala’s then-Guatemalan shareholder used its operational control to prevent Millicom from accessing critical information, and to prevent Millicom from requiring TIGO Guatemala personnel to cooperate and take remedial actions. The Fraud Section closed its initial investigation in 2018. Two years later, in 2020, the department obtained and proactively developed new evidence from sources other than TIGO Guatemala and Millicom regarding TIGO Guatemala’s conduct and reopened its investigation on that basis. The new evidence revealed the scope of TIGO Guatemala’s conduct, including that the criminal conduct continued during and after the department’s closure of the first phase of the investigation and involved narcotrafficking proceeds that were used to generate cash for some of the bribe payments. Accordingly, TIGO Guatemala did not meet the requirements for a resolution pursuant to Part I or Part II of the Criminal Division’s Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy. However, TIGO Guatemala received credit for its affirmative acceptance of responsibility and substantial cooperation with the second phase of the department’s investigation, which included: (i) Millicom’s self-reporting of conduct that forms, in part, the basis for the DPA; (ii) promptly collecting, analyzing and organizing voluminous information, including complex financial information; (iii) gathering evidence and performing forensic data collections in the countries covered by the department’s investigation; (iv) providing information obtained through its internal investigation, particularly during the second phase of the department’s investigation, which allowed the department to preserve and obtain evidence as part of its own independent investigation; (v) facilitating interviews with employees, including making foreign-based employees available for interviews in the United States; (vi) making detailed factual presentations to the department; and (vii) proactively disclosing evidence about which the department was previously unaware and identifying key documents in materials produced, including Spanish translations. TIGO Guatemala also engaged in extensive timely remedial measures after the exit of Millicom’s prior joint venture partner and Millicom’s acquisition of full ownership and control of TIGO Guatemala in 2021, including: (i) undertaking a root cause analysis of the misconduct at TIGO Guatemala and risk assessment of the company’s operations; (ii) terminating personnel involved in the bribery scheme; (iii) introducing new and experienced management and compliance personnel to change the local operation’s culture of compliance; (iv) enhancing third-party onboarding and transaction monitoring, including by centralizing and linking the oversight functions under Millicom, incorporating data analytics and automated continuous monitoring across operations and periodically testing relevant controls for effectiveness (including testing of more than 250 transactions); (v) developing an ephemeral messaging policy, which employees are required to acknowledge they have read as part of annual training, and incorporating a system to preserve and analyze TIGO Guatemala employees’ ephemeral messages; (vi) launching an extensive training campaign covering anti-corruption and compliance risks; (vii) quickly incorporating key compliance policies and procedures, and creating a direct reporting line from TIGO Guatemala’s compliance function to Millicom; and (viii) over the last 10 years, significantly restructuring, expanding and resourcing Millicom’s global compliance program, including enhancing its compliance risk assessment process, growing the dedicated compliance headcount by 800% and engaging in continuous monitoring, testing and updating of Millicom’s global compliance program. In light of these considerations, the criminal penalty reflects a 50% reduction from the bottom of the applicable guidelines range, and the term of the DPA is for a period of two years. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Florida and the Southern District of California previously charged four individuals connected to this scheme. The FBI is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Natalie R. Kanerva and Assistant Chief Katherine Raut of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eli S. Rubin for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA and Foreign Extortion Prevention Act matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa .


title: Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve More Than Nine Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Possession of Ammunition and Firearm Following High-Speed Chase

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – DESHANE GANARRO JEFFERSON , 35, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 110 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public record, on April 2, 2025, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) attempted a traffic stop on a car near SE 15th and South Sunnylane Avenue. The driver failed to stop and a high-speed chase ensued. During the chase, Jefferson, who was a passenger, threw a loaded magazine out of the window, which was later recovered by law enforcement. OCPD then successfully stopped the vehicle, arrested the driver and Jefferson, and seized a firearm belonging to Jefferson. On May 6, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged Jefferson with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Jefferson pleaded guilty on August 5, 2025, and admitted he possessed both the firearm and ammunition despite his previous felony convictions. At the sentencing hearing on December 9, 2025, U.S. District Judge Joe Heaton sentenced Jefferson to serve 110 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the danger Jefferson poses to the community and his extensive criminal history. Public record reflects that Jefferson has previous felony convictions that include conspiracy to commit felony assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, possession of firearms after conviction, and knowingly concealing stolen property in Jackson County District Court case number CF-2016-225; larceny from a person at night in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2014-8652; and second-degree burglary in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2013-6923. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and OCPD. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Laney Ellis prosecuted the case. SAUSA Ellis is an attorney with City of Oklahoma City whose position is funded by a federal Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) grant awarded to the City of Oklahoma City to enhance efforts to address and reduce violent crime. PSN is a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Former Technology Company Executives Charged with Defrauding Boston Private Equity Firm of $20 Million

body_text: BOSTON – The former Chief Executive Officer and Senior Vice President of Mozaic Payment System, Inc. have been charged with defrauding a Boston-based investment firm out of $20 million in equity funding. Marcus Cobb, 48, and Rachel Knepp, 39, both of Nashville, Tenn., have been charged with wire fraud conspiracy. Cobb was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston on Nov. 20, 2025 and was arrested on Dec. 8, 2025 in Chicago. He will appear in federal court in Boston on Jan. 8, 2026. Knepp was previously charged by an Information and, on Nov. 19, 2025, pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 19, 2026. According to the charging documents, Mozaic Payment System was a technology company that purported to have an application that processed royalty payments for performers, recording labels and music distributors. Mozaic’s application did not work, however, and generated no revenue. Nevertheless, in the late spring of 2023, Cobb and Knepp allegedly engaged a Boston-based private equity firm to fund the business, which they represented to be growing and profitable. During due diligence by the Boston firm, Cobb and Knepp allegedly fabricated Mozaic bank and financial statements that falsely showed growing revenue and increasing cash on hand. It is alleged that based on these false representations, Cobb and Knepp obtained $20 million in funding from the investment firm in September 2023. Thereafter, to lull the investor, it is alleged that Cobb and Knepp regularly provided additional false financial documents that showed increasing revenue, when, in fact, Mozaic was burning through its cash. By February 2025, the investor discovered the alleged fraud and Mozaic collapsed. The charge of wire fraud conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000, or twice the monetary gain or loss, whichever is more, restitution and forfeiture. 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 and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kriss Basil and Elianna Nuzum of the Securities, Financial & Cyber Fraud Unit are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Leader of Hampton Roads drug conspiracy sentenced to 40 years in prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A Newport News man was sentenced today to 40 years in prison following his conviction relating to a Hampton Roads-based drug trafficking conspiracy. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Cortez Dayshawn Bumphus, 33, and his co-conspirators used Lux Auto in Newport News as a base of operations, storing illegal drugs in vehicles throughout the parking lot of the business. Members of the organization were frequently armed with handguns and other weapons. Between August 2020 and August 2023 at major airports in the Mid-Atlantic area, law enforcement seized almost $400,000 in drug proceeds and 1,000 pounds of marijuana and contraband relating to the conspiracy. “Cortez Bumphus led a massive drug trafficking organization, armed himself, and operated from the organization’s base of operations,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The substantial sentence imposed today reflects Bumphus’ central role in the conspiracy and the sheer scope of the organization’s criminal conduct. This prosecution underscores our commitment to protecting Virginians and deterring violent and organized criminal activity.” “This sentence removes a career criminal from our streets and reinforces the FBI’s commitment to protecting Hampton Roads,” said Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Norfolk Field Office. “If you traffic drugs or use violence to protect your territory, we will find you, shut down your operation, and hold you fully accountable. Today’s result reflects the relentless work of the FBI Norfolk Safe Streets Peninsula Task Force, Virginia State Police, Newport News Police Department, and the Hampton Police Division." Members of the organization had varying roles and responsibilities. The leaders, including Bumphus, engaged with the sources of supply outside Virginia and arranged for the purchase of large loads of marijuana. They also instructed other members of the organization to arrange for couriers to fly to the sources of supply, deliver money to them, and return to Virginia with the marijuana. The leaders further arranged for midlevel members to receive marijuana from couriers and distribute it to customers or have subordinate dealers sell the marijuana. Thirty-seven defendants were charged in a 127-count superseding indictment returned on Sept. 11, 2023. On July 30, Bumphus was convicted at trial of continuing a criminal enterprise; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana; conspiracy to launder money; being a felon in possession of a firearm; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime; maintaining a drug-involved premises; and use of a communication facility in furtherance of drug trafficking. In addition to the 40-year sentence, a $6,396,000 money judgment was ordered against Bumphus. The Court also ordered Bumphus to forfeit $62,198 in currency, designer shoes and accessories, and four firearms. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric M. Hurt, Alyson C. Yates, and Luke Bresnahan prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:23-cr-54.


title: Mexican National Sentenced to Over Six Years in Prison for Role in Drug Conspiracy

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Daniel Roberto Auz-Vasquez, 28, of Imuris, Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced on December 5, 2025, by Chief United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Auz-Vasquez was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. As part of this conspiracy, on July 1, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, Auz-Vasquez and his co-conspirators possessed approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine, which they intended to deliver to another individual that evening. This investigation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. This HSTF Tucson led investigation comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) with the prosecution being led by Assistant United States Attorney David Petermann of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona-Tucson. CASE NUMBER: CR24-5415-JGZ-1 RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-174_Auz-Vasquez # # # 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: 316 New Immigration Cases Filed in Western District of Texas This Week

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – United States Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced today that federal prosecutors in the district filed 316 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from Dec. 5 to Dec. 11. Charges were brought against illegal aliens with past convictions for violent crimes and DWIs, as well as alleged human smugglers and aliens with prior removals. Francisco Javier Navarro-Ramirez , a Legal Permanent Resident born in Mexico, was arrested near Tornillo and charged with human smuggling. A criminal complaint alleges Navarro-Ramirez was the driver of a vehicle travelling at high speeds with multiple individuals inside. Navarro-Ramirez allegedly did not yield to U.S. Border Patrol emergency lights and was eventually stopped by a tire deflation device deployed by a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper. The complaint alleges that Navarro-Ramirez was quickly apprehended after he attempted to flee on foot, and five illegal aliens were found inside the vehicle. A Salvadoran national was arrested by USBP agents near Maverick for being illegally present in the U.S. Douglas Alexis Bautista-Arevalo was removed to El Salvador for the second time on Sept. 4 and has been previously convicted for two DWIs. In March, he was convicted for assault causing bodily injury to a family member. In Austin, Mexican nationals Juan David Barajas-Armas and Noe Mendez-Salazar were each charged with illegal re-entry. Barajas-Armas has two prior removals and has been convicted of three DWIs and obstructing a highway/passageway. Mendez-Salazar has also been removed twice before and has three DWI convictions. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico. These cases are 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). Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Philadelphia Man Charged With Robbing Area Store, Gas Station, and Bank

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Donte Samuel Brown, 45, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by superseding indictment with two counts of robbery interfering with interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery), one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of bank robbery. The indictment alleges that Brown robbed a Family Dollar store in Delaware County on August 15, 2024; robbed at gunpoint a Sunoco gas station in Montgomery County on January 28, 2025; and robbed a TD Bank branch in Delaware County on February 19, 2025, stealing a total of over $8,000 cash in these robberies. The defendant was initially indicted in July of this year for the bank and gas station robberies. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of life imprisonment. The case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia’s Newtown Square Resident Agency, the East Norriton Township Police Department, Ridley Township Police Department, and Upper Darby Township Police Department and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Sandra Urban and Brian Doherty. 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: Tsaile Man Sentenced to 13 Years  For Voluntary Manslaughter

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Kevin Darren Blackhorse, 37, of Tsaile, Arizona, was sentenced on December 8, 2025, by United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi to 13 years of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release. Blackhorse previously pleaded guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter. On January 8, 2024, while engaged in a physical fight with the victim, Blackhorse stabbed the victim in the chest and back multiple times resulting in his death. Blackhorse and the victim are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation. Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations and the FBI Phoenix division’s Gallup office conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kiyoko Patterson, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-24-01247-MTL RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-175_Blackhorse # # # 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: Kansas Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child Pornography

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Marcus Abeyta will spend 15 years in federal prison for production of child pornography after victimizing a minor he met while playing an online video game. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker. On June 4, 2024, Abeyta, 32, of Emporia, Kansas, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of production of child pornography. On February 26, 2025, Abeyta pleaded guilty to the count in the Indictment. Chief Judge Baker sentenced Abeyta to 180 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. An investigation revealed that on December 4, 2023, the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations in Arkansas was notified by a parent, who is an active member of the Air Force, that they found sexually explicit and inappropriate conversations on their minor child’s iPad. The subsequent investigation revealed that on December 5, 2023, while the minor was interacting with others on an online game, Abeyta sent the minor an internet link inviting the minor to leave the current game and join him on another platform, Discord. The minor accepted the invitation and began communicating with Abeyta who made comments to the minor such as how “sexy” the minor was. During the interaction with the minor, Abeyta asked them to send him pictures of their private body parts, which the minor did. Abeyta offered money and game currency to the minor if they would send naked pictures. Abeyta knew the victim was a minor when he was communicating with the victim. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . Parents are encouraged to always monitor your children’s online activity. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the U.S. Air Force, Office of Special Investigations and the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Two Challis Men Sentenced for Lacey Act Violations

component: USAO - Idaho

body_text: POCATELLO – Jerrod Randall Farr, 54, and Michael Timothy Scott, 68, both of Challis, Idaho, were sentenced in United States District Court for the District of Idaho, for Lacey Act wildlife violations, U.S. Attorney Bart Davis announced today. In 2024, Farr, a licensed outfitter (White Cloud Outfitters) and licensed guide, was indicted on five counts: two counts of Lacy Act violations, two counts of providing false or fictitious information to a Forest Service officer, and one count of conducting work activity without a special-use authorization. Scott, a former licensed outfitter (White Cloud Outfitters) and current licensed guide, was indicted on two counts of Lacey Act violations. According to court records, Farr pleaded guilty to one Class A misdemeanor count of violating the Lacey Act on June 23, 2025, and Scott pleaded guilty to one Class A misdemeanor Lacey Act count, each charged by superseding information. Farr, owner and outfitter for White Cloud Outfitters, sold and facilitated Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep hunts that occurred in an area of the Salmon-Challis National Forest that is closed to commercial guiding, and Scott, as a guide for White Cloud Outfitters, illegally guided those hunts. Bighorn sheep were transported to Idaho, Utah, and Alaska. On November 6, 2025, Farr was sentenced to two years of probation, during which he is prohibited from hunting, accompanying hunters in the field, outfitting or guiding hunters, or profiting from outfitting or guiding hunters. Judge David C. Nye also ordered that Farr pay a fine of $9,500, payable to the Lacey Act Reward Fund, and $15,000 in restitution, payable to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. On November 24, 2025, Scott was sentenced to four years of probation, during which he is prohibited from hunting, accompanying hunters in the field, outfitting or guiding hunters, or profiting from outfitting or guiding hunters. Judge Nye also ordered Scott to pay a fine of $9,500, payable to the Lacey Act Reward Fund, and $15,000 in restitution, payable to the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Idaho Fish and Game, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Paskett and Christian Nafzger prosecuted the case. ###


title: District of Arizona Charges 173 Individuals for  Immigration-Related Criminal Conduct this Week

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – During the week of enforcement operations from December 6, 2025, through December 12, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona brought immigration-related criminal charges against 173 individuals. Specifically, the United States filed 93 cases in which aliens illegally re-entered the United States, and the United States also charged 73 aliens for illegally entering the United States. In its ongoing effort to deter unlawful immigration, the United States filed 7 cases against individuals responsible for smuggling illegal aliens into and within the District of Arizona. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), ICE Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Recent matters of interest include: United States v. Mario Alberto Herrera Jr : On December 11, 2025, Mario Alberto Herrera Jr. was charged by complaint with Transportation of an Illegal Alien. An AZ DPS trooper observed Herrera driving on I-10 Westbound. The trooper conducted a vehicle registration check, which confirmed that the car’s registration was suspended, and the trooper initiated a traffic stop. The trooper observed Herrera in the driver’s seat and two passengers in the backseat of the car. Agents determined Herrera was paid to transport his two passengers to Phoenix, and that he was on probation for a prior, separate conviction for Transportation of an Illegal Alien in the United States District Court, District of Arizona. Immigration checks confirmed that the two passengers in the car are citizens of Guatemala, unlawfully present in the United States. Case number: 25-3484MJ United States v. Miguel Hernandez-Cortez : On December 8, 2025, Miguel Hernandez-Cortez was charged by complaint with Re-entry of Removed Alien. Hernandez-Cortez was previously removed from the United States in March 2015 after being convicted of Aggravated Sexual Assault, a felony, in the 287th Judicial District Court, Bailey County, Texas. In that case, Hernandez-Cortez was sentenced to five months of imprisonment. Case number 25-3466MJ A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-176_December 12 Immigration Enforcement # # # 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 X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Michigan Man Admits to Fentanyl Charge

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Filmel Williams, 64, of Harper Woods, Michigan, has admitted to illegally distributing fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. According to court documents, Williams distributed fentanyl in Lumberport, West Virginia. Williams faces up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated. U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.


title: Miami Man Indicted on Federal Wire-Fraud Conspiracy Charges

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Rodney “Bitcoin Rodney,” Burton, 56, of Miami, Florida, and Prince George’s County, Maryland, for his role as an alleged promoter of a $1.8 billion fraud scheme. Burton is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud, seven counts of money laundering, and one count of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington D.C. Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – New York. According to court documents, from June 2020 to May 2024, Burton and his co-conspirators conspired to enrich themselves by promoting HyperFund — a purportedly legitimate investment platform — and successor platforms. HyperFund’s promotional materials allegedly made various false claims. These falsehoods included claims that investors who purchased HyperFund “memberships” would receive between 0.5 and 1 percent daily in passive rewards until the company either doubled or tripled the investor’s initial investment. Victims of the conspiracy included investors from Maryland. HyperFund allegedly attempted to convince investors that the cryptocurrency platform could make such payments by claiming that it would disburse payments, in part, from its revenues from large-scale crypto-mining operations. But the truth was, HyperFund did not have such operations. Beginning in 2021, HyperFund allegedly started blocking investor withdrawals. The superseding indictment further alleges that Burton spent HyperFund investor proceeds on, among other things, luxury condominiums, sports cars, and a yacht. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. If convicted, Burton faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and for each count of wire fraud. Additionally, Burton is facing 10 years in prison for each count of money laundering and five years in prison for operating an unlicensed money transmitting business. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the IRS-CI and HSI-New York for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Spencer L. Todd and Christina A. Hoffman who are prosecuting the federal case. 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: Ohio Man Sentenced for Fentanyl, Methamphetamine Offenses

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Terrance Bradley, 27, of Willoughby Hills, Ohio, was sentenced to 92 months in prison for fentanyl and methamphetamine trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Bradley, also known as “Blade,” was selling counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine in Ohio County, WV. Bradley has a criminal history that includes felonious assault and drug possession. Bradley will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Nogay prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.


title: Third Defendant Pleads Guilty To Hacking Fantasy Sports And Betting Website

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced the guilty plea today of NATHAN AUSTAD, a/k/a “Snoopy,” in connection with a scheme to hack thousands of user accounts at a fantasy sports and betting website (the “Betting Website”) and sell access to those accounts in order to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from the true users, including victims in the Southern District of New York. AUSTAD pled guilty today to conspiracy to commit computer intrusion before U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams. “Today’s guilty plea shows our Office’s commitment to holding cybercriminals who hack and steal from our citizens to account,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Austad and his co-defendants robbed their victims, including New Yorkers, and shamelessly sold their private account information online. Let this be a warning: hackers and cybercriminals who target New Yorkers will be brought to justice. The women and men of our Office are watching and are committed to protecting the public from cyber intrusions, theft, and the online criminal markets that enable them.” According to the charging documents and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings: On or about November 18, 2022, AUSTAD and others launched a “credential stuffing attack” on the Betting Website. During a credential stuffing attack, a cyber threat actor collects stolen credentials, or username and password pairs, obtained from other large-scale data breaches of other companies, which can often be purchased on the dark web. The threat actor then systematically attempts to use those stolen credentials to obtain unauthorized access to accounts held by the same user with other companies and providers in order to compromise accounts where the user has maintained the same password. Here, in connection with the attack on the Betting Website, AUSTAD and his co-conspirators made a series of attempts to log into the Betting Website user accounts using a large list of stolen credentials. AUSTAD and his co-conspirators successfully compromised approximately 60,000 user accounts at the Betting Website (the “Victim Accounts”) through the credential stuffing attack. In some instances, AUSTAD and his co-conspirators were able to add a new payment method of their own on the account ( i.e ., to a newly added financial account belonging to the hacker) and then use it to withdraw all the existing funds in the Victim Account to themselves, thus stealing the funds in each affected Victim Account. Using this method, AUSTAD and others stole approximately $600,000 from approximately 1,600 Victim Accounts on the Betting Website. Access to the Victim Accounts was also sold on various websites that traffic in stolen accounts, which are frequently referred to as “Shops.” AUSTAD directly controlled and profited from his own shop, which was named after the character Snoopy from the Peanuts comic strip. A photo of AUSTAD’s Shop website with victim companies redacted is below: On or about December 2, 2022, AUSTAD messaged about the existence of this investigation, “everyone shouldve been prepared for this before cashing out lol,” and a co-conspirator replied, “lol fbi can’t do shit.” On or about May 19, 2023, AUSTAD messaged about the existence of this investigation, “like we didnt know the risk when we started lol . . . everyone knows their committing fraud.” AUSTAD also controlled cryptocurrency accounts that received cryptocurrency worth approximately $465,000, including proceeds of his crimes. * * * AUSTAD, 21, of Farmington, Minnesota, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to commit computer intrusion, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. AUSTAD is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Abrams on April 10, 2026. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Mead and Micah Fergenson are in charge of the prosecution.


title: North Carolina Social Services Employee Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over $100k from SNAP Benefits Program

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Wayne County woman who engaged in a scheme to defraud more than $100,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) benefits administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) and managed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services (“DSS”), pleaded guilty to theft of government property. Shermeca McCrary, age 46, faces a maximum term of ten years in prison, and a $250,000 fine when sentenced later this year. She will also be ordered to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $102,000.00. “Safeguarding taxpayer-funded assistance programs is one of our office’s core responsibilities,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “When a government employee abuses her position of trust to steal benefits intended to help families in need, we will act to hold her accountable. I appreciate the work of our federal, state, and local partners as we continue to protect these programs for the communities they serve.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, between January 2021 to January 2024, McCrary using her position and privileges as a North Carolina Department of Social Services case worker, unlawfully accessed the SNAP accounts of qualified individuals and converted $102,000 in government funds for her own personal benefit and use. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan Ontjes is prosecuting the case. The United States Department of Agriculture, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office, and the Johnston County Department of Social Services – Program Integrity, are investigating the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-275-M.


title: High-speed ditching of bulk methamphetamine leads to 135-month sentence for convicted felon

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 45-year-old Houston man has been ordered to federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute bulk crystal methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Devon Shermaine Rhodes pleaded guilty Sept. 15. U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has now ordered Rhodes to serve 135 months in federal prison, followed immediately by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, Rhodes argued for a 46-month sentence, claiming he did not discard drugs or drive dangerously at the time of his arrest. The court rejected his request after reviewing video evidence and citing his extensive criminal record, the inherent danger of crystal methamphetamine and the risk he posed to the Houston community. On Nov. 8, 2022, authorities conducted surveillance at a local fast-food establishment where they observed a drug transaction involving Rhodes. He had paid more than $10,000 in cash for approximately five kilograms of crystal methamphetamine earlier in the day. When law enforcement attempted a traffic stop, Rhodes fled, reaching speeds of 100 mph. During the pursuit, he threw multiple kilograms of methamphetamine out the drivers-side window, which burst as they hit the road. A search of the vehicle later uncovered a significant amount of crystal methamphetamine. Rhodes has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shelley J. Sullivan prosecuted the case. Operation All Gas No Brakes is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. law enforcement towards identifying, investigating and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes these organizations commit, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Houston comprises agents and officers from DEA, FBI, HSI and ATF with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas leading the prosecution.


title: Lorain man sentenced to ten years in federal prison for Controlled Substance Offenses

body_text: CLEVELAND – A 44-year-old Lorain man, Tiawan Taylor, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. He previously plead guilty to an indictment alleging that on July 31, 2024, he possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and another count of possessing with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing cocaine. After he serves his prison sentence, the court ordered that he be subject to 20 years of federal supervised release. Taylor has a lengthy criminal history with numerous prior convictions for violent offenses, theft offenses, and drug trafficking offenses. “This kind of behavior is a direct threat to the safety of our communities. Drug dealers bring violence and poison wherever they operate, and we are pleased to see this defendant taken off the streets for the next decade. I commend the efforts of the FBI and Lorain Police Department for their hard work and continued partnership,” said United States Attorney, David Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. This case was investigated by the Lorain Police Department and FBI Cleveland Division. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Scott Zarzycki for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Springfield Man Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud,  Aggravated Identity Theft, and Money Laundering

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today for his role in a mail fraud scheme in which false documents were submitted to the Missouri Department of Revenue to obtain mechanics liens and titles for vehicles that had previously been reported stolen. Dennis Arthur Cleveland, 75, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count each of mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. According to the plea agreement, Cleveland, as the owner of Affordable Towing, directed his employees, who he knew were submitted fraudulent documents, to send those documents to the Missouri Department of Revenue. These fraudulent documents were used to obtain substitute or replacement mechanics liens and vehicle titles that would allow Cleveland to sell the vehicles. In each instance, the documents submitted by Cleveland and his employees claimed to have received permission from the vehicle’s owner. Upon reviewing the documents, it was discovered that none of the listed vehicle owners gave Cleveland or Affordable Towing permission to seize or sell their vehicle. Further, in all these documents, a signature in the name of the vehicle’s owner was provided and was confirmed to be a forgery. In those instances that Cleveland obtained a replacement lien or title, he would sell the vehicle at a used car dealership. In those instances that Cleveland failed to receive a replacement title or mechanics lien, he would send the vehicle to a local scrapyard. Under either circumstance, Cleveland took all the proceeds from the vehicle’s sale or scrapping of these vehicles for himself. Each of the vehicles involved in this scheme were confirmed to have been reported stolen and neither Cleveland or Affordable Towing had permission to possess, sell, or scrap any of these vehicles. Under federal statutes, Cleveland is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole for the offense of mail fraud. Further, Cleveland is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison without parole for the offense of money laundering. Finally, Cleveland is subject to a sentence of 2 years, run consecutively to the mail fraud and money laundering, for the offense of aggravated identity theft. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney It was investigated by the Missouri Department of Revenue, Compliance and Investigation Bureau, the United States Post Inspection Service, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Environmental Protection Agency.


title: Two Men Sentenced to Federal Prison in Separate Drug Cases Investigated by the BADGES Task Force

body_text: POCATELLO – U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced the results of two separate drug distribution cases in eastern Idaho today. Both cases were investigated by the BADGES Task Force, which is a HIDTA-funded task force that includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Pocatello Police Department, the Idaho State Police, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, and the Chubbuck Police Department. In the first case, Tamrik Paul Day, 27, of Spokane, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine. According to court records, Day distributed methamphetamine through the mail in January and February 2024. On January 30, 2024, Day sold 27 grams of methamphetamine to another person. On February 15, 2024, Day sold 55 grams of methamphetamine to another person. On both occasions Day used the mail to send the methamphetamine, and the purchaser paid Day through a mobile peer-to-peer financial platform. U.S. Chief District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Day to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Day pleaded guilty to the charges in September 2025. U.S. Attorney Davis commended the Idaho State Police, who led the investigation on behalf of the BADGES Task Force, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, who assisted in the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoie Laggis prosecuted this case. In a separate and unrelated case, Jessie Kim Mitchell, 64, of Pingree, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine. According to court records, Mitchell sold methamphetamine to another person on three occasions in November 2024. On November 6, 2024, Mitchell sold 6 grams of methamphetamine. On November 15, 2024, Mitchell sold 52 grams of methamphetamine. On November 26, 2024, Mitchell sold 101 grams of methamphetamine. Mitchell was previously convicted of delivery of a controlled substance in Bingham County in 1995. U.S. Chief District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Mitchell to serve 5 years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Mitchell pleaded guilty to the charge in June 2025. U.S. Attorney Davis commended the Idaho State Police, who led the investigation on behalf of the BADGES Task Force, for their investigation which led to the charges in this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoie Laggis prosecuted this case. These cases were handled by the U.S. Attorney Office’s specially deputized Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA), funded by the Eastern Idaho Partnership (EIP) and the State of Idaho. The EIP is a coalition of local city and county officials in eastern Idaho as well as the Idaho Department of Correction. The EIP SAUSA program allows law enforcement to utilize the federal criminal justice system – through the EIP SAUSA – to prosecute, convict, and sentence violent, armed criminals and drug traffickers. These criminals often receive stiffer penalties than they might in state courts. This program was created in January 2016. Since that time, approximately 253 defendants have been indicted by the EIP SAUSA. Of these defendants, 190 have been indicted on drug trafficking charges. The defendants indicted under the program have been sentenced to 12,187 months (approximately 1,015.58 years) in federal prison, representing an average prison sentence of 48.16 months (4.01 years). Defendants indicted for drug trafficking offenses serve, on average, approximately 53.25 months (4.44 years) in federal prison. These cases were investigated through the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. HIDTA is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multiagency drug enforcement initiatives, including the BADGES Task Force. The BADGES Task Force is a collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies that focuses primarily on drug trafficking in Bannock County and throughout the region. ###


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 6 Months in Prison

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: HAMMOND – Felipe Bautista-Ramirez, 29 years old, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to felony Reentry of Removed Alien, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor. Felipe Bautista-Ramirez was sentenced to 6 months in prison followed by 1 year of supervised release. The supervised release term will go into effect if Bautista-Ramirez remains in, or returns to, the United States within that period following expected removal proceedings. According to documents in the case, Bautista-Ramirez’s arrest history includes charges for theft. He was previously removed from the United States in May 2024 and September 2024. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Hobart Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nadia Wardrip.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 98 Border-Related Cases This Week

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 98 border-related cases this week, including charges of bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city). In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here . A sample of border-related arrests this week: On December 6, Rodrigo Banuelos Garrafa and Anselmo Ramirez Romero, Mexican nationals, were arrested and charged with Attempted Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain during a maritime smuggling event. In the same incident, Jose Luis Castro-Lopez, Sandra Morales Tellez, Lidia Manuela Reyes Aroche and Daniela Tocohua Perez – also Mexican nationals - were arrested and charged with Attempted Entry after Deportation. According to a complaint, 11 people aboard a 26-foot vessel were intercepted by the U.S. Coast Guard about 22 miles west of San Diego. Banuelos Garrafa was identified as the boat captain; Ramirez Romero as the co-captain. The defendants plus five other passengers were transported to the Ballast Point Coast Guard station and turned over to Border Patrol. On December 9, Jesus Guadalupe Quintero Gastelum, a Mexican national, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry found 46 packages concealed in the wooden planks of a flatbed trailer being towed by the defendant’s truck when he attempted to cross the border. The packages contained 453 pounds of methamphetamine. On December 10, Gagik Verdyan, a citizen of Armenia, was arrested and charged with Deported Alien Found in the United States. Verdyan was intercepted by San Pascual Tribal Police and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Verdyan was previously removed from the U.S. in 2017 from New York City. Also recently, some defendants with criminal records were sentenced for border-related crimes such as illegally re-entering the U.S. after previous deportation. Here’s an example: On December 12, Jonathan Ivan Moreno-Hernandez, who was previously convicted of assault, attempted murder, voluntary manslaughter, theft, and vandalism, was sentenced in federal court to 18 months imprisonment for again entering the United States illegally. The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners. Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Trinitarios Gang Member Sentenced to 135 Months in Prison in Connection With Two Shootings and an Attempt to Smuggle Contraband into the Metropolitan Detention Center

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Abel Mora, also known as “Moreno,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis to 135 months’ imprisonment. Mora, a member of the Trinitarios street gang, pleaded guilty last year to Hobbs Act robbery and discharging a firearm after he robbed and shot an individual (the “Victim”) in East New York on August 13, 2023. After his guilty plea, and while detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York (MDC), Mora attempted to smuggle a rope full of contraband, including a weapon, drugs and other items, into the MDC. On June 24, 2025, Mora pleaded guilty to possession of contraband in prison. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the sentence. “Mora not only shot and robbed a man in Brooklyn, he subsequently attempted to smuggle drugs, weapons and other contraband into prison,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office has zero tolerance for inmates that make jails less safe and will continue to aggressively prosecute gang members who victimize the public by engaging in gun violence and put innocents at risk as they go about their day.” Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the FBI/NYPD Metro Safe Streets Task Force and the NYPD’s 75th and 101st Precincts for their outstanding work and assistance in this investigation and prosecution. “Abel Mora, a Trinitarios gang member, boldly attempted to smuggle drugs and weapons into a federal detention center despite previous convictions related to a gunpoint robbery and public shootout. His sustained propensity to criminality displays a blatant disregard for the wellbeing of others and the law. May today’s Operation Coast to Coast sentencing emphasize the FBI’s determination to hold accountable any gang member who jeopardizes the safety of our communities and our prisons,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “Abel Mora showed exactly why he is a danger to society – first by recklessly shooting and robbing New Yorkers in plain view, and then by trying to smuggle weapons and other contraband into a federal detention center,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “Today’s sentencing is a strong reminder that we will stop at nothing to identify and dismantle street gangs like the Trinitarios that are placing our communities at risk. I thank the NYPD investigators, all our law enforcement partners, and the prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work getting this dangerous criminal off our streets.” As set forth in the government’s sentencing memorandum and other court filings, Mora committed two shootings in Queens in Brooklyn on August 13, 2023. First, at approximately 1 p.m. on August 13, 2023, Mora shot at a vehicle in a residential neighborhood in Queens. As reflected on video surveillance cameras, a fight broke out between Mora and an associate and the occupant of the vehicle, resulting in a shoot-out which sent residents of the neighborhood, including children, running for their safety. Later that night in Brooklyn, Mora committed a second shooting with the same firearm. At approximately 9 p.m. outside of 3441 Fulton Street in Brooklyn, Mora shot the Victim and robbed him of his backpack. Video surveillance cameras capturing this incident showed that Mora committed this brazen shooting and robbery directly outside of a busy corner store with customers both inside and out. Immediately following the shooting, Mora fled with the stolen property. Mora was arrested on September 26, 2023 at his home. Law enforcement recovered the firearm used in both the Brooklyn and Queens shooting in a radiator in the defendant’s bedroom. The firearm was loaded with thirteen rounds of ammunition. After pleading and while detained at the MDC, Mora and several co-defendants attempted to smuggle a rope full of contraband, including a scalpel, a cell-phone charging cord and plug, two lighters, cigarettes and illegal narcotics into the MDC. Video surveillance inside of the MDC captured Mora and his co-conspirators as they attempted to pull the rope full of contraband into the facility using a line that they connected to the rope. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section and General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily J. Dean, Dana Rehnquist and Russell Noble are in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : ABEL MORA (also known as “Moreno”) Age: 24 Far Rockaway, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket Nos. 23-CR-383 (NGG), 25-CR-108 (NGG)


title: Hinesburg Man Sentenced to More than Two Years for Being a Felon In Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on December 12, 2025, Anthony Seagroves, 32, of Hinesburg, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 26 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. On August 25, 2025, Seagroves pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon on October 14, 2024. According to court records, Seagroves was encountered in two different stolen vehicles within the last two weeks of October 2024, each time with a loaded firearm he was prohibited from possessing, within arm’s reach. Seagroves was first encountered by Burlington Police Department officers on the afternoon of October 14, 2024, when officers were checking on Seagroves and multiple other people slouched over inside a running car parked at the Fletcher Free Library. The officers learned that the vehicle had been reported stolen. While removing Seagroves from the driver’s seat of the vehicle, officers observed a black and green pistol on the seat where Seagroves had been sitting. The pistol was determined to be a Privately Made Firearm (colloquially referred to as a “ghost gun”), which was loaded with four rounds of PMC brand 9-millimeter ammunition. Seagroves had previously been convicted of a felony burglary and was therefore prohibited from possessing this firearm. After being charged and released in Vermont Superior Court based on the October 14, 2024 incident, approximately a week later, on October 23, 2024, the Hinesburg Police Department was investigating a report of a stolen vehicle, which the owner had located in Hinesburg. The owner identified Seagroves exiting the passenger seat of the vehicle shortly after the owner had located it and officers later found a loaded Sig Sauer P365 9-millimeter pistol on the passenger floorboard. The owner of the Sig Sauer firearm had reported it stolen from his car in his driveway in Starksboro on October 22, 2024. First Assistant United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Burlington Police Department, and the Hinesburg Police Department. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill. Seagroves is represented by Devin McLaughlin, Esq. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).


title: Waldorf Man Sentenced to 55 Years for Robbery and Murder

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – Today, U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Thaddeus Lamont Wills, 52, of Waldorf, Maryland, to 55 years in federal prison for his role in a string of commercial armed robberies. The robberies occurred in 2020 and 2021, in Prince William County, Virginia, and in Prince George’s and Charles County, Maryland. During one of the robberies, Wills shot and killed a business owner. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD); Sheriff Troy D. Berry, Charles County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO); and Colonel Peter Newsham, Chief, Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD). After a nine-day trial, on October 25, 2024, a federal jury found Wills guilty of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, two counts of interference with interstate commerce by robbery, and two counts of carjacking. Additionally, the jury convicted Wills of three counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and murder resulting from using, carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The same jury found co-conspirator Keionta Hagens, 45, guilty of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, two counts of interference with interstate commerce by robbery and one count of use and carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The trial evidence showed that between November 12, 2020, and January 18, 2021, Wills and co-conspirators used firearms to rob four commercial businesses, carjack victims (including customers of two of the businesses), and murder one of the business owners. Wills’s co-conspirators were charged with various offenses for their roles in the series of crimes. On February 19, 2025, Judge Chuang sentenced Hagens to 18 years in federal prison. Wills and Hagens’ co-conspirators, Quasean Reeves, 32, of Waldorf, Maryland, and Andron Wood, 41, of Waldorf, Maryland, each pled guilty and are scheduled for sentencing on January 20, and January 21, 2026, respectively. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, PGPD, CCSO, and PWCPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Moomau and Joshua Rosenthal who prosecuted the case. 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: Illinois Woman Pleads Guilty To COVID-19 Fraud

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – An Illinois woman pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States by making claims for refunds of false COVID-19 related employment tax credits. According to court documents and statements made in court, Lakeibia Fannin conspired with others in the State and Federal District of Nevada from June 2022 through November 2023 to file tax returns seeking fraudulent refunds based on the employee retention credit (ERC) and paid sick and family leave credit. Fannin and her businesses were not eligible to receive the refundable credits in the amounts claimed. Fannin used the proceeds for her personal benefit, including on vacations, a cruise, jewelry, designer clothes, and a car. In total, Fannin requested more than $3.5 million and actually received over $1.4 million. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, Congress authorized the ERC for small businesses to reduce the employment tax owed to the IRS. Congress also authorized the IRS to give a credit against employment taxes to reimburse businesses for the wages paid to employees who were on sick or family leave and could not work because of COVID-19. This credit was equal to the wages the business paid the employees during the sick or family leave, subject to a maximum amount. Fannin is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2026. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Fannin has agreed to pay over $1.4 million in restitution to the IRS. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarom Gregory for the IRS Criminal Investigation's Phoenix Field Office made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigations and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration are investigating the case. Trial Attorney John C. Gerardi of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez of the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Rockford Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Distributing Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Illinois, Northern

body_text: ROCKFORD — A Rockford man was sentenced today to 14 years in federal prison for distributing nearly 900 grams of methamphetamine. JESSE HERBIG, 44, pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine. Herbig admitted that in 2022 he communicated with his drug supplier and arranged for a United States Postal Service Priority Express parcel which he knew contained methamphetamine to be shipped from Phoenix, Ariz. to an address in Rockford. The package contained approximately 891.6 grams of methamphetamine that was approximately 99% pure, a substance commonly known as “ice.” U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston imposed a 168-month prison sentence during a hearing today in federal court in Rockford. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ruth Mendonça, Inspector-in-Charge of the Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The Rockford Police Department assisted in the investigation. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa R. Munch.


title: Four Family Members Convicted of Multimillion-Dollar Tax Refund Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A jury in Fort Worth, Texas convicted four family members yesterday of participating in a multimillion-dollar tax refund fraud scheme, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould and the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. According to court documents and statements made in court, David Hunt, of Arlington, Texas, his twin sons Brandon and Baylon Hunt, also of Arlington, and the twins’ half-brother, Corey Burt, formerly of Long Beach, Mississippi, orchestrated a scheme to file tax returns in the names of purported trusts they controlled seeking over $8.5 million in tax refunds that the trusts were not entitled to receive. Brandon Hunt also filed a false return in his own name, and Brandon and Baylon Hunt also submitted to the IRS additional fake documents including falsified financial instruments and altered money orders as part of their scheme. Some of these documents were submitted to the IRS in response to IRS efforts to collect the fraudulently-obtained refunds. The defendants continued filing false returns and other documents even after receiving warning letters from the IRS about their submissions. Collectively, the defendants received over $1.7 million from the IRS based on the false tax returns they filed. Court records reflect that the defendants shared in the proceeds of their fraud by transferring money between themselves. They also used the refunds to purchase luxury goods, furniture, cryptocurrency, a Cadillac Escalade, and a house in Mississippi. All four defendants were convicted of conspiracy to defraud the United States. David and Brandon Hunt, as well as Corey Burt, were also convicted of multiple counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. Baylon Hunt was acquitted of two counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns. “Fraudulent tax schemes such as this rob the federal fisc and the American taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This verdict rightly held all four defendants accountable for their roles in the criminal conduct – a result garnered by the diligent work of IRS-CI, the Tax Section of DOJ’s Criminal Division, and those in my office to bring these individuals to justice.” “Let this verdict serve as a warning: frivolous tax arguments have no merit and will not shield anyone from prosecution,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus Jr. of IRS Criminal Investigation, Dallas Field Office. “Those who attempt to misuse the tax system through baseless claims and deceptive filings not only undermine public trust, but also face serious legal consequences. The women and men of IRS-CI remain steadfast in our mission to protect the integrity of the tax system and pursue those who seek to defraud it.” Sentencing is scheduled for March 26, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. The defendants face up to five years in prison on the conspiracy charge and up to three years in prison on each false tax return charge. They also face monetary penalties, restitution, and terms of supervised release. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. The U.S. Marshals Service assisted in locating and arresting three of the defendants who fled mid-trial. Trial Attorneys Melissa Siskind and Daniel Lipkowitz of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Mark McDonald of the Northern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.