title: Two Individuals Plead Guilty to $68 Million Fraud Scheme  at Brooklyn-Based Adult Day Cares  and Home Health Care Company

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Elaine Antao and Manal Wasef pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud Medicaid by paying health care kickbacks for services that were not provided at two Brooklyn social adult day cares and a home health care company. Today’s proceeding was held before United States District Judge Natasha C. Merle. When sentenced, the defendants each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; A. Tysen Duva, Assistant Attorney General and head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Naomi Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Ricky J Patel, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI-New York); and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the guilty pleas. “As demonstrated by today’s guilty pleas, our Office will hold accountable corrupt individuals who steer patients to health care providers in exchange for illicit kickbacks,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “We will continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute fraud schemes that steal from taxpayer funds from federal health care programs.” “The defendants were large-scale recruiters who bribed patients with laundered cash and billed Medicaid over $68 million for services that were not provided,” stated Assistant Attorney General Duva. “Today’s guilty pleas demonstrate the Department’s longstanding commitment to rooting out fraud in government health care programs by aggressively prosecuting those who steal from taxpayer-funded programs.” “These defendants orchestrated an egregious scheme involving illegal kickbacks to steer Medicaid claims and to receive payment for services not rendered. Extensive fraudulent operations like this jeopardize the availability of federal health care program funds intended to support millions of beneficiaries,” stated HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Gruchacz. “HHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who prioritize greed over patient care.” “These defendants placed profit over people and public well-being and stole $68 million in welfare funds meant for those who need it most,” stated HSI Special Agent in Charge Patel. “Their guilty pleas today reflect that they knew exactly what crimes they were committing — they were cheating the system and, in turn, hurting vulnerable Americans. I commend HSI New York and our law enforcement partners for their unrelenting focus on dismantling and disrupting financial fraud schemes that exploit the American public and hurt our economy.” According to court documents, Antao and Wasef were marketers and recruiters for two social adult day cares: Happy Family Social Adult Day Care Center Inc. and Family Social Adult Day Care Center Inc., located in Brooklyn, as well as Responsible Care Staffing Inc., a home health care fiscal intermediary. Between approximately October 2017 and July 2024, Wasef and Antao referred Medicaid recipients to the social adult day cares and the home health company in exchange for illegal kickbacks and bribes. They also paid illegal kickbacks and bribes to Medicaid recipients for social adult day care services and home health care services that were billed to Medicaid but were not provided or that were induced by kickbacks and bribes. Wasef and Antao used multiple business entities to launder the fraud proceeds and generate the cash used to pay kickbacks and bribes. As part of their plea agreements, Wasef and Antao agreed to collectively forfeit approximately $1 million. Wasef and Antao are the sixth and seventh individuals to plead guilty in this case. Trial Attorneys Patrick J. Campbell and Leonid Sandlar of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case with Assistant United States Attorney Michael Castiglione of the Eastern District of New York’s Asset Forfeiture Section who is handling forfeiture matters. The Defendants: ELAINE ANTAO Age: 46 Brooklyn, New York MANAL WASEF Age: 46 Brooklyn, New York Defendants Who Previously Pleaded Guilty: HASHMI, AMRAN Age: 55 Brooklyn, New York HELMY, JOSEPH Age: 50 Brooklyn, New York ISMAIL, AMAL Age: 59 Brooklyn, New York KHAN, ZAKIA Age: 54 Brooklyn, New York MEMON, SEEMA Age: 31 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-409 (NCM)


title: Two Individuals Plead Guilty to $68M Adult Day Care Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Two defendants pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud Medicaid by paying health care kickbacks for services that were not provided at two Brooklyn social adult day cares and a home health care company. “The defendants were large-scale recruiters who bribed patients with laundered cash and billed Medicaid over $68 million for services that were not provided,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s guilty pleas demonstrate the Department’s longstanding commitment to rooting out fraud in government health care programs by aggressively prosecuting those who steal from taxpayer-funded programs.” “As demonstrated by today’s guilty pleas, our Office will hold accountable corrupt individuals who steer patients to health care providers in exchange for illicit kickbacks,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. of the Eastern District of New York. “We will continue to investigate and aggressively prosecute fraud schemes that steal from taxpayer funds from federal health care programs.” “These defendants orchestrated an egregious scheme involving illegal kickbacks to steer Medicaid claims and to receive payment for services not rendered,” said Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Extensive fraudulent operations like this jeopardize the availability of federal health care program funds intended to support millions of beneficiaries. HHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who prioritize greed over patient care.” “These defendants placed profit over people and public well-being and stole $68 million in welfare funds meant for those who need it most,” said Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York. “Their guilty pleas today reflect that they knew exactly what crimes they were committing — they were cheating the system and, in turn, hurting vulnerable Americans. I commend HSI New York and our law enforcement partners for their unrelenting focus on dismantling and disrupting financial fraud schemes that exploit the American public and hurt our economy.” According to court documents, Manal Wasef, 46, and Elaine Antao, 46, both of Brooklyn, were marketers and recruiters for two social adult day cares: Happy Family Social Adult Day Care Center Inc. and Family Social Adult Day Care Center Inc., as well as Responsible Care Staffing Inc., a home health care fiscal intermediary. Between approximately October 2017 and July 2024, in exchange for illegal kickbacks and bribes, Wasef and Antao referred Medicaid recipients to the social adult day cares and the home health company. The defendants also paid illegal kickbacks and bribes to Medicaid recipients for social adult day care services and home health care services that were billed to Medicaid but were not provided or that were induced by kickbacks and bribes. Wasef and Antao used multiple business entities to launder the fraud proceeds and generate the cash used to pay kickbacks and bribes. In connection with their guilty pleas, Wasef and Antao agreed to collectively forfeit approximately $1 million. Wasef and Antao are the sixth and seventh individuals, respectively, to plead guilty in this case. Wasef and Antao pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Antao is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20 and Wasef is scheduled to be sentenced on May 27. They each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. HHS-OIG, HSI, and the NYPD are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Patrick J. Campbell and Leonid Sandlar of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Castiglione for the Eastern District of New York is handling forfeiture matters. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of 9 strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Eighth Member of the Brooklyn-Based Hyena Crips Gang  Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Crimes, Including Murder

body_text: Richler Morette, also known as “Breezy,” a member of the Brooklyn-based Hyena Crips gang, pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Brooklyn to racketeering in connection with the murder of a man mistaken to be a rival gang member and conspiracy to murder rival gang members. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly. When sentenced, Morette faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Morette is the eighth member of the Hyena Crips to plead guilty to a superseding indictment charging members and associates of the violent street gang with racketeering activity over a decade, including the murders of Samuel Joseph, Leandre Mallinckrodt, and Roodson Polynice. When sentenced, Morette faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI-New York), and Anthony D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General (DOL-OIG), announced the guilty pleas. “The prosecution of these Hyena Crips gang members has dismantled a violent and ruthless gang that terrorized our communities for too long, killing innocent people, robbing local businesses, and stealing the identities of hard-working peoples,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “It is my sincere hope that the guilty pleas represent justice and some measure of closure for the victims and their loved ones.” "With this guilty plea, Richler Morette has acknowledged his link to vicious murders and attempted killings of the innocent public and rival gang members, alike,” stated HIS Special Agent in Charge Patel. “As a result of this investigation, eight Hyena Crips gangsters have plead guilty and will face the full force of the law — reflecting the real change that HSI New York, together with the our partners, are endeavoring to make within New York City communities. HSI New York remains committed to restoring safety and peace for all New Yorkers.” "This guilty plea underscores the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General's unwavering commitment to bring to justice those who defrauded the unemployment insurance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated DOL-OIG Inspector General D’Esposito. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who engage in the exploitation of governmental programs and the American taxpayer.” Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations’ Violent Gang Task Force, the New York City Police Department, and the Department of Labor’s Office of the Inspector General for their outstanding work in this investigation. As detailed in court filings, the Hyena Crips set of the Crips street gang was a violent criminal organization based in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn that earned money through fraud and robbery. To advance the gang’s operations and reputation, members and associates of the Hyena Crips committed murders, robberies, and fraud. September 3, 2012 Murder of Leandre Mallinckrodt On September 3, 2012, Rick Jasmin and other members of the Hyena Crips were at the West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn when a brawl began. Jasmin fatally stabbed Leandre Mallinckrodt, who had been visiting Brooklyn from out of town, in the neck. Jasmin mistook Mallinckrodt as a rival gang member. February 22, 2019 Murder of Samuel Joseph As detailed in court documents, Martial H. Amilcar shot and killed 15-year-old Samuel Joseph on February 22, 2019 in retaliation for an altercation earlier the same day between Amilcar’s brother, Martial C. Amilcar, also a Hyena Crips gang member, and Joseph’s older brother. Shortly after the altercation, which occurred on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, Martial H. Amilcar contacted other members of the Hyena Crips. Martial H. Amilcar and another co-defendant drove to Samuel Joseph’s apartment building and waited outside. As Joseph walked down a staircase towards the building’s exit, Martial H. Amilcar walked into the building, pulled out a gun and shot Joseph three times at close range, killing him. September 2, 2020 Murder of Roodson Polynice As detailed in court documents, Dave Augustin directed Bradley Augustin, Morette, and other members of the Hyena Crips to retaliate against a rival gang for the non-fatal shootings of two Hyena Crips leaders. On September 2, 2020, Bradley Augustin, Morette, and others shot and killed Roodson Polynice during a drive-by shooting in Brooklyn while Polynice was sitting in his car. Following the murder, Morette responded to group Facebook messages about Polynice’s death in which he replied with three laughing-face emojis, before stating, “[d]on’t care who got hit” and “pic [sic] a side or get killed with them Hyenalifestyle or no life.” The superseding indictment also charged the members of the gang with other racketeering acts, including agreeing to commit identity fraud in connection with unemployment-fraud insurance and in connection with defrauding the Small Business Administration (SBA); money laundering; robberies; attempted murder; and conspiracy to murder rival gang members. Seven members of the Hyena Crips previously pleaded guilty. On November 13, 2025, Martial H. Amilcar was sentenced to 30 years’ imprisonment for racketeering, including predicate acts of the murder of Joseph and the attempted gunpoint robbery of a Brooklyn pharmacy. On November 12, 2025, Martial C. Amilcar was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment for racketeering in connection with defrauding the SBA and conspiring to murder rival gang members. Five co-defendants—Bradley Augustin, Dave Augustin, Matthew Harris, Rick Jasmin, and Wisny Joseph—are awaiting sentencing. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Devon Lash, Jessica Weigel, and Joshua Dugan are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Elizabeth Reed and Erin Payne. The Defendant : RICHLER MORETTE (also known as “Breezy”) Age: 30 Brooklyn, New York Previously Convicted Defendants: MARTIAL C. AMILCAR (also known as “Hype”) Age: 27 Brooklyn, New York MARTIAL H. AMILCAR (also known as “Drippy”) Age: 28 Brooklyn, New York BRADLEY AUGUSTIN (also known as “Cradley”) Age: 26 Brooklyn, New York DAVE AUGUSTIN (also known as “Juice”) Age: 39 Brooklyn, New York MATTHEW HARRIS (also known as “Kappy”) Age: 26 Brooklyn, New York RICK JASMIN (also known as “Jab”) Age: 32 Brooklyn, New York WISNY JOSEPH (also known as “Weezy”) Age: 34 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-18 (AMD)


title: Three Georgia Fugitives, Including Federal Inmate, Charged in Violent Kidnapping and Armed Robbery Scheme

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A grand jury in Miami has returned an indictment Wednesday charging three Georgia fugitives for their alleged roles in a violent scheme to abduct and rob a victim, possessing a firearm to carry out the kidnapping and robbery. According to court records, Stevenson Charles, 24, had been in federal custody until Dec. 5, 2025, when he was transferred to Georgia state custody to await trial on charges related to a 2022 murder and armed robbery. During a routine security check on Dec. 22, 2025, authorities discovered that Charles, along with Yusuf Minor, 31, and Naod Yohannes, 25, were missing from the facility. After escaping, the defendants allegedly used a rideshare service in Georgia and kidnapped the driver. After entering the vehicle, one of the defendants allegedly wrapped a rope around the victim’s neck from behind, bound the victim’s hands, and forced the victim into the backseat. The defendants then allegedly threatened the victim’s life and told the victim to keep their head down while they drove into South Florida. The defendants allegedly forced the victim to provide access to their banking accounts and funds and used the victim’s banking cards to make purchases at businesses in Miami-Dade and Broward counties, including securing a short-term rental residence in Broward County. The defendants allegedly assaulted the victim when the victim attempted to escape and transported the victim to the rental residence, where they allegedly prevented the victim from leaving. Law enforcement later located Charles driving the victim’s vehicle, with Yohannes also inside. Charles allegedly led officers on a pursuit before fleeing on foot and was apprehended shortly thereafter. A firearm was recovered along the route of the pursuit. Yohannes was apprehended near the vehicle. Minor was also apprehended the same day. The defendants are charged with conspiracy to kidnap, kidnapping, Hobbs Act robbery, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. In addition, Charles is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of life in prison on the conspiracy, kidnapping, and firearm counts. Charles faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison on the firearm charge. Yohannes and Minor each face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years on the firearm count. All three defendants also face up to 20 years in prison on the Hobbs Act robbery charge. Charles additionally faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and up to life in prison on the felon-in-possession count. U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. FBI Miami is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Maultasch and Jonathan Jacobson are prosecuting the case. An indictment/complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.sdfl.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.sdfl.uscourts.gov , under case number 26-cr-60009. ###


title: Charleston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Brandon Lee Woodrum, 30, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, Woodrum admitted to possessing a Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm pistol on March 19, 2024, in Charleston. Woodrum further admitted to knowing that the firearm was reported stolen prior to its recovery by law enforcement. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Woodrum knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for wanton endangerment with a firearm on March 16, 2015, and January 24, 2019, both in Kanawha County Circuit Court. Woodrum is scheduled to be sentenced on April 30, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. McLaughlin is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-171. ###


title: Brush Prairie, Washington Woman Pleads Guilty to and Sentenced for Mail Theft

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A Brush Prairie, Washington, woman pleaded guilty yesterday and was sentenced for mail theft while working as a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) employee. Darcy Rae Nolan, 57, pleaded guilty to the information charging theft of mail by an officer or employee. Nolan was sentenced to two years of probation. The court ordered Nolan to pay restitution. According to court documents, from February 2024 through December 2024, Nolan, as a city carrier for the USPS Parkrose Station Post Office, stole medications from the mail on at least 15 occasions by manipulating USPS records regarding parcels or opening parcels and stealing the medications. A search of Nolan’s purse and vehicle recovered approximately 137 pills and capsules that were later identified as five different types of prescription amphetamines. On November 10, 2025, Nolan was charged by information with theft of mail by a postal employee. The USPS Office of Inspector General investigated the case. First Assistant United States Attorney William M. Narus and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Trisotto prosecuted the case.


title: Jacksonville Minister Pleads Guilty to Tax Crime

body_text: A Jacksonville minister pleaded guilty today to obstructing the IRS’s efforts to collect his tax debts. According to court documents and statements made in court, Brian Carn, Jr. operated a ministry under various names, including Healing House Ministries, Inc., Brian Carn Ministries, Inc., and Kingdom Culture City Churches. In 2016, Carn filed his tax return for 2015 that properly reported that he earned more than $1.4 million in income and owed more than $600,000 in taxes. He did not, however, pay those taxes to the IRS and instead came up with a scheme to deceive the IRS. A few months later, when the IRS attempted to collect his unpaid taxes — including by placing liens on his properties and attempting to levy his bank accounts — Carn amended his 2015 tax return and falsely removed nearly $1.3 million in income that he previously reported. To accomplish this, Carn hired a new accountant and provided him with a fictitious, backdated employment agreement that provided for an annual salary of $120,000 and an annual parsonage allowance of $24,000. Carn represented to his accountant that this was all the income he earned for the year. Carn represented third parties on credit applications, financial account openings, and lease applications, and otherwise knew that the income he actually earned far exceeded the purported salary in the employment agreement provided to the new accountant. In the following years, operating under the premise of the fictitious employment agreement, Carn filed a series of other tax returns that drastically underreported his true income. But in 2020, he stopped filing tax returns, despite continuing to earn income by using ministry funds to pay for personal expenses. Finally, when the IRS was trying to collect the outstanding taxes, Carn made a number of false representations and material omissions to the IRS to conceal his assets and income. Carn’s obstruction caused a loss to United States of between $550,000 and $1,500,000. Carn faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant Deputy Chief David Zisserson and Trial Attorney Max Wilner-Giwerc of the Criminal Division, Tax Section are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.


title: Sacramento Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding an Investor of $777,470

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: Jaswant Singh Gill, 57, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud for orchestrating an investment fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, between May 2024 and June 2025, Gill was the Chief Executive Officer of Kismet Capital Partners LLC. Using Kismet Capital, Gill executed a scheme to defraud that involved making false representations and promises in exchange for purported investments. Gill falsely represented to investors that Kismet Capital was an investment firm with about 20 employees. He falsely promised that funds invested into Kismet Capital would be used solely for investment purposes, and the investor would receive a specific monthly rate of return. Based on the promises, a victim investor sent approximately $777,470 in the form of cash and wire transfers to be invested into Kismet. The victim obtained these funds from sources including personal loans, loans against an IRA, and a home equity line of credit. Gill also used at least one of the victim’s credit cards to obtain cash advances. Instead of using the funds for investment purposes, Gill used the stolen funds for his own personal use including, paying for dinners at restaurants, paying a personal driver, and purchases of luxury items. During the time that Gill was stealing the investor’s funds, Gill falsely assured the investor that their investment was growing, when in fact, the investment was not growing. Also based on court records, Gill committed this scheme to defraud while on federal supervised release that was imposed after Gill’s 2018 conviction for wire fraud in another federal judicial district. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nchekube Onyima is prosecuting the case. Gill is scheduled to be sentenced on April 2, 2026, before Chief U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley. Gill faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will 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.


title: Man Admits Using False Identity for Decades to Evade Arrest and Collect Social Security

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Leslie Kay Peterson, a U.S. citizen who was living in La Paz, Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court today to fraud charges, admitting that he created a false identity in the 1970s to evade a warrant for his arrest and illegally collect social security. In his plea agreement, Peterson, 72, admitted that he used a forged birth certificate to apply for a new social security number under the name “Ronald Allen Steele” to avoid arrest after he violated terms of his probation for robbery in 1978. The Social Security Administration assigned “Steele” a social security number in 1978, and after fleeing the country, Peterson used his new false identity to apply for a United States passport in Honduras. In 2018, Peterson applied for Retirement Insurance Benefits from the Social Security Administration as “Steele” and collected his benefits while living as a permanent resident in Mexico. Once officials discovered his deception, Peterson was arrested while crossing the border on November 23, 2025, using the fraudulently issued passport in the “Steele” identity. He has remained in custody since his arrest. As a part of his plea agreement, Peterson has agreed to pay restitution to the Social Security Administration in the amount of $130,632.80, representing all money fraudulently paid to him as “Ronald Allen Steele” since 2018. Sentencing is scheduled for April 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Robert S. Huie. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kete and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey D. Hill. DEFENDANT Case Number 25-CR-4751-RSH Leslie Kay Peterson (aka Ronald Allen Steele) Age: 72 La Paz, Mexico SUMMARY OF CHARGES Social Security Fraud – Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(4) Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and a $262,265 fine Passport Fraud – Title 18, United States Code, Section 1542 Maximum Penalty: Ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Department of State – State Diplomatic Security Service Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General


title: New York Man Pleads Guilty to Violating the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Dominic Love Davis, 52, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty today to failure to update his registration as a sex offender, as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). According to court documents and statements made in court, Davis was convicted of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor in Kanawha County, West Virginia, Circuit Court on January 7, 2013, and required to register as a sex offender for life. From on or about May 20, 2021, through on or about April 15, 2025, Davis failed to update his registration including when he traveled from West Virginia to New York. Davis is scheduled to be sentenced on April 30, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Marshals Service (USMS). United States District Judge Irene C. Berger presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the case. SORNA is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. SORNA seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs, in part by requiring registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-72. ###


title: Leader of Local Money Laundering Cell Pleads Guilty to $42 Million International Elder Fraud Scheme

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Victor Marion, aka “Vic,” pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting he participated in an international fraud and money laundering scheme that tricked elderly victims in the U.S. out of more than $42 million. In November 2025, Marion was charged alongside 21 other alleged coconspirators. Marion, the lead defendant, pleaded guilty to both a mail and wire fraud conspiracy and a money laundering conspiracy. According to public documents, this case arises from a San Diego Elder Justice Task Force investigation into a long-running Indian call center scam operated from Dubai and India that targeted elderly individuals in the United States. The fraud scheme is alleged to have generated pop-up advertisements on individuals’ computers that directed them to call for technical support where scammers posed as technical support representatives (e.g., Microsoft, McAfee, etc.). After scamming victims out of several hundred dollars in technical support payments, the scammers conducted yet another scam by claiming the victims were owed a refund. Rather than issuing refunds, scammers used remote desktop software to make it appear as if victims received tens of thousands of dollars more than they were entitled. Using a variety of techniques, scammers then baited victims into mailing and wiring those fake refund overages to money transmitters in the United States, including the large cell led by Marion in San Diego. While the full scope of the scam is still being uncovered, the FBI has identified over 500 victims and obtained approximately 100,000 recorded calls between the scammers and potential victims. In his plea agreement, Marion admitted to participating knowingly in the mail and wire fraud as well as the money laundering portion of the scam for an organization that targeted elderly individuals. As set forth in his plea agreement, Marion assisted coconspirators in registering shell companies and opening bank accounts aimed at receiving fraud funds. In exchange, Marion retained a percentage of the fraud funds flowing through those San Diego-based shell companies’ accounts. In addition to operating a money laundering cell, public documents alleged that Marion travelled to Thailand with others where he met the foreign organizers of the scheme. On that trip, the foreign organizers treated Marion and his group to high-end tourist activities, including petting Tigers and throwing stacks of money into the air on the stage at Thai clubs (below left – Marion depicted in a Thai club; below right – Marion depicted petting a tiger): In his plea agreement, Marion admitted that he travelled to Asia with others to meet the foreign organizers of the scheme and learn how to conduct the fraud itself. And, while there, he learned how to conduct the refund portion of the fraud. This case was investigated by the San Diego Elder Justice Task Force and its member agencies, including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, and San Diego Police Department. A sentencing hearing for Marion is scheduled for April 10, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available through the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). You can also report fraud to any local law enforcement agency or on the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov . The FBI requests that victims report: The name of the person or company that contacted you. Methods of communication used, including websites, emails, and telephone numbers. Any bank account number(s) to which you wired funds and the recipient name(s). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley E. Goff and Shivanjali A. Sewak. DEFENDANT Case Number 25cr4061-TWR-1 Victor Marion Age: 43 San Diego, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Mail and Wire Fraud Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 1349 and 2326 Maximum Penalty: Forty years in prison and $1 million fine Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h) Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine or twice the amount of monetary instruments involved in the offense, whichever is greatest INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Federal Bureau of Investigation San Diego Elder Justice Task Force San Diego County District Attorney’s Office San Diego Police Department


title: Chinese National Pleads Guilty in $27 Million Multinational Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme Targeting Over 2,000 Seniors

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Zhao Wang, aka “Oscar,” pleaded guilty in federal court today and admitted he participated in a $27 million fraud and money laundering scheme targeting approximately 2,000 elderly victims across the United States. Wang, a Chinese national, is the lead defendant charged in a five-defendant indictment unsealed in 2024. According to public documents, members of the conspiracy operated a series of technical support, bank impersonation and government impersonation, and refund scams targeting elderly victims. Victims received unsolicited phone calls, emails, and pop-up ads directing victims to call a phone number. Unbeknownst to the victims, those phone numbers belonged to India-based scam call centers. Once a victim called the call center, members of the conspiracy used social engineering techniques to build trust with victims. In many instances, the conspirators had victims download commercially available remote desktop software, which the conspirators used to access victims’ computers and to carry on the scams. One of the most frequent scams was a refund scam. In the refund scams, victims were told they were entitled to a small refund, for example, from a retailer for an alleged unauthorized charge. While pretending to process the refund, the victim would be accidentally “over-refunded” money. The conspirators would then instruct the victim to send the alleged over-refunded money through wire transfers or in cash via express mail to members of the conspiracy. In reality, the victims had been refunded any money and victims were scammed into sending their own money. Victims were instructed to send the alleged over-refunded money via wire transfers and in bulk cash via express mail packages to members of the conspiracy, including defendant Zhao Wang, in the United States. When a victim was duped into sending bulk cash in the mail, Wang would provide his India-based co-conspirators a fictitious name plus an address of a retail location that could accept express mail packages. Those names and addresses would then be relayed to the victims, who were instructed to express mail the bulk cash. Then, once a victim had sent the cash in the mail, Wang and his co-conspirators would use fake IDs to get the packages of cash sent by the elderly victims. In his plea agreement, Wang admitted that he obtained the fake IDs personally and provided them to his co-conspirators. Wang also admitted that he coordinated and oversaw the activities and recruited others, including his co-defendants, to work on his behalf in furtherance of the fraud scheme. Investigators identified over 2,000 elderly victims from throughout the country, including victims in San Diego, who were defrauded and suffered over $27 million in losses over an approximately two-year period between 2021-2023. In publicly filed documents, Wang also admitted that after receiving the fraud proceeds, he and his co-conspirators laundered the money using cryptocurrency back to their foreign-based counterparts. Wang admitted that typically each day after collecting victim packages, Wang’s co-conspirators would deliver the money from the packages to him. Wang would then coordinate with his foreign-based co-conspirators, who would provide a cryptocurrency wallet that Wang would use to transfer cryptocurrency. Wang took upwards of 18% of the fraud proceeds and transferred the rest via cryptocurrency to his co-conspirators. Wang also admitted that he laundered the proceeds to promote the fraud scheme by using fraud proceeds to pay co-conspirators and to purchase the fake IDs used in the scheme. Wang and his four co-defendants were charged by indictment in June 2024. In August 2024, federal agents conducted a nationwide takedown of this investigation, which led to Wang’s arrest in Las Vegas, Nevada. A sentencing hearing for Zhao Wang is scheduled for April 3, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Robert S. Huie. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Mokhtari. DEFENDANTS Case Number 24-cr-1317-RSH-01 Zhao Wang, aka “Oscar” Age: 41 Las Vegas, NV SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Commit Mail and Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1349, 2326 Maximum Penalties: Forty years in prison; $1 million fine Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(a)(1)(A)(i), 1956(a)(1)(B)(i) and 1956(h) Maximum Penalties: Twenty years in prison; maximum fine of $500,000 or twice the amount laundered INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Federal Bureau of Investigation Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General Homeland Security Investigations San Diego County District Attorney’s Office San Diego County Sheriff’s Department San Diego Police Department San Diego Elder Justice Task Force Chino Police Department Coronado Police Department Escondido Police Department Glendora Police Department Long Beach Police Department Orange County Sheriff’s Department


title: Colorado Springs Woman Sentenced to 12 Months, One Day, After Being Convicted On Charges Arising From Hate Crime Hoax

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Ashley Blackcloud, 40, of Colorado Springs, was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison after a jury found her guilty in May 2025. Blackcloud and co-defendant Derrick Bernard were convicted after a trial on charges that they conspired to threaten or convey false information about a threat: a burning cross placed in front of a Black political candidate’s campaign sign, which they had defaced with a racial slur written in red spray paint. After staging the cross burning, Blackcloud, Bernard and a third convicted co-conspirator used email and social media to publicize the threat in the weeks before the Colorado Springs mayoral runoff election. Evidence presented at the week-long trial showed that ten days before the cross burning, Bernard sent a message to the threatened candidate in which he explained he was “mobilizing my squad in defense. Black ops style big brother” and then immediately texted Blackcloud, “I got a plan.” After the burning occurred in the early morning hours of April 23, 2023, Bernard and Blackcloud then worked together to send an email to the candidate, media outlets, and other local, state, and national organizations. Attached to the email was a short video of the cross burning and a still photograph. The email falsely blamed the candidate’s political opponent for the crime. The defendants then worked together to maliciously convey false information about the cross burning via social media platforms. The conspiracy was uncovered when the Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) gathered surveillance footage around the scene of the cross burning. The CSPD’s extensive review of the footage revealed three people prowling through the darkness between 2:30 and 3:30 in the morning to stage the crime. Additional investigative work by the CSPD and exhaustive efforts by the FBI ultimately identified Bernard and Blackcloud, self-declared activists and social media personalities, as two of the culprits. United States District Judge Regina M. Rodriguez presided over the sentencing of Blackcloud. Sentencing for Derrick Bernard is scheduled for March 2026. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with substantial assistance from the Colorado Springs Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bryan Fields and Candyce Cline. CASE NUMBER: 24-cr-00320-RMR


title: Delhi, India Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Illegally Export Aviation Components from Oregon to Russia

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.— A man from Delhi, India, was sentenced to federal prison today for conspiring with others to export controlled aviation components and a navigation and flight control system to end users in Russia, in violation of the Export Control Reform Act. Sanjay Kaushik, 58, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and 36 months of supervised release. “This was no lapse in judgment. It was a calculated, profit-driven scheme involving repeated transactions, substantial gains, and coordination with foreign co-conspirators, including sanctioned Russian entities,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “This defendant sought, on multiple occasions, to undermine safeguards critical to U.S. national security and foreign policy for his own personal gain.” According to court documents and following today’s sentencing, beginning in early September 2023, Kaushik conspired with others to unlawfully obtain aerospace goods and technology from the United States for entities in Russia. The goods were purchased under the false pretense that they would be supplied to Kaushik and his Indian company, when in fact they were destined for Russian end users. In one such instance, Kaushik and his co-conspirators purchased an Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS), which is a device that provides navigation and flight control data for aircraft, from an Oregon-based supplier. Components such as the AHRS require a license from the Department of Commerce to be exported to certain countries, including Russia. To obtain an export license for the AHRS, Kaushik and his co-conspirators falsely claimed that Kaushik’s Indian company was the end purchaser and that the component would be used in a civilian helicopter. Kaushik and his co-conspirators obtained the AHRS – which was ultimately detained before it was exported from the United States – on behalf of and with the intention of shipping it, through India, to a customer in Russia. Kaushik was arrested in Miami, Florida, on October 17, 2024, pursuant to a criminal complaint and arrest warrant and has remained in custody since then. On November 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Kaushik with conspiring and attempting to export products in violation of the Export Control Reform Act and the Export Administration Regulations, specifically attempting to illegally export a navigation and flight control system from Oregon to Russia through India, and false statements in connection with an export. On October 9, 2025, Kaushik pled guilty to count one of the indictment, conspiring to sell export-controlled aviation components with dual civilian and military applications to end users in Russia. The sentencing was announced by Scott E. Bradford, United States Attorney for the District of Oregon, Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg of the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, and Special Agent in Charge Brent Burmester of the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), San Jose Field Office. BIS Portland investigated the case, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Gregory R. Nyhus, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon and Trial Attorney Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted the case.


component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: A Jacksonville minister pleaded guilty today to obstructing the IRS’s efforts to collect his tax debts. According to court documents and statements made in court, Brian Carn, Jr. operated a ministry under various names, including Healing House Ministries, Inc., Brian Carn Ministries, Inc., and Kingdom Culture City Churches. In 2016, Carn filed his tax return for 2015 that properly reported that he earned more than $1.4 million in income and owed more than $600,000 in taxes. He did not, however, pay those taxes to the IRS and instead came up with a scheme to deceive the IRS. A few months later, when the IRS attempted to collect his unpaid taxes — including by placing liens on his properties and attempting to levy his bank accounts — Carn amended his 2015 tax return and falsely removed nearly $1.3 million in income that he previously reported. To accomplish this, Carn hired a new accountant and provided him with a fictitious, backdated employment agreement that provided for an annual salary of $120,000 and an annual parsonage allowance of $24,000. Carn represented to his accountant that this was all the income he earned for the year. Carn represented third parties on credit applications, financial account openings, and lease applications, and otherwise knew that the income he actually earned far exceeded the purported salary in the employment agreement provided to the new accountant.. In the following years, operating under the premise of the fictitious employment agreement, Carn filed a series of other tax returns that drastically underreported his true income. But in 2020, he stopped filing tax returns, despite continuing to earn income by using ministry funds to pay for personal expenses. Finally, when the IRS was trying to collect the outstanding taxes, Carn made a number of false representations and material omissions to the IRS to conceal his assets and income. Carn’s obstruction caused a loss to United States of between $550,000 and $1,500,000. Carn faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant Deputy Chief David Zisserson and Trial Attorney Max Wilner-Giwerc of the Criminal Division, Tax Section are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.


title: Former Storm Lake City Employee Sentenced to Seven Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A former Storm Lake city employee was sentenced today to seven years’ imprisonment for possessing child pornography. Brian Oakleaf, age 52, from Storm Lake, Iowa, received the prison term after a September 9, 2025, guilty plea to two counts of possession of child pornography. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that, from March 1, 2022, through July 29, 2024, Oakleaf received, distributed, and possessed child pornography, including depictions involving prepubescent minors, on two separate cell phones. In May 2024, law enforcement officers were investigating an online filesharing program and directed their focus on an IP address that was sharing child sexual abuse material. Investigators focused on the owner of the IP address, which led them to Oakleaf, a Storm Lake city employee. On July 29, 2024, investigators searched Oakleaf’s home and his office at the Storm Lake City Hall. Officers seized cell phones and electronic devices. Analysis of Oakleaf’s devices showed that he used the filesharing program investigators were targeting. He also searched for many known child exploitation search terms to obtain child sexual abuse material. Evidence further showed that Oakleaf had used the alias Dan Dyle to look at and trade child sexual abuse material. In the plea agreement, Oakleaf admitted he possessed a video that was over 90 minutes in length and over 20,000 images of child sexual abuse material on his two phones. The videos and images included depictions of toddlers, bondage, and sadistic and masochistic conduct. 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 www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” Sentencing was held before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Oakleaf was sentenced to 84 months’ imprisonment and must serve a five-year term of supervised release following imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. Oakleaf must also pay $54,000 in restitution to the victims in this case and an additional $1,200 in fines and assessments. Oakleaf remains in the custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-4020. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to 40 Years  for Child Exploitation Crimes

body_text: A man who recorded himself sexually abusing a child was sentenced today to 40 years in federal prison. Kevin Patrick Sullivan, age 43, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 20, 2025, guilty plea to sexual exploitation of a child, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Evidence at sentencing showed that between 2013 and 2015, Sullivan recorded himself sexually abusing a child and recorded the child when the child was nude. Sullivan stored these recordings on hard drives, which law enforcement officers found when they searched his home in January 2025. Sullivan physically and sexually abused the child in numerous other ways between 2005 and 2016. Between 2013 and January 2025, Sullivan also received and possessed thousands of images and videos of child pornography, including depictions involving infants and sadistic and masochistic conduct. Sullivan was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. He was sentenced to 480 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to make $15,000 in restitution. He must also serve a 5-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. 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 www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” Sullivan is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-CR-30. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Cedar Rapids Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking

body_text: A man who distributed methamphetamine was sentenced today to more than six years in federal prison. Jared Stuart Stratton, age 46, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after an August 20, 2025, guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance. Information from the sentencing hearing showed that Stratton sold methamphetamine on three separate occasions between September and October of 2024 to an individual who was working with law enforcement. Stratton was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Stratton was sentenced to 80 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Stratton is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. 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 Kansas City is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, covering Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. HSTF Kansas City is composed of agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the State Investigative Agencies for Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, and Nebraska, and the Kansas City Missouri Police Department. This HSTF case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by HSTF Kansas City, with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA, the Linn County Sheriff's Office, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, the Marion Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-CR-44. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Lincoln Man Sentenced to 140 Months for Methamphetamine Charge

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Derek Spurlock, 38, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on January 16, 2026, in federal court in Lincoln for one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with one prior conviction for a serious drug felony. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Spurlock to a total of 140 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Spurlock’s release from prison, he will begin an 8-year term of supervised release. On November 7, 2024, Spurlock was arrested on an active arrest warrant. Spurlock was carrying a backpack with him when he was approached by law enforcement. A search of the backpack resulted in approximately 440 grams of methamphetamine, 231 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms, two digital scales, syringes, and plastic baggies. Additionally, $341 in U.S. currency were located on his person. The methamphetamine was sent to the state crime lab and was confirmed to contain at least 410 grams of methamphetamine actual. Officers applied for a search warrant for a hotel room in which he was staying. Inside the room, law enforcement found a glass pipe, plastic bags, and a plastic cup with methamphetamine residue. In 2017, Spurlock was convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine in Lancaster County District Court. This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Narcotics Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service.


title: Ohio Man Sentenced to More Than 11 Years or Marijuana and Money Laundering Charges

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Michael Garringer, 43, of Troy, Ohio, was sentenced on January 14, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and money laundering. United States District Court Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Garringer to 135 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After his release from prison, Garringer will begin a three-year term of supervised release. Garringer was charged based on his involvement with a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that transported large quantities of marijuana and marijuana products, as well as the proceeds from the sale of those products, all across the country for more than 20 years. Garringer was involved in the DTO’s Midwest operations where a number of warehouses were used to distribute the marijuana products and proceeds. Garringer was responsible for managing warehouses in Chicago, Cincinnati, Nashville, and Florida, where loads of marijuana were delivered from California, then distributed to local customers. The proceeds from the sale of the marijuana were then collected and shipped back to California where it was distributed to other co-conspirators and owners of the marijuana. The investigation resulted in the seizure of thousands of pounds marijuana and marijuana products and more than $30 million in cash and assets purchased with the proceeds from the illegal sales. This is the result of a long-term investigation that 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. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, United States Postal Inspection Service, Nebraska State Patrol, Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office, and various other state and local agencies across the United States.


title: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: FORT WAYNE – On January 15, 2026, Kevin James Miller, 54 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to Possession of Child Pornography, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Miller was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Restitution is left open, but to be determined within 90 days from the sentencing date. According to documents in the case, law enforcement officers discovered that Miller was downloading child sexual abuse material from the internet. During the execution of a search warrant at Miller’s residence, agents discovered evidence on digital devices showing that Miller was purchasing and downloading child sexual abuse material. Over 1,500 images and 7 videos of child sexual abuse material were recovered from Miller. The materials included images of toddlers and prepubescent minors engaged in sexual acts and nudity. Miller was a registered sex offender and previously had been convicted twice of possession of child pornography and child exploitation. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Allen County Sheriff’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith. The case was 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: 26 People Charged in Alleged Bribery and Point-Shaving Scheme to Fix NCAA, CBA Men’s Basketball Games

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – At a news conference this morning, United States Attorney David Metcalf announced charges against 26 people in connection with an alleged bribery and point-shaving scheme to fix NCAA Division I men’s basketball games and Chinese Basketball Association games. U.S. Attorney Metcalf discussed the case alongside FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey and FBI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs. “The stakes here are far higher than anything on a bet slip. The criminal charges we have filed allege the criminal corruption of collegiate athletics through an international conspiracy of NCAA players, alumni, and professional bettors,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “It’s also yet another blow to public confidence in the integrity of sport, which rests on the fundamental principles of fairness, honesty, and respect for the rules of competition. When criminal acts threaten to corrupt such a central institution of American life, the Department of Justice won’t hesitate to step in.” “Over the past two years, the FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office led an investigation into a point-shaving and sports-bribery conspiracy resulting in the indictments announced today,” said FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey. “This case reflects the FBI’s unwavering commitment to protecting the American people and the institutions they trust. I am proud of the outstanding work of the FBI teams involved in the case. To those who choose corruption and betrayal: we will find you, we will investigate you, and we will hold you accountable.” “Today’s arrests and charges would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our agents, analysts, and professional staff whose expertise, persistence, and commitment to justice over the past two years were the driving force behind this investigation,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Let this be a clear warning to professional and collegiate athletes, and to anyone who seeks to manipulate them — there is nowhere to hide — the short-term gain will never be worth the long-term loss.” As alleged in an indictment and other filings unsealed this morning, the scheme was led by “fixers” Jalen Smith , 30, of Charlotte, North Carolina; Marves Fairley , 40, of Carson, Mississippi; Shane Hennen , 40, of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Antonio Blakeney , 29, of Kissimmee, Florida; Roderick Winkler , 31, of Little Rock, Arkansas; and Alberto Laureano , 24, of Bronx, New York. The indictment alleges that, beginning in or about September 2022, a group of individuals, including defendants Fairley and Hennen, worked together to recruit and bribe players to help influence or “fix” Chinese Basketball Association (“CBA”) men’s basketball games through point shaving. The fixers, including Fairley and Hennen, bribed CBA players to underperform and help ensure their team failed to cover the spread in certain games and then arranged for large wagers to be placed on those games against that team. During the 2022-2023 CBA season, the indictment further alleges, the fixers, including Fairley and Hennen, recruited defendant Blakeney, then a player on the CBA’s Jiangsu Dragons (“Jiangsu”) and one of the league’s leading scorers, for their point-shaving scheme. Blakeney agreed to participate in the scheme and then recruited other players from his team to join the scheme, working together with the fixers to influence the outcome of Jiangsu games. In or about April 2023, at the conclusion of the CBA regular season, the indictment alleges that defendant Fairley left a package containing nearly $200,000 in cash, representing bribe payments and proceeds from the scheme, in Blakeney’s storage unit in Florida. The indictment further alleges that, after profiting on the fixed CBA games, the fixers, including Fairley and Hennen, along with Blakeney, turned their attention to fixing NCAA men’s basketball games. The three men enlisted additional participants, including defendants Smith, Winkler, and Laureano, to help them operate this scheme and recruit NCAA players who would accept bribes to influence games. As alleged, during the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 NCAA men’s basketball seasons, the fixers, including defendants Smith, Fairley, Hennen, Winkler, Laureano, and Blakeney agreed to recruit NCAA players who would help ensure that their team failed to cover the spread of the first half of a game or an entire game. The fixers would then place wagers on those games, betting against the team whose player or players they had bribed to engage in this point-shaving scheme. Defendants Smith, Fairley, Hennen, Winkler, Laureano, and Blakeney approached and communicated with NCAA basketball players, in person and through social media, text message communications, and cellular telephone calls, the indictment alleges, with the fixers offering the players bribe payments, usually ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per game, to participate in the scheme. The indictment alleges that the fixers specifically targeted college players for whom the bribe payments would meaningfully supplement, or exceed, the student-athletes’ legitimate opportunities for “Name-Image-Likeness” compensation. The fixers also generally targeted for their scheme players on teams that were underdogs in games and sought to have them fail to cover the spreads in those games. Many of these players accepted the offers and agreed to help fix specific games so that the fixers would win their wagers. The indictment alleges that the defendant fixers engaged in a point-shaving scheme involving, in total, more than 39 players on more than 17 different NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams who then fixed and attempted to fix more than 29 NCAA games. To capitalize on this scheme, the fixers made wagers totaling millions of dollars, generating substantial proceeds for the fixers and the players who collectively received hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribe payments for fixing their teams’ basketball games. When the fixers were successful with their wagers on fixed games, the indictment further alleges, defendant Smith and other co-schemers traveled to NCAA campuses and made cash bribe payments to the players who had agreed to participate in the point-shaving scheme. A list of all defendants and the charges against them is linked below. If convicted on a bribery in sporting contests charge, the maximum possible sentence a defendant would face is five years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Each count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud brings a maximum possible sentence of 20 years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine, if convicted. This case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Louis D. Lappen and Jerome M. Maiatico. Anyone who believes they may have information about these crimes and would like to report the information is asked to call FBI Philadelphia at 215-418-4000 and reference “NCAA point-shaving.” Mr. Metcalf also thanked the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI’s New York Field Office for their valuable assistance with the investigation. The charges and allegations contained in the charging documents are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. Defendants chart Indictment - U.S. v. J. Smith et al Information - U.S. v. Blakeney Information - U.S. v. Adams Information - U.S. v. Etienne Information - U.S. v. Gray Information - U.S. v. Hines Information - U.S. v. D. Smith


title: Buckingham Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Offense and Possession with Intent to Distribute 1.5 Pounds of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A Buckingham County man, who was unlawfully found in possession of a firearm after being previously convicted of a felony, pled guilty this week in federal court. Jerry Dean Robertson Jr., 36, pled guilty this week to distributing, and possessing with the intent to distribute, 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine and illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Robertson faces a mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentence on the drug distribution offense. According to court documents, on January 23, 2025, Robertson was the subject of a traffic stop by a Buckingham County police officer. During that traffic stop, officers observed a Taurus TH 9C under the driver’s seat of the car. The firearm belonged to Robertson, who had been previously convicted of a crime and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms. In addition, at the time of the traffic stop, Robertson had four bags in the car which contained, among other things, 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine. During the traffic stop, Robertson called a friend of his on the phone and told the friend he had been pulled over and that he needed to offload the drugs so they would not be discovered. At Robertson’s request, the friend came to the scene to pick up the bags. Two of those bags were recovered and were found to contain methamphetamine and a rifle. Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating the case. The Buckingham County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Scheff is prosecuting the case.


title: KINSTON WOMAN SENTENCED TO 6 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON AND ORDERED TO REPAY OVER $15 MILLION IN RESTITUTION  FOR HEALTHCARE FRAUD

body_text: NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced a Kinston woman to 6 years in federal prison and ordered her to pay restitution in the amount of $15,286,912.91 to North Carolina Medicaid and $373,810.00 to Internal Revenue Service. On August 14, 2025, Francine Sims Super, age 64, pleaded guilty to a healthcare fraud conspiracy which included making and receiving illegal payments, making and using materially false documents, and failing to file a tax return. “This Defendant and others submitted to their own greed, enriching themselves by stealing straight from the pockets of American taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Some folks call this “white-collar crime, but U.S. Attorney’s Office calls all crime, pure and simple. If you illegally line your pockets with stolen American tax dollars, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law and scrape back every penny we find. Cheaters never win.” "Healthcare fraud not only imposes a financial burden on American taxpayers, but also undermines the integrity of programs designed to support those in genuine need.” said FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. "The FBI and our federal and state partners are committed to a coordinated approach to prevent and address fraud against the government, which ultimately harms taxpayers and the public at large." “Healthcare fraud schemes cheat the taxpayers while also undermining trust in healthcare agencies,” said Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Trey Eakins. “IRS-CI special agents will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to pursue individuals who try to exploit federal relief programs for their personal gain.” “Kickback arrangements distort health care decisions by introducing hidden financial motives, misleading patients, driving unnecessary services, and exploiting taxpayer-funded programs for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Kelly Blackmon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remains committed to investigating improper billing and kickback schemes to safeguard Medicaid and its beneficiaries.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, Super worked as an office manager of Life Touch LLC, a substance abuse treatment company based in Kinston and Goldsboro. Super and others paid more than $1 million in kickbacks to patients in the form of gift cards to induce patients to register for services. Over four years, Super and other Life Touch LLC employees and agents, paid patients based on the number of days per week that the patients showed up to receive services. To try and hide her scheme, Super created false documents intended to deceive Medicaid auditors. The gift card inducements resulted in more than $12 million in payments from Medicaid to Life Touch LLC. Super and others also received kickbacks from 1st Choice Healthcare Services, LLC, a lab company hired to perform drug testing services for Life Touch LLC patients. Super also failed to file a tax return that accounted for this income. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The FBI, IRS, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - OIG, and the North Carolina AG’s Office – Medicaid Investigations Division investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Gilmore and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tasha Gardner prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the EDNC USAO website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-CR-00028-FL-1.


title: TWO CONVICTED FELONS CHARGED WITH TRAFFICKING FENTANYL

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

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Ke Anthony Javon Blackmon, 29, and Averee Kathryn Savage, 27, both of Pensacola, were indicted by a federal grand jury. Each defendant has been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl; possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl; and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today. Blackmon appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Michael J. Frank in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is scheduled for March 16, 2026, at 8:30 am before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. Savage appeared for her arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is scheduled for January 20, 2026, at 8:30 am before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. If convicted, as charged, they each face a minimum mandatory of ten years up to life imprisonment on the drug charges and a maximum of 15 years imprisonment on the gun charge. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case 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, human and drug trafficking. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: MARIANNA MAN SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR DISTRIBUTING METHAMPHETAMINE

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Lionel Mitchel Crawford, 54, of Marianna, Florida was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to Distribution of 5 Grams or More of Methamphetamine and 50 Grams or More of a Mixture and Substance Containing Methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Methamphetamine has a devastating impact on our communities, but our state and federal law enforcement partners remain relentless in their execution of operations like this one to rid our streets of this deadly drug and the criminals who peddle it. My office will continue to deliver on the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi through Operation Take Back America to use the full force of the law to protect our communities from drug traffickers like this defendant.” According to court records, on December 12, 2024, the defendant sold over 50 grams of methamphetamine during a law enforcement undercover operation. The sale occurred at the defendant’s property in Jackson County, Florida. The defendant has a previous conviction for a serious drug felony. “This joint effort brought a methamphetamine trafficker to justice,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Bobbitt of DEA Miami Field Division. “Methamphetamine destroys families and DEA will not stop until the flow of this poison is stopped.” The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Welch and Jessica Etherton. 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, human and drug trafficking. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: TALLAHASSEE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO DRUG DISTRIBUTION CONSPIRACY AND ILLEGAL WEAPONS CHARGES

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Garret Culpepper, 25, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and unlawful possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case is the result of the outstanding investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and our federal law enforcement partners, which dismantled a large-scale drug trafficking scheme by the defendant. My office will continue to deliver successful prosecutions, like this one, to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi through Operation Take Back America that our communities would be liberated from the scourge of drugs and criminal violence that has plagued our streets for far too long.” Court documents reflect that beginning in 2023, investigators identified the defendant as a significant distributor of illicit marijuana and THC products, including THC ‘vape’ cartridges. Investigators were able to detail the defendant’s involvement in the manufacture and distribution of thousands of THC cartridges, hundreds of pounds of THC products such as wax, and thousands of pounds of raw marijuana. This investigation ultimately led to the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s Tallahassee residence on March 18, 2025, during which investigators recovered equipment designed to fill THC vape cartridges in bulk, just under 34 pounds of THC products, approximately 15 pounds of raw marijuana, body armor, multiple firearms, including rifles and handguns staged for easy access throughout the residence, and over $80,000 in U.S. currency. Culpepper faces a total of up to life imprisonment on the combined conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute, and firearms possession charges. The case involved a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin. Sentencing for Culpepper is scheduled for March 16, 2026, at 10:00 am, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor. 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, human and drug trafficking. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Drunk Driving Mexican Illegal Alien Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing A Gun and Will Be Deported

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced a Mexican illegal alien to 2 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. On October 9, 2025, Angel Garcia Garcia pleaded guilty to the charges. “We got lucky to arrest this drunk Mexican illegal alien before he killed a citizen or child by running over her with his car or shooting her with his illegally possessed gun. This office is focused on protecting our citizens and children from these dangerous illegal aliens. This one will get deported as soon as his prison sentence ends, and he better stay out,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. According to court documents and other information presented in court, Garcia Garcia, 25, overstayed a work visa he received in 2020. From 2021 until his arrest, he illegally remained in the United States, living in Angier, North Carolina. Garcia Garcia illegally bought a high-capacity gun from another individual for $600. On June 14, 2025, Garcia Garcia loaded his high-capacity gun, put an extra bullet in his back pocket, and went to a bar. After leaving the bar, an officer with the Angier Police Department arrested Garcia Garcia for drunk driving. The officer seized the firearm. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Angier Police Department and the Homeland Security Investigations branch of the Department of Homeland Security investigated the case and the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-CR-193-D-BM.


title: Trumbull County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison on Drug Charges

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: CLEVELAND – A Trumbull County man has been sentenced to prison in connection with a cross-country drug trafficking operation that transported controlled substances from California to Ohio. Andre L. Bowers, 55, of Warren, Ohio, was sentenced to 128 months (10 years, 6 months) in prison by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker after he pleaded guilty in September 2025 to Attempted Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute. He was also sentenced to five years of supervised release. According to court documents, on Jan. 4, 2025, the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) conducted a traffic stop on a trailer truck hauling vehicles from California to Ohio. Troopers received consent from the driver to inspect two vehicles that were suspected of having controlled substances. The vehicles were found to be altered to conceal illegal drugs. Upon further inspection of the gas tanks on both cars, investigators seized a total of 36 brick-sized packages which later tested positive for cocaine and weighed in at just over 36 kilograms (nearly 80 pounds). U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Ohio However, troopers allowed the truck to continue to its intended destination. Federal law enforcement officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) proceeded to track and observe the truck as it delivered the two vehicles to a location in Warren. Bowers was later seen arriving there and then proceeded to drive each vehicle that previously contained the cocaine packages, to a location on Park Avenue in Warren. Two days later, federal agents conducted a search warrant execution at that location and took Bowers into custody. Agents found that one of the back seats had been taken out and placed next to the vehicle along with gloves and tools used to remove it. Two residences connected to Bowers were subsequently searched and investigators seized 6 firearms, 1.4 kilograms of a fentanyl analogue and 136 grams of pure methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the DEA Youngstown Resident Office, with valuable assistance from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Vasile Katsaros and David M. Toepfer , United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison  for Possessing Firearm While Prohibited as a Felon and Drug User

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court, has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on January 12, 2026. Jamie Perez, 43, was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Perez was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in November 2024. He pleaded guilty on October 7, 2025. On September 28, 2024, Sioux Falls Police found Perez asleep behind the wheel of his running vehicle, stopped on a city street. The officers later placed Perez under arrest for Driving Under the Influence. The officers then searched Perez’s vehicle and found a scale containing methamphetamine residue and a Smith & Wesson 9MM pistol. In addition to being a drug user, Perez is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2018 felony conviction for Possession of Controlled Substance. “This defendant was found by the Sioux Falls Police passed out behind the wheel of a running car, high on methamphetamine and in possession of a loaded gun,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Our streets are immeasurably safer now that he has been shipped off to federal prison.” This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case. Perez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Ohio Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Thousands of Child Sex Abuse Files

body_text: CLEVELAND – A 52-year-old Lorain County man who trafficked a high-volume of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) has been sentenced to prison. Robert L. Scarvelli, of Sheffield Lake, Ohio, has been sentenced to 107 months (8 years and 9 months) in prison by U.S. District Judge David A. Ruiz, after he pleaded guilty in September 2025 to receipt and distribution of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He was also ordered to serve 15 years of supervised release after imprisonment and pay $5,000 in restitution to a victim of his crimes. According to court documents, from about June 6 to August 31, 2024, Scarvelli was engaged in knowingly receiving and distributing, and possessing digital files of children as they were being sexually abused. During a search warrant execution of Scarvelli’s residence, federal agents seized several electronic devices containing thousands of images and videos of CSAM. Many of these files included sadistic and masochistic depictions of children under the age of 12 or the exploitation of infants and toddlers. More than 100 videos were recordings of children being sexually abused for 10 minutes or longer. One video file showed a child being sexually abused for nearly one hour. The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer J. King for the Northern District of Ohio. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country and marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information, about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/PSC . To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ###


title: Spearfish Woman Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison  for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine in Western South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a woman from Spearfish, South Dakota, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on January 12, 2026. Sindy Richards, 35, was sentenced to 20 years, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Richards was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in November 2024. She pleaded guilty on October 6, 2025. A prolific drug dealer in western South Dakota, Richards joined a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in 2023. During her involvement, she worked with others to obtain methamphetamine from California, typically through the mail, for redistribution in and around the Black Hills. Richards was identified by law enforcement as being closely associated with the main drug dealer in this case, assisting him in meeting with other co-conspirators within the Rapid City area to further distribute methamphetamine. Investigators determined Richards was involved in trafficking approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine during her involvement in the conspiracy. This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service, the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), and the Drug Enforcement Administration. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Hodges and Paige Petersen prosecuted the case. Richards was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.