title: Six Individuals Charged in $41 Million Insider Trading and Market Manipulation Scheme Involving Cancer Drug and Opioid Treatment Companies

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Six individuals were charged for their participation in a years-long scheme to trade securities based on material non-public information (“MNPI”), Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced. “As alleged, the defendants engaged in insider trading and market manipulation on a massive scale—using stolen information, falsified data, and fake press releases to mislead investors and enrich themselves. This Office will continue to pursue complex financial fraud schemes that threaten the fairness and transparency of our markets and harm individual investors.” - Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello “The FBI takes allegations of insider trading with the utmost seriousness,” said FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge, Stefanie Roddy. “Shoukat and his co-conspirators benefitted greatly from their years-long scheme, and cheated the system to reap their rewards. As complex as a financial fraud scheme is, the FBI will endeavor to stay one step ahead of these alleged criminals.” Muhammad Saad Shoukat (“Saad Shoukat”), 33, his brothers Muhammad Arham Shoukat (“Arham Shoukat”), 35, and Muhammad Shahwaiz Shoukat (“Shahwaiz Shoukat”), 36—all dual-U.S. and Pakistani citizens—and his friends Daniyal Khan (“Khan”), 33, a dual-U.K and Pakistani citizen, and Izunna Okonkwo (“Okonkwo”), 33, a dual-U.S. and Nigerian citizen, were charged in a complaint that was unsealed today. Gyunho Justin Kim (“Kim”), 32, of San Francisco, California, was charged in a separate complaint and made an initial appearance before the Honorable Michael A. Hammer, United States Magistrate Judge, on December 12, 2025. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: The charges in this case arise from three overlapping securities fraud schemes that occurred at various points from June 2020 through February 2024: (i) a multi-million-dollar insider trading scheme (the “Insider Trading Scheme”); (ii) a scheme to manipulate the stock price of a biopharmaceutical company developing a treatment for breast cancer (“Olema Manipulation Scheme”); and (iii) a scheme to manipulate the stock price of a different biopharmaceutical company seeking to prevent opioid overdoses (“Opiant Manipulation Scheme,” together with the Olema Manipulation Scheme, the “Market Manipulation Schemes”). The Insider Trading Scheme Kim worked at an investment bank that was actively involved in multiple mergers and acquisitions of publicly traded healthcare and biopharmaceutical companies. Kim obtained MNPI about many of these pending deals, either by working on deals directly or from others who did. Kim illegally shared MNPI about at least nine of these deals with Saad Shoukat, who traded on that information by himself and through others. Saad Shoukat also tipped off others—including Arham Shoukat, Shahwaiz Shoukat, Khan, and Okonkwo—who similarly traded and profited from the MNPI. Overall, Saad Shoukat and his co-conspirators received illicit profits from the Insider Trading Scheme totaling at least $41 million. Olema Manipulation Scheme Saad Shoukat, Arham Shoukat, and others actively manipulated the stock price of Olema, a publicly traded company. Olema focused on developing breast cancer treatment through a drug called OP-1250. From the spring of 2021, Saad Shoukat and Arham Shoukat began investing in Olema stock and encouraged others to invest in it. After buying substantial stock in Olema, Saad Shoukat, Arham Shoukat, and others accessed confidential information showing that OP-1250 was less effective than Saad Shoukat and Arham Shoukat had hoped. Saad Shoukat, Arham Shoukat, and others then falsified the OP-1250 data the co-conspirators had illegally accessed, and publicly disseminated it in a manner that made it look like the data was real and came from Olema. The release of the false data—which inflated the drug’s efficacy—temporarily caused Olema’s stock price to increase, during which Saad Shoukat, Arham Shoukat, and others profited and avoided losses by selling large numbers of shares in Olema stock. Opiant Manipulation Scheme Saad Shoukat, his brothers, and others also manipulated the stock price of Opiant, another publicly traded company. Opiant was developing an opioid overdose treatment. Kim provided MNPI to Saad Shoukat about a company seeking to acquire Opiant. Based on that MNPI, Saad Shoukat and others bought Opiant stock. But that potential acquisition stalled, and Saad Shoukat and others were stuck with their stock purchases. In response, in or around April 2022, Saad Shoukat, his brothers, and others—using a fake Opiant website and fake Opiant email addresses that appeared legitimate—caused the publication of a fake press release announcing a purported merger and acquisition involving Opiant and another company. The fake press release drove up Opiant’s stock approximately 29%. Saad Shoukat, his brothers, and others profited by selling off shares during that spike, causing substantial losses to victim investors. If convicted, the defendants face the following maximum sentences: Count Offense Defendants Maximum Penalties 1 Conspiracy to Commit Securities Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 Saad Shoukat, Arham Shoukat, Shahwaiz Shoukat, Khan, Okonkwo, and Kim 25 years’ imprisonment 2 Conspiracy to Commit Insider Trading, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371 Saad Shoukat, Arham Shoukat, Shahwaiz Shoukat, Khan, Okonkwo, and Kim 5 years’ imprisonment 3 Securities Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1348 Saad Shoukat, Arham Shoukat, Shahwaiz Shoukat, Khan, Okonkwo, and Kim 25 years’ imprisonment 4 Insider Trading, in violation of 15 U.S.C., §§ 78j(b) and 78ff; 17 C.F.R., § 240.10b-5 Saad Shoukat, Arham Shoukat, Shahwaiz Shoukat, Khan, Okonkwo, and Kim 20 years’ imprisonment 5 Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 Saad Shoukat, Arham Shoukat, Shahwaiz Shoukat, Khan, Okonkwo, and Kim 20 years’ imprisonment 6 Wire Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343 Saad Shoukat, Arham Shoukat, Shahwaiz Shoukat, Khan, Okonkwo, and Kim 20 years’ imprisonment 7 Conspiracy to Commit Market Manipulation Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 Saad Shoukat and Arham Shoukat 25 years’ imprisonment 8 Conspiracy to Commit Market Manipulation Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 Saad Shoukat, Arham Shoukat, and Shahwaiz Shoukat 25 years’ imprisonment 9 Conspiracy to Commit Market Manipulation Fraud, in violation of 15 U.S.C., §§ 78j(b) and 78ff; 17 C.F.R., § 240.10b-5 Saad Shoukat and Arham Shoukat 20 years’ imprisonment 10 Conspiracy to Commit Market Manipulation Fraud, in violation of 15 U.S.C., §§ 78j(b) and 78ff; 17 C.F.R., § 240.10b-5 Saad Shoukat, Arham Shoukat, and Shahwaiz Shoukat 20 years’ imprisonment 11 Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 Saad Shoukat and Arham Shoukat 20 years’ imprisonment 12 Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349 Saad Shoukat, Arham Shoukat, and Shahwaiz Shoukat 20 years’ imprisonment Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, with the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Barchini of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit and Aaron Webman, Deputy Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ### Defense counsel: Muhammad Saad Shoukat: Chris Christie, Morristown, NJ Muhammad Arham Shoukat: Chris Christie, Morristown, NJ Muhammad Shahwaiz Shoukat: Chris Christie, Morristown, NJ Daniyal “Dan” Khan: Unknown Izunna “Zunnie” Okonkwo: Scott McBride, Roseland, NJ and Alexey Tarasov, Rosenberg, Texas. Gyunho Justin Kim: Timothy Crudo, San Francisco, CA shoukat_et_al.complaint.pdf


title: Cheektowaga man arrested on drug and gun charges

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Carl R. Goodwin, 29, of Cheektowaga, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $1,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt I. Kass, who is handling the case, stated that in October 2025, law enforcement began investigating Goodwin’s drug trafficking activities. On December 18, 2025, Cheektowaga Police officers and the DEA executed a search warrant at his Union Road residence, seizing approximately 576 grams of suspected fentanyl, approximately 1324 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, 30 grams of suspected crack cocaine, drug paraphernalia, two rifles, and cash. Goodwin made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was held pending a detention hearing. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarentino, New York Field Division, and the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Coons. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.


title: Amherst man pleads guilty to receipt of child pornography

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Marcus Elliott, 40, of Amherst, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 20 years, and a fine of $250,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango, who is handling the case, stated that in September 2020, Elliott began to communicate with a 12-year-old female on Snapchat, during which the minor victim took a sexually explicit photograph and sent it to Elliott. In June 2025, following a disclosure by the minor victim, Elliott’s Silver cellular telephone was searched, and the sexually explicit image of the minor victim was recovered. IN addition, Elliott admits that he engaged in sexual activity with the minor victim on one occasion and requested that she produce child pornography on other occasions. The plea is the result of of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera and the West Seneca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Cosgrove. Sentencing is scheduled for April 28, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Vilardo. # # # #


title: New Jersey Business Owner Sentenced to 87 Months for $172 Million Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

body_text: NEWARK, NJ. – A New Jersey business owner was sentenced to 87 months in prison for conspiring to defraud Medicare of $172 million, commit money laundering, and pay kickbacks and bribes in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced. U.S. District Judge Michael E. Farbiarz imposed the sentence on Aaron Neil Williamsky, 65, of Marlboro, New Jersey, in Newark federal court on November 17, 2025. Williamsky was also ordered to pay more than $172 million in restitution. Williamsky previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and conspiracy to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. “As the Defendant admitted in open court, he conspired to steal more than $172 million from the American public by submitting fraudulent doctors’ orders for reimbursement through a web of more than twenty durable medical equipment companies located in New Jersey. The sentence Williamsky received reflects the seriousness of his crimes. Together with our law enforcement partners, this Office will continue to investigate and prosecute people who engage in fraud at the expense of American taxpayers.” - Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello “Williamsky’s sentence of more than 7 years reflects the severity of his crime and reemphasizes the FBI’s commitment to holding fraudsters accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge of FBI Newark, Stefanie Roddy. “This defendant committed an egregious amount of durable medical equipment fraud. Rampant schemes like his jeopardize the availability of federal health care program funds intended to support millions of beneficiaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Naomi D. Gruchacz of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring those to justice that prioritize greed over patient care.” “This sentencing demonstrates that fraudsters who target VA programs and services will be found and held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to halt schemes that divert funds from our nation’s deserving veterans.” According to documents in this case and statements made in court: From 2015 to 2019, Williamsky led and organized a fraud scheme in which he opened or purchased durable medical equipment (“DME”) supply companies, submitted fraudulent claims to Medicare on behalf of those companies, closed the companies one-by-one to avoid Medicare audits and recoupment, and then opened or purchased new DME companies. He concealed his ownership interest in this web of more than twenty DME companies by employing others to serve as “nominee,” or straw owners. To generate fraudulent orders, Williamsky and his co-conspirators hired marketing companies to make unsolicited calls offering elderly patients free orthotic braces. In exchange for each patient who agreed to accept DME, Williamsky paid a kickback to the marketing companies in violation of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. To conduct the scheme, Williamsky used sham contracts and invoices that falsely characterized kickbacks he paid as “business process outsourcing” and “marketing expenses.” To evade detection and avoid taxes, Williamsky transferred a portion of the fraud proceeds to overseas bank accounts, where the funds were laundered through shell corporations and foreign real estate holdings. Senior Counsel Lamparello credited special agents and specialists of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz; and the Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, under the direction of Christopher Silvestro; and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher F. Algieri with the investigation leading to the charge. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett J. Schuman of the Health Care Fraud and Opioid Enforcement Unit. ### Defense Counsel for Aaron Williamsky: Jeffrey M. Kolansky, Philadelphia, PA


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Relentless Justice

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes.” “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” “The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains dogged and unyielding in our efforts to protect Hawaii’s keiki and seek justice against those who have harmed them,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson. “Together with our partners at the FBI, we will continue to hunt down child predators and eradicate the scourge of child exploitation in our community.” “The FBI, united with our partners, continues in the fight to protect our children – and that fight is not over,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “Our ongoing collaboration across the whole of government underscores our collective commitment to aggressively pursue child predators and take them off the board.” In the District of Hawaii, three individuals were arrested and charged with federal crimes, including: Rumaldo Valdez, who was charged by an information with possession of child pornography following an investigation into his participation in “Greggy’s Cult,” an online group that produced and distributed child sex abuse material and engaged in other forms of exploitation and harassment of minor an adult victims. The defendant pled guilty on October 24 and is awaiting sentencing. Elias David, who was charged by criminal complaint with production of child pornography, based on videos investigators uncovered of the defendant engaged in sexual conduct with a minor victim whom he coached in volleyball. German Zboron, who was charged by indictment with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine following what began as an investigation into a string of sex crimes. Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, including 2 from the District of Hawaii, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders, including 1 from the District of Hawaii. The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


component: Department of Justice

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes.” “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” “Our office is unwavering in its commitment to prosecuting crimes against children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois Gregory M. Gilmore. “The prevention and prosecution of the sexual abuse and exploitation of children is a critical part of our mission to keep our community safe. We are grateful for our partnership with the FBI in pursuing these important cases.” “During this operational time frame, FBI Springfield made multiple arrests in the Southern and Central District of Illinois,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge, Christopher J.S. Johnson. “These operations are successful due to a combination of local and state partnerships, the relentless work of our investigative bodies, and the commitment we have to keeping our local neighborhoods safe.” In the Central District of Illinois, a federal grand jury this month returned an indictment against Daniel Brannan, 47, of Jacksonville, Illinois, charging him with trafficking in and possessing child pornography. Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. The FBI’s Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD’s mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Judge Sentences Virginia Man for Kidnapping and Strangling His Romantic Partner

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Adam Ahmed, 38, of Chantilly, Virginia, was sentenced today to six years in prison for kidnapping his former girlfriend related to an incident that began in Manassas, Virginia on May 10, 2024, and ended in Northeast Washington, D.C., on May 11, 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Ahmed was convicted by a jury on June 12, 2025, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In addition to the prison term, Ahmed was also sentenced to 42 months for strangulation, 28 months on each of two counts of felony threats, and 180 days for assault, all to run concurrently. According to the government’s evidence, on May 9, 2024, Ahmed was arrested in Virginia on multiple warrants for protective order violations and assault charges against his former girlfriend. The next day, on May 10, 2024, the victim got into Ahmed’s car outside her home in Manassas, Virginia, believing that they would sit in her building parking lot and talk about their relationship. Instead, the defendant took off, driving erratically. Ahmed told the victim that they were both “going to die tonight,” and that if she was going to charge him with abduction, he was going to do it. The defendant drove onto I-66 and took the victim into the District, where he repeatedly assaulted her and threatened to kill her. After several hours of terrorizing the victim, Ahmed told her that he was going to drive her somewhere no one would find her. When he stopped the car, he climbed over her and strangled her with both hands until she could not breathe. While strangling her, he bit her, putting his whole mouth over hers. He started driving again, eventually stopping at a Shell gas station on Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue in Northeast. At one point, Ahmed walked away from the car, and the victim tried to escape; however, Ahmed picked her up and forced her back into the car. A passerby on the street saw the defendant hitting the victim and turned into the gas station parking lot, rescuing the victim and calling 911. During the course of trial two expert witnesses spoke about the unique dangers inherit in strangulation, and violence in intimate partner violence relationships, respectively. Strangulation is widely recognized as one of the most lethal forms of intimate partner violence, as a major strangulation study in San Diego found surviving domestic violence “victims are much more likely to die later if their abuser has strangled them.” The study also noted that “…..the odds of becoming a victim of attempted homicide increased by 700%, and the odds of becoming a homicide victim increased by 800%, among women who had been strangled by their partner.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia’s Sex Offense and Domestic Violence Section has charged well over 100 acts of felony strangulation since the D.C. Council created it as a criminal offense under D.C. Code 22-404.04, which went into effect in July of 2023. Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). In announcing the verdict, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Chief Smith commended the work of the officers and detectives at the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Assistant U.S. Attorney John Scannell; Victim Witness Service Coordinators Katina Adams-Washington and Tonya Jones; Supervisor Leif Hickling of the Trial Graphics Unit; Paralegal Specialists Cynthia Muhammad and Veronica Yale; Appellate Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Han and Dan Lenerz; Victim/Witness Advocate ShaDonna Brooks-Ferere; Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Swanson, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Trisha Jhunjhnuwala.


title: Justice Department announces results of Operation Relentless Justice

component: Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorney offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes." “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” “Child sex predators inflict profound and irreparable harm on their victims,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This office is unwavering in its commitment to bringing child predators to justice. We will always prioritize cases involving the abuse of minors and pursue offenders with the full force of federal law.” "Sexual exploitation of children involves devastating crimes that exploit vulnerable members of communities nationwide, including those in Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia,” said FBI Washington Field Office Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox. “Operation Relentless Justice is an example of the work our Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force does every day. We will continue to focus on rescuing and supporting victims and investigating and prosecuting offenders.” “Operation Relentless Justice makes one thing clear: if you target children, we will find you, and we will put you in prison," said Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Norfolk Field Office. "Protecting children is a top priority for FBI Norfolk, and alongside our Richmond and Washington Field Offices and our state and local partners, we will aggressively pursue and hold predators accountable.” Four defendants were arrested and charged in the Eastern District of Virginia. John Joseph Chanel, 36, of Sterling, is charged with receipt and distribution of CSAM. Michael David Seeds, 27, of Chantilly, is charged with sexual exploitation of a child and attempted sexual exploitation of a child. William Dana Holcomb, 69, of Hampton, is charged with receipt and distribution of CSAM. Malachi Morgan Thomas, 23, of Woodbridge, is charged with sexual exploitation of children, coercion and enticement of a minor, and possession of CSAM. Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, Texas, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), as well as a police officer from Raleigh, North Carolina, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and has previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online to include the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office . An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Myrtle Beach Pastor Indicted for Cyberstalking Wife Before Her Death

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: FLORENCE, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a two-count indictment against John Paul Miller, 46, of Myrtle Beach, for cyberstalking and making false statements to federal investigators. The indictment alleges that beginning in November 2022, Miller sent unwanted and harassing communications to his estranged wife until her death on April 27, 2024. The harassing behavior included Miller posting a nude photo of the victim online without her consent, causing tracking devices to be placed on her vehicle, and in one instance, contacting her over 50 times in a single day. The indictment also alleges he interfered with her finances and her daily activities and on one occasion damaged her vehicle tires. Federal investigators interviewed Miller about these allegations and Miller lied in his responses. Miller said he did not damage the victim’s tires, when in fact he purchased a tire deflation device online and sent messages to others regarding the victim’s vehicle. Miller faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for cyberstalking and two years in prison for his false statements. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000. His arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2026, in federal court in Florence. The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Myrtle Beach Police Department, the Horry County Police Department, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office and the Robeson County, NC Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle E. Klein and Katie Stoughton are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elle E. Klein and Kathleen Stoughton are prosecuting the case. All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Dunnsville man sentenced to over six years in prison for federal drug trafficking and firearm conviction

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Dunnsville man was sentenced yesterday to six years and eight months in prison for distribution of methamphetamine and sale of a firearm to a convicted felon. According to court documents, during seven controlled buys conducted by law enforcement from Jan. 16, 2024, to Feb. 25, 2025, Brian Keith Anderson, 48, distributed a total of 117.29 grams of methamphetamine. During a controlled buy conducted on June 14, 2024, in addition to 4.85 grams of methamphetamine, Anderson sold a handgun to an individual he knew was a convicted felon. On March 5, investigators searched Anderson’s residence and vehicle and recovered $1,160, nine firearms, firearm magazines and ammunition, two digital scales containing methamphetamine residue, and one square tab containing LSD. “Brian Anderson endangered his community for personal profit, trafficking dangerous narcotics and selling a firearm to a convicted felon,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This investigation and prosecution removed a supplier of guns and drugs from our streets, and the Eastern District of Virginia will continue to hold accountable those who threaten public safety.” “This sentencing reflects the joint efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies committed to protecting our communities,” said Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Field Office. “Dangerous drugs like methamphetamine have no place in our neighborhoods. FBI Richmond is proud to work alongside our partners to hold accountable those who distribute drugs and endanger our welfare.” “Virginia State Police is grateful for the combined efforts in securing this important conviction. We are always proud to work with our federal partners and will continue to do so,” said Col. Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “Public safety is our top priority and that includes doing everything we can to ensure dangerous drugs and drug traffickers are off Virginia’s streets." Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Gilliland, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Angela Mastandrea prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-64.


component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: Honduran Man Indicted for Possessing Fraudulent Green Card CONCORD – A Honduran man has been indicted for possessing a fraudulent immigration document after being encountered by U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Hector Ariel Ortiz-Guillen, 26, was charged with one count of knowingly possessing a fraudulent or forged Permanent Resident card. According to the charging documents and other publicly filed documents in the case, U.S. Border Patrol encountered Ortiz-Guillen during a traffic stop on December 5, 2025. Ortiz-Guillen is a citizen of Honduras and was not legally present in the United States. During processing at the U.S. Border Patrol station, he was found to be in possession of a forged or fraudulent Legal Permanent Resident card bearing his own photograph but the alien number of a different person, among other irregularities. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, and up to 3 years of supervised release. Ortiz-Guillen is also subject to removal from the United States. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The investigation was led by the United States Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles L. Rombeau is prosecuting the case.


title: Doctor Indicted for Orchestrating $45M Botox Fraud  Scheme Targeting Medicare

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal grand jury in California returned a superseding indictment yesterday charging a doctor for allegedly submitting more than $45 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for Botox injections and for obstructing a criminal investigation by allegedly submitting falsified medical records in response to a grand jury subpoena. According to court documents, Violetta Mailyan, 45, of Los Angeles County, owned and operated Healthy Way Medical Center (Healthy Way), which allegedly billed Medicare for Botox injections that were medically unnecessary and never provided, including for injections on dates when Mailyan was traveling internationally, on dates when the Medicare beneficiary who supposedly received the services was traveling internationally, on dates when the Medicare beneficiary who supposedly received the services was in federal prison, and on dates when Healthy Way was closed. Mailyan is charged with nine counts of wire fraud and three counts of obstructing a criminal investigation of health care offenses. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each wire fraud count and five years in prison on each obstruction count. Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office made the announcement. FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case. Trial Attorney Sandor Callahan of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is prosecuting the case. 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 . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Tren de Aragua senior leadership charged with terrorism and international drug distribution

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON - A six-count second superseding indictment has been unsealed, charging four Venezuelan nationals, including multiple alleged high-ranking members of Tren de Aragua - a designated foreign terrorist organization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The indictment adds charges against Yohan Jose Romero aka Johan Petrica, 48, and Juan Gabriel Rivas Nunez aka Juancho, 44, for conspiring to provide and providing material support to TdA. Also charged in those counts are Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano aka El Viejo, 37, and Jose Enrique Martinez Flores aka Chuqui, 24. Mosquera Serrano and Martinez Flores are also under indictment for conspiracy and distribution of cocaine in Colombia intended for distribution in the United States. “Tren de Aragua poses a direct threat to our national security, to our communities, and to our American way of life,” said Ganjei. “These defendants allegedly conspired to support a highly-structured foreign terrorist organization by smuggling bulk quantities of cocaine across our southern border and funneling the proceeds back to their fellow terrorists in Venezuela. The Southern District of Texas will scour the Earth to find and prosecute narco-terrorists, wherever they may hide. The American people have demanded nothing less than the total elimination of foreign terror groups like TdA, and Operation Take Back America will deliver.” “TdA grew from a prison gang to a transnational criminal organization to a foreign terrorist organization,” said Co-Director Christopher Eason of Joint Task Force Vulcan. “Gold and drug trafficking, and violence and extortion to support TdA’s terrorist activities will not be tolerated. The charges unsealed today against TdA members and, specifically, some of the highest leaders of TdA, is directly in line with JTFV’s mission: a collaborative, whole of government effort to destroy TdA. We are grateful for our partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and our law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to investigate and bring these important charges.” A federal grand jury in Houston returned a second superseding indictment Dec. 16, which has now been unsealed in its entirety. According to court records, Jose Romero and Mosquera Serrano are two of the three topmost leaders of TdA. Jose Romero is allegedly one of the organization’s founders and exercises command and control over all of TdA’s criminal operations, including the illegal importation and smuggling of gold and narcotics as well as extortion and murder. Mosquera Serrano is an alleged senior leader who oversees TdA criminal operations across Colombia, Central America and the United States. The indictment alleges Rivas Nunez and Martinez Flores are also high-ranking TdA leaders who operate out of multiple South American countries and direct operations to include gold smuggling, narcotics export and violent crime. For years and up to the present, Jose Romero has allegedly exercised leadership over TdA, as one with authority over TdA’s expansion across the Western Hemisphere. The charges allege that under his authority, TdA members and associates engaged in a wide range of crimes, including extortions, kidnappings, murders, drug and gun trafficking, prostitution and sex trafficking, robberies, bank burglaries and money laundering. He and other leaders have charged and collected a “causa” or fee from lower-level TdA members and others to work in their area of control, according to the allegations. These payments allegedly enrich TdA leadership and provide financial support to TdA, and members would threaten, beat or murder those who did not pay it. As a TdA leader operating and managing from Venezuela, Jose Romero has allegedly ordered, directed, facilitated and supported such acts of violence and terrorism, including murders, kidnappings, extortions, and maiming against victims located inside and outside the United States. The charges also allege Mosquera Serrano and Martinez Flores caused the delivery of more than five kilograms of cocaine for international distribution, proceeds of which were used to further TdA’s criminal goals. “Federal charges keep coming for alleged TdA leaders, regardless of where they are,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Just as the Venezuelan foreign terrorist organization is relentless in sowing violence and terrorizing communities throughout America, so are the efforts of the FBI and our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners in our commitment to make our neighborhoods peaceful and safer.” “The Drug Enforcement Administration is unwavering in its mission to dismantle the command and control of Tren de Aragua, a designated foreign terrorist organization that thrives on drug trafficking and violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Eugene L. Crouch of the DEA Andean Division. “For years, TdA has exploited corruption to expand its reach and evade justice, but those days are over. DEA is relentlessly targeting TdA’s leadership, financial networks, and infrastructure, and we will not rest until these individuals are brought to justice. We are grateful to the Colombian National Police and the Colombian Attorney General’s Office for their invaluable partnership in this investigation.” On Feb. 20, the Department of State designated TdA as a foreign terrorist organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist. Colombian authorities arrested Martinez Flores March 31 in Colombia pursuant to a provisional arrest warrant the United States had requested. He remains in custody there pending further proceedings. Mosquera Serrano is on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List. Jose Romero and Rivas Nunez are also fugitives. If you have any information concerning either individual, please contact the FBI via WhatsApp or Telegram at 281-787-9939. Those with information may also contact their local FBI office, nearest American Embassy or Consulate or can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov . The Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program is also offering a reward of up to $4 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Jose Romero and up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Mosquera Serrano. All four are charged with one count of conspiring to provide material support to TdA in the form of personnel (including themselves) and services and one count of providing material support to TdA. The indictment also charges Martinez Flores and Mosquera Serrano with one count of international drug distribution conspiracy based on their involvement in the distribution of five kilograms of cocaine or more and two substantive counts of international drug distribution. If convicted, all face up to life in prison and a possible $10 million fine. The FBI and DEA conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Colombian National Police and the Colombian Attorney General’s Office (Fiscalía General de la Nación). The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia, provided significant assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey N. MacDonald and Anibal J. Alaniz are prosecuting the case along with Deputy Director David C. Smith and Trial Attorneys James Keller and Kelly McGann from JTFV. JTFV was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now expanded to target TdA. It is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country to include the Southern District of Texas; Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina; Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia; Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Texas; Western District of Oklahoma; Northern District of Indiana; and the District of Nevada; as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI, DEA, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; USMS, and Federal Bureau of Prisons are essential law enforcement partners with JTFV. This case is also a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: PENSACOLA MAN SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR DISTRIBUTING DRUGS AND ILLEGALLY POSSESSING FIREARMS

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

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Carlton D. Shoemaker, 51, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 106 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This substantial prison sentence sends a strong message that my office will aggressively prosecute and seek maximum punishment for anyone who floods our streets with poisonous drugs and threatens the safety of our community. Through Operation Take Back America, President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi made a promise to the American people that we will deploy the full power of the law to take back our streets from the drug traffickers and violent criminals who have plagued our communities for too long, and this successful prosecution delivers on that promise.” According to court records, the defendant worked as a security guard at the Venus Relax Inn in Pensacola, Florida. He also lived in one of the motel rooms. After developing evidence that the defendant was selling cocaine and methamphetamine from the motel, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Shoemaker’s motel room in June of 2025. Officers located cocaine, marijuana, and two firearms in the room. The defendant has multiple prior felony convictions for charges including burglary, grand theft, grand theft of a firearm, possession of a short-barreled rifle, and possession of cocaine. The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher C. Patterson. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The 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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: PANAMA CITY MAN SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON  FOR RECEIPT OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Chad Ryan Puffinbarger, 39, of Panama City, Florida, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The distribution of child sexual abuse material is a heinous, disgusting crime that has the effect of re-victimizing the innocent children who have been exploited each and every time those disturbing videos and photographs are shared. Our outstanding state and federal law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying, targeting, and arresting those sick predators who seek to sexually exploit our children, and my office will continue to back up those arrests with successful prosecutions and federal prison sentences.” Court documents reflect that the defendant came under investigation in 2021 when it was suspected he had been using a peer-to-peer network to download child pornography from the internet. Law enforcement sought a search warrant for the defendant’s residence, and he admitted to viewing child pornography. Examination of his electronic devices resulted in locating more than 3,000 images of minors being sexually abused by adults. “Collecting and possessing a cache of vile images depicting the sexual abuse of children is not a victimless crime—as every image represents a real child who has been exploited and harmed,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “This abhorrent behavior inflicts profound harm on these children that lasts a lifetime, all in the name of selfish deviant gratification. The perpetual sharing of this vile content online continually perpetuates the horrific trauma these children have endured, and HSI is committed to eradicating this evil.” The case involved a joint investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access 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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Career Offender Sentenced To 12 Years In Prison For  Conspiring To Distribute Cocaine And Illegally Possessing A Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Harvey E. Schlesinger has sentenced Nicholas High (38, Jacksonville) to 12 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possessing a firearm after being convicted of a felony. High pleaded guilty on June 18, 2025. According to court documents and records, during 2022 and 2023, High and others working with High sold a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) confidential informant ounce quantities of cocaine. High, a convicted felon, also sold the ATF confidential informant a Bushmaster .223 caliber rifle. High had both prior state and federal drug distribution convictions that qualified him for enhanced sentencing as a career offender. As a prior convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Frank Talbot. 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: Illegal Alien from Honduras Pleads Guilty to Selling Ten Firearms

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. – A citizen of Honduras, living illegally in Roanoke, pled guilty yesterday to selling ten firearms, including a short-barrel shotgun, to an undercover source working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Alcides Castro-Martinez, 42, pled guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court in Roanoke to one count of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, between February 2025 and August 2025, ATF utilized a confidential source to conduct seven separate controlled purchases involving a total of ten firearms from Castro-Martinez. On each occasion, Castro-Martinez personally delivered the firearms to the confidential source. Acting United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci 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 made the announcement The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Parrella and Special Assistant United States Attorney Juan Vega, an Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office are prosecuting the case.


title: Justice Department Resolves Criminal Trade Fraud Investigation with Plastic Resin Distributor; Former Executive Agrees to Plead Guilty

body_text: The Department of Justice today announced a resolution of a criminal trade fraud investigation into MGI International, LLC and its subsidiaries Global Plastics LLC and Marco Polo International LLC (collectively, MGI), a leading global plastic resin distributor, pursuant to Part I of the Criminal Division’s Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy (CEP). The resolution relates to a scheme to falsify Country of Origin declarations to avoid Section 301 duties owed on products of Chinese origin. As part of the resolution with MGI, the department has declined to prosecute MGI and agreed to credit $6.8 million previously paid to resolve MGI’s civil liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to pay customs duties on certain plastic resin imported from China. Separately, MGI’s former Chief Operating Officer was charged yesterday by criminal information and has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to smuggle goods into the United States. According to court documents, in 2021, David Guimond, 48, of Manchester, New Hampshire, instructed subordinates to misrepresent the manufacturer and country of origin on paperwork that was submitted to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in order to avoid paying the required Section 301 duties. “As this announcement demonstrates, the department will hold to account individuals and corporations who lie to evade tariffs and duties,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This resolution makes clear what the incentives for corporations are to voluntarily self-disclose and remediate identified criminal conduct.” “David Guimond is charged with lying to avoid paying customs duties to enrich his companies and himself,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Trade fraud deprives the government of revenue and harms American manufacturers. This corporate resolution and plea agreement demonstrate that the Criminal Division will hold accountable those who defraud the public fisc.” “Our systems of commerce depend on the fair and accurate application of tariffs,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England. “When bad actors attempt to evade these tariffs, they undermine the integrity of our trade system and disadvantage honest businesses. We are committed to enforcing tariff regulations and will relentlessly pursue those who seek to circumvent them. This company worked with the government to bring past violations to light and cooperated fully with our investigations. Their actions highlight the importance of corporate responsibility and the value of transparent self-disclosure in maintaining the integrity of our tariff enforcement efforts.” The department resolved its investigation into MGI after considering the factors set forth in the CEP, including (1) MGI’s timely and voluntary self-disclosure of the misconduct; (2) MGI’s full and proactive cooperation in this matter; (3) the nature and seriousness of the offense; (4) MGI’s timely and appropriate remediation, including termination and disciplinary actions against the employees involved in the scheme, an internal review of the misconduct, an internal review of its compliance program and internal controls, a thorough and systematic root-cause analysis and enhancements to its broader compliance program; (5) the absence of aggravating factors that, when weighed against MGI’s cooperation and remediation, warrant a disposition other than a resolution under Part I of the CEP; and (6) the fact that MGI has already repaid the evaded tariffs. Guimond has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to smuggle goods into the United States and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. His change of plea hearing will be scheduled by a federal district court judge. HSI is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Jennifer Bilinkas and Siji Moore of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasir Sadat for the District of New Hampshire are prosecuting the case. These actions were coordinated through the Department of Justice Trade Fraud Task Force, a cross-agency law enforcement effort involving the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, the Civil Division, the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Attorney’s Offices nationwide. The Task Force is designed to pursue enforcement actions against parties who seek to evade tariffs and other duties, as well as smugglers who seek to import prohibited goods into the American economy. The Criminal Division, in coordination with the Task Force, leverages all the department’s tools and authorities to fight fraud on the federal government and recover funds for the public fisc.


title: Leader and Co-Defendant in Multi-Million Dollar Money Laundering Conspiracy Plead Guilty

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – Yahya “Cash” Sowe, 42, of Silver Spring, Maryland, and Victor Killen, 32, of Hyattsville, Maryland, pled guilty to conspiring to engage in a large, multi-member, money laundering conspiracy. As part of his guilty plea, Sowe admitted that he served as a manager or supervisor of the money laundering conspiracy, personally obtained at least $1 million for participating in the conspiracy, and helped facilitate more than $11 million of money laundering, involving more than 12 different victim entities. Killen admitted as part of his plea that at least $3 million in money laundering occurred pursuant to his direct participation in the conspiracy. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) – Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge George Golliday, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General (EPA-OIG). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland charged 14 defendants in connection with Sowe’s and Killen’s money laundering conspiracy. Thirteen have now pled guilty. Faizou Gnora, 28, previously of Alexandria, Virginia, remains a fugitive from justice. According to the plea agreements, beginning in 2021, and continuing into February 2024, Sowe conspired with multiple individuals to launder proceeds of a large-scale wire fraud. The co-conspirators engaged in various financial transactions to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the wire-fraud proceeds, while carrying out the wire-fraud schemes. The victims included government agencies, organizations, and companies, including an environmental trust, urban redevelopment program, medical center, transportation and logistics company, school district, college, and county government, among others. Sowe, Killen, and their co-conspirators used and controlled several different encrypted electronic communication accounts, which they used in furtherance of the money laundering, to supervise and manage the money laundering conspiracy. Sowe, Killen, and their co-conspirators worked with members of the conspiracy to create limited liability companies to serve as shell entities; open bank accounts and/or cause bank accounts to be opened in the name of shell entities; and receive and launder fraud proceeds. Pursuant to the conspiracy, the co-conspirators often engaged in multiple financial transactions in quick succession, frequently layering wire fraud proceeds in multiple subsequent transactions. These financial transactions made it more difficult for the victims and law enforcement to recover the fraud proceeds. Additionally, Sowe admitted engaging in a credit-card fraud scheme in which unauthorized charges were made using a merchant services account. Sowe also acknowledged that in 2023, he engaged in an attempted fraud, involving false and fraudulent employee retention credits (ERC). He stipulated that he worked with his co-conspirators to engage in pandemic-related fraud by submitting false and fraudulent ERC tax filings, and that he and his co-conspirators sought more than $1 million in ERCs. Sowe and Killen are facing a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox scheduled sentencing for Sowe and Killen for Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 2 p.m. and Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 10 a.m., respectively. In connection with this prosecution, Gedeon Agbeyome, 31, of Montgomery County, Maryland, and Areal El-Lovieta Harris, 24, of Hanover, Maryland, previously pled guilty, admitting to conspiring to commit money laundering. Additionally, Adanegbe Gift Osemwenkhae, 39, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland; Emily Gil Arias, 28, of Silver Spring, Maryland; Fatoumata Boiro, 32, of Largo, Maryland; Lawrence Ogunsanwo, 33; Lakeisha Parker, 33, of Baltimore, Maryland; Martin Ogisi, 37, of Severn, Maryland; Blondel Ndjouandjouaka, 31, of Silver Spring, Maryland; Kevin Colon, 34, of Curtis Bay, Maryland; and Lorena Perez Herrera, 29, of Silver Spring, Maryland, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering. Agbeyome also admitted engaging in aggravated identity theft and Parker acknowledged engaging in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The District Court previously sentenced: Lawrence Ogunsanwo to 40 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release and restitution of $5,648,816.23 Lakeisha Parker to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release and restitution of $8,306,930.95 Martin Ogisi to 33 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release and restitution of $11,077,044.17 Blondel Ndjouandjouaka to 24 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release and restitution of $733,941.48 Kevin Colon to 27 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release and restitution of $2,515,159.63 U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the HSI-led Document and Benefit Fraud/Mid-Atlantic El Dorado Task Force, and thanked IRS-CI and EPA-OIG for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes praised the Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County Police Departments for their assistance. She also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber, Bijon A. Mostoufi, and Jared M. Beim, who are prosecuting the federal case, and Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber for her assistance. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Former Ohio Senate Candidate Pleads Guilty to $4.5M Wire Fraud Scheme

body_text: CLEVELAND – A Summit County man has pleaded guilty to wire fraud after defrauding his employer, a police organization, and an online fundraising company out of millions of dollars. According to court documents, from about March 2022 to November 2024, Jonathan Leissler, 44, of Stow, Ohio, worked at an industrial supply company in Warrensville Heights, Ohio, as its chief financial officer (CFO). This role allowed him access to sensitive data such as payroll, expenditures, accounts payable, and company credit cards. He created fake payroll records to receive unauthorized payments, with amounts ranging from about $5,000 to $20,000 per transaction in addition to his regular salary. In December 2023, he began his bid for a seat on the Ohio Senate representing District 28. He utilized an online fundraising platform to collect donations toward his election campaign which were deposited into a designated “Leissler for Ohio” bank account. Using his employer’s company credit cards, Leissler proceeded to make unauthorized donations to his own election campaign. Then, he would request a refund of the donation. The refund request would trigger the fundraising platform to withdraw funds from the “Leissler for Ohio” bank account. However, Leissler changed the bank account associated with his campaign to a different, non-existent bank account before the funds could be withdrawn to process the refund. Leissler also had access to a second source of funds through a local fraternal order of police (FOP). From about December 2021 to November 2024, he was the treasurer for the organization and held a debit card and checkbook for the FOP account, which he used to make numerous unauthorized withdrawals and expenditures. He regularly reported to FOP leadership that the account balance was significantly higher than he knew it to be. Federal investigators found that Leissler used embezzled funds to charter private planes, travel, provide a down payment for a vacation property in South Carolina, and make mortgage payments for the vacation property as well as his residential home. He also used funds to pay for credit cards, vehicles, cryptocurrency mining equipment, and to start up a side business. He also paid for advertising to encourage voters to support his election to the Ohio Senate. Leissler’s actions resulted in victims being defrauded of approximately $4.5 million in combined losses. Leissler was charged by a bill of information on Nov. 12 and pleaded guilty Dec. 17 to three counts of wire fraud. Leissler faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for April 8, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This investigation was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division. Assistant United States Attorney Megan R. Mille r is leading the prosecution for the Northern District of Ohio. Note: Updated 2-5-26 with sentencing date.


title: Effingham County man sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for financially exploiting an elder

body_text: BENTON, Ill. – A district judge sentenced an Effingham County man to 12 years’ imprisonment after he admitted to exploiting an 89-year-old man out of more than $400,000. Edward L. Stief, Jr., 42, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud and one count of unlawful monetary transactions in criminal derived property. The judge ordered him to pay $411,773.51 in restitution. “Not only did Stief manipulate his victim into cashing life insurance policies and draining his bank accounts, but he also convinced the man to leave the care of a nursing home where he was harmed after being isolated,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “This 12-year prison sentence sends a clear message that we will protect vulnerable populations against predators who would prey upon them.” According to court documents, Stief met the victim in May 2023 after becoming acquainted with him while offering lawn care and landscaping services. Shortly thereafter, Stief used several misrepresentations to convince the victim to appoint him as his Financial and Healthcare Power of Attorney. "The defendant in this case didn't just steal money; he systematically targeted an individual's life under the guise of care and friendship. By exploiting the legal authority of a Power of Attorney for personal gain, he violated the most fundamental level of trust,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge, Christopher J.S. Johnson. “Removing predators like this from our neighborhoods is essential to making our community a safer place for everyone, especially our seniors.” After becoming the victim’s Power of Attorney, Stief became a signatory on the victim’s bank accounts. In August 2023, he talked the victim into cashing out his life insurance policies and deposited most of the victim’s money into Stief’s personal bank accounts. Over the course of the next several months, Stief spent the entirety of the victim’s life savings on himself. In addition, Stief also took the majority of the victim’s personal items including his gold coin collection, gold necklaces, guns and watches. In October 2023, Stief persuaded the victim to leave a nursing home facility and move into his full-time care. Under Stief’s supervision, the victim was not cared for and his medical needs were not met. The FBI Springfield Field Office and the Effingham Police Department contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard prosecuted the case. The National Elder Fraud Hotline is a service from the U.S. Department of Justice that helps victims over 60 years report crimes and access resources. The hotline is available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. ET, at (833) 372-8311 or (833) FRAUD-11. Callers can remain anonymous, and translation services are available.


title: Tennessee Man Sentenced for Aiding Memphis Police Department Officer in Destroying Evidence Related to On-Duty Fatal Shooting

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Joshua M. Rogers, 33, of Tennessee was sentenced yesterday to 56 months in prison for his role in destroying evidence related to a police officer’s fatal shooting of a man identified by the initials R.H. Documents filed in connection with the defendant’s plea established that Rogers’ co-defendant, Patric J. Ferguson, was on duty as an officer with the Memphis Police Department when Ferguson kidnapped and fatally shot R.H. on Jan. 5, 2021. The defendant aided Ferguson in covering up the fatal shooting. The defendant assisted Ferguson as he purchased chains, padlocks, and cinderblocks from a store and affixed them around the victim’s body. Once the victim’s body was weighed down by the items, the defendant and Ferguson drove to the Wolf River in Memphis, where they disposed of the victim’s body. Ferguson was sentenced to 38 years in prison on Dec. 1. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office made the announcement. The FBI’s Nashville Field Office and the Memphis Police Department investigated the case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Hartridge for the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Tenette Smith and Sarah Armstrong of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.


component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: WASHINGTON — Joshua M. Rogers, 33 , of Tennessee was sentenced yesterday to 56 months of in prison for his role in destroying evidence related to a police officer’s fatal shooting of a man identified by the initials R.H. Documents filed in connection with the defendant’s plea established that Rogers’ co-defendant, Patric J. Ferguson, was on duty as an officer with the Memphis Police Department when Ferguson kidnapped and fatally shot R.H. on January 5, 2021. The defendant aided Ferguson in covering up the fatal shooting. The defendant assisted Ferguson as he purchased chains, padlocks, and cinderblocks from a store and affixed them around the victim’s body. Once the victim’s body was weighed down by the items, the defendant and Ferguson drove to the Wolf River in Memphis, where they disposed of the victim’s body. Ferguson was sentenced to 38 years in prison on Dec. 1. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant for the Western District of Tennessee, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office made the announcement. The FBI’s Nashville Field Office and the Memphis Police Department investigated the case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Hartridge for the Western District of Tennessee and Trial Attorneys Tenette Smith and Sarah Armstrong of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section. ### CRT 25-1204 If you have questions, please use the contacts in the message or call the Office of Public Affairs at 202-514-2007


title: Local Physician Pleads Guilty to Adulterating and Misbranding  Medical Devices with the Intent to Defraud

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on December 17, 2025, Dr. Eric Edward Haeger, age 57, of Brewster, Washington, pleaded guilty in Eastern District of Washington to adulterating and misbranding medical devices with the intent to defraud or mislead. In June 2021, Philips Respironics initiated a recall for certain CPAP and BiPAP devices due to potential health risks associated with the foam used in the devices for sound abatement. The potential health risks identified at the time included inflammatory response, asthma, nausea or vomiting, and toxic or cancer-causing effects. Based on court documents, between July 2021 and July 2023, Dr. Haeger purchased through online resellers and caused to be shipped to the Eastern District of Washington over 500 used and recalled CPAP and BiPAP devices. Dr. Haeger and others at his direction would then open the devices, attempt to remove the foam using screw drivers, hooks, and other tools, and then put the devices back together. This conduct occurred in locations that were not designed or operated as clean rooms for the purpose of manufacturing medical devices. Dr. Haeger and staff at his sleep clinic under his control and supervision would then provide the recalled devices to Washington State Medicaid patients. Staff at the sleep clinic under Dr. Haeger’s direction and control would then bill the used, recalled devices to Medicaid with the false and fraudulent representation that they were actually new devices that were in good working order. Dr. Haeger is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on March 24, 2026. The Plea Agreement can be found here The case is being investigated by the Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, the Washington State Medicaid Fraud Control Division, the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley. 2:25-cr-00187-RLP


title: Hobbs Man Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Hobbs man was sentenced to 26 years in prison for drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession as a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on October 19, 2023, agents with the Lea County Drug Task Force stopped a SUV driven by Robert Louis Ortiz III , 39, in Hobbs, New Mexico. During the stop, a canine alerted to narcotics, and Ortiz admitted to possessing three firearms and approximately 3,800 fentanyl pills. Less than a month later, on November 9, 2023, agents attempted to stop a sedan driven by Ortiz with his co-defendant, Amber Dawn Rogers Johnson, as the passenger in Tatum, New Mexico. The couple fled, crossing into Yoakum County, Texas, where Johnson fired shots at pursuing deputies and threw a backpack containing narcotics and firearms from the vehicle. The chase ended when the vehicle crashed in Hobbs, and both fled on foot before being apprehended. Law enforcement recovered from the discarded backpack and vehicle search approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills, over 827 grams of pure methamphetamine, and four firearms, along with additional ammunition and magazines. Ortiz , a previously convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms, pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possessing said firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Upon his release from prison, Ortiz will be subject to five years of supervised release. Johnson pleaded guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. She was sentenced to 19 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, made the announcement today. The DEA’s El Paso Division investigated this case with the assistance of the Lea County Drug Task Force, Fifth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Yoakum County Sheriff's Office and the Gaines County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Williams is prosecuting this case.