title: Leaders of La Nueva Familia Michoacana and Atlanta-Based Money Launderer Indicted

body_text: Siblings Johnny Hurtado Olascoaga — also known as El Pez, Pescado, and Mojarra — and Jose Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga — also known as El Fresa, El Feyo, and La Fruta — both of Guerrero, Mexico, and co-leaders of the La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM) drug cartel, were charged by a federal grand jury seated in the Northern District of Georgia with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl knowing those controlled substances would be imported into the United States, conspiracy to import those controlled substances into the United States, and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute those controlled substances. The indictments were returned in September 2024 and recently unsealed. Prior to his indictment, Johnny Hurtado Olascoaga was designated as a Consolidated Priority Target (CPOT) by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program. Both Hurtado Olascoaga brothers are fugitives believed to be residing in Mexico. In addition, today the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced new sanctions against Johnny and Jose Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga and their siblings, LNFM members Ubaldo Hurtado Olascoaga and Adita Hurtado Olascoaga. On Feb. 20, the U.S. Department of State also announced the designation of LNFM as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). Additionally, the Department of State announced a Narcotics Rewards Program offer of up to $5 million and $3 million, respectively, for information leading to the arrests or convictions of Johnny and Jose Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga. Franco Tabares Martinez, 51, of Guerrero, Mexico, a high-ranking member of LNFM was charged by a federal grand jury seated in the Northern District of Georgia with conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and related substantive counts of drug trafficking. The indictment was unsealed against Franco Tabares Martinez on July 7, 2023, after which he was sanctioned by OFAC. On June 20, 2024, his brother Uriel Tabares-Martinez was also sanctioned by OFAC. Another brother, Pablo Tabares Martinez, pleaded guilty on Jan. 13 to conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Their sister, Guadalupe Tabares Martinez — also known as Yosel Medrano Hernandez and Lupe — of Mableton, Georgia, has now been charged by a federal grand jury seated in the Northern District of Georgia with conspiracy to commit international money laundering, conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money services business, and related substantive counts. The indictment was returned on April 8 and recently unsealed. “Today’s indictments and OFAC sanctions against high-ranking LNFM cartel members sends a clear message: if you contribute to the death of Americans by peddling poison into our communities, we will work relentlessly to find you and bring you to justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “These cartel members are allegedly responsible for importing massive amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl from Mexico to the Atlanta area and across the United States, and then wiring hundreds of thousands of dollars in proceeds from distributing those drugs back to Mexico,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie Jr. for the Northern District of Georgia. “These federal indictments, in conjunction with the imposition of OFAC sanctions, send a strong message that we will tirelessly investigate, prosecute, and defund individuals around the globe who choose to import deadly drugs into, and risk the lives of the members of, our communities.” “Today’s action underscores our commitment to intensify the pressure on violent drug cartels like LNFM, who continue to traffic deadly fentanyl and other drugs, smuggle illegal aliens over our Southwest border, and attack law enforcement,” said Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. “The Trump administration will continue to use all available tools to target the cartels and other violent organizations that attempt to exploit our communities and harm Americans.” “President Trump has promised to crack down on the flow of deadly drugs into our country,” said Senior Bureau Official F. Cartwright Weiland of the Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). “And today, working with the DEA and Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of State is delivering on that promise by offering rewards totaling up to $8 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of the Hurtado brothers.” “Cases like this exemplify the value of partnerships,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Division. “The volume of dangerous drugs and violence impacts our communities beyond comprehension. This investigation and subsequent indictments demonstrate DEA’s commitment to protecting our community by destroying these drug trafficking organizations.” “The indictment of senior leaders of this brutal Mexican cartel and subsequent OFAC sanctions makes one thing clear, we are coming after these criminal networks and utilizing every weapon in our arsenal,” said Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Georgia and Alabama. “Through aggressive interagency coordination, HSI and our law enforcement partners are not only seizing their drugs and arresting their members, but we are also cutting off their money, dismantling their infrastructure, and bringing their leaders to justice. This operation underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting our communities and dismantling the criminal enterprises that profit from violence and addiction.” According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie for the Northern District of Georgia, the indictments, and other information presented in court: In 2021, agents of the DEA and HSI began an investigation of LNFM cartel members importing methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl into the United States, including into the Northern District of Georgia. As part of the investigation, agents identified Franco Tabares Martinez as a then-high-ranking member of the LNFM cartel who allegedly distributed multi-kilogram quantities of methamphetamine in the metro Atlanta area. In addition, agents identified Franco Tabares Martinez’s sister, Guadalupe Tabares Martinez, as an Atlanta-based money launderer allegedly helping her brother and other drug traffickers by picking up bulk currency and then using her money service business, Noyola Multiservice, to transmit those drug proceeds to drug trafficking associates in Mexico. Through the investigation, agents also identified Johnny Hurtado Olascoaga and Jose Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga as the cartel’s co-founders and kingpins, who conspired with cartel members in Mexico and throughout the United States to import heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl across the U.S.-Mexico border for distribution in various cities and states, including Atlanta. This case is being investigated by the DEA and HSI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laurel Milam and Bethany Rupert for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case against the Hurtado Olascoaga brothers, Franco Tabares Martinez and Guadalupe Tabares Martinez. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Morrison for the Middle District of Georgia provided valuable contributions to the investigation of Guadalupe Tabares Martinez. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Justice Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This prosecution is part of an OCDETF Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi¬ jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the David G. Wilhelm Atlanta OCDETF Strike Force (the Strike Force) is to degrade and dismantle major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations (DTMLOs) in the Atlanta metropolitan area and the Northern District of Georgia. To accomplish this mission, the Strike Force will target these organizations’ leaders, focusing on targets designated as Consolidated Priority Organization Targets (CPOTs), Regional Priority Organization Targets (RPOTs), and their associates. The Atlanta Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, USMS, USPIS, and IRS; as well as numerous state and local agencies, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Mongols Motorcycle Club Member Arrested, Other Also Charged, with Assault and Murder of Rival Gang Member Last Month in Ontario

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: RIVERSIDE, California – A member of the Mongols Motorcycle Club was arrested today, and another Mongols member has been charged, both in connection with the assault and murder of a rival motorcycle gang member at a San Bernardino County bar last month. Clifford Michael Lavoy, 51, a.k.a. “Buckshot,” of Montclair, was arrested on a federal criminal complaint that charges him with assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering. Julian Pulido, 35, a.k.a. “Juls,” of Upland is charged via the same federal complaint with murder in aid of racketeering. Lavoy was arrested this morning and made his initial appearance in United States District Court in Riverside this afternoon. A federal magistrate judge ordered him jailed without bond and scheduled a May 6 arraignment in Riverside federal court. Pulido currently is in state custody, charged in San Bernardino County Superior Court with murder. He is expected to make his initial appearance in Riverside federal court in the coming weeks. According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, during the early morning hours of March 4, Pulido and Lavoy violently attacked the victim – a member of the Vagos, a rival motorcycle gang and who is identified in court documents as “V.S.” – at an Ontario bar. Inside the bar, the defendants confronted the victim, who was wearing clothing reflecting his Vagos membership, argued with him, and told the victim that he needed to show respect to them as Mongols members. Later, the defendants assaulted and overpowered the victim, including by punching the victim in the face, choking him, and causing injuries to the victim’s face, head, and neck. When the victim tried to run out of the bar, Pulido allegedly pulled out a gun and shot the victim several times in the back, causing the victim to fall through the door of the bar and bleed out on the sidewalk. The defendants then fled the scene. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene at 2:45 a.m. Later that same day, Pulido led law enforcement on a nine-hour chase across five counties in California. He was arrested after crashing a black Dodge vehicle into a ditch during a high-speed chase along Highway 46 near Lost Hills in Kern County. At the time of his arrest, Pulido possessed the same Mongols-branded clothing he had worn on the night of V.S.’s murder. Lavoy was arrested in Whittier, was booked then later released. A criminal complaint contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, Pulido would face a mandatory minimum sentence of life in federal prison and Lavoy would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating this matter with the Ontario Police Department. The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office provided substantial assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Declan T. Conroy and Daniel H. Weiner of the Transnational Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Members of a Massive International Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Ring Indicted in Atlanta

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: On April 1, seven individuals in Georgia and Mexico were indicted by a federal grand jury seated in the Northern District of Georgia related to a drug trafficking and money laundering ring tied to a Mexico-based trafficker. Five of these defendants, all of Norcross, Georgia — Sandra Beatriz Hernandez Chilel, 49; Karina Beatriz Perez Hernandez, 22; David Miranda Vinalay, 39; Jerome Lewis, 47; and Irving Joel Hernandez, 34 — were arrested earlier today in a coordinated effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), and local law enforcement. The defendants were arraigned before a U.S. Magistrate Judge following their arrests. “Thanks to the great investigative work of our federal partners and local law enforcement, five individuals working on behalf of the violent Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) have been taken off our streets,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will not allow these criminal enterprises to continue profiting off of the death and destruction of American lives.” “The defendants allegedly trafficked high volumes of fentanyl and other deadly drugs into our community and then laundered the illicit proceeds of their activities as directed by a Mexico-based drug trafficker, including more than $1 million during a mere two-month period,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie Jr. for the Northern District of Georgia. “Although these individuals took great measures to conceal their alleged criminal conduct, a determined and coordinated effort by our federal and local law enforcement partners helped to secure the federal charges in this case.” “The deadly impact of fentanyl on our communities is devastating,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jae W. Chung of the DEA’s Atlanta Division. “These arrests should be a clear message to the traffickers that keeping our communities safe is our highest priority.” “Using our expertise in financial investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation is following the money, despite attempts by criminals to cover their tracks,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman of IRS-CI’s Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents in partnerships with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement agencies, will continue our work investigating and holding accountable those responsible for bringing dangerous drugs into our communities.” According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie for the Northern District of Georgia, the indictment, and other information presented in court: In September 2024, the DEA uncovered a scheme involving drug traffickers delivering bulk currency from drug sales to a middleman in Norcross. The middleman then allegedly delivered the drug proceeds to defendants Sandra Beatriz Hernandez Chilel (Chilel) and her daughter Karina Beatriz Perez Hernandez (Perez), who then laundered the proceeds as directed by a Mexico-based drug trafficker. Chilel and Perez allegedly operated a money service business (MSB) in Norcross called “La Pulga Esperenza.” Between September and November 2024, DEA saw several traffickers deliver hundreds of thousands of dollars of suspected drug proceeds to the middleman in Norcross, who then transferred the cash to Chilel and Perez. Agents with IRS-CI analyzed the MSB’s transactions and determined that the cash was wired to Mexico but was transferred in small increments so as not to raise suspicion by federal regulators. During a period of approximately two months, this ring of individuals allegedly laundered over $1 million in drug proceeds smuggled to Mexico. During the investigation, the DEA identified several alleged traffickers who transported the drug proceeds to Norcross, including defendants David Miranda Vinalay, Jerome Lewis, and Irving Joel Hernandez. DEA identified one of the primary traffickers as being a member or associate of the CJNG. Additionally, as alleged in the indictment, some of the traffickers also possessed methamphetamine and fentanyl that they intended to distribute on behalf of the drug trafficking ring. Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the DEA and IRS-CI. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Georgia State Patrol, Dekalb County, Georgia, Police Department, Gwinnett County, Georgia, Police Department, and Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert and Dwayne A. Brown Jr. for the Northern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Justice Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This effort is part of an OCDETF operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. An indictment is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Lewiston Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Possessing Firearms

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: Portland, Maine: A Lewiston man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to unlawfully possessing a firearm while subject to a domestic violence protective order. According to court records, in December 2023, deputies with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a disabled vehicle in New Gloucester. Deputies located the vehicle and were approached by William Noddin , 58, who said he was operating the vehicle when it got stuck. He also said he had two handguns in the vehicle’s trunk. At the time he possessed the firearms, he was subject to a domestic violence protective order and was prohibited from possessing firearms while the order was in effect. Noddin faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a maximum supervised release term of three years. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Operation Take Back America: This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). ###


title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute 100 Grams or More of Fentanyl Analogue

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Allen Green, 73, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 15, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl analogue. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Green to 262 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Green is released from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. After receiving information that Green was involved in distributing controlled substances, law enforcement obtained a court order allowing them to get precision location information from his phone. On December 15, 2023, law enforcement obtained data from Green’s cell phone that he had traveled to Chicago, Illinois, from Omaha and after a short time began to travel immediately back to Omaha. Iowa state troopers pulled Green over near Des Moines, Iowa, for several traffic violations. In the vehicle, law enforcement located 280 grams of fentanyl analogue in powder form. The lab confirmed the fentanyl and the powder also contained heroin and Xylazine. Green admitted that the fentanyl was going to be distributed in the Omaha area. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Task Force, which is comprised of law enforcement from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.


title: Virginia Man Sentenced for Ginseng Poaching at National Park

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ABINGDON, Va. – Coby Brummett pleaded recently to unlawfully digging ginseng within the boundaries of Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and was sentenced to 30 days of imprisonment. “Our national parks and the resources within, like Ginseng, are natural resources maintained for the benefit of all our citizens and not forms of currency to be poached and sold-off for profit,” Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee said today. “One of our core missions is to protect the resources and natural wonders that are found in abundance on the national park lands found in the Western District of Virginia and enjoyed by millions of visitors every year. This case is a warning to those who may try to use these resources for their own benefit. I am grateful to the National Park Service for their diligence in keeping our national parks vibrant and safe.” “Preserving natural and cultural resources like these on behalf of current and future generations of Americans is a central part of our mission,” said Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Superintendent Lisa Baldwin. “We are proud of the work of our staff and partners that led to this outcome.” After a thorough investigation, rangers with the National Park Service determined that Brummett dug up over 300 Ginseng roots from within the confines of the park. Brummett was ordered to pay $6,240.25 in restitution to the National Park Service, and he is banned from the park for a period of three years. The National Park Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Hall prosecuted the case for the United States.


title: Harlan County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LONDON, Ky. – A Kenvir, Ky., man, Anthony Carr, 54, was sentenced on Friday by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier to 78 months in prison, for distribution of methamphetamine. According to his plea agreement, on August 17, 2023, law enforcement used a confidential informant to purchase approximately 54 grams of a methamphetamine mixture from Carr. On August 23, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Carr’s residence and found approximately 27 grams of methamphetamine, baggies, and three sets of digital scales. Under federal law, Carr must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for four years. Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Sheriff Chris Brewer, Harlan County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the DEA, KSP, and Harlan County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Maryland Settlement Processor Pleads Guilty to Submitting False Settlement Statements to Financial Institutions

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – Rebecca Marie Cohn, aka Rebecca Marie Stanton, 38, of Fallston, Maryland, pled guilty in federal court to knowingly and willfully making false statements to financial institutions in connection with real-estate settlements. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Robert Manchak, Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey D. Pittano, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG), Mid-Atlantic Region. From 2013 through 2019, Cohn worked as a settlement and title processor for Residential Title & Escrow Company, a real estate title company located in Owings Mills, Maryland. As part of her job handling real estate property settlements, Cohn created, reviewed, and submitted HUD-1 Settlement Statements to financial institutions. Cohn was also responsible for documenting incoming funds and disbursements in connection with real-estate closings, along with providing financial institutions with documentation of equity injections utilized in real-estate transactions. At Residential, Cohn engaged in settlement work in connection with co-defendants Mehul Ramesh Khatiwala, aka “Mike Khatiwala,” 43, of Voorhees, New Jersey, Rajendra G. Parikh, 64, of Monroe, New Jersey, Jennifer H. Watkins, 48, of Marlton, New Jersey, and entities associated with them. Khatiwala, Parikh, and Watkins recently pled guilty to a conspiracy to obtain loan proceeds to buy and sell hotels in connection with a hotel-flipping scheme. “Flipping” is a real-estate investment strategy that involves purchasing property to hold for a short period before selling it to make a quick profit. Khatiwala, Parikh, and Watkins created limited liability companies with no significant business activity (“shell entities” or “selling entities”) to purchase hotel properties. They then created a second company to purchase the hotels from the shell companies at substantially higher prices. Cohn performed settlement work for the second part of the flip transaction. Khatiwala, Parikh, and Watkins sought loans for those transactions through the SBA’s Section 7(a) Program, which guaranteed and insured approximately 75-85 percent of these loans, and required that the small business owner/borrower invest a certain amount of their own money into the business to qualify for the loan. From June 2019 until August 2019, Cohn worked with Khatiwala, Watkins, and Parikh, handling settlement transactions that she knew the information represented on the HUD-1 Settlement Statements was materially false. Cohn also made false statements to financial institutions by sending them information about buyers’ equity injections in the form of checks, bank records, and other documents. Through these false statements Cohn claimed to show that various equity injections occurred, knowing that those funds had already been represented as used for a previous real-estate hotel settlement. Cohn knew that the financial institutions relied on the false statements to decide to extend the loans to the borrowing entities. On July 23, 2019, Cohn knowingly submitted a materially false HUD-1 Settlement Statement in connection with an SBA guaranteed loan to North State Bank. The statement substantially overrepresented the deposit or earnest money that the borrowing entity actually utilized in the transaction. Additionally, in the statement she provided for the loan settlement, she falsely claimed that the settlement took place on July 23, 2019. But the settlement could not have taken place on that date because the selling entity did not own the hotel until July 24, 2019. Cohn knew that the selling entity did not own the hotel on July 23, 2019, as she used the loan proceeds provided by North State Bank to help the selling entity purchase the hotel. Cohn is facing a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for making false statements to a financial institution. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FHFA-OIG and FDIC-OIG for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber, Evelyn L. Cusson, and Ari D. Evans, who are prosecuting the federal case, and recognized Paralegal Specialists Joanna B.N. Huber and Zharde Todman. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach .


title: Scranton Man Sentenced to 24 years in Prison for Drug Distribution Resulting in Death

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Federico Rosario, age 30, of Scranton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on April 11, 2025, to 24 years’ imprisonment by Senior United States District Judge Robert D. Mariani for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and drug distribution resulting in death. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, in July of 2021, Rosario sold small quantities of cocaine to a 17-year-old minor. On August 11, 2021, Rosario sold the minor victim .4 grams of a substance represented to be cocaine. Less than 30 minutes later, after consuming a portion of the substance, the victim sent Rosario a message asking what was in the substance because it had him “spinning” as though he was drunk. Receiving no response from Rosario, the minor victim sent a follow-up message eight seconds later. Rosario never responded or took any other action in response to the victim’s messages. The next morning, the minor victim was found dead in his room. Laboratory analysis of the substance sold to the victim by Rosario revealed it to be a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl. Autopsy and post-mortem toxicology confirmed the presence of fatal levels of fentanyl in the minor victim’s system at death. During a four-day jury trial, expert testimony established that but for the toxic level of fentanyl, which is 50-100 times more potent than morphine, the otherwise healthy minor victim would not have died. At the conclusion of trial, the jury returned a verdict finding Rosario guilty on three counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of drug distribution resulting in death. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Scranton Police Department. Former Assistant United States Attorney Robert J. O’Hara and Assistant United States Attorney Sarah R. Lloyd prosecuted the case. 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: Armed Drug Trafficker Sentenced to More Than  Five Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: NEW BERN, N.C. – A Rocky Mount man was sentenced Friday to 68 months in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and distribution of a quantity of fentanyl. Nedall Alwan, 30, pled guilty to the charge on January 14, 2025. According to court documents and other information presented in court, in March 2023, the Tarboro Police Department and Edgecombe Sheriff’s Office received information that Alwan, who operated a vape and tobacco store in Tarboro, was involved in the sale of narcotics. Between March 8 and April 5, 2023, law enforcement made three controlled purchases of “Perc 30” pills from Alwan. The pills contained fentanyl. On April 6, 2023, law enforcement searched Alwan’s vape and tobacco business. Law Enforcement found 290 “M-30” pills which contained 30 grams of fentanyl, a 9mm rifle and $9,533.00 in U.S. currency. A 9mm handgun was also found in Alwan’s car, and additional U.S. currency was found at Alwan’s residence. Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Enforcement, Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office, and the Tarboro and Rocky Mount Police Departments investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Severo prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-0035. ###


title: Restaurant And Owner Agree To Pay Over $1.5 Million To Settle Allegations Of Pandemic Relief Fund Misuse

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson announced today that Bobby Gerald Duncan (“Duncan”) and DE & E Foods, Inc. d/b/a Hillbilly’s Barbeque and Steaks (“Hillbilly’s BBQ”) have agreed to pay $1,530,682.26 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly obtaining $762,903 in pandemic relief funds, and then misusing those funds for Duncan’s own personal gain. The settlement further resolves allegations that Duncan and Hillbilly’s BBQ knowingly made false statements to obtain the relief funds, as well as obtain loan forgiveness of the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) portion of the funds. The United States civil complaint alleged that Duncan, through his restaurant Hillbilly’s BBQ, obtained the relief funds through an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) and two PPP loans. Rather than using the funds for authorized purposes, including for payroll and other business-related expenses, Duncan misappropriated the funds for his own benefit, specifically to purchase a separate FedEx business with Duncan’s longtime friend. Duncan did so by first transferring $100,000 of the relief funds from a Hillbilly’s BBQ corporate account to a personal account entitled “Vacation Account,” and then adding his friend as an account holder to artificially boost the friend's credit score for a separate SBA loan intended for the FedEx business purchase. When that failed, Duncan used the pandemic relief funds to buy the FedEx business outright for $750,000, by writing two large checks for its purchase directly from the Hillbilly’s BBQ business account (one for $400,000 and another for $350,000). “Pandemic relief funds were meant to provide a financial lifeline to small businesses struggling to stay afloat during the unprecedented COVID crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. “Where those funds were misused, we will pursue their return as part of our ongoing effort to curb waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer money.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Johnson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is in charge of this case. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.


title: Muskegon Cocaine Dealer Sentenced to 32 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: Conspirators used the U.S. Postal Service to Mail Kilograms of Cocaine from Texas to Michigan LANSING – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge today announced that Srecko Darnell Walker, 35, of Muskegon, has been sentenced to a total of 32 years in federal prison. At sentencing, Chief United States District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou remarked on Walker’s extensive criminal history, which now includes a total of seven drug-related convictions, and instances of criminal dishonesty. Before pronouncing its sentence, the Court told Walker, “You’ve spent most of your life lying. You’ve spent most of your life committing crimes . . . You have earned the sentence that you’re going to get.” The Court imposed concurrent terms of 30 years for each of the three crimes a federal jury found Walker guilty of in November 2024: (1) conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine; (2) distribution of cocaine; and (3) possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The Court also imposed a consecutive 2-year sentence for violations Walker committed while on supervised release following a previous federal cocaine trafficking conviction. Evidence admitted at trial showed that in 2021 and 2022, Walker worked with Steven Rasic, a Muskegon-based U.S. Postal Service mail carrier, to import kilograms of cocaine into West Michigan from Hugo Benavides, a Texas-based cocaine supplier. Walker coordinated the cocaine shipments, which were sent to vacant addresses on Rasic’s mail route. Both Rasic and Benavides pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge prior to trial and have been sentenced separately. During trial, the jury heard that over the course of the investigation, law enforcement agents seized five kilograms of cocaine from the mail that Walker and his co-conspirators intended to distribute in West Michigan. In March 2022, investigators seized two kilograms of cocaine. After the seizure, Rasic tried to recover the parcel containing cocaine, falsely stating that he was acting on behalf of the U.S. Postal Service. In fact, Rasic was trying to recover the cocaine on Walker’s behalf, and text messages from Rasic’s phone showed that Rasic had alerted Walker to the cocaine seizure. Months later, in October 2022, investigators saw Walker distribute cocaine to a woman in Muskegon, and later, inside Walker’s residence, investigators found more cocaine, a cutting agent, and digital scale used to weigh cocaine. The jury also learned that after the search of his residence, Walker admitted to importing cocaine through the mail, and told investigators that he sold his first kilogram of cocaine sometime in 2021. Walker also admitted to tracking some of the mail parcels that contained cocaine, including one parcel with over one kilogram of cocaine inside. “This sentence reflects the hard work and dedication of USPS OIG Special Agents, U.S. Postal Inspectors and DEA Special Agents working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges on this significant narcotics investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Central Area Field Office . “The USPS OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.” “As the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Postal Service, the Postal Inspection Service prioritizes the safety and security of postal employees and customers above all else,” said Detroit Division Acting Inspector in Charge Sean McStravick . “Let the severity of this sentence be a warning to those who abuse the nation’s mail system to transport narcotics and other dangerous or illegal substances: We will find you, we will arrest you, and we will seek to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law.” “The DEA remains committed to continue to dismantle criminal organizations—domestic and foreign,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Lawton, DEA Detroit Field Division . “This operation is a testament to the power of collaboration between agencies to ensure justice is served and our communities are protected.” The United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), The United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General (USPS OIG), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Michigan State Police (MSP) West Michigan Enforcement Team (WEMET) investigated this case, and it was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Austin J. Hakes and Stephanie M. Carowan. # # #


title: Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 35 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Minor

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Gary Hammond Jackson, III, 33, of Pasadena, Maryland, to 35 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for the sexual exploitation of a minor and the commission of a felony involving a minor by a registered sex offender. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, Roland L. Butler, Jr. Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP), and State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess, Office of the State’s Attorney for Anne Arundel County, Maryland. According to his guilty plea, in 2020 and 2022, Jackson sexually abused two minor females, ages 6 and 3, and produced child sexual abuse material. In November 2020, Jackson sexually abused the first victim —who was 6 at the time — and used his cell phone to produce three images of the act. It was discovered that Jackson sexually assaulted the same victim numerous times between January 2020 and December 2020. As a result, Jackson was convicted of a fourth-degree sex offense and second-degree assault in the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Following his release in June 2022, Jackson was placed on probation and required to register as a sex offender. But in November 2022, Jackson produced child sexual abuse material, in the form of images, with the 3-year-old victim. This case is 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 Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc. Learn more about Internet safety education by clicking on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, MSP, and the Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Spencer L. Todd and Paul E. Budlow who prosecuted the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Felon Indicted on Gun Charge After Allegedly Discarding Loaded Firearm Near U Street

body_text: WASHINGTON – Raymond Davon Benson, 32, of Washington, D.C., has been indicted on a federal firearm charge as part of the “Make D.C. Safe Again” initiative. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Make D.C. Safe Again is a public safety initiative led by U.S. Attorney Martin that is surging resources to reduce violent crime in the District of Columbia. This initiative was created to address gun violence in the District, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenders, and seek detention for federal firearms violators. Benson was indicted on one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. According to court documents, on March 29, 2025, MPD officers observed defendant Benson walking eastbound on U Street NW. The officers witnessed Benson holding a red solo cup, known to be frequently used for consuming alcohol in the U Street corridor. Upon observing the police presence, defendant Benson allegedly dumped amber liquid from the cup and tossed it to the ground. As officers approached to investigate a potential open container of alcohol violation, Benson reportedly fled the scene, running down sidewalks and into an alley. As he fled in the alley, Benson was allegedly observed throwing a firearm before continuing his flight. Benson was apprehended a short time later. Officers recovered a Cobray M-11 firearm with a high-capacity magazine and approximately 30 rounds of ammunition from the location where Benson allegedly tossed the firearm. Benson is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a previous felony conviction in Superior Court for the District of Columbia. This case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas G. Strong. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Federal Jury Finds St. Paul Felon Guilty in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Scheme

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – Kurtis Gordon-Greenwood of St. Paul, Minnesota, has been convicted by a federal jury for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, attempted possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and illegal possession of a firearm as a felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. According to evidence presented at trial, law enforcement began investigating a fentanyl distribution crew in St. Paul in 2022. During that investigation, they intercepted a UPS package from Arizona containing more than five kilos—50,000 fentanyl pills—addressed to the apartment of Kurtis Lavonte Gordon-Greenwood, 30. In a subsequent search of Gordon-Greenwood’s apartment, officers discovered a Fedex shipping receipt for a package sent to Phoenix, three cell phones, and a Taurus 9mm pistol with an extended magazine. When law enforcement intercepted the Fedex package Gordon-Greenwood sent to Phoenix, they discovered $8,240 in cash inside. Because Gordon-Greenwood has prior felony convictions, he is prohibited from legally possessing firearms or ammunition. “Firearms and drugs are a deadly combination – make no mistake that lives will be saved with Gordon-Greenwood off the streets,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “Drugs are trafficked to Minnesota by air, vehicle, or through the mail, as we saw in this case. Thanks to the work of our task force partners on this investigation, we have kept thousands of deadly fentanyl pills from hitting our neighborhoods.” “It can’t be stated enough that fentanyl pills carry deadly consequences,” Drug Enforcement Administration Omaha Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Rafael Mattei said. “If these 50,000 pills had made their way to the streets, there would be countless families across the Twin Cities mourning the loss of a loved one. Remind your loved ones that one pill can kill.” After a three-day trial before Judge Donovan W. Frank in U.S. District Court, Gordon-Greenwood was convicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Gordon-Greenwood’s co-defendants, Joshua Lanard Howse, 33, and Cornelius David Pierce, 34, have both pleaded guilty for their respective roles in the conspiracy. This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Dakota County Drug Task Force, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Hollenhorst tried the case.


title: United States Department of Justice Transfers 13 Mexican Nationals with Drug Convictions to Mexico Pursuant to the U.S.-Mexico International Prisoner Transfer Treaty

component: Criminal Division

body_text: The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs with the assistance of the Department’s Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) transferred 13 Mexican nationals, serving prison sentences for drug distribution-related convictions in the United States, to their home country on Friday. “Friday’s transfer of 13 federal inmates to correctional authorities in Mexico has saved the United States over $3 million by eliminating the need to pay incarceration costs for the 75 years remaining on their combined sentences,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Justice Department’s International Prisoner Transfer Program, which is administered by the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs, enhances offender rehabilitation, reduces incarceration costs, and relieves overcrowding in federal prisons. The transfer is pursuant to the Treaty between the United States of America and the United Mexican States on the Execution of the Penal Sentences.” All 13 inmates transferred today were serving sentences relating to the distribution of controlled substances, including cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. The inmates will complete the remainder of their sentences in Mexico pursuant to the treaty. The inmates requested to be transferred to their home country, and the governments of both the United States and Mexico approved these transfers. The U.S. Congress enacted legislation authorizing the International Prisoner Transfer Program in October 1977, which also set the requirements of the transfer program. The United States signed its first transfer treaty with Mexico in 1976, which entered into force in November 1977, and since that time has entered into 10 additional bilateral transfer agreements and two multilateral transfer conventions. These international agreements give the United States transfer treaty relationships with more than 85 countries. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs’s International Prisoner Transfer Unit (IPTU) administers the program. Under the program, approved foreign national inmates in federal and state prisons are permitted, under certain circumstances, to complete their prison terms in their home countries’ prisons. This is the 184th such transfer since the treaty entered into force in 1977. The last transfer prior to today, which took place in December 2024, transferred nine inmates to Mexico pursuant to the treaty. To learn more about the International Prisoner Transfer Program, visit: https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-oia/iptu


title: Builder Of Smuggling Vessels That Attempted To Send 9,500 Kilograms Of Cocaine To Mexico And Central America Sentenced To 20 Years In Federal Prison

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced Juan Carlos Castro Vasquez (50, Colombia), a/k/a “Juanca,” to 20 years in federal prison for conspiring to traffic cocaine on vessels subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Castro Vasquez was arrested in Colombia in October 2022 pursuant to a provisional arrest warrant requested by the United States and extradited to the United States in April 2024.. Castro Vasquez pleaded guilty on December 11, 2024. According to court documents, Castro Vasquez was a member of a transnational criminal transportation organization that dispatched cocaine-laden go-fast, low-profile, and self-propelled semi-submersible vessels from Colombia into the eastern Pacific Ocean bound for Central America and Mexico. Castro Vasquez built the vessels. Investigators attributed five maritime smuggling ventures to Castro Vasquez, all of which were interdicted by the United States Coast Guard and prosecuted in the United States. In total, the vessels he built for those ventures carried more than 9,500 kilograms of cocaine. This prosecution 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. This effort was developed as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative. OCDETF utilizes a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven approach that leverages the strengths of multiple law enforcement agencies to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States. The specific mission of the OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations involved in large scale drug trafficking, money laundering, and related activities. The OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. The Colombian National Police provided critical investigative support. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of the defendant. The prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Stoia.


title: Honduran National Sentenced for Firearm Possession

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that DANIEL IGNACIO MEJIA-CASTILLO (“MEJIA”) , age 32, a native of Honduras, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown to 144 months in imprisonment after previously pleading guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, an armed robbery occurred on the evening of February 8, 2022, in the parking lot of El Milagro Church located on 440 N. Dorgenois Street in New Orleans. New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) officers responded to the scene and searched the area for potential suspects. During their search, officers discovered MEJIA crouching in a patch of overgrown grass near the 2500 block of St. Louis Street. MEJIA , an illegal alien from Honduras, was found in possession of a firearm. The firearm was identified as a Kel-Tec Model PF-9, nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol. MEJIA was subsequently detained by police. 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. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Inspector General - Social Security Administration and, the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.


title: Lee County Woman Sentenced To Ten Years In Federal Prison For Wire Fraud And Money Laundering

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Madelyn Hernandez (49, Lehigh Acres) to 10 years in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering. As part of her sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $4,199,498.42, the proceeds of the wire fraud. Hernandez entered a guilty plea on January 28, 2025. According to court documents, while Hernandez was employed by a textile and apparel supply chain company, she made false and fraudulent representations to the company to obtain money. Hernandez submitted fraudulent invoices via email from purported fabric supply companies and directed payment be sent to bank accounts that she controlled. As part of her scheme, Hernandez created and submitted false invoices purporting money due and owing to a fictitious company and another that was a defunct company for goods purportedly ordered and received. As a result of her scheme, between 2018 and 2024, Hernandez received a total of $4,199,498.42 from her employer. Hernandez’s fraud came to light after the owner of the company found discrepancies in the company’s financial records, including inventory discrepancies and falsified business records. In June 2024, the company became aware that invoices, proof of delivery records, and inventory reports that Hernandez had submitted were fraudulent. As the company was investigating and unraveling the fraudulent records, Hernandez sent a message to her employer from a purported family member stating that she had died after an illness and complications with surgery. The company contacted law enforcement. In October 2024, agents with the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation executed a search warrant at Hernandez’s residence. Hernandez admitted to agents that she had emailed invoices to the company for payment and had used the money deposited into her account, held in a fictitious company name, for her own personal expenses and for gambling. Further, she admitted to sending the message to her employer stating that she had died. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.


title: Indiana Man Sentenced To 12 Years For Trafficking Fentanyl

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Tashod Miller (33, Indiana) to 12 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl. Miller pleaded guilty on February 4, 2025. According to court documents, Miller traveled from Indiana to southwest Florida with more than 11,000 fentanyl pills in his checked luggage, which he had planned to sell for $15,000. Miller then met with an undercover DEA agent at a hotel, where he handed over the pills. After his arrest, Miller, who had multiple prior drug convictions, admitted that he had been selling fentanyl for approximately one year. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin S. Winter.


title: Man Charged with Threatening Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and her Family

body_text: ATLANTA – Aliakbar Mohammad Amin has been arrested and charged pursuant to a criminal complaint with transmitting interstate threats to injure Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard and her family. “Threatening to harm public officials is a criminal act that cannot be excused as political discourse,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “Our Office, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, will vigorously prosecute individuals who commit these acts of violence.” “The FBI sees all threatening communications as a serious federal offense. We will employ every investigative tool and resource available to identify those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Let this arrest serve as a clear warning: if you engage in this kind of criminal behavior, you will be caught and you will go to prison.” According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the complaint, and other information presented in court: Between March 29 and April 1, 2025, Amin allegedly sent text messages that included threats against DNI Gabbard and her husband, including the following statements: “You and your family are going to die soon” and “I will personally do the job if necessary.” “Death to America means death to America literally, Tulsi is living on borrowed time. “The home you two own . . . is a legitimate target and will be hit at a time and place of our choosing.” “Prepare to die, you, Tulsi, and everyone you hold dear. America will burn.” During the investigation, federal agents also discovered similar threats allegedly made by Amin in social media posts, including an image depicting a firearm pointed at a photograph of DNI Gabbard, and a second image of a firearm pointed at a photograph of DNI Gabbard and her husband. Federal agents later recovered a firearm while executing a warrant to search Amin’s home. Aliakbar Mohammad Amin, 24, of Lilburn, Georgia, was charged on April 11, 2025, via a previously sealed criminal complaint alleging a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(c). He was ordered detained pending trial by a U.S. Magistrate Judge after making his initial appearance in federal court. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Clearwater Man Sentenced To More Than 24 Years For Child Exploitation Offenses

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Brett Reichold (35, Clearwater) to 24 years and 4 months in federal prison for enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity and production and possession of child sexual abuse material. Reichold pleaded guilty on January 29, 2025. According to court documents, Reichold texted and used social media to communicate with approximately 12 minor females. Reichold offered the victims money, alcohol, and marijuana in exchange for sexually explicit photos and videos of themselves. On one occasion, Reichold met a minor in person and offered to pay her for sex. “The sentencing of Brett Reichold sends a strong message to those that engage in sexual exploitation of children and use social media to target their victims, that we will find them and hold them accountable for their actions,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tampa Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristopher Pagitt. “HSI alongside our partners at the Clearwater Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida vow to continue protecting our most vulnerable from becoming lifetime victims.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Clearwater Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ross Roberts. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: St. Tammany Man Sentenced for Federal Controlled Substances Act Violations

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – RICARDO JORDAN (“JORDAN”), age 22, of St. Tammany Parish, was sentenced on April 10, 2025 by United States District Judge Carl J. Barbier, for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances Act, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. According to court documents, on August 3, August 10, and September 19, 2023, JORDAN sold forty (40) grams or more of fentanyl to an undercover Louisiana State Police Trooper. On September 28, 2023, a search warrant was executed at JORDAN’S Covington, La. residence where law enforcement officials recovered approximately 101 grams of fentanyl. As a result of this criminal conduct, JORDAN was indicted on four counts related to the drug trafficking and drug possession and subsequently pled guilty. Judge Barbier sentenced JORDAN to 60 months imprisonment, a 4-year term of supervised release and a mandatory special assessment fee of $400. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office

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

body_text: Attempted Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Illegal Sexual Activity Kodey Dean Lamont , 29, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison with five years of supervised release to follow for attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity. The court also ordered the defendant to pay $6,000 in restitution and a $100 special assessment. According to court documents, on Friday, October 4, 2024, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted an undercover online investigation by posting an ad on a website selling sexual services with a young female. The defendant interacted with the ad and was told the female was 14 years old. He expressed his desire to pay to have sexual intercourse with the minor. The defendant negotiated paying less if he brought methamphetamine to get the minor high before the sexual intercourse. The defendant also expressed his desire to record the intercourse. The defendant then traveled to a predetermined location to meet up with who he thought would be the minor where he was arrested. The defendant was indicted on Nov. 20, 2024, and pleaded guilty on Jan. 16. ICAC and HSI investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on April 8 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00168 Drug Trafficking Timothy McReynolds , 59, of Moorcroft, Wyoming, was sentenced to 78 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for distribution of methamphetamine. In June of 2023, agents with the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations Northeast Enforcement Team (DCI NEET) were investigating known drug dealers in Campbell County. Between July and September of 2023, agents completed three different controlled buys from the defendant. DCI NEET investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. McReynolds waived indictment and pleaded guilty to an Information on Jan. 13. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on April 3 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-00120 Jessie Miller , 31, of Big Horn, Wyoming, was sentenced to 48 months imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for distribution of methamphetamine. According to court documents, in April of 2024, the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) had been investigating several suspected drug distributors in Big Horn County. On May 4, the Sheridan Police Department conducted a traffic stop on Miller, and a canine alerted to drugs. Officers seized various amounts and types of drugs, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, MDMA, and marijuana. A search warrant of her electronic devices suggested Miller was buying and distributing large amounts of controlled substances in the area. DCI and the Sheridan Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie R. Morrison prosecuted the case. Miller waived indictment and pleaded guilty to an Information on Jan. 10. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on April 3 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-00179 Firearm Offenses Kilburn Troy Timbana , 39, of Arapahoe, Wyoming, was sentenced to 41 months, with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, Riverton and Shoshone Police Departments were dispatched to W. Fremont Street for a male subject sleeping in a pickup parked in front of a residence. When officers arrived, they observed a male sleeping in the driver’s side of the truck with an automatic pistol sitting on the center console next to him. The officer opened the driver’s door, seized the semi-automatic weapon, cleared the pistol, which had three 3-rounds of hollow point ammunition, and eventually woke the defendant. In his change of plea hearing, he admitted that he knowingly possessed a Smith & Wesson pistol and was a previously convicted felon, which prohibited him from having the weapon. Timbana was indicted on Nov. 20. 2024 and pleaded guilty on Jan. 21. The Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives, the Riverton Police Department, and the Shoshone Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on April 10 in Cheyenne. Case No. 24-CR-00164 About the United States Attorney’s Office The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Project Safe Childhood Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious. Operation Take Back America Operation Take Back America is 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. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Victim Witness Program The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect. To report a federal crime, go to: https://www.justice.gov/actioncenter/report-crime


title: Albuquerque Man Charged in Connection with Arson Attacks on Tesla Dealership and Republican Party of New Mexico Office

body_text: Note : View the criminal complaint . Federal charges have been filed against Jamison Wagner, 40, an Albuquerque resident, in connection with recent arson attacks targeting the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom and the Republican Party of New Mexico (RPNM) headquarters. Investigators linked Wagner to both incidents through surveillance footage and scene evidence. “Let this be the final lesson to those taking part in this ongoing wave of political violence,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will arrest you, we will prosecute you, and we will not negotiate. Crimes have consequences.” “Hurling firebombs is not political protest,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “It is a dangerous felony that we will prosecute to the maximum extent. The impressive work by law enforcement in New Mexico sends a clear message to perpetrators of all of the shameful attacks on Tesla facilities and political establishments: we are coming for you, you can’t hide, and you will do serious jail time to pay for your crimes.” “This arrest is part of the FBI’s aggressive efforts to investigate and hold accountable those who have targeted Tesla facilities in various states across the country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Thank you to our agents and support teams in Albuquerque who did an outstanding job executing the mission. Under Attorney General Bondi’s leadership, we will continue to locate and arrest those responsible for these acts of domestic terrorism, and the FBI will work with partners at the Department of Justice to ensure such lawbreakers face justice.” “A key suspect is now in custody thanks to the exceptional work of ATF’s Special Agents, certified fire investigators, and forensic specialists,” said Deputy Director Robert Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “This arrest marks a critical step toward justice in the firebombing that targeted a Tesla dealership and the New Mexico Republican Party Headquarters. Our teams worked around the clock—collecting, analyzing, and connecting forensic evidence across both scenes. With the support of our local partners, the FBI, and the rapid work of ATF’s forensic lab, we were able to link the crimes, identify those responsible, and take swift action to protect the public. This is what ATF does best: we follow the evidence, we find the truth, and we bring offenders to justice.” According to court documents, in the early morning hours of Feb. 9, 2025, the Tesla Albuquerque Showroom was targeted in an arson attack. Two Tesla vehicles were involved in the fire, one of which was significantly damaged. An intact glass container containing an improvised napalm material was found in the second vehicle. Investigators noted a hand-written capital “I” or “H” letter on the top of the green metal lid. Graffiti was spray-painted in red and black paint on the building and six other vehicles, including “Die Elon,” “Tesla Nazi Inc,” and “Die Tesla Nazi,” along with swastika symbols. Surveillance video captured the suspect on scene, and he was observed as a tall, light-skinned individual, possibly over 6 feet tall, wearing black clothing and a mask, and carrying a white box. The following month, in the early morning hours of March 30, 2025, a second arson attack occurred, this time at the Republican Party New Mexico (RPNM) office. The fire significantly damaged the front door and entry area. At the scene, investigators collected shattered glass and metal lids from what appeared to be two to three separate glass containers. Two of the lids bore a handwritten capital “I” or “H,” similar in appearance to the letter found on the lid of the glass container at the Tesla scene. Graffiti with the phrase “ICE=KKK” was found on the south wall of the building. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses and identified a white sedan parking on the north side of the RPNM office building before the fire. A single individual exited the vehicle, approached the RPNM headquarters, and a flash of light was recorded. The individual then returned to the vehicle and drove away. The vehicle was captured on nearby surveillance as it left the RPNM scene. After review of the available surveillance, law enforcement preliminarily identified the suspect vehicle as in what appeared to be a white Hyundai Accent between the years 2012 and 2015. Investigators determined that both arsons involved the use of homemade incendiary devices utilizing glass containers and flammable liquids. The resulting investigation connected Wagner as a significant person of interest for both crime scenes. Among other links, Wagner’s physical description matches that of the suspect in the available surveillance footage and investigators determined that Wagner owns a white 2015 Hyundai Accent. Wagner Facebook photo. Tesla arson suspect. Wagner’s driver’s license. On April 12, 2025, agents from the FBI and ATF executed a search warrant at Wagner’s residence in Albuquerque without incident. Inside, investigators uncovered substantial evidence linking him to both arson attacks including: A white cardboard box containing eight assembled suspected incendiary devices. Blue Styrofoam egg cartons consistent with the polystyrene material found in the improvised napalm used in the Tesla fire. Materials for manufacturing additional incendiary devices and ignitable liquids consistent with the gasoline used at both fire scenes. A jar with a green gingham-style lid similar to one found at the RPNM fire scene, along with several jars marked with handwritten capital letters “I” or “H,” similar to markings seen on lids recovered from both arson sites. Black and red spray paint matching the graffiti used at both crime scenes. A stencil bearing the phrase “ICE=KKK,” consistent with graffiti found at the RPNM fire scene. Wagner’s white Hyundai Accent was found in his garage during the search. Investigators noted modifications consistent with efforts to avoid identification during the commission of the crimes. “The charges today demonstrate that there is no place in our society for politically or ideologically motivated acts of violence and extremism,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin for the District of New Mexico. “We are grateful for the tireless and exceptional work of our law enforcement partners to identify the alleged perpetrator of these unacceptable criminal acts and commit to prosecuting this case to the fullest extent of the law.” Wagner is charged with two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Wagner faces between five and 20 years in prison for each count. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the FBI Albuquerque Field Office are jointly investigating the case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and the New Mexico Department of Justice. Numerous additional agencies responded to the arson scenes or otherwise provided valuable assistance, including the Santa Ana Pueblo Police Department, the Sandoval County Fire Department, the New Mexico State Fire Marshals Office, Albuquerque Fire Rescue, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Elena Stiteler and Nicholas Mote for the District of New Mexico and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: El Paso Conspirators Plead Guilty To Delivering 20 Kilograms Of Mexican Cocaine To Baldwin Park

component: Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Israel Trevino (29, El Paso, TX) today pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine. Trevino’s co-conspirator, Lesly Janeth Ibarra (26, El Paso, Texas), pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy on February 2, 2025. Trevino and Ibarra each face a minimum of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. Ibarra is subject to deportation after she serves her federal prison sentence. Ibarra’s sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2025. Trevino’s sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, on October 17, 2022, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received information that conspirators James Mirabal and Jonathan Beharry were arranging to receive a delivery of 20 kilograms of cocaine, each of which Beharry had planned to sell for $20,000. DEA agents surveilled Beharry as he met with an individual in a parking lot driving a truck with a Texas license plate, driven by Trevino with Ibarra in the passenger seat. Trevino delivered a suitcase to Beharry containing the $400,000 worth of cocaine: As DEA continued the investigation, Beharry and Mirabal complained that Trevino and Ibarra wanted them to return the suitcase. After Beharry unloaded the 20 kilograms of cocaine in his Baldwin Park apartment, he returned to the parking lot and returned the suitcase to Ibarra who put it in the back of their rental truck. Beharry’s apartment was later searched and found to contain the 20 kilograms of cocaine Trevino and Ibarra had delivered. When the DEA later searched Ibarra and Trevino’s rental house, they recovered $14,020 of the $20,000 they earned from driving the cocaine to Orlando. Agents also located the suitcase they had used in the back of the truck. In addition, communications records showed Ibarra was in regular communication with the Mexican supplier of the cocaine during this trip and at least one prior delivery to Orlando. Mirabal and Beharry were sentenced to 15 years and 9 years, respectively, in 2023 for their roles working with Trevino and Ibarra. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill. This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Austin Woman Pleads Guilty in 25-Year Social Security Fraud Scam

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Mavious Redmond of Austin, Minnesota, has pleaded guilty to theft of government funds after a 25-year social security fraud scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. According to court documents, Mavious Redmond, 54, devised and carried out a scheme to collect her deceased mother’s social security retirement benefits following her mother’s death in January 1999. On multiple occasions, Redmond impersonated her deceased mother to keep her fraud scheme going. For example, on June 4, 2024, Redmond personally visited the SSA office, posing as her deceased mother, and submitted a fraudulent SS-5 Application for Social Security Form using her mother’s name, date of birth, social security number, and forging her deceased mother’s signature. Redmond visited the SSA office a second time on June 20, 2024, resubmitted her deceased mother’s documentation and the form with the forged signature. In total, from January 1999 through June 2024, Redmond collected more than $360,000 in social security payments intended for her mother. “We are awash in federal programs fraud,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “Redmond stole well more than a quarter million dollars in taxpayer funds. She scammed social security for literal decades. No more. My office will continue to aggressively pursue the federal programs fraud that plagues Minnesota.” Redmond pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government funds in U.S. District Court before Judge Nancy E. Brasel on April 9, 2025. A sentencing hearing will take place at a later date. This case is the result of an investigation by Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Evans is prosecuting the case.


title: Texas Man Sentenced to More than Seven Years for Hobbs Act Robbery Conspiracy and Using a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Crime

body_text: A Texas man was sentenced last week to seven years and 10 months in prison for conspiring with four co-defendants to commit a Hobbs Act robbery and using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, Harry Keith Dwyan Goffney, 23, of Houston, conspired to rob a semi-truck trailer, which he believed contained approximately 30 kilograms of cocaine and 400 firearms. When Goffney and co-conspirators approached the trailer, armed with firearms, they were caught on surveillance camera wearing masks and gloves. Goffney and two co-defendants opened the trailer but did not find the cocaine and firearms, so they left. Co-defendant Tracy Lee Stevenson, 31, of Houston, pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 17 and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Houston Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Sarah J. Rasalam and Justin G. Bish of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are 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 achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.


title: Bloomington Sex Offender Charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor

body_text: ST. PAUL, Minn. – Marwan Taweeleh of Shakopee, Minnesota, has been charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor as a registered sex offender, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. According to court documents, on March 18, 2025, Marwan Adel Taweeleh, 31, attempted to entice a minor under the age of 18 years old to engage in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment charges Taweeleh with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of offense by a registered sex offender. Taweeleh was previously convicted of Solicitation of a Child to Engage in Sexual Conduct and is required by law to register as a sex offender. Taweeleh made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge John F. Docherty on April 11, 2025, and will remain in custody pending further court proceedings. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of sexual predators—particularly the prosecution of repeat sex offenders like Taweeleh,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “I am grateful to the Bloomington Police Department, to Homeland Security Investigations, and to all law enforcement officers who use undercover operations to identify and arrest child sex predators to prevent them from abusing real children.” "Those who prey on children will find no refuge from justice," said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. "These predators pose a serious threat to the safety of our communities. The FBI will continue to prioritize these investigations and support our partners in pursuing offenders to the fullest extent of the law." This case is the result of an investigation by the Bloomington Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca E. Kline is prosecuting the case. A complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: New Mexico Man Sentenced to More Than 4 Years in Federal Prison for Setting San Bernardino County Church and Preschool on Fire Last Year

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A New Mexico man was sentenced today to 51 months in federal prison for setting a San Bernardino County church and preschool on fire last year while children and school employees were inside. Jonathan A. Barajas Nava, 37, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Judge John F. Walter, who also ordered him to pay $7,008 in restitution. Nava pleaded guilty on January 17 to one count of damage to a religious property. On April 24, 2024, Nava set fire to the Retreat Church and Yucaipa Christian Preschool in Yucaipa. Before setting the church on fire, Nava traveled to a nearby gasoline station and purchased a gasoline can and filled it with gasoline. He then traveled to the church with the can and poured the liquid on the church’s front door. Then, he used an open-flame device to set the area on fire. The resulting fire damaged the church’s interior carpet, the doorframe seal, and an outdoor mat. Staff and children inside evacuated the building. Nava then traveled to a nearby strip mall and set fire to the exterior wall, which resulted in no damage. He was arrested later that day. Nava admitted in his plea agreement that he set fire to the church because of its religious character. “This arson was planned and targeted,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “[Nava] did not commit this crime in the heat of passion.” The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection; and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Peter Dahlquist of the Riverside Branch Office prosecuted this case.


title: United States seizes assets related to $126 million illegal staffing, money laundering investigation

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: DAYTON, Ohio – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) announced today that the United States filed a civil forfeiture complaint against assets related to an investigation into a potential $126 million illegal staffing and money laundering operation. In July 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents, in collaboration with IRS Criminal Investigations and other law enforcement agencies, executed federal search warrants at Fuyao Glass America (“FGA”) in Moraine, Ohio, and 27 other locations in the Dayton area. The civil complaint alleges that multiple suspects created roughly 40 entities (the “target entities”) that facilitate the harboring, transportation and employment of illegal aliens at various factories. The suspects used these target entities to augment the workforces of several factories with individuals who illegally entered the United States, who are unlawfully present in the United States and/or who are working without required employment authorizations. One of these factories is FGA in Moraine. It is alleged that many of the workers were illegally smuggled into the United States, primarily through Mexico, and encouraged to travel to the Dayton area to be employed by one of the target entities and serve as a workforce at the various factories. Most of the workers are of Chinese or Hispanic nationality. Workers allegedly lived at “family style hotels” (boarding houses) owned by the target entities and were driven to and from work in transportation provided by the target entities. “We will continue to investigate allegations of unfair labor practices,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “Collaboration across multiple law enforcement agencies helps to ensure accountability for both employers and the workforce.” The 74-page complaint details that the target entities allegedly engaged in money laundering to conceal the multi-million-dollar income generated by the workers. Within days of receiving direct payments from FGA, the suspects would extensively wire funds between their various LLCs. In total, FGA has paid more than $126 million to LLCs controlled by the suspects. The money was allegedly used by the suspects for private financial gain and to purchase real estate, vehicles and luxury goods. In the civil complaint filed on April 2, the United States alleges that the following property is subject to forfeiture: seven bank accounts, 12 properties in the Dayton area, two properties outside of Ohio, 15 vehicles and luxury goods, including a Cartier watch. The related criminal investigation remains ongoing. Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigations; announced the filing. The FBI, U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office have assisted in the criminal investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam C. Tieger and Deborah D. Grimes are representing the United States in the civil forfeiture action. # # #


title: Boston Man Sentenced for Unlawful Trafficking of Machinegun Conversion Devices

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man was sentenced in federal court in Boston for illegally selling a dozen machinegun conversion devices. Elijah Navarro, 26, was sentenced on April 10th by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. . In December 2023, Navarro pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the business as a manufacturer or dealer in firearms and two counts of the transfer or possession of a machinegun. Navarro was arrested and charged along with co-defendant Michael Wilkerson in February 2023. In January 2023, Navarro agreed to sell 12 machinegun conversion devices to an individual in exchange for $1,700. Following a series of communications, Navarro met the individual twice at a pre-arranged location. On Jan. 19, 2023, Navarro sold the first two machinegun conversion devices for $400 and later, on Jan. 25, 2023, Navarro sold the remaining 10 devices for an additional $1,300 out of Wilkerson’s residence. During a search of Navarro’s residence in February 2023, numerous rounds of ammunition were seized. Simultaneously, during a search Wilkerson’s residence, two 3-D printers, 3-D printing material, machinegun conversion devices, a ballistic vest as well as firearms, ammunition and magazines were seized. Neither Navarro nor Wilkerson possess licenses to import, manufacture, deal or possess firearms. In April 2024 , Wilkerson was sentenced to 20 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael A. Cox made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.


title: U.K. Man Sentenced for Lying to Immigration Authorities

body_text: BOSTON – A U.K. man was sentenced in federal court in Boston for making false statements in an immigration matter. Duncan Hollands, a/k/a Duncan Herd, 58, a citizen of the United Kingdom residing in Cambridge, Mass., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to time served (one day) and two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to removal proceedings as a result of the conviction. In January 2025, Hollands pleaded guilty to one count of false swearing in an immigration matter. In August 2024, Hollands was charged by criminal complaint. In May 2021, Hollands applied for lawful permanent residence status (more commonly known as a Green Card) and attended an interview for the application. The application form requires applicants to answer various background questions, such as prior names or aliases and any criminal history, so that immigration authorities can determine whether the applicant is eligible for the sought status. On his application and during his interview in February 2022, Hollands falsely reported that he had never used another name and denied having any history with the criminal justice system. However, Hollands did in fact have a prior name, Duncan Herd, under which he was previously convicted and sentenced to over three years in prison for obtaining property by deception along with other charges. Hollands also had other interactions with the criminal justice systems in the United Kingdom and France. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; the Cambridge and Woburn, Mass. Police Departments; and U.K. law enforcement authorities. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Reynolds III of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.