title: U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Justice Announce Title IX Special Investigations Team

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Today, amid a staggering volume of Title IX complaints, the U.S Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announce the Title IX Special Investigations Team (SIT) to ensure timely, consistent resolutions to protect students, and especially female athletes, from the pernicious effects of gender ideology in school programs and activities. The Title IX SIT will streamline Title IX investigations by creating a specialized team of investigators from across ED and Department of Justice offices. The establishment of the Title IX SIT will allow personnel to apply a rapid resolution investigation process to the increasing volume of Title IX cases and also enable ED and the Justice Department to work together to conduct investigations that are fully prepared for ultimate Justice Department enforcement. “Protecting women and women’s sports is a key priority for this Department of Justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This collaborative effort with the Department of Education will enable our attorneys to take comprehensive action when women’s sports or spaces are threatened and use the full power of the law to remedy any violation of women’s civil rights.” “Today’s establishment of the Title IX SIT will benefit women and girls across this nation who have been subjected to discrimination and indignity in their educational activities,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “From day one, the Trump Administration has prioritized enforcing Title IX to protect female students and athletes. Traditionally, our Office for Civil Rights (OCR) takes months, even years, to complete Title IX investigations. OCR under this Administration has moved faster than it ever has, and the Title IX SIT will ensure even more rapid and consistent investigations. To all the entities that continue to allow men to compete in women’s sports and use women’s intimate facilities: there’s a new sheriff in town. We will not allow you to get away with denying women's civil rights any longer.” The Title IX SIT includes: ED Office for Civil Rights investigators and attorneys DOJ Civil Rights Division attorneys ED Office of General Counsel attorneys ED Student Privacy and Protection Office case workers and an FSA Enforcement investigator Background : President Trump’s Executive Order Keeping Men out of Women’s Sports articulates United States policy, consistent with Title IX, to protect female student athletes from having “to compete with or against or having to appear unclothed before males.” President Trump’s Executive Order Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism states the truth that “The erasure of sex in language and policy has a corrosive impact not just on women but on the validity of the entire American system.”


title: New Orleans Men Guilty of Multiple Drug and Gun Offenses

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that HENRY MITCHELL (“MITCHELL”) , age 25, and JAYLAN WASHINGTON (“WASHINGTON”) , age 29, former residents of New Orleans, pled guilty on April 1, 2025, before United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry to drug and gun charges contained in an indictment previously returned against them. Listed below are the charges to which MITCHELL and WASHINGTON pled guilty and the possible sentence that can be imposed: CHARGE DEFENDANT PENALTY Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute marihuana, Fentanyl, tapentadol and tramadol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 846 MITCHELL WASHINGTON Up to 20 Years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release Possession With Intent to Distribute marihuana, Fentanyl, tapentadol and tramadol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C) MITCHELL Up to 20 Years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) MITCHELL Up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release Possession of a Machine Gun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o) MITCHELL Up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, not more than and up to 3 years of supervised release Possession of a Machine Gun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o) MITCHELL Up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release Possession with Intent to Distribute marihuana, and tapentadol, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C) WASHINGTON Up to 20 Years imprisonment , a fine of up to $1,000,000, and at least 3 years of supervised release Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1) WASHINGTON Not more than up to 15 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release Possession of a Machine Gun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o) WASHINGTON Not more than up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release Each offense also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. Sentencing will occur on July 8, 2025, at 10:00 am. Both will remain detained without bond. Documents filed in court reflect that MITCHELL and WASHINGTON were openly selling various controlled substances in the Seventh Police District of New Orleans. FBI Violent Task Officers observed this activity after receiving multiple citizen complaints and summoned New Orleans Police Department officers who surrounded the area and arrested MITCHELL and WASHINGTON. A search of their vehicles revealed both controlled substances and firearms. Officers also recovered “Glock switches”, devices that make semiautomatic weapons fully automatic. These devices are considered machineguns under federal law. Additionally, documents reveal that both MITCHELL and WASHINGTON have several prior felony convictions. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crime Task Force, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Narcotics Unit is assigned the prosecution.


title: Detroit Man Sentenced to 40 months in Prison for Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – A 52-year-old Detroit man, Israel Crumpton, was sentenced to 40 months in prison yesterday for trafficking heroin laced with fentanyl and cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck announced. Beck was joined in the announcement by James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. For over a six-month period in 2018 and 2019, Crumpton and several lesser co-conspirators distributed substantial quantities of heroin laced with fentanyl and crack cocaine in the 7700 block of East Palmer Street in Detroit. Crumpton led and organized the drug distribution business. As the leader, he secured bulk narcotics from his suppliers and sold or directed others to sell those drugs to resellers or users, generating significant cash proceeds. In November 2018, the County of Macomb Enforcement Team (COMET) became aware of Crumpton’s drug distribution business. COMET members subsequently surveilled Crumpton’s “trap house” and “stash house” in the 7700 block of East Palmer Street, observing numerous apparent illicit drug transactions occurring there. Based on its surveillance and other investigative activities, COMET secured search warrants for the two E. Palmer Street locations and another location on the westside of Detroit. Upon executing the search warrants, COMET members found and seized large quantities of distributable narcotics, drug paraphernalia, numerous firearms and ammunition, and over $40,000 in cash proceeds. Crumpton and a co-conspirator were charged with multiple counts of drug trafficking and one count of firearm possession. The co-conspirator pled guilty to drug trafficking. And, in May 2024, a jury convicted Crumpton of the drug trafficking charges. Yesterday, the Honorable Denise Page Hood sentenced Crumpton to 40 months in prison. “Our office aggressively pursues drug traffickers who push substantial quantities of dangerous drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine into our neighborhoods for personal gain and with indifference to the tragedy they inflict. Thanks to the outstanding teamwork among the Michigan State Police’s County of Macomb Enforcement Team, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and U.S. Attorney’s Office, a dangerous drug trafficker has been removed from our streets,” stated Acting United States Attorney Julie A. Beck. “Isreal Crumpton sold a poison in our community out of pure greed, all while armed with illegal firearms. ATF and the Michigan State Police are united in their partnership to identify and target for federal prosecution armed drug traffickers of fentanyl in our community. Mr. Crumpton’s plight should serve as a reminder that accountability is inevitable across Michigan for people who illegally possess firearms in furtherance of peddling poison in our community. The message should be very clear: If you deal deadly drugs while armed with an illegal firearm, you’re not just on our radar – you’re on the fast track to prison; so, pack a bag, we’re coming for you,” said James Deir, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Detroit Division. This case was investigated by the Michigan State Police’s County of Macomb Enforcement Team, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by AUSAs Pat Martin and Sarah Alsaden and investigated by AUSA Paul Kuebler.


title: Fairbanks man guilty of firearms crimes

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A federal jury in Alaska convicted a Fairbanks man Wednesday of being a felon in possession of a firearm and violent felon in possession of body armor after a three-day trial. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in October 2006, George Moises Romero Jr, 37, was convicted of Murder in the Second Degree, Robbery in the Second Degree and Assault in the Third Degree in the Anchorage Superior Court. The Court sentenced Romero to 24 years imprisonment but he received discretionary parole and was released in 2019. On June 4, 2024, a parole violation warrant was issued for Romero’s arrest. The Fairbanks Area Criminal Suppression Unit was tasked with apprehending Mr. Romero. To find him, law enforcement obtained a warrant to obtain real-time location data for Romero’s phone. As the SWAT team got ready to execute a search warrant for the Romero’s location, Romero evaded surveillance and moved to a new location in the Goldstream Valley. On June 6, 2024, Alaska State Troopers launched a helicopter equipped with high powered cameras and located the vehicle Romero used to flee the original location. The helicopter monitored the vehicle and occupants while the SWAT team moved into their new position. The helicopter observed Romero getting dropped off at a wooded location with what appeared to be camping equipment. As Romero began to walk into the woods, Troopers contacted him and arrested him. The Troopers discovered Romero was wearing body armor and had two loaded firearms on his person, as well as loaded magazines and ammunition. Romero had a third firearm and additional ammunition in a duffle bag he was carrying. U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska, Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes, Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Field Division made the announcement. The Alaska State Troopers, Fairbanks Area Narcotics Team (FANT), FBI Anchorage Field Office, Fairbanks Resident Agency and ATF Anchorage Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek and Trial Attorneys from the Antitrust Division, David Bernhardt and Lauren Weed are prosecuting the case. ###


title: North Carolina Man Sentenced to Serve Seven Years in Federal Prison after Police Find Meth and Cocaine Worth More Than $350,000 Disguised as "Christmas Presents" in Vehicle

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – JOHN CALVIN MOORE , 58, of North Carolina, has been sentenced to serve 84 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public record, on December 22, 2023, Moore was pulled over by an officer with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) for speeding while driving eastbound on I-40. During the stop, the officer noticed what appeared to be several gift-wrapped Christmas presents in the trunk of the vehicle. Moore told the officer he was traveling to North Carolina from California. During the stop, OCPD learned Moore’s vehicle was a rental, and was due to be returned to Ontario, California, on December 23, 2023, the day following the stop. OCPD called in a K-9 unit, which alerted to the presence of drugs in the vehicle. OCPD officers then searched the vehicle and found more than 42 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 38 pounds of cocaine inside heat-sealed bags, hidden within the Christmas presents in the trunk. Law enforcement estimates the street value of the drugs to be more than $350,000. Moore was charged by Superseding Information on August 30, 2024, with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He pled guilty to the Superseding Information on September 26, 2024, and admitted he possessed meth, which he intended to distribute, and that he possessed a firearm despite his previous felony conviction. Public record reflects that Moore has a previous felony conviction in New Jersey for possessing weapons for an unlawful purpose. At the sentencing hearing on March 28, 2025, U.S. District Judge Charles Goodwin sentenced Moore to serve 84 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the seriousness of the crime—that Moore acted as a courier to transport controlled substances across the country—and Moore’s criminal history. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Criminal Interdiction Team of Central Oklahoma, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Drew E. Davis prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: United States Attorney’s Office Observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

body_text: DETROIT, MI – In observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), April 6-12, 2025, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, along with the Detroit Crime Victims’ Action Team, will be recognizing crime victims and those who have dedicated their lives to serve and assist victims of crime. “My office stands ready to support victims and ensure they know their rights,” stated Acting United States Attorney Julie Beck. “Our staff of professionals are dedicated to supporting federal crime victims by providing them with essential services they need to help reshape their futures.” “We have deep respect and gratitude for crime victims who courageously come forward to report their crimes to the police and come to testify in court. We ask a lot from them since they must re-live the violence and trauma they have experienced. Their families and friends are often victims of secondhand trauma. We thank you for your commitment to the criminal justice system. We could not perform our work without you,” said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. Each year in April, the federal Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by raising awareness of victims' rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme of KINSHIP is a call to action to recognize that shared humanity should be at the center of supporting all survivors and victims of crime. KINSHIP is a state of being with survivors that drives vital connections to services, rights, and healing. KINSHIP is where victim advocacy begins. This year’s Crime Victims’ Rights Week events will kick off with a Survivor Walk-Sunday, April 6, 2025 @ 10:00 am on Belle Isle. The meeting point is adjacent to the Fountain. A second event - Crime Victim Awareness Event- Know the Signs- Education, Awareness and Action - will take place on Tuesday April 8, 2025 @ 2:30 pm at Henry Ford College- Rosenau Rooms, Bldg L (5101 Evergreen Road, Dearborn, MI). The main event will be a community and resource fair on Friday, April 11 @ 12pm at the Criminal Justice Center, 5301 Russel Street, Detroit. Nicole Marcell, a survivor of domestic violence will be the guest speaker and share her emotional story of how she is using her voice to help others. Following the event, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, Michigan, will be hosting a Wellness Event featuring vendors, food trucks, resources, and more. For additional information about 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week activities or about victims’ rights and services in Wayne County, please contact Mechelle Donahoo, Director Victim Services, 313-224-5626 or visit our website at https://www.waynecounty.com/elected/prosecutor/home/aspx All are welcome to attend this event. This year marks the 41st anniversary of the Victims of Crime Act, commonly shortened to VOCA. This act was passed by Congress and signed into law on October 12, 1984. VOCA established the Crime Victims Fund (CVF), a Federal Victim Notification System, discretionary grants for victim service organizations, victim assistance positions in the Department of Justice, financial support for the Children’s Justice Act Program, and assistance and compensation for victims and survivors of terrorism. For more information about how to support all victims of crime, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.ojp.gov.


title: Sacramento County Woman Indicted for Bank Fraud and Identity Theft Scheme

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a seven-count indictment on March 27, 2025, charging Monique Marie Gonzales Grado, 31, of Sacramento, with five counts of bank fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. According to court documents, Gonzales Grado unlawfully used the identity of another person to obtain a car loan to buy a Jaguar and a personal loan for purported “medical expenses.” In a credit union account associated with these loans, Gonzales Grado also deposited two checks that had been stolen and altered to reflect the name of the identity-theft victim as payee, thus allowing Gonzales Grado access to the funds. Separately, Gonzales Grado deposited another stolen check that had been altered to reflect her name as payee in a different bank account that she opened in her own name. This case is the product of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dhruv M. Sharma is prosecuting the case. If convicted, Gonzales Grado faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for each of the bank fraud charges, as well as a mandatory two-year consecutive sentence for the aggravated identity theft charges. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced to Over Three Years in Federal Prison  for Failure to Appear

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Appear. The sentencing took place on March 31, 2025. Patrick Brewer, Sr., 49, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, to run consecutively to a 46-month sentence for a 2024 assault charge. Brewer was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Brewer was indicted for Failure to Appear by a federal grand jury in August 2024. He pleaded guilty on January 22, 2025. Brewer, who was sentenced in August 2024 for a domestic violence assault, was ordered by the judge to self-surrender for his custody term. Brewer did not report on the designated date, prompting a months-long search for him. He was found in December 2024 by the U.S. Marshals Service. In sentencing Brewer to an additional 37 months in custody, the district court denounced Brewer’s disrespect for the law and disregard for the Court’s order to self-surrender. Brewer will now serve a total term of 83 months in federal prison. This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case. Brewer was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Federal Jury Finds Lower Brule Man Guilty of Assaulting Federal Officers

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Eddie Bromwich, age 45, of Lower Brule, South Dakota, was found guilty of two counts of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer following a three-day federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on April 3, 2025. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of eight years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Bromwich was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2024. On February 6, 2024, Bureau of Indian Affairs law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of Bromwich for speeding within the Lower Brule Sioux Indian Reservation. Bromwich argued with and resisted instructions from the officers and ultimately engaged in a physical struggle with them. One of the officers suffered a broken finger as a result of the incident. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs - Office of Justice Services, Lower Brule Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Murphy and Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted and tried the case. A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has not been set. Bromwich was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.


title: Airman Stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base Charged with  First Degree Murder of Missing Woman

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Rapid City, South Dakota, has returned an indictment charging an airman stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base with First Degree Murder. Quinterius Charles Chappelle, age 24, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on March 28, 2025 on the indictment and pleaded not guilty. The charge carries a mandatory sentence of life in federal imprisonment or death and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each count. Restitution may also be ordered. The indictment charges Chappelle with killing Sahela Toka Win Sangrait on Ellsworth Air Force Base in August 2024. Sangrait’s body was found last month in a wooded area near Hill City, South Dakota. Chappelle sought release from custody pending trial, and the United States moved for detention. The federal Magistrate Judge hearing the matter ordered Chappelle detained pending trial. “The federal grand jury in Rapid City recently returned a charge of First Degree Murder against Quinterius Chappelle, alleging he killed the victim with premeditation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota will now proceed with the prosecution of this tragic case and relentlessly pursue justice on behalf of the victim.” The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paige Petersen and Benjamin Schroeder are prosecuting the case. Chappelle was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.


title: Arizona Man Convicted of Crimes Arising Out of Plot Targeting Christian Churches

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After an 11-day trial, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict yesterday against Zimnako Salah, 45, of Phoenix, Arizona, convicting him of strapping a backpack around the toilet of a Christian church in Roseville with the intent to convey a hoax bomb threat and to obstruct the free exercise of religion of the congregants who worshipped there. The jury’s verdict included a special finding that Salah targeted the church because of the religion of the people who worshipped there, making the offense a hate crime. According to the evidence presented at trial, from September to November of 2023, Salah traveled to four Christian churches in Arizona, California, and Colorado, wearing black backpacks. At two of those churches, Salah planted those backpacks, placing congregants in fear that they contained bombs. At the other two churches, Salah was confronted by security before he got the chance to plant those backpacks. While Salah had been making bomb threats by planting backpacks in Christian churches, he had been building a bomb capable of fitting in a backpack. During a search of Salah’s storage unit, an FBI Bomb Technician seized items that an FBI Bomb Expert testified at trial served as component parts of an improvised explosive device (IED): IED bomb components seized from Salah’s storage unit A search of Salah’s social media records revealed that he had consumed extremist propaganda online. Specifically, those records showed that Salah had searched for videos of “Infidels dying,” and he had watched videos depicting ISIS terrorists murdering people. “This Department of Justice has no tolerance for anyone who targets religious Americans for their faith,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said. “The perpetrator of this abhorrent hate crime against Christians will face severe punishment.” “Planting a hoax bomb at the Roseville church was not an isolated incident or a prank for this defendant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith. “His actions were designed to threaten and intimidate the congregation because he disagreed with their religious beliefs. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of federal and local law enforcement and the attorneys from my office and our DOJ partners in Washington D.C., our communities are safer with yesterday’s verdict. People of all religions should be able to worship freely and exercise their First Amendment rights in this country without fear of violence.” “The Sacramento Division of the FBI is proud of our collaboration with our local partners in bringing Mr. Salah to justice. His deliberate targeting of multiple places of worship and calculated efforts to spread panic were intended to terrorize people of faith and disrupt the peace of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “The FBI remains committed to protecting the American people and will continue to work within the confines of the law to hold individuals accountable for acts of terrorism whether those acts are true threats or intended as hoaxes.” Salah is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins. Salah faces a maximum statutory penalty of six years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Roseville Police Department, the San Diego Police Department, the San Diego Harbor Police Department, and the Arapahoe County (CO) Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Christopher Perras and Trial Attorney Sarah Howard of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shea Kenny for the Eastern District of California.


body_text: After an 11-day trial, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict yesterday against Zimnako Salah, 45, of Phoenix, Arizona, convicting him of strapping a backpack around the toilet of a Christian church in Roseville, California, with the intent to convey a hoax bomb threat and to obstruct the free exercise of religion of the congregants who worshipped there. The jury’s verdict included a special finding Salah targeted the church because of the religion of the people who worshipped there, making the offense a hate crime. According to the evidence at trial, from September to November of 2023, Salah traveled to four Christian churches in Arizona, California, and Colorado, wearing black backpacks. At two of those churches, Salah planted those backpacks, placing congregants in fear that they contained bombs. At the other two churches, Salah was confronted by security before he got the chance to plant those backpacks. While Salah had been making bomb threats by planting backpacks in Christian churches, he had been building a bomb capable of fitting in a backpack. During a search of his storage unit, an FBI Bomb Technician seized items that an FBI Bomb Expert testified at trial served as component parts of an improvised explosive device (IED). A search of Salah’s social media records revealed that he had consumed extremist propaganda online. Specifically, those records showed that Salah had searched for videos of “Infidels dying,” and he had watched videos depicting ISIS terrorists murdering people. “This Department of Justice has no tolerance for anyone who targets religious Americans for their faith,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The perpetrator of this abhorrent hate crime against Christians will face severe punishment.” “Planting a hoax bomb at the Roseville church was not an isolated incident or a prank for this defendant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California. “His actions were designed to threaten and intimidate the congregation because he disagreed with their religious beliefs. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of federal and local law enforcement and the attorneys from my office and our DOJ partners in Washington D.C., our communities are safer with yesterday’s verdict. People of all religions should be able to worship freely and exercise their First Amendment rights in this country without fear of violence.” “The Sacramento Division of the FBI is proud of our collaboration with local partners in bringing Mr. Salah to justice. His deliberate targeting of multiple places of worship and calculated efforts to spread panic were intended to terrorize people of faith and disrupt the peace of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “The FBI remains committed to protecting the American people and will continue to work within the confines of the law to hold individuals accountable for acts of terrorism whether those acts are true threats or intended as hoaxes.” Salah faces a maximum penalty of six years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Salah is scheduled to be sentenced on July 18 by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Roseville (CA) Police Department, the San Diego Police Department, the San Diego Harbor Police Department, and the Arapahoe County (CO) Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Special Litigation Counsel Christopher Perras and Trial Attorney Sarah Howard of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and Assistant United States Attorney Shea Kenny for the Eastern District of California.


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for  Assaulting An Intimate Partner on the Pine Ridge Reservation

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of two counts of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner. The sentencing took place on March 31, 2025. Jared Red Cloud, 24, was sentenced to nine months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release for each count. The counts were orded to run concurrently. Red Cloud was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Red Cloud was indicted for Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to an Intimate Partner and Assault by Strangulation and Suffocation by a federal grand jury in August 2024. He pleaded guilty on January 21, 2025. The conviction stems from a years-long pattern of violence by Red Cloud against his child’s mother. Law enforcement learned Red Cloud had beaten the victim in 2021 and 2024, bruising her face and body. The district court cited the pattern of abuse in the relationship in denying Red Cloud’s request for probation or time served and imposed a nine-month sentence. Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, psychological, or technological actions or threats of actions or other patterns of coercive behavior that influence another person within an intimate partner relationship. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone. Resources are available via the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women, as well as through local law enforcement. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was investigated by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case. Red Cloud was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to Serve More Than Seven Years in Federal Prison for Mail Theft and Witness Tampering

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – DONALD EUGENE COOKS , 50, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 92 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit mail theft, possession of stolen mail, and witness tampering, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On October 3, 2023, a federal Grand Jury returned a four-count Second Superseding Indictment against Cooks, charging him with conspiracy to commit mail theft, two counts of being in possession of stolen mail, and witness tampering. On March 28, 2024, after a three-day trial, a federal jury found Cooks guilty on all counts. According to evidence presented at trial, in July of 2022, Cooks and co-defendant IRVIN HERBERT SAWYER , 41, of Norman, conspired together to steal mail from an Oklahoma City Post Office. At the time, Sawyer was employed as a rural carrier associate and knew the access code to enter the Post Office, which he shared with Cooks. The jury heard testimony that on July 19, 2022, on at least two occasions, Cooks entered the Post Office after hours using the code given by Sawyer. On the first occasion he successfully stole mail, which he took back to his motel room. Returning for more, Cooks and another person attempted to steal a large amount of mail, which they loaded into the bed of Cooks’ truck. However, while still loading the mail, the alarm was tripped and the Oklahoma City Police arrived before the mail could be taken from the parking lot. Cooks fled the scene but was soon detained and arrested. The investigation quickly led to Cooks’ motel, where Oklahoma City Police found several items of stolen mail in his room and empty mail packaging in the dumpster. The jury heard further testimony that in July of 2023, while in jail, Cooks had a message passed to a government witness attempting to intimidate the witness and keep them from testifying at his trial. On July 18, 2023, Sawyer pleaded guilty to conspiring with Cooks to commit mail theft. At the sentencing hearing on March 26, 2025, Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Cooks to serve 92 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Sawyer was sentenced to 36 months of probation on April 15, 2024. In announcing the sentences, Judge DeGiusti noted the need to deter future criminal conduct and to protect the public. As to Cooks’ sentence, in particular, Judge DeGiusti noted that the sentence was warranted by Cooks’ continued criminal activity while in custody, as well as the fact that Cooks has a long history of serious criminal conduct. Public record reflects that Cooks has previous felony convictions that include: possession of a stolen vehicle in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-1992-4493; bail jumping in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-1992-5649; concealing stolen property and second-degree forgery in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-1994-2676; second-degree burglary in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2000-5249; escape from penal institution in Okfuskee County District Court case number CF-1996-84; and escape from the Department of Corrections in Comanche County District Court case number CF-1997-108. This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bow Bottomly and Charles Brown prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Fifteen Defendants Charged with Federal Immigration Crimes

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal grand jury in the Northern District of Alabama has charged 15 individuals with immigration crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Prim Escalona. The following defendants were indicted for illegally reentering the United States after having previously been deported: Salvador Rodriguez-Villa, of Mexico; Noel Paz-Diaz, 34, of Guatemala; Christian Mendoza-Salas, 29, of Mexico; Isidro Gutierrez Gabriel, 35, of Guatemala; Mateo Pascual-Francisco, 40, of Guatemala; Tomas Naz-Gonzalez, 27, of Guatemala; Marco Julio Agustin-Miranda, 27, of Guatemala; Rafael Juan-Francisco, 35, of Guatemala; Jose Rigoberto Acosta-Calles, 36, of El Salvador; Elmer Geovany Sarmiento-Sifrian, 32, of Honduras; The following defendants were charged with being an alien in possession of a firearm: Elmer David Hernandez-Garcia, 39, of Honduras; Christian Ivan Sanchez, 36, of Mexico; Jhoan Jesus Rodriguez-Perez, 21, of Mexico; Orli Umberto Marquez-Cordon, 24, of Mexico; Maria Monserrat de Jesus Bautista-Hernandez, 41, of Mexico, has been charged with illegal re-entry after a prior removal and for being an alien in possession of a firearm. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Operation Take Back America partners, Homeland Security Investigations – Atlanta, U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Houston Division, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Nashville Field Division, investigated these cases. An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Buffalo man pleads guilty to narcotics conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Arquan Butler aka Easy, 26, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo to narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum of 40 years, and a fine up to $5,000,000. Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that between May 9 and July 5, 2023, Butler conspired with his brother and co-defendant Jahaun Butler to sell fentanyl and crack cocaine. During the course of the conspiracy, they sold approximately 72 grams of fentanyl and approximately two grams of crack cocaine to an individual working with law enforcement on 10 occasions. Jahaun Butler was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 41 months in prison. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Chamberlin. Sentencing is scheduled for August 4, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. before Judge Vilardo. # # # #


title: Norfolk fentanyl dealer sentenced to over 21 years in prison for selling drug mixture that resulted in an overdose death

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced yesterday to 21 years and 10 months in prison for selling fentanyl to a woman resulting in her death. According to court documents, on July 14, 2022, a victim, identified as J.L., contacted Jason Jermaine Warren, aka Cuzzo, 47, for drugs and a ride to a nearby CVS in Chesapeake. Warren provided a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, and Xylazine to J.L. After visiting the CVS, J.L. returned to her hotel room with Warren. J.L. and Warren later left the room, and J.L. soon returned to the room alone. On July 15, 2022, Chesapeake Police Department (CPD) responding to a report of a suspected drug overdose found J.L. deceased in her room. Officers recovered narcotics, drug paraphernalia, a cellphone, and various personal effects belonging to J.L. Among the narcotics and paraphernalia were a plastic bag containing heroin and fentanyl, a bag containing heroin, fentanyl, and Xylazine residue, and a straw with heroin and fentanyl residue. The Commonwealth of Virginia's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner's Report of Investigation states that J.L.'s cause of death was acute fentanyl and heroin toxicity. Warren was advised of J.L.'s death and continued to distribute drugs. On Aug. 2, 2022, Warren distributed 2.30 grams of a mixture of fentanyl, heroin, and Xylazine to a confidential informant in Norfolk. On Aug. 9, 2022, Warren distributed 3.15 grams of a mixture of fentanyl, heroin, and Xylazine to a confidential informant in Norfolk. On Aug. 14, 2022, law enforcement arrested Warren, who was in possession of 2.43 grams of a mixture of fentanyl, heroin, and Xylazine. On Aug. 19, 2022, investigators searched Warren’s residence and recovered pill bottles with Warren's name on them, multiple bags containing firearms and ammunition, and a bag containing drug paraphernalia. On Jan. 10, Warrant pled guilty to distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; Mark G. Solesky, Chief of Chesapeake Police; and Mark Talbot, Chief of Norfolk Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda L. Cheney and Kristin G. Bird 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. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:23-cr-52.


title: Court Sentences Man to 15 Year Prison Term for Killing Man in Northeast

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Shannon Updike, 21, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today, to 15 years in prison for shooting Chidzie Njoku, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Updike pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder while armed on December 19, 2024, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. In sentencing Updike, the court accepted the 15-year sentence that was part of the plea agreement. According to the government’s evidence, Updike used a homemade purple assault rifle to shoot Chidzie Njoku twice at close range. Updike fled on foot but was stopped by MPD patrol officers after a foot chase. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They acknowledged the efforts of those who worked on the case form the U.S. Attorney’s Office, including Paralegal Specialist Grazy Rivera, and Victim/Witness Advocate Christina Bloodworth. Finally, they commended the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Ganjei, who investigated and prosecuted the case.


title: Guatemalan Citizen Sentenced For Illegally Reentering The United States

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Oseas Froilan Gomez-Tebalan, age 30, a citizen of Guatemala, was sentenced to 21 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for illegally reentering the United States. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Gomez-Tebalan was previously removed from the United States on March 18, 2017, through Phoenix, Arizona, having been convicted in California of assault with a deadly weapon. Gomez-Tebalan was subsequently found in the United States again, for a third time, without having first obtained legal permission to reenter the country. 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 Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The case was investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Lake Charles Man Sentenced to Over 16 Years in  Federal Prison on Distribution of Fentanyl Case

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

body_text: Lake Charles, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced today that Kendall Hicks, 35 , of Lake Charles, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge James D. Cain, Jr., to 175 months on distribution of fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl followed by five years of supervised release. He was also sentenced to 24 months on a supervised release violation to run consecutively for a total of 199 months or approximately 16 years in prison. On May 30, 2023, members of the Calcasieu Combined Anti-Drug Task Force (C.A.T. Team) executed a search warrant for Hicks' residence. During the search, officers located over $10,000 in U.S. currency, approximately 495.71 grams of fentanyl, marijuana, and digital scales. Hicks pled guilty on January 7, 2025. “The United States Attorney’s Office salutes the hard work and dedication of our law enforcement partners in Calcasieu Parish and their commitment to make our communities safe. Simply put, fentanyl kills and its illegal distribution must come to an end.” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. “This is a significant sentence and it sends a clear message that that this conduct will not be tolerated.” This case was investigated by United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Calcasieu Combined Anti-Drug Task Force (C.A.T. Team) and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jamilla A. Bynog. The Combined Anti-Drug Team (C.A.T.) Narcotics Task Force is a joint effort between the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lake Charles Police Department, Westlake Police Department, DeQuincy Police Department, Vinton Police Department, Iowa Police Department, the United States Marshal’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. # # #


title: Washington, Pa., Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of Firearm

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Washington, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 120 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Derik Carothers, 29, on April 3, 2025. According to information presented to the Court, on or about October 20, 2019, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Carothers possessed numerous firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. Carothers was previously convicted on November 7, 2013, in the Cambria County Court of Common Pleas of burglary and carrying a firearm without a license, and, on March 20, 2017, of carrying a firearm without a license. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. On October 20, 2019, Carothers led the Pennsylvania State Police on a high-speed chase on State Route 28, resulting in a violent roll-over crash. Investigators recovered crack-cocaine, a digital scale, and $290 from Carothers’ person. Additionally, four loaded firearms including a Colt Model Official Police .38 caliber revolver; Ruger Model AR-556 rifle; Glock Model 23, .40 caliber handgun; and a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber handgun, as well as extended magazines and a bulletproof vest, were recovered from in or near the vehicle. Two of the recovered firearms had been reported stolen, one of which had an obliterated serial number. Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon and Arnold P. Bernard Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Pennsylvania State Police, and Johnstown Police Department for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Carothers.


title: Glenn Allen man sentenced to over 12 years in prison for federal drug-trafficking and firearms crimes

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Glen Allen man was sentenced yesterday to 12 years and seven months in prison for trafficking cocaine and illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. According to court documents, from at least the summer of 2023 through September 2024, Gregg Louis Gamble, 55, purchased kilogram quantities of cocaine from a source of supply in North Carolina and distributed it to other individuals in Virginia. On Sept. 13, 2024, law enforcement conducted a search of Gamble's residence and vehicle. During the search, investigators recovered three one-kilogram bricks of cocaine, two Ziploc bags of cocaine weighing a total of approximately 500 grams, $161,020, two firearms, and a total of 547 rounds of ammunition. Gamble was previously convicted of, among other crimes, possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of controlled substances, driving while intoxicated, possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, and possession of a concealed weapon. As a previously convicted felon, Gable cannot possess firearms or ammunition. Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; and Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica L. Wright and Ellen H. Theisen prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-166.


title: Maryland Man Sentenced to More Than Seven Years in Federal Prison for Unemployment Insurance Benefits Scheme During COVID-19 Pandemic

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby sentenced Michael Cooley, Jr., aka “Micheal Cooley Jr.,” “5Micmusik,” and “Michael White,” 26, of Prince George’s County, Maryland, to 87 months in federal prison. In January 2025, Cooley pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, in connection with a conspiracy and scheme to defraud the Maryland Department of Labor and California Employment Development Department. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentencing with Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office. According to the guilty plea, from at least June 2020 through March 2021, Cooley conspired with Isiah Lewis, 35, of Prince George’s County, and Alonzo Brown, 27, of Virginia, to devise and execute a scheme to defraud individuals and multiple state workforce agencies, including in Maryland and California, of more than $800,000 in unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, successfully obtaining more than $300,000. The scheme was sophisticated and used personal identifiable information — such as name, date of birth, and social security number — from more than 60 individuals to file online UI applications in Maryland and California, using anonymous email addresses to obscure their identities and avoid detection. At sentencing, Judge Griggsby found that Cooley held a managerial role in the conspiracy. Additionally, Judge Griggsby ordered Cooley to pay restitution of $310,428.08 to the victims and to forfeit all money, property, and/or assets derived from the scheme, including a money judgment of $310,428.08. This case is part of the District of Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force, a Strike Force that is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. For more information about the Department’s response to the pandemic, visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DOL-OIG and IRS-CI for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Bijon A. Mostoufi, who prosecuted the federal case, and Joanna B.N. Huber, who supported the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud . # # #


title: Beckley Man Sentenced to More than 11 Years in Prison for Key Role in Drug Trafficking Organization

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Ronald Lavaughn Mason, 46, of Beckley, was sentenced today to 11 years and eight months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack.” Mason admitted to his major role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in Beckley and elsewhere within the Southern District of West Virginia. According to court documents and statements made in court, Mason participated in the DTO in April and May 2024, working with other individuals to distribute fentanyl and crack in and around Beckley. During phone calls intercepted by law enforcement, Mason arranged transactions for cocaine and fentanyl with as many as 11 other individuals during the time period. As part of his guilty plea, Mason admitted that he supplied other individuals with controlled substances that they would redistribute. Mason further admitted to delivering the controlled substances to these individuals at times, and at other times have them come to his Beckley residence to pick up the drugs. On April 9, 2024, Mason sold co-defendant Tilford Joe Bradley Jr. a half-ounce of controlled substances while they were in Mason’s vehicle in Beaver. Mason admitted that law enforcement officers conducting surveillance saw him meet Bradley for the transaction, and that he knew Bradley intended to redistribute the controlled substances. On May 30, 2024, officers executed a search warrant at Mason’s residence and seized approximately 540 grams of cocaine, 324 grams of fentanyl analogue, 228 grams of fentanyl, and $10,293. Mason admitted that he possessed the seized controlled substances and intended to distribute them. Mason has a long criminal history that includes two prior drug trafficking convictions, both in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. Mason and Bradley are among 12 individuals indicted on charges alleging the defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack within the Southern District of West Virginia from in or about June 2023 to in or about May 2024. All 12 have pleaded guilty, including two defendants who pleaded guilty to separate charges in lieu of the offenses alleged in the indictment. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department. Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case. The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-90. ###


title: United States Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Vohra Wound Physicians Management and Its Owner Alleging False Claims for Wound Care Services

component: Civil Division

body_text: The United States filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Vohra Wound Physicians Management LLC (Vohra) and its founder and majority owner, Dr. Ameet Vohra, for allegedly causing the submission of false claims to Medicare for overbilled and medically unnecessary wound care services. Vohra is one of the nation’s largest specialty wound care providers and contracts with hundreds of nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities throughout the country to provide wound care services to those facilities’ patients at their bedside. “Providers that overbill the government for services, or bill for services that are unreasonable or medically unnecessary, undermine the integrity of the Medicare program and waste taxpayer dollars,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael D. Granston of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will hold accountable providers who prioritize their own enrichment over the medical needs of their patients.” “This office is committed to protecting our nation’s seniors and the important federal programs that support them,” said U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida. “When providers seek to misappropriate public funds for private gain, we will work with our partners to pursue those responsible.” “Healthcare fraud is harmful to all consumers, artificially and unnecessarily increasing the costs of care for everyone,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons for the Southern District of Georgia. “Identifying and ending fraudulent billing activity is essential to keeping healthcare costs manageable for patients and for taxpayer-funded healthcare programs.” According to the United States’ complaint, Vohra and Dr. Vohra knowingly engaged in a nationwide scheme to falsely bill Medicare for surgical debridement procedures to maximize revenue. Debridement is a procedure to remove impediments to healing from a wound, such as dead or unhealthy tissue, and can be accomplished in several ways including nonsurgical and surgical methods. The complaint alleges that the defendants pursued their fraudulent scheme in three primary ways. First, Vohra created a proprietary Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software that was programmed to bill debridements as surgical procedures even when they were not. Second, Vohra hired physicians without wound care expertise and provided training that omitted relevant Medicare payment rules and intentionally conflated the definitions of surgical and nonsurgical debridement procedures. Third, Vohra set corporate debridement targets based solely on revenue goals and pressured its physicians to meet those targets. As a result, Vohra allegedly caused the submission of claims for surgical debridement services that were not medically necessary and used billing codes that represented more complex procedures than were actually performed (commonly referred to as “upcoding”). The complaint also alleges that the defendants programmed Vohra’s proprietary EMR software to improperly apply the Modifier 25 billing code and charge Medicare for exams that were not separately billable from surgical debridement procedures performed on the same day. Because surgical debridements are billed as global surgical packages and include payment for an examination, evaluation and management (E&M) services are only payable on the same day if a significant service is performed that is separately identifiable from the surgical debridement as signified by Modifier 25. According to the United States’ complaint, Vohra’s proprietary EMR software automatically added Modifier 25 to its E&M claims without regard to whether the modifier was appropriate, thereby causing the submission of claims for E&M services that were not payable. This matter is being handled by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Florida and Southern District of Georgia. Investigative support is being provided by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida and is captioned United States v. Dr. Ameet Vohra; Vohra Wound Care Management, LLC; and VHS Holdings, PA, No. 25-cv-21570 (S.D. Fla.). Trial Attorney Kirsten Mayer of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Grover for the Southern District of Georgia, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Cheek for the Southern District of Florida are handling the matter. The investigation and prosecution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The claims asserted in the government’s complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Federal Prosecutors This Week File Criminal Charges Against 24 Illegal Aliens Found in the United States Following Removal

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Working alongside law enforcement partners at United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, federal prosecutors this week filed criminal charges against 24 defendants who allegedly were found in the U.S. following removal, the Justice Department announced today. Among these defendants included criminals who previously were convicted of felonies prior to their removal from the United States, including one previously convicted of narcotics crimes involving methamphetamine and cocaine. The crime of being found in the United States following removal carries a base sentence of up to two years in federal prison. Defendants who were removed after being convicted of a felony face a maximum 10-year sentence and defendants removed after being convicted of an aggravated felony face a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. Some of the recently filed cases are summarized below: Andrés Palacios Duque, 51, of Mexico, was charged via a federal criminal complaint with being an illegal alien found in the United States after removal. Duque was removed from the U.S. in 2009 and 2015. His criminal history includes a 2014 conviction in Orange County Superior Court for transporting and possessing for sale methamphetamine, cocaine, and cocaine base, for which he was sentenced to five years in California state prison. Assistant United States Attorney Rosalind Wang of the Orange County Office is prosecuting this case. Tereso Guadalupe Martínez Reyes, 23, of Mexico, was arraigned this week on a two-count federal grand jury indictment charging him with possession of goods stolen from interstate shipment and being an alien found in the United States following removal. According to a criminal complaint previously filed in this case, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested Martínez on March 13 on Interstate 15 in San Bernardino County. He had been erratically driving a black 2001 Chevrolet Suburban which contained 478 black Nike Jordan 6 Rings shoe boxes packed from floor to the roof of the vehicle. The shoes were valued at approximately $64,530 and had been stolen from a freight train. Martínez previously was removed from the United States to Mexico in February 2025. On March 18, a federal magistrate judge ordered him jailed without bond. Martínez pleaded not guilty to the charges against him at his April 1 arraignment. He is scheduled to go on trial on May 20 in United States District Court in Los Angeles. Assistant United States Attorney Alexander H. Tran of the International Narcotics, Money Laundering, and Racketeering Section is prosecuting this case. Criminal complaints and indictments contain allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating these matters. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: New Jersey Men Charged with Posing as Government Officials to Swindle Victims in 5 States

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: Two New Jersey men have been indicted for conspiring to commit wire fraud for their roles in an alleged multistate scheme to defraud and obtain money and other property from victims by posing as government officials. As alleged in a superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury on April 3, beginning in March 2023, Bharat Awasarmol and Prakashkumar Prajapati were involved in a conspiracy and scheme to defraud seven victims in five states, including Maine. As part of the scheme, victims received telephone calls from individuals posing as government officials. These imposters fraudulently instructed victims to withdraw cash and purchase gold to turn over to the government for safekeeping. The callers then arranged for victims to meet fake government agents to hand over the cash and gold. Awasarmol was intercepted when he was caught accepting a package from a victim in Maine. The Maine victim had been instructed to meet Awasarmol and turn over gold by an individual posing as an employee of the Federal Trade Commission. Awasarmol allegedly accepted cash and gold from six additional victims in New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, and Virginia. In furtherance of the conspiracy and scheme to defraud, Prajapati directed Awasarmol to meet the victims, and provided him with instructions and locations to meet victims. The superseding indictment also alleges that Awasarmol made false statements to an FBI agent regarding his role in the scheme. If convicted, Prajapati and Awasarmol face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on the wire fraud conspiracy charge. Awasarmol also faces up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on the false statement charge. The FBI is investigating the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Four Oklahoma City Men Plead Guilty to Maiming in Aid of Racketeering

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – ADAM ROUSE , 32, BRENDAN SHANE HOLDER , 32, DAMION BLAIR BRADLEY GEORGE , 30, and KRISTOPHER HAUSER , 32, all of Oklahoma City, have pleaded guilty to maiming in aid of racketeering, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On November 19, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a two-count Indictment against the defendants, charging them with maiming in aid of the racketeering activities of the Irish Mob Gang. According to the Indictment, the Irish Mob Gang is an enterprise engaged in, among other things, the distribution of controlled substances, firearms trafficking, and acts of violence. To further these day-to-day operations, the Irish Mob Gang depended on a robust enforcement group to ensure compliance with the organization’s orders, which included directing and permitting other members and associates to carry out acts in furtherance of the enterprise. Specially, the Indictment alleges that, for purposes of gaining entrance to and maintaining and increasing their position within the Irish Mob Gang, Rouse and Holder severed a victim’s right pinkie finger with a hatchet, while Holder, George, and Hauser all participated in the burning of a gang tattoo off the back of a victim’s head with a heated machete. As of April 1, 2025, each defendant has pleaded guilty to maiming in aid of racketeering. At sentencing, the defendants each face up to 30 years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000. This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Norman Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Hoch and David McCrary are prosecuting the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Laredo man convicted after purchasing firearms with stolen bank heist funds

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A federal judge has found a 42-year-old resident of Laredo guilty of bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana determined Arturo Limon II was guilty on all four counts as charged following a one-day bench trial. She convicted him of two counts of bank robbery, one count of bank theft and one count of false statements during purchase of a firearm. On April 27, 2024, Limon entered Falcon International Bank located at 10511 McPherson Road. He approached the bank tellers, handed them an empty camouflage backpack and demanded they put money in it. During the robbery he said, “yes this is happening.” Limon stole a large amount of cash from the teller’s drawer, exited through the main lobby entrance and drove away in blue Ford Mustang. Authorities responded, reviewed bank surveillance footage and issued a “be on the lookout” for an individual matching Limon’s description. Later that day, he entered Arena Gun Club shortly after the robbery with the same green camouflage backpack and attempted to purchase a firearm with a large amount of cash. He left the club while employees conducted the mandatory background checks. They alerted law enforcement due to his suspicious behavior. The court heard that he had lied about his residential address on the required form when he attempted to purchase five pistols and one rifle from the Arena Gun Club. Authorities arrested Limon at his residence as he arrived driving a blue Mustang. At that time, they found marked currency in his vehicle and a green camouflage backpack. Judge Saldana will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Limon faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing. The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie Cortez and Mike Makens are prosecuting the case.


title: Judge Sentences Maryland Man Who Stabbed Romantic Partner Ten Times

body_text: WASHINGTON –Aron Williams, 33, of District Heights, Maryland, was sentenced today, for stabbing his romantic partner, on February 23, 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith, of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Williams pleaded guilty to assault with intent to kill on January 27, 2025, before the Honorable Jason Park in D.C. Superior Court. Today, Judge Park sentenced Williams to 10 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. According to the government’s evidence, on February 23, 2024, an argument ensued between Williams and the victim, his romantic partner. During that argument, Williams became enraged and began strangling the victim with both hands around her neck before grabbing a large hunting knife from a chair. He then took the knife and stabbed the victim approximately ten times on both arms, both legs, her mouth, and her wrist. She started bleeding heavily, as the gash to her wrist was to the bone and the gash to her mouth nearly severed her lip from her face. He eventually fled, forcing his romantic partner and her son to call 911. She required emergency surgery to repair the cut to her wrist and stitches to close the wounds on her mouth, arms, and legs. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Martin and Chief Smith commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. They also acknowledged the efforts of Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Hyde from the Sex Offense and Domestic Violence Section, who prosecuted the case.


title: Former Nanny Charged with Sexual Exploitation of Children

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: CLEVELAND – Today, a former Northeast Ohio nanny was charged by criminal complaint with sexual exploitation of children, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2251(a), and distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 2252(a)(2). According to the criminal complaint and underlying affidavit, Molly Duncan, 25, of Beachwood, Ohio, was employed as a nanny and is alleged to have created sexual abuse materials of toddler-aged victims in their Northeast Ohio homes in 2024, and distributed the materials to others in 2024 and 2025. During a search of the defendant’s residence, authorities seized several electronic devices that were found to contain child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), also known as child pornography. If convicted of sexual exploitation of children, Duncan faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years, up to 30 years. If convicted of distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, she faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 5 years, up to 20 years. This case is being investigated by the Cleveland Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations and the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret Kane and Michelle M. Baeppler for the Northern District of Ohio. Anyone with knowledge and information about this matter, please call the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at 216-698-3151. 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: Illegal Firearm Possession Lands Oklahoma City Man in Federal Prison for Seven Years

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – DANGELO MAURICE WINDHAM , 26, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 84 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of trafficking cocaine base and, separately, illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On May 21, 2024, a federal Grand Jury returned a four-count Indictment against Windham, charging him with possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, all stemming from two separate contacts with law enforcement in 2023. According to public record, on March 8, 2023, an Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) officer attempted to perform a traffic stop on a vehicle after he observed the driver – later identified as Windham – commit a traffic violation. When the officer attempted to stop Windham, he failed to comply, continuing to drive before jumping out and running away. Windham was apprehended after a brief foot pursuit and found to have been transporting a distribution amount of crack cocaine in his vehicle and a firearm in a backpack that he threw as he fled from officers. Later that year, on December 23, 2023, OCPD officers recovered another firearm from Windham during a subsequent traffic stop. On October 7, 2024, Windham pleaded guilty, and admitted he possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense and that on another occasion he possessed a firearm despite his status as a convicted felon. At the sentencing hearing on March 25, 2025, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Windham to serve 84 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the need to deter further criminal conduct, promote respect for the law, and Windham’s history and characteristics, including his repeated acquisition of firearms despite his felony conviction and prior prosecutions. Public record reflects that Windham was previously convicted in Oklahoma County District Court of attempted third-degree burglary in case number CF-2019-1635. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and OCPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Connolly prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Fatal human smuggling case and two alleged MS-13 members among those charged in relation to immigration and border security

body_text: HOUSTON – A total of 225 cases have been filed in border security-related matters from March 28-April 3, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. As part of those cases, 70 face allegations of illegally reentering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, violent and/or sexual crimes and prior immigration offenses, among others. A total of 144 people face charges of illegally entering the country, nine cases involve various instances of human smuggling with others relating to firearms and assault of a federal officer. Among those charged as part of these cases include an illegal alien and a McAllen resident who are now in custody for alien smuggling resulting in two deaths. Vicente Garcia Jr. was allegedly transporting one illegal alien whom he was to transfer to Jose Alexis Baeza-Combaluzier. Baeza-Combaluzier had four other illegal aliens in his vehicle and departed the area with the passengers but eventually came to a stop due to a flooded road, according to the charges. When authorities attempted to make an approach, he allegedly accelerated and drove through a flooded area and eventually drove into a canal. Law enforcement immediately began rescue operations, but two drowned, including a 14-year-old child, according to the charges. If convicted they face up the life in prison or the possibility of a death sentence. Four of those charged in illegal reentry cases include two El Salvadoran males who are identified as potential MS-13 gang members. Authorities found Edwin Geovanny Parada-Granados near Hidalgo less than a year after he was previously removed, according to the charges. Misael Antonio Mendez-Mendez was allegedly found near Mission having previously been removed less than six weeks ago. The charges allege he is also a convicted felon. Another El Salvadorian male is alleged to be a convicted sex offender. Nicolas Alberto Hernandez-Lopez was previously sentenced to 60 months for second degree sexual assault, according to the charges and had been removed in 2023. However, he was found again in the United States near Escobares. Law enforcement also encountered Cesar Humberto Leal-Garcia unlawfully in the country and attempted to place him into custody, according to a criminal complaint. At that time, he allegedly assaulted two Border Patrol agents. Leal-Garcia is now charged with illegal reentry and assault on a federal officer. He has four prior convictions for illegal reentry after removal, according to the allegations. Also charged this week is a Mexican national facing charges of trafficking firearms and smuggling goods from the United States. Pedro Cardiel Rodriguez allegedly attempted to transport a 9 mm pistol and 1,852 rounds of ammunition to Mexico through the Brownsville Gateway International Bridge. He purchased the pistol on behalf of an individual in Mexico, according to the allegations. Other relevant matters announced this week include the sentencing of a repeat illegal alien offender sent to prison for 33 months in a case out of the Brownsville Division. Fidel Jose-Ramirez has other criminal convictions including driving while intoxicated, assault family violence, criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance. He was first ordered removed from the United States in 2019 and was previously convicted of being an alien unlawfully found in the United States after removal in 2023. After his conviction and subsequent removal, he had illegally reentered the country Jan. 3, 2024, after crossing the Rio Grande River. In Corpus Christi, an illegal alien with seven DWIs was also ordered to prison. In handing down the 24-month sentence, the court noted Arturo Cruz-Badillo’s previous driving while intoxicated convictions (DWI) and how they are very dangerous for communities and its citizens. He has seven prior DWI convictions in addition to a conviction for battery and was removed from the country three times between 2012 and 2023. However, on Aug. 22, 2024, law enforcement discovered Cruz-Badillo again in the country along with 10 other illegal aliens being smuggled in a commercial cargo trailer. Also announced this week was the conviction of another human smuggler in an event that resulted in death. Jose Guadalupe Antonio-Arredondo admitted to assisting in the smuggling of an illegal alien July 12, 2024. He guided the illegal alien and a brush guide to the border wall before he returned to Mexico. However, after they crossed the wall, the alien had trouble breathing and ultimately collapsed. The alien was pronounced deceased July 17, 2024. Also in McAllen, a Mexican citizen illegally residing in San Benito was indicted for using someone else’s identity to pose as an American citizen. Cristina Amezcua Valencia allegedly applied for a U.S. passport, claiming the identity of another individual. She later utilized the passport containing the individual’s name and date and place of birth so she could enter the U.S. from Mexico, according to the charges. If convicted, Amezcua faces up to 10 years for the false statement in application of a U.S. passport and up to three years for false claim to U.S. citizenship. She will also be ordered to serve a mandatory two years for identity theft, upon conviction, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations 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 . Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children. The SDTX remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – The United States filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Vohra Wound Physicians Management LLC (Vohra) and its founder and majority owner, Dr. Ameet Vohra, for allegedly causing the submission of false claims to Medicare for overbilled and medically unnecessary wound care services. Vohra is one of the nation’s largest specialty wound care providers and contracts with hundreds of nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities throughout the country to provide wound care services to those facilities’ patients at their bedside. “This office is committed to protecting our nation’s seniors and the important federal programs that support them,” said U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida. “When providers seek to misappropriate public funds for private gain, we will work with our partners to pursue those responsible.” “Providers that overbill the government for services, or bill for services that are unreasonable or medically unnecessary, undermine the integrity of the Medicare program and waste taxpayer dollars,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael D. Granston of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will hold accountable providers who prioritize their own enrichment over the medical needs of their patients.” “Healthcare fraud is harmful to all consumers, artificially and unnecessarily increasing the costs of care for everyone,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons for the Southern District of Georgia. “Identifying and ending fraudulent billing activity is essential to keeping healthcare costs manageable for patients and for taxpayer-funded healthcare programs.” According to the United States’ complaint, Vohra and Dr. Vohra knowingly engaged in a nationwide scheme to falsely bill Medicare for surgical debridement procedures to maximize revenue. Debridement is a procedure to remove impediments to healing from a wound, such as dead or unhealthy tissue, and can be accomplished in several ways including nonsurgical and surgical methods. The complaint alleges that the defendants pursued their fraudulent scheme in three primary ways. First, Vohra created a proprietary Electronic Medical Record (EMR) software that was programmed to bill debridements as surgical procedures even when they were not. Second, Vohra hired physicians without wound care expertise and provided training that omitted relevant Medicare payment rules and intentionally conflated the definitions of surgical and nonsurgical debridement procedures. Third, Vohra set corporate debridement targets based solely on revenue goals and pressured its physicians to meet those targets. As a result, Vohra allegedly caused the submission of claims for surgical debridement services that were not medically necessary and used billing codes that represented more complex procedures than were actually performed (commonly referred to as “upcoding”). The complaint also alleges that the defendants programmed Vohra’s proprietary EMR software to improperly apply the Modifier 25 billing code and charge Medicare for exams that were not separately billable from surgical debridement procedures performed on the same day. Because surgical debridements are billed as global surgical packages and include payment for an examination, evaluation and management (E&M) services are only payable on the same day if a significant service is performed that is separately identifiable from the surgical debridement as signified by Modifier 25. According to the United States’ complaint, Vohra’s proprietary EMR software automatically added Modifier 25 to its E&M claims without regard to whether the modifier was appropriate, thereby causing the submission of claims for E&M services that were not payable. This matter is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia. Investigative support is being provided by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida and is captioned United States v. Dr. Ameet Vohra; Vohra Wound Care Management, LLC; and VHS Holdings, PA, No. 25-cv-21570 (S.D. Fla.). Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Cheek, Trial Attorney Kirsten Mayer of the Civil Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Grover for the Southern District of Georgia are handling the matter. The investigation and prosecution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The claims asserted in the government’s complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov . ###


title: Three Men Sentenced for Their Roles in a Deadly Human Smuggling Operation in Santa Teresa

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Three men involved in a coordinated human smuggling operation in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, have been sentenced after their actions led to a fatal vehicle collision that claimed the lives of two undocumented non-citizens. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, on June 23, 2023, Jose Hermosillo-Camarillo , 22, of Albuquerque, drove a vehicle carrying four undocumented non-citizens at high speeds through Santa Teresa, New Mexico, with Jesus Manuel Soto , 20, a Mexican national, as a passenger in the same vehicle. Despite no law enforcement engaging in a high-speed pursuit, Hermosillo-Camarillo drove recklessly, running two red lights and attempting an illegal U-turn at an intersection. This resulted in his vehicle being struck by a semi-truck traveling at 60 mph, causing severe injuries to the occupants and leading to the deaths of two—one at the scene and another later at the hospital. U.S. Border Patrol agents responded to render aid and secure the area until New Mexico State Police arrived and took command. Sergio Raul Diaz , 20, also of Albuquerque, drove a second vehicle in tandem with Hermosillo-Camarillo ’s car. After the collision, Diaz fled into Texas at high speeds, running a red light and evading capture until his vehicle was immobilized by a tire deflation device. Four undocumented non-citizens from Diaz ’s vehicle attempted to flee on foot but were apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol. Troopers from the Texas Department of Public Safety arrested Diaz at the scene. Survivors revealed that smugglers charged approximately $1,500 per person for transportation. They also identified Soto as the foot guide that led them across the U.S.-Mexico border to meet Hermosillo-Camarillo and Diaz . Court records revealed that Hermosillo-Camarillo had been arrested previously for similar offenses in New Mexico and Arizona but had not been charged. Hermosillo-Camarillo, Soto, and Diaz each pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport an illegal alien resulting in death. Hermosillo-Camarillo was sentenced to 144 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Soto received an 18-month prison sentence and will face deportation proceedings upon his release. Diaz was sentenced to 42 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, made the announcement today. Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol, New Mexico State Police, Hatch Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and New Mexico Department of Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy M. Castellano prosecuted the case as 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).