title: Mobile Man Sentenced to 156 Months in Prison  for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – Joseph Ambrose Wilburn, Jr., of Mobile, Alabama, was sentenced to 156 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. According to court documents, on April 11, 2024, the Mobile Police Department received information about an active arrest warrant for Wilburn in connection to him using a firearm to kidnap and sexually assault a woman. Later that day, Wilburn was stopped pursuant to a traffic stop where he was found to be in possession of two additional firearms. Wilburn has multiple prior felony convictions including multiple convictions of Domestic Violence – Assault, and convictions of Criminal Trespass, Possession/Receipt of a Controlled Substance, and Reckless Endangerment, among others. As a convicted felon, Wilburn is prohibited from possessing a firearm. Wilburn was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm and pleaded guilty to the charge. United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moore sentenced Wilburn to 156 months in prison followed by a 3-year term of supervised release for illegally possessing the firearm. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Mobile Police Department investigated the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica S. Terrill and Jimmy L. Thomas prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.


title: Puerto Rican Man Sentenced to 137 Months in Prison for Cocaine Smuggling

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: ST. THOMAS – Acting U.S. Attorney Adan F. Sleeper announced today that Brian Santiago Gonzalez, 25, of Puerto Rico, was sentenced on July 1, 2025, by Chief District Judge Robert A. Molloy to 137 months’ imprisonment and 4 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine on December 9, 2024. According to court documents, on March 29, 2022, Brian Santiago Gonzalez and co-defendant Wesly Albert Amaro were stopped in the waters near Savanah Island, just west of St. Thomas, USVI. At approximately 4:00 a.m., the United States Coast Guard (USCG) detected a vessel operating without navigation lights traveling at a high rate of speed from Culebra, PR towards Hendrick Bay, St. Thomas. Customs and Boarder Protection Air and Marine (AMO) vessels responded as the USCG provided updates on the vessel’s location. AMO agents located the lightsout vessel using radar and attempted a stop. The vessel fled while the two men onboard jettisoned bags overboard. The vessel would not heave to, so AMO agents disabled the vessel’s engine. During the chase, AMO agents marked the locations where duffle bags were discarded from the vessel. Upon returning to the marked areas, AMO agents recovered three duffel bags containing 79 kilograms of cocaine. Wesly Albert Amaro was sentenced to 108 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release on August 18, 202, following his guilty plea. CBP-AMO, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle Payne prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: SALVADORAN WITH PRIOR VIOLENT FELONY HISTORY SENTENCED FOR ILLEGAL REENTRY

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Jairo Hernandez, 35, of the country of El Salvador, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for Illegal Reentry by a Removed Alien. The plea and sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This criminal alien repeatedly flouted the United States’ immigration laws, and committed acts of violence against law enforcement while unlawfully present in our country. My office stands ready to work hand-in-hand with our law enforcement partners to detain, prosecute, and remove violent criminal aliens like this one to keep our communities safe.” According to court records, Hernandez was previously prosecuted in 2018 for Illegal Reentry by a Removed Alien. He was then deported and reentered the United States sometime in 2020. On November 10, 2022, he was convicted and sentenced for resisting a law enforcement officer with violence for having previously resisted officers who were responding to a domestic incident, breaking one officer’s ankle. “HSI is committed to upholding the rule of law, including the laws that provide the cornerstone of our immigration system,” said Homeland Security Investigations Tallahassee Assistant Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno. “When criminal illegal aliens repeatedly violate our immigration laws, they demonstrate a willful disregard for our legal processes. Enforcement, alongside our state, local and federal partners, is essential to maintaining the integrity of our borders and the safety of our communities.” An ICE detainer has been lodged against Hernandez, meaning he will begin deportation proceedings after he serves his sentence. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Eric Welch prosecuted this case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) 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). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Importers Agree to Pay $6.8M to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Relating to Voluntary Self-Disclosure of Unpaid Customs Duties

component: Civil Division

body_text: Manchester, New Hampshire, based Global Plastics LLC (Global Plastics) and Melville, New York, based Marco Polo International LLC (Marco Polo), both subsidiaries of MGI International LLC, have agreed to pay $6.8 million to resolve their civil liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to pay customs duties on certain plastic resin imported from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that MGI International and its subsidiaries took a number of significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government. To enter goods into the United States, an importer must declare, among other things, the country of origin of the goods, the value of the goods, whether the goods are subject to duties, and the amount of duties owed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects applicable duties. In 2024, MGI and its subsidiaries disclosed to CBP and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire that, beginning in May 2019, Global Plastics and Marco Polo failed to declare the correct country of origin and value on certain entries of plastic resin products manufactured in the PRC and, as a result, failed to pay the proper duties owed to CBP. “The Department will pursue those who gain an unfair trade advantage in U.S. markets, including those who knowingly evade or underpay duties owed on foreign imports,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “As today’s settlement reflects, when importers fail to pay customs duties owed, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking appropriate remedial measures.” “Companies doing business in the United States must play by the rules, including paying full custom duties owed for imports,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack for the District of New Hampshire. “This resolution demonstrates that when companies self-disclose misconduct, cooperate fully with the government’s investigation, and take meaningful corrective action, they can receive credit for those admissions. We will continue to hold accountable those who attempt to avoid paying what they owe to the federal government, while also recognizing responsible corporate behavior.” “When companies use unfair trade practices and fraudulent methodologies to avoid paying customs duties, it robs the American people of revenue and undermines our economy,” said acting Executive Assistant Commissioner Susan S. Thomas of the Office of Trade, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “I am proud that CBP was able to work with the Department of Justice to help ensure a level playing field for law abiding businesses.” MGI cooperated with the United States’ investigation by, among other things: making a timely voluntary self-disclosure of the potential violations; performing a thorough and independent internal investigation; preserving, collecting, and disclosing facts not known to the government but relevant to its investigation; conducting an analysis of potential damages that was shared with the government; and implementing appropriate remedial actions, including disciplining personnel and making improvements to compliance procedures. As a result, MGI, Global Plastics, and Marco Polo received credit under the Department’s guidelines for taking disclosure, cooperation, and remediation into account in False Claims Act settlements. This resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire, with assistance from the CBP’s Office of Chief Counsel. This matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Raphael Katz of the District of New Hampshire and Senior Trial Counsel Art J. Coulter of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. Note : Read the Settlement here


title: PENSACOLA WOMAN FACES FEDERAL CHARGES FOR FRAUDULENT TAX RETURN SCHEME

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Khristine Harper, 41, of Pensacola, Florida has been indicted in federal court for 20 counts of aiding or assisting in preparation of false tax return and one count of identity theft. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges. Harper appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho on July 21, 2025, for her arraignment at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. If convicted, she faces up to 65 years’ imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Illinois Man Sentenced to 41 Months in Prison

body_text: HAMMOND – Yesterday, Kareim J. Coverson, 37 years old, of Calumet City, Illinois, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Phillip P. Simon after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor. Coverson was sentenced to 41 months in prison, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $614,597.50 in restitution to the victims of the offense. According to documents in the case, between approximately May 2019 and June 2020, Coverson participated in a scheme to fraudulently obtain over $3.3 million from the proceeds of large business checks stolen out of the mail. Coverson and his co-conspirators registered fictitious corporations with the Indiana and Illinois Secretaries of State, opened fraudulent corporate bank accounts, and deposited the stolen checks into the fraudulent accounts. The actions of Coverson and his associates resulted in an unrecovered loss of over $1 million to the affected businesses and financial institutions. Coverson is the last of 10 defendants to be convicted and sentenced in this case and a related prosecution arising from the same scheme. In April 2024, Coverson’s brother, Oliver Coverson, was sentenced to 96 months in prison for his role as the organizer of the scheme. Earlier this year, Defendant Scott Vue received a prison sentence of 51 months for his role in the offense, which included opening fraudulent bank accounts, depositing stolen checks, and recruiting additional participants to the conspiracy. “The Coverson brothers and their associates assembled a large criminal conspiracy that caused millions of dollars of harm to businesses and banks throughout the United States. These defendants stole from small and large businesses alike, disrupting the flow of commerce, and compromising the mail and financial systems on which everyday Americans rely to conduct their business,” said Proctor. “As the court’s sentences in this case demonstrate, such conduct is not tolerated in the Northern District of Indiana and will be met with serious consequences.” This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General, and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary D. Heater.


title: Member of Frankford-Based Drug Gang Sentenced to 75 Years in Prison for Killing Philadelphia Police Sergeant James O’Connor, Kaseem Rogers, Tyrone Tyree, and Dontae Walker, and Additional Drug, Gun, and Violent Crimes

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Hassan Elliott, aka “Haz,” 26, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Juan R. Sánchez to 900 months in prison, five years of supervised release, and a special assessment of $2,500 for the fatal shootings of Philadelphia Police Sergeant James O’Connor, Kaseem Rogers, Tyrone Tyree, and Dontae Walker, and numerous other crimes arising from the defendant’s membership in a violent drug trafficking organization known by several names, including “SG1700” and “L-Block,” which operated in the Frankford section of Northeast Philadelphia. Elliott, along with Khalif Sears, aka “Leaf” and “Lil Leaf,” 23, Kelvin Jimenez, aka “Nip,” 34, and Dominique Parker, aka “Dom,” 34, all of Philadelphia, were charged in March 2023 by superseding indictment with conspiracy to engage in a racketeer influenced corrupt organization (RICO), violent crimes in aid of racketeering, to include murder, stemming from the killings of victims Rogers, Walker, Tyree, and Sergeant O’Connor, and numerous related offenses. Elliott and Sears pleaded guilty this January to RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, causing the death of Sergeant O’Connor by firearm, and multiple drug, gun, and violent offenses. Jimenez and Parker were convicted at trial in March of all charges against them, including racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, maintaining a drug-involved premises, assaults in aid of racketeering, firearms offenses, and related crimes. Jimenez was also convicted of the murder of Kaseem Rogers, and Parker of the murder of Dontae Walker. On March 13, 2020, Elliott, Sears, and others previously indicted were inside a stash house on the 1600 block of Bridge Street, when Sergeant O’Connor and other members of the Philadelphia Police Department SWAT team arrived with an arrest warrant for Elliott for the March 2019 murder of Tyrone Tyree. As Sergeant O’Connor and his fellow officers ascended the staircase to the second floor of the residence and repeatedly announced their presence, Elliott fired a semiautomatic assault rifle 16 times, striking and killing Sergeant O’Connor. Sears, Parker, and Jimenez will be sentenced at a later date. “Hassan Elliott murdered a police officer who was protecting and serving his community,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Unfortunately, Philadelphia Police Department Sergeant James O’Connor is only one of many victims of SG1700’s rampage of violence. The punishment Mr. Elliott received today is justice for these outrageous crimes, and our efforts — past, present, and future — to prosecute anyone who harms law enforcement will forever honor the sacrifice of Sergeant O’Connor.” “Hassan Elliott is now facing justice for the murder of Sergeant O’Connor and his other victims,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Philadelphia Field Division. “Criminal gang members can’t hide from the mayhem they inflict, especially when their violence turns against the law enforcement officers who protect our communities. Thanks to the diligent and meticulous work in partnership with the Philadelphia Police Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office, Elliott and those who enabled him are being held accountable for these heinous crimes.” The case was investigated by the ATF and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Martin, Christopher Diviny, and Lauren Stram.


title: MEXICAN WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FRAUD OFFENSES

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Maria Victoria Borja-Avila, 47, of the country of Mexico, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of Passport Fraud, Falsely Representing U.S. citizenship, and Aggravated Identity Theft. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This defendant tried to lie, cheat, and steal her way into this country, but thanks to the diligent investigatory work of our federal partners she’ll spend time in a prison cell before being removed. My office will continue to aggressively pursue violations of our nation’s immigration laws.” Court documents reflect that Borja-Avila, an alien and national of Mexico, presented false information in a U.S. Passport Application to the Santa Rosa County Clerk’s Office on August 14, 2023. She purported to be an actual U.S. citizen, and presented said U.S. citizen’s birth certificate, a fraudulent Florida driver’s license, and used said citizen’s personally identifiable information in the application. Borja-Avila faces a mandatory two years’ incarceration on her Aggravated Identity charge concurrent to any other charge, and up to ten years’ imprisonment based on her Passport Fraud charge. An ICE detainer has been lodged against Borja-Avila, and she will begin deportation proceedings after she serves his federal prison term. Borja-Avila’s imprisonment could be followed by up to a 3-year term of supervised release, meaning if she returns to the United States during such timeframe, she will potentially face an additional period of incarceration related to violating his supervision. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan. Sentencing is scheduled for October 16, 2025, at 1:00 pm at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District T. Kent Wetherell. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) 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). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Bloomfield Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Bloomfield man faces up to life in prison after admitting in federal court to sexually abusing an incapacitated victim. According to court records, between February 26 and February 27 of 2016, Donovan Pete , 44, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in and attempted to engage in a sexual act with an incapacitated victim. Pete pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse. At sentencing, Pete faces up to life in prison. Upon his release from prison, Pete will be subject to not less than five years and up to life of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case. View the Plea Agreement (Pete).pdf


title: Chicago Man Sentenced to Nearly Two Years in Prison for Violating Conditions of Court-Supervised Release Following Imprisonment

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

body_text: CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been sentenced to nearly two years in federal prison for violating the conditions of court-supervised release following his imprisonment for a firearms offense. KEESHON SAMSON, 31, was released from federal prison in 2023 after being convicted of illegally possessing a loaded semiautomatic handgun on Chicago’s South Side. The gun had been reported stolen in a burglary of a licensed firearms dealer. Samson remained under court-supervised release for three years following imprisonment. In February 2025, Samson was accused of breaking windows out of an acquaintance’s house and threatening the physical safety of an Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) investigator in a series of harassing telephone calls from a masked phone number. On July 2, 2025, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey found that Samson threatened the DCFS investigator and thus violated the supervised release conditions, one of which prohibited him from committing a federal, state, or local crime while under supervision. Judge Blakey sentenced Samson to 21 months in federal prison. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Snell. “In our federal system of justice, supervised release is a critically important part of the sentencing process,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “It is designed to help offenders transition back into society while also ensuring public safety. When a defendant on supervised release chooses to violate clear conditions designed to protect the community, my Office will not hesitate to prosecute the violation and hold the defendant accountable.” “The defendant’s conduct while on supervised release demonstrated a reckless disregard for the law, the safety of others, and the Court’s orders,” said ATF SAC Amon. “This sentence sends a clear message that violations of Court-imposed conditions of release will not be tolerated.”


title: Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abuse

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Phoenix man faces up to life in prison after admitting in federal court to sexually abusing a minor. According to court records, in 2019, Jeremy Blueeyes , 26, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in sexual contact with a minor who had not yet attained the age of 12. Blueeyes pleaded guilty to one count of abusive sexual contact of a minor. At sentencing, Blueeyes faces up to life in prison. Upon his release from prison, Blueeyes will be subject to not less than five years and up to life of supervised release and must register as a sex offender. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.


title: Construction Company President Charged With $5 Million Payroll Tax And Wire Fraud Schemes

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), Harry T. Chavis, Jr., announced the unsealing of a 14-count Complaint charging NIGEL KENNETH JOSEPH with failing to pay years of employee payroll taxes, scheming to defraud a construction contractor of millions of dollars, and aggravated identify theft. JOSEPH was arrested and presented yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang. “As alleged, Nigel Joseph didn’t just shortchange his workers—he lied about it, falsified records, and pocketed the money for himself,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Then he allegedly defrauded the public by ducking millions in taxes. That’s not entrepreneurship that fuels growth—it’s fraud that erodes trust.” “When a person purportedly leases luxury vehicles, buys NBA tickets and travels to tropical islands instead of paying payroll taxes for his employees, it is the American people who are victimized,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. “There is no turning a blind eye to this egregious fraud, and our CI agents work relentlessly to follow the money and bring those who think they can evade payroll taxes and falsify records to justice.” According to the allegations in the Complaint: [ [1] ] JOSEPH founded BWK, a masonry subcontractor registered in the Bronx, New York, in 2019. Between 2019 and 2021, BWK earned at least $10 million performing construction across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Despite these earnings, JOSEPH willfully refused to collect payroll taxes from his employees and refused to pay taxes he owed as an employer. According to an IRS-CI analysis of financial records, JOSEPH failed to pay at least approximately $2.9 million on behalf of his employees and at least approximately $750,000 he owed as an employer. Rather than pay taxes, JOSEPH used BWK funds to finance his own lifestyle—including by transferring tens of thousands of dollars to his wife; making personal rental payments; purchasing courtside NBA tickets and a Rolex; leasing a BMW 3-Series, a Mercedes GLE, and a BMW 5-Series; and traveling to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. According to interviews with employees and business partners, JOSEPH said, in sum and substance, that he did not want to file taxes and sometimes refused to speak to an accountant because he did not want to talk about how much he owed to the Government. An employee said that JOSEPH chose to not collect or file taxes because the IRS was, JOSEPH said in sum and substance, not paying attention during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, because JOSEPH knew that payroll taxes had not been properly withheld by BWK, JOSEPH also directed the production of falsified certified payroll documents in order to obtain approximately $1.96 million in payments pursuant to at least two construction contracts. According to documents reviewed and interviews conducted by IRS-CI, JOSEPH conspired with others to produce falsified documents listing the names, hours worked, wages, and tax withholdings for at least approximately 10 employees between in or about October 2021 and June 2022 in order to obtain payment for performing masonry work as part of two elementary school construction projects on Long Island. In order to falsify payroll documents as part of the scheme, on or about November 17, 2021, JOSEPH texted an employee instructions to “Put [an employee], [another employee], yourself and one other laborer” as employees on a construction site where the employee—who performed only payroll functions for BWK—in fact never worked. In a text message he sent on or about November 8, 2021, JOSEPH directed an employee to identify JOSEPH as a “foreman”; JOSEPH’s wife as a “laborer”; and two other employees as “laborers.” In fact, JOSEPH was not a foreman; his wife was not a laborer; and neither of the other two employees were laborers, either. In a text message sent on or about February 3, 2022, JOSEPH expressed concern that the falsified certifications would be uncovered, writing in response to a warning from an employee that “[w]e have big problems . . . [w]ith the taxes,” that, “Damn . . . I’m thinking I should not have put everyone working 35 hours every week.” On or about March 28, 2022, JOSEPH directed an employee in text messages that “this is going to be the last month that we do this with [the] accountant . . . [a]nd then you and I gonna do it ourselves,” adding that he would “fake it until we make it.” * * * JOSEPH, 45, of Bergenfield, New Jersey, is charged with 11 counts of failure to account for and pay over payroll taxes, each of which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory sentence of two years in prison. The mandatory and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of IRS–CI. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan T. Nees is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. u.s._v._joseph_complaint.pdf [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Conspiracy Ringleader of $78 million Diverted Prescription Drug Operation Sentenced to Fourteen Years in Prison

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – Stephen Costa, 40, was sentenced to fourteen years in prison after pleading guilty to his leadership role in a conspiracy that distributed thousands of bottles of diverted pharmaceutical drugs, many intended for HIV and cancer patients, into the legitimate supply chain around the United States. According to court documents, Costa was the architect of a scheme, which resulted in the prosecution of 20 defendants in a series of superseding indictments issued between 2019 and 2024. The conspiracy originated in early 2013, when Costa began acquiring licensed pharmaceutical wholesale companies using the names of recruited associates, and established new corporations to distribute the drugs he acquired. Several of Costa’s accomplices were individuals he had previously conspired with in a similar scheme based in New York and others he had known from other businesses or high school. Once Costa had control of these companies, he purchased diverted drugs from suppliers he had worked with before and directed his co-conspirators on how to price, market, sell, and distribute the drugs. These diverted drugs were ultimately funneled to legitimate pharmacies around the country. Costa continued to expand the Miami-based conspiracy even after his conviction in the New York scheme. Before reporting to prison to serve his sentence, Costa facilitated the introduction of his primary supplier of diverted pharmaceuticals to a co-conspirator to perpetuate the operation during his imprisonment. Costa received several payments from the proceeds of his co-conspirator’s continuing operation. In total, approximately $78 million worth of diverted drugs were sold to unsuspecting patients, believing their medications had been shipped directly from legitimate manufacturers—not purchased on the streets and repackaged under false labeling. The criminal operation was shut down in May 2019 through a joint effort by the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations (FDA-OCI), and FBI Miami. U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of FBI Miami, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Maximillian Pagano of the FDA-OCI Miami Field Office made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Tamen prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Grosnoff is handling asset forfeiture. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida at www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls . 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 , under case number 19-cr-20674. ###


title: Two Jonesborough Women And A Bristol, Virginia Man Sentenced For VA Bribery Scheme

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On July 23, 2025, the Honorable Clifton L. Corker, United States District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Greeneville sentenced Monika D. Schorer, 59, of Jonesborough, TN, and Teresa D. Schorer, 59, of Jonesborough, TN, each to a term of imprisonment of eight months and a $10,000 fine. Following their terms of imprisonment, each will be required to serve a term of supervised release of three years. As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, each defendant pled guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 1346, and 1349. According to Court records, the defendants (who are twin sisters) were employees of the VA Medical Center in Mountain Home, Tennessee. Each took cash bribes from surgical sales representatives, Eric S. Smith (“Smith”) and Landon Chester (“Chester”) that enabled Smith and Chester to overbill the VA Medical Center, often for unnecessary medical items. Smith and Chester previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud and bribery in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371. According to Court records, the bribes took the form of cash-stuffed envelopes and a promised ownership interest upon retirement in a Virginia limited liability company, Four Corners Medical Supply and Equipment LLC (“Four Corners”). Four Corners had become a VA vendor with the cooperation of Teresa Schorer. In exchange for the bribes, the Schorers consciously permitted a substantial fraud against the VA; used a VA computer to set up Four Corners in the government’s payment system; hid and concealed their arrangement by making false disclosures on their Office of Government Ethics Forms 450; alerted Smith and Chester when their VA supervisor began asking questions; and provided other assistance to Smith and Chester not generally available to VA vendors. Monika Schorer also issued a letter purportedly from the VA Medical Center to try to thwart the investigation. As part of their sentence, the Court also ordered each defendant to make individual restitution to the VA in the amount of $213,154.50. The sentences follow Smith’s sentencing on July 16, 2023. Judge Corker sentenced Smith to serve a year and a day in the Bureau of Prisons to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Smith paid court-ordered restitution in the amount of $120,433.45 prior to sentencing. In addition to restitution, Smith and Chester also agreed to forfeit the sum of $185,422.10 that was seized by the United States as part of the investigation. Chester will be the final participant to be sentenced, and his sentencing hearing is set for August 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Between agreed restitution in all participants’ plea agreements and forfeited bank accounts, the United States will recover $852,598. “Our nation has a solemn obligation to care for our veterans,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III. “This prosecution shows that our office and our federal partners will hold those accountable who steal taxpayer money that has been allocated to fulfill this sacred duty. Taking bribes by any government employee is a serious offense, and this case serves as a warning to any government employee who thinks they can profit from their position of public trust and any private person who thinks they can use bribes to steal from taxpayers.” “Using official government positions to profit from bribes is an egregious crime and erodes public trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Nate Landkammer with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “These sentencings send a clear message that the VA OIG will diligently investigate those who misuse their positions to commit fraud and divert resources from deserving veterans.” “The Schorers were entrusted to serve the interests of veterans and the American people, not their own,” said Special Agent in Charge Elisa Pellegrini of the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Mid-Atlantic Division. “We will remain relentless in the pursuit of those who seek to exploit GSA purchase cards and other government programs for personal gain.” “Monika and Teresa Schorer took bribes and participated in a fraud that resulted in overcharges to the VA,” said Special Agent-In-Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, IRS-CI Charlotte Field Office. “This is not a victimless crime. When suppliers overcharge the VA for their products and services, the men and women who bravely served this country are affected because less money is available for their healthcare, benefits, and support programs. IRS Criminal Investigation special agents, many who are veterans, will continue diligently investigating and holding accountable those who believe defrauding the Veterans Administration is the way to satisfy their financial greed.” The charges were the result of a long-term investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General, the General Services Administration, Office of the Inspector General, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac D. Heavener, III of the Eastern District of Tennessee prosecuted the case. ###


title: Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty After Crash That Left Passenger with Life-Threatening Injuries

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty to federal charges after a 2018 drunk driving crash seriously injured his passenger. According to court records, January 11, 2018, Philbert Mark , 46, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was driving on Navajo Route 13 while extremely intoxicated and consequently crashed his car. Mark ’s passenger sustained permanent and life-threatening serious bodily injuries as a result of the crash. Mark pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. At sentencing, Mark faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Mark will be subject to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case. View the Plea Agreement (Mark)_0.pdf


title: Birmingham Man Sentenced to 36 Years in Prison on Gun and Drug Charges

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge has sentenced a Birmingham man for possessing a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Frederick Leonard Temple, Jr., also known as “Cutt” and “Cutthroat,” 35, to 432 months in prison. In February, Temple was convicted by a jury of possession of a machine gun, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. “This sentence sends a clear message that violent, criminal conduct like Defendant Temple’s will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Escalona. “I commend our law enforcement partners and prosecutors for their unwavering commitment to ensuring Temple was brought to justice.” “Today’s sentencing illustrates the continuous commitment that the ATF shares with our state, local, and federal law-enforcement partners to combat the illegal possession of firearms, fight violent crime, and remove narcotics from the streets,” said ATF Special Acting Agent in Charge Jason Stankiewicz. “We will continue to utilize all of our resources in an effort to maintain public safety in the communities that we serve.” According to evidence presented at trial, Temple distributed fentanyl on two separate occasions. On January 26, 2022, members of the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force and officers from the Birmingham Police Department executed a search warrant at Temple’s residence. During the search, officers found drugs and firearms in a rear bedroom where an infant was located. The search of the residence resulted in the seizure of 14 firearms, including a Glock 9 mm pistol equipped with a machine gun-conversion device commonly referred to as a “Glock switch,” several high-capacity firearm magazines, including 100- and 50-round drum magazines, and a large amount of various ammunition, as well as fentanyl, methamphetamine, six digital scales of various sizes, and other drug paraphernalia. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case along with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristy M. Peoples and Alan Kirk prosecuted the case.


title: Lewiston Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Lewiston man pleaded guilty on Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Portland to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court records, in January 2025, Lewiston police officers stopped a vehicle operated by Kulmiye Abukar Idris , 35, for traffic violations. Officers searched the vehicle and found a handgun. Idris was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for gross sexual assault. Idris faces up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and supervised release for three years. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Lewiston Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Androscoggin County District Attorney’s Office. Project Safe Neighborhoods : 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psn . ###


title: Career Offender Sentenced to 175 Months in Federal Prison for Drug and Firearms Offense

component: USAO - Arkansas, Western

body_text: HOT SPRINGS – A Pearcy man was sentenced yesterday to a total of 175 months in prison on one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, one count of being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, as well as violations of his term of supervised release from a previous conviction. The Honorable Chief Judge Susan O. Hickey presided over the sentencing hearing in the United States District Court in Hot Springs. According to court documents, on July 22, 2024, a Trooper with the Arkansas State Police attempted to make a traffic stop on Michael Fryar in Garland County. After the Trooper initiated his lights, Fryar fled in his vehicle and a pursuit ensued. After a short pursuit Fryar abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot into a wooded area. The Trooper pursued on foot and had to deploy his taser to get Fryar apprehended. At the time of the offense, Fryar was in possession of a loaded firearm with a round in the chamber and a distribution amount of methamphetamine. Fryar has an extensive criminal history and was on federal supervised release at the time of the offense. The Arkansas State Police, 18th East Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Harris prosecuted the case for the United States. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Related court documents may be found on the Public Access to Electronic Records website @ www.pacer.gov.


title: Federal Jury Convicts Honduran National for Alien Smuggling in Del Rio

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A federal jury in Del Rio convicted a Honduran national this week on charges of alien smuggling. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in October 2024, Jerson Alberto Rivera-Kelly, 37, who was then in the United States as a lawful permanent resident was observed by a U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agent driving an SUV south on Highway 2083 near Comstock, approximately 20 miles from the U.S. border with Mexico. Other USBP agents in the area at that time were searching for a group of five suspected illegal aliens. Rivera-Kelly was pulled over and five occupants were found in the vehicle. All of the occupants were attempting to conceal themselves inside his vehicle. The five individuals were determined to be illegal aliens. Rivera-Kelly was indicted in November 2024 for one count of conspiracy to transport aliens and one count of illegal alien transportation for profit. The federal jury convicted him on both counts on July 21, 2025. Both charges carry penalties of up to 10 years in federal prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a maximum $250,000 fine in addition to any restitution ordered. U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. USBP investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Fleming and Ashley Ellis-Dotson are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other 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 Project Safe Neighborhoods. ###


title: Two Indicted as Law Enforcement Captures Largest Fentanyl Seizure in South Carolina History

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies seized 156 pounds of fentanyl during a criminal investigation, which is believed to be the largest seizure of fentanyl in state history. The seizure resulted in multiple arrests and was first announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi and Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Robert Murphy. On July 1, DEA agents, Lexington County Sheriff’s deputies, and South Carolina State Transport Police officers conducted two coordinated traffic stops in Lexington and Richland counties. Inside a tractor trailer that was transporting products with a legitimate business purpose, law enforcement also found large packages of illegal narcotics. Investigators believe the seized narcotics were sourced in Mexico and transported across the southern border. Law enforcement seized approximately 156 pounds (71 kilograms) of fentanyl and 44 pounds (20 kilograms) of methamphetamine in total. According to the DEA, two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose; therefore, one kilogram of fentanyl can kill 500,000 people. The seized fentanyl had the potential to kill 36 million people and a street retail value of $1.7 million. Two brothers operating the tractor trailer were arrested following the traffic stop and indicted yesterday. Alberto Rios-Landeros, 26, and Chris Guadalupe Rios-Landeros, 23, both of Delano, California, have been indicted on charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine. Both face a maximum penalty of up to life in prison. “This isn't just a drug bust; it's a life-saving intervention on an unprecedented scale for our state,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Law enforcement has been working together at every level to keep South Carolina safe, and we’re committed to dismantling the criminal networks that bring this poison into our communities.” “The DEA and our partners are working hard day in and day out to protect our communities from the dangers associated with fentanyl. DEA’s priorities are to save American lives and to keep our communities safe,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “We will continue to leverage every partnership, and every resource available to ensure drug traffickers who distribute fentanyl, are brought to justice.” “This was a great example of how law enforcement works together to make our community safer. I am proud of the work and collaboration of all the agencies involved to take this massive amount of drugs off of our streets,” Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon said. “This should send a strong message to criminals that we are all working together to combat illegal drugs.” This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the State Transport Police, the Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike O’Mara is prosecuting the case. All charges in an indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Augusta Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Livestreaming Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: An Augusta man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material. U.S. District Court Judge Stacy D. Neumann sentenced Nathaniel Gagne , 37, to 8 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $23,000 in restitution. According to court records, in April 2023, investigators from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Augusta Police Department began investigating the possible livestreaming of child sexual abuse material. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) had notified the Maine State Police Computer Crimes Unit (MSP CCU) that it had received a report through its CyberTipline that an Omegle user, later identified as Gagne, had uploaded a video file containing suspected child sexual abuse material. Omegle is an anonymous chat site where users are matched at random within topics and can communicate by text or video. The file reported by Omegle contained four images of a three- to four-year-old child being sexually abused. During the execution of a search warrant at his Augusta home, Gagne admitted to viewing child sexual abuse material and sharing it on Omegle. Investigators seized two cell phones and an SD card during the investigation, recovering hundreds of images and videos. HSI investigated the case with assistance from MSP CCU and the Augusta Police Department. To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678 . If you are in Maine and you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted or abused, you can get help by calling the free, private 24-hour statewide sexual assault helpline at 1-800-871-7741 . Project Safe Childhood: This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psc . ###


title: Illinois Man Sentenced to 48 months’ Imprisonment for Investment Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 22, 2025, Ronald Pallek (55) of McHenry, Illinois, was sentenced to 48 months’ incarceration for executing an investment fraud scheme that resulted in a loss of over $1.6 million to over 100 investors in Illinois and Wisconsin. According to court records, Pallek engaged in a years’ long scheme during which he convinced friends, friends of friends, and family members to give him money to invest. Pallek promised these investors that he could double their money using an “iron condor” strategy of investing even though Pallek knew that he had never been able to generate such profits. Despite losing his victims’ funds in the market or spending them for his own benefit, Pallek continued to solicit additional victims, even promising commissions to those he previously had defrauded. During the scheme, Pallek repeatedly sent falsified earning statements to his victims, lied about his purported successes, and made Ponzi-style payments to prior victims with new victim funds. The investigation also revealed that Pallek used the funds to pay for his own living expenses, including his mortgage and for his car, and for gambling activities. In announcing his sentence, United States District Judge Brett Ludwig noted that Pallek engaged in a “serious criminal enterprise” and kept his scheme going by “cultivating trust with friends and acquaintances” and through repeated “acts of deceit and false conduct.” In addition to the 48-month period of incarceration, Pallek was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,679,250.00, and to serve a period of 3 years of supervised release. “Mr. Pallek abused the trust of his victims, targeting hard-working individuals and small business owners,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Frohling. “The sentence in this case reflects not only the significant financial but also the long-lasting emotional harm Mr. Pallek inflicted, and I commend everyone involved in holding him accountable and seeking justice for his victims.” “Mr. Pallek deceived investors and caused significant financial and emotional harm through a Ponzi-like scheme,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle. “The FBI will continue its relentless pursuit of investigating those who hide behind financial fraud as one part in our mission to protect the American people. We continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that justice is served.” “The cruelty of this scheme wasn’t just in the dollars stolen—it was in the betrayal. This defendant exploited the trust of those closest to him, using friends and family like an ATM to fund his lifestyle,” said Jason Bushey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “Investment fraud doesn’t just drain bank accounts—it corrodes trust and weakens the financial systems we all rely on. IRS Criminal Investigation will continue to pursue those who exploit personal relationships for personal gain.” The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Julie F. Stewart. # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Muscatine Men Sentenced to Federal Prison Related to Events Surrounding Officer Involved Shooting

body_text: DAVENPORT, Iowa – Two Muscatine men were sentenced on July 22, 2025, to federal prison for drug and gun crimes, related to an officer involved shooting in Muscatine on May 29, 2024. According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, on May 29, 2024, Juan Aldo Beltran Delgado, 34, and Isidro Barajas, Jr., 30, drove to a residence in Muscatine, Iowa, to await the delivery of a package they expected to contain more than 4.5 pounds of methamphetamine. Law enforcement observed Beltran Delgado and Barajas pick up the package from the residence and attempted to stop their vehicle. Beltran Delgado was driving the vehicle and drove over 100 miles per hour through Muscatine, drove through multiple red lights, attempting to evade law enforcement. Ultimately, Beltran Delgado crashed into two other vehicles near Highway 61 and Cedar Street. After crashing, both Beltran Delgado and Barajas fled from the car on foot carrying firearms. Officers arrived in the area and Beltran Delgado shot at officers. Officers were able to take both Beltran and Delgado and Barajas into custody. Beltran Delgado was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison, followed by a five-year term of supervised release, following his plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and carrying and discharging a firearm during an in relation to his drug trafficking. Barajas was sentenced to 32 years in federal prison, followed by a ten-year term of supervised release, following his plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, carrying and displaying a firearm during an in relation to his drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa Department of Public Safety, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Muscatine Police Department, Cedar County Sheriff’s Office, Muscatine County Drug Task Force, Johnson County Drug Taskforce, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Covington Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – Austin Lineback, 59 , has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. Interim U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. for the Western District of Tennessee announced the sentence today. According to information presented in court, Tipton County Sheriff’s Office detectives executed a search warrant of Lineback’s home on January 30, 2023, where he resided alone. As a result of the search, detectives recovered multiple electronic storage devices. A forensic examination revealed images of child sexual abuse material. Following a two-day trial in January 2025, a federal jury found Lineback guilty on the one-count indictment. On July 18, 2025, Lineback was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment and lifetime supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, which is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children and to identify and rescue child victims of sexual exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . The case was investigated by detectives with the Tipton County Sheriff’s Office and agents with the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Lynn Crum, Eileen Kuo, and Lauren Delery prosecuted this case on the government’s behalf. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Operation Grayskull Culminates in Lengthy Sentences for Managers of Dark Web Site Dedicated to Sexual Abuse of Children

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Today, the Justice Department announced the results of Operation Grayskull, a highly successful joint effort between the Department of Justice and the FBI that resulted in the dismantling of four dark web sites dedicated to images and videos containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). To date, the operation has led to the convictions of 18 offenders, including a Minnesota man who was sentenced yesterday to 250 months in prison and lifetime supervised release for his involvement with one of these dark web sites. He was also ordered to pay $23,000 in restitution. “Today’s announcement sends a clear warning to those who exploit and abuse children: you will not find safe haven, even on the dark web,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These offenders thought that they could act without consequences, but they were wrong. Thanks to the relentless determination of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners we have exposed these perpetrators for who they are, eliminated their websites and brought justice to countless victims.” “This operation represents one of the most significant strikes ever made against online child exploitation networks,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We’ve not only dismantled dangerous platforms on the dark web, but we’ve also brought key perpetrators to justice and delivered a powerful message: you cannot hide behind anonymity to harm children.” “Yesterday’s sentencing reaffirms our steadfast commitment to protecting our children, the most vulnerable among us, from those who exploit and harm them through the despicable trade in child sexual abuse material,” said U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida. “Thomas Peter Katsampes and his co-conspirators ran some of the darkweb’s most heinous networks, enabling horrific crimes against innocent victims, but Operation Grayskull has shut these sites down and delivered justice. We applaud the FBI and our international partners for their tireless work, and let this be a clear warning: we will relentlessly pursue and prosecute anyone engaged in such atrocities, no matter how they attempt to cover their tracks.” Thomas Peter Katsampes, 52, of Eagan, Minnesota, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise and conspiracy to distribute child pornography on Feb. 27. According to court documents, Katsampes joined a dark web site dedicated to CSAM in 2022, advertised and distributed CSAM over the website, including CSAM depicting prepubescent children, and eventually worked his way up to a staff position on the web site, which, among other things, involved moderating the site, enforcing the site’s rules for posting CSAM, and advising the site’s users about how to post CSAM. In addition to Katsampes, eight individuals have been convicted and sentenced in the Southern District of Florida for their involvement in running the primary site targeted by Operation Grayskull. Defendant Residence Case Status Selwyn David Rosenstein Boynton Beach, Florida Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography, five counts of advertisement of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Sentenced on Dec. 12, 2022, to 28 years in prison and ordered to pay $80,500 in restitution to victims of his offense. Matthew Branden Garrell Raleigh, North Carolina Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography. Sentenced on Aug. 1, 2023, to 20 years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $158,500 in restitution to victims of his offense. Robert Preston Boyles Clarksville, Tennessee Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography. Sentenced on Aug. 15, 2023, to 23 years and four months in prison and ordered to pay $7,500 in restitution to victims of his offense. Gregory Malcolm Good Silver Springs, Nevada Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography. Sentenced on Aug. 22, 2023, to 25 years and 10 months in prison and ordered to pay $93,500 in restitution to victims of his offense. William Michael Spearman Madison, Alabama Pleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise. Sentenced on Jan. 23, 2024, to life in prison and ordered to pay $123,400 in restitution to victims of his offense. Joseph Addison Martin Tahuya, Washington Pleaded guilty to engaging in a child exploitation enterprise. Sentenced on April 18, 2024, to 42 years in prison and ordered to pay $174,500 in restitution to victims of his offense. Joseph Robert Stewart Milton, Washington Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography. Sentenced on April 18, 2024, to 23 years and 9 months in prison and ordered to pay $19,500 in restitution to victims of his offense. Keith David McIntosh Grand Rapids, Michigan Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to advertise child pornography and conspiracy to distribute child pornography, both as a person with a prior conviction for possession of child pornography. Sentenced on Dec. 19, 2024, to 55 years in prison. The website’s leaders advertised and distributed CSAM, promulgated rules for the website, enforced the rules by banning or scolding users who violated them, held staff meetings, recruited members to serve as staff members, recommended users for promotion, edited and deleted user posts, praised individuals for participating in and contributing to the website, kept records of CSAM posts made by individual members, and paid for and maintained the website servers, among other things. Operation Grayskull resulted in the dismantling of a total of four sites dedicated to images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. These websites were some of the most egregious on the dark web, and they included sections specifically dedicated to infants and toddlers, as well as depictions of violence, sadism, and torture. The websites also contained detailed advice on how to avoid detection by law enforcement – for example, by using sophisticated technologies. In other judicial districts around the country, nine additional individuals have been convicted for their involvement with these websites, including the following: Charles Hand, of Aberdeen, Maryland, was prosecuted in the District of Maryland and was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison; Michael Ibarra, of Wenatchee, Washington, was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Washington and was sentenced to 12 years in prison; Clay Trimble, of Fordyce, Arkansas, was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Arkansas and was sentenced to 18 years in prison; David Craig, of Houston, Texas, was prosecuted in the Southern District of Texas and was sentenced to nine years in prison; Robert Rella of Chesapeake, Virginia, was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Virginia and was sentenced to five years and eight months in prison; Samuel Hicks, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was prosecuted in the Northern District of Indiana and was sentenced to 16 years in prison; Richard Smith of Dallas, Texas, was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Texas and was sentenced to 14 years in prison; Patrick Harrison, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, was prosecuted in the Western District of Michigan and was sentenced to five years and ten months in prison. Thomas Gailus, of Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, was prosecuted in the Eastern District of Oklahoma, and his sentencing is pending. Two other individuals in the United States died before being charged for their involvement with the websites. The operation also resulted in arrests in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Estonia, Belgium, and South Africa. The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit and Miami Field Office, West Palm Beach Resident Agency investigated the cases. Acting Deputy Chief Kyle P. Reynolds and Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Schiller of the Southern District of Florida coordinated the operation and prosecuted the defendants in the Southern District of Florida. Substantial assistance for the cases prosected in the Southern District of Florida was provided by FBI Field Offices and Resident Agencies in Huntsville, Alabama; Reno, Nevada; Clarksville, Tennessee; Raleigh, North Carolina; Madison, Wisconsin; Tacoma, Washington; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Minneapolis, Minnesota; CEOS’s High Technology Investigative Unit; and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of Alabama, District of Nevada, Middle District of Tennessee, Eastern District of North Carolina, Western District of Wisconsin, Western District of Washington, Western District of Michigan, and District of Minnesota. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Lowcountry Babysitter Indicted for Child Sex Crimes

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a 10-count indictment against Brandon Brill, 26, of Berkeley County, for production and attempted production of child sexual abuse material and coercion and enticement of minors.* The indictment alleges that Brill was a nanny and childcare provider in the District of South Carolina. From as early as June 2023 until his arrest on various state charges in February 2025, Brill used his position of trust and access to children to exploit at least six minor victims. Brill would regularly invite the children he cared for and/or who lived in the same neighborhood as him over to his house to play video games and have sleepovers. Further, Brill would use the minors he had access to by virtue of his position as a nanny and childcare provider to gain access to additional minors. Brill faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc . The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Mount Pleasant Police Department, and the Moncks Corner Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower is prosecuting the case. All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ### * The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child. The Associated Press Stylebook also discourages the use of the phrase “child pornography.”


title: Saint Francis Man Sentenced to Nearly 4 Years in Federal Prison  for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a man from Saint Francis, South Dakota, who was convicted of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon. The sentencing took place on July 21, 2025. Samuel Iron Shell, age 23, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Iron Shell was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024. He pleaded guilty on April 24, 2025. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on December 24, 2024, within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. Iron Shell and his significant other, a female, were at a residence near St. Francis when, at one point, Iron Shell got angry and began striking the woman on the head with a broomstick. The victim attempted to shield her head with her hand, and Iron Shell then struck her hand. The victim suffered a broken finger. 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 Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case. Iron Shell was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Prince George’s Man Pleads Guilty to Cares Act Unemployment Insurance Fraud

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland –Zakria Hussain, 28, of Prince George’s County, Maryland, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, relating to the submission of fraudulent CARES Act unemployment insurance (UI) claims. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office. According to the plea agreement, beginning in at least March 2021, and continuing until about August 2022, Hussain and his co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to defraud the United States, the State of Maryland, multiple financial institutions, and multiple individuals, including at least six identity theft victims. The co-conspirators submitted false and fraudulent UI benefits claims to the Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL), Maryland’s agency that is responsible for processing the claims. As part of the conspiracy, the defendants fraudulently obtained more than $3.5 million in unemployment insurance benefits. Hussain personally participated in UI claims resulting in losses exceeding $550,000, but less than $1.5 million, and he used debit cards issued in the names of aggravated identity theft victims to obtain UI fraud funds. Company 1, which provided professional support services to the MD-DOL to review UI claims and administer UI benefits, employed co-conspirators Bryan Nushawn Ruffin, 27, of Woodbridge, Virginia, and Kiara Smith, 27, of Fort Washington, Maryland. As detailed in the plea agreement, Hussain and his co-conspirators possessed and used computers that Company 1 issued to Ruffin and Smith to access non-public UI data and databases maintained by the MD-DOL. Ruffin and Smith then granted Hussain and his co-conspirators access to MD-DOL databases which they used to change information on existing UI claims. This included the contact email address, online account password, and payment method for existing UI claims. The co-conspirators furthered the scheme by using the identity theft victims’ personal identifying information (PII). They also used their access to the MD-DOL databases to upload and approve documents submitted in support of fraudulent UI claims, remove fraud holds on UI claims, certify weeks for determining UI benefits, and engage in other actions to facilitate the fraudulent UI benefits payments. During the scheme, the MD-DOL believed they were disbursing UI benefits to debit cards/accounts of UI applicants, but the accounts were allegedly opened and controlled by Hussain and his co-conspirators. Hussain faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud conspiracy and a mandatory sentence of two years, consecutive to any other imposed sentence, for aggravated identity theft. Co-Defendants Ruffin, Smith, and Ahmed Hussain, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, aka “Oso,” already pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Co-Defendants Lawrence Nathanial Harris, 31, of Temple Hills, Maryland, aka “Manman” and “Biggbank,” and Terry Chen, 25, of Bowie, Maryland, aka “Mike Livingston” and “2Trunt Up” are awaiting trial. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Zakria Hussain’s sentencing is currently set for December 19, at 10 a.m. The District of Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force 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 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 justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DOL-OIG and the FBI for their work in the investigation and the MD-DOL for its assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber, Paul A. Riley, and Joseph L. Wenner, who are prosecuting the case, and recognized the Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force and Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber for their valuable assistance. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced to 2½ Years in Federal Prison  for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Felon

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 man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on July 21, 2025. William Janis, 25, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. This sentence was ordered to run consecutively to a state custody sentence Janis is serving for a prior drug conviction. Janis was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in February 2025. He pleaded guilty on April 28, 2025. In December 2024, Janis was contacted by law enforcement officers after he was seen yelling outside an apartment complex in Rapid City and trying to gain access inside. Officers learned Janis had an active warrant, and he was subsequently arrested. After being arrested, Janis informed officers he had a firearm in his waistband. Officers located and seized a 9mm pistol. Janis had previously been convicted of a felony, was on parole for a felony drug conviction, and knew he was also prohibited from possessing firearms pursuant to his parole agreement. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case. Janis was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: DEFENDANT CONVICTED AND SENTENCED IN LONG-TERM METHAMPHETAMINE TRAFFICKING INVESTIGATION IN WASHINGTON COUNTY

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – A federal judge sentenced Brandon Taylor, 42, to 180-months in federal prison after having previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. United States Attorney Heekin said: “Distribution of methamphetamine and other drugs in the smaller towns and rural areas of northwest Florida have a devastating effect on the citizens of those communities. My office is committed to working with our local and state partners, and the federal law enforcement agencies, to aggressively target and prosecute those who distribute these deadly drugs in our district.” “The hard work and determination of the law enforcement agencies involved ultimately led to the arrest of Taylor and identified several additional drug suppliers in surrounding states,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Miami Field Division Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter. “Methamphetamine is a dangerous drug that can destroy families and communities. The surrounding areas will be safer and healthier with this drug trafficker off the streets.” “I really appreciate the invaluable assistance provided by our federal partners in the prosecution of Brandon Taylor. Several families, not only in our county but in the surrounding counties, have been affected by Taylor’s unnecessary distribution of methamphetamine,” stated Sheriff Crews, Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Court documents reflect that from 2019 through 2022, Taylor received large quantities of methamphetamine from a source in Georgia and distributed those drugs to dealers and users in Washington County and Bay County. He used a courier provided by his source in Georgia or recruited subordinate drug dealers and users from the area to travel and pick up the drugs for him. He paid them in methamphetamine. This same investigation led to the prosecution and conviction of four other Washington County residents in 2023, who were customers of Taylor. The investigation led to the seizure of several kilograms of methamphetamine, and the identification of illegal drug sources in Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. This case resulted from a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Chipley Police Department, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorney Walter Narramore prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) 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). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Sioux City Man Sentenced to More than Five Years for Illegal Possession of Firearms

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Romario Pierre-Louis, age 30, from Sioux City, was sentenced July 18, 2025, to more than 5 years in federal prison, after a March 6, 2025, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a felon. Evidence in the case revealed just after midnight on October 15, 2024, law enforcement was called to a domestic assault disturbance. Law enforcement was informed that Pierre-Louis was armed and was pointing a gun at people in the area. When officers arrived on scene, a witness stated that after the dispute Pierre-Louis was seen carrying a rifle wrapped in a blanket along with a couple of pistols to a nearby residence. The weapons were recovered from the neighbor’s house, where Pierre-Louis tried to hide them. Pierre-Louis admitted to law enforcement he knew he was not able to have firearms due to being a felon. Pierre-Louis was convicted in 2019 of armed carjacking in Cook County, Illinois for which he served six years in state prison. He had recently been released from that sentence. Pierre-Louis was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 63 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. Pierre-Louis is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was investigated by Sioux City Police department and the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol Tabaco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-4085. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Badger, Iowa, Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child Pornography

body_text: Kenneth Brown, 60, from Badger, Iowa, was convicted of one count of possession of child pornography, on July 22, 2025, in Sioux City federal court. At the plea hearing, Brown admitted that from early May 2023, through April 3, 2024, he received and possessed child pornography. A CyberTip to law enforcement revealed 32 files of child pornography had been uploaded to the internet from Brown’s cell phone. During a forensic examination of Brown’s phone, 27 videos and 28 images of child pornography were found, some containing materials depicting sadistic and masochistic conduct as well as prepubescent children and toddlers. Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Brown remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Brown faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” The case was investigated by the Webster County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-3013. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.