title: Walgreen Co. Agrees to Pay Over $2.8 Million to Settle Allegations of Overbilling Medicaid Programs

body_text: BOSTON – Walgreen Co. (Walgreens) has agreed to pay over $2.8 million to resolve allegations that it violated the federal, Massachusetts and Georgia False Claims Acts by submitting inflated prices for certain generic medications to the Massachusetts and Georgia Medicaid programs. The Massachusetts Medicaid program (MassHealth) and the Georgia Medicaid program are jointly funded and administered federal and state programs that cover medical costs, including medication costs, for persons with limited income. The MassHealth and the Georgia Medicaid program reimburse Walgreens’ pharmacies for dispensing generic medications to beneficiaries using the lowest of four reporting price points. One of the four price points is each pharmacy’s “usual and customary price,” which is generally the amount of money the pharmacy is willing to accept for a medication on that date of service. The United States, Massachusetts and Georgia allege that, between 2008 and 2023, Walgreens’ pharmacies submitted a higher usual and customary price to the MassHealth and Georgia Medicaid programs for certain generic medications at certain times. By failing to report the correct usual and customary price, Walgreens’ pharmacies allegedly caused the MassHealth and Georgia Medicaid programs to pay more for these generic medications than they should have. The settlement resolves, in part, claims brought by a whistleblower under the qui tam provisions of the federal, Massachusetts, and Georgia False Claims Acts. Under all three False Claims Acts, private parties may sue on behalf of the government and receive a share of a recovery. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell; Georgia Attorney General Christopher M. Carr; and Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. This matter is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Sharobem of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit; Assistant Attorney General Ian Marinoff and Analyst Will Welsh of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office’s Medicaid Fraud Division; Assistant Attorney General Richard Tangum of the Georgia Attorney General’s Office, and Assistant Attorney General Heather D’Orazio of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.


title: St. Michael man sentenced for possessing a firearm as a felon during a domestic violence assault

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A St. Michael man was sentenced Tuesday to over three years in prison and will serve three years on supervised release for possessing a firearm as a felon during a domestic violence assault. According to court documents, on Oct. 21, 2023, Ryan Washington, 40, began verbally assaulting witnesses in their residence in St. Michael. After this incident, Washington left the residence with a shotgun. Washington claimed he was going “duck hunting,” and one of the witnesses reported the incident to the Village Police Officer (VPO). Court documents explain that Washington returned a short time later and pointed the shotgun at one of the witnesses, instructing him to get out of the residence. The witness immediately left out of fear of being shot by Washington and reported the assault to the VPO, who reported it to the Alaska State Troopers (AST). The next morning, two Troopers arrived in St. Michael to investigate the assault. After interviewing one of the witnesses, the Troopers arrested Washington and seized the shotgun. Prior to the charged conduct, Washington had been convicted of three state felonies, including assault and sexual abuse of a minor. On Nov. 7, 2024, Washington pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. “Mr. Washington is a repeat criminal offender who has consistently caused problems in the St. Michael community,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “In my recent travel to a few rural villages, Tribal partners have voiced the widespread damage one criminal can cause in the community, which is why prosecuting federal crimes committed in these villages is a priority for my office. We encourage our rural Alaskan neighbors to continue reporting these crimes to law enforcement so we can continue working with partners to hold dangerous offenders accountable when federal jurisdiction is warranted.” “The Alaska State Troopers will continue to work tirelessly with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to hold anyone that victimizes Alaskans accountable for their actions,” said Alaska State Trooper Colonel Maurice Hughes. “This sentence sends a clear message: violent offenders who use firearms to harm others will face significant jail time for their actions. There is no place for domestic violence in our state, and we remain committed to seeking justice for victims and ensuring the safety of Alaskans.” “Domestic violence has no place in our communities,” said U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Furthering this with a firearm makes this even more heinous, particularly when, as a felon, Mr. Washington knew he was not supposed to possess them. This is a well-deserved sentence.” AST and the ATF Anchorage Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody Tirpak prosecuted the case. This case was referred to the U.S. Attorney’s Office by the Alaska Department of Law, Nome District Attorney’s Office. ###


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced To Prison For Possession Of Ammunition In Ghost Gun

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Leopold Rob Finley, 45, of Candler, N.C. was sentenced today to 48 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possessing ammunition loaded in a “ghost gun,” announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. At the time, Finley was on supervised release for a federal drug conviction. Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, and Chief Michael Lamb of the Asheville Police Department (APD), join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making the announcement. According to filed documents and court proceedings, on December 20, 2022, Finley’s vehicle was stopped by APD officers for a traffic violation. During a search of the vehicle, a “ghost gun” was recovered from Finley’s car. A “ghost gun” is an untraceable firearm with no serial number that is assembled by components purchased separately or as part of a kit. The ghost gun was loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition. When Finley was arrested, he was on federal supervised release for a prior drug conviction, specifically distribution of heroin and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, heroin, and marijuana. Finley is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the ATF and the Asheville Police Department for their investigation of the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case.


title: Pasco Drug Dealer Who to Attempted Assault a Richland Police Officer Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker announced that Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced Leonardo Daniel Martinez, age 32, of Pasco, Washington to 125 months in prison for trafficking fentanyl. Chief Judge Bastian also imposed 5 years of supervised release. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on May 20, 2022, Richland Police Department (RPD) officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a house involving Martinez. Officers told Martinez to leave, but he refused and attempted to assault an officer. Officers took Martinez into custody, and during the arrest pat down, found a 9mm handgun on Martinez’s person. At the time he possessed the handgun, Martinez was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his criminal history, which included a domestic violence conviction. Inside of Martinez’s dark blue BMW, RPD located an additional handgun, 10,179 fentanyl pills, $72,354 in cash, a small quantity of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and three cell phones. “Domestic violence is a significant source of firearm-related crime in Eastern Washington and in the Tri-Cities area. Domestic violence offenders are far more likely to engage in intimate partner violence as well as violence directed at law enforcement officers responding to emergency calls,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Barker. “This danger is further exasperated when offenders, like Mr. Martinez, possess large quantities of dangerous narcotics. I am grateful for the dedication of the DEA and Richland Police Department for their diligent work in removing large volumes of dangerous fentanyl from our communities.” “Mr. Martinez disregarded the safety of those around him by engaging in domestic violence, attempting to assault a police officer, carrying a handgun, and possessing enough fentanyl to potentially kill almost 6,000 people,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Our community is safer with Mr. Martinez behind bars, and I am gratified that the Drug Enforcement Administration could help the Richland Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office make that happen.” This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Richland Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie Van Marter and Brandon L. Pang. 4:22-cr-06034-SAB


title: Four Individuals and One Company Plead Guilty to Bid Rigging Schemes and Related Crimes Plaguing Public Schools in Mississippi and Louisiana

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: Four individuals and one company pleaded guilty in three separate U.S. District Courts for their roles in various bid rigging and wire fraud conspiracies which targeted the sale of sports equipment to public schools throughout Mississippi and Louisiana. The schemes affected sales to hundreds of public schools in both states. The individuals and company pleaded guilty between February and March of 2025. Yesterday, Patrick Joseph Stewart of Hattiesburg, Mississippi pleaded guilty to one count of bid rigging and one count of wire fraud affecting sales to at least 69 public schools in the Eastern District of Louisiana. In the Southern District of Mississippi, Maurice Daniel Bowering Jr., of Hattiesburg, Mississippi pleaded guilty to five counts of bid rigging affecting sales to at least 50 public schools on March 6; and Robert Tucker Craig of Starkville, Mississippi pleaded guilty to three counts of bid rigging affecting sales to at least 38 public schools and one count of obstruction for the deletion of related evidence on Feb. 19. Lastly, Robert Douglas Heflin of Starkville, Mississippi pleaded guilty to two counts of bid rigging affecting sales to at least 31 public schools on March 4; and Mississippi company Wilder Fitness Equipment Inc., pleaded guilty to two counts of bid rigging affecting sales to at least 60 public schools on Feb. 20, in the Northern District of Mississippi. “School sports are integral to the development and upbringing of American children. From these opportunities, they learn the benefits of teamwork and open competition. Bid rigging, on the other hand, is the antithesis of American meritocracy. It is also patently unlawful,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The defendants here selfishly targeted school sports programs, depriving students of an opportunity to thrive. The Antitrust Division’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force has zero tolerance for bid collusion schemes, particularly when they target children.” “The defendants rigged bids for school sports equipment which resulted in an unfair playing field,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick Lemon for the Southern District of Mississippi. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi is committed to working with our law enforcement and Antitrust Division partners to protect school athletics and taxpayer dollars.” “Financial fraud perpetrated against the U.S. government is a serious crime,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “Particularly egregious, is fraud that undercuts government procurement processes and erodes public trust in the fair-bidding practice. These guilty pleas send a clear and decisive message that our office, along with our federal partners, will continue to protect the taxpayer by vigorously investigating and prosecuting all such corruption cases.” “Bid rigging and the collusion that makes it possible drive up prices for taxpayers and will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner for the Northern District of Mississippi. “We will continue our commitment to work with the FBI and to root out corruption.” “This investigation underscores the FBI’s commitment to safeguarding public schools from criminal schemes that defraud the American people and exploit taxpayer money,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office. “Stewart, Bowering, Craig, Heflin, and Wilder Fitness Equipment Inc. were in positions to help shape children's learning, the benefits of physical fitness in living prosperous lives. Instead, these co-conspirators chose to abuse the trust given to them by stealing future opportunities from students in fraudulently filling their pockets with the hard-earned tax dollars schools are entrusted to invest in the development of America's future leaders. The FBI will continue to work with our federal partners to relentlessly pursue and bring justice to individuals and companies who use fraudulent schemes to defraud our communities.” According to court documents, Craig, Bowering, Heflin, Stewart, and Wilder Fitness Equipment Inc. entered into conspiracies in which they agreed to submit complementary bids to public schools to obtain procurements for sports equipment and related services. The longest of the charged conspiracies lasted more than a decade. Two other co-conspirators, Charles Ferrell Trimm and Bradley D. Willcutt, previously pleaded guilty in the Southern District of Mississippi in May 2024 and September 2024, respectively. The maximum penalty for the Sherman Act is 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit wire fraud is 20 years in prison, a criminal fine, and Court-ordered restitution. The maximum penalty for obstruction in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1512(c) is 20 years in prison and a criminal fine of no more than $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine the sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Today’s guilty pleas result from an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the school sports equipment industry being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant Chief Laura Butte; Trial Attorneys Jill Rogowski, Marc Hedrich, and Hannah Muller; and Senior Litigation Counsel Paul Torzilli are prosecuting the case. Anyone with information about this investigation or other procurement fraud schemes should notify the PCSF at www.justice.gov/atr/webform/pcsf-citizen-complaint . The Justice Department created the PCSF in November 2019. It is a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force .


title: Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment Charging 14  Defendants with Drug Conspiracy, Racketeering, and Firearms Charges

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

body_text: SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook, along with DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Keith Bakewell, Lincoln Parish Sheriff J. Stephen Williams, Louisiana State Police Captain Eric Cuenca, and Ruston Police Department Chief Eric Watson, have joined together in a press conference today to announce the indictment of 14 defendants on drug and firearms charges related to a drug trafficking conspiracy in the Ruston, Louisiana area. A federal grand jury returned the indictment charging the following individuals with drug conspiracy, racketeering, and firearms charges. The defendants named in the indictment and the charges they face are as follows: Defendant Name Charges Cornelius Boston, a/k/a “C-Rock” Age 44 of Ruston, LA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon Shedrick Green, III a/k/a “Shed” Age 40 of Ruston, LA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Ferrano Barnes, a/k/a “Quan” Age 54 of Lodi, CA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Marcus Gray Age 41 of Salina, KS Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Landon Askins Age 42 of Ruston, LA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Brodrick Graham, a/k/a “Broderick Graham” Age 31 of Ruston, LA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Kimoni McMurray, a/k/a “KiMoney” Age 46 of Ruston, LA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Jakevdrick Carter, a/k/a “OB” Age 34 of Ruston, LA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Ladavid Hunter Age 37 of Jonesboro, LA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Jason Teddy Potts Age 46 of Ruston, LA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Roy Lee Williams, a/k/a “Mickey” Age 40 of Ruston, LA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Tangua Raybon, a/k/a “Tangua King” Age 56 of Winnfield, LA Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering There are two additional individuals not named above who have been charged in this indictment. We are unable to disclose their identity at this time. The indictment alleges that between January 1, 2022, and continuing through on or about November 27, 2024, in the Western District of Louisiana and elsewhere, the 14 defendants knowingly and intentionally conspired together to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. The indictment further alleges that on November 27, 2024, Cornelius Boston possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessed a Glock 9mm caliber pistol, Model 45, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and as a convicted felon. In addition, it is alleged that on or about November 27, 2024, Shedrick Green, III knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. On or about September 10, 2024, it is also alleged that Roy Lee Williams knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. In addition to the drug conspiracy and possession charges, the indictment alleges that between on or about May 1, 2021, and on or about November 27, 2024, Tangua Raybon knowingly traveled in interstate commerce between the State of Louisiana and the State of Texas with the intent to distribute the proceeds of an unlawful activity which was the distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The indictment includes a sentencing enhancement for Boston, Green, Askins, McMurray, Hunter, and Potts . As a result of their prior serious felony drug trafficking convictions, they are each subject to increased punishment under the criminal statute. If convicted, the defendants face a sentence of not less than 10 years or more than life in prison, a fine of up to $10,000,000, or both. An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The case is being investigated by DEA, ATF, Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, Ruston Police Department, Sulphur Police Department, Louisiana National Guard Counterdrug Unit, Louisiana Air National Guard, and U.S. Marshals Service, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica D. Cassidy. 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). This ongoing investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. # # #


title: Former Corrections Officer Convicted of Committing Perjury After Making False Statements During an Investigation into Use of Excessive Force at Prison

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Richard Wargo, a former Sergeant at Pender Correctional Institution, pled guilty today to committing perjury before a federal grand jury in a civil rights investigation. Wargo, 37, faces up to 60 months in prison when sentenced later this year. According to court documents and other information presented in court, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) began an investigation in 2022 into Pender Correctional Institution (PCI), in Burgaw, after receiving multiple allegations of officers using excessive force against inmates in the prior year. During one incident, which occurred on November 17, 2021, PCI officers removed an inmate from a dorm room due to apparent intoxication and took him to a separate shipping and receiving building with no surveillance cameras. The inmate was handcuffed and struck with a baton multiple times, resulting in lacerations on his legs and scarring. Wargo was working the night shift when the November 17, 2021, incident occurred and was tasked with preparing the incident report regarding the use of force. In his report, Wargo omitted that he was present during or involved in the use of force. It was the prison’s policy that no one involved in the incident should prepare the incident report. The FBI interviewed Wargo in August 2023. When asked about the November 17, 2021, incident, Wargo described being the investigating officer but said he otherwise was in no way involved and was not even present for the use of force. He appeared before a federal grand jury on August 22, 2023, and while under oath, gave the same account. However, grand jury testimony from other officers and witnesses established that Wargo was present in the shipping and receiving building during the assault. Two officers testified that Wargo participated in the assault, striking the inmate with a baton, while another officer testified that he saw Wargo standing over the inmate. Wargo agreed to a second, audio recorded interview on February 26, 2024. He again denied being present for or participating in the November 17, 2021, use of force incident. But when confronted with evidence to the contrary, Wargo admitted that he had entered the shipping and receiving building during an ongoing use of force incident. He further admitted that he had drawn his baton and witnessed other officers strike the inmate with batons. Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Terrence W. Boyle accepted the plea. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake D. Pugh is prosecuting the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:24-cr-0043-BO. ###


title: Melbourne Man Indicted For Enticing A Minor To Engage In Sexual Activity And Other Child Sexual Abuse Offenses

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging Kacey Caudill (28, Melbourne) with one count of enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, one count of production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), three counts of receipt of CSAM, and one count of possession of CSAM involving a minor under 12 years of age. If convicted on the enticement count, Caudill faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. For the production of CSAM count, he faces a minimum sentence of 15 years, up to 30 years. Each receipt count carries a minimum sentence of 5 years, up to 20 years, and for the possession of CSAM count, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, Caudill committed these offenses between August 2 and October 9, 2024. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson. This is another case 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.justice.gov/psc .


title: Orlando Man Indicted For Possessing Multiple Firearms  As A Convicted Felon

body_text: Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging Latchman Singh (31, Orlando) with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. If convicted, Singh faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the indictment, on January 17, 2025, Singh possessed multiple firearms including, two Glock firearms, two Sig Sauer firearms, two Specialized Tactical System firearms, an Aero Precision firearm, a Beretta firearm, a S.C. Nova Grup S.R.L firearm, a Ruger firearm, one Polymer 80 Inc. firearm, a privately made firearm made from a Polymer80 Inc. frame, a SOTA Arms firearm, a Remington firearm, a Springfield Armory firearm, a Spike’s tactical firearm, and a Palmetto State Armory firearm. At the time he possessed each firearm, Singh had multiple prior felony convictions, including fraudulent use of personal identification information and possession of cannabis with intent to see or deliver. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson. 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).


title: Ecuadorian National Indicted For Attempting To Smuggle Firearms Out Of The United States

body_text: Orlando, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging Karla Alejandra Tejena Parraga (38, Ecuador) with attempted smuggling of firearms. If convicted, Tejena Parraga faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. According to the indictment, on February 19, 2025, Tejena Parraga fraudulently attempted to export a firearm and firearm part from the United States to Panama. Prior to the attempted exportation, Tejena Parraga concealed, received, bought or sold, or facilitated such, knowing the firearm and firearm part was intended for exportation contrary to any law or regulation of the United States. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie McNeff. 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).


title: Armed Whiteville Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 23 Years

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A Whiteville man was sentenced today to 23 years in prison for trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. On February 9, 2024, Marion Lamont Flowers, age 43, pled guilty to the charges. According to court documents and other information presented in court, in 2020, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, Whiteville Police Department, and the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) began investigating Flowers for drug trafficking. Between December 2020 and July 2021, law enforcement oversaw seven controlled purchases of cocaine and methamphetamine from Flowers. On July 20, 2021, a confidential informant arranged to purchase 1 kilogram of methamphetamine from Flowers. When Flowers arrived to make the sale, he was apprehended by law enforcement and taken into custody. A search of Flowers’ vehicle recovered 893.8 grams of methamphetamine (97% purity), more than $2000 in cash and a loaded PH 13 handgun. l Based on surveillance during the investigation, Flowers was operating out of a hotel room at an EconoLodge. Agents executed search warrants on two rooms rented by Flowers and seized MDMA pills, Xanax pills, Alprazolam and Buprenorphine pills. They also seized 37 grams of cocaine base (crack), 249 grams of cocaine, 27 grams of fentanyl and nearly $4000 in cash. Flowers has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 1995 when he was convicted of assault with intent to kill and robbery with a dangerous weapon for robbing a Hasty Mart Store. During the robbery, Flowers shot a customer in the neck. In 2004, he pled guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon after robbing a BB&T bank. In 2016, Flowers pled guilty to possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine and to delivering cocaine. As the sentencing judge noted at Flowers’ hearing, Flowers has also performed poorly while incarcerated, incurring over 30 infractions while serving time for previous convictions. Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The N.C. State Bureau of Investigation, the Whiteville Police Department and the Columbus County Sheriff investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Lemons prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:22-CR-00135-D-001. ###


title: Killeen Man and Former Soldiers Sentenced for Multi-Million Dollar Fort Cavazos Equipment Theft Conspiracy

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: WACO, Texas – A Killeen man was sentenced in a federal court in Waco to 120 months in prison for buying and selling U.S. Army equipment that had been stolen by soldiers and former soldiers. According to court documents, beginning in January 2017, Benjamin Alvarado Jr., 32, purchased thousands of military items, owned by the United States, from co-conspirators Darius Alston, Justin Wallas and Gabriel Taylor, and Kynyqus Bryant. The co-conspirators were U.S. Army soldiers stationed at Fort Cavazos and had participated in at least seven thefts of U.S. government property from Fort Cavazos. Collectively, they coordinated with Alvarado throughout the scheme through telecommunications and text messages. Investigators with the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (Army CID) traced several transactions through online sellers, such as eBay, to Alvarado, who, on Aug, 9, 2021, was discovered to be selling multiple M-50 gas masks similar to what had been reported stolen from Fort Cavazos. Alvarado was also selling filters for the masks, night vision device image intensifier tubes, Litefighter tents, and other miscellaneous sensitive property being transported in interstate and foreign commerce with a value of $5,000 or more. Executed search warrants resulted in the recovery of more than 24,000 individual items stolen from the U.S. government, including, in addition to the items previously named, weapons parts, and Level III and Level IV body armor. The recovered properties were valued at approximately $2.75 million. Another search warrant led to the recovery of another $100,000 worth of military property at a Killeen storage building. The investigation also revealed that, on or about Jan. 5, 2021, Alvarado participated in the sale and transfer of a Joint Chemical Agent Detector M4A1 to a buyer in China through an intermediary in Delaware. Alvarado stated he had purchased 90% of the 24,000 items seized from Bryant and Alston, who were assigned to the 553rd Combat Service Support Battalion. Taylor later confessed that he had participated as the lookout in a July 2021 robbery on Fort Cavazos, while other members of the conspiracy retrieved the items. Alston stated that he had conducted seven or eight theft operations with Bryant and the others, also as a lookout. On Sept. 3, 2019, Alvarado transferred a cashier’s check for $52,890.55 to a title company for a residence in Killeen. On July 7, 2021, Alvarado transferred a personal check for $50,000 to a licensed automobile dealer for the purchase of a 2013 McLaren MP4. Following the April 2022 indictment, Alvarado forfeited the house and the car. Alvarado pleaded guilty on Oct. 31, 2023 to one count of theft of government property conspiracy, one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, two counts of money laundering, and one count of smuggling goods from the United States. On March 26, Alvarado was sentenced to 120 months custody in federal prison. Alston, Wallas and Taylor were also sentenced with Alvarado. Alston and Wallas were each sentenced to 30 months in federal prison. Taylor was sentenced to five years of probation. Bryant was sentenced to five years of probation and incurred a $2,000 fine on March 24. In addition to their sentences, Alston, Wallas, Taylor, and Bryant were ordered to pay $618,750 in restitution. Alvarado was ordered to pay a restitution of $2,367,780.12. “Alvarado and his co-conspirators engaged in a massive scheme to steal, store and sell millions of dollars’ worth of U.S. military equipment—not only taking advantage of our government but placing personal profit over national security and military readiness,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “Thank you to all of the federal law enforcement agencies involved for provided their individual specialized investigative skills to this case and reinforcing the fact that criminals who engage in this illicit reckless behavior will be caught and prosecuted.” “We traced Alvarado’s sales and profits, which helped lead the team to seize assets like his real estate, his bank accounts and his McLaren. There are no sports cars and lavish lifestyles for Alvarado in prison,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Lucy Tan, of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office. “The moment he left a money trail, it sealed his fate. As the law enforcement division of the IRS, we follow the money to bring criminals to justice.” "These sentencings are a result of a highly successful joint investigative effort by the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) and our investigative partners" said Acting Special Agent in Charge Chad Gosch of the Department of Defense – Office of Inspector General, DCIS Southwest Field Office. "Ensuring the integrity of DoD supply chains, safeguarding taxpayer investments and, most importantly, protecting the warfighter are top priorities for DCIS." “Joint efforts with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners demonstrate our unified commitment to actively identify, disrupt, deter, and dismantle unlawful activity," said Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Central Texas Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Maria Thomas. “The result of this investigation shows that our agents, and those of our partner law enforcement agencies, are relentless in our pursuit of those who violate their position of trust in safeguarding Army resources and property for monetary gain. Corruption and fraud in U.S. Army programs jeopardize the safety of our warfighters.” “This case highlights the partnership and commitment between Homeland Security Investigations and Army CID in securing the Homeland by targeting malicious actors stealing and exporting sensitive military equipment,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “HSI, in collaboration with law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively investigate and dismantle criminal networks that threaten the country’s national security.” IRS-CI, DCIS, Army CID, the Department of State and HSI investigated the case with assistance from the Killeen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Blanton prosecuted the case. ###


title: Long-Time Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips Leader Charged in 43-Count Indictment Alleging Murder, Extortion, Fraud, and Tax Crimes

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury has returned a 43-count indictment charging a music label owner and purported anti-gang activist who is a long-time leader of a South Los Angeles street gang with dozens of felonies, including fraud, robbery, extortion, tax evasion, embezzlement of donations to his charity that receives public money, and running a racketeering conspiracy in which he allegedly murdered an aspiring musician, the Justice Department announced today. Eugene Henley, Jr., 58, a.k.a. “Big U,” of the Hyde Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, two counts of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and extortion (Hobbs Act), one count of Hobbs Act robbery, nine counts of attempted Hobbs Act extortion, five counts of Hobbs Act extortion, one count of transportation of an individual in interstate commerce with intent that the individual engage in prostitution (Mann Act), 15 counts of wire fraud, five counts of embezzlement, conversion, and intentional misapplication of funds from an organization receiving federal funds, one count of bank fraud, one count of tax evasion, and two counts of willful failure to file a tax return. Henley – a long-time member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips street gang – has been in federal custody since March 19 after being charged in a federal criminal complaint. His arraignment is scheduled for April 8 in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. He has a detention hearing scheduled for April 10, also in Los Angeles federal court. Also charged in today’s indictment are: Sylvester Robinson, 59, a.k.a. “Vey,” of Northridge; Mark Martin, 50, a.k.a. “Bear Claw,” of the Beverlywood area of Los Angeles; Termaine Ashley Williams, 42, a.k.a. “Luce Cannon,” of Las Vegas; Armani Aflleje, 38, a.k.a. “Mani,” of Koreatown neighborhood of Los Angeles; Fredrick Blanton Jr., 43, of South Los Angeles; and Tiffany Shanrika Hines, 51, of Yorba Linda. These defendants are in federal custody and are expected to be arraigned in the coming weeks. “As the indictment alleges, Mr. Henley led a criminal enterprise whose conduct ranged from murder to sophisticated fraud that included stealing from taxpayers and a charity,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “Eradicating gangs and organized crime is the Department of Justice's top priority. Today's charges against the leadership of this criminal outfit will make our neighborhoods in Los Angeles safer.” According to the indictment returned on Wednesday, from 2010 until March 2025, Henley’s criminal group – identified in court documents as the “Big U Enterprise” – operated as a mafia-like organization that utilized Henley’s stature and long-standing association with the Rollin’ 60s and other street gangs to intimidate businesses and individuals in Los Angeles. Henley is widely regarded as a leader within the Rollin’ 60s and rose to prominence in the street gang during the 1980s. While the Big U Enterprise at times partnered with the Rollin’ 60s and other criminal elements for mutual benefit, the Big U Enterprise is a distinct and independent criminal enterprise engaged in criminal activity including murder, extortion, robbery, trafficking and exploiting sex workers, fraud, and illegal gambling. Not only did the enterprise expand its power through violence, fear, and intimidation, but it also used social media platforms, documentaries, podcasts, interviews, and Henley’s reputation and status as an “O.G.” (original gangster) to create fame for – and stoke fear of – the Big U Enterprise, its members, and its associates. For example, in January 2021, Henley murdered a victim – identified in the indictment as “R.W.” – an aspiring musician signed to Uneek Music, Henley’s music label. Henley shot and killed R.W., who had recorded a defamatory song about Henley. Henley then dragged the victim’s body off Interstate 15 in Las Vegas and left it in a ditch. Henley also committed other crimes, including fraudulently obtaining a COVID-19 business-relief loan for Uneek Music, which operated at a loss and was ineligible for such relief. He used his anti-gang charity, Developing Options, as a front for fraudulent activities and to insulate other members of the Big U Enterprise from law enforcement suspicion. Henley further embezzled large donations that celebrities and award-winning companies made to Developing Options, which Henley immediately converted to his personal bank account. According to the indictment, Developing Options is primarily funded through the City of Los Angeles’s Mayor’s Office through the Gang Reduction Youth Development (GRYD) Foundation, portions of which receive federal funding, but also receives donations from prominent sources, including NBA players. Finally, the indictment alleges that – as part of the racketeering conspiracy charge – that during the early morning hours of March 19, while law enforcement was arresting other members of the enterprise, Henley turned off his cellphones and fled his home. That day, Henley posted to the “Crenshaw Cougars” Instagram account, claiming racial profiling, blaming his co-defendants and opponents for the criminal charges filed against him in a federal criminal complaint, and instructing the public not to associate with his co-defendants and known opponents. Henley eventually surrendered to federal law enforcement without his phones. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, Henley, Robinson, Martin would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for the racketeering conspiracy count. The bank fraud count is punishable by up to 30 years in federal prison. The Hobbs Act conspiracy, robbery, and extortion and the wire fraud counts each carry a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. The Mann Act count and the theft concerning programs receiving federal funds count each carry a penalty of up to 10 years in federal prison. The tax evasion count carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison while the willful failure to pay file a tax return count is punishable by up to one year’s imprisonment. The FBI’s Los Angeles Metropolitan Task Force on Violent Gangs; IRS Criminal Investigation; the United States Department of Justice Office of Inspector General; the Los Angeles Police Department; and the North Las Vegas Police Department are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Butler and Jena A. MacCabe of the Violent and Organized Crime Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Mentmore Man Charged with Federal Assault and Strangulation

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Mentmore man is facing charges in federal court for allegedly assaulting and injuring a woman. According to court records, on December 5, 2024, Alery Al Reid , 26, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly assaulted and strangled Jane Doe. Reid is accused of inflicting substantial bodily injury on Jane Doe, including extensive facial bruising, neck abrasions, and other injuries. Reid is charged with assault by strangling and assault resulting in substantial bodily injury. Reid will remain with a third-party custodian on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Reid faces 15 years in prison. Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup 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 U.S. Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Charlotte Man Sentenced For Brandishing AR-15 Rifle During Restaurant Robbery

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jermond Santa Lowery, Jr., 29, of Charlotte, was sentenced in federal court today to seven years in prison for brandishing an AR-15 rifle during the robbery of a Waffle House, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, and Chief Johnny Jennings of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making the announcement. According to information in filed documents and court proceedings, on October 31, 2023, Lowery entered a Waffle House in Charlotte, where he brandished an AR-15 rifle. As the employees began to flee through the back door, Lowery shouted at the employees to get back and open the cash register, threatening to kill them. Court documents show that Lowery removed the cash register from the restaurant and fled the scene. CMPD officers arrested Lowery the next day. On September 26, 2024, Lowery pleaded guilty to brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He remains in federal custody pending placement by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The investigation was handled by the FBI and CMPD. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.


title: Mexican national extradited from Mexico to the United States pleads guilty to  drug and money laundering conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Gilberto Alarcon-Holguin a/k/a Beto, 57, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000. According to the plea agreement, on October 14, 2017, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized 10 kilograms of cocaine from an identified co-conspirator. HSI obtained a phone number as a point of contact for the delivery of the cocaine, which was linked to co-conspirators of Alarcon-Holguin. On October 19, 2017, HSI conducted a controlled delivery of 10 bricks of “sham” cocaine, which had been wrapped in the same manner as the seized kilograms of cocaine, to a motel parking lot in Corfu, NY. The bag was given to co-conspirator Eduardo Valdez, who was on the phone with Alarcon-Holguin during the delivery. Following the controlled delivery, the New York State Police conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle Valdez was riding in. HSI seized $259,960 in cash as a result of the controlled delivery. Subsequent investigation determined that Alarcon-Holguin had multiple communications with another co-conspirator, Edgar Pavia. Alarcon-Holguin provided instructions to Pavia about shipments of cocaine, packaging of money, and more, all of which was passed along to drug distributors supplied by Alarcon-Holguin in cities including Buffalo, and Louisville, KY. Alarcon-Holguin also passed information to Pavia that was separately conveyed to other co-conspirators, including those involved in the transportation of drugs. For example, on June 21, 2018, co-conspirator Adrian Goudelock received 40 kilograms of cocaine in Buffalo. Over the course of the conspiracy, Goudelock received multiple shipments of 10 kilograms of cocaine or more brokered by Pavia and supplied by Alarcon-Holguin. Alarcon-Holguin also provided instructions to Pavia on how Goudelock should wrap and mark money being sent back to Mexico. Specifically, Alarcon-Holguin told Pavia that Goudelock should wrap the money into 52 packages of $10,000 each. Other deliveries organized by Alarcon-Holguin during the investigation included: 17 kilograms of cocaine seized from a co-conspirator in West Seneca, NY, and shipments of 10, 15, 20, and 40 kilograms of cocaine to a co-conspirator in Kentucky. In addition, approximately $1,144,735 in cash was seized from a commercial truck driver in Chicago, Illinois. During the course of the investigation, investigators seized approximately $2,600,000. The plea is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan; the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia; and Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Unit, under the direction of Brian Manaher, Director, Marine Operations. Additional assistance was provided by the New York National Guard and Homeland Security Investigations, El Paso, Texas. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Alarcon-Holguin. Sentencing is scheduled for September 3, 2025, before Judge Sinatra. # # # #


title: Chinese National in Custody and Indicted After Allegedly Checking a Bag with a Firearm at Provo Airport

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Chinese national was indicted by a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City for a firearm crime after she allegedly possessed an undeclared pistol in her checked luggage and ammunition in her carry-on bag at the Provo Airport. Xuemei Zhao, 53, of People’s Republic of China, was initially charged by complaint on March 20, 2025. According to court documents, on March 20, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) discovered a black Rossi Braztech Int’l .357 revolver pistol in Zhao’s checked luggage, which was destined for Dallas – Ft. Worth via American Airlines flight 6189. Prior to delivering the suitcase to American Airlines, Zhao did not disclose the presence of the handgun to TSA or American Airlines. In addition to the firearm, Zhao had 9 rounds of .357 ammunition in her carry-on luggage. Zhao was taken into custody and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was contacted and confirmed Zhao arrived on a tourist visa, and had a currently pending asylum application, and was not a lawful permanent resident of the United States (she did not have a “green card”). Zhao is charged with possession of a firearm by a restricted person (alien). Her initial appearance on the indictment is March 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Provo Resident Agency. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Assistant United States Attorney Michael Kennedy of the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Honduras Man Charged with Multiple Firearms and Drug Charges

body_text: NASHVILLE – Carlos Alberto Diaz-Chavez, 21, a citizen of Honduras without legal status in the United States, has been charged by criminal complaint with being an Alien in possession of a firearm, possession of a machinegun, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee. “We will not hesitate to keep our community safe from those who would illegally possess dangerous firearms, deal deadly narcotics, and who put our first responders at risk by their actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire. According to court documents, on February 17, 2025, on Interstate 65 near the 67-mile marker, a Williamson County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) Deputy Sheriff observed a silver Toyota Camry that failed to move over into the next lane for a vehicle stopped on the side of Interstate 65 with its emergency lights on, in violation of Tennessee law. The Deputy activated the emergency lights on his patrol car to stop the Camry, at which point it came to a stop. As the Deputy approached the Camry and knocked on the passenger side window to speak with the occupants, the car accelerated at a high rate of speed and fled. WCSO Deputies deployed spike strips on Interstate 65 to disable its wheels. After the Camry’s tires were struck by the spike strips, it continued to drive towards Spring Hill, where it came to a stop by crashing into a guardrail. Three people ran from the car, including Diaz-Chavez, who got out of the back seat carrying a backpack. WCSO Deputies chased and caught Diaz-Chavez, and found a purple Palmetto State Armory, Model: PA-15, Caliber: Multi firearm, a bag containing approximately 15 grams of methamphetamine, 14 additional individual plastic baggies of methamphetamine weighing approximately 0.2 grams each, and a black digital scale in his backpack. The Deputies also searched the Camry and located two more firearms – a Glock, Model: 17, Caliber: 9x19 mm, and a Ruger, Model: Single-Six, Caliber: 22. Diaz-Chavez was arrested on state charges and transported to the Williamson County Jail. After waiving his Miranda rights, Diaz-Chavez admitted to being in possession of the Palmetto State Armory, PA-15, the Glock, Model: 17, and the Ruger Single-Six. He said he used the firearms for protection while he sold narcotics in the Nashville area. He also said that he was aware the Palmetto State Armory, PA-15, was a machinegun, which he purchased to have “more firepower” to protect himself while he sold narcotics in the Nashville area. Diaz-Chavez admitted that he is from Honduras, he entered the United States illegally in 2019, and he has stayed in the Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama area since his arrival. If convicted, Diaz-Chavez faces a maximum of 15 years years in federal prison on the Alien in possession of a firearm count, 10 years on the possession of a machinegun count, 20 years on the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine count, and a mandatory minimum of five years consecutive to all other punishment on the possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking count. He also faces up to a $1,000,000 fine on the drug trafficking count, and a $250,000 fine on each of the firearms offenses. This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Stephens is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # # # #


title: Two Former VA Employees Plead Guilty To Conspiracy To Commit Honest Services Wire Fraud

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – On March 26, 2024, Monika D. Schorer, 59, of Jonesborough, Tennessee, and Teresa Schorer, 59, of Jonesborough, Tennessee, entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud before the Honorable Clifton L. Corker, United States District Judge in the United States District Court at Greeneville. Each defendant faces a term of up to 20 years in Federal prison, $250,000 in fines, and supervised release of three years. Under their written plea agreements, each defendant has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $213,154.50 for a combined total of $426,309. Sentencing for Monika Schorer has been set for July 23, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. and sentencing for Teresa Schorer’s has been set for July 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., both before Judge Corker in the United States District Court at Greeneville. According to their plea agreements, which have been filed with the court, each woman worked for the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center in Mountain Home, Tennessee, and each accepted cash bribe payments from individuals who worked as a surgical sales representative for an independent distributor of a nationwide orthopedic company that manufactured replacement joints and products used during surgeries in which those joints were implanted. The sales representatives routinely sold products to the VA Medical Center where the women worked. According to the filed plea agreements, the sales representatives (who have previously entered guilty pleas) formed a separate company in June 2018 and began selling their own acquired inventory to the VA at inflated prices or when not medically necessary, resulting in losses to the VA. By their written plea agreements, each defendant agreed that they conspired and accepted cash bribe payments from the sales representatives of $9,900 each in September 2018 and $7,000 each in October 2018 for their agreement to commit, collude, and aid in the fraud against the VA. U.S. Attorney Francis M. “Trey” Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee; Nate Landkammer, Special Agent-in-Charge, Mid Atlantic Field Office, VA Office of the Inspector General; Elisa Pellegrini, Special Agent-in-Charge, General Services Administration (GSA) Office of the Inspector General, Mid-Atlantic Division; and Donald “Trey” Eakins, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by the VA Office of the Inspector General, GSA Office of the Inspector General, and the IRS. Assistant United States Attorneys Mac D. Heavener, III, and Ryan Blackwell, represent the United States. ###


title: Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment Against 5 Louisville Residents - Charges Include Fentanyl and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – On March 19, 2025, a federal grand jury in Louisville charged 5 Louisville residents in an indictment involving fentanyl and firearms offenses. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to the indictment, Abdulkadir Malindo , 21, Abdulkadir Ali , 21, Hussein Hussein , 19, Henry Martinez , 20, and Bilal Malindo , 19, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl between October 28, 2024, and March 5, 2025. Abdulkadir Malindo is also charged with twelve counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, seven counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of illegal possession of a machine gun, and one count of firearms trafficking. On the following dates, Abdulkadir Malindo possessed the listed firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On November 9, 2024, Abdulkadir Malindo possessed a Plumcrazy Firearms, Gen II, multi-caliber pistol. On December 3, 2024, Abdulkadir Malindo possessed a P80, 9-millimeter pistol. On December 5, 2024, Abdulkadir Malindo possessed an American Tactical Imports, Omni Hybrid, multi-caliber pistol. On December 12, 2024, Abdulkadir Malindo possessed a Glock Switch. A Glock Switch device allows a semi-automatic handgun to function as an automatic and is defined as a machine gun under federal law. On January 2, 2025, Abdulkadir Malindo possessed a Glock, Model 19X, 9-millimeter pistol. On January 17, 2025, Abdulkadir Malindo possessed a Bear Creek Arsenal, Model BCA19, multi-caliber pistol and a Canik55, Model TP-9SF, 9-millimeter pistol. On March 5, 2025, Abdulkadir Malindo possessed a Palmetto, multi-caliber rifle, a Sig Sauer, Model P226, .40 caliber pistol, a Canik, 9-millimeter pistol, and a Glock, Model 22, .40 caliber pistol. Abdulkadir Ali is also charged with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Hussein Hussein is also charged with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. On November 21, 2024, Hussein possessed a Radical Firearms, Model RF-15, multi-caliber pistol. Henry Martinez is also charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl. Bilal Malindo is also charged with two counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Abdulkadir Malindo , Ali , Hussein , and Martinez have been arrested and made their initial court appearances this week before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Bilal Malindo is in state custody and will make an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on a later date. If convicted, Abdulkadir Malindo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison, Abdulkadir Ali faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, Hussein Hussein faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, Henry Martinez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and Bilal Malindo faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. All the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. The cases are being investigated by the ATF, DEA, HSI, KSP, and LMPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts is prosecuting the cases. 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). An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Former Mt. Carmel Borough Police Officer Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Violate Civil Rights

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that former Officer Jonathan McHugh, age 36, of the Mt. Carmel Borough Police Department, pleaded guilty yesterday before Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann, to conspiring to use excessive force when arresting people over a three-year period. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, former Officer McHugh, was previously indicted on June 15, 2023, with former Lt. David Donkochik, age 53, and former Officer Kyle Schauer, age 36, on charges of conspiracy to deprive rights under color of law. McHugh, Donkochik, and Schauer conspired to violate the civil rights of those they arrested from 2018 to 2021. During 22 different arrests, one or more of the defendants kicked, punched, choked, or otherwise used excessive force against those they were arresting. In those arrests, they caused bodily injuries to their victims. McHugh, Donkochik, and Schauer also took steps to ensure that video of the arrests was not captured by police cameras, or if footage that incriminated them was captured, took steps to ensure that footage was not preserved. They falsely reported that arrestees acted in a manner requiring violence and then charged arrestees with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and related offenses to conceal their own use of violence. Schauer pleaded guilty on October 24, 2024, and Donkochik pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025, to conspiracy to deprive rights under color of law. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael A. Consiglio and Carlo D. Marchioli and are prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. # # #


title: Former Financial Advisor Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme

body_text: EL PASO, Texas – A former Morgan Stanley financial advisor in El Paso was sentenced in a federal court today to 144 months in prison for committing a multi-million dollar fraud scheme. According to court documents, from May 2018 to August 2021, Jesus Rodriguez de la Cruz, 46, defrauded his financial services employer, Morgan Stanley, and clients of money through materially false pretenses, representations and promises. Rodriguez de la Cruz orchestrated fraudulent transfers of funds from the bank accounts of Morgan Stanley and clients to other bank accounts for his own benefit. In one instance, Rodriguez de la Cruz created false communications and documents impersonating a client and submitted them to Morgan Stanley personnel to cause fraudulent transfers on the client’s line of credit account for personal profit. One of these included a form that falsely claimed the client had verbally authorized the transfer of $48,575.36 for the purchase of real estate in El Paso. Relying on the documentation, Morgan Stanley initiated the wire transfer from the client’s account to an account at a separate financial institution belonging to one of Rodriguez de la Cruz’s family members. One fraudulent transfer of approximately $125,000 from a client’s account to an account at another financial institution facilitated Rodriguez de la Cruz’s purchase of a Lamborghini. Rodriguez de la Cruz committed similar acts using other Morgan Stanley client accounts. In all, Morgan Stanley suffered a total loss of $5,554,968.10 due to Rodriguez de la Cruz’s scheme. Additionally, Rodriguez de la Cruz did not report any of the embezzled funds as income on his tax returns from 2017 through 2021, causing a loss of $408,055 for the IRS. Rodriguez de la Cruz was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2023 and arrested Jan. 12, 2024. He pleaded guilty on Nov. 5, 2024, to one count of wire fraud, one count of engaging in a monetary transaction over $10,000 using criminally derived proceeds, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of making and subscribing a false income tax return. “This defendant abused the trust of his clients and his responsibilities as a financial advisory to steal millions of dollars in customer funds in order to enrich himself,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “Today's sentence of more than a decade in federal prison demonstrates that perpetrators of fraud in this district will be investigated and brought to justice.” “The defendant exploited his position of trust as a financial advisor to deceive both his clients and employer for personal gain. Today’s sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering commitment to pursuing those who abuse their positions for financial fraud and ensuring they are held accountable,” said John Morales, FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge. “We are grateful for the invaluable collaboration of our partners at the Internal Revenue Service, whose continued assistance is vital in protecting our communities from greed and financial crimes.” “Rodriguez is the epitome of criminals fueled by greed that destroy the trust we place in those who handle our personal finances. He stole from his employer, his clients, and even personally recruited a victim to trust him as her financial advisor so he could hijack her accounts, after stealing her identity,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Lucy Tan, of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office. “These complex financial schemes are why law enforcement agencies, like IRS-CI and the FBI, team up to help bring justice to victims and deter future criminals, like Rodriguez, from violating your trust.” The FBI and IRS-CI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Calve and Adrian Gallegos prosecuted the case. ###


title: Cedar City Property Manager Admits to Defrauding Victims of Over $2.1M

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: ST. GEORGE, Utah – A Utah property manager pleaded guilty today to wire fraud and bank fraud after admitting he embezzled funds from homeowners associations, property owners, and tenants in Cedar City. He also admitted to fraudulently presenting cashier’s checks to Las Vegas casinos. Blake Floyd Cozzens, 35, of Cedar City, was charged by Felony Information on March 24, 2025. According to court documents and admissions made at the change of plea hearing, from January 2020 to January 2025, Cozzens was the property manager for multiple HOAs and property owners in Iron County, Utah. Cozzens admitted to defrauding HOAs, property owners, and tenants by embezzling funds he was responsible for safekeeping and diverting the funds for his own use. He also submitted fraudulent deposits to an online application that helps manage properties. The California corporation that offers the application lost $210,000 due to Cozzens’ fraudulent conduct. As a result of the scheme, Cozzens fraudulently obtained at least $772,966 from HOAs, property managers, tenants, and the California corporation. In addition, Cozzens admitted to defrauding a bank in Las Vegas. He did so by presenting seven cashier’s checks totaling $1,414,000 to Las Vegas casinos in exchange for markers, i.e., credits to gamble. After gambling, Cozzens then falsely reported to the bank that he had lost the checks, causing the bank to stop payments to the casinos. Cozzens caused the bank to lose $1,395,673.58. Cozzens has agreed to pay restitution to the fraud victims. If you think you are a victim in this case, information can be found on the U.S. Attorney’s Office Victim Witness Assistance page or from contacting the Victim-Witness Coordinator at USAUT.Victim.Witness@usdoj.gov or (801) 325-1430. Cozzens is scheduled to be sentenced on June 11, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. before a U.S. District Court Judge in Room 2B of the courthouse located at 206 West Tabernacle Street, St. George, Utah 84470. Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated jointly by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Cedar City Police Department, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Stephen P. Dent of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.


title: Mortgage Broker That Ran a Ponzi Scheme, Fraudulently Acquired CARES Act SBA Loans,  and Filed a False Tax Return is Sentenced to Federal Prison

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A Rhode Island mortgage broker who ran a Ponzi scheme with investors’ monies causing millions of dollars in losses, who fraudulently obtained more than $160,000 in COVID-19 pandemic-related SBA loans, and who failed to pay more than $140,000 in taxes due the IRS was sentenced today to more than four years in federal prison and was ordered to pay restitution to his victims, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Joseph Giuttari, owner and operator of Hybrid Capital Group, LLC, THE FENS CO., LLC, and Realty Funding Advisors, LLC, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to 55 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, Giuttari was ordered to pay a fine of $20,000 and to pay restitution to victims of his Ponzi scheme, to SBA loan programs, and to the IRS totaling $4,579,130.95. Mr. Giuttari pleaded guilty on October 31, 2024, to charges of wire fraud, theft of government property, and filing a false tax return. The day after his guilty plea he engaged in brokerage activities in violation of his condition of release. Upon discovery of his activities, the Court revoked its order of release and remanded him to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing. Court documents reflect that Joseph Giuttari purported to match borrowers seeking short-term loans with private lenders seeking secured investments in real estate. As part of the scheme, Giuttari served as the clearing house for funds between the borrowers and the investors. In executing his scheme, Giuttari directed investors and closing attorneys to send all or a portion of the loan proceeds directly to him through his multiple business entities and business bank accounts. Instead of forwarding these funds to borrowers as represented to the investors, Giuttari used the money personally or to repay earlier investors who were seeking a return on their investments. Additionally, Giuttari fraudulently acquired $167,800 in COVID-19 pandemic Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for Hybrid Capital Group and THE FENS CO that he was not entitled to receive, and he falsely stated on his 2019 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return that his total income was $22,176, when in fact it was at least $541,000, thus failing to pay $140,102 due the IRS. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sandra R. Hebert. The matter was investigated by the FBI, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General. ###


title: Charleston Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Ijaz Oliver, 40, of Charleston, was sentenced today to one year and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 28, 2023, Oliver possessed a Smith & Wesson model 36 .38-caliber revolver in Charleston. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Oliver knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for conspiracy to distribute 5 grams or more of cocaine base in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on May 29, 2007. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Charleston Police Department. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe and former Assistant United States Attorney Troy D. Adams prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-136. ###


title: Sixth and Final Defendant Sentenced to 39 Years in Federal Prison in Louisville Case Involving String of Violent Crimes, Drug and Gun Offenses, and Money Laundering

body_text: Louisville, KY - The final defendant was sentenced this week to 39 years in federal prison for his role in numerous felony offenses, including kidnapping, robbery, drug trafficking, and firearm offenses. Several other defendants were previously sentenced on the charges. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Stansbury of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department, Sheriff Walt Sholar of the Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office, and Sheriff John E. Aubrey of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. “This case is an example of the benefit of the strong working relationships that exist between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in the Western District of Kentucky,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. “As a result of excellent collaboration and tireless work by our law enforcement agencies and federal prosecutors, violent offenders have been removed from our streets making our community safer for all who live, work, and visit here.” “John E. Lohden, Jr. and his associates used law enforcement impersonation tactics to terrorize innocent individuals, ultimately undermining the public’s trust in legitimate police officers and creating a climate of fear and anxiety in our neighborhoods,” said Special Agent in Charge Stansbury. “Lohden, Jr.’s sentence of decades behind bars should serve as a clear message to violent offenders walking our streets. The FBI, working alongside our partners at all levels, will find you and ensure you face the full weight of the law.” According to court documents, John E. Lohden, Jr. , 35, of Louisville, was sentenced on March 25, 2025, to 39 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for two counts of kidnapping, two counts of impersonator making arrest or search, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, robbery, using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. John E. Lohden, Jr. was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On November 16, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, John E. Lohden, Jr. was convicted of receiving stolen property under $10,000. On November 28, 2007, in Jefferson Circuit Court, John E. Lohden, Jr. was convicted of tampering with physical evidence, escape in the second degree, and complicity to wanton endangerment in the first degree (3 counts). Dayton Peterson , 24, of Louisville, was sentenced on October 22, 2024, to 30 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for kidnapping, impersonator making arrest or search, robbery, using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and engaging in monetary transactions derived from a specified unlawful activity. Joshua Lohden , 26, of Louisville was sentenced on July 24, 2024, to 22 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for kidnapping, impersonator making arrest or search, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and robbery. David Langdon , 39, of Louisville was sentenced on September 11, 2024, to 11 years and 5 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for kidnapping, impersonator making arrest or search, robbery, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Langdon was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On October 14, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Langdon was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, and possession of a controlled substance in the first degree. On October 15, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Langdon was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree greater than 2 grams of heroin. J. Louis Nance , 34, of Louisville was sentenced on July 24, 2024, to 6 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for kidnapping and impersonator making arrest or search. Samantha Trummer , 30, of Louisville was sentenced on July 22, 2024, to 4 years of probation for engaging in monetary transactions derived from a specified unlawful activity. Defendants Dayton Peterson , John E. Lohden, Jr. , and Samantha Trummer were found guilty after a 10-day jury trial in March of 2024. The remaining defendants pleaded guilty prior to trial. There is no parole in the federal system. The FBI, LMPD, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Bullitt County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case, with assistance from the ATF, IRS, DEA, and Kentucky State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alicia P. Gomez and Frank E. Dahl III prosecuted the case, with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. ###


title: Sarasota Man Who Repeatedly Fled From Law Enforcement Sentenced To 10 Years For Drug Trafficking And Firearm Offenses

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday has sentenced Victor Lamar Orr (30, Sarasota) to 10 years in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute controlled substances, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Orr to forfeit two Glock pistols and assorted ammunition. Orr pleaded guilty on November 26, 2024. According to court documents, on May 25, 2022, Orr, a convicted felon with four prior convictions for fleeing and attempting to elude a law enforcement officer, fled from a deputy with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) during an attempted traffic stop. Orr drove his vehicle through a red light and fled at a high speed. The deputy did not pursue Orr, but the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Aviation Unit, which had been working with MCSO conducting narcotics surveillance, tracked Orr’s vehicle as he continued to flee. Orr ran through red lights, drove over medians, and passed vehicles by driving on the shoulder and in opposite lanes of travel. He drove into Sarasota, back into Manatee County, then east to DeSoto County and south to Charlotte County, where the SCSO Aviation Unit, running low on fuel, stopped surveillance. Orr made several evasive maneuvers during his flight, including driving through a yard and completely around a house, and driving on the opposite side of the highway to evade stop sticks placed by law enforcement. At one point, Orr pulled off the highway and drove into a field off State Road 31 in Punta Gorda. There, Orr threw a backpack out of the vehicle. Deputies from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, having been informed by the SCSO Aviation Unit that the driver discarded something from the vehicle, responded to the field and recovered a backpack which contained a Glock pistol, fentanyl, methamphetamine, a digital scale, and various pills including oxycodone. On August 5, 2022, while MCSO investigators and the SCSO Aviation Unit were investigating suspected narcotics trafficking and conducting surveillance, they observed Orr driving a pickup truck with three others in the vehicle. They tracked the vehicle to a clothing store, where all the occupants exited. When Orr and the others left the store and returned to the truck, MCSO investigators moved toward the vehicle and apprehended Orr and the others immediately after they entered the truck. Inside the truck, investigators located two firearms and a bag containing cocaine and other controlled substances. DNA analysis determined that Orr’s DNA was consistent with DNA on the firearm found inside the backpack he had thrown from his vehicle on May 25, 2022, and DNA on one of the firearms found in the truck Orr drove on August 5, 2022. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Sinacore and David Chee. The asset forfeiture was handled by Assistant United States Attorney James Muench. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Albuquerque Man Sentenced for Armed Robberies Targeting Ross Stores

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a string of violent armed robberies targeting multiple Ross Dress for Less stores in 2022. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Jason Pete Roper , 46, committed three armed robberies at Ross Dress for Less stores on August 14, August 15, and September 8, 2022. Each time, Roper would approach the register with a small item for purchase, wait for the cashier to open the till, and then brandish a firearm and demand money from multiple registers. At trial, the victims, most of whom were teenagers, testified to the fear and emotional distress they continue to suffer, with some forced to leave their jobs and withdraw from school due to the psychological impact. Evidence further revealed that Roper not only committed these robberies himself but also perpetuated the cycle of violence by involving his 12-year-old nephew in his criminal activities. Surveillance footage, witness testimony, and a CrimeStoppers tip linked Roper to additional robberies committed by his nephew at a Ross store, a Walgreens, and an attempted robbery at a Taco Bell. Upon his release, Roper will be subject to three years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office and Albuquerque Police Department investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jon Stanford and Samuel Hurtado prosecuted the case.


title: Ohio Man Sentenced to 29 Years in Prison for Trafficking Meth

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: AKRON, Ohio – Joshua Fortson, 37, of Akron, has been sentenced to 29 years in prison by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Sara Lioi after a trial in which a federal jury found him guilty of distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was previously convicted of trafficking cocaine in 2009 and of committing sexual battery in 2011. During this investigation, federal law enforcement officials learned that Fortson received his methamphetamine supply for a number of years from sources in Georgia who were affiliated with members of a gang “La Mara Salvatrucha,” also known as “MS-13.” The defendant paid a driver to transport methamphetamine from Atlanta, Georgia, to Akron, Ohio, while he followed closely behind on the 700-mile trek. According to court documents, once back in Akron, Fortson would conduct the drug business out of his apartment. He was a known supplier of methamphetamine, as well as other drugs, to various individuals throughout Portage and Summit Counties. In 2019, while out on supervised released after serving a prison sentence for a separate case, parole officers visited Fortson at his residence and found that he was not in compliance with the terms of his release. Subsequently, a search warrant was executed on Fortson’s residence where authorities discovered $26,275 in cash and a loaded pistol. Various bags containing suspected methamphetamine were found concealed in 18 different chip bags and a breakfast pastry box. A heat sealer was also discovered, and it was learned that it was used to seal the chip bags closed after being filled with drugs. The investigation also determined that Fortson possessed more than seven kilograms of methamphetamine that he intended to sell. This case was investigated by the DEA Youngstown Field Office, the Streetsboro Police Department, and the Portage County Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine Makridis for the Northern District of Ohio.