title: U.S. Postal Inspection Service Seizes 577 Pounds of Cocaine and 14 pounds of Fentanyl, and Multiple Firearms from Mail Stream in Joint Operation with DEA, Homeland Security, FBI, ATF, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau

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

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico–The United States Postal Inspection Service intercepted and seized 577 lbs. of cocaine, 14 lbs. of fentanyl and three firearms as part of a joint operation with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau. From March 10 through March 20, 2025, these federal and state agencies collaboratively conducted “Operation Gatekeeper 3.0,” a domestic interdiction of suspect parcels mailed from San Juan, Puerto Rico to locations throughout the continental United States. “We commend the outstanding efforts and collaboration between the federal and state law enforcement agencies responsible for the successful seizure of contraband in this case,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “We will continue our efforts to eradicate drug trafficking and violent crime in our communities.” “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to preventing drug and arms traffickers from using the U.S. Mail in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as an access point for all of America,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale. “The Postal Inspection Service will continue our work to secure this border and prevent the mail stream from being used to further criminal activity and enrich transnational criminal organizations.” As a result of this operation, federal and state authorities were able to seize evidence in several ongoing investigations, as well as identify targets of new investigations that will be worked collaboratively as part of “Operation Take Back America.” Puerto Rico Police Department K-9 Officer “Nico” This seizure 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. ###


title: Fresno Man Convicted at Trial for Running Catalytic Converter Theft Ring That Stole Millions of Dollars’ Worth of Converters

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Following a four-day jury trial, George Thomas, 72, formerly of Fresno and Clovis, was convicted today of selling thousands of stolen catalytic converters for more than $2.7 million, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. Thomas was also convicted of structuring the money that he received for the converters out of his bank accounts through cash withdrawals to conceal his activities from the government. Generally speaking, banks are required to report cash withdrawals over $10,000 to the government. Structuring is the intentional withdrawal of cash in increments under $10,000 to avoid that reporting threshold. “Catalytic converter theft is a nationwide problem that has affected tens of thousands of Californians,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Beckwith. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is proud of its continuing effort to disrupt and dismantle this type of organized criminal activity that impacts so many victims.” “Today’s verdict sends a message; catalytic converter theft conspiracies will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners relentlessly pursue those who exploit hard working community members for whom these thefts are a financial hardship to extract the precious metals within them for personal gain.” “This collaboration exemplifies the power of teamwork between local and federal agencies in combating organized crime and ensuring justice for our community. I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Deputy District Attorney Adam Kook for his initiative in engaging with federal authorities to drive a coordinated investigation in this case,” said District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp. “Thanks to collaborate efforts of the agencies involved, the ringleader behind the catalytic converter theft operations across the Central Valley is now facing significant fines and jail time for his wrongdoing.” “The Fresno Police Department is proud to have participated with our partners, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Clovis Police Department, in this investigation and successful prosecution,” said Chief Mindy Casto. “Mr. Thomas’ criminal actions impacted countless members of our communities, both financially and emotionally. Through solid investigations by officers and detectives and the determined prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Thomas will finally be held accountable.” According to the evidence presented at trial, between January 2021 and November 2022, Thomas purchased stolen converters from a group of habitual thieves in the Fresno area who cut the converters off of vehicles. The sales occurred in the parking lots of motels, gas stations, and similar places at all hours of the day and night. Thomas gave the thieves instructions on the types of converters that he was looking for and how to best cut the converters off vehicles. Thomas also loaned the thieves money to pay for their motel rooms, saws, and bail. The loans were contingent on the thieves continuing to steal converters for him. After an initial search warrant was executed at Thomas’ home in mid-2021, Thomas continued with the illegal sales but tried to cover it up. The cover-up included taking a photograph of the thief and an identification card each time he made a sale, requesting a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the vehicle from which the converter was supposedly cutoff, and having the thief sign a piece of paper stating that the converter was not stolen. But Thomas did not actually change anything. For example, Thomas continued doing cash buys in the same places with the same thieves. He allowed the thieves to use fake and stolen IDs and provide him with false VINs. He also completed undercover sales where he said that he did not care where the VINs or converters came from. The following is an example of an incriminating photograph taken during the search warrant at Thomas’ home. Thomas drove the stolen converters to Oregon where he sold them to a metal recycling company for $2.7 million. The recycling company paid Thomas by wire transfer. He then withdrew the money through 386 cash withdrawals that were each under the $10,000 reporting threshold. He often made the withdrawals on his way to and from Oregon. Importantly, after Thomas was arrested in April 2023, reports of converter theft in the Fresno area decreased by more than 60 percent. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, the Clovis Police Department, and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Barton and Justin Gilio are prosecuting the case. Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 11, 2025. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of his convictions The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.


title: Sacramento Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Heroin Trafficking

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Manuel Greenhalgh, 32, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to three years and 10 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. According to court documents, Greenhalgh is among eight federal defendants charged with drug trafficking offenses as part of a multi-agency operation targeting cocaine and heroin traffickers. In May 2020, Greenhalgh was heard during a wiretap discussing sourcing heroin from Mexico and the difficulties of getting people and drugs across the border. Thereafter, agents watched Greenhalgh meet with a co-defendant and pulled Greenhalgh’s vehicle over after he left the co-defendant’s house. Greenhalgh, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, possessed 1,986.6 grams of heroin that he intended to distribute. Co-defendant Albert Gurley was sentenced to seven years in prison for possession with intent to distribute heroin. Co-defendants Delanious Ward, Agustin Gonzalez, Craig Hunter, David Byrd, and Kevin Yancy previously pleaded guilty to various drug trafficking crimes and are scheduled to be sentenced at later dates. Charges are pending against co-defendant Jorge Mejia-Nolasco for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute heroin. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Department of Justice, the California Highway Patrol, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cameron L. Desmond and Emily G. Sauvageau are prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. The Sacramento Strike Force is a co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the Sacramento Strike Force is to identify, investigate, disrupt, and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) shipping narcotics, firearms, and money through the Eastern District of California, thereby reducing the flow of these criminal resources in California and the rest of the United States. The Sacramento Strike Force leads intelligence-driven investigations targeting the leadership and support elements of these DTOs and TCOs operating within the Eastern District of California, regardless of their geographic base of operations.


title: Yuba City Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearm Offenses

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gabriel Quintero, 32, of Yuba City, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to 10 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. According to court documents, in August 2024, Quintero possessed multiple firearms and methamphetamine that he intended to distribute to another person. Quintero was driving in Sacramento when he led law enforcement officers on a high-speed pursuit for 10 minutes before crashing into another car that was parked at a stoplight. Quintero got out of his car and ran, but law enforcement officers apprehended him. Quintero possessed more than $30,000 in cash, multiple loaded firearms, including one equipped with a machine gun conversion device and loaded with 26 rounds of ammunition, 646 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills, 109 grams of cocaine, a digital scale; and six cellphones. Quintero is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily G. Sauvageau 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 U.S. Department of Justice 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: Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 65 Months in Federal Prison

body_text: WASHINGTON –Derek Gaines, 37, of Severn, Maryland, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 65 months in federal prison for selling thousands of fentanyl pills and cocaine to a confidential informant working for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Gaines pleaded guilty on December 5, 2024, to unlawful distribution of 40 or more grams of fentanyl. In addition to the 65-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Dabney L. Friedrich ordered Gaines to serve four years of supervised release. According to court documents, on April 4, 2024, an ATF confidential informant (CI) contacted Gaines. Gaines asked the CI if they wanted “the two” (two ounces of cocaine) and the blues (fentanyl pills), or just the blues. The CI stated that they wanted both. At 4:11 p.m., the CI texted Gaines to meet them on the 1600 block Maryland Avenue NE. Prior to the controlled purchase, law enforcement agents provided $5,000 to the CI. At the arranged meeting place, at 5:09 p.m., a dark-colored Chevrolet pulled alongside the CI’s vehicle. Gaines exited the Chevrolet and entered the front passenger seat of the CI’s vehicle and exchanged the cocaine and five baggies of fentanyl pills to the CI for $4,000. A DEA analysis showed that the suspected cocaine was in fact determined to be 55.78 grams of the drug. The five plastic baggies contained 502 blue M/30 fentanyl pills that weighed 59.2 grams, including packaging. On June 4, 2024, the CI texted Gaines and asked for another transaction at the same location. On June 6, 2024, ATF agents provided $7,500 to the CI. At 5:34 p.m., a gray Volkswagen Passat pulled up alongside the CI’s vehicle. Gaines exchanged the suspected cocaine and fentanyl pills for $6,500. Following the controlled purchase, the CI met with ATF agents and turned over the suspected narcotics. A DEA analysis of the suspected cocaine determined that the substance was in fact cocaine with a net weight of 56.44 grams. An analysis of the blue pills determined them to be fentanyl with a net weight of 106.69 grams. On July 23, 2024, Gaines sold 2,000 blue M/30 fentanyl pills to the CI for $8,000 at the same Maryland Ave. location. Law enforcement arrested Gaines on August 29, 2024, in Severn, Maryland. This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Washington Field Division, with valuable assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole. 23cr452


title: Houston man guilty of trafficking minors in two cities

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 22-year-old man residing in the Houston and Dallas areas has been convicted of two counts of sex trafficking and one count of enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. A federal jury deliberated for a day and a half before returning the guilty verdict against Cristian Morris following a three-day trial. From Jan. 1 - June 23, 2023, Morris recruited young teenage girls. He supplied them with drugs, posted sexually explicit advertisements for commercial sex online and forced them to engage in sex acts with clients for money in hotels around the “blade” in Houston and Dallas. The blade or “track” is an area near I-59 Southwest Freeway and Bissonnet Street in Houston and Harry Hines Boulevard in Dallas where pimps and traffickers commonly place their victims to engage in commercial sex. During trial, the jury heard from the three victims whom Morris trafficked over the course of several months. They testified he instructed them on how to walk the blade, how much to charge and provided them with condoms. The jury also heard that Morris would transport them between Houston and Dallas to engage in sex acts. Morris kept all the proceeds. “What this case demonstrates is that if you pimp, traffic, or exploit either women or children, you will be caught, and you shouldn’t expect anything other than the hardest charges that we can bring,” said Ganjei. “This is a great result for victims and will hopefully serve as a warning to other pimps that you’re not just risking state charges, you’ll also have the feds on you as well.” Morris was ultimately arrested June 23, 2023, after he had posted commercial sex ads for the youngest victim, a 15-year-old runaway. The defense attempted to convince the jury that the victims were just a group of runaways and school drop-outs engaged in bad behavior. They did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged. U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett presided over the trial and set sentencing for July 10. At that time, Morris faces up to life in prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He has been and will remain in custody until the sentencing. FBI and Houston Police Department (HPD) conducted the investigation as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA). HTRA law enforcement includes members of HPD, FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Attorney General’s Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor (DOL), DOL – Wage and Hour Division, Department of State, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (OIG), Social Security Administration – OIG and Sheriff’s Offices in Harris and Montgomery counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties. Established in 2004, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Valenti and Kimberly Leo prosecuted the case.


title: Mexican National Indicted for Illegal Reentry After Three Prior Removals and Two Illegal Reentry Felony Convictions

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Abraham Moreno Garcia, 51, of Mexico, charging him with being an illegal alien present in the United States after having been previously convicted of a felony and removed from the United States. According to a previously filed criminal complaint, Moreno Garcia was removed to Mexico at least three times and has two felony convictions for illegally reentering the United States. In 2019, he was convicted in the District of Hawaii for illegal reentry and sentenced to five months in federal prison. After serving his sentence, he was removed to Mexico in March of 2019. He later reentered the United States illegally and was arrested on Hawaii Island in March of 2025. If convicted of the charged offense, Moreno Garcia would face up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge in the indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines. This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren W.K. Ching.


title: Ocean County Man Sentenced To 151 Months In Prison For Drug And Weapons Charges

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man was sentenced on March 26, 2025 to 151 months in prison for illegally possessing cocaine for distribution and possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced. Masta Redding, 38, of Toms River, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Karen M. Williams in Camden federal court to an indictment charging him with one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On March 5, 2020, Redding possessed cocaine on his person and in his residence which he intended to distribute. Redding, a previously convicted felon, also possessed a Jimenez Arms pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition. Redding admitted that sometime after he was arrested he paid another individual for, and then provided to the government, an affidavit in which the other individual falsely claimed ownership of the cocaine and firearm found in Redding’s house. In addition to the prison term, Judge Williams sentenced Redding to 3 years of supervised release and ordered him to forfeit the weapon and ammunition he used during the commission of the offense. U.S. Attorney Giordano credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks, Jr., and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, with the investigation leading to the convictions and sentencing with the investigation. U.S. Attorney Giordano also thanked officers of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Asbury Park Police Department for their work on this case. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Belgiovine and Elisa T. Wiygul of the Criminal Division in Trenton and Camden, respectively. ### Defense counsel: Jonathan Sobel, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania


title: Texas man charged federally with sexual abuse on aircraft flying from Chicago to Seattle

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 54-year-old Allen, Texas man who was flying from Chicago to Seattle was charged federally with abusive sexual contact for his repeated illegal touching of the victim sitting next to him, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Cherian Abraham, who works for a technology company, and the victim, were interviewed at SEA airport when the plane arrived on March 18, 2025. Mr. Abraham was arrested on Sunday March 23, 2025, and had an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Seattle on Monday, March 24, 2025. According to the criminal complaint, Abraham was seated next to the 22-year-old victim on the flight. On three different occasions, the victim reported that he reached under her arm to touch her breast. The first time the victim thought perhaps it was inadvertent contact. The second time, some five minutes later, the victim looked pointedly at Abraham and he withdrew his hand. Apparently undeterred, the victim felt Abraham again poking her with his hand and she verbally confronted him. The victim got out of her seat, contacted the flight attendant, and was moved to a different seat. When interviewed at SEA airport, Abraham denied touching the victim inappropriately. An investigation by the responding FBI agent revealed that Abraham had twice before been alleged to have touched fellow passengers inappropriately. On April 24, 2024, a victim reported to the airline’s online customer service portal that Abraham had repeatedly touched her and attempted to put his hand between her thighs. The victim yelled at Abraham but was not able to get the attention of a flight attendant. On October 9, 2023, Minneapolis Airport Police interviewed Abraham after a victim reported that he had touched her leg with an open hand three times. The victim told him to stop and contacted the flight crew who put her in a different seat. When interviewed Abraham denied touching the victim. The victim did not want to pursue charges. Abraham was released on bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on April 7, 2025. Abusive sexual contact is punishable by up to two years in prison. The charges contained in the criminal complaint are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ajay Ravindran.


title: Diopsys, Inc. Agrees To Pay Up To $14.25 Million To Resolve Alleged Federal False Claims Act And State Law Violations Relating To Vision Testing

body_text: Newark, N.J. – Diopsys, Inc., a medical device company based in Middletown, Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay up to $14.25 million to resolve allegations that the company violated the federal False Claims Act and various state laws by knowingly submitting or causing others to submit false claims for payment to Medicare and Medicaid in connection with certain vision testing services, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced today. The settlement resolves allegations relating to Diopsys’ NOVA device, an electrophysiological device that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared for visual evoked potential (VEP) testing. The United States alleged that, during the period from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2021, Diopsys caused healthcare providers to submit false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for services in which the NOVA device was utilized for medically unnecessary uses, specifically electroretinography (ERG) vision testing, a substantially different vision test for which the NOVA device lacked FDA clearance. The government further contended that Diopsys made substantial changes to the NOVA device that it never submitted to FDA for clearance or approval despite knowing that such a submission was required. “Today’s resolution reaffirms our commitment to protect the integrity of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Health care companies must not encourage doctors to submit claims for payment for medically unnecessary tests.” U.S. Attorney John Giordano Under the terms of the settlement, Diopsys will make guaranteed payments of $1,225,000 and contingent payments of up to $13,025,000. The settlement is based on Diopsys’ financial condition. The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Dr. Atul Jain, a California ophthalmologist. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. Approximately $1,120,000 of the guaranteed payment and up to approximately $11,900,000 of the contingent payments constitute the federal portion of the recovery. Dr. Jain will receive at least approximately $207,000 as his share of the federal recovery in this case. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Simunovich of the Health Care Fraud Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, and Trial Attorney Daniel Meyler of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Jain v. Diopsys, Inc., et al. , Civil Action No. 21-18151 (D.N.J.). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. ### Counsel for Diopsys, Inc: Paul Fishman, Newark, NJ Counsel for Relator Dr. Atul Jain: Justin Berger, Esq., San Mateo, CA diopsys.agreement.pdf


title: Felon Sentenced on Two Federal Drug Counts Incurred While Awaiting Self-Surrender on Peoria County Drug Possession Conviction

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: PEORIA, Ill. – Romel Michael Turner, 31, formerly of the 2500 block of West Wardcliffe Drive, Peoria, Illinois, was sentenced in federal court on March 25, 2025, to 151 months’ imprisonment for two counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual). At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Michael M. Mihm, evidence showed that Turner was sentenced in Peoria County Circuit Court on October 25, 2023, to 6 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (“IDOC”) for unlawful possession of methamphetamine. He was to self-surrender on January 5, 2024. Turner was found to have distributed methamphetamine at least three times in December 2023. He pled guilty in August 2024 and has remained in the custody of the IDOC since his self-surrender for the county charges in January 2024. His projected parole on the county case is December 2026. At the hearing, the judge also ordered that the 151-month term should be served consecutive to his current IDOC sentence. The statutory penalties for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine (actual) are: not less than 10 years and up to life imprisonment; a minimum of 5 years’ supervised release; and a fine of up to $10 million. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Springfield Resident Office, Peoria Multi-Agency Enforcement Group (P-MEG), and Peoria Police Department, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa P. Ortiz represented the government in the prosecution. This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Clearfield Man Sentenced to Over Six Years in Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Clearfield, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 80 months in prison, to be followed by six years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Toby Coker, 50. According to information presented to the Court, from in and around July 2019 to June 2020, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Coker conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine. Further, in or around February 2020, Coker distributed a quantity of methamphetamine. Coker was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of methamphetamine that he distributed to others. Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Coker. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office, Erie County District Attorney’s Office, Millcreek Police Department, Erie Bureau of Police, and other local law enforcement agencies. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (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: Indiana Man Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison for Narcotics Trafficking

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Indiana, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 70 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, on his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and crack, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Barry Baker, 46. According to information presented to the Court, from in and around December 2021 to in and around March 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Baker conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and a quantity of crack. Baker was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to other members of the drug organization in Johnstown. Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard, Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Baker. Additional agencies participating in the investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (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: Valdosta, Georgia, Resident Sentenced to 33 Years in Prison for  Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material, Assaulting Federal Officer

component: USAO - Georgia, Middle

body_text: ALBANY, Ga. – A Valdosta, Georgia, man was sentenced to the statutory maximum of 30 years in prison for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), also known as child pornography, plus an additional three years of imprisonment for assaulting a jailer while in federal custody. Laronce Howell, 46, of Valdosta, was sentenced to serve a total of 396 months in prison (the statutory maximum of 360 months for the production of child pornography and 36 months in prison for assault of a federal officer) by U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands on March 26. In addition, he will serve 15 years of supervised release and will register as a sex offender upon release from prison. Howell pleaded guilty to the production of child pornography in Case No. 7:22-cr-00055 on Oct. 5, 2023, and he pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer in Case No. 7:24-cr-00041 on Feb. 20. There is no parole in the federal system. “Recidivist violent offenders like Laronce Howell, who was only on parole from state prison for one month when he filmed a minor being sexually abused, will see their cases in federal court,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “In the pursuit of justice, we will maximize the use of our federal resources against those producing child sexual abuse material.” “This is an outstanding effort by our detectives, the U.S. Attorney's Office and numerous community partners who dedicated countless hours to prepare this case for prosecution, resulting in a dangerous predator being removed from our community and held accountable for his actions,” stated Valdosta Police Chief Leslie Manahan. “These cases are heartbreaking, and we remain committed to working together to ensure these victims receive the justice they deserve.” According to court documents and statements made in Court, Howell used his cell phone to film a 13-year-old minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct with two adult men on Oct. 1, 2020, and sent the video to a family member. Valdosta Police Department officers investigated the case and arrested Howell on approximately Oct. 14, 2020. Howell was a federal inmate housed by the United States Marshals Service at the Tift County, Georgia, Jail when he assaulted an officer on Nov. 20, 2024. When Howell asked jailers to open his cell door, Howell immediately punched an officer in the face two times then attempted to mount the officer before he was placed in handcuffs. Howell has a lengthy criminal history at the state level, including five prior drug-related convictions, two family violence battery convictions and three robbery convictions. Howell has multiple revocations of probation and parole and was out of state prison on parole for a month before he committed the production of child pornography offense. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov The Valdosta Police Department (VPD) investigated the production of child pornography case, and the United States Marshals Service (USMS) investigated the assault of a federal officer case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Howard prosecuted both cases for the Government.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced for Possessing with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Javier Guzman-Andrade, 41, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 26, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Guzman-Andrade to 168 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Guzman-Andrade is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. He will also forfeit to the United States $10,635.00 in United States currency that was drug proceeds. In 2023, officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Omaha Police Department identified a multiple pound quantity methamphetamine distributor named Javier Guzman-Andrade. On November 27, 2023, law enforcement executed a state court-authorized search warrant at the residence of Guzman-Andrade. As a result, approximately eight pounds of methamphetamine were seized. In addition, a single shot Deringer firearm was located in a different room from where the drugs were found. A forensic laboratory analysis confirmed 2,964 grams of actual methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Omaha Police Department. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: Drug Task Force Operation Leads to Multiple Drug Arrests

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that on March 26, 2025, a multi-agency operation led to the arrests of 8 individuals in central Nebraska on federal drug charges, and the unsealing of several indictments. An additional 5 people were arrested on state charges. Multiple search warrants were also executed. Those arrested federally and a summary of their charges and the penalties include the following: A superseding indictment was unsealed charging Manuel Enrique Corona-Ramirez, Shawn Norris, Trevor Hardin, and Omar Gonzalez-Garcia with conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine between March 1, 2024 and February 5, 2025. Also listed in that conspiracy count are Reyes Ernesto Garcia-Urquizo and Enrique Martinez, who were arrested a month prior. A conviction on that conspiracy charge carries a possible penalty of not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million; and a term of supervised release not less than five years. A related indictment was also unsealed charging Adelso Saravia and Adriana Zepeda Rivera with conspiracy to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine (actual) between October 3, 2024 and November 30, 2024. The penalties on that charge are not less than 10 years to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million; and a term of supervised release not less than five years. These cases were investigated by the Cooperative Operations for Drug Enforcement (CODE) Task Force which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska in cooperation with federal partners at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Also assisting in the investigation and subsequent arrests were the Tri-Cities Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT) Task Force based around the Grand Island-Hastings-Kearney area, the Cozad Police Department, the Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, the Lexington Police Department, the Nebraska State Patrol, the North Platte Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. To report tips on drug trafficking, please contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or 402-492-8688 or the Nebraska Crime Stoppers tipline at 1-800-422-1494.


title: Canadian National Sentenced to More Than 15 Years for Drug and Gun Charges

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that John Francis, 23, of Canada, was sentenced on March 27, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for one count of possession with intent to distribute MDMA and one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Francis to a total of 181 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Francis’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. On March 4, 2023, a Saline County Sheriff’s Deputy performing patrol and drug interdiction duties on I-80 westbound initiated a traffic stop of a 2023 Chevy Tahoe. Instead of slowing, the Tahoe accelerated, resulting in a 30-minute pursuit over three counties for approximately 50 miles, at sustained speeds of more than 100 mph. Officers from six different departments were called in to assist with the stop due to the excessive speed of the fleeing Tahoe. Officers had to deploy three sets of spike strips (tire deflation devices) across the interstate. The spike strips ultimately caused three of the four tires on the Tahoe to fail, and the Tahoe came to rest in the middle of the passing lane on the interstate. Francis emerged from the Tahoe with his hands in the air and immediately laid down on his chest in the median. The driver and only occupant of the vehicle was eventually identified as John Francis, although another person’s Canadian driver’s license was found in the Tahoe. Francis had a loaded handgun in the cupholder and a duffle bag on the passenger seat. The duffle bag contained approximately 6.65 pounds of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in crystalline form. Officers also found more than $6,000 and other indicators of drug trafficking on Francis and in the Tahoe. The $6,000 was forfeited to the United States as proceeds from drug trafficking. Francis previously pled not guilty. He was found guilty by a federal jury on November 13, 2024. This case was investigated by the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, Seward County Sheriff’s Office, York County Sheriff’s Office, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Nebraska State Patrol, and the Lincoln Police Department.


title: Polk County Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Possession with Intent to Distribute

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Daniel J. Brewer, 58, of Polk County, Nebraska, was sentenced on March 27, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Brewer to 168 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Brewer’s release from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. On July 27, 2023, a confidential source purchased 28 grams of methamphetamine from Brewer at his Polk County residence. Officers conducted a search of Brewer’s residence later that day and recovered approximately 875 grams of methamphetamine, scales, packaging, and various live ammunition. Brewer was stopped after leaving his residence and found in possession of a meth pipe and the buy money from the controlled buy earlier that day. This case was investigated by the Columbus Police Department and Specialized Narcotics Abuse Reduction Effort Task Force.


title: Two Foreign Nationals Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Mario Garibay-Reyes, 47, and Diego Mendoza-Aguilar, 37, of Mexico were sentenced on March 26, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Garibay-Reyes to 160 months’ imprisonment and Mendoza-Aguilar to 70 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Garibay-Reyes and Mendoza-Aguilar are released from prison, they will each begin a 3-year term of supervised release. Because they are in the United States illegally, they are subject to deportation following their release from prison. On November 9, 2023, law enforcement utilized an undercover agent to purchase 414 grams of actual methamphetamine from Mendoza-Aguilar in Omaha. Following this controlled buy, law enforcement observed Mendoza-Aguilar distribute 208 grams of actual methamphetamine to other individuals. Law enforcement arrested the individuals and seized the methamphetamine. Garibay-Reyes provided the aforementioned methamphetamine to Mendoza-Aguilar for these drug transactions. On November 14, 2024, law enforcement served a search warrant at Mendoza-Aguilar’s residence in Omaha. At the time, Garibay-Reyes was residing at Mendoza-Aguilar’s residence with Mendoza-Aguilar. During the search, law enforcement located 559 grams of actual methamphetamine from Garibay-Reyes’s bedroom and 22 grams of actual methamphetamine from Mendoza-Aguilar’s bedroom. Parked outside the residence was Garibay-Reyes’s vehicle. Law enforcement searched the vehicle and located 5,718 grams of actual methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.


title: Convicted Nurse Practitioner to Forfeit over $40 million from Foreign Accounts for Health Care Fraud, Money Laundering

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: Trivikram Reddy, 43, a Waxahachie nurse practitioner previously convicted of wire fraud conspiracy and sentenced to 20 years in 2021, will now forfeit over $40 million from foreign accounts into which he moved the funds, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham. Following Mr. Reddy’s conviction, the government filed a civil forfeiture action alleging that Mr. Reddy and others transferred and laundered the fraud proceeds to nearly 200 bank accounts located in India. Through forensic financial analysis, the government traced the proceeds to these accounts and obtained seizure warrants to forfeit and restrain the funds. On Monday, March 3, 2025, after Mr. Reddy and two family members stipulated up to $41,237,703.16 of the funds’ return from India, U.S. District Judge Ada Brown issued a judgment ordering the funds to be transferred to U.S. government custody. According to court documents, Mr. Reddy, a licensed nurse practitioner, devised a scheme to defraud Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Cigna. Mr. Reddy and co-conspirators created false patient bills using the provider numbers of six doctors as the treating physicians on the claims. All the claims were false, as none of the six doctors provided billable services to any of Mr. Reddy’s medical clinics. In response to federal agents’ investigative inquiries, Mr. Reddy and his staff manufactured fake medical records in a failed attempt to justify the false claims. Mr. Reddy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in October 2020. In May 2021, Judge Brown sentenced Mr. Reddy to 20 years imprisonment and ordered over $50 million in restitution to the victims of his offense. The civil forfeiture case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dimitri Rocha. Assistant U.S. Attorney Beverly Chapman is handling the restitution. The case was investigated by the FBI Dallas Field office and Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG).


title: Memphis Man Receives Significant Sentence for  Selling Fentanyl and Firearms to Undercover ATF Agents

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – A Memphis man has been sentenced to 144 months of imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. According to information presented in court, during the summer of 2023, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) received information that a person later identified as Adrian Seymour, 38 , was distributing large amounts of fentanyl in the Memphis area. On August 15, 2023, special agents with the ATF, acting in an undercover capacity, purchased approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills from Seymour for $5,000. On September 19, 2023, special agents with the ATF, acting in an undercover capacity, purchased two firearms and approximately one hundred fentanyl pills from Seymour for $1,000. Seymour was arrested by ATF special agents and was charged by criminal complaint in federal court in the Western District of Tennessee on October 5, 2023. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in a seven-count indictment on November 14, 2023. On August 13, 2024, Seymour entered a plea of guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute forty grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute a mixture or substance containing fentanyl, and one count of carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. On March 19, 2025, Senior United States District Court Judge John T. Fowlkes sentenced Seymour to 144 months of incarceration with a four-year period of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Memphis Field Office of the ATF and the Shelby County Multi-Agency Gang Unit. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Nashville laboratory assisted in this investigation. “The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is committed to protecting our communities from gun violence and, through collaboration with our law enforcement partners, to identify, investigate and prosecute those armed and violent individuals in an effort to take crime guns out of the hands of criminals. The work done in this case exemplifies ATF’s mission to protect the public and reduce gun related crime by taking dangerous firearms and narcotics off the street and to hold those persons accountable for their lawless actions,” said Jason Stankiewicz, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Nashville Field Division. Acting U.S. Attorney Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorney Bryce H. Phillips who prosecuted this case, as well as the law enforcement partners who investigated the case. ### For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Two Members of Violent NE Philadelphia Drug Trafficking Organization Convicted of All Charges at Trial

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Kelvin Jimenez, aka “Nip,” 34, and Dominique Parker, aka “Dom,” 33, both of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were convicted late yesterday afternoon at trial of crimes arising from their membership in a violent drug trafficking organization known by several names, including “SG1700” and “L-Block,” which operated in the Frankford section of Northeast Philadelphia. As proven at trial, defendants Jimenez and Parker, as part of SG1700, sold large quantities of narcotics over a multi-year period, using violence and threats of violence to protect their reputation and drug territory. Both were convicted of all charges against them, including racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, maintaining a drug-involved premises, assaults in aid of racketeering, firearms offenses, and related crimes. Jimenez was also convicted of the murder of Kaseem Rogers, and Parker of the murder of Dontae Walker. Jimenez and Parker, along with Hassan Elliott, aka “Haz,” 26, and Khalif Sears, aka “Leaf” and “Lil Leaf,” 23, both also of Philadelphia, were charged in March 2023 by superseding indictment with conspiracy to engage in a racketeer influenced corrupt organization (RICO), violent crimes in aid of racketeering, to include murder, stemming from the killings of victims Rogers, Walker, Tyrone Tyree, and Philadelphia Police Sergeant James O’Connor, and numerous related offenses. On March 13, 2020, Elliott, Sears, and others previously indicted were inside a stash house on the 1600 block of Bridge Street, when Sergeant O’Connor and other members of the Philadelphia Police Department SWAT team arrived with an arrest warrant for Elliott for the March 2019 murder of Tyrone Tyree. As Sergeant O’Connor and his fellow officers ascended the staircase to the second floor of the residence and repeatedly announced their presence, Elliott fired a semiautomatic assault rifle 16 times, striking and killing Sergeant O’Connor. Elliott and Sears pleaded guilty this January to RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, causing the death of Sergeant O’Connor by firearm, and multiple drug, gun, and violent offenses. Elliott is scheduled to be sentenced on April 29 and Sears on April 30; both face maximum possible sentences of life in prison. Jimenez is scheduled to be sentenced on July 7 and Parker on July 9; both also face maximum possible sentences of life in prison. “Jimenez and Parker led the gang that killed Sergeant James O’Connor. These defendants also committed murder themselves,” U.S. Attorney Metcalf said. “Today, however, the Department of Justice put an end to SG1700 and their campaign of violence and destruction. We cannot bring back the lives that have been lost. But we have sent an unambiguous message that everyone involved in a criminal organization that attacks our brave law enforcement officers will be held accountable through federal prosecution.” “By direction of these gang-leaders, Philadelphia’s Frankford neighborhood was subjected to deadly shootouts targeting rivals,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “This conviction brings some justice for the murder of Philadelphia Police Sergeant James O’Connor, for his family and colleagues, and for the three others murdered and more than a dozen wounded by this brutal criminal enterprise. Through our ATF agents’ hard work in cooperation with the Philadelphia Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted this series of cases to take down this lethal enterprise and make Philadelphia’s streets safer.” The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley Martin, Christopher Diviny, and Lauren Stram.


title: York County Man Sentenced to 217 Months in Prison for Armed Robbery and Discharging a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Diaz-Garcia, age 24, of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced yesterday to 217 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Keli M. Neary for three counts of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Diaz-Garcia previously pleaded guilty to these offenses, which involved Diaz-Garcia’s armed robberies of the Smoke and Chill convenience store, the Family Dollar store, and Rod’s Corner Store in December 2021, during a 5-day crime spree in York County. During each of these robberies, Diaz-Garcia pointed a loaded handgun at employees and took money by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury. During the robbery at the Family Dollar on December 8, 2021, Diaz-Garcia discharged the firearm in the presence of store patrons and employees, and held the gun against an employee prior to robbing the store and fleeing to a nearby hotel. Judge Neary also ordered Diaz-Garcia to pay $4,601.58 in restitution to the businesses, and to serve 5 years of supervised release after he completes his prison sentence. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the York City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Christian Haugsby prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Frankfort Company Pays More Than $3.8 Million to Resolve Improper Paycheck Protection Program Loan

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Frankfort-based steel wheel manufacturer, Topy America, Inc., agreed to pay the United States $3,840,188.19 to resolve allegations that it improperly obtained a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for which it was not eligible. Congress created the PPP in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to small American businesses struggling to pay employees and other expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible small businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the SBA. When applying for PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify that they were eligible for the requested loans and that the information they provided was true and accurate. Regulations provided various eligibility requirements for the PPP, including limitations on the number of employees. The settlement resolves allegations that Topy America falsely certified it was eligible to apply for and receive forgiveness of a second-draw PPP loan. In January 2021, Topy America applied for a second-draw PPP loan for $2,000,000, representing that it had fewer than 300 employees. The government contends that, together with its foreign affiliates, Topy America had more than 300 employees and was therefore ineligible for that loan. Based on its false certification, Topy America received the loan and ultimately received forgiveness of the loan. Topy America cooperated with the United States’ investigation and agreed to compensate the United States for its error. “Our office is committed to holding accountable businesses and individuals who improperly obtained COVID-19 relief funds,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Paul McCaffrey. “Topy America quickly and responsibly addressed the concerns raised by the United States, and we expect that other PPP recipients who did not follow the applicable rules will do the same.” “This settlement reflects SBA’s commitment to identifying and pursuing those who perpetrated fraud on the Paycheck Protection Program," said SBA's General Counsel Wendell Davis. "This settlement also exhibits the excellent results from effective SBA and DOJ collaboration to combat the unconscionable misuse of critical pandemic relief programs. SBA continues its enhanced efforts to uncover such misconduct and recover those funds on behalf of the American taxpayers.” The Government’s work in this investigation illustrates its commitment to combatting COVID-19 fraud. The United States encourages anyone with information about potential fraud involving COVID-19 to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . PPP recipients also may voluntarily disclose self-discovered evidence of fraud involving the PPP to U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The settlement resolves lawsuits brought by private citizens under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file a civil action on behalf of the United States, thereby bringing allegations of fraud to the Government’s attention, and share in any financial recovery. As part of this resolution, the individuals who filed the qui tam complaints are eligible to receive a portion of the settlement proceeds. The civil cases are captioned United States ex rel. GNGH2 Inc. v. Topy America, Inc. , Case No. 3:24-cv-0003-GFVT and United States ex rel. Blockquote, Inc. v. Topy America, Inc. , Case No. 3:24-cv-0028. This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Stubblebine, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability. – END –


title: Houtzdale Man Sentenced to 10 Years In Prison For Attempted Enticement Of A Minor To Engage In Prostitution And Sexual Activity

body_text: WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Walter Sitosky, age 67, of Houtzdale, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 120 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by U.S. Chief District Judge Matthew W. Brann after pleading guilty to attempted enticement of a minor charge. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Sitosky arranged to pay for sexual services from a 13-year-old child. Sitosky was arrested as part of an undercover operation after travelling to an establishment in Centre County to meet the child on November 10, 2023. The case was investigated by the FBI, Pennsylvania State Police, Patton Township Police, the Centre County District Attorney’s Office, Williamsport Police, and the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan V. Martin is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney's Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. # # #


title: Medicare Advantage Provider Seoul Medical Group and Related Parties to Pay Over $62M to Settle False Claims Act Suit

component: Civil Division

body_text: Seoul Medical Group Inc. and its subsidiary Advanced Medical Management Inc., headquartered in California, have agreed to pay $58,740,000 and their former president and majority owner, Dr. Min Young Cha, has agreed to pay $1,760,000 for allegedly violating the False Claims Act by causing the submission of false diagnosis codes for two spinal conditions to increase payments from the Medicare Advantage program. Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates Inc., a California-based radiology group that worked with Seoul Medical, has also agreed to pay $2,350,000, for allegedly conspiring with Seoul Medical Group in connection with the false diagnoses for the two spinal conditions. Under Medicare Advantage, also known as the Medicare Part C program, Medicare beneficiaries have the option of enrolling in managed care insurance plans called Medicare Advantage Plans (MA Plans) and the MA Plans contract with healthcare providers, such as Seoul Medical Group, to provide the Medicare-covered benefits. MA Plans are paid a per-person amount to provide the care to their enrollees and, in turn, the MA Plans pay the providers. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which oversees the Medicare program, adjusts the payments to MA Plans based on demographic information and the health diagnoses of each plan beneficiary. The adjustments are commonly referred to as “risk scores.” In general, a beneficiary with diagnoses that are more expensive to treat will have a higher risk score, and CMS will make a larger risk-adjusted payment to the MA Plan for that beneficiary. Seoul Medical Group is a healthcare provider that started in 1993 in Los Angeles and has since expanded into at least six states and has employed at times 150 primary care providers and 1,000 specialists. Dr. Min Young Cha started Seoul Medical Group and until 2023 was president and majority owner. Allegedly, from 2015 to 2021, Seoul Medical Group and Dr. Cha submitted diagnoses for two severe spinal conditions, spinal enthesopathy and sacroiliitis, for patients who did not suffer from either of these conditions. When Seoul Medical Group was questioned by an MA Plan about its use of spinal enthesopathy, Seoul Medical Group enlisted the assistance of Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates to create radiology reports that appeared to support the spinal enthesopathy diagnosis. Both diagnoses resulted in an increase in payment from CMS to the MA Plan, and the MA Plan then passed along a portion of the increased payment to Seoul Medical Group. “Medicare Advantage is a vital program for our seniors and the government expects healthcare providers who participate in the program to provide truthful and accurate information,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov M. Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s result sends a clear message to the Medicare Advantage community that the United States will zealously pursue appropriate action against those who knowingly submit false claims for taxpayer funds.” “My office is committed to ensuring that healthcare providers are held accountable for unlawful misrepresentations to Medicare and other healthcare programs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally for the Central District of California. “As this settlement makes clear, we will diligently pursue those who defraud government programs.” “Providers who game the Medicare program to increase profit undermine the foundation of care and diminish patient trust in the nation’s public health care system,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and rigorously probe false claims to the fullest extent possible.” The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Paul Pew, the former Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Advanced Medical Management. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Pew v. Seoul Medical Group, Inc., et al. , No. 2:20-cv-05156 (C.D. Cal.). The relator’s share of the settlement has not yet been determined. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, with assistance from the Department of HHS-OIG. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The matter was investigated by Fraud Section Attorneys J. Jennifer Koh and Robbin O. Lee and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Paik for the Central District of California. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Defense Contractor MORSECORP Inc. Agrees to Pay $4.6 Million to Settle Cybersecurity Fraud Allegations

body_text: MORSECORP Inc. (MORSE), of Cambridge, Massachusetts, has agreed to pay $4.6 million to resolve allegations that MORSE violated the False Claims Act by failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in its contracts with the Departments of the Army and Air Force. The settlement resolves allegations that MORSE submitted false or fraudulent claims for payment on contracts with the Departments of the Army and Air Force, and that those claims were false or fraudulent because Morse knew it had not complied with those contracts’ cybersecurity requirements. As part of the settlement, MORSE admitted, acknowledged and accepted responsibility for the following facts: From January 2018 to September 2022, MORSE used a third-party company to host MORSE’s emails without requiring and ensuring that the third party met security requirements equivalent to the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program Moderate baseline and complied with the Department of Defense’s requirements for cyber incident reporting, malicious software, media preservation and protection, access to additional information and equipment necessary for forensic analysis and cyber incident damage assessment; The contracts required that MORSE implement all cybersecurity controls in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171, but from January 2018 to February 2023, MORSE had not fully implemented all those controls, including controls that, if not implemented, could lead to significant exploitation of the network or exfiltration of controlled defense information and controls that could have a specific and confined effect on the security of the network and its data; From January 2018 to January 2021, despite the contracts’ system security plan requirement, MORSE did not have a consolidated written plan for each of its covered information systems describing system boundaries, system environments of operation, how security requirements are implemented and the relationships with or connections to other systems; In January 2021, MORSE submitted to the Department of Defense a score of 104 for its implementation of the NIST SP 800-171 security controls. That score was near the top of the possible score range from -203 to 110. In July 2022, a third-party cybersecurity consultant notified MORSE that its score was actually -142. MORSE did not update its score in the Department of Defense reporting system until June 2023 — three months after the United States served MORSE with a subpoena concerning its cybersecurity practices. “Federal contractors must fulfill their obligations to protect sensitive government information from cyber threats,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts. “We will continue to hold contractors to their commitments to follow cybersecurity standards to ensure that federal agencies and taxpayers get what they paid for, and make sure that contractors who follow the rules are not at a competitive disadvantage.” “We are pleased with today’s settlement, which further demonstrates the resolve of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and our law enforcement partners to protect and defend the assets of the United States Army and Department of Defense,” said Special Agent in Charge Keith K. Kelly of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division Fraud Field Office. “We’re committed to protecting the warfighter and maintaining the Army’s operational readiness while holding those who engage in such acts accountable.” “Failure to implement cybersecurity requirements can have devastating consequences, leaving sensitive DoD data vulnerable to cyber threats and malicious actors,” said Special Agent in Charge William W. Richards of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI). “AFOSI, alongside our investigative partners and the Department of Justice, will continue to combat fraud affecting the Department of the Air Force and hold those accountable that fail to properly safeguard sensitive defense information.” “Protecting the integrity of Department of Defense (DoD) procurement activities is a top priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty of the DCIS Northeast Field Office. “Failing to comply with DoD contract specifications and cybersecurity requirements puts DoD information and programs at risk. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of false claims on DoD contracts.” The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that a defendant has submitted false claims for government funds and receive a share of any recovery. The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower to receive an $851,000 share of the settlement amount. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Berich v. MORSECORP Inc. et al., No. 23-cv-10130 (D. Mass.). The settlement announced today was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, with assistance from the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Fraud Field Office, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, DCIS and the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General. The matter was handled by Brian LaMacchia, Chief of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Julien Mundele in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and DOJ Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Terranova.


title: Crownpoint Man Faces Federal Charges for Assaulting Tribal Police Officer

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Crownpoint man is facing charges in federal court for allegedly assaulting a Navajo Police Department officer and escaping twice before being recaptured. According to court documents, on March 18, 2025, two Navajo Police Department officers were dispatched to a domestic violence call. When the officers arrived on the scene, Jason Thompson , 39, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was already in handcuffs but he managed to escape and run away from the officers while still handcuffed. During the ensuing struggle to regain control, one officer deployed a department-issued taser on Thompson . Thompson then grabbed the taser and fired it at the officer, striking him in the chest. After Thompson was recaptured and placed in an NPD unit, he escaped again by removing the rear window bars and kicking out the window. Thompson was apprehended later that night by the NPD. Thompson is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Thompson faces up to 10 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. View the Criminal Complaint (Thompson).pdf A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Newcomb Man Sentenced for Role in Fatal Altercation

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Newcomb man was sentenced to three years of probation for his role in the death of an individual who died from a fatal stab wound during a drunken altercation. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on June 2, 2021, Leighton Spencer , 32, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and two other individuals were at Spencer 's home, consuming a mixture of Gatorade and hand sanitizer, followed by beers, when an altercation between the two other individuals occurred. After one person left to cool down and returned, they discovered the third individual deceased in the doorway, covered in blood. Spencer initially claimed the person was sleeping, but emergency services were called. The Office of the Medical Investigator ruled the death a homicide caused by a stab wound to the neck, which damaged major blood vessels and the right upper lung lobe. Spencer initially provided conflicting accounts of the incident, blaming others and fabricating causes of death before eventually admitting to the killing. Throughout the investigation, Spencer attempted to deflect responsibility and mislead law enforcement. Ultimately, Spencer admitted he lied and pleaded guilty to the charge of involuntary manslaughter. 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 Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.


title: Monroe County Man Charged With Drug Trafficking

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eli Valentine Calero, age 43, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on a drug trafficking charge. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on March 12, 2025, in Monroe County, Calero possessed over 500 grams of methamphetamine and an amount of cocaine for distribution. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Pocono Mountain Police Department and the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts 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 Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is lifetime 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. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Private Shipping Company to Pay $400,000 to Settle Allegations of Transshipping Fentanyl Precursor Chemicals

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – IMC Pro International Inc. has agreed to pay $400,000 to the United States to resolve allegations it violated the Controlled Substances Act through transshipping fentanyl precursor chemicals. The United States alleged IMC Pro International Inc., a North Carolina-based shipping and logistics company, entered business agreements with several companies operating in China. Under the terms of these arrangements, IMC Pro agreed to provide these Chinese companies with access to IMC Pro’s accounts for common carriers in order to generate domestic shipping labels for the final destinations of various goods and products sold or manufactured by the Chinese companies. These labels identified IMC Pro as the company or entity shipping the packages, though IMC Pro did not store or handle the packages at any time, nor did IMC Pro maintain any records concerning the contents of the packages. The United States became aware of these business agreements after the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration seized five packages in Eagle Pass, identifying IMC Pro as the shipper. Chemical analysis determined the five packages contained a total of 26.4 kgs of 1-BOC-4 Piperidone, a List I Regulated Chemical; and 138.66 kgs of (2-Bromoethyl) benzene, a chemical on the DEA’s Special Surveillance List and a laboratory supply within the definition provided under 21 U.S.C § 842(a)(11). Both chemicals are known to be used in the production of fentanyl. The United States alleged its investigation determined these packages were imported into the United States from China, transshipped to Eagle Pass, and intended for transport across the U.S./Mexican border where they were to be sent to be used in the production and manufacture of illicit fentanyl. “In the face of the fentanyl epidemic, my office will hold both those who distribute illicit fentanyl and those who provide the means to manufacture such substances accountable for their actions,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “IMC Pro took on a responsibility to ensure the packages shipped under its name complied with federal laws and regulations. I encourage shipping and logistics companies that may have engaged in similar business arrangements to uphold their own responsibilities and assist in the efforts to stop the flow of fentanyl.” “In addition to going after the drug cartels, DEA will continue to hold companies accountable who make it easy for drug trafficking organizations to get their hands on precursor chemicals to produce deadly synthetic drugs like fentanyl,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux for the DEA Houston Division. “This first-of-its-kind settlement exposes loopholes some companies are exploiting to bring poison to our communities.” The settlement includes an affirmation by IMC Pro that it will not engage in similar business agreements with foreign-based entities at any time now or in the future; the affirmation is binding on the company’s successors in interest as well. IMC Pro, upon being made aware its domestic shipping accounts had been used to transship fentanyl precursors, immediately took steps to shut down such shipping accounts and end the prior business agreements. IMC Pro is further cooperating with the United States to assist in identifying other instances of transshipment of fentanyl precursors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Van De Walle negotiated the settlement on behalf of the United States. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. # ##


title: St. Louis man sentenced to 12+ years’ imprisonment in $1.7 million check fraud scheme

body_text: BENTON, Ill. – A southern Illinois district judge sentenced a St. Louis man to 145 months in federal prison for his involvement in a vehicle sale scheme using fake cashier’s checks and targeting victims in Madison, Jasper, Bond and Fayette counties. Valentino Colic, 34, pleaded guilty in September to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, two counts of wire fraud, two counts of interstate transportation of property taken by fraud and six counts of aggravated identity theft. Following imprisonment, he will serve three years of supervised release. The 11-count indictment also named co-conspirators Alen Saric, 36, Almir Palic, 25, and Emad Hasanbegovic, 34, all of St. Louis. Saric pleaded guilty in January to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of interstate transportation of property taken by fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 7. Palic was sentenced to 51 months in February. Hasanbegovic is facing one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of identity theft. He is scheduled for a court hearing in May. An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury. “Criminals are skilled at creating fake checks to look real and defraud victims, so it’s critical for the public to authenticate checks from people not personally known to them by confirming with the issuing bank or waiting until checks are accepted into their bank account before transferring property or otherwise sending funds,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. According to court documents, the co-conspirators participated in a scheme to defraud private vehicle sellers on Facebook marketplace and Craigslist with fake cashier’s checks from 2018 until August 2023. The checks were printed on security-enhanced check paper with the names and logos of real banks with fake routing numbers. Once the fraudsters possessed a vehicle, they would then resell the vehicle to another individual for cash before the original victim could try to cash the check and realize it was worthless. The conspirators issued at least $1,710,999 in fake cashier’s checks. "This investigation is a testament to the strength of collaboration across local, state, and federal law enforcement,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “This sentencing as well as the upcoming sentencing of co-conspirators highlights efforts the FBI and our partners are making to ensure those who attempt to exploit others for personal gain will be held accountable." To keep the co-conspirators’ names out of the chain of title, they used the names of prior victims to buy and sell the vehicles and forged signatures to complete documents such as titles and bills of sale. When posing as the victims, they often used copies of their photo IDs they had received during the previous sales. By writing bad checks from prior victims, the conspiracy caused even more financial hardship by revictimizing the same people repeatedly. The fraudsters bought and resold vehicles from more than 100 victims across five states. Colic and Saric admitted to driving the vehicles over state lines to benefit the scheme. The FBI Springfield Field Office, the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Illinois State Police, Illinois Secretary of State Police, Jefferson County (Missouri) Sheriff’s Department and several local police departments contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Reed is prosecuting the case.


title: Dominican Republic Citizen Residing in Cleveland, Ohio, Indicted for Defrauding Grandparents from Western Pennsylvania Out of Tens of Thousands of Dollars

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Cleveland, Ohio, originally from the Dominican Republic has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Receipt of Stolen Money that Crossed a State Border, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The five-count Indictment names Luis Alfonso Bisono Rodriguez, 34, as the sole defendant. Rodriguez was previously charged on March 21, 2025, by way of Criminal Complaint, and was arrested last week in the Cleveland area. As alleged in the Complaint Affidavit, Rodriguez is a member of an organized crime group operating across Pennsylvania and Ohio to defraud victims in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere out of tens of thousands of dollars pursuant to a grandparent fraud scam. As part of that scheme, scammers call a grandparent and impersonate their grandchild in a crisis such as an accident or arrest, and then ask the grandparent to send immediate financial assistance. Money from the victims was picked up in Pennsylvania and delivered by Lyft and Uber drivers to various locations in Northern Ohio, where Rodriguez was captured on surveillance videos from various retail establishments meeting the drivers and receiving the stolen money. Rodriguez then sent much of the fraud proceeds to the Dominican Republic via wire transfers, as well as deposited portions of the fraud proceeds into bank accounts. As alleged, between October 2024 and January 2025, at least five elderly individuals from Western Pennsylvania were victimized by the scam and defrauded out of a total of more than $50,000. The investigation has revealed that there are likely many more victims in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and other states. The Federal Bureau of Investigation asks that individuals with information about this scam and/or who believe that they or others they know may have been a victim of the scam report that fraud through the Bureau’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov . Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Pittsburgh and Cleveland offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Criminal Complaint and Indictment, with the assistance of the Parma Police Department in Northern Ohio and numerous police departments in Western Pennsylvania, including the Millcreek Township Police Department, Grove City Police Department, Scott Township Police Department, Fox Chapel Police Department, Finley Township Police Department, and Hermitage Police Department. An indictment and a criminal complaint are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Pittsburgh Drug Dealer Sentenced to 8.5 Years in Prison for Series of Fentanyl, Heroin, Fentanyl Analogue, and Cocaine Trafficking Violations

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced to 102 months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on charges of violating federal drug trafficking laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Senior United States District Judge Joy Flowers Conti imposed the sentence on Jervey Shackelford, 45, on March 25, 2025. According to information presented to the Court, Shackelford delivered or attempted to deliver fentanyl and mixtures of heroin and fentanyl to an undercover officer on six separate occasions between February 2022 and June 2022 on Pittsburgh’s North Side. In October 2023, City of Pittsburgh officers executed a search warrant on Shackelford and his vehicle and recovered over 60 grams of fentanyl and 10 grams of cocaine, along with drug packaging materials. Additionally, in August 2024, City of Pittsburgh officers executed a search warrant on an apartment utilized by Shackelford, during which officers recovered 11 bricks of fentanyl and heroin and approximately 100 grams of fentanyl and a fentanyl analogue. Shackelford possessed with an intent to distribute a total of over a quarter kilogram of mixtures of fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and heroin across the various incidents. Assistant United States Attorney Michael R. Ball prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Shackelford.


title: Jamaican National Indicted For Child Exploitation Crime

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Andrew Higgins, age 37, a Jamaican national, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury with a child exploitation offense. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that beginning on or about January 15, 2025, and continuing through January 17, 2025, Higgins used the internet and an electronic device to attempt to persuade and coerce a child to engage in sexual conduct. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations – RAC Allentown. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . The maximum penalty under federal law for the crimes charged in the Indictment is life 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. Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #