title: Three Tulsa Men Sentenced for Armed Robbery

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – Today, U.S. District Judge Raul M Arias-Marxuach sentenced three Tulsa men for armed robberies in Catoosa and Owasso, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. "These three defendants were sentenced for violent crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “They robbed the victim in an occupied hotel and shot at others recklessly in a neighborhood. They were violent and dangerous. The Northern District of Oklahoma is safer with them behind bars.” Yonaton Perez , 20, was sentenced to 96 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery and Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute. Anthony Gabriel Calvillo-Rodriguez , 20, to 190 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery; Carrying and Using a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; and Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Anthony Alexander Bernal-Perez , 23, to 121 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for Obstructing, Delaying, and Affecting Commerce by Robbery; Carrying, Using, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence; and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. Court records show that on April 7, 2023, Perez was parked in a private parking lot behind a bar in Tulsa. Tulsa Police officers approached the vehicle. During the investigation, officers found that Perez possessed more than 660 grams of methamphetamine that he intended to sell. In September 2023, Perez directed another person to get a hotel room in Catoosa with the intent of robbing the victim. While the victim was in the hotel room, Perez, Calvillo-Rodriguez, and Bernal-Perez robbed the victim. The victim was targeted because he was a drug dealer, wore flashy jewelry, and routinely carried drug proceeds on him. The defendants robbed the victim of more than $100k in jewelry and cash. In a third incident in October 2023, Calvillo-Rodriguez and Bernal-Perez were waiting in a parking lot in Owasso when four juveniles pulled up to their vehicle and robbed Calvillo-Rodriguez. When the juvenile robbers drove off, Calvillo-Rodriguez and Bernal-Perez followed the robbers and blocked their vehicle. Calvillo-Rodriguez and Bernal-Perez opened fire on the juvenile robbers in a neighborhood, striking several homes and vehicles. All three men will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), FBI, the Owasso Police Department, and the Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth Elmore and John Brasher prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about PSN, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Two previously deported Honduran nationals arrested for illegal re-entry

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. –Acting U.S. Attorney Joel L. Violanti announced today that Javier Antonio Cruz, 27, and Junior Eduardo Garcia Castro, 28, both citizens of Honduras, were arrested and charged in separate complaints with illegal re-entry after deportation, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Rudroff and Andrew J. Henning, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on the evening of February 18, 2025, the North Tonawanda Police Department stopped a vehicle on Niagara Falls Boulevard for a traffic violation. Both defendants were passengers in the vehicle. A records check determined that in 2020, defendant Cruz was convicted in Irving, Texas, of a felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Further investigation also determined that Cruz was ordered removed multiple times by an immigration judge, and deported in 2018 and 2024. A second records check determined that defendant Castro faces multiple charges for Driving Without a License in the state of Georgia. And further investigation determined that he also was ordered removed multiple times by an immigration judge and was also deported from the United States in 2018, and on two occasions in April 2022. Cruz and Castro made initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and were detained. The complaint is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan and Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Washington State Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Coercing and Sexually Exploiting a Minor Online

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.--A Tacoma, Washington man was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday for using social media to coerce a minor into sending him sexually explicit materials and engage in self-harm. Brandon Kuper, 22, was sentenced to 165 months in federal prison and ten years' supervised release. According to court documents, in November 2022, Kuper messaged a minor through Discord and Snapchat, two social media messaging applications, in attempts to develop a relationship. Kuper coerced the victim into producing and sending him sexually explicit photos and videos, including sadistic and masochistic conduct. When the victim denied some of Kuper's requests, he threatened to harm the victim and victim's family if his demands were not met. Kuper continued to make threats and demands until the victim bravely reported Kuper to their parents and then law enforcement. Investigators learned that Kuper used Discord and Snapchat to find and convince minors to produce and send him sexually explicit material. In several instances, Kuper asked his victims to cut his social media username "Merqzs" into their skin, photograph it, and send him the photos. Investigators also found revenge pornography that Kuper created and posted of at least one other victim that did not comply with his demands. On November 10, 2022, Kuper was arrested in Tacoma and remains in custody. On November 17, 2022, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a two-count indictment charging Kuper with production of child pornography and enticing a minor. On November 20, 2024, Kuper pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) with assistance from the Bend Police Department and Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Digital Forensics Laboratory. It was prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to contact ICE HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org . Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims' exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org . 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Florida Financial Advisor Pleads Guilty to Promoting Illegal Tax Shelter and Stealing Client Funds

component: USAO - Mississippi, Southern

body_text: WASHINGTON — A Florida man pleaded guilty today to orchestrating a nearly decade-long scheme to promote an illegal tax shelter and commit wire fraud. He also pleaded guilty to assisting in the preparation of false tax returns for tax shelter clients. According to court documents and statements made in court, Stephen T. Mellinger III, of Delray Beach, was a financial advisor, insurance salesman, and securities broker operating in Florida, Michigan, Mississippi, and elsewhere. Beginning in late 2013, Mellinger conspired with others to promote an illegal tax shelter whereby clients would claim false tax deductions for so-called “royalty payments” to fraudulently reduce their taxes. In reality, as Mellinger knew, the “royalty payments” were merely a circular flow of money designed to give the appearance of genuine business expenses. Typically, a client would send money to bank accounts controlled by Mellinger and other co-conspirators, who then sent the money — less a fee — right back to a different bank account that the client controlled. In this way, tax shelter participants retained control of the money they transferred, while falsely deducting the transfers as business expenses on their tax returns. In total, Mellinger and his co-conspirators helped clients prepare tax returns that claimed over $106 million in false tax deductions, which caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $37 million. Mellinger and a co-conspirator who was a relative, collectively earned approximately $3 million in fees from promoting the scheme. In January 2016, Mellinger learned that several of his clients were being investigated and that the United States had started seizing their funds. Mellinger and a relative subsequently stole more than $2.1 million of funds from some of those clients, some of which he used to buy a home in Delray Beach. Mellinger is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 16, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiring to defraud the IRS and commit wire fraud, and three years in prison for aiding in the preparation of false tax returns. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, and Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon for the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation and the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Richard J. Hagerman, William Montague, and Matthew Hicks of the Tax Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham for the Southern District of Mississippi, and Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen and Jasmin Salehi Fashami of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) are prosecuting the case.


component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Florida man pleaded guilty today to orchestrating a nearly decade-long scheme to promote an illegal tax shelter and commit wire fraud. He also pleaded guilty to assisting in the preparation of false tax returns for tax shelter clients. According to court documents and statements made in court, Stephen T. Mellinger III, of Delray Beach, was a financial advisor, insurance salesman, and securities broker operating in Florida, Michigan, Mississippi, and elsewhere. Beginning in late 2013, Mellinger conspired with others to promote an illegal tax shelter whereby clients would claim false tax deductions for so-called “royalty payments” to fraudulently reduce their taxes. In reality, as Mellinger knew, the “royalty payments” were merely a circular flow of money designed to give the appearance of genuine business expenses. Typically, a client would send money to bank accounts controlled by Mellinger and other co-conspirators, who then sent the money — less a fee — right back to a different bank account that the client controlled. In this way, tax shelter participants retained control of the money they transferred, while falsely deducting the transfers as business expenses on their tax returns. In total, Mellinger and his co-conspirators helped clients prepare tax returns that claimed over $106 million in false tax deductions, which caused a tax loss to the IRS of approximately $37 million. Mellinger and a co-conspirator who was a relative, collectively earned approximately $3 million in fees from promoting the scheme. In January 2016, Mellinger learned that several of his clients were being investigated and that the United States had started seizing their funds. Mellinger and a relative subsequently stole more than $2.1 million of funds from some of those clients, some of which he used to buy a home in Delray Beach. Mellinger is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 16, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for conspiring to defraud the IRS and commit wire fraud, and three years in prison for aiding in the preparation of false tax returns. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, and Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon for the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation and the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Richard J. Hagerman, William Montague, and Matthew Hicks of the Tax Division, Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles W. Kirkham for the Southern District of Mississippi, and Trial Attorneys Emily Cohen and Jasmin Salehi Fashami of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) are prosecuting the case.


title: Apartment Renter for High-End Brothel Network Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Torrance, Calif. man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to his involvement in operating sophisticated high-end brothels in greater Boston and eastern Virginia and to his involvement in fraudulently obtaining over $580,000 in COVID-19 relief funds. James Lee, 70, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce one or more individuals to travel in interstate or foreign commerce to engage in prostitution; one count of money laundering conspiracy; and one count of wire fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for April 29, 2025. James Lee was arrested and charged in November 2023 with co-defendants Han Lee, 42, of Cambridge, Mass. and Junmyung Lee, 31, of Dedham, Mass. The defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024 . From at least January 2022 through and including November 2023, James Lee knowingly conspired with Han Lee and Junmyung Lee to operate an interstate prostitution network with multiple brothels in greater Boston and eastern Virginia designed to entice women to travel interstate to engage in prostitution. James Lee and his co-conspirators also knowingly conspired with one another, and others, to launder the proceeds of the prostitution network by concealing that the money was derived from the prostitution conspiracy. James Lee rented several high-end apartments in Boston and Eastern Virginia that were used as brothel locations. James Lee was the sole and legal tenant of at least six locations used by this prostitution network. In addition to using his own name to lease the apartments, James Lee would use fraudulent identities and, at times, stolen identities of actual people. James Lee was regularly compensated by his co-conspirators for both leasing apartments and for his travel to and from the brothel locations. Han Lee paid James Lee approximately $1,000 per month per active lease as a commission. James Lee served as a liaison between the females working in the units and the property managers by fielding calls and coordinating any issues that arose relating to maintenance and inspections. James Lee and his co-conspirators concealed the proceeds of the prostitution network by depositing hundreds of thousands of dollars of cash proceeds into their personal bank accounts and peer-to-peer transfers. Additionally, the defendants regularly used hundreds of thousands of dollars of the cash proceeds from the prostitution business to purchase money orders (in values under an amount that would trigger reporting and identification requirements) to conceal the source of the funds. These money orders were then used to pay for rent and utilities at brothel locations in Massachusetts and Virginia. Beginning in our around March 2020 through September 2021, James Lee submitted fraudulent information in an effort to obtain loans through CARES Act and the Small Business Administration’s programs like the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) program and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). James Lee used personal identifying information of a third-party to submit false loan applications and open bank accounts used to accept COVID-19 relief funds. In addition James Lee fraudulently applied for PPP Loans and EIDL funds using the names of businesses that did not exist or served as shell companies in furtherance of the scheme. In support of the loan applications, James Lee submitted fraudulent tax documents in the name of the third party and a fraudulent lease between himself and his fraudulent identity. As a result of the scheme, James Lee obtained at least $580,000 in fraudulent EIDL funds and PPP loans. Han Lee pleaded guilty in September 2024 and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2025. In October 2024 , Junmyung Lee pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on April 18, 2025. Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov . The charge of conspiracy to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce one or more individuals to travel in interstate or foreign commerce to engage in prostitution provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $500,000 fine or twice the value of funds laundered, whatever is greater. The charge of wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the loss from the scheme. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Central District of California; Eastern District of Virginia; U.S. Postal Service; and Watertown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquelle Kaye, of the Asset Recovery Unit are prosecuting the case.


title: Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to 8 Years For Transporting Child Pornography

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that James H. Hornung, 73, Newbold, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 100 months in federal prison for transporting obscene material in interstate commerce on two separate occasions. Hornung pleaded guilty to these charges on December 2, 2024. On September 17, 2023, an individual called law enforcement to report that he had found a duffel bag along a logging trail in the Town of Newbold. An officer seized the duffel bag and brought it to the Sheriff’s office. The duffel bag contained approximately 27 USB flash drives, SD cards, and several CDs, and other electronics. Officers identified the profile on a laptop found in the bag as Hornung’s. Agents analyzed the laptop and 6 flash drives that were submitted from the duffel and located almost 3500 media files that appeared to be child pornography. Officers interviewed Hornung who admitted that he owned the duffel bag and said there was child pornography on the discs and flash drives. Hornung said that he searched and collected child pornography, put it into the duffel bag, and hid it because he was paranoid that he would get caught with it. In sentencing Hornung, Judge Conley believed that Hornung left the duffel bag so that he could retrieve it after he was released from custody and keep possession of his child pornography collection. Judge Conley also found it aggravating that Hornung was accessing child pornography while on bond on another child pornography case. Judge Conley observed that Hornung was a sexual predator who was either unwilling or unable to address his long-standing attraction to minors. In addition to this federal conviction, Hornung was convicted of second-degree sexual assault in 1979, sexual assault of child in 1997, and possession of child pornography in 2023. The charges against Hornung were the result of an investigation conducted by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Ginsberg prosecuted this case. This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Two Men Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Double Murder and Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer on the Colville Reservation

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that on February 26, 2025, Zachary L. Holt, age 24, and Dezmonique D. Tenzsley (a/k/a “Privilege”), age 36, were sentenced on seventeen counts including Felony Murder in Indian Country, Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer, Assault of a Federal Officer, Attempted Robbery in Indian Country, Robbery Affecting Commerce, as well as several firearm offenses. Holt also was sentenced for First-Degree Murder in Indian Country and Murder Resulting from Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. Holt and Tenzsley were convicted of these crimes on November 25, 2024, following a jury trial. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced both men to life in prison, which was the mandatory sentence for Holt and Tenzsley’s crimes. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and numerous federal agencies came together to secure some measure of justice on behalf of the victims in this case,” stated Acting United States Attorney Barker, who served as a lead counsel on the case from the start. “This was a complicated investigation and trial, involving nearly sixty witnesses. The U.S. Attorneys Office would not have been able to present this case without the sacrifices of our incredible law enforcement team.” According to court documents and information disclosed at trial and sentencing, Holt and Tenzsley went on a six-week crime spree that began in September 2022 in Northern Idaho and continued until the Defendants’ arrests in Eastern Washington on October 21, 2022. Over these six weeks, Defendants Holt and Tenzsley committed home invasions as well as a robbery in Northern Idaho, and then took their firearms and much of the stolen property into Eastern Washington, where they shot and killed Gale and Jeremy Neal at roughly 4:21 p.m. on October 20, 2022, in Keller, Washington. Gale and Jeremy Neal were shot twice inside their trailer during a failed robbery. Eyewitnesses described three armed men wearing masks, who arrived at the trailer in a red sedan. Surveillance video presented at trial showed the red sedan arrive at about 4:19 p.m. and depart two minutes and ten seconds later, at 4:21 p.m., just moments after the murder. Approximately 30 minutes before the murders, Holt and Tenzsley were driving on a dirt road in the Keller area. Holt, who was speeding, swerved to miss a school bus, causing Holt’s vehicle to roll over into a ditch. Minutes later, Holt’s brother, Curry Pinkham, pulled up in the red sedan to give both Holt and Tenzsley a ride. Just before getting into the car, Holt and Tenzsley moved several firearms – including the murder weapon – and thousands of rounds of ammunition out of the crashed car and into the red sedan – a 2007 Toyota Camry. Testimony at trial established that Holt was upset about wrecking his car and demanded that Pinkham take them to a location where they could get more drugs and find someone to rob. Pinkham agreed to drive Holt to the home of a known drug dealer in the Keller area. When Holt, Tenzsley, and Pinkham arrived at the residence of the known drug dealer, Holt and Tenzsley put on rubber gloves and masks. Holt, Tenzsley and Pinkham then grabbed firearms out of the red sedan. Rather than go to the main residence, where the purported drug dealer lived, Holt and Tenzsley walked to the back of the property, where Gale Neal’s trailer was located. As Holt and Tenzsley approached, Jeremy Neal came to the door of the trailer. Holt immediately began demanding Neal’s money and property. Moments later, Holt fired two shots, killing Jeremy Neal. Holt then turned to Gale Neal, who leaned back into the couch in fear, and fired two more shots, killing Gale. Throughout, Tenzsley was standing guard, armed with a shotgun and his face covered by a mask. After the robbery and murder, and while law enforcement was responding to the scene, Tenzsley, Holt, and Pinkham drove towards Nespelem, Washington. As Pinkham was driving the getaway car, Holt fired several additional shots – this time at law enforcement, who was attempting stop the red Camry. During the chase, a Colville Tribal Police Sergeant, who was cross-deputized as a federal officer, was hit in the forearm. Several additional bullets hit the Sergeant’s patrol vehicle. After shooting the first officer, Holt opened fire at a second Colville Tribal Police Officer, who also had attempted to stop the red sedan. Evidence at trial established that Tenzsley reloaded firearm magazines as Holt continued to fire at law enforcement to evade apprehension after murdering the Neals. When Holt, Tenzsley, and Pinkham later arrived in the Nespelem area, the three men tried to hide the getaway car under a tarp and fled on foot. They also hid their firearms and ammunition throughout the Nespelem area. When Holt and Tenzsley were finally apprehended the next day, Tenzsley gave a false name. Holt got into fist fight with a concerned citizen, who had called the police just prior to Holt’s arrest. During the investigation into the murders of Jeremy and Gale Neal, Tribal and federal law enforcement identified a series of other crimes that Holt and Tenzsley committed as part of their six-week crime spree and conspiracy. On September 3, 2022, Holt and Tenzsley robbed and severely assaulted a man at gunpoint inside his trailer in Latah County, Idaho. The pair stole ammunition, gun parts, the victim’s car keys, and a safe containing the title to the victim’s camper trailer. As Holt and Tenzsley were fleeing the robbery scene, they exchanged fire with the robbery victim. Additional evidence established that on October 12, 2022, Holt and Tenzsley, who again were both armed, invaded two homes and assaulted multiple victims on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation in Lapwai, Idaho. The evidence at trial showed that Holt and Tenzsley were again looking for someone to rob when they committed these assaults. During the second home invasion that evening, Holt and Tenzsley shot a dog in the face on the Nez Perce Reservation. Fortunately, the dog survived the gunshot. In the days immediately after the Lapwai, Idaho assaults, Holt and Tenzsley traveled to Keller, Washington – leading to the tragic deaths of Gale and Jeremy Neal, as well as the attempted murder of one federal officer and the assault of another. The firearm used in the shooting on the Nez Perce Reservation was the same gun Holt and Tenzsley used during the Neal murders, as well as the attempted murder and assault of the two federal officers. “On October 20, 2022, these defendants tragically destroyed too many lives to count. They killed two innocent members of the Colville Tribe, permanently injured a dedicated Tribal officer, and opened fire at another officer,” Acting United States Attorney Barker added. “On the day of these senseless crimes, the entire Nespelem community was in lock down, while Tribal and federal police sought to apprehend Mr. Holt and Mr. Tenzsley. The community then rallied in typical Colville fashion to support the investigation and prosecution of those responsible. Similarly, the Nez Perce Reservation’s Tribal Police Department was instrumental in bringing the Defendants to justice for the criminal conspiracy that began in Northern Idaho.” Acting U.S. Attorney Barker continued, “The subsequent investigation involved numerous witness interviews across three Tribal communities in two states, dozens of search warrants, extensive forensic testing by the Washington State Patrol, voluminous legal filings, and numerous meetings with victims and their families. In the end, our entire district came together to seek justice for the Neal family and the officers, who were shot and nearly killed. Without our state, local, and Tribal partnerships, as well as every member of my office, the outcome of this case and investigation could have gone much differently. I am particularly grateful for the incredible team of victim advocates, litigation technology specialists, legal support staff, and Assistant United States Attorneys, who worked tirelessly on this case. Our team shows up every day to help keep our communities, neighborhoods, and reservations safe, and this case is just one example of the amazing things our office is able to accomplish.” The Chairman of the Colville Tribes, Jarred Michael Erickson, said, “These events were incredibly disruptive to the Colville community. People died and their neighbors had to grapple with shock, grief, and fear as these despicable crimes unfolded. It is extremely gratifying to see justice done today as these murderers will spend the rest of their lives in prison. Criminals everywhere must understand that if they commit their crimes on the Colville Reservation, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Chairman Erickson continued, “Our Colville Tribal Police reacted to this crisis with incredible bravery and professionalism. The murderers shot at two Colville officers as the officers attempted to apprehend them, and seriously injured one officer when they shot him in the forearm. As the Colville police continued to work with other law enforcement agencies throughout the investigation and eventual arrest of these felons, Det. McNulty and Chief Brown distinguished themselves with their efforts to bring these killers to justice. The Colville Tribes is grateful for the efforts of every individual and non-tribal agency that assisted in this case, but we especially want to thank Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Barker, who worked as lead counsel on this case through trial. Richard and his office have been friends and partners to the Colville Tribes for many years now. It is an understatement to say we greatly appreciate the effort and skill the U.S. Attorney's office devoted to prosecuting this case, and for the work they do every day to keep our community safe.” “The ruthless violence Mr. Holt and Mr. Tenzsley displayed will not be tolerated and demonstrates that prison is where they belong. Communities across Idaho and Eastern Washington will be safer with them there.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “It is fortunate more people were not injured or worse by these two dangerous criminals. I am grateful to the courageous officers who were able to apprehend them and to the investigators who put an end to their crime spree and held them accountable for their violent actions.” “This case is a prime example of how interagency cooperation between state, city, county, tribal, and federal partners can lead to communities being kept safe and take criminals off the street,” stated Latah County Sheriff Richard Skiles. “I would personally like to thank our Detective Corporal Ryan Weaver for his exemplary work on this case. I would also like to thank the United States Department of Justice for their relentless prosecution of this case and keeping all local law enforcement agencies involved in this case. Justice has been served.” This case was investigated by the Colville Tribal Police Department, the FBI, the FBI’s Salish Safe Trails Task Force, Latah County Sherif’s Office, Nez Perce Tribal Police Department, Idaho State Patrol, Spokane Tribal Police Department, Kalispel Tribal Police Department, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Okanogan Sheriff’s Office, Ephrata Police Department, Soap Lake Police Department, U.S. Border Patrol, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service, and the Washington State Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker, Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Ellis, and Contractor Echo D. Fatsis. 2:22-cr-00157-TOR


title: Bronx Former Attorney Sentenced To 70 Months In Prison For Large-Scale Immigration Fraud

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Matthew Podolsky, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that KOFI AMANKWAA, a Bronx-based former immigration attorney, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for immigration fraud in connection with his supervision of a multi-year scheme to file fraudulent immigration documents under the Violence Against Women Act (“VAWA”). AMANKWAA pled guilty on September 17, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla, who imposed today’s sentence. Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Kofi Amankwaa, a former immigration attorney,made a mockery of the U.S. immigration system and VAWA — a law that provides noncitizen victims of domestic abuse a path to lawful permanent residence status — by filing thousands of immigration documents falsely alleging that his clients were victims of abuse by their children or other family members. Amankwaa repeatedly filed these false applications without telling his clients that he was doing so, and pocketed thousands of dollars from each client he victimized. Amankwaa now faces a significant prison sentence for his crimes.” According to the allegations in the Information, public filings, and statements made in public court proceedings: From September 2016 through November 2023, AMANKWAA and others at his direction met with clients and instructed them to sign fraudulent Form I-360 VAWA Petitions falsely stating that the clients were abused by their U.S. citizen children. AMANKWAA also signed the petitions, under penalty of perjury, as the attorney preparer. AMANKWAA used the filing of the fraudulent Form I-360 VAWA Petitions, among other filings, as a basis to request for his clients advance parole travel documents — documents that enable individuals without legal status in the U.S. to travel abroad temporarily and return. AMANKWAA then directed his clients, upon obtaining the advance parole travel documents, to travel abroad and return to the U.S. Last, AMANKWAA used the fraudulently procured advance parole as a basis for his clients to apply for lawful permanent resident status. AMANKWAA carried out this illegal scheme knowing that his clients had not, in fact, been abused by their children or without asking whether any such abuse occurred. Moreover, AMANKWAA was often unsuccessful in obtaining lawful permanent resident status for his clients because the clients’ immigration applications were denied on the basis of fraud, among other reasons. AMANKWAA typically charged his clients between $3,000 and $6,000 for his services, plus administrative fees. In November 2023, following numerous complaints by clients regarding the fraudulent abuse allegations, AMANKWAA’s license to practice law in the State of New York was suspended, and in August 2024, AMANKWAA was disbarred. * * * In addition to the prison term, AMANKWAA, 70, of South River, New Jersey, was sentenced to three years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $13,389,000. As part of his plea agreement, AMANKWAA has also agreed to pay $16,503,425 in restitution to his victims. If you believe you or your family member is a victim of VAWA fraud who may be entitled to restitution from AMANKWAA, please contact USANYS.VAWAFraud@usdoj.gov . Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of the Newark Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations. Mr. Podolsky also thanked the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security for their support in this investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Z. Margulies is in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Samantha Roberts.


title: Simi Valley Couple Arrested for Abusing Asylum-Seeking Immigrants, Operating Illegal “Work for Smuggling” Scheme

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Simi Valley couple were arrested today on charges that they abused asylum-seeking immigrants from Latin American countries by forcing them to do domestic labor around the house and hand over money they earned working outside the home. Carolina Rojas, 50, and her husband Jairo John Gastelo, 45, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit forced labor and four counts of forced labor. Rojas was separately charged with an additional four counts of trafficking with respect to forced labor, three counts of giving immigration documents to unauthorized persons, one count of encouraging and inducing illegal entry, and one count of witness tampering. During initial appearances Wednesday afternoon in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles, a federal magistrate judge ordered them detained and scheduled a trial for April 8. “As described in the indictment, the defendants smuggled individuals into the United States and exploited them for their own financial gain,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “The enforcement of our immigration laws is critical to preventing forced labor and human trafficking. We will hold accountable those that violate these laws.” “Today’s indictment shows the great lengths that the defendants went through to enrich themselves off smuggled aliens,” said HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang. “Labor trafficking continues to be an ongoing problem in our communities and HSI remains committed to holding traffickers accountable for their deplorable actions.” According to the indictment, no later than November 2021 and continuing until at least March 2024, Rojas and Gastelo allegedly worked with each other and others to recruit foreign nationals from specifically Latin American countries to come to the United States for the purpose of providing forced labor upon arrival to their house in Simi Valley. Rojas allegedly facilitated the foreign nationals’ entry into the United States by providing initial financial assistance and by making travel arrangements for each victim. Once successfully in the U.S., Rojas helped the victims get transportation to California and eventually to Rojas and Gastelo’s house in Simi Valley. After arriving at the house, the defendants allegedly forced the victims to provide around-the-clock childcare for a child with special needs and perform other domestic labor. The victims received no pay for their services and were told by Rojas and Gastelo that their work was performed in exchange for rent at the home. The defendants allegedly charged the foreign nationals a fee for being smuggled into the U.S. In some cases, Rojas connected victims with a nearby McDonald’s in Simi Valley where she had an arrangement with the manager to hire individuals she brought to work there. Rojas and Gastelo would then collect money from the victims’ jobs as repayment for their smuggling fee debt. Before getting outside-the-house employment, Rojas allegedly helped procure fraudulent social security cards and permanent resident cards for the victims to use when seeking jobs. Rojas would then bring the victims to a check cashing company, where they could cash their checks in order to pay Rojas and Gastelo. If convicted, Rojas and Gastelo face a statutory maximum of five years for conspiracy to commit forced labor and a statutory maximum of 20 years for each charge of forced labor. Rojas faces an additional statutory maximum of 20 years for each charge of trafficking with respect to forced labor, a statutory maximum of 10 years for each charge of giving immigration documents to unauthorized persons, a statutory maximum of 10 years for encouraging and inducing illegal entry, and a statutory maximum of 20 years for witness tampering. Indictments contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Homeland Security Investigations and Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys K. Afia Bondero of the Major Frauds Section and Matt Coe-Odess of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Woman Who Distributed Fentanyl Resulting in Two Deaths Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A woman who sold purported heroin containing fentanyl in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was sentenced today to 20 years in federal prison. Alysha Michelle Dittmar, age 28, of Denver, Colorado, received the prison term after a September 11, 2024 guilty plea to one count of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death. On July 1, 2023, Dittmar was text messaging with A.G. by phone about distributing purported heroin. Dittmar had previously distributed purported heroin to A.G. The purported heroin distributed by Dittmar contained a mixture or substance of heroin and fentanyl. A.G. and T.G. used the fentanyl mixture provided by Dittmar and died in their home. The couple’s children found them in their bedroom and called 911. Two days after the overdose deaths, law enforcement conducted a controlled buy of purported heroin from Dittmar. The substance distributed by Dittmar to law enforcement contained heroin, fentanyl, and xylazine. Dittmar was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Dittmar was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment. She must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Dittmar is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until she can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicole L. Nagin, and it was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion Police Department, at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-CR-00048-001. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Montgomery Man Sentenced to More than Nine Years in Prison for Armed Robbery of a U.S. Postal Carrier

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge sentenced a Montgomery man for the robbery of a U.S. Postal carrier, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Postal Inspection Service Acting Inspector-in-Charge Mona Hernandez, Houston Division. U.S. District Court Judge Corey L. Maze sentenced Anthony Darryl Barber, Jr., 24, to 109 months in prison. In October 2024, Barber pleaded guilty to robbery of a U.S. Postal carrier and using or carrying a firearm during a violent crime. According to the plea agreement, on May 3, 2023, a U.S. Postal carrier was delivering mail at an apartment complex in Huntsville. Barber approached the carrier, pointed a gun, and took the arrow key – a specialized key used by postal carriers to open U.S. Postal Service mailboxes. Barber then fled the scene. A Morgan County Sheriff’s Office sergeant was on patrol in the area when dispatchers advised of a stolen car tag affixed to a white Nissan Altima. The tag had been reported stolen in Montgomery, Alabama, on April 30, 2023. The sergeant conducted a traffic stop on the white Altima, which Barber was driving. When the sergeant asked Barber to pull the vehicle into a gravel driveway to clear the roadway, Barber sped away. The sergeant pursued Barber in a high-speed chase, which ended with Barber stopping and getting out of the car at the officer’s command. The sergeant found a Glock 27, Gen 5 .40 caliber pistol in the right front pocket of Barber’s pants. A search of the vehicle revealed a beige ski mask and postal arrow key. The USPIS investigated the case along with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Davis Barlow prosecuted the case.


title: Charleston Woman Pleads Guilty to Role in COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Wendy Ann Thomas, 47, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to aiding and abetting money laundering. Thomas admitted that $20,833 in proceeds from a criminally derived Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loan, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), was deposited into her personal checking account. According to court documents and statements made in court, the $20,833 was deposited into Thomas’ personal checking account on June 22, 2021. Thomas admitted that she allowed another individual to direct the PPP loan proceeds to her account, that she knew the deposited PPP loan proceeds were criminally derived, and that the PPP loan was issued in the name of an individual Thomas does not know. Thomas further admitted that she withdrew $17,000 from her personal checking account on June 23, 2021, and knew the cash withdrawal represented most of the criminally derived PPP loan proceeds. Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Thomas also owes $20,833 in restitution. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage is prosecuting the case. Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-172. ###


title: Court Sentences Mobile Man to 105 Months in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – On February 18, 2025, United States District Court Judge William H. Steele sentenced Sheldon Terrell Peters to 105 months imprisonment for cocaine trafficking. The sentence was comprised of 75 months for the charged offense of Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine and 30 months for Peters’ violation of his supervised release conditions from a a 2017 federal conviction for Possession with the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine. Documents filed with the Court established that between September and October 2022 the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Violent Crimes Task Force used an undercover informant to make three separate controlled buys of 47.5 grams of crack cocaine, 46.3 grams of crack cocaine, and 105.6 grams of crack cocaine from Peters at his home in Mobile. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Mobile County Sherriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May.


title: Citizen from the People’s Republic of China Sentenced for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: Saipan – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that Kangle Jiang, age 22, citizen of the People’s Republic of China, was sentenced to 30 days imprisonment by the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1324(a)(1)(A)(ii) and (v)(I) and Conspiracy to Defraud the United States, in violation of 18 § U.S.C. 37. The court also ordered one year of supervised release, 50 hours of community service, and a $100 special assessment fee. On December 9, 2024, Kangle Jiang conspired with a man in Saipan to transport himself and seven other Chinese nationals to the Territory of Guam by boat. They intended to avoid detection by law enforcement to further their unlawful presence in the United States. Jiang, who had only been in the CNMI since October 31, 2024, paid $6,000 for the illegal trip to Guam. As the boat approached the shore, the boat’s operators pushed and threatened the passengers to jump into the water, even though some of them could not swim. Most of the passengers were later encountered in or near sensitive military installations. “Combatting unlawful immigration is the top priority of the Department of Justice,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “The defendant took advantage of unique federal immigration regulations that permit certain foreign nationals to visit the CNMI as tourists. Any local economic benefits from these provisions are lost when those persons later attempt to unlawfully enter another part of the United States. The defendant and his co-conspirators also placed themselves and others at great risk of personal harm due to the nature of their travel at sea. Our enforcement efforts will continue to focus on safety, deterrence, and maintaining the integrity of our immigration system in the Western Pacific.” “The arrest of Mr. Jiang exemplifies HSI’s commitment to enforcing federal immigration laws in an effort to prevent human smuggling,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas. “By going after violators like Mr. Jiang, we protect our communities by trying to prevent the inherent dangers posed by smuggling.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Eric S. O’Malley, Assistant United States Attorney in the District of the Northern Mariana Islands.


title: Mexican National Sentenced for Assaulting Border Patrol Agents at El Paso Processing Center

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: EL PASO, Texas – A Mexican national was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso to 46 months in prison for three counts of assault on a federal officer. According to court documents, Carlos Ernesto Guerrero-Gutierrez was being detained in a pod of 20 individuals at an El Paso processing center in November 2023. Guerrero-Gutierrez became disruptive and was placed in a separate isolation pod where he dismantled the pod’s frame, removing a wooden board with nails on it. When U.S. Border Patrol agents responded, Guerrero-Gutierrez bit one agent on the leg and injured two others using the board with nails. One of the agents was hit in the head, causing him to bleed above the temple and another agent bled from his hand after being stabbed in the thumb with a nail. Guerrero-Gutierrez was ultimately subdued after two taser deployment attempts, cuffed and restrained. He pleaded guilty to three counts of assault on a federal officer May 6, 2024. “Our Border Patrol partners place their lives on the line daily in defense of the United States and the integrity of our border,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “We take these violations seriously and will vigorously prosecute violent individuals who assault those who work tirelessly to protect us and our communities.” “This conviction serves as a clear message—any individual who attempts to harm a federal officer will face swift and decisive action. These assaults will not be tolerated. Those who engage in such violence will be held fully accountable under the law,” said El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar. “We are grateful for the unwavering support from our law enforcement partners and the justice system in ensuring that those who threaten the safety of our agents face the consequences of their actions.” "The El Paso FBI stands firmly with our U.S. Border Patrol partners as well as with all law enforcement officers who work tirelessly, day in and day out, to protect our borders and our communities,” said El Paso FBI Special Agent in Charge John Morales. "Any assault on these dedicated, brave men and women will not be tolerated and will be swiftly investigated. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers they face in their mission to keep our nation safe, and this sentencing reflects our unwavering commitment to supporting and partnering with law enforcement at all levels to uphold public safety." The FBI and USBP investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stanley Serwatka prosecuted the case. ###


title: Mexican Drug Cartel Leader Extradited to Georgia to Face Federal Charges

component: Criminal - Office of International Affairs

body_text: ATLANTA - Omar Cuenca-Marino, 41, of Guerrero, Mexico, has been arraigned before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard on federal charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, and unlawful import of, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin into the United States, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Cuenca-Marino, who was the alleged leader of the Los Rojos Mexican Drug Cartel, was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 21, 2016. “Robust law enforcement partnerships, tenacious investigators, and a resilient determination to eliminate cartels that import deadly drugs into our communities culminated in the charges and recent extradition of this alleged drug cartel leader,” said Acting United States Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “This prosecution sends a strong message to the cartels and their leadership, no matter where they reside: you will face justice.” “The arrest and extradition of Omar Cuenca-Marino, the alleged Los Rojos cartel leader, marks a significant success for the ongoing U.S. efforts to dismantle drug trafficking cartels and secure our borders,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta, which covers Georgia and Alabama. “As part of our commitment to combating the opioid crisis and transnational crime, we are leveraging every available resource to disrupt cross border criminal operations. This case sends a clear message that we, alongside our law enforcement partners, will not tolerate those who seek to profit from the distribution of dangerous narcotics.” “The success of this investigation demonstrates DEA will use all of its resources to destroy drug distribution networks that are endangering our communities,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Drug cartels have caused the death of many people in the United States and Mexico through violence and the distribution of illegal drugs,” said Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Once identified by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, IRS Criminal Investigation special agents investigate these cartels finances and their involvement with narcotics to help bring them down.” According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court: An investigation by law enforcement authorities identified a drug cartel based in Mexico that, between approximately 2013 and 2016, was responsible for importing large, distribution quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine from Mexico into the United States. The investigation identified Cuenca-Marino as the alleged Mexico-based leader of the cartel who oversaw the preparation of thousands of kilograms of cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin in Mexico and arranged to have the drugs smuggled into the United States, using buses and tractor-trailers. In addition, Cuenca-Marino allegedly directed the collection of millions of dollars of drug proceeds for transport from the United States back to Mexico. For instance: On October 11, 2013, a law enforcement operation in Vinings and Hiram, Georgia led to the seizure of approximately 75 kilograms of methamphetamine, 23 kilograms of heroin, and 47 kilograms of cocaine. Cuenca-Marino allegedly directed the smuggling of these drugs into the United States for distribution in the Atlanta-metro area. On November 20, 2015, law enforcement seized 76 packages of cocaine from a vehicle in a parking lot in Duluth, Georgia. The investigation revealed that Cuenca-Marino had relayed the phone number of the Atlanta-based trafficker who was about to take possession of the drugs. On February 9, 2016, law enforcement stopped a vehicle traveling on Interstate 44 in Phelps County, Missouri and found $425,900 in drug proceeds. The driver, who was enroute to Mexico, allegedly contacted Cuenca-Marino the following day to report that the vehicle had been in an “accident.” Members of the public are reminded that the indictment only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. The investigation and prosecution of this case is led by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Cobb County Police Department, Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, Marietta Police Department, Powder Springs Police Department, Henry County Police Department, Clayton County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, DeKalb County Police Department, Alabama Drug Task Force, Newnan Police Department, Conyers Police Department, Gwinnett County Judicial Task Force, United States Customs and Border Protection, and the Georgia State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Herskowitz is prosecuting the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Hartigan and Michael J. Brown, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and Office of Enforcement Operations, provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Also, the Department of Justice's Office of International Affairs coordinated with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition Cuenca-Marino. This prosecution is part of an 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. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to eliminate the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the David G. Wilhelm Atlanta OCDETF Strike Force (Atlanta Strike Force) is to eliminate transnational organized crime syndicates and major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations in the Atlanta metropolitan area and the Northern District of Georgia. To accomplish this mission, the Atlanta Strike Force will target these organizations’ leaders, focusing on targets designated as Consolidated Priority Organization Targets, Regional Priority Organization Targets, and their associates. The Atlanta Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, USMS, USPIS, and IRS, as well as numerous state and local agencies; and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Minneapolis Woman Pleads Guilty in $250 Million Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – A Minneapolis woman has pleaded guilty for her role in the $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. According to court documents, Najmo M. Ahmed, 35, helped her husband Said Ereg run a small storefront grocery store in Minneapolis called Evergreen Grocery and Deli. In April 2020, Ereg enrolled Evergreen Grocery and Deli in the Federal Child Nutrition Program as a food distribution site under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. Under the direction of her husband, Ahmed signed falsified meal count sheets, including one dated December 31, 2020, claiming Evergreen Grocery and Deli served 3,250 children – twice a day – during the week of January 24, 2021. Between April 2020 and April 2021, Evergreen Grocery and Deli claimed to have served over 1.4 million meals to children. According to court documents, Evergreen Grocery and Deli received over $4.2 million in payments from Feeding Our Future based on fraudulent claims. Ereg transferred funds from Evergreen’s business accounts into personal accounts in his name and Ahmed’s name, and Ahmed knew that the large sums of money her husband deposited into her account were proceeds from illegal activity. Ahmed transferred at least $1,147,348 in funding from her personal bank accounts to foreign textile and trading companies such as Shaoxing Aifan Textile Co. She also used the money to fund her lavish lifestyle and made purchases from Burberry, Louis Vuitton, and Canada Goose. Ltd. In total, Ahmed laundered $1,381,048 in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds through her personal bank accounts. Ahmed pleaded guilty yesterday in U.S. District Court before Judge Nancy E. Brasel. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. The case is the result of an investigation by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs, Joseph H. Thompson, Matthew S. Ebert, and Daniel W. Bobier are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.


title: South Carolina Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Federal Prison for Lewd Assault on TSA Officer at Indianapolis International Airport

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS— George Stevens, 38, of South Carolina, has been sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to interference with security screening personnel and assault of a federal officer. According to court documents, at approximately 1:30 p.m. on July 15, 2023, Stevens was passing through Transportation Security Administration (“TSA”) Checkpoint A at the Indianapolis International Airport. When he moved through a screening machine at Checkpoint A, the machine displayed an alarm indicating that additional screening of his chest, groin, and buttocks was required. A Transportation Security Officer (“TSO”) requested that Stevens step aside for a pat-down search. Stevens complied with the initial request and continued to comply while the TSO patted down his chest. However, when the TSO began patting down his outer and inner groin area, Stevens called the TSO a “freak” approximately 4 times. The TSO then requested a supervisor over the radio. The supervisor who responded to the radio call observed that Stevens appeared intoxicated, was not complying with the TSO’s instructions, and was repeating phrases such as “I don’t have nothing” and “I’m just trying to get home.” When the supervisor instructed Stevens to remove his belt and hold his pants up by his belt loops, Stevens dropped into a squat and shook his buttocks at the supervisor and other assisting TSOs. The supervisor then halted screening in lanes 1 and 2 of Checkpoint A, and requested that an Indianapolis Airport Police Department (“APD”) officer be dispatched to Checkpoint A. While the supervisor was doing this, Stevens squatted for a second time and shook his buttocks at the other TSOs. When Stevens was told that APD was on its way, Stevens became agitated and stated, “I don’t have nothing” and “what do you want to see?” Stevens then pulled his jeans and underwear to his ankles and exposed his bare buttocks and genitals to the TSOs and the passengers in the vicinity. When the APD officer arrived, Stevens continued to disrobe by removing his jeans and placing them over the supervisor’s shoulder, removing his underwear and forcibly pressing it into the supervisor’s face, and then throwing the underwear at the supervisor. Stevens then removed his socks and – while completely naked – began advancing towards the supervisor. Stevens was then placed under arrest by APD and removed from the Checkpoint. The entirety of Stevens’ lewd assault occurred in full view of the traveling public, including families with small children, who were attempting to navigate the security checkpoint and get to their flights. Prior to this incident, Stevens had sustained an extensive criminal history spanning multiple years, including multiple convictions for domestic violence and firearms offenses. The sentence that Stevens received was at the very top of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines range. “Our Indianapolis International Airport is one of the finest airports in the country. TSA Officers stationed at the airport handle significant passenger traffic throughout the year with tremendous professionalism and a real dedication to the safety of the traveling public,” said John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Let this message be heard far and wide; the lewd and violent behavior towards security staff demonstrated by Mr. Stevens in this case will not be tolerated in this district, and it will be prosecuted to the fullest extent.” “TSA officers at Indianapolis International Airport work tirelessly to screen thousands of people each day and prevent dangerous items from being brought onboard aircraft, usually in full cooperation with passengers,” TSA Indiana Federal Security Director Aaron Batt said. “We appreciate the support from local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office when our officers or members of the public face harassment and abuse at the checkpoint, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate in our joint effort to keep passengers and our nation’s transportation systems safe.” "This sentence underscores the FBI’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for criminal acts against those who serve and safeguard the public,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI, in collaboration with local and federal partners, will continue its tireless efforts to identify and apprehend those who commit these lewd and unlawful acts against public servants.” The FBI, TSA, and APD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II. Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Olivier, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Secures Guilty Plea in Fatal DUI Case

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington man entered a guilty plea to one count of involuntary manslaughter stemming from a fatal car crash in 2024. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on September 22, 2024, Irvin Virgil Wauneka, Jr. , 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, having consumed approximately half a pint of Jim Beam whiskey. Jane Doe was a passenger in the vehicle. Wauneka 's impaired driving resulted in a head-on collision with another motor vehicle. Tragically, Jane Doe suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. At sentencing, Wauneka faces up to eight years, followed by three years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting this case.


title: Honduran National Sentenced For  Firearm Possession

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JOAN E. ESCOBAR-REYES (“ESCOBAR-REYES”) , age 26, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on February 20, 2025 by United States District Judge Susie Morgan. Judge Morgan sentenced ESCOBAR-REYES to thirty months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, and the payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A). According to court documents, on or about June 30, 2024, ESCOBAR-REYES , an alien illegally present in the United States, was found in possession of a Glock Model 32, .357 SIG caliber, semi-automatic pistol and a H&R Model 92, .22 LR caliber revolver. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations-New Orleans, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.


title: Pascagoula Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Distribution of Child Pornography

body_text: Gulfport, MS – A Pascagoula man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for distribution of images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. According to court documents, Tyrone Lewis, 20, had sexual contact with a 14-year-old in Jackson County, Mississippi, and recorded some of the sexual acts on a cell phone. Further investigation, including an analysis of the victim’s cell phone, revealed that Lewis sent the victim videos of himself and the victim engaging in sexual activity. The cell phone also contained a text message which confirmed Lewis knew the victim was a minor. In July 2024, Lewis pled guilty to distribution of images of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune of Homeland Security Investigations made the announcement. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Smith prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Lab Operator Convicted of $4M Medicare Fraud Scheme

body_text: A federal jury in Detroit convicted a California man today for his role in defrauding Medicare of over $4 million in fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary urine drug testing for patients receiving pain management treatment. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Sherif Khalil, 50, of Redondo Beach, conspired with others to submit claims to Medicare for the highest-reimbursing urine drug testing panels, which doctors did not want or order. Sherif Khalil operated Spectra Clinical Labs, a toxicology lab located in Gardena, California. As the owner of Spectra, Khalil implemented a scheme to pay marketers a percentage of Medicare reimbursements and incentivize them to obtain doctors’ orders for expensive drug testing panels. Khalil concealed Spectra’s payments to marketers by routing the payments through nominally independent marketing companies that Khalil secretly controlled. To maximize Spectra’s profits and their own commission payments, Spectra’s marketers then trained staff members at doctors’ offices to send Spectra orders for medically unnecessary urine drug tests that doctors did not actually want or authorize. Khalil also knew that orders Spectra received from physician practices were not supported by documentation of medical necessity. The medically unnecessary laboratory tests ordered in exchange for illegal kickbacks to marketers caused Medicare to pay more than $4 million to the Spectra Clinical Labs. Khalil was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay, offer, receive, and solicit health care kickbacks. Khalil is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 7 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud count and five years in prison on the count for conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay, offer, receive, and solicit health care kickbacks. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement. The FBI Detroit Field Office and HHS-OIG investigated the case. Trial Attorneys S. Babu Kaza, Jeffrey A. Crapko, and Kelly Warner and Assistant Chief Shankar Ramamurthy of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Convicted Felon In Possession Of Multiple Illegal Firearms Including A Machinegun Is Sentenced To Prison

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – David Christopher Ballard, 45, of Catawba, N.C., was sentenced today to 87 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release for possession of multiple illegal firearms including a machinegun, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Bennie Mims, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, andSheriff Donald G. Brown II of the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, join Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron in making today’s announcement. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on December 27, 2022, deputies with the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office were attempting to serve Ballard with outstanding arrest warrants for domestic assault and communicating threats. Law enforcement located Ballard traveling in a vehicle on I-40, and Ballard was arrested without incident. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that when Ballard realized the vehicle was being pulled over by the police and he would be arrested, he contacted another individual with instructions to get rid of his machinegun. Upon learning this information, deputies were dispatched to Ballard’s residence. When they arrived at the residence, deputies conducted a search and found numerous loaded firearms and ammunition including a machinegun, that being a Spikes Tactical ST-15 rifle, modified to shoot automatically more than one shot without manual reloading and loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition; a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver loaded with five rounds; a Glock 22 .45 caliber pistol loaded with a 15-round magazine; a Bushmaster XM-15 riffle loaded with a 30-round magazine; a Mossberg 12 Gauge 500 shotgun loaded with an additional ammunition drum; a Surefire Suppressor; a Rugged Suppressor; a satchel with seven loaded magazines; .40 caliber and .45 caliber barrels; and additional loaded magazines. The investigation revealed that Ballard had threatened to shoot his ex-wife on multiple occasions and had held the Spikes Tactical rifle to her head. During an interview with law enforcement, Ballard admitted that he possessed all the seized firearms and ammunition, and that he had converted the rifle into a fully automatic weapon. Court records show that Ballard has prior felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Ballard remains in federal custody. He will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. In making today’s announcement, Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron thanked the ATF and the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Boykin of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. The 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. For more information about PSN in the Western District, please visit our website .


title: Recidivist Sex Offender Is Sentenced To 14+ Years For Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Lenoir, N.C. man was sentenced today to a total of 169 months in prison and a lifetime term of supervised release for possession and access with intent to view child sexual abuse material (CSAM) while on federal supervised release, announced Lawrence J. Cameron, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Joshua Lynn Cook, 40, was also ordered to register as a sex offender after he is released from prison. The Court further ordered Cook to pay $17,000 in special assessments pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act of 2018. Robert M. DeWitt, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Charlotte Division, joins Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron in making today’s announcement. “Despite prior convictions and strict court supervision, Cook broke the law once again and revictimized children by accessing and possessing horrific material depicting their sexual abuse,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Cameron. “Cook’s sentence reflects the consequences awaiting those who continue to ignore the law and harm vulnerable children.” “This federal prison sentence reinforces the message; the FBI and our partners will not tolerate the victimization of children. We will continue to meticulously investigate these crimes, which cause irreparable harm and trauma to innocent victims,” said Special Agent in Charge DeWitt. According to court documents, Cook was on federal supervised release for a 2016 federal conviction for transportation, receipt, and possession of CSAM. Under the terms of Cook’s federal supervision, he was not permitted to own an electronic device capable of accessing the internet, including a cell phone. Cook was also subject to periodic home inspections by the U.S. Probation Office (USPO) to ensure compliance with his probationary terms. Court records show that, on February 8, 2024, during a home inspection, USPO found Cook in possession of an unauthorized phone in his bedroom. Cook admitted to using the phone to access CSAM around the time that he first gained access to the phone, which was within one month of his release from prison. The phone and an SD card were seized and forensically examined by the FBI. The examination revealed that these devices contained images and videos depicting CSAM, including toddlers. On October 9, 2024, Cook pleaded guilty to possession and access with intent to view child pornography involving prepubescent minors. Today, the Court sentenced Cook to 151 months of incarceration for possession and access with intent to view CSAM, and 18 months, to run consecutive, for committing this offense while on federal supervised release, for a total of 169 months of incarceration. Cook will remain in federal custody until he is transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The FBI with the assistance of the USPO investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Cervantes with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case. 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 Justice Department. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Chester business owner sentenced to two years in prison for failing to pay taxes withheld from employees’ wages

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Chester man was sentenced today to two years in prison for willful failure to account for or pay over employment taxes. According to court documents, David Neel, 63, was the sole owner and operator of several sleep disorder centers in central Virginia including Siesta Health LLC, Healthy Sleep LLC, and Healthy Sleep Partners, LLC. Neel withheld federal trust fund taxes from his employees' wages, but failed to report those withholdings or pay them over to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and instead kept the withheld funds for his own personal use. Trust fund taxes consist of withholdings for federal income taxes, and employee contributions to Medicare and Social Security. Neel did not file an IRS Form 941 (Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return) in the name of any of his sleep disorder companies from at least the first quarter of 2015 through the last quarter of 2020 and did not make any trust fund tax payments to the IRS. Nonetheless, Neel issued W-2s to his employees indicating that he had withheld a total of at least $311,985 in trust fund taxes for this period. Neel also failed to pay over the employer’s share of Medicare and Social Security contributions for those and other quarters, totaling at least $148,558. The total amount Neel failed to pay to the IRS was at least $460,543. During the periods Neel failed to pay the required employee withholdings and matching amounts, he had access to significant company funds, which he used to bankroll his lavish personal expenses, including: Monthly rent of $5,000 for a 215-acre horse farm and residence (as well as a prior residence), totaling over $220,000; $500 to $1,000 per month for work on his personal residence, totaling approximately $30,000; Almost $40,000 paid for life insurance; Tuition and related educational expenses for the daughter of Neel’s significant other; Purchase of a Ford F600 truck. Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Kareem A. Carter, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Washington D.C. Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla Jordan-Detamore prosecuted the case. If you suspect a business is not in compliance with taxes owed, you can report online or by mail with IRS Form 3949-A, Information Referral. For more information about how to report tax fraud, please see the IRS’s website here . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:24-cr-107.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office and DEA Announce Guilty Plea in High-Speed Chase and Drug Trafficking Case

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An El Paso man pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges after fleeing a Border Patrol checkpoint in Otero County, leading to a high-speed chase that ended in a head-on collision with a motorcyclist and the discovery of nearly 10 kilograms of pure methamphetamine in his vehicle. According to court documents, on November 8, 2023, Jeffery Christopher Saint Louis , 28, drove through the Border Patrol checkpoint on Highway 54 in Otero County. Upon being referred to secondary inspection, Saint Louis fled from the checkpoint towards Alamogordo. During his escape, Saint Louis drove at a high rate of speed on the wrong side of the road, resulting in a head-on collision with a motorcyclist. Following the incident, the Otero County Sheriff's Office obtained a search warrant for Saint Louis 's vehicle. During the search, law enforcement discovered 9.982 kilograms of pure methamphetamine in a suitcase in the trunk of his vehicle. In his plea agreement, Saint Louis acknowledged that he was aware of the methamphetamine in his vehicle and admitted that it was his intention to distribute the drugs to other individuals. At sentencing, Saint Louis faces not less than ten years and not more than life in prison, followed by up to five years supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Towanda R. Thorne-James, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso Division, made the announcement today. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case with the assistance of the U.S. Border Patrol, Alamogordo Police Department, Otero County Sheriff’s Office and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devon Aragon Martinez and Maria Armijo are prosecuting the case. View the Plea Agreement (Saint Louis).pdf


title: Sex Offender Sentenced to More than 10 Years in Prison for Possessing Child Pornography

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU - U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced a registered sex offender caught with child sexual abuse material to 130 months in prison. Thomas O. Stroud Jr., 43, of Wappapello, in Wayne County, Missouri, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau in November to possession of child pornography. According to court documents, Stroud has a prior federal conviction for possessing child pornography in 2009. Following his release from federal prison, Stroud was required to register as a sex offender. He was also placed on a 40-year term of supervised release. In March 2024, while Stroud was serving his term of supervised release, Stroud’s probation officer discovered that he had been using a cell phone to communicate with someone in Indiana. During the communications, Stroud obtained several images of child pornography. After serving his 130-month sentence, Stroud will once again be placed on supervised release. This case was investigated by the U.S. Probation Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Koester prosecuted the case.


title: Waterbury Company Pays More Than $2.2 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations Related to PPP Loan

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that MacDermid Incorporated, a Waterbury-based company that provides chemical products and technical services, has paid $2,226,623.62 to settle False Claims Act allegations that Coventya Inc., a company MacDermid Incorporated acquired in 2021, falsely certified its eligibility to receive a Paycheck Protection Program loan. Congress created the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The PPP was administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), and was intended to support small businesses struggling to pay employees and other expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. In December 2020, Congress approved funding for a second round of forgivable PPP loans, which became available to borrowers beginning in January 2021. This “second-draw” loan program included additional eligibility requirements. One of the eligibility requirements for receiving a second-draw PPP loan was that the entity could employ no more than 300 individuals. The applicant was required to include in its employee count the employees of any foreign and domestic affiliate entities. The settlement resolves allegations that Coventya Inc., a company involved in the manufacture and international distribution of chemicals, falsely certified it was eligible to apply for and receive forgiveness of a second-draw PPP loan in 2021. In April 2021, Coventya applied for a second-draw PPP loan for $1,075,000, representing that it had fewer than 300 employees. The government contends that, together with its foreign affiliate, Coventya had more than 300 employees and was therefore ineligible for that loan. Based on its false certification, Coventya received the loan. After receiving this PPP loan, Coventya sought and received forgiveness of the total loan amount of $1,081,061.81, including $1,075,000 in principal and $6,061.81 in interest, which the SBA paid to the lender. Coventya was acquired by MacDermid Incorporated in September 2021, and is now known as MacDermid, Incorporated. “PPP loans were intended to help small businesses and their employees suffering the economic effects caused by the pandemic,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman. “This office is committed to pursuing those who violated the requirements of pandemic assistance programs and holding them accountable.” The False Claims Act allegations resolved by the settlement were originally brought in a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court in Connecticut by a relator, or whistleblower, under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. These provisions allow private parties to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. The relator, GNGH2 Inc., will receive $222,662.36 as its share of the recovery. The case resolved by this settlement is U.S. ex rel GNGH2 Inc. v. MacDermid Incorporated, as successor in interest to Coventya, Inc. (Docket No. 3:24-cv-1480). This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Kaczmarek, with assistance from SBA’s Office of General Counsel. Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: FEDERAL JURY CONVICTS WALKER MAN OF DRUG DISTRIBUTION

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: Acting United States Attorney April M. Leon announced the conviction of Richard Lance Cline Jr., age 34, of Walker, Louisiana. After a two-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge John W. deGravelles, the jury unanimously convicted Cline of distribution of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. As the evidence at trial demonstrated, on February 25, 2021 and March 3, 2021, Cline sold 50 grams or more of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer. On March 9, 2021, he was arrested in possession of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine while attempting a third sale to an undercover law enforcement. As a result of his conviction, Cline now faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, as well as significant fines, restitution, and supervised release. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert W. Piedrahita and Ellison C. Travis.


title: U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Sentencing of Church Rock Man for Shooting at Law Enforcement Officers

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Church Rock man was sentenced to 147 months in prison for charges related to an attack on law enforcement officers on the Navajo Nation. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, after midnight on July 22, 2023, officers from the Navajo Police Department and New Mexico State Police responded to reports of a man shooting a gun and making threats near a residence on the Navajo Nation. While investigating, they came under fire from an unknown direction and from an unknown assailant and were forced to take cover. Officers reported hearing the bullets whiz past them and landing in the dirt nearby. After a prolonged search, Elijah Touchine , 24, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was arrested later that day at a gun store in Gallup, where he was attempting to purchase additional firearms, including an AR-15 and ammunition. During questioning, Touchine admitted to shooting at the officers and expressed a desire to "kill every [expletive] police". A search of the vehicle Touchine was in revealed a .40 caliber handgun and ammunition in a black bag. Investigators also recovered multiple .40 caliber shell casings at the scene of the shooting. Upon his release from prison, Touchine will be subject to three years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau Investigation investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigation, New Mexico State Police, Gallup Police Department, and McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas Marshall is prosecuting the case.


title: Danville Woman Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: DANVILLE, Va. – A Danville, Virginia woman, who claimed to receive almost 10,000 hours of personal care services from her estranged husband, but never actually received those services, resulting in a loss to Medicaid of over $116,000, pled guilty today in Federal Court. Jacquelyn Farrish, 61, waived her right to be indicted and pled guilty today to a one-count Information charging her with health care fraud. According to court documents, Farrish was married to A.L., a Medicaid recipient who was receiving Agency Directed Care Services. Until approximately 2017, Farrish and A.L. resided in Northern Virginia, at which time Farrish moved to Danville, Virginia, while A.L. continued living in Northern Virginia. A.L. later moved to Richmond, Virginia. In October 2018, Farrish applied to receive services from the Consumer Directed Care Program. She listed A.L. as the paid personal card attendant who would be providing her with home health care and respite care services, even though A.L. did not live in Danville. From October 2018 through February 2023, Farrish submitted and approved fraudulent timesheets, used A.L.’s personal information, and claimed A.L. provided services that were not rendered. In total, Farrish claimed 9,819 hours of personal care attendant services that were not performed. As a result, the total loss to Medicaid was $116,536. Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares made the announcement. The Department of Health and Human Services- Office of the Inspector General and the Virginia Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlene Day and Special Assistant United States Attorney and Assistant Attorney General Nicole Terry are prosecuting the case.