title: D.C. Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Unemployment Insurance Benefits Scheme During COVID-19 Pandemic

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Lydia Kay Griggsby sentenced Isiah Lewis, 35, of Prince George’s County, Maryland, to 53 months of imprisonment for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, in connection with a conspiracy and scheme to defraud the Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL) and California Employment Development Department (CA-EDD). Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office. According to the guilty plea, from at least June 2020 through March 2021, Lewis conspired with Michael Cooley, Jr., 26, of Prince George’s County, Maryland, and Alonzo Brown, 28, of Richmond, Virginia, to devise and execute a scheme to defraud victim individuals and multiple state workforce agencies, including in Maryland and California, of more than $800,000 in unemployment insurance benefits, and successfully obtained more than $300,000. Griggsby previously sentenced Cooley and Brown to 87 months and 45 months, respectively. Through the sophisticated scheme, co-conspirators used the personal identifiable information of more than 60 individuals, such as name, date of birth, and social security number, to file online UI applications in Maryland and California, using anonymous email addresses to obscure their identities and avoid detection. At sentencing, Judge Griggsby ordered Lewis to pay restitution of $310,428.08 to the crime victims in the case and to forfeit money, property, and/or assets derived from the scheme. This case is part of the District of Maryland COVID-19 Strike Force, a Strike Force that is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. For more information about the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . U.S. Attorney Hayes commended DOL-OIG and IRS-CI for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bijon A. Mostoufi and Jared M. Beim, who prosecuted the federal case, along with Joanna B.N. Huber, who supported the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud . # # #


title: Mentmore Man Sentenced for Assault

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Mentmore man was sentenced to 37 months in prison for assaulting and strangling the victim and causing substantial bodily injury There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, on December 5, 2024, Alery Al Reid , 27, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, punched, strangled and threatened to kill Jane Doe. Reid subsequently pled guilty to assault of an intimate partner by strangling and assault of an intimate partner resulting in substantial bodily injury. Upon his release from prison, Reid will be subject to three years of supervised release. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.


title: CONVICTED HUMAN TRAFFICKER SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON FOR ILLEGALLY REENTERING THE UNITED STATES

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Edwin Joel Martinez-Cruz, also known as “Edwin Joel Ibarras-Ardon” and “Edwin Ibarra,” 38, of Nicaragua, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to illegal reentry into the United States. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This criminal illegal alien is precisely who Operation Take Back America is intended to protect our communities – and our country – from: a convicted human trafficker who has shown no regard for human life or our laws. Thanks to the commitment of President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to unleash the full power of the Department of Justice, the citizens of the Northern District of Florida can rest assured that my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases to deliver just punishments and swift deportations to criminal alien offenders like this defendant.” Court documents reflect that the defendant, a citizen of Nicaragua, departed the United States in 2022 after an Immigration Judge entered an Order of Removal. He illegally returned to the United States less than a year later and was convicted for human trafficking of a child. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Brooke DiSalvo prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, human and drug trafficking. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: McLoud Man Charged with Threatening to Kill Federal Agents and Others on YouTube

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – A federal criminal complaint has been unsealed charging TAYLOR RYAN PRIGMORE , 30, of McLoud, Oklahoma, with threatening to kill federal agents and others, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “As attacks on law enforcement rise around the country, this Department of Justice will continue to identify and prosecute violent threats against the brave men and women who keep us safe,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Hiding behind a screen will not protect you from severe legal consequences.” “This individual allegedly made statements that he would kill ICE agents and others. If you threaten to harm law enforcement officers, the FBI and our partners will find you and hold you accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “There will be no free passes for threats against the hard-working men and women who wear the badge and protect our communities.” According to court records, on January 17, 2026, the FBI received information from Google regarding several threatening statements made by a YouTube user. The YouTube account holder—alleged to be Prigmore—posted several comments on videos between May 9, 2025, and January 17, 2026, threatening to kill Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and others. Court records further reflect that Prigmore left eight threatening comments last week alone expressing his desire to kill federal agents and others. Prigmore also threatened to kill any law enforcement officers who came to his residence, stating he would kill “as many as possible.” On January 19, 2026, Prigmore was charged by Complaint with communicating a threat through interstate commerce. He was arrested by the FBI the same day. He appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge yesterday and was ordered detained pending trial. If found guilty as charged, Prigmore faces up to five years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. The public is reminded that this charge is merely an allegation, and that the defendant is innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arvo Mikkanen and Matt Dillon are prosecuting the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information. The federal criminal complaint can be accessed here.


title: Oklahoma Man Charged with Threatening on YouTube to Kill Federal Agents and Others

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Note: View complaint here . A federal criminal complaint has been unsealed charging Taylor Ryan Prigmore, 30, of McLoud, Oklahoma, with threatening to kill federal agents and others. “As attacks on law enforcement rise around the country, this Department of Justice will continue to identify and prosecute violent threats against the brave men and women who keep us safe,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Hiding behind a screen will not protect you from severe legal consequences.” “This individual allegedly made statements that he would kill ICE agents and others. If you threaten to harm law enforcement officers, the FBI and our partners will find you and hold you accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “There will be no free passes for threats against the hard-working men and women who wear the badge and protect our communities.” According to court records, on Jan. 17, the FBI received information from Google regarding several threatening statements made by a YouTube user. The YouTube account holder — alleged to be Prigmore — posted several comments on videos between May 9, 2025, and Jan. 17 threatening to kill Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and others. Court records further reflect that Prigmore left eight threatening comments last week alone expressing his desire to kill federal agents and others. Prigmore also threatened to kill any law enforcement officers that came to his residence, stating he would kill “as many as possible.” On Jan. 19, Prigmore was charged by complaint with communicating a threat through interstate commerce. He was arrested by the FBI the same day. He appeared yesterday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma and was ordered detained pending trial. If found guilty as charged, Prigmore faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester for the Western District of Oklahoma joined in making today ’ s announcement. The FBI Oklahoma City Field Office’s Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arvo Mikkanen and Matt Dillon for the Western District of Oklahoma are prosecuting the case. A complaint merely contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Jacksonville Businessman Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Jacksonville businessman pleaded guilty yesterday to evading millions of dollars in federal income taxes. According to court documents and statements made in court, Phillip Mak, a sales representative, earned more than $10 million during 2008 through 2020. Mak owed more than $3.7 million in federal taxes on that income but did not pay them when required to do so. The IRS sent Mak notices about paying his taxes and filed a Notice of Federal Tax Lien against his property. Nevertheless, by the end of 2021, Mak still had not paid any federal income tax for the last 13 years. Mak also took steps that moved his assets out of the reach of the IRS. Between 2019 and 2021, Mak, instead of paying his taxes, transferred $1 million to his domestic partner. He also transferred ownership of his personal residence to a trust created and controlled by his domestic partner. Finally, he created a corporate entity and deposited his personal income into the corporate entity’s bank account. Mak admitted that he committed at least one of these acts with an intent to evade payment of his taxes and knew that his conduct was against the law. Mak faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The court has not yet scheduled a sentencing date. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Isaiah Boyd and Michael Jones of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cannizzaro for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.


component: USAO - Florida, Middle


title: Seattle man arrested with twenty “ghost guns” and more than 100 Glock switches sentenced to 27 months in prison

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 26-year-old Seattle man was sentenced yesterday in U.S. District Court in Seattle to 27 months in prison for possession of a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Andre Justice Atwater was taken into custody in June 2024, following the BB-gun shooting of two men in the parking lot of his International District apartment. Atwater was identified as the shooter, and when Seattle Police searched his apartment, they found more than 25 guns – 20 of them privately manufactured ‘ghost guns,’ and 103 ‘Glock switches’ devices that turn a semi-automatic Glock handgun into an automatic fire machine gun. “This is a very serious offense,” said U.S. District Judge James L. Robart. “(The most common illegal use for) 3D printers is for coming up with illegal firearms.” According to records filed in the case, when law enforcement searched Atwater’s apartment, they found one of the bedrooms had been turned into a workshop for the production of firearms. Atwater had a 3D printer and gunsmith tools. In a gun safe they found 25 firearms, 20 of them unregistered homemade ‘ghost guns.’ Three of the Glock switch devices had been filed down for installation into a firearm. Atwater also possessed two silencers. Unregistered silencers and unregistered machine guns are illegal to possess under federal law. The 103 Glock switches seized in the apartment is the largest seizure of Glock switches in the Western District of Washington. In asking for a three-year prison term Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg wrote to the court, “…(T)he sheer volume of firearms Atwater possessed (and likely manufactured himself), and the large quantity of 103 machinegun conversion devices, is consistent with his present and/or future intent to sell the firearms and Glock switches. But for the fortuitous law enforcement intervention, Atwater had the potential to supply the streets of Seattle with dangerous firearms and machinegun devices – all or most of which would have inevitably ended up in the hands of dangerous individuals.” Judge Robart ordered that Atwater be on supervised release for three years following prison. Atwater was sentenced in King County Superior Court to nine months in prison for the BB-gun assaults. The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Todd Greenberg.


title: 37 Mexican Nationals Wanted for Serious Crimes Transferred to the United States from Mexico, Including Leaders of Foreign Terrorist Organizations

body_text: The United States announced today that yesterday evening it took into custody 37 fugitives from Mexico facing a range of federal criminal charges around the country, including charges relating to narcoterrorism, providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, firearms trafficking, human smuggling, money laundering, and various drug trafficking offenses, including conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Among the fugitives taken into U.S. custody are prolific human smugglers, violent arms traffickers, and alleged members of dangerous drug cartels, including those designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, such as the Sinaloa Cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), Cártel del Noreste (CDN, formerly Los Zetas), and Cártel de Golfo (CDG) as well as additional drug trafficking organizations, such as the Gulf Cartel, La Linea, and the former Beltrán-Leyva Organization. “This is another landmark achievement in the Trump Administration’s mission to destroy the cartels. These 37 cartel members – including terrorists from the Sinaloa Cartel, CJNG, and others – will now pay for their crimes against the American people on American soil,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We are grateful for this collaboration with our international partners and will deliver swift, comprehensive justice for members of Foreign Terrorist Organizations who have spent years preying on the American people.” “The FBI has proven that we will hold dangerous criminals accountable for their egregious violent acts, no matter where they try to hide,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Today’s announcement of the return of dozens of fugitives from Mexico to face charges is yet another example of the FBI’s relentless work and partnerships here in the U.S. and in Mexico. We will continue to work to put a stop to these drug cartels, arms traffickers, and terrorists from bringing crime, drugs, and firearms to our city streets and neighborhoods.” “The significance of this transfer cannot be overstated. Thirty-seven fugitives were brought from Mexico to the United States to face justice for alleged crimes that have spread violence, threatened public safety, and devastated families. Among them are individuals tied to the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, both designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations,” said Administrator Terrance Cole of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “We thank the Government of Mexico for standing with us. DEA will keep driving forward with our U.S. and international partners to dismantle these terrorist cartels, cut off the fentanyl supply, and save American lives.” “Leadership like President Trump’s and Attorney General Bondi’s to work diligently to bring all of these wanted criminals back to the United States reinforces their commitment to getting justice for their victims,” said Director Gadyaces S. Serralta of the United States Marshals Service (USMS). “This sends a very clear message; justice does not stop at borders.” “ATF is on the front lines of the fight against violent crime,” said Deputy Director Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Our agents are hunting down gangs, cartels, and transnational organizations that traffic illegal firearms and turn our streets into war zones. We will dismantle these networks at every level, cut off their access to weapons, and hold every criminal accountable. Those who profit from violence will be found, stopped, and brought to justice.” Yesterday’s transfer marks only the third time that Mexico has used its National Security Law to expel fugitives to the United States. It is also the largest such transfer of fugitives to occur — the first transfer, on Feb. 27, 2025 , involved 29 fugitives, and the second, on Aug.12, 2025 , involved 26 fugitives. Mexican National Fugitives Transferred to U.S. Custody Mexican National Fugitives Transferred to U.S. Custody Mexican National Fugitives Transferred to U.S. Custody Included in yesterday’s transfer are the following fugitives: Maria Del Rosario Navarro-Sanchez . Navarro-Sanchez is the first Mexican national to be charged with providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization based on her involvement with the CJNG, including providing the cartel with grenades and engaging in alien smuggling, firearms trafficking, bulk cash smuggling, and narcotics trafficking on its behalf. CJNG, which controls a significant portion of the narcotics trafficking trade, also engages in money laundering, bribery, extortion of migrants, and other criminal activities, including acts of violence and intimidation. Eduardo Rigoberto Velasco Calderon and Eliomar Segura Torres . Velasco Calderon and Segura Torres are alleged to be members of Mexico-based money laundering organizations responsible for collecting bulk cash drug proceeds in the United States and transferring the funds to Mexico through cryptocurrency transfers. These organizations help launder funds for Mexico-based drug trafficking organizations, including the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion and the Sinaloa Cartel. Velasco Calderon and Segura Torres received financial compensation for the money laundered in the form of a commission, or percentage of the money laundered, each time that proceeds of drug sales were returned to the drug trafficking organization. Heriberto Hernández Rodriguez . Hernández Rodriguez is accused of having been a member of Cártel del Noreste responsible for drug trafficking, kidnappings and assassinations, and procuring weapons for the cartel. Between 2006 and his arrest in November 2022, Hernández Rodriguez is alleged to have commanded hundreds of sicarios and ordered the deaths of multiple people. Hernández Rodriguez is also alleged to have overseen security for the cartel’s stash houses in Mexico, which served as staging points for thousands of kilograms of marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine to be transported into the United States for distribution. Pedro Inzunza Noriega. In May 2025, Pedro Inzunza Noriega, also known as Sagitario and his son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, were the first Sinaloa Cartel leaders in the nation to be charged with narcoterrorism and material support of terrorism, along with drug trafficking and money laundering charges. The Beltran Leyva Organization (BLO) is a powerful and violent faction of the Sinaloa Cartel that is believed to be the world’s largest known fentanyl production network. Five other BLO leaders are charged with drug trafficking and money laundering. Pedro Inzunza Noriega worked closely with his son, Pedro Inzunza Coronel, to produce and aggressively traffic fentanyl to the United States. The father and son led one of the largest and most sophisticated fentanyl production networks in the world. Over the past several years, they have trafficked tens of thousands of kilograms of fentanyl into the United States. On Dec. 3, 2024, Mexican law enforcement raided multiple locations in Sinaloa that are controlled and managed by the father and son and seized 1,500 kilograms (more than 1.65 tons) of fentanyl – the largest known seizure of fentanyl in world history. On Nov. 30, 2025, the son, Inzunza Coronel, was killed during a capture operation in Mexico. On Dec. 31, 2025, Pedro Inzunza Noriega, aka Sagitario was captured by the Mexican military. Juan Pablo Bastidas Erenas also known as Payo. Juan Pablo Bastidas Erenas aka Payo is a high-ranking lieutenant of the Beltran Leyva faction of the Sinaloa Cartel and the long-time right-hand man of Consolidated Priority Organization Target Oscar Manuel Gastelum Iribe, also known as “El Musico”. Bastidas has operated with impunity for over 20 years and has imported and distributed thousands of tons of cocaine from Colombia to the United States, via Mexico. In addition to cocaine trafficking, Bastidas has imported and distributed large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Mexico to the United States. Bastidas is also responsible for laundering millions of dollars from drug proceeds, weapons trafficking, and has engaged in kidnapping, torture, and murder. Bastidas was captured on May 28, 2025, by the Mexican military. Juan Carlos Alonso Reyes. Regional Priority Organization Target Juan Carlos Alonso Reyes was the leader of “The Office,” a transnational criminal organization which operated physical locations in Tijuana where Alonso Reyes and his co-conspirators sold mainly fentanyl and methamphetamine. The Office’s physical locations worked as a type of illicit 24/7 drug convenience store for mostly American buyers. It operated so openly and notoriously that at one time you could search The Office on Google Maps, and the physical location would appear in Tijuana. Alonso Reyes coordinated drug sales and distribution from The Office to hundreds of internal body carriers who then smuggled the drugs into the United States via the district’s Ports of Entry. On Jan. 23, 2024, the Mexican Attorney General’s Office (FGR) physically seized and closed the Office’s latest location in Tijuana. Julio Cesar Mancera Dozal. Julio Cesar Mancera Dozal was the leader of a drug smuggling organization that is part of the Sinaloa Cartel that imported and distributed hundreds of pounds of cocaine into the United States from Mexico. His organization was headquartered in Tijuana, Mexico, and imported drugs into San Diego, California, through vehicles with sophisticated non-factory compartments, with further distribution into the Central District of California (Los Angeles, Orange County, and Riverside). Once crossed, additional co-conspirators also under the leadership and coordination of Mancera removed, stored, and transported the drugs further into the United States. Juan Pedro Saldivar-Farias , also known as “Z-27,” is charged in the Southern District of Texas with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise, as well as associated drug trafficking offenses. He faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. According to the indictment, Saldivar-Farias served as a Zeta Regional Commander and Plaza Boss located in the Falcon Lake area of South Texas. Along with his brother, Jose Manuel Saldivar-Farias, also known as “Z-31” or “El Borrado,” Saldivar-Farias oversaw all narcotics moving in and around the Falcon Lake area. Agents estimate that several multi-ton quantities of marijuana were crossed into the United States through this area every week. During their time as Plaza bosses, multi-ton quantities of cocaine were also imported into the United States on a monthly basis. The Saldivar-Farias brothers were the source of marijuana and cocaine for the NETO Drug Trafficking Organization. Any other dope or contraband moving through the area from non-Zetas had to be approved by one of the brothers, or was subject to a “piso,” or tax, paid for landing in or crossing through the area. A separate piso was charged for crossing the contraband into the United States. Individuals who did not secure permission or pay the piso would be held hostage, beaten, tortured, killed, or some combination of all four. Saldivar-Farias’s brother, Z-31, was caught by immigration authorities in 2015, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in 2017, and is currently serving a thirty-year sentence. Ricardo Cortez-Mateos , also known as “Billeton,” is a former high-ranking member of the Cartel del Golfo, and is charged in the Southern District of Texas with significant drug trafficking offenses for his role in importing large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Cortez-Mateos, 41, of Mexico, was originally indicted by a grand jury in Brownsville on Nov. 10, 2021, with nine counts, including conspiracy to possesses with intent to distribute and conspiracy to unlawfully import more than 50 grams of meth, more than five kilograms of cocaine, and more than 400 grams of fentanyl. Cortez-Mateos faces a maximum penalty of up to life in prison if convicted. Below is a complete list of fugitives, [1] as well as the districts in which they are charged: Fugitive Jurisdiction Statutory Maximum Ricardo Cortez Mateos Southern District of Texas Up to life imprisonment Fidel Felix Ochoa Southern District of Florida Up to life imprisonment Oscar Hernandez Flores Western District of Oklahoma Up to life imprisonment Luis Alonso Navarro Quezada District of Colorado Up to life imprisonment David Eliezer Seas Centeno District of New Mexico Up to life imprisonment Juan Pedro Saldivar Farias Southern District of Texas Up to life imprisonment Carlos Alberto Guerrero Mercardo Eastern District of New York Up to life imprisonment Jair Francisco Patron Tobias Eastern District of New York Up to life imprisonment Guillermo Isaias Perez Parra Eastern District of New York Up to life imprisonment Manuel Ignacio Correa Eastern District of Kentucky 20 years’ imprisonment Yahir Alejandro Lujan Rojo Western District of Pennsylvania Up to life imprisonment Lucas Anthony Mendoza Southern District of Indiana Up to life imprisonment Eliomar Segura Torres Eastern District of Kentucky 20 years’ imprisonment Eduardo Rigoberto Velasco Calderon Eastern District of Kentucky 20 years’ imprisonment Francisco Arredondo Colmenero Western District of Texas Up to life imprisonment Gustavo Castro Medina Western District of Texas Up to life imprisonment Luis Carlos Davalos Lopez Western District of Texas 25 years’ imprisonment SEALED Western District of Texas 25 years’ imprisonment Heriberto Hernandez Rodriguez Western District of Texas Up to life imprisonment Daniel Manera Macias Western District of Texas Up to life imprisonment Maria del Rosario Navarro Sanchez Western District of Texas Up to life imprisonment Humberto Rivera Rivera Western District of Texas Up to life imprisonment Ricardo Gonzalez Sauceda Western District of Texas Up to life imprisonment Juan Carlos Alonso Reyes Southern District of California Up to life imprisonment Juan Pablo Bastidas Erenas Southern District of California Up to life imprisonment Pedro Inzunza Noriega Southern District of California Up to life imprisonment SEALED District of Arizona 20 years’ imprisonment Julio Cesar Mancera Dozal Southern District of California Up to life imprisonment Rodrigo Perez Mesquite District of Arizona 20 years’ imprisonment Jose Luis Sanchez Valencia Western District of Washington Up to life imprisonment Jorge Damian Roman Figueroa District of Arizona Up to life imprisonment Armando Gomez Nunez District of Columbia Up to life imprisonment SEALED District of Columbia Up to life imprisonment Jose Pineda Perez Middle District of Georgia Up to life imprisonment Jose Gerardo Alvarez Vasquez Southern District of New York Up to life imprisonment Jose Torres Southern District of New York Up to life imprisonment Daniel Alfredo Blanco-Joo District of New Mexico Up to life imprisonment Attorney General Pamela Bondi thanked the law enforcement officers of the DEA, FBI, ATF, USMS, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) for their valuable contributions to these investigations. Attorney General Bondi also thanked the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs for coordinating the transfers, as well as the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, and the Money Laundering, Narcotics, and Forfeiture Section, and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Arizona, the Southern District of California, the District of Columbia, the District of Colorado, the Southern District of Florida, the Eastern District of Kentucky, the Middle District of Georgia, the Southern District of Indiana, the District of New Mexico, the Eastern District of New York, the Southern District of New York, the Western District of Oklahoma, the Western District of Pennsylvania, the Southern District of Texas, the Western District of Texas, and the Western District of Washington for handling the prosecution of the cases. These transfers are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. [1] This chart contains the maximum penalty for the single most serious crime for which the defendant is currently charged. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.


title: Justice Department Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Priority Hospital Group and Three Long Term Care Hospitals

component: Civil Division

body_text: On Jan. 16, the United States filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Priority Hospital Group LLC (PHG), a Louisiana-based hospital management company, three PHG-managed long term care hospitals, and a doctor, alleging False Claims Act violations based on medically unnecessary care and patient referrals in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law. Long term care hospitals (LTCHs) provide inpatient hospital services for patients whose medically complex conditions require long hospital stays and programs of care. Medicare reimburses LTCHs based, in part, on a patient’s length of stay. According to the United States’ complaint, PHG and the LTCH defendants allegedly held patients in the hospital longer than medically necessary in order to increase their Medicare reimbursement. The United States alleges that PHG and the LTCH defendants delayed discharging certain patients, even when their course of treatment had been completed or when they could have been transferred to a lower level of care, because doing so would have resulted in lower payments from Medicare. The United States’ complaint also alleges that one LTCH, Riverside Hospital of Louisiana, entered into medical directorship agreements with a doctor, and provided him other remuneration, to induce him to refer patients to Riverside in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration of items or services covered by Medicare and other federally funded programs. The Stark Law forbids a hospital from billing Medicare for certain services referred by physicians that have a financial relationship with the hospital. The Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law seek to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients. “Medicare patients deserve to receive care based on their clinical needs, not the financial interests of a hospital or doctor,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department is committed to pursuing cases where financial interests have improperly influenced the medical decision-making of providers participating in federal health care programs.” “Billing federal healthcare programs for medically unnecessary treatment undermines the viability of those programs and exploits our most vulnerable citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana. “Our Office will continue to combat fraudulent billing by unravelling these schemes and holding the perpetrators accountable.” “Schemes that involve false claims and unlawful referrals erode the integrity of federal health care programs and betray the trust placed in providers,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “The False Claims Act is a critical tool for protecting Medicare and ensuring that patient care decisions are driven by medical necessity—not financial gain. HHS-OIG will continue to work with our partners to hold accountable those who put profits over patients.” The LTCHs named in the United States’ complaint are: Riverside Hospital LLC and Riverside Hospital of Louisiana, Inc. (collectively doing business as Riverside Hospital); Post Acute Enterprises, LLC (doing business as Mid Jefferson Extended Care Hospital); and New Lifecare Hospital of North Louisiana, LLC (doing business as Ruston Regional Specialty Hospital). The lawsuit was originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Michaela DeVos, a former employee of Riverside Hospital. Under the False Claims Act, private parties file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. The False Claims Act permits the United States to intervene in and take over the action, as it has done here. If a defendant is found liable for violating the False Claims Act, the United States may recover three times the amount of its losses plus applicable penalties. The investigation and prosecution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana (W.D. La.) are handling the matter with assistance from HHS-OIG. The case is captioned United States ex rel. DeVos v. Priority Hospital Group LLC, et al. , No. 20-cv-01041 (W.D. La.). This case is being handled by Trial Attorney Emily Bussigel of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Theriot for the Western District of Louisiana. The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Defendant Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison for Kidnapping and Sexually Abusing a Minor

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Ahmed Alaahri was sentenced by United States District Judge Eric Komitee to 11 years in prison for kidnapping and sexually abusing a 17-year-old victim (John Doe). In March 2023, Alaahri and co-defendant Bilal Nagi, along with a co-conspirator (CC-1), lured John Doe into their car and filmed themselves restraining him after pulling off his clothing and brutally assaulting him. In February 2025, Alaahri and Nagi pleaded guilty to kidnapping. In August 2025, Nagi was sentenced to 17 ½ years in prison. Alaahri and Nagi are citizens of Yemen and both face deportation from the U.S. after the completion of their sentences. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Terence G. Reilly, Acting Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentences. “The defendants’ lengthy prison sentences are well-deserved given their depraved and violent conduct,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “The sentences also make clear that crimes which brutalize, degrade, and exploit others, especially minors, will not be tolerated.” “Ahmed Alaahri and Bilal Nagi kidnapped and sexually abused a minor victim in the backseat of their car using a weapon and threats to induce compliance. These defendants exploited a teenager’s terror by disseminating the recorded attack for further victimization and humiliation. May today’s sentencing serve as a reminder of the FBI’s promise to leverage its law enforcement partnerships against any individuals targeting minors,” stated FBI Acting Assistant Director in Charge Reilly. According to court filings, on March 11, 2023, Alaahri, Nagi, and CC-1 kidnapped John Doe and sexually abused him. Nagi had contacted John Doe, a 17-year-old with whom he was acquainted, and arranged to pick him up at his home in Brooklyn, New York. Nagi arrived at John Doe’s home in a car with Alaahri in the front passenger seat and CC-1 in the backseat. When John Doe entered the car, Alaahri and CC-1 began punching him in the face while Nagi drove to Floyd Bennett Field located on federal park land in southeast Brooklyn. Once at Floyd Bennett Field, the defendants continued to assault and humiliate John Doe. Eventually, John Doe’s pants were removed and Nagi began video recording John Doe with a cellphone. During the assault, Alaahri restrained John Doe in the backseat of the car. Alaahri then held a knife up to John Doe while Nagi further threatened John Doe, saying “you’re going to let me do whatever I want, or we’ll kill you.” John Doe was also told that there was a gun in the car. John Doe was ultimately released, but the defendants stole his cellphone and money. John Doe immediately called 911 to report the attack. Officers from the NYPD responded to his home and commenced an investigation. Following the kidnapping and assault, Nagi disseminated a portion of the video on the Internet and through Instagram showing John Doe being restrained in the back seat of the car. In the video, John Doe is seen being restrained by Alaahri with his pants pulled down, exposing his genitals. After the defendants were arrested for a gunpoint robbery in the Bronx, law enforcement discovered portions of the kidnapping video on their cellphones. In a text message exchange found on one of the cellphones, Nagi discussed planning the kidnapping with CC-1. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes and National Security and Cybercrime Sections. Assistant United States Attorney Gilbert Rein is in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : AHMED ALAAHRI Age: 23 Brooklyn, New York Co-Defendant Who Was Previously Sentenced : BILAL NAGI Age: 31 Bronx, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-524 (EK)


title: U.S. Attorney Dunavant files Amicus Brief in Support of State of Tennessee Appeal in National Guard Case

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant is pleased to announce that on January 16, 2026, he joined a legal action with Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division to file a brief on behalf of the United States as Amicus Curiae in support of the State of Tennessee’s appeal in the case challenging Governor Lee’s deployment of the Tennessee National Guard in support of the Memphis Safe Task Force. The case, Lee Harris, et al. v. William B. Lee, et al., was originally filed by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and several lawmakers in the Chancery Court of Davidson County, suing the Governor, Attorney General, and the Adjutant General of the Tennessee National Guard and raising both constitutional and statutory objections to the Guard’s mobilization. The Chancellor granted a temporary injunction, but temporarily stayed the injunction pending an application for permission to appeal. The State of Tennessee filed an appeal, and 0n January 12, 2026, Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti filed an opening appellate brief on the merits in the Tennessee Court of Appeals, seeking reversal of the Chancery Court ruling. By enjoining Governor Lee’s deployment of the Guard in support of the Memphis Safe Task Force, the trial court has effectively blocked President Trump’s request that the Governor make available National Guard units of Tennessee to support public safety and law enforcement operations in Memphis. As a result, the United States has a substantial interest in this litigation, and its participation as amicus curiae will assist the Court in resolving this appeal. The Court of Appeals has expedited and set oral arguments for March 5, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. in the Tennessee Supreme Court building in Nashville. In response to the public safety emergency in Memphis, Governor Lee, in consultation with President Trump, deployed members of the Tennessee National Guard to support the mission of the Memphis Safe Task Force. With the Guard’s support, the Task Force has begun restoring law and order to the city. Thousands of arrests have been made, hundreds of unlawfully possessed firearms have been seized, and crime rates have fallen precipitously year-over-year. All in just a few months. The trial court’s injunction risks undoing that progress, and without the Guard’s support, the Task Force’s operational capacity will be eviscerated. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “One of President Trump’s top priorities is restoring law and order in cities plagued by violent crime, and the Tennessee National Guard has played a critical role in the unprecedented success of the Memphis Safe Task Force. As the chief federal law enforcement officer in West Tennessee, I am proud to stand with General Skrmetti in defending the constitutionality of Governor Lee’s exercise of executive authority and continuing to work with the Tennessee National Guard in protecting Memphians.” Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Eric D. McArthur, and DOJ Counsel John Bailey of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division, and Assistant United States Attorney Jason Martin of the Western District of Tennessee are also representing the United States in the appellate litigation. Brief for the United States as Amicus Curiae Supporting Appellants United States' Motion for Leave to File Brief as Amicus Curiae in Support of Appellants Opening Brief National Guard ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Massachusetts Man Pleads Guilty to Animal Welfare Act Violation

component: ENRD - Environmental Crimes Section

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Massachusetts man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Rhode Island for sponsoring and exhibiting roosters in an animal fighting venture, announced United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. Luis Castillo, 35, pleaded guilty to violating the Animal Welfare Act, in connection to his role and participation in a cockfighting derby in 2022. Castillo admitted travelling from Massachusetts to Rhode Island and bringing roosters to cockfight for sport, wagering and entertainment. He will be sentenced on April 21, 2026. The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Senior Trial Attorney Gary Donner and Assistant Chief Stephen Da Ponte of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John McAdams for the District of Rhode Island prosecuted the case. This case was investigated by the Department of Agriculture’s Office of Inspector General, the Postal Inspection Service, and the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Rhode Island State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Animal Rescue League of Boston’s Law Enforcement Division, Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Providence, Woonsocket, and Attleboro Police Departments.


title: Former Georgia State Representative Pleads Guilty to Pandemic Unemployment Fraud Scheme

body_text: ATLANTA – Karen L. Bennett, who resigned from her position as an elected member of the Georgia House of Representatives on January 1, 2026, has pleaded guilty to making false statements to fraudulently obtain thousands of dollars of emergency pandemic unemployment assistance payments. “Bennett was elected to represent her fellow citizens and took a solemn oath to promote the best interests and prosperity of the State of Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Instead, she violated that oath and, during an unprecedented emergency, lied to line her own pockets with taxpayer money intended to help community members in need.” “Public trust is fundamental to our system of government, and elected officials are expected to uphold the law—not exploit it,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and hold accountable anyone who abuses emergency relief programs, especially those who knowingly divert critical assistance away from individuals and families who truly need it during times of crisis.” “Karen Bennett, while serving her constituents as an elected member of the Georgia House of Representatives, unlawfully enriched herself with taxpayer funds from an unemployment program intended to assist American workers who lost their jobs through no fault of their own,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “We will continue our efforts to investigate and bring to justice all who defraud taxpayers by exploiting Department of Labor programs.” “Karen Bennett lied to obtain personal benefits and as an elected official should rightfully be considered the lowest of the low,” said Nigel Lange, Inspector General, State of Georgia Office of Inspector General. “Her sentencing should serve as a warning for others who have taken an oath of office that there is zero tolerance for this type of crime in Georgia.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: In 2020, in response to the forced closures of businesses and unprecedented economic hardship resulting from the COVID-19 emergency, the U.S. Congress created special unemployment compensation programs to provide cash assistance to individuals who lost their jobs due to the pandemic. Applicants for the programs had to provide their recent work histories and confirm, among other things, that COVID-19 was the reason they were unemployed. Applicants also had to provide a certification for every week for which they wished to claim benefits, attesting to whether they were actively seeking work for the week and the reason they were unemployed. Bennett, while serving as the Georgia House Representative for District 94 in 2020, applied for and submitted weekly certifications to claim pandemic unemployment assistance benefits for weeks in March through August 2020. In those forms, she claimed that her only earnings were $300 per week from the Georgia General Assembly, that her other employer – Metro Therapy Providers, Inc. – would not let her return to her office because of COVID-19 protocols, and that she was actively looking for other work. However, in reality, Bennett was concealing that she was also receiving a steady paycheck of $905 every week from her employment at a church. Additionally, she was the sole owner of Metro Therapy Providers, Inc., and her work for that company consisted of administrative functions she performed from her home even prior to the pandemic. The business continued to function and generate revenues for her, she continued her work to support it from her home office, and she was not looking for any other employment. As a result of the false statements in her application and weekly certifications, Bennett collected $13,940 of pandemic unemployment benefits to which she was not entitled. Karen Bennett, 70, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, pleaded guilty to making false statements to obtain funds administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. Sentencing is scheduled for April 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., before U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross. This case is being investigated by the Georgia Office of the State Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett L. Bradford is prosecuting the case. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Abby’s Bakery owners sentenced for harboring illegal aliens

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Two owners of Abby’s Bakery, located in Los Fresnos, have been sentenced following the discovery of illegal aliens at their business, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before finding Leonardo Baez-Lara, 56, and Alicia Avila-Guel, 46, guilty on two counts of harboring aliens and conspiracy to do so after a three-day trial Aug. 13, 2025. U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. has now imposed a four-month term of imprisonment for both and further ordered them to serve two years of supervised release and pay a fine of $21,300 each. At the hearing, the court heard the pair harbored six or more illegal aliens at their place of business. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Rodriguez noted they engaged in serious criminal conduct, contrary to the behavior of a law-abiding citizen. The two could also lose their status to reside in the United States. “For years, these defendants knowingly employed and harbored illegal aliens, disregarding federal law for their own financial gain,” said Ganjei. “Today’s sentences serve as a warning to any business owner who believes they can distort fair competition by utilizing a workforce of illegal aliens. It’s not worth running afoul of the law just to make a quick buck.” “The couple’s deliberate disregard for the law and the safety of their workers cannot go unpunished,” said acting Special Agent in Charge John A. Pasciucco of HSI San Antonio. “Those who exploit vulnerable individuals and undermine our immigration system will face firm and decisive consequences.” The married couple, both legal permanent residents, owned and operated Abby’s Bakery and Dulce’s Café since 2012. Authorities discovered they employed and housed workers who were in the country illegally or on B1/B2 visas without authorization to work. The jury heard the couple housed employees in a small office at the shopping plaza near the restaurant. The room, originally built as an insurance office and later used for storage, had mattresses on the floor and unsafe conditions, including exposed wiring, only one entrance and no fire extinguisher. Between five and six workers lived there at times, including the head baker who stayed more than two years. Testimony revealed workers were paid in cash, lacked paperwork and at times went months without hot water. One man testified he entered the United States illegally and was immediately hired after a brief interview. Another said Baez-Lara arranged his return after he was removed during the COVID-19 pandemic so he could continue working. The defense argued the owners only offered shelter to the aliens and that testimony did not reveal harboring took place. The jury did not believe those claims and found them guilty as charged. ICE-HSI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Baltazar Salazar and Luis Salazar prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Aiken County Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Theft of Government Funds

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Cynthia Delores Holland, 62, of Aiken, has been sentenced to one year and one month in federal prison for theft of government funds from the Social Security Administration. At trial, the Government proved that Holland improperly obtained her mother’s retirement benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) after her mother’s death in 2013. Those benefits continued to be paid by mistake into a joint account held by Holland and her mother. Rather than notify the SSA of the error, Holland moved the money into her personal account and spent it on personal expenses. Her theft took place until December 2022, when the error was discovered by the SSA, and the benefits were terminated. During that near-decade long span, Holland received over $168,000. The discrepancy was identified in 2021 by the SSA during its Death Match Project. As part of the project, the SSA requested death verifications from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control going back to 2005, then compared those records with the list of SSA retirement beneficiaries. Holland’s mother’s name was on the list, which initiated the investigation. United States District Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Holland to 13 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. The Court also ordered Holland to repay to the Social Security Administration any remaining portion of the converted money not previously recouped. This case was investigated by the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Winston Holliday, Scott Matthews and Kerry McTigue prosecuted the case. ###


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $5,236,030.66 in Civil and Criminal Actions for Fiscal Year 2025

component: USAO - Illinois, Central

body_text: Springfield, Ill - Acting U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore announced today that the Central District of Illinois collected $5,236,030.66 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, $4,016,049.76 was collected in criminal actions and $1,219,980.90 collected in civil actions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of Illinois worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $391,543.94 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount,$22,712.78 was collected in criminal actions and $368,831.16 was collected in civil actions. “Our office is unwavering in the fight to protect individuals and the government from financial crimes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore. “We will continue to diligently prosecute offenders, collect debts, and seek restitution for victims harmed by life altering financial losses.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of Illinois, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $9,326,268.00 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2025. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. For example, in February, the Central District of Illinois recovered $1,620,641.18 towards the judgment in the Aaron J. Rossi case. Rossi was sentenced in July 2024 after pleading guilty to committing mail fraud and making and subscribing a false tax return. He was ordered to pay a total of $3,120,641.48 in assessments, fines, and restitution. And in March, the Central District of Illinois recovered $308,163.71 towards the outstanding judgment in the Lori Zeitler case. Zeitler pled guilty to five counts of wire fraud and was sentenced to pay a $500 special assessment and $600,000.00 in restitution to her victims. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.


title: Former Zynex, Inc. Executives Charged with Health Care  and Securities Fraud and Related Offenses

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A federal grand jury in Rhode Island has returned an indictment, unsealed today, charging the former Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Zynex, Inc., a medical device company, with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, securities fraud, and mail fraud, among other violations. Thomas Sandgaard, 67, a resident of Castle Rock, Colorado and a dual citizen of the United States and Denmark, and Anna Lucsok, 39, a resident of Denver, Colorado and a dual citizen of the United States and the Ukraine, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, mail fraud, and securities fraud; nine counts of health care fraud, two counts of mail fraud and three counts of aggravated identity theft, announced United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. The indictment alleges that from at least 2017 through late 2025, Sandgaard and Lucsok orchestrated a scheme to fraudulently obtain millions of dollars from government and private health care payors and patients, and to defraud investors in Zynex by concealing that the company’s billings and revenues were driven by fraud. In total, Sandgaard and Lucsok caused Zynex to collect more than $873 million for its products, including more than $600 million for supplies. The vast majority of the supplies’ billings were unnecessary and improperly billed. The indictment alleges that supplies were shipped in excessive volumes, sometimes as large as 32, 64, or 128 electrode pairs per patient each month. Sandgaard and Lucsok used these fraudulent billings, and the revenues derived from them, to fraudulently inflate the company’s financial reporting and drive up the stock price of Zynex. “This case represents a troubling abuse of patients seeking care, as well as the federal healthcare benefit system,” said United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. As alleged, the defendants’ conduct undermined programs intended to serve patients in need. Our office remains committed to protecting the integrity of these programs and holding accountable those who seek to exploit patients, payors, and investors.” Sandgaard and Lucsok caused Zynex to submit millions of dollars in fraudulent billings for medical devices and supplies that were not medically necessary, not covered by these insurance programs and not agreed to by the patients. They continued these practices despite being notified many times that their billing practices were fraudulent, and even when patients told Zynex to stop sending those supplies because they already had too many. They also continued these practices despite objections from their own employees, and patient complaints to Zynex and the Better Business Bureau such as: 1/11/2022: [T]hey kept mailing me supplies and I kept getting denials. I called today and was informed that I owe a tremendous amount of money…. I live on $1100.00 dollars a month and cannot [sic] afford much period. …. She informed me that there still would be a rental fee and supply fees. I told her that I could not even afford food at this point. 1/24/2023: I received the product and then continued to receive [sic] batteries and electrodes. AFTER NINE MONTHS I received a bill with 27 charges for supplies. This was the first bill I ever received, they just kept racking up the charges and they waited nine months to send the bill. The minute I received it, I called the company, and they were unable to connect me with the billing department, we set-up a call back – still waiting. I feel like this company is a total SCAM. When financial reporters raised questions about Zynex’s business practices, including shipping unnecessary electrodes, among other things, Sandgaard hired an individual to attempt to disrupt the reporters’ personal lives. These efforts included signing reporters up for therapy sessions and listing conditions such as erectile disfunction. They also sent used female underwear to a reporter’s spouse at the reporter’s home with a thank you card addressed to the spouse, detailing the reporter’s alleged “illicit behavior” – all apparently with the intent to convince the spouse that her husband was being unfaithful. The United States has sought to restrain assets of Sandgaard or related entities, including a Porsche, a BMW, a Mercedes-Benz, real properties in Colorado and Florida, multiple bank accounts, and a Gulfstream G-IV aircraft. The government has also sought to restrain the assets of Lucsok including real property, a Porsche, a Volkswagen SUV, and various bank accounts. A federal criminal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom and Assistant United States Attorneys Peter I. Roklan and Milind M. Shah. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Colorado Field Division with the assistance of the Boston Field Division; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General; Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service; the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General; the Office of Personnel Management Office of Inspector General; the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General and the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations. Assistance was also provided by the Defense Contract Audit Agency, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the National Insurance Crime Bureau – Northeast Region.


title: New York Men Plead Guilty to Mortgage Fraud Conspiracy To Buy Illegal Marijuana Grow Houses

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: BANGOR, Maine: Two New York men pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Bangor to conspiring to defraud Maine banks of mortgage funding to buy houses used to illegally cultivate marijuana. According to court records, Tony Liang , 37, of Brooklyn, New York, orchestrated the conspiracy to fraudulently obtain over half a million dollars in residential mortgage loans from two Maine banks. Liang and co-conspirators used the funds to purchase properties in Bucksport, Eddington, and Canaan. Throughout the loan application process, Liang emailed and DocuSigned materially false information to the banks, including by creating and submitting fake documentation. Liang and his co-conspirators misrepresented to the banks that the three properties would be used as residences. Instead, each property was used to illegally cultivate and manufacture marijuana. Liang also pleaded guilty to maintaining a marijuana-involved premises at the Bucksport property. Liang maintained that property from January 2021 through February 2022 for the purpose of manufacturing marijuana, until a severe house fire disrupted the operation. The State Fire Marshal’s Office investigated the fire, discovering the remains of the illegal marijuana grow. The surviving portion of the property was filled with grow materials, chemicals, and high-powered lighting. Charred marijuana plants, processed marijuana, and hydroponics equipment also were found. Yongliang Deng , 35, of Queens, New York, provided his personal information and government-issued identification documentation to Liang, who used Deng’s information from November through December 2020 to apply for and obtain a residential mortgage loan from a Maine bank to buy the Eddington property. Deng used his own bank accounts to make the down payment and pay the closing costs required for the purchase, with money received through Liang. Deng granted a mortgage to the Maine bank for the Eddington property. He obtained the mortgage by misrepresenting that he would occupy and use the property as his primary residence. Liang agreed to pay Deng money each month in exchange for Deng nominally holding the property as its owner. In May 2024, federal law enforcement agents interviewed Deng. During the interview, Deng admitted that the property in Eddington was an investment which had been rented out, and that he had never resided there. Neither defendant nor any property associated with the conspiracy was licensed through the Maine Office of Cannabis Policy. Liang and Deng each face up to 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $1 million for the mortgage fraud conspiracy. Liang also faces 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000 for maintaining the marijuana-involved premises. Each defendant will be sentenced after the completion of presentence investigative reports by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and IRS-Criminal Investigations investigated the case, with assistance provided by the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine Fire Marshal’s Office. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The Maine HSTF comprises agents and officers from FBI; HSI; DEA; IRS-Criminal Investigations; U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Border Patrol; Coast Guard Investigative Service; and Transportation Security Administration, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine. ###


title: Financial Advisor Pleads Guilty to Orchestrating Massive $380 Million Ponzi Scheme

body_text: ATLANTA – Todd Burkhalter, the founder and chief executive officer of the Georgia-based financial advisory group Drive Planning LLC, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud for masterminding a years-long Ponzi scheme that allowed him to live a lavish lifestyle while causing thousands of investors to lose hundreds of millions of dollars. “Todd Burkhalter perpetrated what is likely the largest Ponzi scheme in Georgia history,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Unbelievably, Burkhalter shamelessly continued to scam his victims even while under federal investigation. Today’s guilty plea is just the first step in holding Burkhalter accountable for the considerable harm he caused.” “Todd Burkhalter built a massive Ponzi scheme on lies, exploiting trust to steal hundreds of millions of dollars from more than 2,000 victims while funding an extravagant lifestyle,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue those who weaponize fraud and deception against investors, and we are committed to holding them fully accountable and seeking justice for every victim harmed.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: between September 2020 and June 2024, Drive Planning, at Burkhalter’s direction, marketed several investment opportunities, including the “Real Estate Acceleration Loan” opportunity (“REAL”) and the “Cash Out Real Estate Fund” (“CORE Fund”). Drive Planning claimed that investing in REAL and the CORE Fund was “easy and simple,” telling prospective investors that they did not need to be accredited investors to participate and encouraging them to invest money from retirement accounts, savings, and lines of credit. REAL was Drive Planning’s primary investment vehicle, which Burkhalter fraudulently marketed as a bridge loan opportunity that would guarantee investors a 10% return every three months. Drive Planning claimed that it offered short-term loans—the bridge loans—to real estate developers who needed immediate cash flow to complete existing projects or fund new ones. Burkhalter and Drive Planning deceived investors into believing their investments were safe by claiming that they were fully collateralized by real estate. To perpetuate these lies, Burkhalter directed Drive Planning to prepare fraudulent “collateral sheets” identifying properties—some of which did not even exist—with fictitious valuations that purportedly served as collateral for investments. Burkhalter and Drive Planning also falsely represented the extent of its relationship with real estate developers. In particular, Drive Planning highlighted its supposed relationship with a well-known real estate developer in Atlanta, Georgia (“Real Estate Developer-1”). In promissory notes with investors, Drive Planning falsely claimed investments were secured by real property within Real Estate Developer-1’s portfolio of properties. Eventually, Real Estate Developer-1 became aware that Drive Planning and Burkhalter were fraudulently using its name to promote the REAL investment. Real Estate Developer-1 sued Drive Planning and Burkhalter seeking to enjoin them from further using Real Estate Developer-1’s name. For the CORE Fund, Drive Planning falsely claimed that it provided “100% Passive Income from Tax Liens.” Drive Planning guaranteed investors a return of 10% every six months or a 22% return per year for up to three years. Drive Planning further misrepresented that investors’ contributions to the CORE Fund were pooled together, government-protected, and fully collateralized. Additionally, Burkhalter and others at Drive Planning failed to disclose that Drive Planning did not invest any funds in the CORE Fund after approximately December 9, 2022. In total, Drive Planning received at least $4.1 million from individuals who sought to invest in the CORE Fund. Burkhalter operated REAL as a Ponzi-scheme from its inception. In September 2020, after Drive Planning received its first $50,000 investment in REAL, Burkhalter used at least $21,000 to repay an earlier Drive Planning investor. None of the REAL funds were used for their supposed intended purpose—to finance bridge loans or enter joint ventures with real estate developers. Instead, within the first couple of months of marketing REAL, Burkhalter used at least $80,000 in investor money to pay his ex-wife’s attorneys and expenses related to recreational vehicles. Throughout the scheme, investors’ monies were used to pay off other Drive Planning investors, make commission payments to Drive Planning’s agents, and pay for personal expenditures. For example, Burkhalter spent approximately: $2 million to purchase a yacht; $2.1 million as part of a purchase of a luxury condo in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; $800,000 on multiple luxury vehicles, including a 2020 Prevost Marathon motorcoach and two 2024 Land Rovers; Millions of dollars on luxury travel, including chartering private jets; and $320,000 on clothing, jewelry, and beauty treatments. Even after the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) began investigating Drive Planning in approximately March 2024, Burkhalter and others continued to solicit tens of millions of dollars in investments for REAL and the CORE Fund. Over the course of the scheme, Burkhalter defrauded more than 2,000 investors out of approximately $380 million. In August 2024, the SEC obtained a temporary restraining order against Drive Planning and filed civil enforcement actions in federal court against Drive Planning and others related to the above-described scheme. Court-appointed receiver Kenneth D. Murena is responsible for attempting to recover funds and sell assets to repay Drive Planning’s many victims. Sentencing for Todd Burkhalter, 54, of St. Petersburg, Florida, will be scheduled at a later date before U.S. District Judge Tiffany R. Johnson. Pursuant to a plea agreement, the government has conditionally promised to recommend that the Court sentence Burkhalter to 17 and a half years of imprisonment. The Court is not bound by the government’s recommendation, and, in determining the actual sentence, it will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, among other factors. David Bradford, the former chief operating officer of Drive Planning, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on December 16, 2025, based on his involvement in the CORE Fund scheme. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for March 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. before Judge Johnson. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with substantial assistance from the Securities and Exchange Commission. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex R. Sistla is prosecuting the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


body_text: WASHINGTON — On Jan. 16, the United States filed a complaint under the False Claims Act against Priority Hospital Group LLC (PHG), a Louisiana-based hospital management company, three PHG-managed long term care hospitals, and a doctor, alleging False Claims Act violations based on medically unnecessary care and patient referrals in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law. Long term care hospitals (LTCHs) provide inpatient hospital services for patients whose medically complex conditions require long hospital stays and programs of care. Medicare reimburses LTCHs based, in part, on a patient’s length of stay. According to the United States’ complaint, PHG and the LTCH defendants allegedly held patients in the hospital longer than medically necessary in order to increase their Medicare reimbursement. The United States alleges that PHG and the LTCH defendants delayed discharging certain patients, even when their course of treatment had been completed or when they could have been transferred to a lower level of care, because doing so would have resulted in lower payments from Medicare. The United States’ complaint also alleges that one LTCH, Riverside Hospital of Louisiana, entered into medical directorship agreements with a doctor, and provided him other remuneration, to induce him to refer patients to Riverside in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting or receiving remuneration of items or services covered by Medicare and other federally funded programs. The Stark Law forbids a hospital from billing Medicare for certain services referred by physicians that have a financial relationship with the hospital. The Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law seek to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients. “Medicare patients deserve to receive care based on their clinical needs, not the financial interests of a hospital or doctor,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department is committed to pursuing cases where financial interests have improperly influenced the medical decision-making of providers participating in federal health care programs.” “Billing federal healthcare programs for medically unnecessary treatment undermines the viability of those programs and exploits our most vulnerable citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana. “Our Office will continue to combat fraudulent billing by unravelling these schemes and holding the perpetrators accountable.” “Schemes that involve false claims and unlawful referrals erode the integrity of federal health care programs and betray the trust placed in providers,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “The False Claims Act is a critical tool for protecting Medicare and ensuring that patient care decisions are driven by medical necessity—not financial gain. HHS-OIG will continue to work with or partners to hold accountable those who put profits over patients.” The LTCHs named in the United States’ complaint are: Riverside Hospital LLC and Riverside Hospital of Louisiana, Inc. (collectively doing business as Riverside Hospital); Post Acute Enterprises, LLC (doing business as Mid Jefferson Extended Care Hospital); and New Lifecare Hospital of North Louisiana, LLC (doing business as Ruston Regional Specialty Hospital). The lawsuit was originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Michaela DeVos, a former employee of Riverside Hospital. Under the False Claims Act, private parties file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. The False Claims Act permits the United States to intervene in and take over the action, as it has done here. If a defendant is found liable for violating the False Claims Act, the United States may recover three times the amount of its losses plus applicable penalties. The investigation and prosecution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana (W.D. La.) are handling the matter with assistance from HHS-OIG. The case is captioned United States ex rel. DeVos v. Priority Hospital Group LLC, et al. , No. 20-cv-01041 (W.D. La.). This case is being handled by Trial Attorney Emily Bussigel of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Theriot for the Western District of Louisiana. The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. ### CONTACT Public Affairs United States Attorney’s Office Western District of Louisiana USALAW-News@usdoj.gov www.justice.gov/usao-wdla Twitter @USAO_WDLA


title: Big Island Man Pleads Guilty to Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearm Charges

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Eddie P. Poai, 50, of Hilo, Hawaii, pled guilty yesterday in federal court to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing firearms in furtherance of drug-trafficking crimes. Paoi pled guilty the day before he was set to begin his federal jury trial. Sentencing is set for April 20, 2026, before United States District Judge Shanlyn A. S. Park. Poai, who has prior felony convictions, was charged in connection with three incidents on Hawaii Island stretching from February 2021 to October 2022, according to court records. On February 11, 2021, Poai possessed over 90 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded Hi-Point .45 caliber pistol with an extended magazine. Officers with the Hawaii Police Department (“Hawaii PD”) found the methamphetamine and loaded pistol in Poai’s truck after he departed the scene of a traffic stop. On June 9, 2022, Hawaii PD Officers searched for Poai on a property in the Maku’u area, after seeing him flee from that property during prior attempted contacts. Officers found over 600 grams of methamphetamine on the property, along with fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, several thousand dollars, and numerous weapons, including a loaded Springfield .45 caliber pistol and an AR-15-style rifle. Finally, on October 25, 2022, Hawaii PD Officers searched for Poai on a property near Hawaiian Acres. Officers chased Poai on foot, ultimately arresting him and finding a loaded 9mm Taurus pistol and more than 11 grams of methamphetamine in Poai’s backpack. Poai, also had several thousand dollars in his pocket. Poai faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life—with a combined mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 20 years—as well as a term of supervised release of up to life, and a fine of up to $10,000,000. Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Hawaii Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeannette Graviss and Jonathan Slack are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Putnam County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Richard Charles Cart, 42, of Poca, was sentenced today to three years and one month in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 28, 2025, Cart sold a Ruger model LCP .380-caliber pistol at a pawn shop in Charleston. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Cart knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for grand larceny in Kanawha Circuit Court on May 23, 2022, and for possession of methamphetamine in Jackson County, Georgia, Superior Court on August 8, 2019. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A 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. 2:25-cr-108. ###


title: Leader of Terrorist-Designated Mexican Drug Cartel Indicted in Washington D.C.

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WASHINGTON – Armando Gomez Nunez, a Mexican national and senior leader of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), was charged in a two-count indictment unsealed today in U.S. District Court with conspiracy to distribute cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine for importation into the United States and carrying and using firearms, including machine guns and destructive devices, in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “President Trump has made it clear that we will pursue every legal avenue to hold transnational criminal organizations accountable for their crimes against the American people,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Now one of the most dangerous criminals in Mexico is in U.S. custody as we continue our fight against one of the largest, most violent drug trafficking organizations in the Western Hemisphere.” CJNG is one of the largest and most violent drug trafficking organizations operating in Mexico and is responsible for exporting tonnage quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and illicit opioids into the United States. CJNG was designated by the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) for conducting intimidating acts of violence, including attacks on Mexican military and police with military grade weaponry, the use of drones to drop explosives on Mexican law enforcement and assassinations or attempted assassinations of Mexican officials. Gomez Nunez, aka “Delta 1” and “Maximo,” is the reputed leader and commander of Los Deltas, a violent enforcement and assassination cell of CJNG. Mexican authorities arrested Gomez Nunez in December 2025. He is one of 37 Mexican nationals who arrived in the United States on Jan. 20, 2026 following their expulsion by Mexico. “Securing the largest transfer to date of fugitives from Mexico to the United States is another victory in the Department of Justice’s battle to eliminate transnational criminal organizations and secure our border,” said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Mexico’s use of its National Security Law to transfer these 37 fugitives ensures that justice will neither be delayed nor denied. With great thanks to our law enforcement partners and the Government of Mexico, the Department of Justice intends to move swiftly to prosecute each fugitive to the fullest extent of the law.” This transfer marks only the third time that Mexico has used its National Security Law to expel fugitives to the United States. It is also the largest such transfer of fugitives to occur—the first transfer, on Feb. 27, 2025, involved 29 fugitives, and the second, on Aug. 12, 2025, involved 26 fugitives. The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshal’s Service, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. u.s._v._gomez_nunez_-_superseding_indictment_-_foreperson_redacted_002.pdf


title: Russellville Man Sentenced to 17.5 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Jackson Whitt will spend 210 months in federal prison for attempted production of child pornography. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge James M. Moody, Jr. On May 7, 2024, Whitt, 29, of Russellville, was indicted by a federal grand jury on 17 counts of attempted production of child pornography, five counts of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. On February 6, 2025, Whitt pleaded guilty to attempted production of child pornography. Judge Moody also sentenced Whitt to 10 years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. An investigation revealed that on January 18, 2024, a parent contacted local law enforcement stating that her high school daughter allowed her friend, whose phone was broken, to borrow her phone to log into her Instagram account. The mother stated that when the daughter received the phone back from her friend, she noticed the Instagram account was still open under her friend’s account. The mother stated both she and her daughter observed explicit and obscene messages between the friend and an adult male, later identified as Whitt, on the Instagram account. Whitt had sent the minor victim numerous sexual images, videos, and messages. Whitt asked the minor victim to have phone sex with him and send him various photographs of her nude body parts. On January 25, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant for Whitt’s residence and seized multiple electronic evidence. Whitt’s cell phone contained approximately 150 different sexually explicit images of the minor victim and at least two videos. During an online chat with the minor victim, Whitt requested the minor victim send him videos of her engaged in sadistic sexual behavior for his own self-gratification. Whitt asked for photographs of the minor victim’s full body, her breasts, and her genitals. During a search of Whitt’s phone, investigators also observed several videos of child sexual abuse material of different children. 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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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 . Parents are encouraged to always monitor your children’s online activity. The investigation was conducted by U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with assistance from the Eufaula (Oklahoma) Police Department, Pope County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Arkansas State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin Bryant and Shelby Shelton. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Ohio Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Crimes

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Roderick Tyrone Boyd, 30, of Vandalia, Ohio, pleaded guilty today to distribution of fentanyl and to aiding and abetting the distribution of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 26, 2025, Boyd aided and abetted another individual in the sale of fentanyl and distributed a quantity of fentanyl on April 26, 2025. Both transactions occurred in Cross Lanes, West Virginia. Boyd is scheduled to be sentenced on May 19, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is prosecuting the case. 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. 2:25-cr-165. ###