title: Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Terric Zaire Williams, 25, of Akron, Ohio, was sentenced today to six years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a substance containing methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 29, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a Charleston apartment where Williams was staying. Officers seized three-quarters of a pound of methamphetamine from a dining room trash can and a living room closet during the search. Williams admitted to possessing the seized methamphetamine and intending to distribute it. While executing the search warrant, officers encountered and arrested Williams’ girlfriend, Emariel Kanay Tyler, after they saw the outline of a firearm in her pants and a large amount of cash and a baggie of suspected drugs hanging out of the pockets of her jacket. Tyler, 20, of Akron, Ohio, pleaded guilty on November 18, 2024, to use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking offense and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 5, 2025. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Charleston Police Department. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Lesley C. Shamblin prosecuted 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. 2:24-cr-67. ###


title: Four New Orleans Men Indicted for Selling Fentanyl and Methamphetamine and Multiple Firearms Offenses

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that SHERWIN WHITE (“WHITE”) , age 29, LIONEL WINDING, JR. (“WINDING”) , age 20, LORENZO SMITH (“SMITH”) , age 19, and ANDRE MILLS (“MILLS”) , age 37, were indicted on February 21, 2025, in a 20-count indictment for violations of the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts. WHITE , WINDING , SMITH , and MILLS are all charged in Count 1 of the indictment with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. WHITE , WINDING , and SMITH are each charged with distributing various quantities of fentanyl in Counts 2 and 3 and distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in Counts 4 and 8, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C). WHITE and MILLS are also charged with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in Count 12, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). WHITE is additionally charged with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl in Count 16, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). WINDING is additionally charged in Count 19 with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D). As to their firearms crimes, WHITE , WINDING , and SMITH are each charged in Counts 6 and 10, and WHITE and MILLS are charged in Count 13, with carrying firearms during, and in relation to, a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). WINDING is charged in Counts 5, 9, and 20, and WHITE is charged in Count 17, with possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). WHITE is also charged in Counts 7, 11, 14, and 18, and MILLS is charged in Count 15, with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). According to the indictment, between November of 2024 and January of 2025, the defendants distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine and conspired to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, those substances. On January 30, 2025, WHITE and WINDING possessed additional controlled substances with the intent to distribute them. The indictment also alleges that the defendants carried firearms during three of the drug distributions and that WINDING also possessed a firearm in furtherance of two of the distributions. The indictment further alleges that, on four different dates, WHITE illegally possessed firearms, after previously being convicted of distribution of heroin, and, on one of those dates, MILLS also illegally possessed firearms, after previously being convicted of distribution of cocaine and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. In total, the indictment alleges that the defendants committed federal crimes involving 17 firearms. As to the conspiracy charge in Count 1, all four defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison up to life, up to a $10,000,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release up to life. WHITE also faces the same penalties for his possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of methamphetamine charge in Count 16. As to the fentanyl distribution charge in Count 2, WHITE , WINDING , and SMITH face up to 20 years in prison, up to a $1,000,000 fine, and at least three years of supervised release. WINDING faces the same penalties for his possession with intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana charge in Count 19. As to the charge of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl in Count 3, and each of the charges of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in Counts 4, 8, and 12, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison up to 40 years, up to a $5,000,000 fine, and at least four years of supervised release up to life. As to each of the charges of carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in Counts 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 17, and 20, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years up to life imprisonment, which must run consecutively to each other and all other sentences, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. As to each of the felon in possession charges in Counts 7, 11, 14, 15, and 18, WHITE and MILLS face up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. WHITE is also charged with a sentencing enhancement based on his prior convictions for distributing heroin that raises his mandatory minimum sentence for Count 1 to 15 years in prison. Altogether, WHITE faces a cumulative mandatory minimum sentence of 35 years in prison; WINDING faces a cumulative mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison; SMITH faces a cumulative mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison; and MILLS faces a cumulative mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Two Southern California Men Arrested on Indictment Alleging Scheme Targeting Elderly Victims and Causing $10 Million in Losses

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Two men living in Southern California were arrested today for allegedly leading a complex money laundering scheme that targeted more than 100 victims, many of whom were targeted because they were elderly, and caused victims more than $10 million in losses. Sylas Nyuydzene Verdzekov, 38, of Chino Hills, and Lovert Che, 44, of Lomita, were taken into federal custody today. A third defendant, Mustapha Nkachiwouo Selly Yamie, 29, of Inglewood, is being sought by law enforcement. Each defendant is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Verdzekov and Che are expected to be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. “As the indictment alleges, these defendants built a sophisticated fraud and money laundering scheme that targeted and preyed on our most vulnerable citizens. They not only stole the victims’ money, but robbed them of their security and trust,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “Let this serve as a clear message: If you defraud members of our community, especially the elderly, we will hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” “Financial fraud against our elder population has unfortunately lined the pockets of several transnational criminal organizations,” said HSI Los Angeles Acting Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. “HSI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to protecting our most vulnerable and ensuring the public is informed of the red flag indicators of elder fraud.” According to the indictment, from at least November 2021 and continuing to the present, Verdzekov, Yamie, and Che, and their co-conspirators, created fake identification documents of fictitious people, including passports and driver’s licenses. Using these fake documents, the defendants and their co-conspirators created at least 36 shell companies in California, which conducted no legitimate business and were created solely to advance their crimes. Verdzekov, Yamie, and Che, and their co-conspirators, opened at least 145 bank accounts and at least 32 private mailboxes across Southern California using the fake identities and sham businesses. In one scheme specifically targeting elderly victims using phone calls and email pop-ups, the defendants and their co-conspirators posed as law enforcement personnel or employees with well-known companies attempting to help the victims maintain the security of their accounts. They then allegedly fabricated claims of victim bank accounts or payment accounts being compromised and needing to be resolved quickly. The defendants and their co-conspirators convinced the victims of their purported authority through pictures of fake badges and fake job titles, then requested the victims’ personally identifiable information (PII) and bank account information. Victims were told they needed to move money from their corrupted accounts quickly to ensure they kept all their money, and to move it into accounts that Verdzekov, Yamie, and Che, and their co-conspirators, fraudulently opened and controlled. Victims typically moved money via electronic bank transfers, money orders, cashier’s checks, or personal checks into these fraudulent bank accounts or mailboxes. The defendants and their co-conspirators then deposited the ill-gotten gains into the bank accounts they controlled with the intent of disguising the ownership and control of the funds. Verdzekov, Yamie, Che, and their co-conspirators then withdrew large cash amounts to use the stolen funds on personal expenses, including rental payments. In a similar scam, the defendants and their co-conspirators allegedly posed as a real estate owner selling property. Using fake identification and credentials, the defendants deceived victims into believing that they were entering into a legitimate sale of the property and tricked the victims into wiring money or mailing a check to an account or mailbox the defendants and their co-conspirators controlled. In total, Verdzekov, Yamie, and Che, and their co-conspirators, laundered at least $10 million in funds taken from at least 100 victims. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, the defendants would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Homeland Security Investigations’ Document Benefit Fraud Task Force, the FBI’s Honolulu Field Office, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and the United States Postal Inspection Service are investigating this matter. The investigation remains ongoing. If you think you have been a victim of a scam, immediately contact your bank or financial institution to request a recall or reversal as well as a Hold Harmless Letter or Letter of Indemnity and contact local law enforcement. Additionally, file a detailed complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov . The Internet Crime Complaint Center is run by the FBI and serves as the country’s hub for reporting cybercrime. Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah S. Lee and Gregg E. Marmaro of the Major Frauds Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Corona Man Who Sold Stan Lee Memorabilia Agrees to Plead Guilty to Tax Fraud of More Than $1.2 Million in Income

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Riverside County man has agreed to plead guilty to filing false income tax returns after selling Stan Lee-signed memorabilia and receiving more than $1.2 million in proceeds which he never reported to the IRS, the Justice Department announced today. Mac Martin Anderson, 59, of Corona, has agreed to plead guilty to two counts of willfully subscribing to a false tax return, a felony that carries a statutory maximum sentence of three years in prison for each charge. According to his plea agreement, from 2015 to 2018, Anderson had a personal relationship with Marvel Comics publisher Stan Lee and sold Marvel-related items bearing Lee’s autograph to various dealers, brokers and fans at comic conventions. In exchange for selling these memorabilia, Anderson received payments from buyers, typically in the form of cash or checks. These payments were considered regular income by the IRS and should have been reported on Anderson’s income tax return each year that he received money. For tax years 2015 through 2018, income from the sold memorabilia totaled $289,460, $452,269, $414,166, and $80,590, respectively. In total, Anderson admitted to profiting approximately $1,236,485 in reportable income from the memorabilia sales which resulted in him owing the IRS approximately $482,833. As part of his plea agreement, Anderson agreed to pay restitution to the IRS of approximately $482,833. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Aveis of the Major Frauds Section and Sarah E. Spielberger of the Asset Forfeiture and Recovery Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Three Defendants Sentenced To Prison For Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: RENO – Three individuals were sentenced Tuesday for their involvement in a drug trafficking organization to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine in Reno. They all participated in multiple drug buys involving pounds of methamphetamine for thousands of dollars, totaling over 33 kilograms of methamphetamine distributed into Reno. Saul Nolasco (25), of Lodi, California, and Maria Valenzuela (64) and Xochitl Sanchez-Pacheco (38), both of Sinaloa, Mexico, each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. United States District Judge Miranda M. Du sentenced Nolasco to 41 months in prison, Valenzuela to 33 months in prison, and Sanchez-Pacheco to 30 months in prison. According to court documents and admissions made in court, from January 20, 2023 to October 8, 2023, Nolasco, Valenzuela, and Sanchez-Pacheco conspired together to distribute 33 kilograms of methamphetamine into the Reno community. Methamphetamine is a Schedule II controlled substance. Nolasco worked with his brother who was located in Mexico. Nolasco acted as the drug trafficking organization’s boots on the ground in Nevada and California. He collected and handled cash payments; obtained and stored large quantities of methamphetamine at his house; and distributed large quantities of methamphetamine to various buyers in Reno and elsewhere. Valenzuela conducted multiple drug transactions involving pounds of methamphetamine, where she was responsible for the delivery of methamphetamine as well as the collection of cash payments of thousands of dollars behalf of the drug trafficking organization. In November 2023, Valenzuela was caught at the border with her daughter moving 97 pounds of methamphetamine across the U.S.-Mexico border. The van was outfitted with trap compartments used to conceal the drugs. Sanchez-Pacheco delivered large quantities of methamphetamine in both Reno and Modesto, California. She collected the money associated with those deliveries, one of which involved $5,500. The fourth co-defendant, Bobby Jo Kissel (54), pleaded guilty in October 2024 and is awaiting sentencing. Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kevin Adams for the DEA Las Vegas District Office made the announcement. The DEA investigated the case, along with the Regional Narcotics Unit, Washoe County Sherriff’s Office K-9 Unit, Modesto Police Department, HSI, USMS, Nevada Department of Investigation and Nevada Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Andolyn Johnson prosecuted the case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF . ###


title: Lyons Resident Charged In Connection With Series of Incidents At Loveland Tesla Dealership

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Lucy Grace Nelson, also known as Justin Thomas Nelson, 42, of Lyons, Colorado, was charged by complaint with one count of malicious destruction of property for a series of incidents at the Tesla dealership in Loveland, Colorado. According to the complaint, on January 29, Loveland Police received a call reporting a fire near a Cyber Truck located at the Tesla dealership. Investigators discovered an incendiary device, commonly referred to as a “Molotov cocktail” next to the vehicle. Additionally, on February 2, Loveland Police received a report of graffiti on the Tesla dealership sign where black spray paint was used to write the word “NAZI.” On February 7, police received a call for graffiti and possible arson at Tesla. During that investigation police found multiple broken bottles consistent with incendiary devices. On February 11, a security guard at the dealership came into contact with a person painting graffiti, which used an expletive, on the front windows of the building. On February 24, police confronted Nelson at the dealership. Inside Nelson’s car, police found a container of gasoline plus a box of bottles and wick material which were similar to the items police recovered after the prior incidents. The defendant made an initial appearance in front of Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Denver Field Office, and the Loveland Police Department are handling the investigation. The Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution. Case Number: 1:25-mj-00043-NRN


title: Casey Patrick Henrietta Sentenced Over 24 Years For Attempted Production Of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On February 27, 2025, Casey Patrick Henrietta, 27, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was sentenced to 292 months by the Honorable Katherine A. Crytzer, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville. Following Henrietta’s imprisonment, he will be on supervised release for life, and he will be required to register with state sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions during his supervised release. As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Henrietta agreed to plead guilty to one count of attempted production of child pornography in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2251 (a) and (e). According to court documents, in December 2022, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI)-Knoxville Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force, was contacted by the New Castle County Police Department in Delaware regarding online production of child pornography of a nine-year-old minor child. The investigation revealed that the solicitation of child pornography of the minor child began when he was nine years of age. The solicitation of the child pornography continued for four years until recently when the child mother found the child pornography in communications between Henrietta and the child. The investigation revealed that Henrietta and the child began communicating through a game on the PlayStation Network platform. Later, Henrietta moved the conversations with the child to social networking applications where he continued to entice the minor child to engage in unlawful sexual activity for images/videos. U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton, III of the Eastern District of Tennessee and Special Agent in Charge Rena Saoud of HSI made the announcement. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Kolman represented the United States. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006, by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click on the tab "resources.” ###


title: Three Louisiana Men Sentenced to Decades in Prison for Armed Robbery of Undercover Federal Agent

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – MICHAEL LOTT (“LOTT”) , age 51, DIANTA TROPEZ (“TROPEZ”) , age 30, and VERNELL WOODARD (“WOODARD”) , age 23, all residents of New Orleans, were sentenced on February 18 and 19, 2025, by United States District Judge Ivan L.R. Lemelle for the armed robbery of an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) special agent that resulted in the agent’s paralysis from the shoulders down, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. According to court records, VERNELL WOODARD and three other co-defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine to an undercover ATF agent and another individual on August 29, 2023 at a Westbank, New Orleans apartment. The plan came to fruition when the conspirators sold the undercover ATF agent approximately seven grams of pure methamphetamine. After this August 29 methamphetamine distribution deal was completed, VERNELL WOODARD arranged for the undercover ATF agent and the other individual to return to the apartment the following day to purchase more drugs. When the undercover ATF agent and the other individual arrived at the apartment complex the next day, WOODARD told them to return to the same apartment. As they were coming upstairs, MICHAEL LOTT , armed with an AR-15 style weapon,hid in a closet inside the apartment. Once the undercover ATF agent and the other individual were inside the apartment, DIANTA TROPEZ entered, pointed a Glock pistol at the undercover ATF agent and the other individual, and demanded they get down and hand over their possessions. Simultaneously, MICHAEL LOTT emerged from the closet, pointed the AR-15 style weapon at them, and demanded they turn over their possessions. Other agents monitoring the deal, realized something was wrong and responded. Once LOTT and TROPEZ heard the law enforcement response, they stopped the robbery, and everyone in the apartment tried to flee. The undercover ATF agent and the other individual went onto the third-floor apartment balcony and began climbing down to escape. During their climb, the agent fell and sustained severe injuries, resulting in his paralysis. As a result of this criminal conduct, MICHAEL LOTT , DIANTA TROPEZ , VERNELL WOODARD , and three others were charged in an eleven-count superseding indictment with various offense related to the drug trafficking and the armed robbery. On September 13, 2024, DIANTA TROPEZ pleaded guilty to several crimes including, conspiring to rob a person of money belonging to the United States, armed robbery of a person of money belonging to the United States, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, assaulting an officer of the United States with a deadly weapon, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. On October 2, 2024, MICHAEL LOTT pleaded guilty to the same charges as TROPEZ . On November 22, 2024, VERNELL WOODARD pleaded guilty to the methamphetamine conspiracy and distribution charges, as well as all the charges related to his participation in the armed robbery and to maintaining a drug involved premises. During three lengthy sentencing hearings, the Court heard from the injured special agent, as well as members of his family and other special agents who had worked with the injured agent. Judge Lemelle imposed sentences on all three defendants convicted of participating in the robbery that were well above the recommended guidelines ranges. Judge Lemelle sentenced LOTT to 300 months of imprisonment. He also sentenced TROPEZ to 284 months of imprisonment, and WOODARD to 209 months of imprisonment. Each defendant was also placed on a five-year term of supervised release following release from imprisonment and payment of a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 per count. "Following the lengthy sentences imposed on Michael Lott, Dianta Tropez, and Vernell Woodard, our community is a bit safer,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson. “We take any violence against law enforcement very seriously. Although we cannot undo the tragic events in this case ultimately, justice was achieved, not only for the ATF special agent so grievously injured by this crime, but also for, law enforcement professionals and the community at large. Violent criminals, bent on preying upon our citizens, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” “The substantial sentencings of Michael Lott, Dianta Tropez, and Vernell Woodard signifies that each defendant will be held accountable for engaging in violent crime in the community,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “Holding accountable offenders who commit violent crimes against law enforcement, like our Special Agent in this case, and protecting the public are cornerstones of what our agency seeks to accomplish. No matter how long it takes, we will investigate, arrest, prosecute and ensure accountability for those violent criminals and to remove them from the community as we are working to keep our neighborhoods safe.” This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The investigation giving rise to the superseding indictment was conducted primarily by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Louisiana State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department and Crimestoppers GNO. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David Haller, Senior Litigation Counsel and PSN Coordinator, and Nolan Paige, Chief of the Narcotics Unit. * * *


title: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Releases First Phase of Declassified Epstein Files

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Today, Attorney General Pamela Bondi, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), declassified and publicly released files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his sexual exploitation of over 250 underage girls at his homes in New York and Florida, among other locations. The first phase of declassified files largely contains documents that have been previously leaked but never released in a formal capacity by the U.S. Government. “This Department of Justice is following through on President Trump’s commitment to transparency and lifting the veil on the disgusting actions of Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirators,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The first phase of files released today sheds light on Epstein’s extensive network and begins to provide the public with long overdue accountability.” “The FBI is entering a new era—one that will be defined by integrity, accountability, and the unwavering pursuit of justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “There will be no cover-ups, no missing documents, and no stone left unturned — and anyone from the prior or current Bureau who undermines this will be swiftly pursued. If there are gaps, we will find them. If records have been hidden, we will uncover them. And we will bring everything we find to the DOJ to be fully assessed and transparently disseminated to the American people as it should be. The oath we take is to the Constitution, and under my leadership, that promise will be upheld without compromise.” Attorney General Bondi requested the full and complete files related to Jeffrey Epstein. In response, the Department received approximately 200 pages of documents, however, the Attorney General was later informed of thousands of pages of documents related to the investigation and indictment of Epstein that were not previously disclosed. The Attorney General has requested the FBI deliver the remaining documents to the Department by 8:00 AM on February 28 and has tasked FBI Director Kash Patel with investigating why the request for all documents was not followed. The Department remains committed to transparency and intends to release the remaining documents upon review and redaction to protect the identities of Epstein’s victims. A copy of Attorney General Bondi’s letter can be downloaded here . Links to released documents below: A. Evidence List B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part1 B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part2 B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part3 B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part4 B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part5 B. Flight Log_Released in U.S. v. Maxwell_Part6 C. Contact Book_Redacted D. Masseuse List_Redacted


title: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Announces 29 Wanted Defendants from Mexico Taken into U.S. Custody

body_text: Today, the United States secured custody of 29 defendants from Mexico who are facing charges in districts around the country relating to racketeering, drug-trafficking, murder, illegal use of firearms, money laundering, and other crimes. The defendants taken into U.S. custody today include leaders and managers of drug cartels recently designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists, such as the Sinaloa Cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), Cártel del Noreste (formerly Los Zetas), La Nueva Familia Michoacana, and Cártel de Golfo (Gulf Cartel). These defendants are collectively alleged to have been responsible for the importation into the United States of massive quantities of poison, including cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin, as well as associated acts of violence. “As President Trump has made clear, cartels are terrorist groups, and this Department of Justice is devoted to destroying cartels and transnational gangs,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will prosecute these criminals to the fullest extent of the law in honor of the brave law enforcement agents who have dedicated their careers — and in some cases, given their lives — to protect innocent people from the scourge of violent cartels. We will not rest until we secure justice for the American people.” “The FBI and our partners will scour the ends of the earth to bring terrorists and cartel members to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The era of harming Americans and walking free is over.” “Today’s actions are a consequence of a White House that negotiates from a position of strength, and an Attorney General who is willing to lead the Department with courage and ferocity,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. “By prosecuting these defendants to the maximum extent allowable under the law, we honor the memory of Special Agent Camarena, Deputy Sherrif Byrd, and other victims who are far too numerous, as well as decades of hard work in the trenches by our law enforcement partners.” “Today, 29 fugitive cartel members have arrived in the United States from Mexico, including one name that stands above the rest for the men and women of the DEA — Rafael Caro Quintero. Caro Quintero, a cartel kingpin who unleashed violence, destruction, and death across the United States and Mexico, has spent four decades atop DEA’s most wanted fugitives list, and today we can proudly say he has arrived in the United States where justice will be served,” said DEA Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz. “This moment is extremely personal for the men and women of DEA who believe Caro Quintero is responsible for the brutal torture and murder of DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena. It is also a victory for the Camarena family. Today sends a message to every cartel leader, every trafficker, every criminal poisoning our communities: You will be held accountable. No matter how long it takes, no matter how far you run, justice will find you.” Many of the defendants were subject to longstanding U.S. extradition requests that were not honored during the prior Administration, but that the Mexican government elected to transfer to the current U.S. government in response to the Justice Department’s efforts pursuant to President Trump’s directive in Executive Order 14157, entitled Designating Cartels and Other Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists , to pursue total elimination of these Cartels. Federal prosecutors will evaluate whether additional terrorism and violence charges are appropriate based on the policy set forth in Executive Order 14157, and whether capital punishment is available based on Executive Order 14164, entitled Restoring the Death Penalty and Protecting Public Safety , as well as the Attorney General’s Feb. 5 guidance regarding the death penalty. Rafael Caro Quintero, who is alleged to have been among those responsible for the 1985 murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena and others. Martin Sotelo, who is alleged to have participated in the 2022 murder of Deputy Sheriff Ned Byrd. Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, who allegedly helped lead CJNG and is reportedly the brother of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho.” Ramiro Perez Moreno and Lucio Hernandez Lechuga, who are alleged to be high-ranking members of Los Zetas. A complete list of defendants, as well as districts where they are charged and will appear in federal court in the coming days: Mexico Defendants Name Arraignment Jurisdiction Statutory Maximum 1 CANOBBIO-INZUNZA, Jose Angel Northern District Illinois Up to life imprisonment 2. VALENCIA GONZALEZ, Norberto Northern District of Illinois Up to life imprisonment 3. MARIN SOTELO, Alder, also known as “Alder Marin-Sotelo” and “Alder Alfonso Marin” Middle District of North Carolina North Carolina State Court Federal : Maximum 10 years imprisonment State : Maximum of life imprisonment or death 4. CRUZ SANCHEZ, Evaristo Southern District of Texas Up to life imprisonment 5. GARCIA VILLANO, also known as “La Kena,” “19,” and “Ciclone 19” Southern District of Texas Up to life imprisonment 6. HERNANDEZ LECHUGA, Lucio Eastern District of Texas Up to life imprisonment 7. PEREZ MORENO, Ramiro Eastern District of Texas Up to life imprisonment 8. RODRIGUEZ DIAZ, Miguel Angel, also known as "Metro" Eastern District of Texas Up to life imprisonment 9. VILLARREAL HERNANDEZ, Jose Rodolfo Northern District of Texas Death or life imprisonment 10. CARO QUINTERO, Rafael Eastern District of New York Death or life imprisonment 11. CARRILLO FUENTES, Vicente Eastern District of New York Death or life imprisonment 12. CABRERA CABRERA, Jose Bibiano District of Arizona Up to life imprisonment 13. CLARK, Andrew Central District of California Death or life imprisonment 14. INFANTE, Hector Eduardo Central District of California Up to life imprisonment 15. LIMON LOPEZ, Jesus Humberto District of Arizona Up to life imprisonment 16. TAPIA QUINTERO, Jose Guadalupe District of Arizona Up to life imprisonment 17. TORRES ACOSTA, Inez Enrique Southern District of California Up to life imprisonment 18. GALAVIZ VEGA, Jesus Western District of Texas Up to life imprisonment 19. MENDEZ ESTEVANE, Luis Geraldo Western District of Texas Death or life imprisonment 20. MONSIVAIS TREVINO, Carlos Alberto Western District of Texas Up to life imprisonment 21. ALGREDO VAZQUEZ, Carlos District of Columbia Up to life imprisonment 22. LOPEZ IBARRA, Rodolfo District of Columbia Up to life imprisonment 23. OSEGUERA CERVANTES, Antonio District of Columbia Up to life imprisonment 24. RANGEL BUENDIA, Alfredo District of Columbia Up to life imprisonment 25. TREVINO MORALES, Miguel Angel, also known as "Z-40" District of Columbia Up to life imprisonment 26. TREVINO MORALES, Omar, also known as "Z-42") District of Columbia Up to life imprisonment 27. VALENCIA SALAZAR, Erick District of Columbia Up to life imprisonment 28. MENDEZ VARGAS, Jesus Southern District of New York Up to life imprisonment 29. PALACIOS GARCIA, Itiel Southern District of New York Up to life imprisonment Attorney General Pamela Bondi thanked the law enforcement officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshal’s Service, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, and Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office for their valuable contributions to these investigations. The Attorney General also thanked the Justice Department Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and its Office of International Affairs, and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, the District of Columbia, Middle District of North Carolina, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Northern District of Texas, Eastern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, and Western District of Texas for handling the prosecutions of these cases. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Dangerous Firearms and Drugs the Focus of 2 Takedowns in Vallejo

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO , Calif. — Two Vallejo Public Safety Partnership (PSP) investigations have resulted in arrests and federal charges for eight individuals for various gun and drug offenses. The PSP investigations are a part of a larger collaborative effort to address violent crime in the city of Vallejo. Making this announcement are Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith, Chief Jason Ta of the Vallejo Police Department, Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani. “The application process to join the U.S. Department of Justice’s Public Safety Partnership Program is competitive, and the United States Attorney’s Office is proud of the Vallejo Police Department’s selection as a participant,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith. “This program is focused on maximizing scarce resources to increase Vallejo’s ability to fight violent crime, especially crime related to gang activity involving gun violence and drug trafficking. Our office is honored to partner with Vallejo through this unique initiative to provide focused, data-driven, and evidence-based resources and expertise to promote public safety in this city. The prosecutions announced today show our commitment to that partnership, as we bring federal resources to bear in the fight make Vallejo safer for all its residents.” “Every community member deserves to feel safe and secure in their home,” stated Vallejo Police Chief Jason Ta. “We are overcoming our resource limitations through law enforcement and community partnerships. We must work together as a team to make Vallejo safer.” “Today’s announcement is yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to collaborative investigations, leveraging the skills and talents of local, state, and federal partners to disrupt violent criminal networks that threaten the success and safety of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “Drug and weapons trafficking conducted by criminal networks exploits and slowly erodes communities unless law enforcement and the public stand together against it. Every family should have the opportunity to live, work, and thrive in a safe, crime-free community and the FBI remains firmly committed to disrupt and dismantle gangs and criminal networks that endanger neighborhoods and threaten the potential of all citizens.” “ATF is proud to be a part of a collective effort to prevent and reduce violent crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The city of Vallejo is a safer community today because of programs like the National Public Safety Partnership or PSP. This investigation serves as a great example of the effectiveness of this program. ATF continues to stay focused on the commitment that we made to the communities we serve, and we hope to continue to have more investigations like this one.” Super 8 According to court documents, since July 2024 until the present, the ATF’s Oakland Field Office has been investigating members of a loosely affiliated group that was illegally selling dangerous, high-powered weapons in Vallejo using a Super 8 motel on Solano Avenue as the hub of their criminal activity. On Feb. 20, 2025, ATF arrested four Vallejo residents charged with federal firearms offenses. Zuryess Anthony Roberts, 24, was charged with possession and transfer of a machine gun. Taezon Laurece Sanderson, 23, was charged with being felon in possession of a firearm. Divaya James Talley, 18, was charged with transfer and possession of a machine gun. Anderson Thurston, 66, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Brown Brotherhood (BBH) According to court documents, the Brown Brotherhood gang is a subset of the Sureño gang and has been a frequent target of investigations of the Vallejo Police Department and the Solano County Violent Crime Task Force. The primary criminal activities of this gang have included murder, robbery, extortion, drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, burglary, and stolen vehicles. The current investigation began in February 2024 through today’s arrests and takedown. FBI arrested four people today on federal drug trafficking and firearms charges. Leo Alonso-Medina, 32, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Carlos Higuera-Aldana , 23, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Jeremiah Salanoa, 22, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Doroteo Suastegui, 47, was charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. These cases are the product of investigations by the ATF, the FBI, the Vallejo Police Department, and the Solano County Violent Crime Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt, R. Alex Cardenas, Nicole Vanek, Douglas Harman, Charles Campbell, and Adrian Kinsella are prosecuting the eight federal cases arising out of this collaborative PSP effort. A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Portland Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bank Fraud and Identity Theft

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.--A Portland man was sentenced to federal prison today for using a stolen identity and financial information to steal more than $426,000 from a victim with an intellectual disability. Clinton Wells, 36, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison and three years' supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $426,481.14 in restitution to his victim. According to court documents, between March 2019 and April 2022, Wells knowingly and intentionally used personal identification and bank account information to steal the victim's life savings. On March 13, 2019, while working for a national tax preparation company, Wells met the victim and gained access to their personal and financial information. The following day, Wells began transferring money from the victim's bank account into his own. In April 2019, Wells created a user profile through the victim's online banking system. With this access, Wells completed more than 1,100 transactions including electronic money transfers and online purchases. Wells used the money to fund extravagant trips, personal expenses and online purchases. Wells' theft went undetected until the victim passed away and family found unopened bank statements showing the unauthorized transactions. On February 13, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a six-count indictment charging Wells with bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. On October 30, 2024, Wells pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. This case was investigated by the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. It was prosecuted by Meredith D.M. Bateman, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.


title: Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing Fentanyl that Caused  Two Fatal Overdoses

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Jonathan Tyler Gauthier pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he supplied the fentanyl that caused the deaths of S.M.G. on September 7, 2022, and J.A.W. on December 24, 2022. According to the plea agreement, on September 7, 2022, at approximately 5:50 a.m., San Diego Police officers responded to a residence in Hillcrest. When officers arrived, they found 24-year-old S.M.G. deceased in his upstairs bedroom. A review of S.M.G.’s phone revealed a lengthy history of drug purchases from Gauthier, starting in at least 2019. According to evidence collected from cell phones and witness interviews, S.M.G. traveled from his home in Hillcrest to the defendant’s location in La Jolla in the late afternoon on Sept. 6, 2022. Gauthier warned S.M.G. that he was selling a potent batch of fentanyl. At 8:49 p.m., Gauthier texted S.M.G.: “Ur being careful.” At 9:12 p.m., S.M.G. responded “Yes.” S.M.G. was not seen alive after he went to his bedroom at 9:30 p.m. On December 24, 2022, at approximately 4:29 a.m., San Diego Police officers responded to a residence in the North Clairemont area of the City of San Diego. When officers arrived, firefighters were attempting to revive J.A.W., a 27-year-old male. J.A.W. was pronounced dead at 5:02 a.m. A family member had last seen J.A.W. alive on December 23, 2022, at 9:30 p.m., and she had checked on him at 4 a.m. when she noticed the light on his bedroom. Next to his body were a piece of foil with burnt residue on it and a white pipe with a charred blue pill on its tip. On the floor next to J.A.W.’s bed was a small, clear bag that contained eight blue pills, each marked with “M30.” Subsequent testing determined that the pills contained fentanyl. According to evidence, including information from cell phones, social media and witness interviews, J.A.W. began to message the defendant on December 18, 2022, seeking to purchase “blues,” which are counterfeit pills often containing fentanyl. Over the course of the next four days, J.A.W. and Gauthier messaged about the purchase until settling on a price of $80 for 10 blues. On December 23, 2022, J.A.W. arranged to meet at Gauthier’s storage unit to complete the purchase. J.A.W. left his family’s holiday party at 2 p.m., picked up the drugs at the storage unit and returned home at 4 p.m. Gauthier’s sentencing is scheduled for May 30, 2025, at 9 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Janis L. Sammartino. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Gordon and David Fawcett. Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Overdose Response Team and the Fentanyl Abatement and Suppression Team (FAST) jointly led this investigation. The Overdose Response Team is an ongoing effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the San Diego Police Department, the La Mesa Police Department, National Guard Counterdrug Task Force and the California Department of Health Care Services to investigate and prosecute the distribution of dangerous illegal drugs—fentanyl in particular—that result in overdose deaths. The Drug Enforcement Administration created the Overdose Response Team as a response to the increase in overdose deaths in San Diego County. HSI San Diego FAST is a multiagency task force comprising state, local, and federal partners and was first established in August 2022 focusing on the disruption and dismantlement of criminal organizations that smuggle and distribute fentanyl within San Diego County. HSI’s FAST targets fentanyl smuggling and distribution networks to counter the rising overdose rate and decrease the availability and accessibility of fentanyl. DEFENDANTS Case Number 24-CR-1383-JLS Jonathan Tyler Gauthier Age: 26 San Diego, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Distribution of Fentanyl 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison (per count) INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Drug Enforcement Administration Homeland Security Investigations San Diego Police Department California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force California Department of Health Care Services La Mesa Police Department San Diego County District Attorney’s Office *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Spencerport man going to prison for role in fraud scheme

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-Acting U.S. Attorney Joel Louis Violanti announced today that Michael Grimm 45, of Spencerport, NY, who was convicted of wire fraud, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Charles J. Siragusa. Grimm was also ordered to pay approximately $16,000 in restitution. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that Grimm, and co-defendant Nickola Marie Ferra, engaged in an extensive pattern of conduct involving document fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, retail theft, and identity theft. Part of the scheme involved Grimm and others obtaining merchandise by theft or fraud from local retailers, which was then returned in exchange for gift cards and store credit or sold to third parties. In furtherance of the scheme, Grimm presented forged and/or stolen passports and other stolen identification information to merchants. Grimm also admitted his role in the theft of personal identifying information and credit information belonging to multiple individuals, which he and others used to make fraudulent purchases, including car and hotel rentals. The stolen identity information was also used in attempts to open credit cards and obtain loans. To date, at least 10 identity theft victims have been identified resulting in thousands of dollars in losses. Nickola Marie Ferra was previously convicted and sentenced to serve 27 months in prison. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Brian Wood, and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. # # # #


title: Federal grand jury indicts five defendants for their roles in Jamestown drug conspiracy

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. –Acting U.S. Attorney Joel Louis Violanti announced today a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Andres Pizzaro Campos a/k/a Kiki, 33, Max Pizzaro Campos, 34, Cindy Frank, 52, Edward Leeper a/k/a Edward Barnes. 46, and Jaquez L. Thomas a/k/a Quez, 21, all of Jamestown, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. In addition, Andres and Max Pizzaro Campos are also charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and maintaining a drug involved premises, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, consecutive to any other penalty. Cindy Frank is also charged with obstruction of justice. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani, who are handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between 2018, and May 26, 2022, the defendants conspired with Joseph S. Zaso and others, to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown area. Andre and Max Pizarro Campos are accused of utilizing a Hazzard Street residence and possessing firearms to conduct their drug trafficking activities. In addition, on July 26, 2023, Cindy Frank allegedly falsely testified, concealing her knowledge of Joseph S. Zaso's drug trafficking activities. Joseph Zaso was previously charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino III, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: BVI MAN AND FOUR HAITIAN NATIONALS CHARGED IN ILLEGAL ALIEN SMUGGLING CASE

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Thomas, VI – United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced today that Jose Miguel Hodge, 31, of the British Virgin Islands, was charged with alien smuggling. Also charged were Junia Orelus, 32, Clawens Destin, 18, and Jean Louis Martellus, 27, all of Haiti, and Eudys Santana Santos, 33, of the Dominican Republic, with unlawful entry into the United States. According to court records, on February 7, 2025, Customs and Border Protection Air Marine Operations agents observed Hodge operating a vessel traveling from BVI waters and later arriving at Annaberg Bay, St. John, without navigational lights. The agents intercepted and boarded Hodge’s vessel and found Orelus, Destin and Metellus, all illegal aliens, onboard. Santana Santos, also an illegal alien, was found at Annaberg Bay waiting to provide transportation to at least one of the illegal migrant onboard Hodge’s vessel. This case is being investigated by Customs and Border Protection Air Marine Operations and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Everard E. Potter. United States Attorney Smith reminds the public that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Lake Charles Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking

body_text: LAFAYETTE, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that Jeremy Wade Denegall , 45, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, has been sentenced by United States District Judge David C. Joseph to 144 months (12 years) in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, on drug trafficking charges. On February 22, 2022, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of Denegall’s vehicle for a traffic violation on Interstate 10. Denegall was the sole occupant and driver of the vehicle. When officers approached the vehicle, they detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside and a search was conducted. Inside the vehicle they found a plastic baggie with a substance consistent with crack cocaine, a plastic bag containing a large amount of a crystal-like substance determined to be methamphetamine and also fentanyl. In addition, two firearms and a magazine with 19 rounds of ammunition and two digital scales were found. Denegall was charged and pleaded guilty on November 15, 2024, to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney LaDonte A. Murphy. # # #


title: Berkeley County Man Admits to Role in Drug Trafficking Organization

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – James Reyes, age 55, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to working with others in a large-scale drug operation in the Eastern Panhandle. Reyes pled guilty to the distribution of cocaine. According to court documents and statements made in court, Reyes was selling drugs for the drug trafficking organization Reyes is facing 20 years to life in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force was the lead investigative unit. Other investigative agencies that assisted include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including the Pittsburgh, San Francisco, San Juan, and Philadelphia Field Offices; United States Marshals Service; Homeland Security Investigations; United States Postal Service; Drug Enforcement Administration, the Louisville and Chicago Divisions; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; West Virginia State Police; Martinsburg Police Department; Ranson Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; Berkeley County Sheriff's Office; Jefferson County Sheriff's Office; West Virginia Air National Guard; Mineral County Sheriff's Office; Grant County Sheriff's Office; Hampshire County Sheriff's Department; Keyser Police Department; Northwest Regional Drug Task Force, Virginia; Pennsylvania State Police; Franklin County Sheriff's Office, Pennsylvania; Winchester Police Department, Virginia; Frederick County Sheriff's Office, Virginia; Virginia State Police; Sunnyvale Police Department, California. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.


title: Morgantown Physician Sentenced for Tax Fraud

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – David M. Anderson, age 64, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to six months in federal prison for filing false tax returns. According to court documents and statements made in court, Anderson, a physician, filed false tax returns that understated his taxable income and made false claims to lessen his tax burden, causing a loss to the IRS of $143,599 over a four-year period. Anderson will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eleanor Hurney prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.


title: Jefferson County Man Sentenced for Cocaine Charge

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jamie Green, age 47, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine. According to court documents and statements made in court, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General intercepted a package containing more than two pounds of cocaine mailed from Los Angeles, California, to Green’s address in Jefferson County, West Virginia. Investigators arrested Green at his home. He has prior convictions for drugs, aggravated assault by a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, and firearms convictions. Green will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Kane prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. Investigative agencies include the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the West Virginia State Police, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.


title: Three Newport News men sentenced to life in prison for a series of six robberies and five murders

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Three Newport News men have been sentenced after they were convicted by a federal jury on charges relating to a series of violent crimes that included five murders and two additional shootings. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from at least Jan. 16, 2017, through November 2017, Ronzel Monte Dixie, aka Bone or Bizzy, 31; Kwaimain Shy’de Redmon, aka Kwa, 30; and Meko Montez Brown Jr., aka Gangsta or 9-Ball, 26, along with others, carried out at least seven shootings, including five murders, four commercial robberies, three drug robberies, and three car thefts and engaged in two high-speed chases from police. During these robberies, the men were armed with various firearms including a .22 caliber Uzi-style firearm, a 1911 handgun, a Ruger P95 9mm pistol, and a stolen P9 Kahr 9mm pistol. During the course of the conspiracy, the defendants stole at least two cars. Victims included cellphone stores, drug dealers, gas stations/convenience stores, a correctional officer, and others. During most of the robberies, the men brandished and sometimes discharged their firearms. On Oct. 1, 2017, Dixie, Redmon, and another person robbed a drug dealer during a home invasion of her apartment. The group brandished two firearms and took drugs, currency, and the victim’s Lexus sedan. On Oct. 12, 2017, Dixie and another person robbed a different drug dealer for bail money to secure a bond for Redmon, who had been arrested on Oct. 11, 2017, while fleeing on foot from the Lexus automobile they had stolen during the robbery on Oct. 1, 2017. On Oct. 16, 2017, Dixie and Redmon summoned another individual to the Hoss’s Deli in Newport News because they had a problem with someone at the bar. They followed their target, who left Hoss’s Deli on a motorcycle, and Dixie fired a Ruger P95 from the passenger window of their vehicle, resulting in the victim’s death. Dixie executed the victim by firing again as he lay in the roadway. Following the shooting, Dixie and Redmon rummaged through the victim’s pockets and took his wallet. Later on Oct. 16, 2017, Dixie, Redmon, and the other individual approached the Happy Shopper convenience store in Hampton as it was closing. While demanding money, the third individual shot the store owner in the face. They proceeded to look through the store owner’s van for money and anything of value. During the robbery, Dixie executed a store employee by twice shooting him in the back of the head while he lay face down in the parking lot. On Nov. 7, 2017, Dixie, Brown, and another individual robbed another drug dealer, taking his P9 Kahr firearm. Approximately an hour later on Nov. 7, 2017, Dixie, Brown, and the other individual robbed an authorized retailer for MetroPCS in Hampton by brandishing the stolen firearm. On Nov. 8, 2017, Dixie, Brown, and another individual shot and killed a man at 9:20 p.m., and then shot a correctional officer at 9:31 p.m. during an attempted robbery. Dixie boasted that he killed the first man because his nickname was “Wavy 10” and he wanted 10 bodies to his name. On Nov. 9, 2017, Brown and another individual robbed a Miller Mart convenience store in Chesapeake. Brown brandished the P9 Kahr firearm and stole money from the business. On Nov. 10, 2017, Dixie, Brown, Redmon, and another individual stole a Cadillac in Newport News. As Brown attempted to drive the Cadillac from the parking lot, he hit another vehicle. When the driver of that vehicle followed the Cadillac, Brown shot and killed him. An hour later, Brown attempted to rob a victim who was just getting home to his apartment. During the robbery, Brown fired the P9 Kahr at the victim, but missed. The gun jammed, however, and the victim returned fire. After Dixie, Brown, Redmon, and the other individual fled the scene, Dixie used the firearm to shoot and kill a homeless person, firing multiple rounds at the victim while exclaiming, “My gun does not jam.” On Nov. 11, 2017, Dixie, Brown, and another individual robbed another authorized retailer for MetroPCS in Newport News. A family with two young children was present at the time of the robbery. Dixie, Brown, and the other individual brandished the firearm and stole money from the business. Dixie was convicted of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, five counts of interference with commerce by robbery, five counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, five counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of use of a firearm resulting in death. Dixie was sentenced to five consecutive life sentences plus a consecutive 30 years. Redmon was convicted of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, two counts of interference with commerce by robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, three counts of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of use of a firearm resulting in death. Redmon was sentenced to life in prison plus a consecutive 57 years. Brown was convicted of conspiracy to interfere with interstate commerce by robbery, three counts of interference with commerce by robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of obstruction of justice. Brown was sentenced to life in prison plus a consecutive 54 years. Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Michael Feinberg, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge David J. Novak. The Newport News Police Department and Hampton Police Division assisted in the investigation of this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa R. McKeel and Mack Coleman and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Howard J. Zlotnick prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:22-cr-74.


title: Former CBP Officer Convicted of Smuggling Cocaine from the U.S. Virgin Islands to Atlanta

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA – Following a five-day jury trial, Ivan Van Beverhoudt, 45, of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, has been convicted of importing and possessing with intent to distribute more than 16 kilograms of cocaine. “Van Beverhoudt used his trusted position as a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer to circumvent the law and smuggle dangerous drugs into our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “Thanks to the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners, Van Beverhoudt is now being held accountable and faces time in federal prison.” According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court: On January 10, 2020, Van Beverhoudt, a former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, boarded a commercial flight from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands to Atlanta with 16 bricks of cocaine in two carry-on bags. To avoid TSA screening in St. Thomas, Van Beverhoudt traveled in his official capacity with his loaded CBP-issued firearm. Upon arriving at the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, en route to his final destination of Baltimore, Maryland, a trained narcotics K-9 officer in the jetway alerted to Van Beverhoudt’s luggage, resulting in the discovery of the cocaine. At the conclusion of his jury trial, Van Beverhoudt was convicted of conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States, importation of cocaine into the United States, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders. This case is being investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance provided by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert and Bret R. Hobson are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laurel B. Milam also contributed to the prosecution of the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Crescent Township Resident Charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Glenwillard, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The one-count Indictment named Aidan Harding, 20, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment and other information presented to the Court, on or about December 11, 2024, Harding possessed material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, including videos containing the sexual abuse of prepubescent minors. On January 27, 2025, Harding was charged by criminal complaint and, at a February 12, 2025, detention hearing, ordered to be held without bond pending trial after the United States introduced evidence that Harding committed the charged offense and possessed additional materials depicting violent sexual assaults. In addition, in support of its contention that Harding presented an unacceptable danger to the community, the United States presented testimony and documentary evidence that Harding adhered to a racially-motivated violent extremist ideology, possessed more than 20 firearms, had targeted Pittsburgh’s Jewish community with antisemitic fliers, and made statements online about his interest in “political and revenge driven” mass casualty events, including references to the shooter who murdered 11 congregants at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. The evidence also established that Harding, who had been previously adjudicated delinquent for terroristic threats after discussing online his desire to commit a “high kill count” attack, possessed videos of mass shootings from the United States and other countries, and had filmed himself re-enacting the Columbine mass shooting at a memorial honoring the victims of that attack. The law provides for a maximum sentence of up to 20 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Allegheny County Police Department conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty To Filing A False Tax Return; Avoided Paying More Than $1 Million In Taxes

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey man admitted to filing a false tax return and causing more than $200,000 in tax losses for tax year 2018, Acting United States Attorney Vikas Khanna announced. Francis Esposito, 66, of Red Bank, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court today to an Information charging him with one count of filing a false tax return. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Esposito was the sole or majority owner of numerous entities. For tax years 2015 through 2018, Esposito derived certain income through these entities that he failed to report on his Form 1040. For tax year 2018, Esposito had approximately $719,272 of unreported income, which resulted in a tax loss of approximately $216,635. For tax year 2017, Esposito had approximately $940,978 of unreported income, which resulted in a tax loss of approximately $383,806. For tax year 2016, Esposito had approximately $746,886 of unreported income, which resulted in a tax loss of approximately $304,640. For tax year 2015, Esposito had approximately $589,929 of unreported income, which resulted in a tax loss of approximately $244,291. In total, Esposito’s unreported income resulted in a tax loss of approximately $1,149,372. The filing a false tax return charge has a maximum term of three years, and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gain or loss resulting from the offense. Acting United States Attorney Khanna credited special agents of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan in Newark. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vinay Limbachia and Andrew Kogan of the Cybercrime Unit in Newark. esposito.information.pdf


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects Over $20 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2024

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina collected over $20 million in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2024. Of this amount, over $14 million was collected in criminal actions and over $6 million was collected in civil actions. Additionally, the Eastern District of North Carolina worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $27,680.71 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. The Eastern District of North Carolina’s successful collection efforts included the identification and recovery of over $800,000.00 transferred and concealed by criminal defendant Shephard Spruill, who participated in fraudulent billings to Medicaid by abusing his access to patient information. In another example of successful enforcement, the Eastern District of North Carolina recovered over $500,000 from civil defendant Michael Robinson for amounts fraudulently obtained from farm assistance programs run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The recovery of funds fraudulently obtained from such government programs is vital for ensuring the preservation of important public resources. 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. The Eastern District of North Carolina also aggressively pursued criminal and civil asset forfeiture remedies to disgorge criminals of their ill-gotten gains and recover funds that can subsequently be remitted to the victims of financial crime. Working with partner agencies and divisions, this office collected over two million in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2024. 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. In addition to those deposits, during Fiscal Year 2024, the Eastern District of North Carolina, in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, seized and processed for forfeiture nearly $5 million in Tether (USDT) cryptocurrency that is alleged to be proceeds of cryptocurrency confidence investment schemes, a type of fraud scheme in which fraudsters develop romantic or other personal online relationships with a victim and then convince them to invest substantial sums of money through fake apps that are designed to look like legitimate cryptocurrency exchange apps, but instead deceive the victim into believing that they are earning high rates of return on their investments while really funneling the cryptocurrency directly to the fraudsters’ personal wallets. Even larger cryptocurrency seizures and forfeitures are anticipated and in progress in the coming year as law enforcement works aggressively to combat this devastating form of criminal activity. ###


title: Rhode Island Man Admits to Possessing  Multiple Machine Guns and Unregistered Firearms

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Florida man who frequently resided in Coventry, RI admitted to a federal judge today that he illegally possessed a semi-automatic weapon modified to function as a fully automatic machine gun, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Joshua Pavao, 44, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Providence to a charge of possession of a machine gun and a charge of possession of an unregistered firearm. The unregistered firearm was also modified to be a machine gun and had a barrel length of 10 and 5/8 inches, substantially less than the 16 inches required by law. In December 2023, Pavao engaged East Providence Police in a high-speed car chase that resulted in multiple motor vehicle crashes as they were investigating a report of shots fired. Pavao fled on foot from his vehicle but was quickly apprehended. During the chase officers discovered a total of three loaded firearms and a multitude of ammunition and loaded pistol magazines from inside the vehicle, spilled out onto the roadway, and in a bag Pavao stashed near a residence. Shortly after Pavao’s arrest, Coventry Police Department and East Providence Police Department Detectives and ATF agents executed a court-authorized search of a duffle bag belonging to Pavao that was stored inside a garage at the Coventry residence where Pavao was staying. From inside the duffle bag, law enforcement seized eight long guns, four of which were outfitted with an auto sear machine gun conversion device rendering them machine guns. Pavao is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5, 2025. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr. The matter was investigated by the East Providence Police with valuable assistance from Coventry Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. ###


title: Jamaican Felon Facing Federal Charges in El Paso for Illegal Re-Entry

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: EL PASO, Texas – A Jamaican national with multiple felonies was arrested at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry on criminal charges related to his alleged illegal re-entry. According to court documents, Dwight Donovan Moulton, 43, allegedly presented a Texas identification card to a Customs and Border Protection officer (CBPO) and claimed that he was a United States citizen traveling to El Paso after visiting his girlfriend in Mexico. The CBPO recognized facial discrepancies between Moulton and the photo ID, and escorted Moulton to the Passport Control Secondary (PCS) office for further inspection. At the PCS, he allegedly stated his true identity and admitted to being a citizen of Jamaica. A criminal complaint also alleges that Moulton admitted to finding the ID card he had presented and intended to use it to travel to El Paso. Further investigation revealed that Moulton had been previously removed to Jamaica from Houston, most recently on or about Sept. 22, 2005. Additionally, his criminal record included three felonies, including a firearm offense and sale of a controlled substance. If convicted, Moulton faces up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. Customs and Border Protection is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Aguayo is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Honduran National With Three Violent Crime Convictions Arrested for Illegal Re-Entry in Del Rio

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A Honduran national was arrested near Eagle Pass on criminal charges related to his alleged illegal re-entry. According to court documents, Daniel Antonio Borjas-Flores, 29, was previously removed from the United States through Alexandria, Louisiana on Nov. 4, 2024. Borjas-Flores has three prior convictions—two for assault, including one domestic violence charge, and a third for cruelty toward a child. If convicted, Borjas-Flores faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Border Patrol are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Miner is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Wausau Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Leading Methamphetamine and Cocaine Trafficking Organization

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Tommie L. Haney, 44, Wausau, Wisconsin, was sentenced February 20 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 14 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of both methamphetamine and cocaine. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Haney pleaded guilty to this charge on December 2, 2024. In February 2022, Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force officers began investigating a methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking organization operating in Wausau, Wisconsin. The multi-year investigation involved the seizure of drug-laden packages from the mail, controlled purchases of narcotics, and seizures of firearms and large quantities of drugs from residence searches. From the investigation, officers believe the drug trafficking organization was distributing kilograms quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine. Haney was identified as a local leader of the drug trafficking organization. He worked closely with sources of supply, he arranged bulk purchases, and he accompanied others traveling to obtain drugs. He also helped set drug prices and recruited additional members to the organization. Haney supplied and directed the activities of several regional drug distributors. He also distributed drugs himself. He sold 226 grams of methamphetamine on February 24, 2022, 29 grams of cocaine on January 19, 2023, and 115 grams of methamphetamine on March 16, 2023. At sentencing, Judge Conley said Haney was part of a substantial drug conspiracy that caused harm to the Wausau community. Judge Conley also said that the quantity of drugs involved in the case warranted a lengthy sentence. Eight others were also charged in connection with this drug trafficking organization. Teala L. Kumbera was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine and sentenced to 54 months in federal prison. Shandel L. Mohr was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine and sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison. Quo Vadis Lewis was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of both methamphetamine and cocaine and possessing firearms as a felon and was sentenced to 12 ½ years in federal prison. Shelby Gutch pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine on January 7, 2025, and entered into a 24-month diversion agreement. Troy C. Olsen was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and was sentenced to 45 months in federal prison. Craig C. Gates was convicted of possessing cocaine intended for distribution and possessing a loaded firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 106 months in federal prison. Edwin Lewis and Samuel A. Teague have pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced in the coming months. The charges against Haney and the others in his organization were the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case. This case has also been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms. In addition, this operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Felon Sentenced for Possessing Firearms  and Transporting Stolen Vehicle

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man with fifteen prior felony convictions who used a stolen motorcycle to drive from Minnesota to Iowa and broke into a Winneshiek County home to steal firearms and other items was sentenced February 24, 2025, to more than seven years in federal prison. Steven Michael Current, age 58, from Canton, Minnesota, received the prison term after an October 15, 2024, guilty plea to one count of possession of firearms as a felon and one count of interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle. In a plea agreement, Current admitted that he had fifteen prior felony convictions, and on September 26, 2022, he broke into a rural Winneshiek County home and stole eight firearms. Current also admitted that he drove a stolen 2004 Harley Davidson Motorcycle from Canton, Minnesota, to the burglary scene in Iowa on September 26, 2022. This motorcycle was stolen from a home in Rochester, Minnesota, on June 9, 2022. Current admitted that, during the burglary, he dropped two unscratched Minnesota lottery tickets from his pocket. Current was identified by images captured on a home camera system, and by images from the Minnesota store where Current purchased the lottery tickets. Current was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Current was sentenced to 87 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to make $500 in restitution to the original owner of the motorcycle and $6,031.31 to the insurance company that paid for the loss of the vehicle. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Current is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick J. Reinert and investigated by Winneshiek County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Office, Fillmore County, Minnesota, Sheriff’s Office, and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 23-CR-02050. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Kokomo Woman Ordered by Federal Court to Repay over $200,000 in Stolen Retirement Benefits from Deceased Husband’s Account

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS— Rebecca Fields, 70, of Kokomo, has been sentenced to three years’ probation after pleading guilty to making a false statement to illegally receive Social Security benefits. Fields has also been ordered to pay $231,203.10 in restitution. According to court documents, beginning around July 1985, Rebecca Fields’ husband, “L.F.” began receiving Social Security retirement benefits. On December 4, 2002, Rebecca requested to be added as L.F.’s representative payee, which the Social Security Administration (SSA) ultimately approved. When a qualified retirement beneficiary lacks the capacity to manage his or her own benefits, the SSA may approve a “representative payee” to receive the beneficiary’s benefits and to use them for the beneficiary. In such an instance, the SSA requires the representative payee to annually certify a continuing relationship with the beneficiary and how the representative used the beneficiary’s program benefits on his or her behalf. On April 10, 2006, L.F. died. Nonetheless, not only did Fields fail to report that fact to the SSA, but she also completed at least 13 Representative Payee Reports between 2007 and 2022 on which she falsely claimed that L.F continued to live with her. These reports also contained false claims that she had spent his retirement benefits on his behalf to maintain his health and well-being. The lies were aimed at deceiving the SSA into continuing to pay her money that she was not owed. As a result, Rebecca Fields received approximately $231,203.10 in L.F.’s social security benefits- of which she was not entitled after he passed away. “For over a decade, Fields brazenly stole not only from the United States government, but also indirectly from taxpayers who diligently pay into the Social Security retirement fund. Fields’ conduct also indirectly preyed on the vulnerable, elderly beneficiaries who ultimately depend on the program’s payments upon their retirement from the workforce,” said John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This sentence should serve as a stark warning to potential fraudsters who may believe they can cheat the system- you will pay the price.” The Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon. Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Corbin D. Houston, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: Check Fraudster Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – Kenyata Wilson , 36 , of Memphis, has been sentenced to federal prison for leading a check fraud ring in Memphis from 2022 to 2023. Reagan Fondren, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. According to information presented in court, between May 2022 and February 2023, Wilson obtained stolen checks and deposited them into the bank accounts of his co-conspirators. His co-conspirators would transfer most of the funds back to Wilson and retain a small portion as their payment. Wilson was seen in surveillance footage at different ATM locations in Memphis depositing the stolen checks into an account used to receive the stolen funds. Wilson was responsible for passing over $42,000 in stolen checks. On November 18, 2024, Wilson pled guilty before United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and eleven counts of bank fraud. He was sentenced on February 20, 2025 to 24 months in federal prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office, Memphis Resident Agency. Acting United States Attorney Fondren thanked Assistant United States Attorney William Bateman, who prosecuted this case on behalf of the government, and the law enforcement partners who assisted in the investigation of the case. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.