title: Sumter Man Sentenced for Shooting at an Energy Facility and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Donald Ray Hurst, Jr., 35, of Sumter, has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for destruction of an energy facility and possession of child sexual abuse material. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on Aug. 11, 2023, Duke Energy called law enforcement to respond to a power outage near Fish Road in Dalzell. FBI agents and deputies with the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office arrived and saw that the regulator bank, which helps distribute power to the local community and businesses, had multiple holes in it that appeared to be from bullets. The damage resulted in a power outage to several thousand customers. The cost of the clean-up and replacement of the regulators was over $100,000. Investigators identified and arrested Hurst as the shooter. While incarcerated, Hurst was heard on a recorded jail phone call informing someone about a hard drive in his room that needed to be recovered because it “could get someone in trouble.” In a subsequent recorded phone call, Hurst admitted to shooting the regulator bank. He also stated that the hard drive found at his home contained images of child sexual abuse material that he acquired from the dark web. Agents retrieved the hard drive from the home, and a search warrant on the hard drive revealed several images that were confirmed to be child sexual abuse material by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This case was made possible by investigative leads generated from the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN is the only national network that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms. NIBIN is a proven investigative and intelligence tool that can link firearms from multiple crime scenes, allowing law enforcement to quickly disrupt shooting cycles. For more information on NIBIN, visit https://www.atf.gov/firearms/national-integrated-ballistic-information-network-nibin 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. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc . United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Hurst to 125 months imprisonment, to be followed by a lifetime term of court-ordered supervision and $138,000 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, and Sumter Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lamar J. Fyall and Michael Shedd are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Member of Capital District Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison for Dealing Methamphetamine

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Todd Austin, age 64, of Gloversville, New York, was sentenced on Friday to 78 months in prison in connection with his distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of pure methamphetamine. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), made the announcement. As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Austin admitted that between March and July 2023, he obtained methamphetamine from his Albany-based drug supplier that he then sold to others from his Gloversville residence. United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 3-year term of supervised release to begin after Austin is released from prison. Austin was one of nine defendants to be charged in this investigation. The following defendants have pled guilty and have been sentenced or are pending sentencing: Andrew Deleon was sentenced to 72 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release; Stefanie Plass was sentenced to 24 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release; Ahmad Burke was sentenced to 14 months in prison, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release; Keisha Duboise is scheduled to be sentenced on September 30, 2025; Flor Arencibia is scheduled to be sentenced on December 4, 2025; and Melissa Karwan is scheduled to be sentenced on November 24, 2025. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Methamphetamine is a terrible drug that has plagued Upstate New York communities. With our law enforcement partners, we are fighting back. Anyone distributing meth in the Northern District of New York should be prepared to do federal prison time.” DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated, “Methamphetamine has a devastating impact on communities across our region. The DEA remains steadfast in targeting those who profit from this poison, and we will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to protect the public and dismantle these drug trafficking organizations.” USPIS Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward stated, “The United States Postal Inspection Service is committed to keeping highly addictive drugs like methamphetamine out of the mail and off our streets. This sentence not only holds Mr. Austin accountable for his crimes, but also sends a clear warning to drug trafficking organizations that attempt to exploit the mail system. Working alongside our law enforcement partners, the USPIS will use every available resource to combat the spread of dangerous, illegal drugs in our communities.” Charges against the two remaining defendants, Felix Arencibia and Christian Mur-Santana , are pending. The charges in the indictment against Felix Arencibia and Mur-Santana are merely accusations. They are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The DEA and USPIS are investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Ashlyn Miranda and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting the case as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Los Angeles County, California Resident Sentenced to Prison for Large-Scale Fraud Claiming Loss or Damage to Over 6,000 Ground Shipments

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Hacienda Heights, California, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud and was sentenced in federal court to nine months of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of federal supervised release, on his conviction, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. On August 14, 2025, Ting Hong Yeung, 43, pleaded guilty before Chief United States District Judge Mark R. Hornak, who then imposed the sentence. According to information presented to the Court, from in and around August 2018 through in and around June 2020, Yeung, using various corporate entities, submitted or caused to be submitted over 6,000 fraudulent claim requests for lost or damaged ground package shipments that were not actually lost or damaged. Yeung subsequently received settlement payments related to these fraudulent claim submissions for lost or damaged shipments. Prior to imposing sentence, Chief Judge Hornak noted the seriousness of Yeung’s offense and the impact that this large-scale fraud had on the ground package delivery company. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Yeung.


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison  for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Felon

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a man from Rapid City, South Dakota, who was convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing occurred on August 15, 2025. Jayquan Flying Horse, 20, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Flying Horse was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in February 2025. He pleaded guilty on May 5, 2025. In December 2024, Rapid City police officers arrived at an apartment building in Rapid City for a weapons call. Flying Horse and two others were exiting the building when the police arrived. When officers asked for identification, Flying Horse attempted to avoid them and refused to identify himself. While an officer was attempting to identify Flying Horse, Flying Horse admitted he was carrying a Taurus, 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol. Flying Horse had previously been convicted of a felony, was on parole for a felony drug conviction, and knew that he was prohibited from possessing firearms pursuant to his parole agreement. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Rapid City Police Department. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case. Flying Horse was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Former Head of Lynchburg Community Corrections & Pretrial Services Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: LYNCHBURG, Va. – The former acting director of the Lynchburg Community Corrections & Pretrial Services Department (LCCPS) pled guilty today in federal court for accessing a protected computer system to provide her then-boyfriend with privileged information, lying to federal investigators, and destroying evidence. Jennifer Peters, 43, of Madison Heights, Virginia, pled guilty today to one count of conspiracy, one count of obstruction of a proceeding before a United States Agency, one count of making false representations, and one count of destruction of evidence. According to court documents, in 2022, Peters worked for LCCPS and supervised an individual named Brendon Cole Webber – who was being supervised by that agency. In 2023, Peters assumed the role of Acting Director of the LCCPS. In approximately August 2023, Peters and Webber began a romantic relationship. Peters directly or indirectly supervised Webber’s probation throughout his LCCPS supervision. Peters, because of her role with LCCPS, had access to certain non-public, law enforcement materials, including the Lynchburg Police Department’s Records Management System (RMS). The RMS was a protected computer system that housed confidential non-public, law enforcement material. Between November 11, 2023 and January 9, 2024, Webber and Peters conspired to have Webber access RMS information without authorization. Specifically, Peters provided Webber with access to non-public confidential material on RMS, and Webber disseminated that non-public information to others. On November 30, 2023, Webber was charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm in violation of Virginia law and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Webber and Peters knew there was an active warrant for Webber’s arrest and knew there was an active U.S. Marshal’s fugitive manhunt for Webber’s apprehension. On or around December 19, 2023, at Webber’s instruction, Peters drove Webber from Lynchburg, Virginia to Hughestown, Pennsylvania with the purpose of obstructing the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive mission. Webber further directed Peters to book a hotel room during the drive. When questioned by federal law enforcement regarding her relationship with Webber, Peters lied. Peters told investigators she had not had physical contact with Webber since December, that she did not know if Webber had an active phone number, did not know where Webber was physically located, and did not know Webber was going to leave Lynchburg. In addition, Peters told investigators she did not know where her own cell phone was located, when, in fact, she had given her cell phone to a friend to keep it away from investigators. After her interview with federal law enforcement, Peters retrieved her cell phone and threw it in a local landfill to destroy evidence contained within. Webber was arrested in Hughestown, Pennsylvania on January 9, 2024. Webber previously pled guilty to state charges of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and conspiracy to obstruct justice, as well as to unlawfully possessing a firearm. Webber pled guilty to federal charges in May, admitting to one count of illegal possession of a firearm by a previously convicted felon and two counts of conspiracy against the United States. Both Webber and Peters will be sentenced later this year. C. Todd Gilbert, United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia, and Stephen Farina, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the City of Lynchburg Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vito Iaia is prosecuting the case.


title: Thirty Charged in Sweeping Federal Case Targeting Tren de Aragua Members and Associates for Drug Trafficking, Murder-for-Hire, and Firearms Crimes

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces two federal indictments that charge 30 individuals, including several alleged leaders and members of designated foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua (TdA), with drug trafficking, murder-for-hire, and firearms offenses. TdA has been linked to brutal offenses including murder, kidnapping, extortion, and human and drug trafficking. Many of TdA’s members have unlawfully entered the United States, bringing the gang’s violence to American communities, including in Colorado. A federal grand jury has charged 28 individuals after a nine-month investigation which began by targeting criminal activity at an apartment complex in the Denver metro area that had experienced an increase in violent crime and drug activities. The 39-count indictment charges defendants with firearms trafficking; using firearms to commit drug trafficking crimes; possession of firearms and ammunition by illegal aliens; and trafficking controlled substances including methamphetamine, cocaine, and “Tusi”—a narcotic drug originating in Venezuela which contains a variety of controlled substances including ketamine, methamphetamine, and MDMA (Ecstasy), and is typically manufactured to be pink in color. The indictment also charges five of the defendants with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. ATF officers recovered 69 firearms through this operation, including automatic machineguns. Many of these firearms have been linked to shootings in Denver and Aurora, including carjackings, robberies, and drive-by shootings. A separate indictment charges Luis Fernando Uribe-Torrealba, 29, and Luis Henriquez-Charaima, 29, with six counts including a conspiracy to traffic firearms, a conspiracy to traffic controlled substances, carjacking, and a conspiracy to commit murder for hire. Colombian authorities arrested Uribe-Torrealba and Henriquez-Charaima in Colombia on July 30, 2025, pursuant to a provisional arrest warrant the United States had requested based on charges in this case. They remain in custody in Colombia pending further extradition proceedings. Of the 28 defendants in the United States, 24 are in federal custody. The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations also participated in the investigation. Several other law enforcement agencies made significant contributions to this case, including Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, the Aurora Police Department, and the Denver Police Department. Also, the Colombian National Police and the special response element of its Anti-Extortion Division (GAULA Elite) provided critical investigative support. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia, provided additional significant assistance in securing the arrests of Uribe-Torrealba and Henriquez-Charaima. The Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado is handling the prosecution, along with members of Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV). JTFV was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now expanded to target Tren de Aragua, and is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. Those include Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina; Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia; Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Texas; Western District of Oklahoma; Northern District of Indiana; and the District of Nevada, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, USMS, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons are essential law enforcement partners with JTFV. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Justice Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). In February 2025, Tren de Aragua was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The charges contained in the indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Case Numbers: 25-cr-0063-SKC, 25-cr-233-RMR, and 25-mj-114-KAS.


title: South Bay Tech Startup And CEO Agree To Pay $630,000 To Resolve Allegations That They Improperly Obtained Federal Grant Funds

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO — eBibelot, a technology startup based in Saratoga, California, and its CEO, Melody Fallah-Khair, have agreed to pay $630,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by improperly certifying compliance with the terms of a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant restricting full-time outside employment. The settlement concerns eBibelot’s 2019 application for a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research grant from NSF. In the application, Fallah-Khair certified that she would serve as the project’s principal investigator and maintain primary employment with eBibelot. The terms of the NSF grant required that principal investigators devote their primary employment to the small business at the time of the award and throughout the award period, a requirement that generally precludes other employment exceeding 19.6 hours per week. The settlement resolves allegations that, contrary to this certification, Fallah-Khair began working full-time for a multi-national telecommunications company shortly after submitting the grant application and devoted at least 40 hours per week to this outside employment from May 2019 through April 2021. The United States contends that eBibelot failed to disclose its principal investigator’s full-time outside employment in multiple post-award certifications to the NSF. In one such certification, Fallah-Khair was explicitly required to disclose any other employment but reported none. Under the settlement agreement, eBibelot and Fallah-Khair will pay $630,000. “Taxpayer-funded research must be conducted with the highest integrity. When recipients of federal funds fail to comply with the terms of the grant, they divert valuable research dollars from deserving small businesses. My Office will continue to use the False Claims Act to protect federal grant programs from fraud and abuse,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian. “The SBIR program is vital to fostering innovation in small businesses, and protecting it from abuse is essential. I appreciate the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its strong commitment to safeguarding its integrity,” said Megan E. Wallace, NSF’s Acting Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin J. Wolinsky handled this matter for the government, with the assistance of Alan Lopez, Jonathan Birch, and Garland He. The investigation and settlement resulted from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California and NSF-OIG. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Philadelphia Man Charged With Impersonating a Federal Officer, Robbery of Auto Repair Shop

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Robert Rosado, 44, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was charged by indictment with false impersonation of a federal officer and robbery interfering with interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery), in connection with the June 8, 2025, robbery of an auto repair shop. The indictment alleges that Rosado entered the auto repair shop, located on the 6400 block of Harbison Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia, and identified himself as a federal immigration officer. He then allegedly victimized a female employee, forcefully restraining her and stealing $1,000 from the business. If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum possible sentence of 23 years’ imprisonment and a $500,000 fine. 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 FBI Philadelphia Violent Crimes Task Force and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Martin and Special Assistant United States Attorney Meghan A. Farley. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.


title: Florida Man Pleads Guilty for Role in an Off-the-Books Payroll Scheme

component: Tax Division

body_text: A Florida man pleaded guilty today before Magistrate Judge Kyle C. Dudek for the Middle District of Florida to conspiring to defraud the United States by operating an off-the-books payroll scheme. The plea must be accepted by a U.S. district court judge. The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Alexis Garcia conspired with others to operate an illegal, off-the-books cash payroll system for construction workers to avoid paying employment taxes to the IRS and to defraud workers’ compensation insurance companies. Between 2017 and 2019, Garcia managed and directed the operations of Tape Drywall Services Inc., located in Naples, Florida. Contractors entered into agreements with Tape Drywall to provide workers for various construction contracts and provided checks in the name of Tape Drywall for payment. Garcia and his co-conspirator would cash the checks and retain a small percentage as a fee. Garcia and his co-conspirator provided cash to the foremen who used the cash to pay the workers. In total, Garcia and his co-conspirator cashed over 3,600 checks totaling approximately $28 million. Garcia and his co-conspirator did not report the wages to the IRS and did not withhold Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from those wage and pay them over to the IRS, as required by law. As a result, Garcia caused a loss to the United States of more than $4.2 million. In addition, Garcia and his co-conspirator defrauded workers’ compensation companies by substantially misrepresenting the amount of Tape Drywall’s payroll. The misrepresentations resulted in substantially lower insurance payments. The timely payment of these taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government because, for example, they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year. Garcia is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. Senior Litigation Counsel Michael C. Boteler of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Yolande G. Viacava for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.


title: North Hollywood Woman Agrees to Plead Guilty to Federal Drug Charges, Including Selling Ketamine that Killed Actor Matthew Perry

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A San Fernando Valley woman has agreed to plead guilty to five federal criminal charges, including that she provided the ketamine that ultimately resulted in the overdose death of actor Matthew Perry in October 2023, the Justice Department announced today. Jasveen Sangha, 42, a.k.a. “Ketamine Queen,” of North Hollywood, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distribution of ketamine, and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. Sangha, who is a dual citizen of the United States and the United Kingdom, has been in federal custody since August 2024. She is expected to formally enter a guilty plea in the coming weeks. Upon entering her guilty plea, Sangha will face at her sentencing hearing – which is expected to occur in the coming months – a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison on the drug-involved premises count, up to 10 years in federal prison for each ketamine distribution count, and up to 15 years in federal prison for the count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death or serious bodily injury. According to her plea agreement, Sangha worked with Erik Fleming, 55, of Hawthorne, to knowingly distribute ketamine to Perry, a successful actor and author whose struggles with drug addiction were well documented. In October 2023, Sangha and Fleming sold Perry 51 vials of ketamine, which were provided to Kenneth Iwamasa, 60, of Toluca Lake, Perry’s live-in personal assistant. Leading up to Perry’s death, Iwamasa repeatedly injected Perry with the ketamine that Sangha supplied to Fleming. Specifically, on October 28, 2023, Iwamasa injected Perry with at least three shots of Sangha’s ketamine, which caused Perry’s death. After learning from news reports of Perry’s death, Sangha called Fleming on Signal to discuss how to distance themselves from it. That day, Sangha updated the settings on the Signal apps to automatically delete her messages with Fleming. She further instructed Fleming to “Delete all our messages.” Two days after Perry’s death, Fleming left Sangha a voicemail on Signal and texted, “Please call . . . Got more info and want to bounce ideas off you. I’m 90% sure everyone is protected. I never dealt with [Perry]. Only his Assistant. So the Assistant was the enabler. Also they are doing a 3 month tox screening . . . Does K stay in your system or is it immediately flushed out[?].” In her plea agreement, Sangha also admitted to selling four vials ketamine to victim Cody McLaury in August 2019. McLaury died hours later from a drug overdose. Sangha also admitted in her plea agreement to possessing with intent to distribute various drugs at her North Hollywood residence. In March 2024, law enforcement searched the residence and found 1.7 kilograms of pressed pills containing methamphetamine, 79 vials of liquid ketamine, MDMA (Ecstasy) tablets, counterfeit Xanax pills, baggies containing powdered ketamine and cocaine, and other drug trafficking items such as a gold money counting machine, a scale, a wireless signal and hidden camera detector, drug packaging materials, and $5,723 in cash. She further admitted to using her North Hollywood residence to store, package, and distribute narcotics, including ketamine and methamphetamine, since at least June 2019. The other defendants charged in this matter are: Mark Chavez, 55, of San Diego, a physician, pleaded guilty in October 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. He faces up to 10 years in federal prison at his sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for September 17. Fleming, who pleaded guilty in August 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 12, at which time he will face up to 25 years in federal prison. Iwamasa, who pleaded guilty in August 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 19, at which time he will face a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. Salvador Plasencia, 43, a.k.a. “Dr. P,” of Santa Monica, pleaded guilty on July 23 to four counts of distribution of ketamine. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 3, at which time he will face up to 10 years in federal prison for each count. The Los Angeles Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the United States Postal Inspection Service are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Ian V. Yanniello of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section and Haoxiaohan H. Cai of the Major Frauds Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Felon and Drug User Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man has pleaded guilty in federal court before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and an illicit drug user. Dustin Edward Talbott, also known as “Chunky Dunker,” 40, admitted during his plea that he knew he had previously been convicted of a felony offense and that he was an illicit drug user when he knowingly possessed a Ranger, Model 101-11A, .22 caliber rifle in Independence, Mo. On April 8, 2024, at approximately 1:36 p.m., an Independence, Mo., Police Department officer observed a Chevy Cobalt with a stolen license plate. The officer saw the driver, who was later identified as Dustin Talbott, park at a local convenience store. After backup officers arrived at the scene, they detained Talbott and two other passengers. During the investigation, officers learned Talbott had a warrant for his arrest, and he did not have a valid driver’s license. Officers accordingly decided to tow the vehicle as it could not legally be driven without valid plates. While conducting an inventory search of the vehicle prior to it being towed, officers found the Ranger, .22 caliber rifle that was on the floorboard between the driver’s seat and driver’s door. Law enforcement officials also found a methamphetamine pipe on the driver’s side floorboard and two syringes in a passenger-door compartment. A box of .22 caliber ammunition was found in the glove box. At the scene, Talbott denied ownership of the firearm, but he admitted to previously putting the firearm in the trunk of the vehicle. Later, a detective interviewed Talbott and Talbott stated that he was with another person who Talbott claimed was shooting the .22 caliber rifle into a homeless camp earlier that morning. Talbott also admitted to using “ice,” which is street term for methamphetamine and also that he was a convicted felon who was not allowed to possess firearms. Under federal statutes, Talbott is subject to a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kirkpatrick. It was investigated by the Independence, Mo. Police Department. Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Chinese National Sentenced to 8 Years in Federal Prison for Acting at North Korea’s Direction to Export Firearms, Ammo, Tech to N. Korea

body_text: LOS ANGELES – An illegal alien from China was sentenced today to 96 months in federal prison for illegally exporting firearms, ammunition and other military items to North Korea by concealing them inside shipping containers that departed from the Port of Long Beach, and for committing this crime at the direction of North Korean government officials, who wired him approximately $2 million for his efforts. Shenghua Wen, 42, of Ontario, was sentenced by United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson. Wen, who has been in federal custody since December 2024, pleaded guilty on June 9 to one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and one count of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government. Wen is a citizen of the People’s Republic of China who entered the United States in 2012 on a student visa and remained in the U.S. illegally after his student visa expired in December 2013. Prior to entering the United States, Wen met with officials from North Korea’s government at a North Korean embassy in China. These government officials directed Wen to procure goods on behalf of North Korea. In 2022, two North Korean government officials contacted Wen through an online messaging platform and instructed him to buy and smuggle firearms and other goods – including sensitive technology – from the United States to North Korea via China. In 2023, at the direction of North Korean government officials, Wen shipped at least three containers of firearms out of the Port of Long Beach to China en route to their ultimate destination in North Korea. Wen took steps to conceal that he was illegally shipping firearms to North Korea by, among other things, filing false export information regarding the contents of the containers. In May 2023, Wen purchased a firearms business in Houston, paid for with money sent through intermediaries by one of Wen’s North Korean contacts. Wen purchased many of the firearms he sent to North Korea in Texas and drove the firearms from Texas to California, where he arranged for them to be shipped. In December 2023, one of Wen’s weapons shipments – which falsely reported to U.S. officials that it contained a refrigerator – left the Port of Long Beach and arrived in Hong Kong in January 2024. This weapons shipment was later transported from Hong Kong to Nampo, North Korea. In September 2024, Wen – once again acting at the direction of North Korean officials – bought approximately 60,000 rounds of 9mm ammunition that he intended to ship to North Korea. In furtherance of the conspiracy and at the direction of North Korean officials, Wen also obtained sensitive technology that he intended to send to North Korea. This technology included a chemical threat identification device and a handheld broadband receiver that detects known, unknown, illegal, disruptive or interfering transmissions. Wen also acquired or offered to acquire a civilian airplane engine and a thermal imaging system that could be mounted on a drone, helicopter, or other aircraft, and could be used for reconnaissance and target identification. During the scheme, North Korean officials wired approximately $2 million to Wen to procure firearms and other goods for their government. Wen admitted in his plea agreement that at all relevant times he knew that it was illegal to ship firearms, ammunition, and sensitive technology to North Korea. He also admitted to never having the required licenses to export ammunition, firearms, and the above-described devices to North Korea. He further admitted to acting at the direction of North Korean government officials and that he had not provided notification to the Attorney General of the United States that he was acting in the United States at the direction and control of North Korea as required by law. The FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; DCIS; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah E. Gerdes of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section and Trial Attorney Ahmed Almudallal of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Ohio Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison For Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography

body_text: CLEVELAND – A Portage County, Ohio, man has been sentenced to prison for receiving and distributing sexually explicit photos of children. Daniel Alan Robertson, Age 47, of Ravenna, has been sentenced to 121 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Charles Esque Fleming, after pleading guilty in May to receipt and distribution of visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and to possession of child pornography, also known as child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Robertson was also ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release after imprisonment and to pay $117,500 in restitution and $10,000 in Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) assessments. According to court documents, from about March 1 to Dec. 4, 2024, Robertson used peer-to-peer file sharing programs to download and distribute sexually explicit photos and videos of children, including prepubescent females. During a federal search warrant execution in December 2024, agents seized a computer, two laptops, and several digital storage devices from the defendant’s residence. The investigation revealed that electronic devices were found to contain images and videos of CSAM—including several of children who were under the age of 12—as well as sadistic and violent materials. The visuals were submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for further review and to identify victimized children. More than 20 victims were identified. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol-Office of Investigative Services Computer Crimes Unit. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel . This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices throughout the country and marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org , or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


title: McKinney felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violation at Plano business

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

body_text: SHERMAN, Texas –A McKinney convicted felon has been sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison for firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Joe Anthony Plascencia, 32, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and was sentenced to 137 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, on August 14, 2025. According to information presented in court, Plascencia was arrested after local law enforcement responded to a concerned 911 call from a Plano business. Upon arrival, officers located several firearms, including a pistol and a hunting rifle, as well as a large camo bag, ammunition, and body armor. Further investigation revealed Plascencia was a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This case was investigated by the Plano Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chalana A. Oliver. ##


title: Ohio Man Sentenced to Nearly 17 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Trafficking

body_text: CLEVELAND – A Cleveland man has been sentenced to nearly 17 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of trafficking fentanyl and illegally possessing firearms. Richard Woodard, aka RJ, 46, was sentenced to 202 months (approximately 16.8 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Pamela A. Barker after a federal jury convicted him in April for the following charges as outlined in the superseding indictment: Two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. Two counts of Distribution of Fentanyl. One count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; previous conviction for aggravated robbery in 1997. One count of Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Woodard was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release after imprisonment and to forfeit $13,776 and all firearms seized by federal agents. The sentence was imposed by Judge Barker Aug. 13, 2025. “This significant sentence protects the public from Mr. Woodard and should deter others from peddling fentanyl to vulnerable populations. Criminals who blatantly and repeatedly disregard the law will face consequences—and years—behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District Ohio. “Our office commends the diligent work of investigators on the FBI Task Force, the Cleveland Division of Police, and our other local law enforcement partners for their dedication to making sure Cleveland’s streets are safer.” According to court documents, on Aug. 7, 2020, law enforcement was investigating a drug overdose death that occurred July 28, 2020. The investigation led to a suspect identified as Woodard. As agents conducted surveillance on the defendant, they observed several behaviors consistent with drug activity. Woodard was followed to a gas station where he parked the Mercedes SUV he was driving and left the motor running while he went inside the business. As he headed back out to his vehicle, Woodard was arrested for the drug transaction activity that had occurred earlier. Agents unlocked the vehicle’s door to shut off the motor and found plastic bags containing suspected drugs, a digital scale, and two cellphones. During a subsequent search warrant execution of Woodard’s residence, agents seized $13,776 in U.S. currency, two 9mm pistols, two .22LR caliber rifles, and miscellaneous ammunition. “The FBI continues to focus on crushing violent crime and that includes finding and investigating career criminals who seek to poison our communities by pushing illicit and dangerous drugs into our neighborhoods,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Greg Nelsen. “The FBI, together with its local, state, and federal partners, will continue to fight crime by sharing resources, manpower, and intelligence that ultimately disrupts and dismantles traffickers in Northern Ohio. Today’s sentence serves as a reminder, if you are engaged in drug trafficking, we will find you, we will identify you, and we will bring you to justice.” This case was investigated by the FBI Cleveland Division’s FBI Task Force and the Cleveland Division of Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Margaret A. Sweeney and Vasile C. Katsaros for the Northern District of Ohio. National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is observed this month, Thursday Aug. 21, 2025. For more information about this and other resources, visit dea.gov/fentanylawareness .


component: USAO - Florida, Middle


title: Lee County Man Sentenced To Three Years In Federal Prison For Passing Counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced James Randall Lacy (60, Fort Myers) to three years and one month in federal prison for passing counterfeit Federal Reserve notes. Lacy pleaded guilty on May 16, 2025. According to court documents, on February 19, 2025, Lacy passed a counterfeit $50 Federal Reserve note to a cashier at a store in Sarasota County. He was captured by store surveillance footage at the check-out counter during the transaction. On March 14, 2025, Lacy passed a counterfeit $100 Federal Reserve note to a cashier at a supermarket in Fort Myers. Lacy was again captured by store surveillance footage during the transaction. This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, with assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Sarasota Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava.


title: Ex-Law Firm Office Manager Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Todd M. Chapman, 57, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to bank fraud. Chapman admitted that he embezzled at least $602,000 from a Huntington law firm while its officer manager, including funds from client trust accounts and proceeds from a Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) loan authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). According to court documents and statements made in court, Chapman was employed as the firm’s office manager for approximately 30 years until April 2022. During this time, Chapman was authorized to write checks from the firm’s bank accounts for legitimate business expenses. From approximately 2016 through approximately 2022, Chapman personally enriched himself by writing unauthorized checks from the law firm’s accounts and client trust accounts to himself. As part of his guilty plea, Chapman admitted that he carried out his scheme by using the trust he gained from his 30-year tenure with the firm to obtain complete and exclusive control of its day-to-day finances. To conceal or disguise the embezzlement, Chapman funneled money he stole from clients through the firm’s operating accounts, forged signatures on checks, created false documents, made false statements under oath in civil lawsuits by former firm clients, and made false statements to federal law enforcement agents investigating the loss of client funds at the firm. Chapman embezzled at least $409,000 from the estates of three deceased firm clients, $100,000 that one minor client was supposed to receive upon turning 18, and $15,838.84 of an initial $20,000 settlement deposit for another minor client who suffered an injury as an infant. Chapman also embezzled $13,686.21 from a $20,375 PPP loan that the firm legitimately received to provide emergency financial aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chapman admitted that he spent the embezzled funds for his personal enjoyment and lifestyle. Chapman is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Chapman also owes $602,000 in restitution. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cabell County Sheriff's Office. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew J. Tessman, Erik S. Goes and Kathleen Robeson have 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. 3:25-cr-121. ###


title: Mexican National Indicted For Illegal Reentry By A Previously Deported Alien

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Rodrigo Trejo-Maldonado (30, Mexico) with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien. If convicted, Trejo-Maldonado faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison. According to court records, Trejo-Maldonado was deported from the United States on November 30, 2018. He was found to be voluntarily back in the United States on July 25, 2025. He never received consent from the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. The case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Watson. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Rochester Felon Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A former resident of Rochester, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to the statutory maximum of 10 years of prison, to be followed by three years of federal supervised release, on his conviction for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon imposed the sentence on James Gilmore, 35. According to information presented to the Court, on June 9, 2021, law enforcement attempted a traffic stop of a vehicle Gilmore was driving in relation to an active arrest warrant for a parole violation. Rather than pull over, Gilmore fled from the stop, throwing a loaded firearm with an attached extended magazine capable of holding 30 rounds of ammunition from the vehicle during the chase. Gilmore then abandoned the vehicle and continued his flight on foot through a residential area. Although Gilmore evaded law enforcement that night, officers recovered a gray sweatshirt similar to one that officers observed Gilmore wearing as he fled as well as a pill bottle, which was later determined to contain various controlled substances. Forensic testing determined that Gilmore’s DNA was a potential contributor to the DNA profiles found on both the firearm the defendant threw during the vehicle chase and the sweatshirt recovered from the yard through which he ran. An examination of the firearm revealed that it was previously reported stolen. In arguing for the statutory maximum, the prosecution highlighted that Gilmore’s prior convictions and sentences had not deterred him from engaging in crime. Gilmore’s previous sentences included terms of imprisonment of from two to four years and four to eight years. Additionally, at the time Gilmore committed this federal firearm crime, he was on parole related to his most recent firearm and controlled substances crimes, which involved similar facts, with Gilmore also having led law enforcement on a vehicle chase before abandoning the vehicle and throwing a stolen handgun and packaged controlled substances while fleeing on foot. Assistant United States Attorneys Brendan J. McKenna and V. Joseph Sonson prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the New Brighton Area Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gilmore.


title: Jamaican National Sentenced to Prison on Drug Conspiracy and Illegal Reentry Charges

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: CLEVELAND - A Jamaican national who intended to distribute controlled substances that were shipped from California to Ohio through a global logistics company, and was residing in the U.S. illegally, has been sentenced to prison. O’Shane Christopher Smith, 35, a citizen of Jamaica, was sentenced to 100 months (more than eight years) in prison by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams after pleading guilty to drug conspiracies, possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and illegal reentry following deportation. As a term of his supervised release after imprisonment, Smith was also ordered to surrender to the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, for deportation as provided by law. According to court records, on Jan. 20, 2023, federal investigators intercepted a suspicious package that was mailed from a United Parcel Service (UPS) store in Inglewood, California. After obtaining a search warrant, investigators found 5,323 grams (approximately 11 pounds) of methamphetamine packed inside the parcel. Agents proceeded to conduct a controlled delivery to the address as listed. After the package was delivered to a home in Cleveland, a person identified as Smith, arrived at the address, retrieved the UPS parcel and departed in a Jeep vehicle. Shortly thereafter, Ohio Highway State Patrol officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle Smith was driving, at which time he accelerated in an attempt to elude them. Smith then crashed the Jeep into a small tree, quickly fled the vehicle, and began to run through neighborhood yards. He was apprehended by officers after a short foot chase. The defendant later admitted that a man had offered him $1,000, with $500 being paid initially and $500 later, to retrieve and deliver the UPS parcel with the drugs to him. Smith also admitted to illegally entering the U.S. from Mexico near San Diego, California, the previous year without the consent of the U.S. Attorney General or the Secretary for Homeland Security for readmission. The defendant was previously removed from the United States for illegal reentry in March 2021. The case was investigated by the DEA Detroit Division’s Cleveland Field Office, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Border Patrol-Sandusky Bay Station, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys James P. Lewis and Elizabeth Crook for the Northern District of Ohio. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Harrisville Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison  for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material While on Federal Supervised Release

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Harrisville man was sentenced today in federal court for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Ryan Vallee, age 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha D. Elliott to 108 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release. Vallee was also ordered to pay $10,000 in restitution. In April 2025, Vallee pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the production of child sexual abuse material. “The defendant is a recidivist offender who illegally sought out CSAM while on federal supervised release,” said U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan. “This case is one of many that highlights the importance of reporting child sexual exploitation to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). A cyber tip to NCMEC alerted law enforcement to online activity that led to the detection of the defendant’s crime.” According to the charging documents and statements made in court, on June 6, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Vallee’s home, car, and electronics. During the search, law enforcement found a cellphone that contained four videos of CSAM and 175 images of CSAM, and an SD card that contained 11 videos of CSAM. At the time, Vallee was on federal supervised release following prior convictions in 2017 for interstate threats, computer fraud and abuse, aggravated identity theft, and cyberstalking. The Department of Homeland Security led the investigation. The New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Merrimack County Sheriff’s Office, the Harrisville Police Department and the Belmont Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S Attorney Anna Z. Krasinski is prosecuting the case. The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/. ###


title: “Career Offender” Sentenced to More Than a Decade in Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl, Meth, and Cocaine

body_text: YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – An Akron man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to trafficking controlled substances. Justin A. Corn, 30, was sentenced to 140 months (more than 11 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Benita Y. Pearson after he pleaded guilty in April to the following charges in an indictment: One count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. One count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. One count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Corn was also ordered to serve six years of supervised release after imprisonment and to forfeit $4,740 seized by federal agents. The sentence was imposed by Judge Pearson Aug. 12, 2025. According to court documents, Corn led Akron police officers on a high-speed chase as they attempted a traffic stop. After hitting speeds of up to 80 mph in a residential neighborhood, the defendant crashed into three civilian vehicles before crashing his own car onto the sidewalk and then fled the scene on foot. Officers conducting a probable cause search of Corn’s vehicle recovered 397.3 grams of methamphetamine, 322.87 grams of fentanyl, and 31.61 grams of cocaine. During the investigation, authorities discovered that Corn had five prior drug trafficking convictions. Because of the defendant’s significant criminal history, Judge Pearson designated him as a career offender. This case was investigated by the DEA Detroit Division’s Akron Field Office and the Akron Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter E. Daly for the Northern District of Ohio. National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day is observed this month, Thursday Aug. 21, 2025. For more information about this and other resources, visit dea.gov/fentanylawareness .


title: Acting United States Attorney Sigal Chattah Statement

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada released the following statement: “Last week, Tom Artiom Alexandrovich was arrested in a Nevada Internet Crimes Against Children joint operation; and he was booked into the Henderson Detention Center. This important multi-agency operation targeted child sex predators who preyed upon the most vulnerable members of our communities. As a result of the operation, the Clark County District Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution.”


title: District Man Pleads Guilty to September 2024 Murder in Northeast

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Derek Turrentine, 43, of the District, pleaded guilty today to second-degree murder while armed for the September 2024 shooting of James Thomas Price, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Turrentine’s guilty plea, which is contingent upon the Court’s approval at sentencing, calls for a sentence of 17 years in prison, to be followed by supervised release. Superior Court Judge Todd E. Edelman accepted the factual basis for the plea and scheduled sentencing for October 17, 2025. According to a proffer of facts submitted at the plea hearing, on the morning of September 15, 2024, the defendant followed Mr. Price into an alley behind 400 50 th Street NE. Mr. Price stopped and turned around to face Turrentine, and Turrentine produced a firearm and pointed it at the victim as he continued to walk toward him. As the defendant got close to the victim, they began to fight, and the defendant then fired multiple gunshots at the victim, who died as a result. Turrentine was arrested in March of 2025 and has been in custody since. Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case was investigated by officers, detectives, and other personnel of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Bromwich.


title: West Virginia Business Owner Sentenced for Employment Tax Crimes

body_text: A West Virginia man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for his willful failure to pay over employment taxes on behalf of his business. The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Dean E. Dawson, of Hurricane, owned and operated Real Property Consulting Group LLC (RPC Group), a Hurricane, West Virginia, real estate appraisal business. Dawson was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from RPC Group’s employees and paying over those funds to the IRS. The timely payment of these taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government because, for example, they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year. Between 2015 and 2022, Dawson did not pay to the IRS the taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks. He also used RPC Group’s business accounts to pay for personal expenses, including personal credit cards and his wife’s home mortgage. He also issued checks to his wife from RPC Group even though she was not an employee of the business. In addition, from 2018 to 2023, Dawson did not file personal tax returns or pay income taxes. In total, Dawson caused a tax loss to the IRS of about $525,000. In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Robert C. Chambers for the Southern District of West Virginia ordered Dawson to serve three years of supervised release and to pay $430,527.56 plus interest in restitution to the United States. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorney Rebecca A. Caruso of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Storage for the Southern District of West Virginia prosecuted the case.


title: Huntington Woman Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Relief Fraud Scheme

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Tanisha Wooding, 46, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to theft of government money. Wooding fraudulently obtained $91,664 in COVID-19 loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for her personal use. According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about July 26, 2020, through on or about June 10, 2021, Wooding knowingly defrauded and obtained money from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program authorized by the CARES Act. Wooding applied for and received four PPP loans totaling $81,664, falsely claiming on each application that the loan was for a business to cover payroll and other allowable expenses. Wooding listed an insurance agency on two of the applications, a carpet cleaning business on the third and a tax service on the fourth. Wooding also applied for and received a $10,000 EIDL program loan, falsely claiming the money was for an insurance business where she employed 10 people. As part of her guilty plea, Wooding admitted that she did not own or operate any such businesses and had no payroll or other eligible business expenses during that time. The proceeds from each fraudulently obtained loan were deposited in Wooding’s personal bank account in West Virginia. Wooding admitted that she made dozens of cash withdrawals and mobile payment and digital wallet service transfers to spend loan proceeds for personal use. The CARES Act made forgivable PPP relief loans available to adversely impacted eligible businesses and authorized the SBA to provide EIDL program loans to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruption. Wooding is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Wooding also owes $101,204.31 in restitution. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Inspector General (NASA OIG), , the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Litigation Financial Analyst with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the West Virginia State Police – Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). NASA OIG is an active member of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force. The PRAC was established to promote transparency and facilitate coordinated oversight of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response. The PRAC’s 20 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending, including spending via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This case was also supported by the PRAC’s Pandemic Analytics Center of Excellence, which applies the latest advances in analytic and forensic technologies to help OIGs and law enforcement pursue data-driven pandemic relief fraud investigations. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Tessman is prosecuting the case. Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-122. ###


title: Mexican National Sentenced For  Illegal Re-Entry of a Removed Alien

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that MARCO GOMEZ-ARGUELLO (“ GOMEZ-ARGUELLO ”), age 36, was sentenced on Wednesday, August 7, 2025, by United States District Judge Barry W. Ashe, after previously pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) and Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(b)(1). GOMEZ-ARGUELLO was sentenced to time served. Judge Ashe also sentenced GOMEZ-ARGUELLO to one year of supervised release and payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to the indictment, GOMEZ-ARGUELLO reentered the United States after being previously deported on October 28, 2013. Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) New Orleans Field Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit was in charge of the prosecution. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). * * *


title: Founder of Purported Artificial Intelligence-Powered Hedge Fund Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Mina Tadrus was sentenced by United States District Judge Hector Gonzalez to 30 months in prison for committing investment adviser fraud of more than $5.7 million in connection with a scheme to defraud investors in Tadrus Capital LLC, a hedge fund Tadrus founded and operated that purported to use artificial intelligence-based algorithmic trading models. As part of the sentence, Tadrus was also ordered to pay restitution of $4,224,850. Tadrus pleaded guilty in February 2025. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI New York) announced the sentence. “The defendant traded on excitement over the newest AI technology to trick investors to invest millions with his hedge fund. In the end, he perpetrated one of the oldest frauds in the book,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s sentence serves as a reminder to all investment advisors that your clients place great faith in you to truthfully manage their investments, nest-eggs, and retirement savings. Our Office is committed to protecting the investing public, vindicating the rights of victims of economic crime, and prosecuting those who undermine the stability of our economy.” Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s New York Regional Office for its assistance in this matter. “Mina Tadrus shamelessly lied to investors of his hedge fund - many of whom were friends and family - preying on their trust to defraud them out of more than $5 million. Today, Tadrus learned that his scheme resulted not in wealth, but prison time. Ensuring fraudsters are held accountable in the criminal justice system is essential to the FBI's work on behalf of the American people,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “While Tadrus sold a dream of high-profits to his investors, the only return they saw was the negative result of being swindled by someone they trusted. Today’s sentence and imposed restitution sees that Tadrus will spend real time behind bars and pay for his crimes. This new reality is not AI generated," stated IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Chavis. As set forth in court filings, Tadrus, a former stockbroker registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and derivatives consultant for a global financial institution, founded Tadrus Capital LLC in June 2020. Tadrus claimed to operate “the world’s first private high-yielding and fixed-income quantitative hedge fund” powered by artificial intelligence (AI) high-frequency trading models to guarantee investors up to 30% returns annually. In reality, Tadrus used no AI-based algorithmic trading. Tadrus also falsely claimed that Tadrus Capital was “recession-proof” and maintained liquidity with access to $5.5 billion in purchasing power. Between September 2020 and July 2023, at least 31 individuals—predominantly Tadrus’s family, friends, and members of the Egyptian-American Coptic Christian community—invested more than $5.7 million with Tadrus Capital. Less than one percent of the investor funds were used for legitimate investment activities and none of those activities included the promised AI-based algorithmic trading. Instead, Tadrus used approximately $1.7 million of investor funds both to pay other investors the monthly returns he had falsely promised, and to pay himself, his employees, and his personal expenses. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan P. Lax is in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : MINA TADRUS Age: 38 Tampa, Florida E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-393 (HG)


title: Detroit Investment Fund Owner Sentenced to 100 Months in Prison in $39 Million Wire Fraud Scheme to Defraud Investors

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – Andrew H. Middlebrooks, the former majority owner, chief executive officer, chief investment officer, and portfolio manager of EIA All Weather Alpha Fund 1 Partners (EIA), has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison after having pleaded guilty to charges of Wire Fraud for devising and executing a scheme to obtain over $39 million from investors by means of false and fraudulent material pretenses, representations, and promises, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. During the scheme to defraud Andrew H. Middlebrooks, age 33, was the majority owner, chief executive officer, and portfolio manager for EIA All Weather Alpha Fund (EIA). Middlebrooks solicited clients for EIA by telling them he was able to exploit “inefficiencies” in global equity markets which would result in large returns for investors. But the EIA’s fund failed to produce the predicted returns and suffered catastrophic losses. Instead of informing EIA’s existing investors that the fund was failing, Middlebrooks solicited new investors with false statements about the fund’s performance and lulled existing investors by lying to them about the returns their investments generated. Middlebrooks also created and distributed false documents claiming that EIA’s performance was exceptional. In one document, created in the fall of 2019, Middlebrooks falsely claimed that EIA’s track record included a cumulative return of 476.81% with 81.82% of monthly trading showing a profit. Eventually, Middlebrooks’ scheme collapsed, resulting in losses to 97 investors exceeding $34 million. “This financial charlatan used sophisticated methods and a complex web of deception to trick unsuspecting victims into trusting him with their money. Con artists like this will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. "The sentencing of Andrew Middlebrooks underscores the significance of white-collar crimes and the lasting harm they impose on hard-working Americans” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. "White-collar crimes threaten the integrity of our financial systems and undermine the trust and security of communities. The FBI in Michigan will continue to investigate those who violate federal laws and ensure they are held accountable. I want to thank the dedicated members from our FBI Detroit Field Office and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for their tireless work in bringing this case to justice.” The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Both the United States Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation wish to acknowledge and thank the Securities and Exchange Commission for its assistance.


title: Putnam County Business Owner Sentenced to Prison for Employment Tax Crimes

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Dean E. Dawson, 65, of Hurricane, was sentenced today to one year and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $430,527.56 plus interest in restitution for his willful failure to pay over employment taxes on behalf of his business. According to court documents and statements made in court, Dawson owned and operated Real Property Consulting Group LLC (RPC Group), a Hurricane real estate appraisal business. Dawson was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from RPC Group’s employees and paying over those funds to the IRS. The timely payment of these taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government because they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year. Between 2015 and 2022, Dawson did not pay to the IRS the taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks. He also used RPC Group’s business accounts to pay for personal expenses, including personal credit cards and his wife’s home mortgage. Dawson also issued checks to his wife from RPC Group even though she was not an employee of the business. In addition, from 2018 to 2023, Dawson did not file personal tax returns or pay income taxes. In total, Dawson caused a tax loss to the IRS of about $525,000. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI). United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Trial Attorney Rebecca A. Caruso of the Tax Division and Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage 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. 3:24-cr-120. ###


title: Indiana Woman Charged with Making Death Threats on Facebook Against President Trump

body_text: WASHINGTON – Nathalie Rose Jones, 50, of Lafayette, Indiana, was arrested in the District of Columbia on Saturday, August 16, and charged in connection with making a series of threats on social media in which she threatened to kill President Trump, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Jones was charged in a complaint in U.S. District Court with threatening to take the life of, kidnap, or inflict bodily harm upon the President of the United States, and transmitting in interstate commerce communications containing threats to kidnap any person or any threat to injure the person of another. “Threatening the life of the President is one of the most serious crimes and one that will be met with swift and unwavering prosecution. Make no mistake—justice will be served,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “We extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated law enforcement partners, especially the Secret Service Special Agents from New York and Washington, D.C., for their tireless commitment to protecting our leaders and our nation.” “Protecting the President of the United States is our highest priority, and every potential threat is addressed with the utmost seriousness,” said Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool of the U.S. Secret Service, Washington Field Office. “Special Agents from New York and Washington, DC, working in close coordination with prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, acted swiftly and decisively to neutralize this alleged threat before it could escalate. We are deeply grateful to the dedicated professionals who worked tirelessly to advance this investigation and safeguard our nation’s leadership.” According to court documents, from August 2 to August 9, members of the U.S. Secret Service observed that Instagram user account “nath.jones” had posted threatening comments about the President of the United States. The Instagram user called for President Trump’s removal, labeled President Trump as a terrorist, referred to President Trump’s administration as a dictatorship, and stated that President Trump had caused extreme and unnecessary loss of life in relation to the coronavirus. On Facebook between August 6 and August 15, “Nath.Jones” allegedly continued to post threatening comments about President Trump. In an August 6 post directed at the FBI, Nath.Jones wrote that “I am willing to sacrificially kill this POTUS by disemboweling him and cutting out his trachea with Liz Cheney and all The Affirmation present.” On August 14, in a post directed to U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Nath Jones allegedly wrote “please arrange the arrest and removal ceremony of POTUS Trump as a terrorist on the American People from 10-2pm at the White House on Saturday, August 16 th , 2025.” On August 15, the U.S. Secret Service conducted a voluntary interview with Jones, during which she stated the President was a “terrorist” and a “nazi,” that if she had the opportunity, she would take the President’s life and would kill him at “the compound” if she had to, that she had a “bladed object,” which she said was the weapon she would use to “carry out her mission of killing” the president, and that she wanted to “avenge all the lives lost during the Covid-19 pandemic,” which she atrributed to President Trump’s administration and its position on vaccinations. On August 16, Jones joined a protest demonstration that started at Dupont Circle, and circumnavigated the White House complex. Following the march, the U.S. Secret Service interviewed Jones for a second time, during which she admitted that she had made threats towards President Trump during her interview the previous day. She denied having any present desire to harm the President of the United States. Law enforcement arrested her and she confirmed that she was the owner of the Facebook user account “Nath Jones” and that she had posted the threatening statements. This case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Satter. 25mj148


title: Mexican Nationals Plead Guilty to Large Methamphetamine Bust

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: Felix Ortiz-Plata, 44, a Mexican national residing in Stockton, and Anuar Castaneda Ortiz, 29, a Mexican national residing in Sacramento, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges arising out of a seizure of more than 260 pounds of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, on Dec. 5, 2022, law enforcement officers stopped Castaneda Ortiz’s vehicle. During a search of the car, they discovered more than 260 pounds of crystal methamphetamine packaged in 90 plastic bags on the backseat of Castaneda Ortiz’s car and in the trunk. On Aug. 8, 2025, Ortiz-Plata entered his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine for his involvement in the crime. Today, Castaneda Ortiz entered his guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Forest Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Land Management, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hitt is prosecuting the case. Ortiz-Plata is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dena C. Coggins on Nov. 21, 2025. Castaneda Ortiz is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 19, 2025. Each defendant faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.


title: New Jersey Resident Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Role in Global Export Control and Sanctions Evasion Scheme

body_text: BROOKLYN, NY – Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, dual U.S. and Russian national Vadim Yermolenko was sentenced by United States District Judge Hector Gonzalez to 30 months in prison for his role in an illicit procurement and money laundering network that sought to acquire ammunition and sensitive dual-use electronics for Russian military and intelligence services. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Gonzalez ordered Yermolenko to pay a forfeiture money judgment of $75,547.00. Yermolenko pleaded guilty in November 2024 to conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act, bank fraud conspiracy, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office; Jonathan Carson, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Export Enforcement, New York Field Office (OEE), and Harry T. Chavis, Jr., Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI New York) announced the sentence. “The defendant lied to banks, facilitated the illegal export of ammunition and sensitive technology, and evaded income taxes, all as part of a global procurement and money laundering network operated on behalf of the Russian government,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Today’s sentence should send a message to all who would consider abusing the financial system to commit crimes on behalf of foreign nations: This Office will find you, prosecute you, and, if you are convicted, seek a significant prison sentence.” “Vadim Yermolenko violated several US laws while endeavoring to help the government of Russia acquire dual-use technology and weapons to bolster its military. Today's sentencing should signal to all those attempting to evade US sanctions that the US government will work tirelessly to prevent American manufactured goods from being illegally procured and used to advance the militaries of adversarial foreign governments. The FBI will continue to be unrelenting in our efforts to defend the homeland, identity those responsible, and bring them to justice,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “Through a sophisticated network of shell companies and bank accounts, Yermolenko laundered more than $12 million and purchased highly sensitive military equipment for Russia—aiding Russia’s military and intelligence agencies in violation of U.S. laws. Yermolenko’s greed and misplaced foreign allegiance created a potential threat to our national security, and law enforcement’s collaboration on this case ensures that our communities are safe from this potential vulnerability,” stated IRS-CI New York Special Agent in Charge Chavis. Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and the Estonian authorities for their valuable assistance. As alleged in court documents, the defendant was affiliated with Serniya Engineering (Serniya) and Sertal LLC (Sertal), two Moscow-based procurement companies. Serniya and Sertal operated a vast network of shell companies and bank accounts throughout the world, including in the United States, that were used in furtherance of the scheme to conceal the involvement of the Russian government and the true Russian end users of U.S.-origin equipment. The defendant and his co-conspirators unlawfully purchased and exported highly sensitive, export controlled electronic components, some of which can be used in the development of nuclear and hypersonic weapons, quantum computing, and other military applications. Serniya, Sertal, and several individuals and companies involved in the scheme were designated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) in February 2022. To carry out the scheme, Yermolenko helped set up numerous shell companies and bank accounts in the U.S. to illicitly move money and export-controlled goods. During the period charged in the indictment, more than $12 million passed through accounts owned or controlled by the defendant, which he failed to report to the IRS. These funds were used in part to purchase sensitive equipment used in radar, surveillance, and military research and development. In one instance, money from one of the defendant’s accounts was used to purchase export-controlled sniper bullets, which were intercepted in Estonia before they could be smuggled into Russia. Co-defendant Nikolaos Bogonikolos previously pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and conspiracy to violate the Export Control Reform Act and was sentenced to 15 months’ incarceration. Co-defendant Alexey Brayman previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and is awaiting sentence. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew D. Reich and Matthew Skurnik are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Derek Shugert of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. Former Assistant United States Attorney Artie McConnell, former Litigation Analysts Emma Tavangari and Mary Clare McMahon, and former National Security Division Trial Attorney Scott A. Claffee contributed to the prosecution. The Defendant : VADIM YERMOLENKO AGE: 43 Upper Saddle River, New Jersey Other Defendants : ALEXEY IPPOLITOV AGE: 59 Moscow, Russia YEVGENIY GRININ age: 47 Moscow, Russia BORIS LIVSHITS Age: 55 St. Petersburg, Russia SVETLANA SKVORTSOVA AGE: 44 Moscow, Russia VADIM KONOSHCHENOK AGE: 51 Tallin, Estonia ALEXEY BRAYMAN AGE: 38 Merrimack, New Hampshire NIKOLAOS BOGONIKOLOS AGE: 62 Athens, Greece E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-409 (S-3) (HG)


title: New Orleans Pleads Guilty of Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on August 5, 2025, SCOTTY ANDREW BASCLE (“BASCLE”) , age 25, pled guilty to distribution of more than 40 grams of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). BASCLE faces a term of five up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000,000, at least four years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. BASCLE’s sentencing is set for November 4, 2025. According to court documents, on December 12, 2023, as a part of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigation, BASCLE met with individuals he believed to be buyers in the parking lot of a drug store in Metairie, Louisiana. Purchased from BASCLE was 59.78 grams of fentanyl and all parties departed the location. In January 2024, the individuals believed to be buyers began making contact directly with BASCLE by phone, following an introduction by one of the individuals believed to be a buyer. During the investigation, ATF agents developed a description of BASCLE’s vehicle and on January 29, 2024, they obtained a search warrant for BASCLE’s black Toyota Camry. On January 31, 2024, an individual BASCLE believed to be a buyer arranged, by phone, a sale with BASCLE at the same drug store in Metairie. BASCLE was located at a residence in Kenner and seen exiting the residence to place something in the Toyota Camry, then return inside the residence. Agents surveilled BASCLE as he left the residence, entered the Camry, and drove to the pre-determined meeting place for the deal with the individual believed to be a buyer. Assisted by Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies, agents stopped the vehicle in the drug store parking lot. BASCLE was detained and the vehicle searched. Agents recovered a knotted baggie containing 56.38 grams of a mix of heroin and fentanyl from a hidden compartment in the vehicle. 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, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution. * * *


title: Sacramento Man Sentenced to over 4 Years in Prison for Fentanyl Pill Distribution

body_text: Brayan Missael Nunez-Mendoza, 24, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb to four years and three months in prison for distribution of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, on Sept. 29, 2022, Nunez-Mendoza sold approximately 1,000 pills that contained fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, to a confidential source for $2,500 in Sacramento, on behalf of a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization. The pills were made to look like prescription oxycodone “M-30” pills. This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the California Highway Patrol, the Sacramento Sheriff’s Office, and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Spencer and Haddy Abouzeid prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: STATEMENT OF UNITED STATES ATTORNEY JAY CLAYTON ON COURT APPOINTMENT

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: “I am honored to continue serving the people of New York together with the talented and hardworking women and men of the Office.”