title: Clinic Owner Convicted for $52M Health Care Fraud, Illegal Narcotics Distribution, and Kickback Scheme

body_text: A federal jury in the Eastern District of New York convicted a New York man for his role in conspiracies to commit health care fraud, illegally distribute Suboxone, and pay and receive illegal health care kickbacks. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Tony Brown-Arkah, 78, of New York, New York, was the owner of American Medical Centers (AMC), a medical clinic in Brooklyn that purported to provide substance abuse treatment. AMC lured patients to the clinic by illegally prescribing them Suboxone, a Schedule III narcotic designed to treat opioid use disorder, which, as one witness testified, is commonly abused by prison inmates by boiling the medication and dripping it into users’ eyes. Brown-Arkah allowed a drug ring to proliferate inside and on the steps of his clinic where drug dealers offered to buy patients’ Suboxone prescriptions for cash. One witness testified that an AMC staff member directed him to a van outside where he could sell his Suboxone if he did not want it. Photograph of the van oustide Brown-Arkah’s clinic that Brown-Arkah’s staff directed a patient to if he wanted to sell his Suboxone prescription. Many patients at Brown-Arkah’s clinic received prescriptions signed by a nurse practitioner who lived in Florida and did not see or speak with the patients. When they visited AMC, patients were met with a façade of substance abuse treatment and were required to undergo invasive, medically unnecessary testing in order to get Suboxone prescriptions. Brown-Arkah billed Medicare and Medicaid for services that were never provided, including office visits where Brown-Arkah, who was not a medical provider, was the only AMC staff person to meet with the patient. The evidence established that patients at AMC were frequently prescribed Suboxone when they were not taking the medication. Witnesses testified that these prescriptions were not medically necessary and can be dangerous, and that the lack of Suboxone in a patient’s laboratory results is a significant warning sign of illegal diversion. To fuel his scheme, Brown-Arkah paid illegal cash kickbacks to patients. One of these illegal payments was caught on video, depicted below, by a confidential source. In this undercover recording, Brown-Arkah describes others who pay patients illegal kickbacks and bill for medically unnecessary services, saying “that’s why they go to jail . . . that’s when the government busts ‘em!” Brown-Arkah in an undercover recording meeting with a confidential source posing as a patient at his medical clinic in Brooklyn, offering the patient an illegal cash kickback in exchange for referring another patient to AMC. Brown-Arkah funneled patients to receive medically unnecessary laboratory testing. He received thousands of dollars each month in illegal kickbacks from the laboratory in exchange for these referrals. To conceal the kickbacks, the defendant created a shell company and a sham contract and lied to law enforcement about the purpose of the payments. In total, Brown-Arkah and his co-conspirators caused over $52 million in false claims to Medicare and Medicaid. Brown-Arkah in an undercover recording meeting with a confidential source posing as a patient holding a pen over the patient’s billing sheet. The jury convicted Brown-Arkah of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, 12 counts of health care fraud, conspiracy to illegally distribute narcotics, 3 counts of illegal distribution of narcotics, conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks and to defraud the United States, and 2 counts of receipt of kickbacks. A sentencing date has not been set. He faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison on each health care fraud, narcotics, and kickbacks conviction, and five years in prison on the conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks and defraud the United States conviction. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division; U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. for the Eastern District of New York; Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division; Assistant Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso for Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI); and Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. for the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York (IRS-CI) made the announcement. The DEA, HHS-OIG, HSI, and IRS-CI investigated the case. The New York City Police Department and the New York City Human Resources Administration assisted in the investigation. Trial Attorneys Miriam Glaser Dauermann and Margaret Mortimer of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs . The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Second Individual Charged in Connection with Armed Bank Robberies

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A West Yarmouth man has been charged in connection with two armed bank robberies last month. Angel Gonzalez, 25, was charged by criminal complaint with armed bank robbery. He is currently in state custody in connection with unrelated offenses and will make his initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date. Another suspect in the robberies, Steven Harris, was charged by complaint with armed bank robbery earlier this month and remains in federal custody. According to the charging documents, Gonzalez participated in the armed robberies of a Santander Bank branch in Roxbury, Mass. and a TD Bank branch in Roslindale, Mass., on April 28, 2026. It is alleged that Gonzalez brandished a firearm during both robberies. During the first robbery, at the Santander Bank, Gonzalez allegedly dragged a bank employee from her office to the teller window, threatening to shoot her and held her at gunpoint: * The victim’s face has been redacted. At the TD Bank location, Gonzalez allegedly entered the bank wielding the same firearm, with his index finger inside the trigger guard on the trigger of the firearm. Once inside, Gonzalez’s partner, Harris, allegedly moved multiple employees from their offices to the main area of the bank. It is further alleged that Gonzalez, while brandishing the firearm, threatened to shoot the bank employees if they did not comply with his and Harris’s directives. Gonzalez then allegedly took approximately $3,000 from a teller drawer, and the suspects left in a getaway vehicle. The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of up to 25 years in prison, five of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aidan Lang of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the cases. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: 12 Members of Violent “Crown Hill Enterprise” Indicted on Federal RICO Charges, Including Murder

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

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- A federal grand jury returned a 28‑count indictment charging 12 alleged members of a racketeering enterprise accused of orchestrating widespread criminal activity in Indianapolis, including murder, kidnapping, assault, arson, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms crimes. The first of these defendants made their initial appearance today in the Southern District of Indiana. “The superseding indictment in this case alleges, among other things, that these defendants shot and killed a man for slamming the door of a drug house, shot another man in the leg for a $40 drug debt, pistol-whipped at least two other people, and dealt all manner of drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This type of alleged drug dealing and violence ruins communities, people, and their families. Drugs and gang violence are a scourge. These groups will be dismantled and prosecuted.” “The allegations in this indictment describe a criminal organization that maintained a grip on Indianapolis neighborhoods for years through fear, violence, and devastation,” aid U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler for the Southern District of Indiana. “We will not allow groups that traffic deadly drugs, terrorize residents, and retaliate against witnesses to operate with impunity. We are grateful for the outstanding work of our federal, state, and local partners whose collaboration made today’s charges possible.” “Violent criminal organizations that use fear, intimidation, and physical violence to further their operations have no place in our communities,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “This case reflects the FBI’s commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those responsible for fueling violence and organized criminal activity. We will continue using every available resource to protect the public and pursue those who believe they can operate above the law.” “The level of violence carried out by this criminal enterprise is both incomprehensible and deeply disturbing. Taking human lives over matters so trivial offends the basic sensibilities of any civilized society. The team of United States Attorneys, Special Agents, and police officers involved in this investigation worked tirelessly to dismantle this organization and bring those responsible to justice. We could not be prouder of, or grateful for, their extraordinary efforts. Residents of Indianapolis can sleep a little easier tonight knowing these defendants are in custody and no longer able to inflict violence on the community," said ATF Columbus Special Agent in Charge Jorge A. Rosendo. “This criminal organization brought violence and chaos into our community, impacting countless lives,” said Deputy Chief of Criminal Investigations Kendale Adams. “Through strong partnerships with our state and federal law enforcement partners, we identified and apprehended violent offenders and removed them from our neighborhoods. This type of strategic investigation and enforcement is essential to holding those who threaten the safety of our community accountable.” According to court documents, between early 2019 and December 2024, the criminal organization known as the “Crown Hill Enterprise” allegedly operated to enrich its members and associates through the distribution of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, powder cocaine, heroin, oxycodone pills, and fentanyl. The organization maintained at least 11 “trap houses” throughout Indianapolis and created fictitious business entities to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of its illicit proceeds. The enterprise sought to preserve, expand, and protect its power, territory, reputation, and profits through intimidation and acts of violence, including murder, kidnapping, assault, arson, threats of violence, and the display of firearms. On multiple occasions, defendants Tre J. Dunn and Tanesha Turner beat and shot individuals they believed had stolen drug proceeds, were associated with rival drug dealers, or owed a drug debt to the gang. As alleged, on November 3, 2024, Turner and an associate kidnapped an individual over a $40 debt related to fronted narcotics. Tre Dunn later shot and wounded the individual over the debt. The next day, Dunn and another gang member beat and fatally shot a victim after he allegedly disrespected Turner by slamming the door of a trap house. As part of the workings of the gang, defendants and other gang members allegedly sought to obstruct law enforcement investigations by intimidating potential witnesses and retaliating against those they believed cooperated with police. On April 23, 2024, defendant Nahamani I. Sargent and other gang members fired gunshots and threw Molotov cocktails at a residence where they believed an individual had provided information to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department that led to the execution of a state search warrant at one of the organization’s trap houses. During multiple search warrants, law enforcement seized 35 firearms and a machinegun conversion device, along with drug contraband and cash. The Department of Justice Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, FBI Indianapolis, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department are investigating this case. U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley Blackington and Kelsey Massa, as well as Trial Attorney Samuel Benjamin Tonkin of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, who are prosecuting this case. An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Defendant Charge(s) Lamar T. Browning, 40 Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Adrian J. Bullock, 35 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Conspiracy Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon Avery J. Bullock, 34 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Conspiracy Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute Tre J. Dunn, 28 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Conspiracy Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Aid of Racketeering Activity (2 counts) Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering Activity Using, Carrying and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence Murder in Aid of Racketeering Activity Using, Carrying, Brandishing, and Discharging a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence Conspiracy to Commit Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Aid of Racketeering Activity Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Charles T. Dunson, 45 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Conspiracy Assault With a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering Activity Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Distribution of Methamphetamine Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon D’Ericka Lee, 31 Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Byron A. Mason, 39 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Conspiracy Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Deandre Miller, 58 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Conspiracy Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Possession of Cocaine Base with Intent to Distribute Possession of Machinegun Jonnitha Robinson, 35 Unlawful Use of a Communication Facility Nahamani I. Sargent, 35 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Conspiracy Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Possession of Cocaine Base with Intent to Distribute Retaliating Against a Witness Use of Fire or Explosives Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon Tanesha M. Turner, 40 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Conspiracy Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Aid of Racketeering Activity (2 counts) Kidnapping in Aid of Racketeering Activity Using, Carrying, and Brandishing a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime Accessory After the Fact Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon Chancelor R. Walker, 39 Distribution of Fentanyl (2 counts) Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon ###


title: Sioux City Woman Pleads Guilty to Meth Distribution Conspiracy

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: April Nikkel, 37, from Sioux City, Iowa, pled guilty on May 18, 2026, in federal court in Sioux City. Nikkel pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of distributing methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a protected location. At the plea hearing, Nikkel admitted her involvement in a conspiracy from January 2025 through November 2025 that distributed more than three pounds of methamphetamine. On at least three occasions Nikkel distributed and helped another distribute a total of over 184 grams of pure methamphetamine to individuals cooperating with law enforcement. These distributions occurred within 1,000 feet of Fairmount City Park and Cecillia City Park in Sioux City. Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Nikkel remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Nikkel faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, and at least 10 years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Shawn S. Wehde and was investigated by Tri-State Drug Task Force based in Sioux City, Iowa, that consists of law enforcement personnel from the Drug Enforcement Administration; Sioux City, Iowa, Police Department; Homeland Security Investigations; Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office; South Sioux City, Nebraska, Police Department; Nebraska State Patrol; Iowa National Guard; Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; United States Marshals Service; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; and Woodbury County Attorney’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is25-4063. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Killer Convicted of Two Murders on Ft. Bragg

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal jury convicted a Laurinburg man last week on eight charges including first degree murder, drug conspiracy, and obstruction of justice. Kenneth Maurice Quick, Jr., 26, murdered WL and TD. After that following a series of events, Quick agreed to buy cocaine from WL, only he never intended to pay. TD sold the cocaine to WL, and joined him on the trip to sell it to Quick. Quick took WL to a trap house in Laurinburg where he shot him in the back five times. Then, TD agreed to help Quick dump WL’s body at a rural location in the woods on Ft. Bragg, hoping to avoid the same fate. However, when the truck bottomed out in the sand, Quick killed TD: shooting him once in the head and once in the back. Quick then coordinated with others to escape Ft. Bragg. The next day Quick and his coconspirators ransacked, moved, and burned TD’s truck. “This verdict ensures that North Carolina is a safer place. A killer will spend the rest of his life behind bars. Despite fantastical claims in media accounts, this jury heard the actual facts and determined the truth of what happened. The victims and their families obtained a measure of justice, but the wounds will never be truly healed.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. In the lead up to the trial, Quick passed the names of two potential witnesses against him (spelling the names letter by letter) and discussed the “work” those witnesses required. When Quick’s mom later told him that one of the witnesses was killed, he responded, “Damn, you don’t know how happy that makes me feel.” "Quick likely believed he got away with killing two men and discharging their bodies on Fort Bragg property without a second thought. He clearly didn't consider the dedication and expertise of the FBI Special Agents who, working with our partners from the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, followed the evidence and put together a meticulous timeline of his crimes. The verdict, guilty on all eight federal counts related to murder, drugs, illegal firearms, and obstruction tells the story. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will make certain violent criminals are always held accountable," said Reid Davis, the FBI Special Agent in Charge in North Carolina. Quick faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment when sentenced in August 2026. There is no parole in the federal system. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Louise W. Flanagan accepted the verdict. The FBI and U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division led the investigations in the case. A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:23-CR-246.


title: Members of Transnational Money Laundering Organization Charged with Laundering Cartel Funds

component: Criminal Division

body_text: An indictment returned in the Eastern District of Virginia was unsealed yesterday charging Ruhuan Zhen and Hongce Wu, both Chinese nationals, with conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with transnational criminal organizations, including the Sinaloa Cartel and the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). According to court documents, beginning in at least November 2016 and continuing to April 2025, Zhen, Wu, and their co-conspirators are alleged to have used a variety of secretive and clandestine methods, including mirror transfers, foreign bank accounts, encrypted communications applications, a serial-number verification system, and trade-based money laundering, to launder substantial volumes of narcotics proceeds and funds represented to be narcotics proceeds on behalf of transnational criminal organizations. The conspiracy is alleged to span the course of years with co-conspirators operating across the United States, Mexico, Latin America, China, and elsewhere, and involve drug proceeds stemming from the importation and sale of illicit narcotics, including cocaine and fentanyl. Zhen and Wu were indicted on April 24, 2025, by a federal grand jury empaneled in Alexandria, Virginia, and remain at large. If convicted of the offense, Zhen and Wu each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Cindy Marx of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Special Operations Division made the announcement. The DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit investigated the case, with assistance from DEA’s Office of Special Intelligence, Document and Media Exploitation Unit, and DEA’s offices in Memphis Resident Office (RO), Lexington RO, Chicago Field Division (FD), New York FD, Washington FD, Charleston RO, Atlanta FD, Charlotte District Office, Bogota Country Office (CO), and Dubai CO. Trial Attorney Chelsea R. Rooney of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Edgardo J. Rodriguez for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case. MNF Trial Attorney Caylee E. Campbell provided substantial assistance throughout the investigation. MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations. MNF’s Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit investigates and prosecutes sophisticated money laundering schemes involving financial facilitators, gatekeepers, and other individuals and entities laundering criminal proceeds, and litigates complex civil forfeiture cases to recover assets on behalf of victims. 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. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Lake Oswego Man Charged with Sexually Exploiting Multiple Minors and Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A Lake Oswego, Oregon, man has been charged with sexually exploiting minor victims online and in person across multiple states and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Alex Miller Eldridge, 36, has been charged by criminal complaint with sexual exploitation of children and possession and distribution of child pornography. According to court documents, since May 2025, Eldridge used multiple online accounts to sexually exploit minors in multiple U.S. states and at least one foreign country. In December 2024, Eldridge flew from Hawaii to Pennsylvania to sexually abuse a minor victim he met on the Discord application. Eldridge recorded his sexual abuse of the minor victim and later sent those videos to multiple other minor victims. Eldridge used the Discord and Session applications to engage in sexually themed chats with additional minor victims in 2025 and 2026. He directed one minor victim in Colorado and another in Greece to send him videos of themselves engaging in sexually explicit conduct, which he then threatened to distribute online. Discord also reported him for distributing multiple files of CSAM in November 2025. Investigators executed a search warrant at Elridge’s home on May 20 and located additional evidence of sexual exploitation of minors and CSAM activity. Evidence found on Eldridge’s cell phone showed that he distributed CSAM on Discord the day before his arrest. Eldridge made his first appearance in federal court yesterday before a U.S. magistrate judge, who detained Eldridge pending further court proceedings. U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mira Chernick is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org . This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: D.C. Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for the 2021 Stabbing Death of a Mother at Southeast Gas Station

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Tywan Morris, 30, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 20 years in prison in the 2021 murder of a woman at a Southeast gas station, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. A Superior Court jury found Morris guilty on Nov. 12, 2025, of one count of second-degree murder while armed. In addition to the 20-year prison sentence, the Honorable Michael Ryan ordered Morris to serve five years of supervised release. According to the government’s evidence, at 5:03 p.m. on Oct. 17, 2021, Danielle Stuckey, 27, and her 12-year-old child walked through the BP gas station at 2801 Alabama Avenue SE to a nearby bus stop. A short time later, Morris pulled into the gas station with his girlfriend and child and parked. While Morris was pumping gas, the victim approached him, and a brief argument ensued between the victim, Morris, and Morris’s girlfriend. Despite the victim walking back to the bus stop, Morris retrieved a knife with brass knuckles attached. Initially, Morris gave the knife to his girlfriend. The girlfriend attempted to stab the victim. Morris then retrieved the knife and charged at the victim. The victim attempted to back away, but Morris pursued her. He tripped her to the ground and kicked her in the head. While the victim was on the ground, Morris stabbed her in the left thigh transecting her femoral artery and vein and killing her. Morris then fled the scene with his girlfriend. Morris was arrested the same day. He has been in custody since November 2023. Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. In announcing the sentencing, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department’s Homicide Branch. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ariel Dean and Daniel Bromwich who prosecuted the case. 2021 CF1 005953, 2023 CF2 008570 ## Follow us on Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc


title: This Week in Fraud: The Fraud Division Announced Expansion of Midwest Task Force and Authorization to Hire 15 New Medicaid Prosecutors, an Unprecedented Minnesota Health Care Fraud Takedown, and a $2 Billion Telemedicine Health Care Fraud Scheme

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: This week, the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division continued to advance its mission to fight fraud and protect taxpayers. Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald, along with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz, U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen, and FBI Co-Deputy Director Christopher Raia, announced unprecedented charges against 15 defendants for Medicaid fraud schemes. The defendants allegedly participated in various schemes to defraud federal benefit programs totaling over $90 million in intended loss. The charges included the two largest Medicaid fraud cases ever charged in Minnesota and first-of-their-kind charges for certain Medicaid programs. While in Minnesota, Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald also announced the expansion of the Health Care Fraud Midwest Strike Force, bringing additional law enforcement resources to prosecute fraud in Minnesota, and the hiring of 15 additional prosecutors dedicated to combating Medicaid fraud nationwide. “This is just the beginning,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald at the announcement. “With the support of President Trump, Vice President Vance, Acting Attorney General Blanche, Chairman Ferguson and the White House Anti-Fraud Task Force, Secretary Kennedy, Dr. Oz and his team, and the entire federal fraud-fighting apparatus, the Department of Justice will continue expanding our reach across the country to pursue all fraud, no matter how large, no matter how small, no matter how hard.” Other top highlights from the fight against fraud this week include the following enforcement actions. Health Care Fraud In Brooklyn, a defendant was sentenced to 10 years in prison for his participation in a $2 billion international health care fraud conspiracy. Benefits Program Fraud In Idaho, a jury convicted a man whose true identity remains unknown for theft of government funds and other crimes for using the identity of a long-deceased man to receive Social Security and other benefits. For more than two decades, the Defendant used the deceased individual’s name and identity to fraudulently obtain numerous government benefits totaling approximately $283,000. A school district board member pleaded guilty in federal court for her role in a wire fraud scheme that defrauded the school district out of $385,000. The United States obtained a court order authorizing the recovery of nearly $30 million in restitution related to a $63 million scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program. A Michigan jury convicted a nurse and home health care agency nurse for operating a $1.6 million scheme to defraud Medicare. From 2018 through 2021, the defendant bribed a nurse at a Detroit hospital to give the defendant their confidential records, which were used to unlawfully bill Medicare. Government Fraud A man pleaded guilty to a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $229.6 million in loans and properties. Ultimately, he defaulted on the loans, or the loan balances substantially exceeded the value of the underlying collateral, resulting in approximately $94.4 million in losses to lenders, including the Federal National Mortgage Association, commonly known as Fannie Mae, and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, commonly known as Freddie Mac. The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that it collected over $4.4 million in civil and criminal actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Among others, the office collected over $320,000 of restitution and fines from a defendant convicted of federal income tax evasion. In West Virginia, a man pleaded guilty to theft of public money for fraudulently cashing U.S. treasury checks at businesses in West Virginia and Maryland totaling over $14,000. The defendant faces up to 10 years in prison and owes approximately $14,000 in restitution. A man pleaded guilty to theft of government funds and other charges for depositing stolen and altered U.S. Treasury checks into bank accounts he opened in the name of a shell company. In total, the defendant stole or laundered more than $1.2 million in government funds. Tax Fraud A defendant was sentenced to 65 months in prison for his participation in an extensive COVID-19 employment tax credit fraud scheme. Members of the conspiracy filed numerous false tax returns, claiming over $3.4 million in tax refunds. The defendant and his co-conspirators were ordered to pay over $1.8 million in restitution. Trade Fraud An engineer for an Illinois company was sentenced to federal prison for trade fraud, counterfeiting, and other fraud schemes. * * * * On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Omaha Man Sentenced to 126 Months for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Byron G. Morales, 57, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on May 18, 2026, in federal court in Omaha for receipt and distribution of child pornography. Chief District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Morales to 126 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Morales’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. On October 20, 2020, Facebook, Inc., sent four files to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC’) in a CyberTipline Report, which were subsequently passed along to law enforcement to investigate. On July 7, 2023, two FBI agents interviewed Morales at his place of employment. Morales admitted to receiving and possessing child pornography. He also provided the agents with his black Samsung Galaxy cell phone. Specifically, Morales admitted to viewing child pornography beginning in 2018 through spring of 2023. Morales stated he would typically receive the child pornography through Facebook and WhatsApp chat groups. During the review of Morales’s phone, FBI agents located multiple photographs and videos depicting minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Between December 7, 2018, and July 7, 2023, Morales knowingly received, by computer, visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Between December 7, 2018, and July 7, 2023, Morales knowingly possessed visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: EDNC U.S. Attorney’s Office Threat Prosecutions Since 2022

component: USAO - North Carolina, Eastern

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C.— The EDNC U.S. Attorney’s Office continues to protect the public by prosecuting criminal threats across the district. Since 2022, this Office has successfully prosecuted numerous threat-related cases. These prosecutions have involved a range of targeted victims, from individuals, federal employees, and elected officials to public institutions. These cases involve threats intended to intimidate, disrupt government operations, or make victims fear for their safety. As a result of these enforcement efforts, convicted defendants have received substantial sentences in federal court. These outcomes underscore the seriousness with which the justice system treats threats of violence and the lasting impact such criminal behavior forces victims and the broader community to suffer. Date Case Name Status Charge Prior Press Release 1 12/22 Lydia Crouse 5:22-CR-00345 1 year and 1-day federal prison 18USC875(c) Transmit threat in interstate commerce 2 4/25 Michael Ferr 5:25-CR-00036 2 years and 3 months federal prison 18USC871(a), 879, and 115(a)(1)(A) Threaten to assault/murder immediate family member of U.S. official https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/raleigh-man-sentenced-federal-prison-threatening-kill-potus-and-us-secret-service 3 1/24 Robert Glauner 5:24-CR-00025 5 years federal prison 18USC875(c) Transmit threat in interstate commerce https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/albuquerque-man-sentenced-threatening-and-stalking-raleigh-woman-he-met-online 4 12/25 Blake Govea 5:25-CR-313 3 years supervised release 18USC115(a)(1)(A) Threaten to assault /murder immediate family member of U.S. official 5 1/25 Edward Huffman 5:25-CR-00030-M 6 months federal prison 18USC875(a) Transmit demand/request for ransom/reward for kidnapped person https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/man-arrested-after-threats-hunt-down-corporate-executives-and-their-families 6 11/25 Christopher Lancaster 5:23-CR-00036 1 year and 7 months federal prison 18USC115(a)(1)(B) Threaten to assault or murder Federal official 7 12/22 Timothy Mann 5:23-CR-00014 3 years federal prison 18USC875(c) Transmit threat in interstate commerce https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/man-sentenced-three-years-cyberstalking-after-months-harassment-and-violent-threats 8 8/25 Ashley Moore 5:25-CR-00245 1 year & 1-month federal prison 18USC875(c) Transmit threat in interstate commerce https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/woman-sentenced-year-jail-threats 9 9/25 Zachary Newell 7:25-CR-00095 2 years federal prison 18USC875(c) Transmit threat in interstate commerce https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/newport-man-sentenced-2-years-threatening-shoot-and-skin-black-preschoolers 10 11/24 Matthew Woodruff 5:24-CR-00349 2 years & 6 months federal prison 18USC875(a) Transmit demand/request for ransom/reward for kidnapped person 11 5/22 Carl Abernathey 7:22-CR-00065 3 years supervised release with location monitoring 18USC875(c) Transmit threat in interstate commerce 12 7/23 Jason Evans 5:23-CR-00233 1 year and 6 months federal prison 18USC875(c) Transmit threat in interstate commerce 13 7/23 Steven Tomes 5:23-CR-00274 5 years’ probation 18USC875(c) Transmit threat in interstate commerce 14 10/24 Jesse Metcalf 5:24-CR-00293 Charged, Pending Trial July 2026 18USC875(c) Transmit threat in interstate commerce 15 4/26 Eric Byrd 5:26-CR-69 Charged, Pending Arraignment 18USC875(a) Transmit demand/request for ransom/reward for kidnapped person 16 4/26 James Comey 4:26-CR-00016 Charged, Pending Arraignment 18USC871 Threats against President https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/federal-grand-jury-indicts-former-fbi-director-james-comey-threats-harm-president-trump 17 4/26 Christopher Hill 7:23-CR-00056 Charged, Pending Arraignment 18USC871 Threats against President https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/wilmington-man-indicted-threatening-president-trump 18 4/26 Daniel McSwain 5:26-MJ-01682 Charged, Pending Arraignment 18USC871 Threats against President https://www.justice.gov/usao-ednc/pr/south-carolina-man-arrested-threatening-kill-president 19 4/26 Richard Warren 7:26-CR-00026 Charged, Pending Arraignment 18USC115(a)(1)(B) Threaten to assault or murder Federal official 20 7/24 Joshua Justice Charged, pending evaluation 18USC115 Threaten to assault or murder Federal official These prosecutions reflect the Office’s ongoing commitment to public safety, ensuring that individuals who make threats—whether in person, online, or through other means—are held accountable under federal law. Our Office works closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute these cases.


title: 12 Members of Violent “Crown Hill Enterprise” in Indianapolis Indicted on Federal RICO Charges, Including Murder

body_text: A federal grand jury returned a 28‑count indictment Wednesday charging 12 alleged members of a racketeering enterprise accused of orchestrating widespread criminal activity in Indianapolis, including murder, kidnapping, assault, arson, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms crimes.The first of these defendants made their initial appearance today in the Southern District of Indiana. “The superseding indictment in this case alleges, among other things, that these defendants shot and killed a man for slamming the door of a drug house, shot another man in the leg for a $40 drug debt, pistol-whipped at least two other people, and dealt all manner of drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This type of alleged drug dealing and violence ruins communities, people, and their families. Drugs and gang violence are a scourge. These groups will be dismantled and prosecuted.” “The allegations in this indictment describe a criminal organization that maintained a grip on Indianapolis neighborhoods for years through fear, violence, and devastation,” said U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler for the Southern District of Indiana. “We will not allow groups that traffic deadly drugs, terrorize residents, and retaliate against witnesses to operate with impunity. We are grateful for the outstanding work of our federal, state, and local partners whose collaboration made today’s charges possible.” “Violent criminal organizations that use fear, intimidation, and physical violence to further their operations have no place in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley of the FBI Indianapolis Field Office. “This case reflects the FBI’s commitment to working alongside our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those responsible for fueling violence and organized criminal activity. We will continue using every available resource to protect the public and pursue those who believe they can operate above the law.” “This gang used firearms, arson and violence to intimidate the public and protect their criminal activities,” said Director Rob Cekada of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Working with our law enforcement partners, we brought the full weight of our investigative capabilities to bear. We are proud of our work on this case, and we will continue to dismantle violent gangs like Crown Hill, hold their members accountable and bring them to justice for the American communities they threaten.” According to court documents, between early 2019 and December 2024, the criminal organization known as the “Crown Hill Enterprise” allegedly operated to distribute an array of illegal drugs through no fewer than 11 different “trap houses” located throughout Indianapolis. The gang created fictitious business entities to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of its illicit drug proceeds. The enterprise sought to preserve, expand, and protect its power, territory, reputation, and profits through intimidation and acts of violence, including murder, kidnapping, assault, arson, threats of violence, and the display of firearms. On multiple occasions, defendants Tre J. Dunn, 28, and Tanesha M. Turner, 40, both of Indianapolis, beat and shot individuals they believed had stolen drug proceeds, were associated with rival drug dealers, or owed a drug debt to the gang. As alleged, on Nov. 3, 2024, Turner and an associate kidnapped an individual over a $40 debt related to fronted narcotics. The next day, Dunn and another gang member beat and fatally shot a victim after he allegedly disrespected Turner by slamming the door of a trap house. As part of the workings of the gang, defendants and other gang members allegedly sought to obstruct law enforcement investigations by intimidating potential witnesses and retaliating against those they believed cooperated with police. On April 23, 2024, defendant Nahamani I. Sargent, 35 of Indianapolis, and other gang members fired gunshots and threw Molotov cocktails at a residence where they believed an individual had provided information to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department that led to the execution of a state search warrant at one of the organization’s trap houses. During multiple court-authorized searches, law enforcement seized 35 firearms and a machinegun conversion device, along with drugs and cash. The FBI, ATF, and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department are investigating this case. Trial Attorney Samuel Benjamin Tonkin of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley Blackington and Kelsey Massa for the Southern District of Indiana are prosecuting the case. An indictment or criminal complaint are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Sixty-Nine Count Indictment Returned Against Alleged Mass Shooter Who Opened Fire at a Bus Stop

body_text: WASHINGTON – Anthony Del Cid-Morales, 18, of the District of Columbia, was indicted this week on 69 charges in connection with a January 2026 mass shooting, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Del Cid-Morales is charged with Assault with Intent to Kill While Armed, Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, and Aggravated Assault While Armed, and related counts. The indictment includes multiple enhancements for committing crimes of violence against Metro Transit passengers. Superior Court Judge Jason Park scheduled a detention hearing for July 10. According to the Government’s evidence, on Jan. 22, 2026, about 5:40 p.m., Del Cid-Morales allegedly sexually assaulted a juvenile victim on a bus which led to a physical altercation between them. When the bus arrived at a stop a short time later, the juvenile victim and her group of friends exited the rear of the bus and Del Cid-Morales exited from the front. As Del Cid-Morales exited the bus, he allegedly drew a handgun, racked the slide, and fired five rounds into the crowd of more than 15 people who were standing at the bus stop near 16th Street NW and Missouri Avenue NW. Five people were struck by gunfire. Three of the victims had been with the juvenile victim on the bus. One victim was waiting at the bus stop to go home. The last victim was taking an evening walk. After allegedly firing into the crowd, Del Cid-Morales fled on foot. Joining in the announcement were ATF Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Washington Field Office and Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Washington Field Office and the ATF’s National Integrated Ballistic Information Network. Charges are merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 2026 CF1 007691 ## Follow us on Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc


title: Sacramento Man Sentenced to 12 Months in Prison for Defrauding the IRS of Over $270,000

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Toyed Xiong, 40, of Sacramento, was sentenced Thursday to 12 months and one day in prison for one count of aiding or assisting in the preparation or presentation of a false or fraudulent tax return, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, for the tax years from 2018 through 2021, Xiong falsified more than 20 of his clients’ tax returns to increase his clients’ refund amounts and reduce their tax liabilities. He reported false businesses, false income, false expenses, and false deductions for his clients to the Internal Revenue Service. In one instance, Xiong prepared a client’s 2021 tax return and falsely reported that the client incurred $10,017 in business losses when the client did not operate any business. On the same return, Xiong also falsely reported that the client was entitled to a $3,000 loss on the client’s Schedule D. He knew that the client was not entitled to the Schedule C or Schedule D losses. Xiong repeated similar fraudulent conduct with respect to several of his clients’ tax returns. Xiong’s conduct resulted in a loss to the IRS in the amount of $270,592, which he was ordered to pay in restitution to the IRS. IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nchekube Onyima prosecuted the case.


title: Chicago Man Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Cyberstalking Former Romantic Partners

body_text: CHICAGO — A Chicago man has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for cyberstalking and harassing former romantic partners. VINCENT STORME threatened and harassed six women after they ended their relationships with him. Storme stalked his victims both online and in person, with the harassment and threats often extending to the victims’ families, employers, and friends. In one instance, Storme accessed and searched a former girlfriend’s phone without her knowledge and then published a semi-nude photograph of the victim that could be seen by her family, friends, and co-workers. Storme also created a website and social media accounts bearing her name and used the accounts to further embarrass and harass her. While on bond in this case, police arrested Storme for stalking another victim by following her home in his car. Another victim reported that after breaking up with Storme, he often arrived at her home unannounced. Storme, 38, pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal charge of accessing a computer without authorization in furtherance of a criminal and tortious act. On May 15, 2026, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey imposed the four-year prison term and ordered Storm to pay a total of $11,318.39 in restitution to three of his victims. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Chicago Police Department and Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. “With each relationship and each victim, defendant’s methods grew more prolific,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill J. Bhalakia argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Computer intrusion and cyberstalking will not be tolerated by the criminal justice system.”


title: U.S. Attorney Announces Conviction Of Daniel Sikkema For Murder-For-Hire

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: “Moments ago, Daniel Sikkema was found guilty of hiring a hitman to murder his husband in cold blood,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Amid contentious divorce proceedings with his then-husband, Daniel Sikkema used a burner phone line to callously order the killing of his husband in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As a result of great investigative work by the FBI, Daniel Sikkema’s efforts to evade detection were thwarted. The tragedy of Brent Sikkema’s death now has a meaningful measure of justice as a unanimous jury of New Yorkers has held Daniel Sikkema accountable for this senseless, cold-blooded murder.”


title: Illegal Alien from Mexico Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – An illegal alien from Mexico, living locally in Keswick, Virginia, pled guilty this week to a federal firearms charge for illegally possessing a gun while being in the United States unlawfully. Javier Bernal-Lopez, 38, pled guilty this week to illegal possession of a firearm while being illegally or unlawfully in the United States. According to court documents, on November 18, 2025, Victim 1 and another person came to the Albemarle County Police Department (ACPD) to report a domestic dispute which had occurred the previous day near Keswick, Virginia. Victim 1 described a violent encounter with her ex-boyfriend, Javier Bernal-Lopez, involving a firearm being shot through their entrance door. Victim 1 advised detectives with ACPD that Bernal-Lopez always carries a firearm on his person. In addition, Victim 1 advised detectives that she had been dating Bernal-Lopez for several years and she knew him to be a Mexican National illegally present in the United States. Authorities confirmed that Bernal-Lopez had twice been arrested by U.S. Border Patrol at Nogales, Arizona, in June 2004. Following both arrests he was allowed to voluntarily return to Mexico. On November 25, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home. During the search, law enforcement located a SCCY CPX-2 9mm semi-automatic handgun. The firearm was located in a bag along with Bernal-Lopez’s Mexican passport. A box of ammunition, as well as an extended magazine, capable of holding more than twenty rounds were located within the home as well. First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf for Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. made the announcement. The Department of Homeland Security and the Albemarle County Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Sullivan is prosecuting the case.


title: Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to More Than a Decade In Federal Prison

body_text: A Dubuque man who distributed fentanyl between July 2022 and October 2023 and illegally possessed a gun was sentenced on May 18, 2026, to more than ten years in federal prison. Derrick Deonte Moore, age 31, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 22, 2025, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and distribution of fentanyl. Evidence at plea and sentencing hearings showed that between July 1, 2022, and October 10, 2023, Moore worked with others to distribute fentanyl. In October and December 2023, Moore distributed fentanyl that caused two nonfatal overdoses. In March 2023, investigators searched Moore’s home in Dubuque. They found Moore in the home and in possession of over $2,500. Investigators also found 234 fentanyl pills hidden inside a stuffed animal, five more fentanyl pills in a bag inside Moore’s bedroom closet, a loaded .45 caliber pistol in the same closet, a scale, prescription drugs, and marijuana. On September 6, 2023, and October 10, 2023, Moore sold ten fentanyl pills to another person. Moore was prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony and domestic abuse assault convictions. Moore was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Moore was sentenced to 137 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. More is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael S.A. Hudson and Assistant United States Attorney Dan Chatham and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Dubuque Drug Task Force, the Dubuque Police Department, the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation Criminalistics Laboratory. 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. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-CR-1036. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Lewisville man, Michigan woman indicted in the Eastern District of Texas for synthetic drug scheme

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: TYLER, Texas – A man and woman have been indicted for a drug trafficking scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Adell Willis, 43, of Lewisville, and Judy Ly, 30, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were named in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas. Willis and Ly were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute synthetic drugs and conspiracy to possess contraband in prison. Ly was also charged with possession of synthetic drugs with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that beginning in March 2023, Willis and Ly conspired to possess synthetic opioids, synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic stimulants, and other controlled analogues, in correctional institutions. It is alleged in the indictment that Willis purchased synthetic drugs from China and had them shipped to his residence in the Eastern District of Texas and Ly’s residence in Michigan. It is also alleged that once Willis and Ly received the synthetic drugs, they would convert the drugs to a liquid before soaking sheets of paper in the drug mixture. Once the sheets of paper were saturated, they were then delivered to inmates at various federal and state correctional institutions across the country. If convicted, Willis and Ly could face up to 20 years in federal prison. 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. This case is being investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble. A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Illegal Alien Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Alexi Zamora-Chona, 30, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced on May 19, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a short-barreled rifle in furtherance of drug trafficking. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Zamora-Chona to a total of 192 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Zamora-Chona’s release from prison, he will begin a four-year term of supervised release. On November 21, 2024, DEA agents and local law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Omaha where Zamora-Chona and co-defendant Octavio Zamora-Chona lived. Probable cause for the search warrant was based on a controlled buy of half a pound of methamphetamine in Omaha. Agents recovered more than 30 pounds of methamphetamine, five firearms, and more than $19,000 cash. One of the firearms was a short-barreled rifle. Zamora-Chona said that the firearms were his and acknowledged that he knew the methamphetamine was at his house. Octavio Zamora-Chona’s seized cell phone was searched and extracted data revealed his involvement in methamphetamine dealing. Octavio Zamora-Chona, 39, an illegal alien from Mexican, was sentenced February 13, 2026, to 180 months’ imprisonment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. United States Attorney Lesley Woods said, “This case is a prime example of how drug trafficking and firearms go hand-in-hand and the presence of them together is a public safety threat to Nebraska’s communities. This sentencing was a just and appropriate outcome. Law enforcement should be commended for taking these individuals and their dangerous contraband off of our streets. We look forward to their swift deportation following their lengthy terms of imprisonment.” The seized cash and firearms will be forfeited to the United States. This case was investigated by the DEA with assistance from the Omaha Police Department, Sarpy County Sheriff’s Office, and Saunders County Sheriff’s Office.


title: Former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison  for Distribution of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer was sentenced yesterday on charges of distribution of child pornography, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. announced. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Scott Rocky, 58, of Center Line, Michigan stands convicted of distribution of child pornography. United States District Judge Terrence G. Berg sentenced Rocky to 72 months in federal prison. According to court records, in April 2025, Rocky shared and downloaded hundreds of files of child sexual abusive material (CSAM) online via peer-to-peer applications. Following the execution of a search warrant at Rocky’s residence, agents located on his computer over five hundred accessed images of CSAM, including those depicting the sexual abuse of toddlers, infants, and prepubescent children. “We trust law enforcement to uphold the law and protect Americans. This pervert violated our trust and broke the law so that he could hurt children. He deserves every day of his sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon. “This sentence should serve as a warning: no badge, title, or position of public trust will shield anyone who exploits our children from facing justice under federal law,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Public trust amongst law enforcement officials is essential. This former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer distributed child sexually abuse material, which is disturbing and does not represent the men and women who serve honorably in law enforcement. Our FBI Detroit Crimes Against Children Squad, alongside the CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility, worked tirelessly to hold this sexual predator accountable and protect our children from further exploitation.” The FBI investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nhan Ho prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.


title: FBI Agent Honored with Inaugural Hometown Hero Award by the United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Hagåtña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, is proud to announce that Special Agent Richard J. Bauer has been awarded the inaugural Hometown Hero Award sponsored by the Department of Justice in honor of America’s 250th Birthday. “It is a privilege to call Special Agent Bauer a federal partner,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “Rick works in both of our judicial districts as a criminal investigator, specializing in child exploitation offenses, among other serious federal offenses. He is an expert in the forensic examination of electronic evidence. Rick also volunteers as a coach in youth wrestling, soccer, and baseball in the CNMI, including for national teams that compete throughout the Pacific region. He is also the vice president of the Northern Marianas Wrestling Federation. I applaud his commitment to service and civic responsibility for the citizens of our districts.” The Hometown Hero Award was created in honor of the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The Department of Justice is proud to honor law enforcement across the country with recognition of the extraordinary service to their fellow citizens. # # #


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Violating the Federal Gun Control Act

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DARVALE WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”) , age 20, a resident of New Orleans, was sentenced on May 20, 2026, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo, for possessing a stolen firearm, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. WILLIAMS was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release and a mandatory $100.00 special assessment fee. According to court documents, on March 19, 2024, as part of an ongoing Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigation, agents conducted surveillance at an apartment complex in New Orleans East. At that time, special agents observed a white Camry that was previously taken during an armed robbery/carjacking two months earlier. This same white Camry was used the day before in another crime, which FBI agents were also investigating. During the surveillance, the Camry circled around the side of the complex to leave. To prevent it from leaving, an agent blocked the Camry’s exit with his vehicle. Both the driver, Kenneth Jackson, and the passenger, DARVALE WILLIAMS, attempted to flee on foot. Both were apprehended by law enforcement shortly after exiting the vehicle. When WILLIAMS fled from the car, he left behind a loaded Romarm/Cugir Draco 7.62 millimeter rifle in the backseat. The Romarm/Cugir Draco rifle had been reported stolen on December 26, 2022, during a home robbery. Jackson also possessed a stolen firearm. 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. U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The case is being prosecuted out of the Violent Crime Unit by Assistant United States Attorneys Liz Privitera and Sarah Dawkins. * * *


title: Ocala Man Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Bank Fraud

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida – Jonathan Travis Pruitt (46, Ocala) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber to six years and three months in federal prison for bank fraud. Pruitt pleaded guilty on February 4, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, Pruitt and his associates stole checks written by local businesses from their outgoing mailboxes. Pruitt then created fake businesses with nearly identical names as the intended recipients of the stolen checks. Afterward, he opened bank accounts for the newly created businesses and deposited the stolen checks. Pruitt then extracted the funds from these accounts by making large ATM withdrawals. Ultimately, Pruitt was responsible for fraudulently depositing 36 stolen checks with a total face value of more than $860,000. When he was arrested by federal agents, a search of his phone revealed scans of some of the stolen checks as well as the photo-editing software Pruitt had used to alter them. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Ocala Police Department, and the Belleview Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William S. Hamilton.


title: Five Gang Members Plead Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy

body_text: Tampa, FL – Mohamed Jaber (33, Tampa), Irving Bruzon (28, Tampa), Christian Andujar (28, Tampa), Kyle Miller (34, Orlando), and Julissa Collazo (29, Tampa) have each pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. Andujar also pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and one count of financial institution fraud. Bruzon also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and one count of financial institution fraud. Jaber pleaded guilty to an additional count of financial institution fraud. Each faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. Sentencing dates have not yet been set. A sixth individual, Xavier Garnder, has been charged and has entered a plea of not guilty. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court records and hearings, these individuals were members of a street gang called Alexander Park, or AP. The gang, or enterprise, operated in part by selling and distributing marijuana and by robbing other drug dealers of their marijuana and money. The gang also carried out acts of violence in furtherance of these activities and to maintain the credibility of the gang and strengthen the position of members within the gang. The gang also obtained high end vehicles by making misrepresentations about their employment and incomes. Some of the vehicles were used during their crimes. Beginning in January 2020 and continuing through July of 2021, Andujar and Garnder, who has pleaded not guilty, conspired to kill a rival gang member. In April 2023, Andujar, Bruzon, Garnder, and an unknown fourth co-conspirator conspired to kill an individual who had angered them. The victim was shot 17 times while sleeping in his car and died of his injuries. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Shelby Township Police Department (Michigan). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Samantha Newman and Brooke Padgett. Assistant United States Attorney Suzanne Nebesky is handling the forfeiture. 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: Tulsa Resident Sentenced For Theft In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tommy Allen Winkler, age 38, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, was sentenced to twelve months and one day in prison for one count of Theft in Indian Country. The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. On May 15, 2025, Winkler pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, Winkler was appointed guardian to manage the victims’ property and assets. Between November 16, 2022, and June 14, 2024, Winkler unlawfully transferred funds from the victims’ bank accounts into his personal bank account and spent the money for his own benefit. The crime occurred in Muskogee County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. On June 18, 2026, Winkler will self-report to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration at a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Cornell and T. Cameron McEwen represented the United States.


title: Convicted Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Justin Poon pleaded guilty to sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography. The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge James R. Cho. Poon was a registered sex offender in New York State when he committed the crimes. When sentenced, Poon faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years’ imprisonment and up to 70 years’ imprisonment, as well as restitution to victims of his crimes. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the guilty plea. “The defendant is a depraved sextortionist and danger to the community who produced, collected, and distributed child pornography, and terrorized dozens of victims, including minors,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “His conduct reflects a total disregard for the trauma he inflicted on his victims and their families. Although today’s guilty plea cannot undo the harm that Poon has caused to his victims, it does ensure that he will be incarcerated for decades.” “Already a convicted child predator, the defendant continued to exploit minors through extortion and production of sexually explicit videos,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “The FBI/NYPD Crimes Against Children and Human Trafficking Task Force will continue to pursue those who seek to harm our children and ensure they face justice. According to court proceedings and filings, from at least December 2018 through his arrest in December 2023, Poon engaged in a pattern of exploiting minor girls for the purpose of creating child pornography. Poon targeted his victims and solicited their production of sexually explicit materials for his gratification and financial gain. For example, Poon induced a 16 year-old victim to create sexually explicit images of herself according to his specifications and then sold those images on the internet. Poon also traveled across state lines to engage in sexual activity with another 16 year-old victim and created sexually explicit videos of that victim. Poon engaged in an extortion scheme during the same period. Poon obtained sexually explicit images and videos of minors and young women using deceptive means, including by pretending to be Snapchat customer support to trick them into sharing their passwords so that he could access private materials in their accounts. Once the defendant had the images and videos, he then threatened to share them directly with his victims’ friends and family if they did not comply with his demands for payment or additional sexually explicit materials. When one of his 16-year-old victims pleaded with him not to “ruin [her] life,” because she “need[ed] to go to university,” the defendant responded: “I don’t care.” As part of the government’s investigation, search warrants were obtained to search Poon’s electronic devices and DropBox accounts. He was found to be in possession of child pornography for at least 50 different victims. Poon was previously convicted in 2021 of sexual misconduct with a 15 year-old victim. If you believe you may have been a victim of the defendant, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at https://forms.fbi.gov/victims/seeking-victim-information-in-justin-poon-investigation/view . This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorney Kamil R. Ammari is in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant : JUSTIN POON Age: 27 West Hempstead, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-533 (BMC)


title: New Orleans Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal  Prison after Being Found Guilty by a Jury of Armed Carjacking and Being an Armed Career Criminal

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JOVANTE MATTHEWS , (“ MATTHEWS “), age 30, of New Orleans, was sentenced by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance on May 13, 2026 to serve a total of 350 months in federal prison, after being found guilty by a jury of Carjacking, Using a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, Being an Armed Career Criminal, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and being an Armed Career Criminal, due to his three previous convictions for crimes of violence, a fact that enhanced his sentence further. MATTHEWS was also sentenced to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. At around noon on April 3, 2024, MATTHEWS approached two contractors who were renovating a house in the Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans. He produced a semi-automatic handgun and put it to the head of one of the victims and demanded his keys and wallet. The victims complied and MATTHEWS drove off in their work truck, a Ford F-350 truck that belonged to a construction company. The victims called 911 and reported the incident. Officers with the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) arrived on the scene and obtained a security camera video from neighbors. This video showed the perpetrator, who was wearing distinctive clothing, walking up to the truck and the victims, but did not capture the actual robbery. NOPD officers also put out a bulletin on the stolen truck. Approximately one hour and 15 minutes later, two Levee Board police officers observed the truck in the Gentilly neighborhood near Lake Pontchartrain. When they attempted to stop the vehicle, it fled at a high rate of speed. As the truck sped through the intersection of Franklin Ave. and Mendez Street it collided with an 18-wheel truck, causing a massive crash. JOVANTE MATTHEWS was apprehended inside the stolen truck. He was found wearing the carjacking victim’s jacket and had the victim’s wallet in his back pocket. Police also located a semi-automatic firearm on the driver’s side floorboard of the truck. Officers also noted that MATTHEWS was wearing the same distinctive clothing that the perpetrator was wearing in the surveillance footage just prior to the carjacking. To prove that MATTHEWS fit the legal definition of being an Armed Career Criminal, federal prosecutors presented evidence to the jury at a sentencing hearing that MATTHEWS participated in an armed carjacking on May 16, 2022, an armed carjacking on May 18, 2022, and an armed robbery on May 18, 2022. A review of Matthews criminal history revealed that on June 3, 2023, Matthews pled guilty in Orleans Parish Criminal District Court to three counts of simple robbery and to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced to serve five years in custody of the Louisiana Department of Corrections for these state convictions but did not serve the full five years as he was arrested on this new federal carjacking charge on April 3, 2024. This case was investigated by Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (A.T.F.), members of the New Orleans Police Department, and the Levee Board Police. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maurice Landrieu and Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Dawkins. ***


title: Plattsburgh Man Arrested and Detained for Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: PLATTSBURGH, NEW YORK – George Shimell, age 29, of Plattsburgh, New York, formerly of Virginia Beach, Virginia, was detained, May 14, 2026. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Steven G. James made the announcement. The defendant was arrested on May 11, 2026, for possession of child pornography. A tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led to his arrest. In making his detention decision, U.S. Magistrate Judge Gary L. Favro stated that Shimell is a danger to the community. The defendant faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, supervised release for life, a fine of $250,000, restitution to victims, and sex offender registration. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. First Assistant United States Attorney John Sarcone said: “We thank HSI and the NYSP for their tireless work in this case that, once again, resulted in an alleged child predator brought in to face justice. This arrest and detention should serve as a warning to all who seek to exploit children: we will pursue you relentlessly, and we will ensure you face the full force of the law.” HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan: "As alleged, this defendant’s possession of child sexual abuse material is among the most depraved conduct we investigate, and individuals who collect and trade in this material revictimize children again and again. HSI Albany utilizes every tool at our disposal, including and especially strong partnerships with our federal, state, and local counterparts, to identify, target, and confront child predators wherever they operate.” New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Implementing effective response strategies to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation, cyber enticement and any crimes against children is paramount in keeping our communities safe. The New York State Police stand firm on the mission to assist in the prosecution of those who use the internet to gain access to and victimize our children. I thank our law enforcement colleagues for their partnership and coordinated efforts on the monumental task of keeping all children safe from predators.” HSI and NYSP are investigating the case. Also assisting on the investigation were the NYSP Special Operations Response Team (SORT), United States Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Branch, Clinton County Sheriff’s Department, and the Plattsburgh City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham is prosecuting the case. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative 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 (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc


title: Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Benefit Fraud and Identity Theft Offenses

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican man unlawfully residing in Salem, N.H., pleaded guilty yesterday to stealing the identity of an American citizen from Puerto Rico to obtain a U.S. Passport as well as federally funded benefits from Massachusetts. Juan Felipe Chalas, 58, pleaded guilty to making a false statement in a passport application and unlawfully obtaining Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for Sept. 8, 2026. The defendant was one of nine charged earlier this year as part of a benefit fraud crackdown. He remains in federal custody pending sentencing. Pursuant to a plea agreement which calls for Chalas to serve one year of incarceration and two years of supervised release, Chalas also agreed to pay restitution of $12,584 to the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance for fraudulently obtaining SNAP benefits, $25,491 to the Social Security Administration for fraudulently obtaining disability benefits and $266,857 for fraudulently obtaining MassHealth benefits. As far back as 1996, Chalas, a Dominican national who has never been admitted or inspected by immigration authorities, assumed the identity of an American citizen from Puerto Rico. Using the victim’s identity, Chalas obtained United States passports in 1998, 2010 and 2023 as well as various Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles identifications using the name and other information of an American citizen from Puerto Rico. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; Nathan Hebert, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office; and Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady, Deputy Chief of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Sureno Gang Member Found Guilty of Possessing Child Pornography and Failure to Appear

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A federal jury in Del Rio convicted a Sureno gang member this week for possession of child pornography and failure to appear, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, in February 2020, ICE Homeland Security Investigations received a Cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which revealed that a Google account had uploaded six videos of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to a Google Drive in January 2020. HSI agents reviewed the videos and confirmed they contained CSAM. The email account and its corresponding phone number belonged to Samuel Sandoval Chavez , 42. A search warrant for the Google account further revealed that Sandoval had searched terms included “cute teenage Latino boys” and “teen boyfriend.” HSI found additional videos of child pornography saved on Sandoval’s account under a folder labeled with the “devil” emoji. HSI executed a search warrant on Sandoval’s home and retrieved a cell phone containing 71 images of child pornography and 82 images of child erotica. Sandoval was indicted and subsequently arrested in Idaho, where the district judge granted release pending trial and ordered Sandoval to appear in the Western District of Texas for initial appearance, a hearing at which Sandoval failed to appear. Sandoval had instead fled to Mexico and was later apprehended at the Eagle Pass Port of Entry in April 2025. At trial, defense attorneys argued that Sandoval did not knowingly possess the material because it came from a WhatsApp group chat and automatically downloaded to his phone. The evidence, however, showed that the material was not merely passively downloaded. A forensic review of Sandoval’s phone revealed cached data showing that he personally opened the images and videos. Given the strength of the government’s case, the jury returned a swift 30-minute guilty verdict. ICE HSI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nallely Duarte and Amy Greenbaum are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . ###


title: Wilkinsburg Man Indicted for Threatening to Assault and Murder Law Enforcement Officers and Federal Officials Including U.S. President and Member of Congress

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official or federal law enforcement officer by threat, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The five-count Indictment named Raymond Eugene Chandler III, 40, as the sole defendant. According to the Indictment, between April 18, 2025, and May 1, 2026, Chandler repeatedly called members of Congress and left voicemails related to his disagreements with immigration enforcement actions, armed conflicts, and wealth inequality. In those messages, Chandler advocated for various acts of violence against U.S. officials, their families, ICE agents, and the wealthy; shared his plan to publish personally identifiable information of ICE agents; accused U.S. officials of violating their covenants with God or otherwise inciting God’s anger; implied knowing where members of Congress lived; described his purchase of bladed weapons; and stated “I am willing to personally kill.” The Indictment alleges that Chandler threatened to assault and murder ICE agents, a member of Congress and the member’s daughter, and the President of the United States with intent to impede, intimidate, interfere with, and retaliate against U.S. officials and federal law enforcement on account of the performance of their official duties. Chandler’s voicemails included descriptions of the targeted murder and assassination of ICE agents, as well as his plan to “teach” restaurants how to poison ICE agents. The voicemails further asserted his desire to hang a member of Congress, attack a member of Congress and their family member, and instruct a member of Congress to assassinate the President in the Oval Office. The Indictment further alleges that, on May 1, 2026, Chandler left a voicemail for a member of Congress in which he praised anarchists for committing a historical bombing, ending the message with “I want you to be terrified.” Later that day, the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Chandler at his residence. During his subsequent preliminary and detention hearings, the prosecution presented excerpts from Chandler’s journal, which was seized from his residence after his arrest. Chandler wrote in one entry: “I keep calling Congress telling them I want them to kill all the ICE agents and billionaires. I must sound insane to them and yet that is where my heart and head are really at.” In another entry, Chandler wrote: “I emotionally, politically, and intellectually support violence assaults on ICE agents. I actually support it. This is a very scary place to be.” At the conclusion of the hearings, the Court found that the United States had established by clear and convincing evidence that the weight of the evidence against the defendant “is strong,” and that Chandler presents a risk of serious danger to the community and ordered him detained pending trial. At each count, the law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment. An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Decorah Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A Decorah man who obtained and distributed methamphetamine was sentenced on May 18, 2026, to more than 18 years in federal prison. Cody Richard Reisner, age 42, from Decorah, Iowa, received the prison term after a December 2, 2025, guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after a prior conviction for a serious drug felony. Information disclosed at sentencing showed that, in February 2025, Reisner obtained methamphetamine from a source of supply in Des Moines, Iowa, and distributed the methamphetamine to customers in the Decorah area. On February 26, 2025, law enforcement officers tried to stop Reisner’s car. Reisner fled from officers. He drove through a dorm parking lot and a grassy space of a college campus before he stopped and ran. Officers caught him and he was arrested. Officers recovered over 70 grams of methamphetamine from his car. Reisner’s has three prior drug‑trafficking convictions. Reisner was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Reisner was sentenced to 224 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve an eight‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Reisner is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25‑CR‑02044‑CJW.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes Providence Police Lieutenant Patrick Potter as Hometown Hero

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island recognizes Providence Police Department Lieutenant Patrick Potter as a “Hometown Hero” for his courageous actions during the Brown University shooting incident. Lt. Potter was honored during an award presentation held Thursday at the United States Attorney’s Office in Providence. As the first supervising officer to enter the engineering building during the Brown University shooting, Lt. Potter acted without knowing whether the shooter remained inside the building. His swift response and leadership during a rapidly evolving and dangerous situation helped protect lives and support the ongoing emergency response. “Lt. Potter demonstrated extraordinary courage, professionalism, and commitment to public safety during an incredibly dangerous and uncertain situation,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “His actions reflect the very best of law enforcement service and exemplify the spirit of community protection recognized through the Hometown Hero program.” The recognition was presented as part of the Department of Justice’s Freedom 250 initiative, a nationwide effort in which United States Attorneys’ Offices across the country recognizes individuals whose service, courage, leadership, and commitment have made a meaningful impact in their communities in advance of America’s 250th anniversary. The award presentation was attended by members of the Providence Police Department, Lt. Potter’s family, and representatives of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island.