title: Mexico Residents – Brother and Sister – Sentenced to Prison for Kidnapping Victim in Mexico Then Coming to U.S. to Collect Ransom

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A brother and sister from Rosarito, Mexico, have been sentenced to federal prison terms for their roles in a kidnapping and ransom scheme in which the brother pretended to act as an intermediary between the victim’s family and the kidnappers while his son and sister crossed the border into the United States to collect the ransom money, the Justice Department announced today. Mario Alex Medina, 55, a.k.a. “Shyboy,” was sentenced Monday by United States District Judge Stephen V. Wilson to 25 years in federal prison and was ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution. Judge Wilson on Monday also sentenced María Alejandra Medina, 52, a U.S. citizen living in Mexico, to eight years in federal prison and ordered her to pay $30,000 in restitution. At the conclusion of a four-day trial in October 2024, a jury found both Medina siblings guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit hostage taking and one count of conspiracy to demand a ransom payment. The jury also found Mario Medina guilty of one count of making a foreign communication with intent to extort. On November 5, 2022, Mario Medina directed and helped accomplices break into the house of a neighbor, identified in court documents as “R.V.,” kidnapping the victim at gunpoint, pistol whipping him and firing a gun near his head. The next day, one of the co-conspirators placed a ransom call to the victim’s family in Los Angeles County and demanded $70,000 for his release. The kidnappers, through WhatsApp, also sent a video of the victim being beaten. On November 10, 2022, an accomplice called R.V.’s family and threatened to kill R.V. if his family did not pay $30,000. Later that day, Mario Medina – pretending to be an intermediary between R.V.’s family and the hostage takers – told the victim’s family to meet at a McDonald’s restaurant in San Ysidro, located north of the U.S.-Mexico border, to make the ransom payment. José Salud Medina, 32, a.k.a. “Gordo,” who is Mario Medina’s son and María Medina’s nephew, and María Medina met the victim’s family the next day at the McDonald’s restaurant, collected the $30,000 ransom payment from the victim’s family, and took the money back to Mexico. The hostage takers on November 11, 2022, then left R.V. tied up and alone in a small, subterranean trench, where Mexican law enforcement rescued him later that day. José Salud Medina is in Mexican custody on unrelated charges. He is expected to be tried separately in this case, in which he is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit hostage taking, one count of conspiracy to demand a ransom payment, and one count of making a foreign communication with intent to extort. The FBI investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Jena A. MacCabe and Derek R. Flores of the Major Crimes Section, and Michael J. Morse of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section prosecuted this case.


title: California Woman Guilty of  Sex Trafficking of Minor Conspiracy

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JAZMIN MCKINNIE (“MCKINNIE”), age 32, of California, pled guilty on September 4, 2025 before United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon to Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. According to court documents, in May 2024, two adult men brought a fifteen-year-old girl from Houston, Texas to New Orleans, for the purpose of having her engage in commercial sex. MCKINNIE posted advertisements for commercial sex with the Minor Victim on online classified ad service websites. In pleading guilty, MCKINNIE , faces a maximum penalty of five (5) years imprisonment, up to three (3) years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a $100.00 mandatory special assessment fee. Judge Fallon set sentencing in this matter for January 8, 2026. 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 . Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution. * * *


title: Chesterton Man Arrested for Threat to United States Naval Academy

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: CHESTERTON - Jackson Fleming, 23, of Chesterton, Indiana was arrested on September 12, 2025, on suspicion of sending an online threat through a social media application concerning the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on September 11, 2025. A complaint charging Fleming with one count of transmitting a threat in interstate communication in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c) was approved by a magistrate judge in the Northern District of Indiana on September 14, 2025. The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt and is a temporary charge that must be followed by an information or indictment formally bringing federal charges. If formally charged, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c) is punishable by a maximum of five years imprisonment. This is a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service with assistance from the Porter County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana in cooperation with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.


title: West Valley City Man Indicted Following Alleged Credit Union Robbery

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –A federal complaint was unsealed following a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City indicting a Utah man with a violent crime after he allegedly robbed a Cyprus Credit Union in the District of Utah. Joseph Troy Ortega, 57, of West Valley City, Utah, was charged by complaint on August 29, 2025. According to court documents, on August 28, 2025, officers with the West Valley City Police Department and members of the FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force responded to a robbery at the Cyprus Credit Union in West Valley City. As alleged, the suspect, later identified as Ortega, entered the credit union, approached the teller and demanded money. The teller provided the suspect with $3,690 in cash and Ortega then fled the credit union in a black Toyota Rav 4 with an obscured plate. Using facial recognition technology by the Statewide Information Analysis Center, a hit for Ortega was returned, and a 2011 Rav 4 was registered in his name. On the same day, a Toyota Rav 4 was observed on 5600 West and 3500 South. The vehicle was stopped and Ortega, the driver and sole occupant, was taken into custody. During an executed search of the vehicle, law enforcement seized a wallet with a large amount of U.S. currency, an envelope that contained $2,690, narcotics, and narcotic paraphernalia. Ortega is charged with one count of credit union robbery. His initial appearance on the indictment was September 15, 2025. His three-day jury trial is scheduled for November 24, 2025, before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated jointly by the FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force and West Valley City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Mexican National Charged for Possessing Over 13,000 Rounds of Ammunition

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Mexican national is facing federal charges for allegedly possessing almost 14,000 rounds of ammunition found during a routine traffic stop. According to court documents, on August 14, 2025, an officer from Las Cruces Metro Narcotics conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Luis Carlos Martinez Monge, a Mexican national, for speeding, and found 699 boxes of ammunition concealed within the vehicle. Monge admitted to transporting the ammunition for an acquaintance, receiving $1,600 for expenses and agreeing to an additional $200 per box. He acknowledged that, as a nonimmigrant tourist, transporting ammunition was unlawful and that he hid the boxes. A total of 13,980 rounds, a vehicle, and $1,340 were seized. Monge is charged with being an alien in possession of ammunition and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Monge faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso, made the announcement today. Homeland Security Investigations El Paso investigated this case with assistance from Las Cruces Metro Narcotics and the Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Saltman is prosecuting the case. View the Criminal Complaint (Monge).pdf A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Omaha Men Sentenced to Years in Federal Prison  for Interstate Transportation of Stolen Money

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced two men from Omaha, Nebraska, convicted of Interstate Transportation of Stolen Money. The sentencings took place on September 15, 2025. Roberto Carlos Gonzalez Miranda, age 24, was sentenced to five years and ten months in federal prison. Co-defendant Roberto Orellana, age 46, was sentenced to four years and two months in federal prison. Both Orellana and Miranda were ordered to pay $352,000 in restitution to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Miranda was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund; Orellana, $200. Miranda and Orellana were indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2024. They both pleaded guilty on June 3, 2025. Shortly after 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 25, 2024, personnel at the Grand River Casino in rural Mobridge, South Dakota, received a call from someone claiming to be a U.S. Government official. The caller claimed the casino owed $700,000 in audit fees and that steep fines would be levied if the casino did not immediately make a down payment on the debt. Acting at the direction of the caller, casino personnel took cash from the casino vault and transported it to Mitchell, South Dakota, to make a payment. Miranda and Orellana occasionally worked as money mules for a transnational criminal organization during the winter of 2023-2024. On February 25, 2024, the organization dispatched them to Mitchell to collect the casino funds. The caller who arranged the fraud was not identified, and the casino funds have not been recovered. This case was investigated by the FBI, the South Dakota DCI, the Mitchell Police Department, and the Corson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case. Miranda and Orellana were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Olive Branch Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Defrauding Covid-19 Relief Program of Over $5,000,000

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – Lisa Evans , 43 , of Olive Branch, Mississippi, has been sentenced to federal prison for defrauding the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a federal program intended to help small businesses and their employees survive the COVID-19 pandemic, out of over $5,000,000. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. According to information presented in court, Evans submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications for numerous individuals who were not entitled to PPP loans. The applications Evans submitted contained false representations, including fake federal tax documents. When the individual borrowers obtained the PPP loan funds, they then paid Evans kickbacks of 20 to 30%. The loss to the PPP program was $5,126,258. Evans was sentenced on September 11, 2025, by United States District Judge Thomas L. Parker to 18 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Evans was also ordered to pay $4,400,723 in restitution to the U.S. Small Business Administration. The case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General, the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Secret Service, Memphis Field Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony R. Arvin. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Career Offender Sentenced to 151 Months for Possessing Cocaine with an Intent to Distribute

body_text: Memphis, TN – Randy Oliver , 44 , of Memphis was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of possessing a controlled substance with an intent to distribute in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1). Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. According to information presented in court, Oliver sold cocaine to an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) on June 1, 2023, and a mixture of cocaine and fentanyl to the undercover agent on July 6, 2023. He then possessed 53 grams of cocaine when he was arrested on July 20, 2023 during another attempted drug transaction. Oliver has a lengthy criminal history including 11 convictions for drug and or firearms-related offenses; one of the federal convictions was for distribution of heroin in 2010. On May 6, 2025, Oliver entered a plea of guilty to two counts of possessing a controlled substance with an intent to distribute it in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) before District Judge John T. Fowlkes, Jr. On September 9, 2025, Judge Fowlkes sentenced Oliver, a career offender, to 151 months' imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Wendy Cornejo, William Bateman, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Raven Icaza prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Two Sentenced in Firearms Trafficking Operation in Berkeley County

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two people have been sentenced for their roles in a firearms trafficking conspiracy in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Marcus De’Angelo Brown, age 40, of Largo, Maryland, was sentenced to 137 months in federal prison for trafficking in firearms and the unlawful possession of a firearm. Matthew Blake Robinson, age 28, of Hedgesville, West Virginia, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for the straw purchase of a firearm. Brown and Robinson worked together to fraudulently purchase and transfer firearms in Berkeley County and elsewhere. Brown is prohibited from having firearms because of prior felony convictions. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.


title: Memphis Company Pleads Guilty to Clean Air Act Violations

body_text: Memphis, TN – P.T. Services, Inc. , a Memphis company that specialized in repairing diesel engines has entered a guilty plea and agreed to pay a fine in connection with violations of the Clean Air Act. Interim United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. announced the guilty plea today. According to an information filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee, P.T. Services, Inc. modified and deleted emissions control monitoring devices from diesel engines. Under provisions of the Clean Air Act, it is a crime to falsify, tamper with, and render inaccurate emissions control monitoring devices. The plea was entered by a representative of P.T. Services, Inc. before United States Magistrate Judge Charmiane Claxton. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the company agreed to pay a fine of $150,000.00. The case was investigated by agents with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Carroll L. André III, for the Western District of Tennessee, is prosecuting the case. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Pittsburgh Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to fentanyl and heroin trafficking and violating federal firearms laws, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Antonio Arrington, 23, of the Allentown neighborhood of Pittsburgh pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan to conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute quantities of fentanyl and heroin and possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, between March 2024 and July 2024, Arrington participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin, both scheduled controlled substances, by functioning as a redistributor of street-level amounts of the drugs. In April 2024, law enforcement recovered a loaded stolen firearm from Arrington’s vehicle. Arrington has multiple prior felony convictions involving drug trafficking and firearms. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Judge Horan scheduled sentencing for January 15, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Kelly M. Locher are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and City of Duquesne Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Arrington. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Affirms the Use of Deadly Force by a Bureau of Indian Affairs Officer was Reasonable

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: FARGO : Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced that the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with U.S. District Judge Daniel M. Traynor, finding that law enforcement officers acted reasonably under the circumstances and the United States is not liable for the shooting death of George “Ryan” Gipp, Jr. (“Gipp”) during a confrontation with Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”) officers in October 2017 on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. BIA officers responded to a report that Gipp discharged a firearm at a gas station in Ft. Yates. Gipp and family members left the scene but were pulled over by law enforcement on a rural highway a few miles outside of town. The Eighth Circuit said, “[Gipp], who was under the influence of multiple substances, refused to follow their instructions. When one tried to arrest him, he backed away, balled his fists, and moved into a ‘bladed stance.’ After losing sight of [Gipp’s] hands, the officer fired his taser twice. Tasing [Gipp] just caused him to run and hide behind the other officer’s truck. After a few ‘quick peeks’ at the officers, [Gipp] fumbled with something in his hoodie pocket and pulled out a shiny black object.” Fearing the object was a firearm, one of the officers fired his service weapon, fatally wounding Gipp. The Eighth Circuit continued, “The record … shows that the use of deadly force was reasonable. By that point, [Gipp] had already resisted arrest, shaken off two taser shots, crouched behind a truck, and pulled what looked like a gun from his hoodie pocket. … The situation had gone from dangerous to potentially deadly as [Gipp’s] actions became increasingly erratic and aggressive.” The firearm discharged by Gipp at the gas station, and thrown out the window of the vehicle prior to being stopped by the police, was later found in a ditch. The weapon was a shotgun loaded with 7 slug rounds of live ammunition typically used for large game or self-defense and had a 13-inch knife taped to it like a bayonet, along with a flashlight. Among the items found on or near Gipp were brass knuckles, additional shotgun ammunition, a 7.5-inch AR stock wrench, a handcuff key, and a folding knife. “Every time a law enforcement officer goes on duty to protect and serve the public, he or she selflessly places themselves in harm’s way,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl. “The risk to police officers is all too real,” she continued, “and these rulings recognize the dangerous, difficult, and rapidly evolving conditions officers must operate in.” The case is Gipp, et al. v. United States of America , U.S. District Court, District of North Dakota, Case No. 1:19-cv-00213, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals Case No. 24-1379. The United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorneys James Patrick Thomas and Sarah E. Wall of the District of North Dakota, and Senior Trial Attorney Siegmund F. Fuchs and Trial Attorney Joseph A. Gonzalez of the Torts Branch, Civil Division, United States Department of Justice. # # #


title: Penitas man charged with impeding federal law enforcement during arrest of others

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a 19-year-old man for impeding and interfering with federal law enforcement agents in the course of their duties, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Diego Masiel Torres remains in custody following the filing of the original criminal complaint. He will remain there pending his appearance on the charges in the indictment. On Aug. 27, authorities were conducting a consensual worksite enforcement operation in Harlingen, according to the charges. Upon their arrival, several people allegedly fled from the area. While authorities attempted to apprehend an illegal alien, Torres allegedly attempted to physically remove a law enforcement officer from that person. “The Southern District of Texas is committed to fully enforcing our country’s immigration laws, and anyone who tries to stop a federal agent from carrying out this mission will be held accountable before a judge and jury,” said Ganjei. “So, the message is simple. Don’t end up on the wrong end of a federal indictment – keep your hands to yourself.” If convicted, he faces up to eight years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney L. Salazar is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood . An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Founder of One of World’s Largest Hacker Forums Resentenced to Three Years in Prison

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Earlier today, a New York man was resentenced to three years in prison for his creation and operation of BreachForums, a marketplace for cybercriminals to buy, sell, and trade hacked or stolen data and other contraband, and for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). “Following the dismantlement of RaidForums by law enforcement, the defendant set up and administered BreachForums, an online bazaar where criminals could purchase sensitive data,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s sentence demonstrates the Justice Department’s unwavering commitment to bringing to justice those who seek to sell stolen data to the highest bidder. To those seeking to operate a similar forum, take note: we will tirelessly investigate those who commit these crimes.” “Conor Fitzpatrick personally profited from the sale of vast quantities of stolen information, ranging from private personal information to commercial data,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “These crimes were so extensive that the damage is difficult to quantify, and the human cost of his collection of child sexual abuse material is incalculable. We will not allow criminals to hide in the darkest corners of the internet and will use all legal means to bring them to justice.” “The FBI is working tirelessly to dismantle criminal marketplaces like BreachForums, and we are pursuing the full range of actors who run these platforms,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “Today’s sentencing demonstrates that anyone who helps others profit from theft, fraud, and other cybercrimes is not out of reach.” Conor Brian Fitzpatrick, 22, of Peekskill, New York, pleaded guilty to one count of access device conspiracy, one count of access device solicitation, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. As part of the plea agreement, Fitzpatrick also agreed to forfeit over 100 domain names used in the operation of BreachForums, more than a dozen electronic devices used to execute the scheme, and cryptocurrency that represented proceeds of the scheme. Fitzpatrick’s resentencing came after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit issued an opinion on Jan. 21, 2025, vacating Fitzpatrick’s prior sentence of time served (17 days) and remanded the case for resentencing. According to court documents, BreachForums, launched in March 2022, rapidly developed into one of the world’s largest English language hacking forums with over 330,000 members. BreachForums emerged as a replacement to RaidForums, a then major English-language hacking forum that law enforcement seized in February 2022. As with RaidForums, BreachForums gained notoriety by selling access to high-profile database breaches that contained, among other things, bank account information, social security numbers and other personal identifying information (PII), and usernames and associated passwords for accessing online accounts with merchants and service providers. BreachForums also maintained and offered access to at least 888 datasets of stolen information containing over 14 billion individual records of PII. Some of the stolen datasets contained sensitive information of customers at telecommunication, social media, investment, health care services, and internet service providers. For instance, one database contained the names and contact information for approximately 200 million users of a major U.S.-based social networking site. Another database listed the details of approximately 87,760 members of InfraGard, a partnership between the FBI and private sector companies focused on the protection of critical infrastructure. The FBI’s Washington Field Office investigated the case. Trial Attorney Thomas Dougherty of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Halper for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case. CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the 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.justice.gov/psc .


title: Roanoke Home Health Care Attendant Pleads Guilty to Health Care Fraud

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. – A home health care attendant pled guilty today to fraudulently billing Medicaid for services she did not provide. Vicki Lynn Dowdy, 55, of Roanoke, Virginia, pled guilty today to healthcare fraud. At sentencing, Dowdy faces up to 10 years in federal prison. In addition, Dowdy was ordered to pay $24,760 in restitution to the Virginia Medicaid program. According to court documents, Dowdy was hired as a home health attendant (HHA) to provide home health care and respite care services to Medicaid recipients in the greater Roanoke region. Specifically, Dowdy was contracted to provide home health care and respite care services to two recipients of Medicaid, Individual 1 and Individual 2. From January 16, 2021 through March 30, 2022, Dowdy submitted fraudulent timesheets and billed Medicaid for 1,970.5 hours of personal home health care and respite services that were not rendered to Individual 1 and Individual 2. As a result, Medicaid issued $24,760 in total payment to Dowdy for services she never performed. Robert N. Tracci, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Virginia and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares made the announcement. The Virginia Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the United States Department of Health and Human Services is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charlene R. Day and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Terry, a Senior Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, are prosecuting the case.


title: Exactech Agrees to Pay $8 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations for Selling Defective Knee Implant Devices

component: Civil Division

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – Exactech Inc. agreed to pay $8 million to resolve allegations that the company violated the federal False Claims Act. A medical device company based in Gainesville, Florida, Exactech allegedly violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting or causing the submission of false claims for payment to Medicare, Medicaid, and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in connection with defective knee-replacement devices. The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware approved the settlement as part of the pending Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings involving Exactech. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the settlement with Prim F. Escalona, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. This settlement relates to two separate components of Exactech’s total-knee replacement systems. First, the settlement resolves allegations that as early as January 2008, Exactech knew that its finned tibial tray — a metal component of its knee replacement system that fits into a patient’s tibia — failed prematurely at a higher than acceptable rate. Therefore, it was not reasonable and necessary for use during total-knee replacement surgeries performed on Medicare, Medicaid, and VA beneficiaries. But Exactech continued to market and sell the component for surgeries between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2018. Additionally, the settlement resolves allegations that as early as January 2019, Exactech knew that the polyethylene component in certain Logic and Truliant knee-replacement systems failed prematurely at a higher than acceptable rate. Therefore, it was not reasonable and necessary for use during total-knee replacement surgeries performed on government beneficiaries. But Exactech continued to market and sell the Logic and Truliant knee systems with defective polyethylene components for use during total-knee replacement surgeries between January 1, 2019, and February 7, 2022. “Patients who need a medical device to enjoy their lives rely on device manufacturers to put patient safety first. When a manufacturer learns that its device is defective, it must promptly and transparently address the problem,” Hayes said. “We will hold companies accountable who knowingly sell defective devices.” “Today’s resolution reaffirms our commitment to protect the health and safety of patients,” Escalona said. “Medical device manufacturers must ensure their medical devices, which may be implanted in patients’ bodies, meet the necessary standards of safety and effectiveness at all times.” Under the terms of the settlement, Exactech will pay a total of $8 million, $7,640,000 of which is the federal share. The states are entering into separate agreements with Exactech related to the $360,000 state share. The settlement is based on Exactech’s financial condition. This civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Brooks Wallace, Robert Farley and Dr. Manuel Fuentes in a case captioned United States ex rel . Wallace v. Exactech, Inc. , No. 7:18-cv-1010 (N.D. Ala.) (the “Alabama Action”) and by Dr. Pasquale Petrera in a case captioned United States ex rel . Petrera v. Exactech, Inc. , Civil No. 21-3325-SAG (D. Md.) (the “Maryland Action”). Under these provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. In this case, the settlement provides for the Alabama whistleblowers to receive a $1,329,360 share of the settlement amount and the Maryland whistleblower to receive a $565,360 share of the settlement amount. The resolution obtained in this matter is the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Maryland and Northern District of Alabama, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. This investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). U.S. Attorney Hayes commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tarra DeShields and Michael Wilson, Office for the District of Maryland; Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Long, Office for the Northern District of Alabama; and Senior Trial Counsel Michael Hoffman, DOJ Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section who all handled this matter The claims resolved by the settlement are only allegations. There has been no determination of liability.


title: Justice Department Secures Denaturalization of Maryland Man Who Repeatedly Raped Minor Victim

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: On September 15, a U.S. District Court in Maryland granted a Justice Department motion for judgment revoking the naturalization of convicted sex offender Jorge Antonio Graciano Lara. The government sued in November 2024 to strip Graciano Lara of his U.S. citizenship, based on his September 2017 conviction for second degree rape. Graciano Lara had pleaded guilty in Maryland state court to having vaginal intercourse with a minor, who was under 14 years old at the time. Indeed, Graciano Lara repeatedly had sexual intercourse with the victim over the course of a four-year period. Graciano Lara threatened his victim so that she would not disclose his abuse. The Court found the government met its burden to show that Graciano Lara had lacked the requisite good moral character to naturalize due to his crimes, that he had provided false testimony for the purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit, and that he procured his naturalization by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation. “American citizenship is a sacred privilege that this monster should never have obtained,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will continue working to denaturalize criminals like these who lie about their past actions to take advantage of our immigration system.” “Sex offenders who try to naturalize by hiding their unlawful acts from immigration officials must learn that if the United States finds out, the government will come after their citizenship,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. The case was investigated as part of Operation Prison Lookout, an ongoing national initiative involving the Justice Department and ICE to identify and prosecute sex offenders who have fraudulently obtained United States citizenship. This case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Bradley M. Brinkman of the Justice Department’s Office of Immigration Litigation, General Litigation and Appeals Section, Affirmative Litigation Unit, with assistance from HSI and ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor.


title: Pittsburgh Man Sentenced for Role in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 18 months of imprisonment on his conviction of conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Cayce Williams, 23, of the Allentown neighborhood of Pittsburgh. According to information presented to the Court, between March 2024 and July 2024, Williams participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, both scheduled controlled substances, by functioning as a redistributor of street-level amounts of the drugs. Assistant United States Attorneys Katherine C. Jordan and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Williams. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Eight Defendants Charged with Firearms Trafficking, Narcotics Distribution, and Related Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: A 23-count indictment was unsealed today charging seven defendants variously with firearms trafficking, conspiracy to traffic firearms, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and related offenses. John Donaldson, also known as “Jay,” Juanita Figueroa, Ronald Jackson, also known as “Stuben,” and Nicholas Willacy, also known as “Light,” were arrested in New York and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy. Marcus Dyce, also known as “John John,” was arrested in Missouri and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of Missouri. Lonney Walker, also known as “Hollywood,” was arrested in South Carolina and will be arraigned in the District of South Carolina. Coty Harley is in state custody in New York and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date. An eighth defendant, Juancarlos Hechavarria, Sr., charged separately by complaint, was arrested in South Carolina and will be arraigned in the District of South Carolina. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Jessica S. Tisch, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the charges. “As alleged, the defendants sold a significant number of pistols, rifles, and bags of crack cocaine in Staten Island, New Jersey, and the Bronx,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Gun violence and the proliferation of narcotics are serious and ongoing threats to our communities. Our Office and federal and local law enforcement are committed to protecting the public by stopping the flow of dangerous firearms and narcotics into the hands of criminals by using proactive investigations and collaborating with our law enforcement partners.” “These eight defendants allegedly orchestrated a national trafficking network to import 37 firearms, including assault-style rifles and extended magazines, into the tristate region, while some distributed narcotics as another source of illicit income,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia. “Their alleged criminal behavior unnecessarily introduced deadly weapons and drugs into our communities, posing a significant threat to the lives of the surrounding public unaware of these illegal transactions. May today’s Operation Summer Heat takedown emphasize the FBI’s steadfast commitment to continue collaborating with our law enforcement partners to disrupt any unlawful sales fueling criminal activity in our city.” “These alleged gun traffickers flooded communities in the Bronx and Staten Island with dozens of dangerous firearms, including assault weapons and high-capacity magazines that have no business on the streets of New York City,” stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “The members of the NYPD work tirelessly to identify and dismantle these criminal networks that bring illegal guns and drugs into our city and put people in harm's way. I am grateful to the NYPD investigators and our partners at the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for putting a stop to this dangerous pipeline.” As alleged in the indictment and court documents, from August 2022 through August 2025, Donaldson, Dyce, Walker and Harley variously engaged in multiple transactions involving the sale of 37 illegal firearms in Staten Island, the Bronx, and New Jersey. Several of the sales took place in the middle of the day in residential areas where members of the public were engaging in daily activities. At least one of the defendants transported firearms from South Carolina to be sold onto the streets of New York. The firearms were predominantly traced to southern states including North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Texas, and Georgia, and included AR-15 style rifles, shotguns, and pistols of various calibers; semiautomatic weapons; and several extended magazines, including a drum magazine capable of holding approximately 100 rounds of ammunition. As alleged in the complaint, in addition to the above firearms sales, Hechavarria, Sr., who Dyce connected with a buyer, sold three firearms in exchange for $3,100 in Brooklyn outside a restaurant in broad daylight. All three firearms were traced to South Carolina. As alleged in the indictment and court documents, several of the defendants also engaged in narcotics trafficking conspiracies involving the sale of cocaine base in the community. On two occasions, Harley sold at least one firearm and cocaine base in one transaction. Following his incarceration on unrelated charges, Harley continued to arrange for the sale of cocaine base in New York communities, including through Figueroa, Willacy and Jackson. As a result, Willacy sold approximately 18 grams of cocaine base in August 2025 and Jackson sold a total of approximately 50 grams of cocaine base from June 2025 through July 2025. The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The joint investigation was conducted by the FBI/NYPD Metro Safe Streets Task Force. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Pak is in charge of the prosecution of Donaldson, Dyce, Figueroa, Harley, Jackson, Walker and Willacy. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Sullivan is in charge of the prosecution of Hechavarria, Sr. The Defendants : JOHN DONALDSON (also known as “Jay”) Age: 61 Bronx, New York MARCUS DYCE (also known as “John John”) Age: 50 St. Louis, Missouri JUANITA FIGUEROA Age: 44 Staten Island, New York COTY HARLEY (also known as “Boatee”) Age: 39 Staten Island, New York RONALD JACKSON (also known as “Stuben”) Age: 43 Staten Island, New York LONNEY WALKER (also known as “Hollywood”) Age: 48 Columbia, South Carolina NICHOLAS WILLACY (also known as “Light”) Age: 47 Staten Island, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-278 (BMC) --- JUANCARLOS HECHAVARRIA SR. (also known as “Los”) Age: 52 Sumter, South Carolina E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-MJ-273


title: Tren De Aragua Members Charged With May 2024 Double Murder In The Bronx And Other Racketeering Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton; Attorney General of the United States, Pamela Bondi; Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”), Kristi Noem; Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Ricky J. Patel; and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today a Superseding Indictment (the “Superseding Indictment”) charging 10 members of the designated foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua (“TdA”) with participating in a racketeering conspiracy and committing multiple violent crimes in aid of racketeering. KEIBER JAEN MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Keybe”; SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley”; EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol”; KEIVER SILVA-JIMENEZ, a/k/a “Josue Reuben Silva,” a/k/a “Chuky”; KEINEYER IBARRA-MUJICA, a/k/a “Keiner”; and MARLON FARIAS, a/k/a “Bili,” were charged with participating in the murders of Claretha LaQuesha Daniels and Justin Lawless on May 24, 2024, in the vicinity of 2290 Davidson Avenue in the Bronx, New York, which also resulted in a third victim being shot and injured. GONZALEZ CASTRO was also charged with participating in the shooting of a rival gang member on August 3, 2024, in the vicinity of Roosevelt Avenue and 90th Street in Queens, New York, which also resulted in an innocent bystander being shot and injured. Six of the 10 defendants charged in the Superseding Indictment were previously charged with racketeering, firearms, drug, and sex trafficking offenses on April 16, 2025. Eight of the defendants are already either in federal custody or state custody. SILVA-JIMENEZ is currently at large. FARIAS was previously removed from the U.S. by immigration authorities. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote. “As alleged, these members of Tren de Aragua were illegally present in the United States and committed a series of devastating and horrific crimes, including robberies, sex trafficking, drug trafficking, and the murders of Claretha LaQuesha Daniels and Justin Lawless outside of an apartment building in the Bronx,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “We are committed to putting cartels, gangs, and others who poison our children and pursue violence as a way of life out of business. We and our law enforcement partners know that is what New Yorkers want, and it is what they deserve.” “The Department of Justice is completely committed to destroying Tren De Aragua and bringing its members to justice for their horrific crimes against the American people,” said U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today’s indictment reflects our ongoing efforts to dismantle this terrorist organization by any legal means necessary.” “Tren de Aragua is one of the most violent and ruthless terrorist gangs on planet earth,” said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. “They murder those who stand against them. Under President Trump’s leadership, we are utilizing a whole-of-government approach to arrest and deport these foreign terrorists. Today’s murder and racketeering indictment is a victory for the rule of law and the American people. Thanks to our collaboration with federal and local partners, Americans can rest easy at night knowing these dangerous terrorists are off our streets. Let me be clear: If you are in this country illegally and break our laws, we will hunt you down, arrest you, and you will never return. That’s a promise.” “As demonstrated with today’s allegations, the Tren de Aragua street gang has unleashed a reign of terror in New York, marked by brutal and unforgiving violence that defies humanity,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “With ruthless tactics and a disregard for human life, this foreign terrorist organization has become a symbol of unchecked brutality. HSI New York, together with our law enforcement partners, is waging an unyielding offensive against TdA and Anti-Tren, dismantling gang operations piece by piece and pursuing their members with relentless determination. HSI will not rest until this ruthless criminal enterprise is obliterated and the streets are reclaimed from their grip of savagery.” “Tren de Aragua has been terrorizing New York City streets, causing widespread violence and claiming lives,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Over the past few months, the NYPD has taken significant action to root out this criminal enterprise and shut down their operations across the city, and today’s indictment reflects our relentless efforts. I want to thank all our law enforcement partners for their continued commitment to making New York City safer.” According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Indictment: [1] TdA is a criminal organization that operated throughout New York City, including the boroughs of the Bronx and Queens, as well as internationally in Venezuela, Peru, and elsewhere. The purposes of TdA included: Preserving and protecting the power and territory of TdA and its members and associates through acts involving murder, assault, robbery, other acts of violence, and threats of violence, including acts of violence and threats of violence directed at former members and associates of TdA who associated with a splinter organization known as Anti-Tren. Enriching the members and associates of TdA through, among other things: The unlawful smuggling of individuals, including young women from Venezuela, into Colombia, Peru and the U.S.; The sex trafficking of young women (whom members and associates of TdA often refer to as “multadas”) who had been unlawfully smuggled into Peru and the U.S.; The trafficking of controlled substances, including a mixed substance called “tusi” that contains ketamine; And armed robberies. Keeping victims and potential victims in fear of TdA and its members and associates through threats and acts of violence. Promoting and enhancing TdA and the reputation and activities of its members and associates. Providing assistance to members and associates of TdA who committed crimes for and on behalf of TdA, such as lodging and interstate transportation for members and associates of TdA to flee prosecution. Protecting TdA and its members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities through acts of intimidation, threats, and violence against potential witnesses to crimes committed by members of TdA. Members and associates of TdA transported young women, again often referred to by members and associates of TdA as “multadas,” from Venezuela into Peru and the U.S. in exchange for debts that the young women would pay back to TdA by engaging in commercial sex work. Members of TdA enforced compliance among these young women by, among other things: Threatening to kill the young women and their families, Assaulting the young women, Shooting or killing the young women, And tracking down and kidnapping the young women who tried to flee. Members of TdA also committed and conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit, acts of violence, including acts involving murder and assault, to protect and expand TdA’s criminal operations; resolve disputes within TdA; to retaliate against rival organizations, including Anti-Tren; and to maintain control over sex trafficking victims. TdA members and associates also trafficked controlled substances, committed robberies, and obtained, possessed, trafficked, and used firearms and ammunition. On May 24, 2024, JAEN MARTINEZ, GONZALEZ CASTRO, MORILLO-GOMEZ, SILVA-JIMENEZ, IBARRA-MUJICA, and FARIAS agreed with others to kill Daniels and Lawless in the vicinity of 2290 Davidson Avenue in the Bronx. JAEN MARTINEZ, GONZALEZ CASTRO, MORILLO-GOMEZ, SILVA-JIMENEZ, IBARRA-MUJICA, and FARIAS then shot and aided and abetted the shooting of Daniels, Lawless, and another victim (“Victim-3”), which resulted in the deaths of Daniels and Lawless, and multiple non-fatal gunshot wounds to Victim-3. Daniels was 44 years old, and Lawless was 36 years old. On August 4, 2024, GONZALEZ CASTRO shot and injured a rival gang member from Anti-Tren (“Rival-1”), a splinter organization of former TdA members, in the vicinity of Roosevelt Avenue and 89th Street in Queens. During the shooting, a bystander (“Victim-4”) was also shot and injured. On September 30, 2024, VALERO-CALDERON, GONZALEZ CASTRO, and MORILLO-GOMEZ committed a gunpoint carjacking and robbery of an employee of a car dealership (“Victim-1”) in the Bronx. * * * A chart containing the names, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants is set forth below. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI and NYPD. He also thanked the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office; the Aurora Police Department in Aurora, Colorado; Joint Task Force Vulcan; the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force of the U.S. Marshals Service (“USMS”); the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Gang Unit and New York Human Intelligence Division; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s New York Enforcement and Removal Operations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”); the New York City Crime Analysis Center at the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. This case is a part of Joint Task Force Vulcan (“JTFV”), which was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now expanded to target Tren de Aragua, and is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the Southern District of New York; the Eastern District of New York; the District of New Jersey; the Northern District of Ohio; the District of Utah; the District of Massachusetts; the Eastern District of Texas; the Southern District of Florida; the Eastern District of Virginia; the Southern District of California; the District of Nevada; the District of Alaska; the Southern District of Texas; and the District of Columbia, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI; DEA; HSI; the ATF; USMS; and the Federal Bureau of Prisons have been essential law enforcement partners with JTFV. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Justice Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood. This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit and JTFV. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jun Xiang, Kathryn Wheelock, Timothy Ly, and Andrew K. Chan are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. COUNT CHARGE DEFENDANTS MAX. PENALTIES 1 Racketeering conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama,” 29 SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” 29 EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol,” 20 KEIVER SILVA-JIMENEZ, a/k/a “Josue Reuben Silva,” a/k/a “Chuky,” 23 KEINEYER IBARRA-MUJICA, a/k/a “Keiner,” 28, MARLON FARIAS, a/k/a “Bili,” 31 BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO, 29 SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO, 26, and ARMANDO JOSE PEREZ GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Biblia,” 30 Life in prison 2 Drug trafficking conspiracy 21 U.S.C. § 846 JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama,” BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO, SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO, and ARMANDO JOSE PEREZ GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Biblia” 20 years in prison 3 Carjacking conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 371 JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” and EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol” Five years in prison 4 Carjacking 18 U.S.C. § 2119 JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” and EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol” 15 years in prison 5 Hobbs Act robbery 18 U.S.C. §§ 1951 and 2 JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” and EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol” 20 years in prison 6 Firearm use, carrying, and possession – September 30, 2024 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and (ii), and 2 JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” and EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol” Life in prison Mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison 7 Attempted Hobbs Act extortion 18 U.S.C. §§ 1951 and 2 JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” and EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol” 20 years in prison 8 Firearm use, carrying, and possession – conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 924(o) JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” and EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol” 20 years in prison 9 Firearm use, carrying, and possession – conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 924(o) BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO, and SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO 20 years in prison 10 Firearm use, carrying, and possession 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 2 BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO, and SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO 20 years in prison 11 Possession of ammunition by an illegal alien 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(5) and 2 BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO 15 years in prison 12 Possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(5) and 2 SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO 15 years in prison 13 Firearm use, carrying, and possession 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 2 ARMANDO JOSE PEREZ GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Biblia,” Life in prison Mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison 14 Possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(5) and 2 ARMANDO JOSE PEREZ GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Biblia,” 15 years in prison 15 Murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering – Claretha LaQuesha Daniels 18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1), (a)(3), and 2 KEIBER JAEN MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Keybe,” 33 SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol,” KEIVER SILVA-JIMENEZ, a/k/a “Josue Reuben Silva,” a/k/a “Chuky,” KEINEYER IBARRA-MUJICA, a/k/a “Keiner,” and MARLON FARIAS, a/k/a “Bili,” Life in prison or death Mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison 16 Firearms use, carrying, and possession – Claretha LaQuesha Daniels 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2 KEIBER JAEN MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Keybe,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol,” KEIVER SILVA-JIMENEZ, a/k/a “Josue Reuben Silva,” a/k/a “Chuky,” KEINEYER IBARRA-MUJICA, a/k/a “Keiner,” and MARLON FARIAS, a/k/a “Bili” Life in prison Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison 17 Murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering – Justin Lawless 18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1), (a)(3), and 2 KEIBER JAEN MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Keybe,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol,” KEIVER SILVA-JIMENEZ, a/k/a “Josue Reuben Silva,” a/k/a “Chuky,” KEINEYER IBARRA-MUJICA, a/k/a “Keiner,” and MARLON FARIAS, a/k/a “Bili” Life in prison or death Mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison 18 Firearms use, carrying, and possession – Justin Lawless 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2 KEIBER JAEN MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Keybe,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol,” KEIVER SILVA-JIMENEZ, a/k/a “Josue Reuben Silva,” a/k/a “Chuky,” KEINEYER IBARRA-MUJICA, a/k/a “Keiner,” and MARLON FARIAS, a/k/a “Bili” Life in prison Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison 19 Attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering – Victim-3 18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1), (a)(3), and 2 KEIBER JAEN MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Keybe,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol,” KEIVER SILVA-JIMENEZ, a/k/a “Josue Reuben Silva,” a/k/a “Chuky,” KEINEYER IBARRA-MUJICA, a/k/a “Keiner,” and MARLON FARIAS, a/k/a “Bili” 20 years in prison 20 Firearms use, carrying, and possession – Victim-3 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2 KEIBER JAEN MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Keybe,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol,” KEIVER SILVA-JIMENEZ, a/k/a “Josue Reuben Silva,” a/k/a “Chuky,” KEINEYER IBARRA-MUJICA, a/k/a “Keiner,” and MARLON FARIAS, a/k/a “Bili” Life in prison Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison 21 Conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering KEIBER JAEN MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Keybe,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol,” KEIVER SILVA-JIMENEZ, a/k/a “Josue Reuben Silva,” a/k/a “Chuky,” KEINEYER IBARRA-MUJICA, a/k/a “Keiner,” and MARLON FARIAS, a/k/a “Bili” Life in prison Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison 22 Possession of ammunition by an illegal alien 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(5) and 2 KEIBER JAEN MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Keybe,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol,” KEIVER SILVA-JIMENEZ, a/k/a “Josue Reuben Silva,” a/k/a “Chuky,” KEINEYER IBARRA-MUJICA, a/k/a “Keiner,” and MARLON FARIAS, a/k/a “Bili” 15 years in prison 23 Attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering – August 3, 2024, Shooting SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley” 20 years in prison 24 Firearms use, carrying, and possession – August 3, 2024, Shooting 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2 SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley” Life in prison Mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison 25 Possession of ammunition by an illegal alien 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(5) and 2 SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley” 15 years in prison u.s._v._jaen_martinez_et_al._superseding_indictment.pdf [1] The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Suburban Chicago Man Indicted on Federal Healthcare Fraud Charges

body_text: CHICAGO — A suburban Chicago man has been indicted on federal healthcare fraud charges for allegedly submitting more than $17.3 million in fraudulent claims to a private insurer. SHAWN BASHIR created fictitious entities called Success for Kids and Growing Kids Therapy, which purportedly provided early intervention services to children. From 2019 to 2025, Bashir submitted and caused to be submitted false and fraudulent claims from those entities to a private insurer for therapy services that had not actually been provided, according to an indictment unsealed Friday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. Bashir submitted and caused the submission of approximately $17.3 million in false and fraudulent claims, causing the private insurer to pay at least $1.4 million for services that were not provided, the indictment states. The indictment charges Bashir, 39, of Grayslake, Ill., with eight counts of healthcare fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Bashir pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment on Friday in federal court in Chicago. A status hearing was scheduled for Nov. 12, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis. The charges against Bashir mark the first indictment returned by the newly created Healthcare Fraud Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago. U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros created the Section last month to bring greater focus, efficiency, and impact to one of the Department of Justice’s top fraud enforcement priorities. The Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged nearly $2 billion in alleged healthcare fraud schemes since Mr. Boutros became U.S. Attorney in April 2025. The indictment against Bashir was announced by U.S. Attorney Boutros and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, Megan Howell, Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, and Kelli Hammerl, Acting Regional Director of the Chicago Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Irene Hickey Sullivan. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. bashir_indictment.pdf


title: Medical Device Company Exactech, Inc. Agrees to Pay $8 Million for Selling Allegedly Defective Knee Implant Devices

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Alabama - Exactech Inc., a medical device company based in Gainesville, Florida, has agreed to pay $8 million to resolve allegations that the company violated the federal False Claims Act by knowingly submitting or causing the submission of false claims for payment to Medicare, Medicaid, and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in connection with defective knee replacement devices. The settlement relates to two separate components of Exactech’s total knee replacement systems. First, the settlement resolves allegations that as early as January 2008, Exactech was aware that its finned tibial tray (a metal component of its knee replacement system that fits into a patient’s tibia) failed prematurely at a higher than acceptable rate and therefore was not reasonable and necessary for use during total-knee replacement surgeries performed on Medicare, Medicaid, and VA beneficiaries. Exactech nonetheless continued to market and sell that component for surgeries between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2018. Second, the settlement also resolves allegations that, as early as January 2019, Exactech was aware that the polyethylene component in certain Logic and Truliant knee replacement systems failed prematurely at a higher than acceptable rate and therefore was not reasonable and necessary for use during total-knee replacement surgeries performed on government beneficiaries. Exactech nonetheless continued to market and sell the Logic and Truliant knee systems with these defective polyethylene components for use during total-knee replacement surgeries between January 1, 2019, and February 7, 2022. “Today’s resolution reaffirms our commitment to protect the health and safety of patients,” said Prim F. Escalona, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. “Medical device manufacturers must ensure their medical devices, which may be implanted in patients’ bodies, meet the necessary standards of safety and effectiveness at all times.” “Patients who need a medical device to enjoy their lives rely on device manufacturers to put patient safety first. When a manufacturer learns that its device is defective, it must promptly and transparently address the problem,” Hayes said. “We will hold companies accountable who knowingly sell defective devices.” Under the terms of the settlement, Exactech will pay a total of $8 million, of which $7,640,000 is the federal share. The states will enter into separate agreements with Exactech relating to the $360,000 state share. The settlement is based on Exactech’s financial condition. The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Brooks Wallace, Robert Farley and Dr. Manuel Fuentes in a case captioned United States ex rel . Wallace v. Exactech, Inc. , No. 7:18-cv-1010 (N.D. Ala.) (the “Alabama Action”) and by Dr. Pasquale Petrera in a case captioned United States ex rel . Petrera v. Exactech, Inc. , Civil No. 21-3325-SAG (D. Md.) (the “Maryland Action”). Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The settlement in this case provides for the Alabama whistleblowers to receive a $1,329,360 share of the settlement amount and the Maryland whistleblower to receive a $565,360 share of the settlement amount. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the United States Attorney’s Offices for the Northern District of Alabama and the District of Maryland, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the United States’ emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Long in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama, Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Haven in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, and Senior Trial Counsel Michael Hoffman of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.


title: Venezuelan Man Sex-Trafficked Illegal Aliens, Sentenced to Decade in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – A Venezuelan national was sentenced in federal court today to 10 years in prison for two human trafficking charges and being an alien in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, Edson Jose Contreras-Torrealba, 34, conspired with codefendant Eyleen Aular-Marin from February 2024 to Aug. 19, 2024, to recruit, entice, harbor, provide and transport multiple adult women, to provide sexual services for a fee in San Antonio. The victims were not free to leave Contreras-Torrealba’s apartment or the designated hotel rooms without permission from the co-conspirators, and they were required to work every day at all times of day and night. Additionally, Contreras-Torrealba always carried a 9mm pistol and was in possession of the handgun when he was arrested at a hotel in San Antonio on Aug. 19, 2024. Contreras-Torrealba recruited one of the victims, an undocumented Venezuelan, over Facebook when she was living in Colombia. He provided money for the woman to travel from Colombia across the Mexico-U.S. border and once she was out of ICE detention in April 2024, Contreras-Torrealba harbored her in an apartment and told her she owed $30,000 for her travel debt. He instructed her to pay off the debt with proceeds from commercial sex. The victim facilitated up to 20 appointments per day for sexual intercourse for a fee, none of which went to the victim herself. Contreras-Torrealba charged the victim $50 per day to reside in the apartment as well as $50 for every prostitution appointment that required transportation. The victim was arrested twice in 2024, and Contreras-Torrealba added the cost of her bond to the debt she owed him. A second victim, also an undocumented Venezuelan woman, lived in Dallas and was recruited over social media. Similar to the first victim, she was restricted to a hotel room and facilitated up to 25 appointments per day for sexual intercourse with no days off. Unlike the first victim, she split proceeds from sexual services with Contreras-Torrealba, keeping 30 percent. “We cannot be a society that tolerates the commoditization of humans for the purposes of sex,” said Justin R. Simmons, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas. “If you intend to profit off of the sexual commoditization of humans, do not come to San Antonio, or anywhere else in the Western District of Texas because our law enforcement partners at the local, state and federal levels, are dedicated to ending the proliferation of human trafficking in San Antonio and throughout the District.” “This sentencing of this international predator underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting those most vulnerable and combatting transnational criminal organizations,” said ICE HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “This case highlights the critical importance of collaboration between our local partners to dismantle criminal networks that affect San Antonio and beyond. HSI will continue to prioritize the fight against human trafficking and gang to ensure justice is served. We thank our law enforcement partners and prosecutors for their dedication to this case.” “This sentencing sends a clear message that human trafficking and organized criminal activity have no place in San Antonio,” said San Antonio Police Chief William McManus. “We will pursue justice relentlessly and continue our commitment to safeguarding victims, alongside our federal partners. The courage of those who came forward and the dedication of our investigators show what is possible when our community stands together against exploitation.” Aular-Marin was sentenced on Sept. 3 to 70 months in prison. Another co-defendant, Ronayde Salazar-Garcia, who, for two weeks, served as a driver for the victims in the human trafficking scheme and helped ensure the victims did not leave their confined locations, is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 21.. ICE and the San Antonio Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia McNab prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Nigerian National Sentenced For Defrauding Colorado Woman In Romance Scheme

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Adetomiwa Seun Akindele, age 37, a Nigerian national who had been residing in Minnesota prior to his arrest, has been sentenced to 71 months in federal prison, ordered to pay $1,692,945 in restitution, and a forfeiture money judgement in the same amount after pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Upon serving his sentence, Akindele will be deported to Nigeria. According to the plea agreement, beginning in January 2018, and continuing until October 2018, Akindele posed as a wealthy Italian American businessman, “Frank Labato,” on a dating website, where he met a widowed Colorado woman. In February 2018, Akindele began emailing the victim, and in March 2018, the two began exchanging telephone calls. During these communications, Akindele provided the victim with additional false details about his personal and work background, images, and photos, to substantiate his fictitious persona of “Frank.” In March 2018, Akindele represented to the victim that he had encountered a financial crisis related to his purported work abroad for which he claimed to need money, funds, and assistance from the victim. At Akindele’s direction, the victim opened a cryptocurrency exchange account, where she eventually wired over $1.6 million dollars as directed by Akindele. From there, Akindele converted the money into various cryptocurrencies, laundered it across multiple crypto exchanges and then converted it back into U.S. dollars and deposited it into his own bank accounts. Akindele fraudulently represented to the victim that he would repay her for the requested “loans” to his business. Over the course of the scheme, Akindele executed three fraudulent “promissory notes” to reassure the victim that she would be repaid. “This sentence both serves justice to the victim and helps prevent this individual from scamming someone else,” said United States Attorney Peter McNeilly. “This case should be a reminder to the public to be cautious when engaging with people they meet online - especially when those people are asking for money.” “Romance scammers are relentless and cunning, preying on trust and emotion to exploit victims,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “This was an egregious case, and through relentless investigative work the perpetrator was tracked down and brought to justice.” United States District Judge Charlotte N. Sweeney presided over the sentencing. The FBI Denver Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Martha A. Paluch handled the prosecution. Case number: 22-cr-00326-CNS


title: Goose Creek Man Indicted for Lying about Ties to ISIS

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Charleston returned a four-count indictment against Ala Aldeen Alshaikh, 31, of Goose Creek, for making false statements in connection with his naturalization process, lying to agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and destroying evidence with the intent to obstruct a federal investigation. Alshaikh was arrested by federal agents this morning. The indictment alleges that Alshaikh, a Sudanese national, applied for United States citizenship in September 2021. During an interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, he denied that he had associated with a terrorist organization when, in fact, in August 2021 he pledged allegiance to, and claimed membership in, the terrorist organization known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, commonly known as ISIS. It further alleges that a year following his immigration interview, in preparation for his naturalization ceremony, Alshaikh again denied that he had become associated or connected with a terrorist group on a written immigration form. In both October and November 2021, however, Alshaikh made online statements that indicated he associated and connected with ISIS concerning a possible attack on a United States Embassy after his immigration interview on Sept. 10, 2021. The indictment also alleges that Alshaikh, who has experience in the aviation industry, lied to an FBI agent in January 2025 by denying that he had ever offered to share his aviation expertise with anyone when, in fact, he offered to mobilize and share his aviation expertise with a militant group referred to as the Al-Bara Ibn Malik Brigade. Finally, it alleges that Alshaikh destroyed evidence related to this online conversation after becoming aware of the federal investigation against him. Alshaikh faces maximum penalties of between five-and 20-years imprisonment on the various charges. He was arraigned this morning and a detention hearing is scheduled for Sept. 19 at 10 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary Gordon Baker. The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Joint Terrorism Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Lietzow and Everett McMillian are prosecuting the case with support from Trial Attorney Kevin C. Nunnally of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section. All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Richland County Man Sentenced for Possession of Illegal Drugs

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

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — William Justin Marshall, 43, of Columbia, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, and methamphetamine. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that a deputy with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department made a traffic stop on a car in which Marshall was a passenger. During the stop, a K-9 officer alerted to the car. The car was searched, and the deputy found a digital scale with a heavy white residue consistent with crack cocaine. The substance field tested positive for cocaine. Both the driver and Marshall denied ownership and were charged with possession of crack cocaine and taken to a field office for processing. While in processing, Marshall became defensive and would not allow the officers to do a complete search of him. Marshall then asked to be taken to the hospital. At the hospital, police removed his shoes and found multiple bags containing fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, and methamphetamine. United States District Sherri A. Lydon sentenced Marshall to 120 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Westbrook Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Maine

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine : A Westbrook man was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for distributing cocaine and cocaine base. U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced Francis Mezan , 35, to 27 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Mezan pleaded guilty on April 8, 2025. According to court records, a cooperating source working with law enforcement purchased cocaine and cocaine base from Mezan on three separate occasions, spanning from July 18, 2024, through September 5, 2024. These purchases were recorded and monitored by investigators. The FBI investigated this case, with assistance from the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Portland Police Department. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces: This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. ###


title: Former DHS officer sentenced to 70 months for laundering drug proceeds

body_text: HOUSTON – A former deportation officer has been sentenced for laundering money while working for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Christopher Washington Toral, 49, Spring, pleaded guilty Feb. 27. U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison has now ordered Toral to serve 70 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. He must also pay a $20,000 fine. At the hearing, the court heard additional information that detailed Toral’s willingness to use his badge and gun to protect what he believed to be cartel drug money. “Federal officers are imbued with tremendous power, and with that power comes a great responsibility to uphold the people’s trust. When those same officers choose to engage in corrupt acts, they not only break the law, they strike at the heart of public confidence in our system of government,” said Ganjei. “In choosing personal gain over his duty to his fellow citizens, Toral effectively chose prison over honor.” “When a sworn officer uses the badge to shield criminal activity, the damage extends far beyond a single crime; it strikes at the very foundation of public trust,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “Christopher Toral decided to put personal gain over public duty. Today’s sentencing is the result of a shared commitment by FBI Houston and DHS-Office of Inspector General (OIG) to root out corruption wherever it hides.” “Serving the public as a law enforcement officer demands the utmost integrity,” said DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari Ph.D. “We, along with our partners at the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, remain resolute to ensure law enforcement officers who break the public’s trust are held accountable.” Toral began working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2008 and was assigned to a processing center in Conroe. Over a two-month period in 2023, he used his position as a federal law enforcement officer to transport $700,000 in drug proceeds under the guise of official duties. As part of an undercover operation, Toral agreed to transport a black bag containing $200,000 in cash from Dallas to Houston in February 2023, believing the money was from illegal narcotics sales. He made the same trip later that month delivering an additional $200,000. In March, Toral flew from Newark, New Jersey, to Houston with $300,000 in suspected drug money, bypassing airport security and Transportation Security Administration by exploiting his law enforcement position. Toral did all this in exchange for cash payments. Toral was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. FBI and DHS-OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and John Marck prosecuted the case.


title: New Bedford Man Indicted for Possessing Firearm on Foxborough Elementary School Grounds

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A New Bedford man was indicted today by a federal grand jury for allegedly possessing a firearm and ammunition on the grounds of the Charles G. Taylor Elementary School in Foxborough. Jameel Clark-White, 32, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and one count of possessing a firearm in a school zone. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. According to the indictment, Clark-White allegedly possessed a .45 caliber Glock 41 pistol and 49 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition within 1,000 feet of the Charles G. Taylor Elementary School on June 12, 2025. The indictment also alleges that Clark-White was previously convicted of a felony. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possessing a firearm in a school zone provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $100,000. 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 Scott Riordan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Foxborough Police Department and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Jefferson County man sentenced to federal prison in connection with postal carjacking

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced to federal prison for a carjacking offense in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Jody Lee Bass, 35, pleaded guilty to carjacking and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on September 16, 2025. According to information presented in court, on June 8, 2024, Bass approached a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service on Avenue F in Beaumont. Bass used a knife to rob the mail carrier of the USPS mail delivery truck while the victim was delivering mail on his route. Bass grabbed the mail carrier and attempted to stab him. The mail carrier escaped, and Bass drove off with the mail truck before abandoning it nearby. Local law enforcement responded and found Bass hiding in the area. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross. ###


title: Seven-time felon imprisoned for unlawfully reentering the U.S. and drunkenly firing a weapon

body_text: HOUSTON – A 39-year-old Mexican national with a felony criminal history has been sentenced for illegally reentering the country without authorization following a felony theft conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Manuel Albert Aragon-Hernandez pleaded guilty July 1. U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has now ordered Aragon-Hernandez to serve 44 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is again expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard evidence that after unlawfully reentering the United States, Aragon-Hernandez had fired a weapon while intoxicated. Authorities also found him in possession of narcotics. In handing down the sentence, the court took into consideration that Aragon-Hernandez has been in custody for narcotics offenses since 2023. “If you illegally reenter the United States after being removed or deported, you are going be imprisoned and then sent home again,” Ganjei said. “Save yourself the trouble—and the prison time—by just staying home in the first place.” Aragon-Hernandez has convictions for failure to identify with intent to give false information and theft from a person as well as three prior convictions for illegal entry and two for possession of a controlled substance. He was first removed from the country Sept. 14, 2010, and returned illegally three times. While in the country after illegally reentering the last time, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a speeding vehicle he was driving and found him in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana. Immigration authorities ultimately encountered him April 2. Aragon-Hernandez will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation along with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Wirsing prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: Dominican National Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison for Illegal Reentry

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Lawrence was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation. Melvin Villar, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Denise J. Casper to 10 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025 , Villar pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. Villar was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025 . Villar was arrested by immigration authorities on Feb. 2, 2025, following his release from state custody on narcotics trafficking charges. In 2004, 2009, 2019 and 2021 , Villar was previously removed following criminal convictions for immigration, drug and firearm offenses – including two prior convictions for unlawful reentry. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Grady of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Indiana Man Arrested in Connection With Sending Threat Involving the Naval Academy on a Social Media App

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – Federal law enforcement arrested Jackson Fleming, 23, of Chesterton, Indiana, on suspicion of sending an online threat through a social media application connected to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on September 11, 2025. A magistrate judge approved a complaint charging Fleming with one count of transmitting a threat in interstate communication in the Northern District of Indiana. Authorities arrested Fleming on September 12, in Indiana. He made his initial appearance in the Northern District of Indiana on September 15. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, and M. Scott Proctor, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, announced the arrest with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley, FBI – Indianapolis Field Office. A complaint is not evidence of guilt and is a temporary charge that must be followed by information or an indictment that formally brings federal charges. If formally charged, Fleming faces a maximum of five years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI for its work in the investigation. Additionally, Ms. Hayes praised the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, and the United States Naval Academy for their assistance with the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sohn, who is prosecuting this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert I. Goldaris, who is providing valuable assistance to this case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #