title: Texas Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Online Neo-Nazi Group that Exploited Children into Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Texas man and convicted rapist pleaded guilty today to leading a child exploitation enterprise connected to an internet-based extremist group that entices and targets children into producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and images of self-harm. Kaleb Christopher Merritt, 26, a.k.a. “eTerror,” of Spring, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a child exploitation enterprise. Merritt is in federal custody in Los Angeles but also is serving a 33-year prison sentence in Virginia. “Going after dangerous pedophiles is one of the top priorities of our office,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “This sick, perverted criminal led an effort to prey on vulnerable children through the internet. The only way to keep the public safe is to lock him up in prison for as long as possible, and that’s exactly what we will fight for at sentencing.” “This guilty plea exposes the depravity of CVLT, a criminal enterprise that systematically targeted vulnerable children, coerced them into producing abuse material, and threatened to destroy their lives if they resisted,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Merritt was one of the online administrators who made CVLT's monstruous machinery of child exploitation run. NSD thanks our law enforcement partners here and around the world whose work enabled the Department to bring these charges.” “This guilty plea marks a significant step toward accountability for the actions of this network of predators,” said HSI Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang. “HSI special agents uncovered this scheme through extensive investigation, analysis of electronic communication, and victim reporting to ultimately identify those responsible for this deplorable conduct.” According to his plea agreement, Merritt was a member and leader of CVLT – pronounced “cult” – which was a group of individuals dedicated to the online sexual exploitation of children, primarily vulnerable girls. CVLT members, including Merritt, worked together online to entice and coerce children into self-producing CSAM and to engage in self-harm. CVLT members – Merritt included – hurt at least five minor victims. CVLT consisted of multiple individuals, including Merritt and co-defendants Clint Jordan Lopaka Nahooikaika Borge, 42, a.k.a. “Whoops,” of Pahoa, Hawaii, Rohan Rane, 29, and Collin John Thomas Walker, 24, a.k.a. “Wrath,” of Bridgeton, New Jersey. The purpose of CVLT’s child exploitation was to create an army of sadist followers. CVLT espoused neo-Nazism, nihilism, and pedophilia as its core principles, among others, and exposed children to material depicting and promoting these principles. This included repeated uses of Nazi symbols and language and the distribution of bondage, discipline, sadist, and masochistic (BDSM) and gore CSAM. The defendants each joined the CVLT as early as 2020 and served as leaders of the group, including hosting servers, controlling membership and access, and directing and instructing victims during the creation of CVLT extortion videos and other materials. Together, the defendants groomed and coerced numerous minors into self-harm by exposing them to violent and extremist content and extreme philosophies, such as neo-Nazism, nihilism, pedophilia, and anarchy. Having degraded and groomed the children, the defendants would then knowingly employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce children to self-produce CSAM and self-harm. United States District Judge Hernán D. Vera scheduled a January 7, 2027, sentencing hearing, at which time Merritt will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Rane is in custody in France on CSAM-related charges pending extradition to the United States. Walker and Borge pleaded guilty in October 2025 and December 2025, respectively, to one count of engaging in a child exploitation enterprise and are expected to be sentenced in the coming months. They remain in federal custody. Homeland Security Investigations, the Los Angeles Police Department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia), the Iowa State University Police, Police Nationale (France), the National Crime Agency (United Kingdom), the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, and EUROPOL are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Kellye Ng of the Major Crimes Section and Justice Department Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting this case. This case is a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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: Bronx man pleads guilty to bank fraud conspiracy and ID theft

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Edwin Robles, 38, of the Bronx, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul E. Bonanno, who is handling the case, stated that in January 2025, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, co-conspirator Vance Ashley was recruited by members of the conspiracy to pose as other persons and make unauthorized withdrawals from the other persons’ bank accounts. Ashley agreed to do this in exchange for money. Between January 28 and February 3, 2025, Ashley drove with Robles and co-conspirators Edward Richardson and Michael Herrera, to bank branches in Wilmington, Delaware, Liberty, NY, and Lock Haven, PA, where Ashely used the identifications of other individuals to make, or attempt to make, unauthorized withdrawals from the victims’ bank accounts. On February 5, 2025, the defendants drove to a Northwest Bank branch in Lockport, within the Western District of New York. Ashley made an unauthorized withdrawal of from the account of an individual residing in Erie, PA. Ashley also purchased a bank check using funds from the account. That same day, the defendants drove to another Northwest Bank branch in Williamsville, within the Western District of New York, and again Ashley made an unauthorized withdrawal from an account and purchased a bank check using funds from the account of a victim from North East PA. Also on February 5, 2025, Robles unlawfully the identification of another person during a felony violation. The total loss amount, including actual loss and intended loss, is $91,300.00. Ashley was previously convicted and is awaiting sentencing. The plea is the result of an investigation by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date. # # # #


title: Federal Jury Finds Mother and Daughter Guilty of Medicare Fraud Scheme and Payment of Illegal Kickbacks

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – A federal jury today convicted a mother and daughter from Melbourne, Florida, of multiple counts of health care fraud, payment of illegal kickbacks, and conspiracy to commit those offenses. The mother, Cindy Justice, was the owner and president of PureScience Rx, a pharmacy located in Poway. The daughter, Ashleigh Davis, was the operations manager at PureScience Rx and was a licensed pharmacy technician. Following an 11-day trial, a jury convicted the defendants of orchestrating a Medicare fraud scheme involving illegal kickbacks and medically unnecessary prescription drugs, largely tied to purported “footbath” treatments. Evidence showed the defendants paid marketers illegal commissions based on Medicare reimbursements in exchange for prescriptions generated through telehealth encounters that never involved legitimate medical examinations. The kickbacks were concealed through sham contracts and fabricated invoices falsely portraying the payments as hourly compensation. Trial evidence further established that telemarketing call centers targeted Medicare beneficiaries and secured agreement to receive expensive medications regardless of medical need. Many prescriptions were fraudulently issued using the stolen identities of nurse practitioners. The defendants then billed Medicare as though the prescriptions were medically necessary and based on proper evaluations. Expert testimony confirmed, however, the drugs—particularly those ordered to be used in footbaths—were not FDA-approved or supported by recognized medical compendia for such use. Medicare ultimately paid more than $4.9 million on the fraudulent claims. “Medicare exists to care for patients—not to bankroll sham prescriptions and kickback schemes disguised as medical treatment,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “The FBI prioritizes Medicare fraud and meticulously investigates anyone trying to scam the United States Government and its taxpayers,” said TJ Holland, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “Today’s conviction is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of FBI San Diego’s healthcare fraud team and our law enforcement partners at HHS-OIG to holding fraudsters accountable.” The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2026. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Blanca Quintero and George Manahan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of California. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie Chu contributed significantly to the case. DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr01229-LL Cindy Justice Age: 70 Melbourne, Florida Ashleigh Davis Age: 41 Melbourne, Florida SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud and Pay Unlawful Remuneration—Title 18, U.S.C. Section 371 Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine Health Care Fraud—Title 18, U.S.C. Section 1347 Maximum penalty: Five years in prison and $250,000 fine (Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Payment of Unlawful Remuneration – Title 42, U.S.C. Section 1320-7d Maximum penalty: Four years in prison and $250,000 fine (Payment of Unlawful Remuneration) INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Federal Bureau of Investigation U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG)


title: Man Pleads Guilty to Participating in Online Neo-Nazi Group that Exploited Children into Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: National Security Division (NSD)

body_text: A Texas man and convicted rapist pleaded guilty to leading a child exploitation enterprise connected to an internet-based extremist group that entices and targets children into producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and images of self-harm. Kaleb Christopher Merritt, 26, also known as “eTerror,” of Spring, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a child exploitation enterprise. Merritt is in federal custody in Los Angeles but also is serving a 33-year prison sentence in Virginia. “This guilty plea exposes the depravity of CVLT, a criminal enterprise that systematically targeted vulnerable children, coerced them into producing abuse material, and threatened to destroy their lives if they resisted,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Merritt was one of the online administrators who made CVLT's monstruous machinery of child exploitation run. NSD thanks our law enforcement partners here and around the world whose work enabled the Department to bring these charges.” “Going after dangerous pedophiles is one of the top priorities of our office,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California. “This sick, perverted criminal led an effort to prey on vulnerable children through the internet. The only way to keep the public safe is to lock him up in prison for as long as possible, and that’s exactly what we will fight for at sentencing.” “This guilty plea marks a significant step toward accountability for the actions of this network of predators,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang. “HSI special agents uncovered this scheme through extensive investigation, analysis of electronic communication, and victim reporting to ultimately identify those responsible for this deplorable conduct.” According to his plea agreement, Merritt was a member and leader of CVLT – pronounced “cult” – which was a group of individuals dedicated to the online sexual exploitation of children, primarily vulnerable girls. CVLT members, including Merritt, worked together online to entice and coerce children into self-producing CSAM and to engage in self-harm. CVLT members – Merritt included – hurt at least five minor victims. CVLT consisted of multiple individuals, including Merritt and co-defendants Clint Jordan Lopaka Nahooikaika Borge, 42, also known as “Whoops,” of Pahoa, Hawaii, Rohan Rane, 29, and Collin John Thomas Walker, 24, also known as “Wrath,” of Bridgeton, New Jersey. The purpose of CVLT’s child exploitation was to create an army of sadist followers. CVLT espoused neo-Nazism, nihilism, and pedophilia as its core principles, among others, and exposed children to material depicting and promoting these principles. This included repeated uses of Nazi symbols and language and the distribution of bondage, discipline, sadist, and masochistic (BDSM) and gore CSAM. The defendants each joined the CVLT as early as 2020 and served as leaders of the group, including hosting servers, controlling membership and access, and directing and instructing victims during the creation of CVLT extortion videos and other materials. Together, the defendants groomed and coerced numerous minors into self-harm by exposing them to violent and extremist content and extreme philosophies, such as neo-Nazism, nihilism, pedophilia, and anarchy. Having degraded and groomed the children, the defendants would then knowingly employ, use, persuade, induce, entice, and coerce children to self-produce CSAM and self-harm. United States District Judge Hernán D. Vera for the Central District of California scheduled a Jan. 7, 2027 sentencing hearing, at which time Merritt will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Rane is in custody in France on CSAM-related charges pending extradition to the United States. Walker and Borge pleaded guilty in October 2025 and December 2025, respectively, to one count of engaging in a child exploitation enterprise and are expected to be sentenced in the coming months. They remain in federal custody. Homeland Security Investigations, the Los Angeles Police Department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia), the Iowa State University Police, Police Nationale (France), the National Crime Agency (United Kingdom), the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, and EUROPOL are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Kellye Ng of the Major Crimes Section and Justice Department Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting this case. This case is a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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: Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty To Unlawful Reentry

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tito Arias-Castellon, a/k/a Tito Castellon Arias, a/k/a Tito Castello Arias-Castellon, a/k/a Tito Ely Arias-Castellon, age 26, a Honduran national unlawfully present in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than 20 years, and a fine of not more than $250,000. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The Indictment alleged that on February 18, 2026, Arias-Castellon, an alien, was found in the United States without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States after having been previously removed on October 15, 2018, and January 15, 2020. 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. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Arias-Castellon will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Cornell and Kristin Knutson represented the United States.


title: Micronesian National Pleads Guilty To Failing To Register As Sex Offender

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Reynold Rodriguez, age 60, a Micronesian national, entered a guilty plea to one count of Failure to Register as Sex Offender, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The Indictment alleged that Rodriguez was convicted of Sexual Battery in the District Court of McCurtain County, Oklahoma, on September 9, 2024, and was required to register as a sex offender, and that from October 22, 2024, until July 23, 2025, Rodriguez failed to register and update his registration despite entering, leaving, or residing in Indian country, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Rodriguez will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Paladino and Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.


title: Hammond Man Sentenced to 192 Months in Prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: HAMMOND- Jahmal Sanders, 30 years old, of Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and for possessing a stolen firearm, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Sanders was sentenced to 192 months imprisonment followed by 2 years of supervised release. The 192 months was ordered to have 144 months to be served consecutive to the state sentence he is currently serving, and 48 months to be served concurrent with his state sentence. “This is a great example of how Project Safe Neighborhoods partners the intelligence and efforts of local law enforcement with the investigative resources of the federal government to make our community, and nation, safer. A previously convicted robber and burglar is going to prison for possessing five guns, one of which was stolen in a burglary. He is also currently serving a separate sentence for rape, and he will then be punished for these crimes. We are thankful for the fine work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation/Gang Response Investigative Team Task Force and the Hammond Police Department to put this violent criminal behind bars,” Mildred said. According to documents in the case, on February 10, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Sanders’ residence in Hammond. Officers recovered five firearms, including a firearm that was stolen during the burglary earlier that morning. Sanders’ criminal history revealed he has prior felony convictions for robbery and burglary, and such, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition. He is currently serving a 13-year sentence for a rape conviction out of Lake County, Indiana. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation/Gang Response Investigative Team Task Force and the Hammond Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Toth. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: South Bend Man Sentenced to 101 Months in Prison

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

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Tony Horston, 36 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Horston was sentenced to 101 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. “A violent, armed, recidivist drug dealer is going to prison because the partnership of local law enforcement and federal agents interrupted his enterprise. We are safer because of their efforts,” Mildred said. According to documents in the case, police executed a search warrant at Horston’s house and found about 2.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, about 51 grams of fentanyl, about $10,000 in cash, and three loaded firearms. Horston has multiple prior felony convictions including dealing cocaine, battery, resisting law enforcement, and unlawful carrying of a firearm, any of which prohibited him from possessing a firearm in this case. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Elkhart County Interdiction and Covert Enforcement Unit and the Mishawaka Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Milwaukee Man Indicted for Domestic Violence Related Arson and Cyberstalking

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Brad D. Schimel, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on March 24, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment alleging that Dante D. Bracey, Jr. (age: 35) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, committed three federal felonies: (1) Count One: arson, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(i); (2) Count Two: cyberstalking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2261A(2); and (3) Count Three: use of fire to commit a federal felony, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 844(h). Bracey is alleged to have intentionally set fire to a multi-unit residential apartment building in Milwaukee on January 10, 2026. He is also charged with engaging in a course of conduct via telephone that caused the adult victim to fear death or serious bodily injury and to suffer substantial emotional distress. If convicted of Count One, Bracey faces a mandatory minimum of five years’ imprisonment and a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment. If convicted of Count Two, he faces up to five years’ imprisonment. If convicted of Count Three, Bracey faces a mandatory 10 years’ imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, consecutive to any sentence on Count Two. This case was investigated by the Milwaukee Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abbey M. Marzick. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Former Milwaukee Police Officer Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison

body_text: Brad D. Schimel, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on March 24, 2026, Juwon Madlock (age: 30) was sentenced to five years of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, by United States District Judge Brett H. Ludwig. Publicly filed documents reflect that Madlock, while serving as a Milwaukee Police Officer, provided ammunition to a felon; possessed an automatic weapon; helped a street gang hide its stolen vehicles; and lied to the FBI. He pled guilty to offenses related to that misconduct in December 2025. Beyond the offenses of conviction, Madlock also sent pictures of his fellow officers to a gang member and offered to sell rifles to that same gang member. Madlock counseled wanted criminals on how to flee from law enforcement. Most egregiously, Madlock told a violent gang where to find its rivals, knowing those gang members would use his information to shoot and kill those same rivals. In its sentencing commentary, the government emphasized the need for a serious sentence to promote respect for the law. The government noted that Madlock “knew what he was doing, and he knew it was wrong. He nevertheless chose to imperil the public, betray his colleagues, and violate his oath. His crimes were novel, aggravated, and brazen.” While imposing sentence, Judge Ludwig described the case as “tragic” and “sad,” given both the defendant’s crimes and the advantages Madlock enjoyed relative to other defendants. Judge Ludwig emphasized that the defendant was “sworn to uphold the law,” but instead he “violated it.” Judge Ludwig also noted that Madlock’s crime was not a “mistake”; instead, he had “opportunities” to “come to” his “senses and stop,” which he ignored. Judge Ludwig explained that Madlock was “lucky” the men whose information he shared were not hurt, because if they had been, Madlock could have been “party to a murder.” “The defendant used his position as a police officer to provide information to gang members to assist them in perpetrating crimes against the very community he swore to protect and serve,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Schimel. “For a sworn officer to traffic in law enforcement sensitive information, weapons and drugs while on duty is simply unconscionable, and he belongs in prison.” "Juwon Madlock's betrayal of the trust he held as a police officer was reprehensible. The FBI will continue to work tirelessly to hold accountable those who deceive the public’s trust and assist criminal organizations,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Alan Karr. “The FBI and our partners will aggressively investigate those who violate the public trust and their duty to serve.” “The Milwaukee Police Department appreciates the work of our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on this case," said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. “As a department, we firmly believe that it is our duty to enforce laws when individuals decide to cause harm to others, and that includes enforcing those laws even when it is our members causing that harm. No one is above the law.” This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Milwaukee Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Knight and Patricia Daugherty. # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Canadian Man Detained in Connection with “Grandparent Scam” Indictment After Removal from Nicaragua

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on March 24, 2026, Jimmy Ylimaki, 36, of Quebec, Canada, made his initial appearance in the United States District Court for the District of Vermont in connection with an indictment charging him with participating in a “grandparent scam.” Ylimaki was apprehended in Nicaragua and was removed to the United States. Ylimaki entered a plea of not guilty to the charge before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Ylimaki be detained pending trial. According to court records, a “grandparent scam” is a telemarketing fraud scheme involving phone calls made to elderly individuals. The initial callers typically pose as a member of the elderly victim’s family (usually a grandchild) and claim – falsely – to be in legal trouble, such as a motor vehicle accident. A second person posing as an “attorney” representing the family member then states that the elderly victim of the scam needs to provide a large sum of cash – typically thousands or tens of thousands of dollars – to bail the family member out of jail. The “attorneys” involved in this scam often identify themselves by various fictitious names, which sometimes are re-used in connection with calls to multiple elderly victims. Callers utilize a script, which has been crafted over time to refine the deception that is at the heart of the scam. The elderly victim is then instructed to provide the “bail money” to a “bail bondsman” who comes to the elderly victim’s home to collect the money later the same day. According to court records, Ylimaki played the role of the “attorney” in the “grandparent scam.” Ylimaki was initially encountered inside a call center in Quebec when Canadian law enforcement executed a search warrant on June 4, 2024. Ylimaki is alleged to have been actively placing calls in the moments before the search warrant, and multiple “call lists” containing names, addresses, phone numbers, ages, and annual incomes of elderly Americans were found on his desk. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Ylimaki is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Ylimaki faces up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, as well as Customs and Border Protection, and recognized the contributions of the United States Department of State Diplomatic Security Service in assisting with locating Ylimaki in Nicaragua. The prosecutors are Assistant United States Attorneys Nate Burris, Michelle Arra, and Nicole Cate. Ylimaki is represented by Attorney Jessica Burke. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Vermont comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Diplomatic Security Service, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and state and local partner agencies, with prosecutions being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont.


title: New Port Richey Man Sentenced to Prison for Interstate Threats to Kill Federal Officials

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – Benjamin Rubin (79, New Port Richey) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell to one year in federal prison for interstate transmission of threats to kill multiple federal officials. Rubin pleaded guilty on December 22, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, during the month of February 2025, Rubin began posting about his frustrations on social media. As his frustrations grew, the tenor of his postings became more violent, and he began threatening to injure and kill United States officials and political figures. On February 20, 2025, Rubin posted that the head of a federal law enforcement agency “will be assassinated.” Two days later, Rubin posted “I shot my TV when [U.S. Cabinet Member] appeared in an ad on illegals. Next time I see her in person the shots will be for her.” This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Wheeler, III.


title: Winter Park Man Sentenced to Over 14 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking Offenses

body_text: Orlando, Florida – Henry Baker (30, Winter Park) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Julie Sneed to 14 years and 8 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, distributing and possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Baker pleaded guilty on January 6, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, Baker and his grandfather, Arthur Bradshaw, were members of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and bromazolam (a synthetic drug used to make counterfeit Xanax tablets) in Central Florida. During the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) investigation of Baker and Bradshaw, an undercover agent purchased 9,000 counterfeit fentanyl-laced pills from Baker and Bradshaw over the course of four controlled purchases during the summer of 2024. The transactions took place in Winter Park, Sanford, and Casselberry. On September 24, 2024, a federal search warrant was executed at the Winter Park apartment that Baker and Bradshaw shared, resulting in the seizure of 1,069 grams of methamphetamine, 17 grams of fentanyl, 85 grams of cocaine, and 803 grams of bromazolam. Just before executing the search warrant, Baker and Bradshaw were arrested by DEA agents as they were leaving the apartment. The case against Arthur Bradshaw remains pending. This case was investigated by the DEA, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office - Special Investigations Unit, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office- City County Investigative Bureau. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson.


title: Convicted Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of Ammunition

body_text: Gainesville, Florida – DeShawn Russ, 35, of Jacksonville, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to prohibited person in possession of ammunition. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the outstanding investigative work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, this dangerous serial felon has been taken off our streets and he will face an extended federal prison sentence. This successful prosecution by my office is yet another win for the safety of our communities under Operation Take Back America , and we will continue to aggressively prosecute these cases to deliver the safe streets our citizens deserve.” Court documents reflect that the Gainesville Police Department responded to a shooting within a vehicle where officers found a bullet hole in the driver’s window. Russ, who was known to the driver, was located nearby. Although no firearm was recovered, a .380 bullet was located in his pocket. Russ is multi-time convicted felon, and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. The defendant faces imprisonment for up to 15 years at sentencing. Sentencing is scheduled for June 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor. The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gainesville Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt. 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. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Texas Man Sentenced for COVID-19 Unemployment Fraud Scheme

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Texas man was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay $154,744 in restitution for defrauding the government by obtaining COVID-19 pandemic-related unemployment benefits through false claims. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, between July 2020 and February 2021, Marc Long , while residing in Texas, carried out a scheme to fraudulently obtain federally funded unemployment insurance benefits through the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. Long submitted online unemployment claims and weekly certifications using the names and personal identifying information of other individuals, even though neither he nor those individuals were eligible for the benefits. Court records show Long used the stolen identities of multiple victims to obtain or attempt to obtain COVID-19-related unemployment benefits. His fraudulent applications caused benefits to be deposited into bank accounts accessible by him and caused debit cards loaded with benefits to be mailed to addresses in Texas associated with Long . The fraud resulted in the theft of over $150,000 of federal unemployment relief funds intended for New Mexico residents impacted by COVID-19. Long pleaded guilty to two counts each of wire fraud, mail fraud and theft of government property. Upon his release from prison, Long will be subject to three years of supervised release. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today. The FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office and Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.


title: Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Guatemalan national pleaded guilty on March 24, 2026 in federal court in Rhode Island to illegally reentering the United States after having been removed, announced United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. Victor Lemus Davida, 44, admitted that he returned to the United States after having been previously removed. Lemus Davida is scheduled to be sentenced on April 23, 2026. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. He faces a sentence of up to 2 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to one year of supervised release. According to court documents, Lemus Davida, a citizen of Guatemala, was previously removed from the United States on June 8, 2022, pursuant to an order of removal. He later entered the United States without obtaining permission from the Attorney General to reapply for admission. Lemus Davida was arrested on February 5, 2026 in Pawtucket, RI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sandra R. Hebert. The matter was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.


title: Boise Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Idaho

body_text: BOISE – Gary Stanley Williams, 49, of Boise, Idaho, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for possessing child sexual abuse material, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced today. According to court records, the investigation began when a citizen reported that Williams was involved in concerning online activity. The citizen provided screenshots of Williams’ online activity that showed him interacting with several online accounts that appeared to be operated by minor females. An undercover detective with the Boise Police Department (“BPD”) later contacted Williams online purporting to be a 14-year-old female. For several days, Williams engaged in sexually explicit conversation with the purported 14-year-old and discussed his interest in child sexual abuse material. Based on the communications, BPD obtained a federal search warrant to seize and search Williams’ electronic devices. During a forensic examination of Williams’ cellphone, BPD located numerous files of child sexual abuse material, including depictions of prepubescent children and toddlers. Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Williams to serve a lifetime period of supervised release following his prison sentence and to pay $45,000 in restitution to the victims in the images that he possessed. Williams will be required to register as a sex offender as a result of his conviction. U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the Boise Police Department, which led to the charge. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kassandra McGrady prosecuted the case. These cases were 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. As part of Project Safe Childhood, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the Idaho Attorney General’s Office partner to marshal 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: U.S. Attorney's Office Entered Settlements Exceeding $900 Million and Collected Over $70 Million in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2025

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced today that the District of Massachusetts entered settlements with defendants for more than $900 million and collected more than $70 million in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, $30.5 million was collected in criminal actions and $39.6 million was collected in civil actions. The Office also recovered more than $48 million in forfeited assets. Additionally, the District of Massachusetts worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and Department of Justice components to collect more than $557 million in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $556.9 million was collected in civil actions and $75,165 was collected in criminal actions. The remaining amounts will be recovered over time. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office had another a record year. Significant defense contracting and health care fraud settlements will return more than $900 million to the American taxpayers. We also collected more than $70 million in other civil and criminal actions and forfeited over $48 million in criminally derived property. This Office has continued to set the standard for securing and recovering assets for victims, holding wrongdoers accountable and protecting taxpayer dollars. We will continue to aggressively pursue enforcement and collection actions to advance those goals,” said U.S. Attorney Foley. In Fiscal Year 2025, the Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit (ACE) entered into settlements with defendants totaling over $900 million. These included the agreement with Raytheon Company to resolve criminal and civil allegations of fraud against the government in numerous defense contracts. Raytheon agreed to pay $147 million to resolve the criminal allegations and $428 million to resolve the civil allegations – making it the second largest government procurement fraud recovery under the False Claims Act (FCA). The ACE Unit also entered into a $425 million resolution with Teva Pharmaceuticals to resolve allegations that Teva paid kickbacks via two co-pay assistance foundations in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and FCA. This resolution stands as the largest co-pay assistance settlement to date. In Fiscal Year 2025, the Asset Recovery Unit (ARU) was responsible for the collection of over $30.6 million in restitution for victims, criminal fines and special assessments, as well as forfeiture of $48.2 million in criminal proceeds or other property involved in crimes. This forfeited amount includes approximately $22.5 million in forfeited cryptocurrency. ARU recovered an additional $7.35 million in an appearance bond enforcement action against a Greenwich Conn., mansion owned by a fugitive. ARU completed the collection of the entire $48,344,036 in criminal restitution awarded to victims of a health care racketeering conspiracy committed by the founder and six former executives of Insys Therapeutics . Additionally, ARU filed several civil forfeiture cases to recover funds for fraud victims, including victims of cryptocurrency and elder fraud scams, and obtained forfeiture of over $5 million traceable to a business email compromise scheme targeting a Massachusetts workers union. It also filed a civil forfeiture case against seized cryptocurrency alleged to be the property of Iranian national Mohammad Abedini, who was charged with providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization. The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes. The District of Massachusetts’ Civil Division is led by Assistant United States Attorney Abraham R. George, Chief of Civil. Assistant United States Attorney Brian LaMacchia, Chief of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit, leads the District’s efforts in affirmative civil enforcement and Assistant United States Attorney Carol Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit, leads the District’s forfeiture and restitution efforts.


title: Bronx Man Charged With The Fatal Fentanyl Poisoning Of A 12 Year Old Boy

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Task Enforcement Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Farhana Islam, and the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging ARISTIDES CABRERA, a/k/a “Buddha,” with drug crimes resulting in the fatal poisoning of a 12‑year-old child in the Bronx on June 28, 2022. The Indictment also charges CABRERA with having used, carried, and possessed firearms in connection with his drug trafficking crimes. Today, CABRERA was brought into federal custody from New York State custody, where he had been serving state sentences for other firearm and drug crimes. CABRERA will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Jennifer E. Willis. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken. “As alleged, Aristides Cabrera was an armed drug dealer who pumped deadly drugs into the Bronx for years,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The havoc that his alleged drug trafficking wrought did not stop at his own doorstep; it resulted in the tragic death of a vulnerable 12-year-old boy in Cabrera’s own home. But even the boy’s death did not stop Cabrera from allegedly continuing to deal drugs, exposing others to the same life-threatening poison that claimed the life of an innocent child. Fentanyl kills. It kills children. If you deal fentanyl, you are dealing death. The women and men of the SDNY, the DEA, the NYPD and all our New York law enforcement partners will hold dealers of death accountable.” “Weapons, drugs, and violence are too often the hallmarks of drug trafficking organizations operating in our communities,” said DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Today’s indictment of Aristides Cabera underscores that deadly reality—linking narcotics distribution, firearms, and the devastating loss of a 12-year-old child to fentanyl poisoning. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a child to this poison and the DEA New York Enforcement Division remains vigilant and unwavering in our mission to target these individuals and ensure justice is delivered.” “Aristedes Cabrera showed a callous disregard for human life, allegedly selling fentanyl in a home where a 12-year-old boy was exposed to the drugs that killed him,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “This case is a devastating example of the danger fentanyl poses, especially when it is brought into a home where children are present. I thank the NYPD officers whose undercover work helped build this case and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their partnership.” As alleged in the Indictment and other public filings: [1] From at least in or about November 2017 through at least in or about January 2024, CABRERA and his co-conspirators distributed heroin, fentanyl, and para-fluorofentanyl in the Bronx. CABRERA sold large quantities of heroin and fentanyl to undercover law enforcement officers. In a covert video recording of CABRERA during one of those undercover drug sales—in which CABRERA sold an undercover officer nearly $2,000 worth of fentanyl-laced heroin—CABRERA can be heard, in substance and in part, describing how he was charging higher prices for pills because “it’s a fucking opioid epidemic out here.” At the height of his drug trafficking, CABRERA was making up to approximately $10,000 a week from dealing drugs. On June 28, 2022, exposure to the fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl distributed by CABRERA caused the death of a twelve-year-old boy who had been residing with CABRERA and others in an apartment in the Bronx. CABRERA kept significant quantities of his drugs in the apartment, including in a safe stored in a closet just outside of the bedroom that the twelve-year-old boy shared with at least one of his siblings. CABRERA kept two guns in the same safe. He also stored additional drugs, including pills, in the apartment’s primary bedroom, including in bags that he kept there. In the early morning of June 29, 2022, after returning from the hospital where the twelve-year-old boy had been taken and pronounced dead, CABRERA began looking for one of the bags where he stored his drug supply, texting another person he wanted “to make sure nothing is missing.” Following the boy’s fatal overdose, CABRERA continued to sell drugs throughout New York, including from behind bars in New York state custody while detained during the pendency of the separate firearms and drug charges that resulted in his recent state court convictions. * * * CABRERA, 34, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death and one count of distribution of narcotics resulting in death, both of which crimes carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. CABRERA is also charged with one count of firearms use, carrying, and possession, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The statutory minimum and maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the NYPD in connection with this investigation, along with their federal partners at the DEA. Mr. Clayton also thanked the Bronx District Attorney’s Office. This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin M. Burkett, Lisa Daniels, and Amanda C. Weingarten are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Orangeburg Man Indicted for Robbing, Pointing a Firearm at an FBI Confidential Source

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Florence returned a three-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Demondre Laquari Wright, 26, of Orangeburg, for robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and felon in possession of ammunition. According to the allegations supporting the federal arrest, in early March, the FBI set up an undercover gun buy operation in St. George, whereby Wright would sell three firearms, including one equipped with a machine gun conversion device, to an FBI confidential human source. The FBI gave the source $4,000 to purchase the firearms. During the transaction inside the source’s vehicle, Wright allowed the source to examine the only gun that Wright brought with him. While examining the gun, the source discovered that the gun was loaded and proceeded to empty the magazine. Wright then took the gun, reloaded it, and pointed it at the source’s chest and head. Wright demanded that the source give him all the money. The source complied with Wright’s commands and gave him $4,000 in FBI buy money. Wright then exited the source’s vehicle and returned to his car. FBI agents then approached the vehicle with their lights and sirens activated. Wright quickly ran from the vehicle but after a brief chase, was apprehended and arrested. The indictment alleges that, on March 3, 2026, Wright robbed the source of money and put the source’s life in jeopardy by using a firearm. The indictment further alleges that Wright brandished a firearm in furtherance of the crime of violence and unlawfully possessed ammunition. Wright was prohibited from possessing ammunition under federal law due to his prior felony convictions of assault and battery first degree and discharging firearms into a dwelling. Wright faces a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Wright is currently detained. The case was investigated by FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Hamlett and Cole Shannon are prosecuting the case. 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: DOJ Sues California Towing Company for Illegally Auctioning Servicemembers’ Vehicles

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department today filed a lawsuit against S & K Towing, Inc., which is based in San Clemente, California, alleging that the company violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by illegally auctioning motor vehicles owned by members of the military. The Department’s lawsuit alleges that, from August 28, 2020, through April 15, 2025, S & K illegally sold or disposed of as many as 148 vehicles owned by servicemembers, many of which were towed from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Even though S & K’s contract with Camp Pendleton required it to comply with all applicable federal and state laws, the company made no effort to comply with the SCRA, which requires tow companies to obtain a court order before selling or disposing of a vehicle owned by an SCRA-protected servicemember. “Towing companies must respect and abide by the federal laws that protect members of our Armed Forces,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Servicemembers are often absent for extended periods due to training and deployments and may not know that their vehicle has been towed. The SCRA plays an important role in providing these servicemembers with adequate legal protections, including notice and the opportunity to have towing and storage fees adjusted in light of their military service.” “Servicemembers deserve peace of mind in knowing that their legal rights will be protected at home while they are away serving the United States,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bilal A. Essayli for the Central District of California. “It is unacceptable for a business to sell or dispose of servicemembers’ vehicles without abiding by the laws that protect servicemembers.” In May 2024, a Military Legal Assistance attorney contacted S & K Towing and explained that the company was violating the SCRA. In response, a manager at S & K Towing told the attorney that “We do this all the time.” After this exchange, S & K Towing continued to sell and dispose of vehicles owned by SCRA-protected servicemembers without obtaining court orders. Some of the vehicles S & K sold or disposed of were registered to addresses on Camp Pendleton. In other cases, S & K auctioned vehicles even after they were told that the owner was in the military. This case is being handled by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $484 million in monetary relief for over 149,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the Department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov . Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil .


title: Richmond postal employee sentenced to four years in prison for $1.5M stolen check fraud scheme

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A North Chesterfield man was sentenced today to four years in prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. According to court documents, from Oct. 24, 2021, to May 5, 2025, Joshua Lee, 28, was employed as a mail processing clerk at the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Richmond Processing and Distribution Center (RPDC). From around July 2023 to May 2025, Lee searched for mail likely to contain gift cards, checks, or cash, and secretly moved that mail to other parts of the RPDC to hide it with his personal belongings. He would then remove the stolen mail from the RPDC during his breaks and at the end of his shifts. Lee would then notify his co-conspirators that he had stolen checks available for sale, knowing that his co-conspirators intended to fraudulently cash or deposit them. During the conspiracy, Lee stole at least $1,581,953.59 in checks transiting through the RPDC. The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carla Jordan-Detamore prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-157.


title: Zuni Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Firing Shotgun at Occupied Vehicle

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man was sentenced to 12 years in prison for federal firearms offenses after he fired a shotgun at an occupied vehicle parked outside of a home on the Zuni Pueblo. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on the evening of February 2, 2025, Cody Laweka , 35, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, drove with another person to a home on the Pueblo of Zuni. The person with whom Laweka drove had a shotgun in his truck bed. On the way to this residence, Laweka asked to use that shotgun. When Laweka arrived at the residence, he exited the truck with the shotgun and shot at least twice at a car occupied by John Doe. After this shooting, Laweka got back into the truck with the other person and left the scene. No one was hit by Laweka ’s gunshots. The following day, the FBI went to apprehend Laweka at another home in Zuni. Laweka fled when he spotted officers but was eventually apprehended. During a subsequent interview, Laweka admitted firing the shotgun at the car, and tossing the shotgun along the highway. Police searched for the shotgun but never found it. At the time Laweka committed these crimes crime, he was on supervised release for committing a prior federal crime. Laweka pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm during a crime of violence and discharging that firearm. The Court recommended Defendant complete the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP), the Bureau of Prisons’ most intensive treatment program. Upon his release from prison, Laweka will be subject to three years of supervised release. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Pueblo of Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones and Nicholas Marshall are prosecuting this case.


title: Richland County Felon Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing a Gun During a Traffic Stop

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. – Davante Jamar Moore, 34, of Richland County, has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm found in his car during a traffic stop. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on March 29, 2024, officers with the Columbia Police Department (CPD) conducted a lawful traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Moore. Moore was the driver and sole occupant. During the stop, a CPD K9 alerted to the scent of narcotics. When officers searched the vehicle, they located a yellow backpack with a plastic bag containing marijuana, various bags, a scale, container with white powder inside, and a loaded firearm. Moore is prohibited from possessing firearms based upon previous convictions for strong arm robbery and assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature. Moore faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Moore after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case was investigated by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Syrian National Extradited to the United States

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Syrian national was extradited from Costa Rica to face federal human smuggling charges in New Mexico. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on August 26, 2025, charging Jalal Makland Adeeb , 39, with conspiracy to bring in illegal aliens for financial gain. On March 4, 2026, federal authorities assumed custody of Adeeb from Costa Rican authorities. On March 6, 2026, Adeeb made his initial appearance in New Mexico and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted, Adeeb faces a minimum of three years and up to 10 years in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement on behalf of the Homeland Security Task Force. The Las Cruces Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and March 4 extradition from Costa Rica. The investigation and charges are supported and prosecuted by JTFA, the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean, and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant United States Attorney-detailees from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including ICE/HSI and CBP/BP and OFO, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 450 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 395 U.S. convictions; more than 340 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative was established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Region II CORE 7 is comprised of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Customs and Border Protection – Office of Field Operations (OFO), U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) and Air and Marine (AMO), Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), United States Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Joint Task Force North (JTF-N), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshal Service (USMS), Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS), El Paso Police Department (EPPD), New Mexico State Police (NMSP), West Texas / New Mexico High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), Albuquerque Police Department, New Mexico Sixth Judicial District, Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Districts of Western Texas and New Mexico. View the Indictment (Adeeb).pdf An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former Department of Energy Employee Pleads Guilty to Bribery of a Public Official

body_text: BOSTON – A former Security Specialist with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to trying to bribe another DOE employee in order to secure government contracts for a private company. Edward Doherty, 35, of Washington, D.C. and Weymouth, Mass., pleaded guilty to honest services fraud, payment of illegal gratuities and bribery of a public official. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing for July 8, 2026. In July 2025 , Doherty was indicted by a federal grand jury. Doherty worked for the DOE as Security Specialist until he agreed to participate in the deferred resignation program in February 2025. Just before he started working with the DOE, in November 2024, Doherty started a company in Massachusetts called MAE Systems, LLC (MAE). In February 2025, Doherty offered a DOE employee money in exchange for the DOE employee ensuring that MAE received DOE contracts. The DOE employee reported the incident to law enforcement. Between February and June 2025, Doherty was recorded offering to pay the DOE employee at least $10,000 in exchange for the DOE employee awarding a DOE contract to MAE. In June 2025, Doherty made two downpayments on the bribe, totaling $2,500, to the DOE employee. The charge of honest services wire fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of payment of illegal gratuities provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of bribery of a public official provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and said Department of Energy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Lewe Sessions made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina E. Barclay of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Dothan Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Meth Trafficking Case

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: On March 24, 2026, a federal judge sentenced 38-year-old Larenta Deshawn Dawkins, of Dothan, Alabama, to 360 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Kevin Davidson and Special Agent in Charge Steven L. Hofer of the Drug Enforcement Administration's New Orleans Division. Following his term of imprisonment, Dawkins will serve five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. “Drug traffickers who bring dangerous narcotics into our communities will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson. “This sentence reflects our commitment to holding accountable those who profit from the distribution of methamphetamine.” “Thirty years in federal prison, without the possibility of parole, is a definitive message to those who think they can use Alabama as a hub for their illicit trade,” said Special Agent in Charge Hofer. “By working side-by-side with the Dothan and Eufaula Police Departments, we successfully intercepted five pounds of methamphetamine before it could destroy more lives in our neighborhoods. Whether the poison is shipped from out of state or hidden in a local storage unit, we will find it, and we will ensure those responsible face the full weight of federal justice.” According to court records and evidence presented at Dawkins’s December 2025 trial, law enforcement began investigating suspected drug trafficking activity in Houston County in July 2024. Investigators determined that Dawkins was receiving packages in Dothan containing methamphetamine shipped to Alabama from out of state. Further investigation revealed that Dawkins used a storage unit in Dothan to store the drugs after receiving them. During the execution of a search warrant at the storage unit, investigators recovered two boxes containing approximately five pounds of methamphetamine, along with three bags of marijuana. Agents later obtained and executed a search warrant at Dawkins’s residence, where they seized numerous items linking him to the storage unit and the narcotics. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Dothan Police Department, and Eufaula Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Wilson and Joel Feil prosecuted the case.


title: Two Sentenced In Connection With Luxury Vehicle Theft Ring Involving Millions and Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Two Charlotte men were sentenced to prison today for their involvement in a multi-state stolen vehicle conspiracy involving millions of dollars in high-end vehicles and trafficking large quantities of marijuana, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Chief Estella D. Patterson of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement. Andre Lamar Sumner, 43, was sentenced to 70 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. Erren Woodson, 40, was ordered to serve 51 months in prison and two years of supervised release. Sumner and Woodson previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States, possession of a stolen vehicle, and possession with intent to distribute kilogram quantities of marijuana. “Sumner and Woodson were criminals from head to toe – driving around in expensive stolen vehicles, engaging in fraud, and dealing drugs with piles of guns and ammunition,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “Thanks to the work of law enforcement, all of this crime is over, and Sumner and Woodson will be in federal prison.” “These defendants boldly participated in this luxury car theft ring across at least 10 states and took extra steps to conceal their crimes. Despite their efforts, they could not deter the dedicated law enforcement professionals at the FBI and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department who meticulously traced and tracked their crime spree and brought them to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Reid. “Today’s sentencings continue to underscore the power of strong partnerships and our shared commitment to protecting this community,” said Chief Patterson. “The specialized work of our SCARLET Detectives was instrumental in dismantling this network and holding these individuals accountable. This case is a clear example of how coordinated work between local and federal agencies disrupts organized criminal networks, prevents violence and ensures that those who endanger our neighborhoods are held fully accountable. CMPD will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to stop violent crime before it occurs and safeguard the people of our great city!” According to filed documents and statements made in court, the FBI and CMPD’s Stolen Car And Recovery Law Enforcement Team (SCARLET) determined that Sumner and Woodson were involved in a high-end stolen vehicle ring involving luxury cars and trucks from car dealerships, rental car companies, and private individuals across the United States, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Missouri. Sumner operated as a “fence” in the conspiracy who sold stolen vehicles to Woodson and others. A fence is someone who acts as the middleman and finds or deals with buyers for stolen property. Sumner sought to fence high-end stolen vehicles such as luxury models made by BMW, Land Rover, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and Rolls-Royce, as well as trucks and other expensive models from Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, and RAM. According to court records, Sumner sold the stolen cars to buyers at prices significantly below their fair market value. To avoid detection and maximize resale value, Sumner conspired with others to alter the stolen vehicles’ original Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and fraudulently register them with various state motor vehicle agencies. As court documents show, during the conspiracy, Sumner possessed or had personal knowledge of at least 31 stolen vehicles estimated to be worth more than $2 million. Sumner also kept some of the vehicles for personal use. On or about September 13, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Sumner’s residence in Charlotte, where they located four stolen vehicles outside his residence: a 2020 Ford Explorer that was stolen in New Jersey in December 2022; a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk stolen in New Jersey in January 2023; a 2021 GMC Yukon Denali stolen in South Carolina in January 2023; and a 2021 RAM TRX that was stolen in Pennsylvania in January 2023. All four vehicles displayed fraudulent VINs. U.S. v. Sumner et al. – Stolen 2021 GMC Yukon Denali recovered from Sumner’s residence on September 13, 2023 During the car theft conspiracy, Sumner was also involved in drug trafficking, which helped fund the purchase of stolen vehicles. During the execution of the search warrant at Sumner’s residence, law enforcement located approximately 71 pounds of marijuana. Officers located additional evidence of narcotics trafficking at Sumner’s residence, including: approximately two pounds of psilocybin/psilocin mushrooms; three firearms (a Palmetto State AR-15, a Cobra .380 pistol, and a Ruger P-series handgun, each with loaded magazines); approximately $118,619 in U.S. currency; as well as narcotics packaging, money counters, a vacuum sealer, and digital scales. U.S. v. Sumner et al. - AR-15 firearm recovered from Sumner’s residence on September 13, 2023 According to court documents, Woodson was also an armed drug trafficker who possessed expensive stolen cars. On multiple occasions, Woodson received or purchased stolen vehicles from Sumner, knowing they were stolen. Woodson regularly communicated with Sumner to discuss the available inventory of stolen vehicles and prices for the stolen cars. During the conspiracy, Woodson received or was otherwise aware of at least eight stolen vehicles, including: a 2023 Chevrolet Corvette; a 2021 Dodge Durango; a 2018 Ford F150; a 2022 GMC Yukon; a 2023; GMC Yukon; a 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Wagoneer; a 2016 Mercedes-Benz C300; and a 2022 RAM TRX. Six of these vehicles were located by investigators, displaying altered VINs, and were in Woodson’s possession or in the possession of other individuals affiliated with Woodson. On December 20, 2023, law enforcement recovered a stolen 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray from the residence of an individual associated with Woodson. U.S. v. Sumner et al - 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray seized on December 20, 2023 As with Sumner, Woodson was also involved in narcotics trafficking during the conspiracy, which helped fund the purchase of stolen vehicles. On December 20, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Woodson’s residence in Charlotte, where they seized approximately 86 pounds of packaged marijuana and approximately 7.6 pounds of packaged psilocybin/psilocin mushrooms, intended for distribution. Law enforcement also seized nine firearms, including: rifles, shotguns, pistols, and a revolver, $586,000 in U.S. currency and two stolen vehicles: a 2018 Ford F150 and a 2021 Dodge Durango. U.S. v. Sumner et al. - Various firearms seized from Woodson’s residence on December 20, 2023 U.S. v. Sumner et al. – Stacks of cash seized from Woodson’s residence on December 20, 2023 In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended the FBI and CMPD’s SCARLET unit for their investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Bozin and Daniel Ryan of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are in charge of the prosecutions.


title: Grand Jury charges additional Chinese nationals & pharmaceutical companies with drug trafficking & money laundering conspiracies, attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: DAYTON, Ohio – A federal grand jury in Dayton returned charges against six Chinese nationals and two Chinese pharmaceutical companies in narcotics and money laundering conspiracies involving chemical agents used to manufacture and cut fentanyl. Three defendants are also charged with attempting to provide material support to a Mexican drug cartel. “This new indictment marks the first time in the Southern District of Ohio that we have brought charges for providing material support to a Mexican drug cartel designated as a foreign terrorist organization by way of President Trump’s Executive Order of January 20, 2025, and Secretary Rubio’s February 20, 2025 designation,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “We are going after the entire chain of supply for these deadly drugs, from Mexican cartels and Chinese pharmaceutical companies to the high-level distributors on our streets in the Southern District of Ohio.” “The FBI is aggressively pursuing individuals and companies in China that are selling dangerous narcotics and working with terrorist organizations,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie. “We will continue to use innovative approaches to investigate those peddling lethal drugs as we work to protect our communities.” In September 2025, dozens of defendants were charged in the Southern District of Ohio in similar narcotics and money laundering conspiracies, including at least two defendants from the greater Dayton area. According to the indictment returned today, the defendants openly marketed, sold and delivered various chemical precursors that they intended for domestic and foreign drug traffickers to use in the manufacture and production of fentanyl for ultimate distribution in the United States. Drug traffickers use chemical precursors to manufacture fentanyl and other substances known as “cut” to increase the quantity of retail doses available for sale. For example, drug traffickers often “cut” fentanyl with medetomidine, an animal tranquilizer that is up to 200 times more powerful than morphine. Medetomidine has the potential to increase the yield of a single kilogram of fentanyl at least twenty-fold, producing millions of dosages for street level sales. Three defendants also allegedly attempted to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization by selling chemical precursors and medetomidine to an individual who claimed to be a member of the Cártel del Golfo (also known as the Gulf Cartel), a violent transnational organization based in Mexico involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, human smuggling and other crimes. purported Those charged in the indictment include Chinese companies Shandong Believe Chemical Company Pte Ltd. and Shandong Ranhang Biotechnology Co. Ltd., as well as individuals Hanson Zhao, Gao Yanpeng, Xia Yi, Zhang Jian, Wang Zhoalan and Zhang Chunhai. The companies allegedly used Zhao, Yanpeng, Yi, Jian, Zhoalan and Chunhai to solicit, negotiate, and secure payments for illegal cutting agents from U.S. customers. It is alleged the foreign nationals generally directed U.S. customers to pay for the cutting agents using cryptocurrency transferred to crypto wallets under the foreign national’s control for ultimate deposit into financial institutions located overseas. The defendants are charged with conspiring to manufacture, to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl mixture, which is a federal crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and international money laundering are crimes punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. Deputy Criminal Chief Brent G. Tabacchi and Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth L. McCormick are representing the United States in this case. China’s Ministry of Public Security provided the FBI with critical intelligence that helped advance its understanding and investigation of Shandong Believe Chemical Company and its criminal network. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: Former Director of a Brooklyn Daycare Indicted for Stealing More Than $2.75 Million in Tuition Payments

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging Murielle Misczak with wire fraud and money laundering in connection with her employment at a Brooklyn daycare (the Daycare). Misczak was the director of the Daycare, which provided childcare and preschool to children. Over the course of approximately four years, Misczak embezzled more than $2.75 million by directing parents to send tuition payments to unapproved accounts she controlled and transferring the funds to her personal bank accounts. Misczak was arrested today and will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and charges. “As alleged, Misczak abused her position of authority and betrayed the trust of her employer and daycare families by stealing millions in tuition to fund her own extravagant personal lifestyle,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will vigorously prosecute corrupt individuals like the defendant who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of services for children.” “Murielle Misczak allegedly stole millions of dollars from parents whose tuition payments were unknowingly funding personal lavish purchases. As the daycare’s former director, Misczak’s alleged embezzlement violated the trust placed in her by her employer and clients. The FBI is dedicated to disrupting corrupt schemes that defraud our city’s families for selfish gain, especially those exploiting childcare services,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. As set forth in court filings, Misczak was hired by the Daycare in 2013 as Program Coordinator and was later promoted to Director in 2020. Starting in January 2022 and continuing through October 2025, Misczak stole more than $2.75 million in tuition payments by directing them to be paid into accounts she controlled and then transferring those payments into her own accounts. Misczak hid her theft from the Daycare by deleting and altering information in the Daycare’s accounting systems. Misczak spent over $600,000 in stolen funds on travel and entertainment, including over $350,000 on tickets to professional wrestling events, as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars on luxury goods and various personal expenses such as food delivery and ride sharing services. The charges in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charges, Misczak faces up to 20 years in prison. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Shannon C. Jones and Sophia M. Suarez are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Melina Piatti-Chayan. The Defendant : MURIELLE MISCZAK Age: 43 Brooklyn, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-65 (NGG) murielle_misczak_indictment.pdf


title: Missouri Woman Admits Serving as Money Mule for $2 Million Lottery Scam

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A Missouri woman on Wednesday admitted acting as a money mule and receiving more than $2 million from elderly fraud victims around the country, despite repeatedly being warned by investigators and bank officials. Sharon Dolisi, 79, of Phelps County near St. James, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud. She admitted depositing cashier’s checks and personal checks from 28 victims into her personal bank accounts from about April 21, 2023, to June 11, 2025. Less than a week after her first deposit, one bank closed her account. On Oct. 28, 2024, Dolisi lied when she told law enforcement officials that she was not receiving money from or sending money to other people. Four days later, in response to an inquiry by bank representatives about three large cash withdrawals totaling $64,500, Dolisi falsely claimed that she buys and sells gold. On June 27, 2025, Dolisi told a bank representative that she immediately needed $54,000 in cash to buy gold and collectibles. All the while, Dolisi was opening bank accounts and supplying debit cards to co-conspirators in Jamaica, who used those debit cards to withdraw money obtained through lottery frauds. Victims were contacted by phone or text and told that they had won a lottery but needed to prepay “taxes” and “fees” to “intermediates” and “merchant bankers.” If victims didn’t have enough liquid assets to pay the taxes and fees, conspirators told them to obtain reverse mortgages and home equity loans. Dolisi admitted receiving more than $2 million from victims and moving more than $1.9 million in fraud proceeds through her account. Dolisi is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or both. She will also be ordered to pay restitution. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case.


title: United States Sues San Clemente-Based Towing Company for Illegally Auctioning Vehicles Owned by Military Members

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: SANTA ANA, California – The Justice Department today filed a lawsuit against an Orange County-based towing company alleging it violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by illegally auctioning over several years nearly 150 motor vehicles owned by members of the military. According to the lawsuit, from August 2020 to April 2025, San Clemente-based S&K Towing Inc. illegally sold or disposed of as many as 148 vehicles owned by servicemembers, many of which were towed from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Even though S&K’s contract with Camp Pendleton required it to comply with all applicable federal and state laws, the company made no effort to comply with the SCRA, which requires tow companies to obtain a court order before selling or disposing of a vehicle owned by an SCRA-protected servicemember. “The men and women who serve in our nation’s military deserve peace of mind in knowing that their legal rights will be protected at home while they are away serving the United States,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “It is unacceptable and illegal for a business to sell or dispose of these vehicles without abiding by the laws that protect servicemembers.” “Towing companies must respect and abide by the federal laws that protect members of our Armed Forces,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Servicemembers are often absent for extended periods due to training and deployments and may not know that their vehicle has been towed. The SCRA plays an important role in providing these servicemembers with adequate legal protections, including notice and the opportunity to have towing and storage fees adjusted in light of their military service.” In May 2024, a Military Legal Assistance lawyer contacted S&K Towing and explained that the company was violating the SCRA. In response, a manager at S&K Towing told the attorney that “We do this all the time.” After this exchange, S&K Towing continued to sell and dispose of vehicles owned by SCRA-protected servicemembers without obtaining court orders. Some of the vehicles S&K sold or disposed of were registered to addresses on Camp Pendleton. In other cases, S&K auctioned vehicles even after they were told that the owner was in the military. This case is being handled by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. Since 2011, the Department has obtained more than $484 million in monetary relief for more than 149,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the Department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov . Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil .