title: Louisville Man Sentenced to 2 Years and 7 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms and a Machine Gun

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – A local man was sentenced on June 12, 2025, to 2 years and 7 months in federal prison for possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon and illegal possession of a machine gun. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. According to court documents, Caleb Pace, 29, was sentenced to 2 years and 7 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a Glock, Model 17, 9-millimeter pistol; a Kel-Tec, Model P50, 5.7 x 28-millimeter pistol; a Glock Switch (machine gun conversion device); and ammunition. On March 22, 2024, LMPD Detectives were conducting surveillance at 314 N 43rd Street. Pace was observed on a surveillance camera armed with firearms. Detectives conducted a vehicle stop, and a search of the vehicle produced three firearms including the firearms that Pace was observed possessing on the surveillance camera. Pace was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. On December 17, 2010, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Pace was convicted of burglary in the second degree. On February 10, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Pace was convicted of burglary in the third degree, complicity to wanton endangerment in the first degree (seven counts), complicity to criminal mischief in the first degree, and assault under extreme emotional disturbance. “This is great work by ATF and LMPD to take another dangerous felon off the streets of Louisville. Equally important, a pistol capable of automatic fire was seized by law enforcement and will no longer be passed around among those wishing to do significant harm to others,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner. “Machine gun conversion devices - commonly known as ‘Glock switches’- are illegal to possess under federal law. These devices enable a semi-automatic pistol to fire fully automatic, discharging approximately 30 rounds in just two seconds. Their possession presents a serious threat to public safety and to law enforcement officers. The ATF remains committed to working closely with the United States Attorney’s Office and our local partners to prioritize investigations and enforcement actions targeting individuals who possess or use these dangerous devices,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the Louisville Division. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the ATF and LMPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case. This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This case is also a part of the Prohibited Firearm Possessor Initiative (PFP), a collaborative partnership between all levels of law enforcement and prosecutors to reduce violent crime and firearm offenses. On January 23, 2024, Louisville Metro initiated a gun crime reduction initiative focused on investigating and prosecuting illegal firearm possession. The PFP partners include the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky. ###


title: Gilford Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Gilford man was sentenced today in federal court for drug offenses, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces. Spiros Athanasopoulos, 46, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Paul J. Barbadoro to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. In February 2025, Athanasopoulos pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance. “This sentence reflects the serious danger posed by those who traffic fentanyl and methamphetamine, especially when they also attempt to flee law enforcement and endanger the public,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Our office remains committed to holding drug traffickers accountable and protecting our communities from the devastating impact of these drugs.” “It doesn’t matter if it’s a large-scale drug trafficking organization, or an individual like Spiros Athanasopoulos who was distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine out of his home in Gilford, New Hampshire, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will do everything we can to put those who have furthered the scourge of drugs in our neighborhoods out of business,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “Investigations like this prove the essential value of strong law enforcement partnerships as we work together to make our communities safer.” “Drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine are causing tremendous damage to our communities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge, Stephen Belleau, New England Field Division. “Those who distribute these drugs are endangering the safety of the citizens of the Granite State. DEA’s top priority is combatting the drug epidemic by working with our local, state and federal partners to bring to justice anyone who distributes these poisons.” According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2021, Athanasopoulos fled from the New Hampton Police Department on a stolen motorcycle. The chase ended in a crash and law enforcement recovered a jar containing fentanyl and methamphetamine that Athanasopoulos threw from his backpack during the chase. Later that evening, law enforcement searched Athanasopoulos’s home and found large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine, as well as money, several firearms, and body armor. Laboratory testing confirmed that Athanasopoulos possessed more than 100 grams of fentanyl and more than 200 grams of methamphetamine. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Gilford Police Department and the New Hampton Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew T. Hunter prosecuted the case. ###


title: Arizona Woman Faces Assault Charges for 2023 Incident

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona woman is facing federal charges for allegedly assaulting two individuals. According to court documents, on December 30, 2023, Shaina Shorty , 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 and the assaults resulted in serious bodily injury. Shorty is charged with two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Shorty faces up to eight years in prison. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case. View the Indictment (Shorty)_0.pdf An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former State Employee Sentenced for Taking Bribes  to Approve Fraudulent Claims for Unemployment Insurance Benefits

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – A Detroit resident was sentenced today for her role in a scheme to steal unemployment assistance funds, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. Danielle Moore, 41, was sentenced to 41 months in prison after having pleaded guilty to conspiring to engage in wire fraud. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Field Division; Megan Howell, Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General; and Megan Howell, Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Moore was sentenced by United States District Judge Susan K. DeClercq. Moore was employed by the State of Michigan (SOM), Michigan Works Agency (MWA) and was assigned to work as a claims examiner for the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (MUIA) during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the spring of 2020. She admitted to taking bribes to process fraudulent claims. As a result of Moore’s crimes, the State of Michigan paid out approximately $1,507,057.08 in fraudulent unemployment claims that should have been disbursed to unemployed Americans during a historic time of need. Moore was also ordered to pay $1,507,057.08 in restitution. United States Attorney Gorgon stated: “We remain committed to prosecuting those who choose to profit through the theft of government funds earmarked for those members of our community who are truly in need.” “Ms. Moore, as a former state employee, betrayed the public’s trust by taking advantage of her position and conspiring to steal funds meant to support unemployed workers during a national crisis,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “Her actions were not only criminal but also a direct insult to the countless families and businesses struggling to survive the economic fallout of the pandemic. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate and hold accountable anyone who chooses to defraud essential relief programs and exploit moments of national vulnerability for personal gain.” “Former State of Michigan employee Danielle Moore engaged in an unemployment insurance fraud scheme by facilitating the approval of at least 40 fraudulent claims for incarcerated individuals. Moore abused her position by accessing sensitive employment information and state data systems for her own personal financial gain. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who seek to exploit this critical benefit program, particularly when an insider threat is involved,” said Megan Howell, Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. “UIA holds its employees to lofty ethical standards. When a staff member breaks that trust for personal gain, it is particularly disappointing,” said Jason Palmer, Director of the Michigan UIA. “Danielle Moore used her insider status to help steal money meant for fellow Michiganders who relied on their jobless benefits to survive. She failed her colleagues and failed the taxpayers of Michigan and is now being held accountable for her selfish acts.” The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy J. Wyse. The investigation was conducted jointly by the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Detroit Area Public Corruption Task Force, and the Unemployment Insurance Agency, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.


title: Passaic County Convicted Felon Admits to Trafficking Fentanyl and Heroin and Possessing Firearm in Furtherance Of Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Passaic County, New Jersey man admitted to possessing quantities of fentanyl and heroin he intended to distribute, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced. Luis Polanco, 35, of Wayne, New Jersey pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an Indictment charging him with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of possessing with intent to distribute controlled substances, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Law enforcement investigated Polanco for his drug distribution in Passaic, New Jersey, including from his residence. Polanco was arrested after law enforcement searched his residence and vehicle, which revealed Polanco to be in possession of controlled substances that tested positive for more than 40 grams of fentanyl and more than 100 grams of heroin, as well as other paraphernalia used for packaging drugs. Law enforcement also recovered a 9-millimeter semi-automatic handgun, 158 rounds of 9-millimeter ammunition and four rounds of .40 caliber ammunition. The drug charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of 40 years in prison and a maximum fine of $5 million. The felon in possession of a firearm charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, which must be imposed consecutively to any other sentence imposed, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for October 21, 2025. U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr., Newark Field Division, as well as the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes, the Wayne Township Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Joseph Rooney, and the Paterson Police Department, under the direction of under the direction of Officer In Charge Patrick Murray, with the investigation leading to this guilty plea. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle L. Goldman of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark. ### Defense counsel: Jason F. Orlando, Esq. polanco.indictment.pdf


title: Business Owner Sentenced After Receiving More than  $1.6 Million in Funds from the CARES Act

component: Office of the Inspector General

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – A former Oklahoma man with business ties in Florida was sentenced today after pleading guilty to four counts of bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Shawn Ray Murnan, 57, of Windemere, Florida, to 33 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. Judge Hill further ordered Murnan to pay $1,641,796.47 in restitution to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). “In 2020, the CARES Act funding was established to provide emergency financial assistance to help businesses that were disrupted,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “Investigators and prosecutors are committed to finding those like Murnan who steal government funding and prosecuting them to the fullest extent of the law.” From April 2020 through October 2021, Murnan admitted to falsifying several CARES Act applications to the SBA. Murnan was the owner of numerous business ventures in Oklahoma, Florida, and other states. He submitted 14 applications on behalf of his businesses, including Blujett, LLC, which was based in Broken Arrow. He submitted applications claiming to have several employees and falsified his payroll expenses. Murnan requested more than two million and successfully received $1,641,796.47 from seven Paycheck Protection Program loans and two Economic Injury Disaster Loans. After receiving the funds, Murnan applied for the loans to be forgiven. Previously released on bond, Murnan was taken into custody following the sentencing today, where he will remain pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The Office of Inspector General for the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Office of Inspector General for the Small Business Administration, and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Whipple prosecuted the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud .


title: Rio Rancho Woman Faces Federal Charges for Trafficking Over 120 Pounds of Fentanyl

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Rio Rancho woman faces federal drug trafficking charges after a significant seizure during a routine traffic stop on Interstate 40 within the Laguna Pueblo Reservation. According to court documents, on June 11, 2025, a Bureau of Indian Affairs officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for excessive window tint within the Laguna Reservation. The officer detected the odor of marijuana and observed drug paraphernalia in plain view upon approaching the vehicle. The driver, Jordan Baldwin , 22, admitted to possessing marijuana and was asked to exit the vehicle. Baldwin also admitted to using a straw found in her possession to snort cocaine. The officer conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle, locating additional drug paraphernalia and Xanax pills in the front passenger area. In the trunk, the officer discovered a large black duffle bag containing a substantial quantity of blue pills, which, based on his training and experience, he believed to be fentanyl. Field tests later confirmed the pills as fentanyl, with a gross weight of 122.22 pounds, equating to approximately 504,140 pills. Black duffle bag containing fentanyl pills Fentanyl pills on a scale Baldwin is charged with possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 400 grams and more of fentanyl and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Baldwin faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Forrest County Siblings Sentenced in Federal Court for COVID Relief Fraud

component: Department of Justice

body_text: Hattiesburg, MS – A Forrest County man and woman were sentenced today in federal court for their role in an unemployment insurance fraud scheme related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Thaddieus Cooper, 31, was sentenced to 27 months in prison. Artista Garner, 37, was sentenced to probation for a term of three years. Both were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $12,600 to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. According to court documents and statements made in court, Garner, 37, of Hattiesburg, assisted her brother, Cooper, 31, in applying for unemployment insurance benefits with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security. As an inmate in the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC), Cooper was not entitled to receive unemployment insurance benefits. Cooper was serving a sentence of six years in MDOC custody for armed robbery. Garner used the unemployment funds for her personal benefit and transferred some of the funds to Cooper via his commissary fund. The unemployment insurance benefits were federally subsidized through the CARES Act in response to the pandemic. A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Cooper and Garner on September 10, 2024. Both Cooper and Garner pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on January 30, 2025. “These sentences demonstrate that those who defraud the government will be held accountable,” said Acting United States Attorney Patrick Lemon. “These defendants took advantage of a program developed to help families facing difficult times. The United States Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to uncover and prosecute pandemic-related fraud wherever it occurs.” "Artista Garner engaged in a scheme to defraud the Mississippi Department of Employment Security by filing for unemployment insurance benefits on behalf of co-defendant, Thaddieus Cooper. Cooper was incarcerated that the time and thus ineligible for unemployment benefits. Garner and Cooper stole taxpayer funds from a program intended to assist American workers who lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Mathew Broadhurst, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Southeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. "We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our other law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of U.S. Department of Labor programs.” “The dedicated team at the State Auditor’s office is proud to work with federal prosecutors to deliver record results for taxpayers,” said State Auditor Shad White. “Thank you to my team of investigators and to the prosecutors for bringing this case to a close.” The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General and the Mississippi Office of the State Auditor investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Purdie prosecuted the case. This case was prosecuted as part of the Department of Justice’s National Unemployment Insurance Fraud Task Force (NUIFTF). In response to the unprecedented scope of Unemployment Insurance (UI) fraud, the Department of Justice established the NUIFTF. The NUIFTF is a prosecutor-led multi-agency task force with representatives from FBI, DOL-OIG, IRS-CI, HSI, DHS-OIG, USPIS, USSS, SSA-OIG, FDIC-OIG, and other agencies. Members of the NUIFTF are working with state workforce agencies, financial institutions, and other law enforcement partners across the country to fight UI fraud, and consumers should be vigilant in light of these threats and take the appropriate steps to safeguard themselves. The CARES Act is a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act is the authorization that expands states’ ability to provide unemployment insurance for many workers impacted by COVID-19, including for workers who are not ordinarily eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. Anyone with information about attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866‑720‑5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: Carthage Woman Pleads Guilty to Arson

body_text: Jackson, MS – On June 12, 2025, a Leake County woman pleaded guilty to setting fire to a Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians tribal member’s home located in the Pearl River Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. According to court documents, in September of 2021, Lashandell F. Thomas, 25, attempted to burn down the residence by starting a fire in the interior of the home. Thomas was indicted in January of 2022. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi, made the announcement. The Choctaw Police Department investigated the case. Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced on October 10, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin J. Payne and Brian K. Burns prosecuted the case.


title: Justice Department Highlights Enforcement Efforts Protecting Older Americans from Transnational Fraud Schemes in Recognition of 2025 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Note : The cases underlined hyperlink to press releases In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Attorney General Pamela Bondi announced that the Justice Department is reinvigorating efforts to protect older Americans from transnational schemes that cost billions of dollars, often stealing their life savings. In the past few weeks alone, investigators and prosecutors have arrested and filed cases against foreign fraudsters and domestic actors who have knowingly facilitated foreign-based crimes. “Prosecutors across the country are stepping up the fight against malicious schemes that target older Americans,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We are working with domestic law enforcement and foreign counterparts every day to hold criminals accountable and ensure that justice is done for our seniors both here at home and abroad.” These include cases involving romance fraud, lottery fraud, tech support fraud, and grandparent scams. Romance fraud is a confidence scheme where a perpetrator feigns romantic interest with a victim only to later extract money or property under false pretenses. Lottery fraud schemes trick victims into believing they have won a non-existent lottery or sweepstakes prize in order to extract fake fees, taxes, or other fabricated charges from the victim. Tech support fraud scams involve perpetrators tricking victims into believing that their computer or phone has a problem, often through fake pop-up messages, and to later seek funds from the victims in order to “fix” the “problem.” Grandparent scams, another type of confidence scheme, involve scammers impersonating a grandchild or close family member who experiences a fictitious emergency and needs money from the victim as soon as possible. Transnational Elder Fraud Lottery Fraud United States v. Troy Murray; United States v. Cutter Murray . On June 11, the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch filed an Information in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida charging Troy Murray also known as “Steve Dixson” with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The Branch also filed Troy Murray’s agreement to plead guilty. According to court documents, Troy Murray sold to lottery fraud scammers, including Jamaicans, his lead list database containing the names, and personal information of over seven million elderly American consumers. Scammers then used these lists to defraud those elderly victims. Additionally, Cutter Murray, Troy Murray’s son, will plead guilty to one count of money laundering for receiving and then laundering $1.6 million of the fraudulent funds Troy Murray obtained. Several purchases were in excess of $10,000. This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. United States v. Dennis Anderson; United States v. Frank Angelori. On June 9, the Consumer Protection Branch filed court documents charging Dennis Anderson and Frank Angelori for facilitating additional Jamaica-based elder fraud. According to court documents, Anderson and Angelori were lead list brokers and business partners, who from as early as 2015 until at least March 2020, knowingly sold lists containing consumer names and contact information of mostly older Americans to Jamaican clients who perpetrate lottery fraud on senior citizens. These cases were investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. United States v. Deeno Jackson . On May 30, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona announced an indictment charging Deeno Jackson, 27, a citizen of Jamaica with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to court documents, Jackson and others engaged in a lottery fraud scheme targeting elderly victims in Arizona and throughout the United States. One victim lost over $400,000 from the scheme. United States v. Jimmy Smith . On April 1, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut announced charges against Jimmy Smith, 30, a citizen of Jamaica, who resided in Hinesville, Georgia. According to court documents, Smith and others defrauded at least four victims residing in Connecticut, New York, Texas, and California, by telling them they had won a Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes and needed to pay taxes or money to claim the prize. Romance Fraud United States v. Charles Uchenna Nwadavid . On April 9, the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Massachusetts announced charges against Charles Uchenna Nwadavid, a citizen of Nigeria who was arrested after landing at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport. In January 2024, a grand jury indicted Nawadavid on one count of mail fraud and two counts of money laundering. Between approximately 2016 to September 2019, Nwadavid allegedly participated in romance scams that tricked victims into sending money abroad. United States v. Otuo Amponsah et al. On May 13, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio unsealed charges against Otuo Amponsah, Anna Amponsah, Hannah Adom, Portia Joe, Abdoul Issaka Assimiou, and Dwayne Asafo Adjei for their participation in conspiracies to commit wire fraud and money laundering. According to court documents, from December 2017 through March 2024, the defendants used various wire fraud and romance fraud schemes — often targeting elderly individuals in the United States — to obtain funds from victims by means of false pretenses. The defendants shared funds obtained from victims with co-conspirators in the Republic of Ghana and elsewhere. This case was investigated by the FBI. United States v. Clinton Ogedegbe . On April 15, a grand jury in the Western District of North Carolina returned an indictment against Clinton Ogedegbe, charging him with one count of money laundering conspiracy and one count of concealment money laundering. According to court documents, from July 2023 through at least February 2024, Ogedegbe and his co-conspirators carried out a scheme to launder the proceeds of romance fraud schemes typically targeting elderly and other vulnerable victims. This case was investigated by the FBI. United States v. Joseph Kwadwo Badu Boateng also known as “Dada Joe Remix .” On May 30, a grand jury indictment was unsealed in the District of Arizona charging Joseph Boateng also known as “Dada Joe Remix,” a citizen of Ghana, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents, from at least 2013 through March 2023, Boateng and his co-conspirators engaged in a romance/inheritance scheme that targeted elderly American victims and others around the world. The co-conspirators falsely represented that they had gold and jewels and that to release such items, taxes and fees or other costs would be required. Ghanian authorities arrested Boateng on May 28 pursuant to a U.S. request for his extradition. This case was investigated by the FBI. United States v. 679,981.22 Tether , et al. On June 3, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio announced the filing of a civil forfeiture complaint against 679,981.22 in the Tether cryptocurrency suspected of being fraudulently obtained as part of a romance/investment scam. According to court documents, one victim was targeted via LinkedIn and another victim was targeted though the dating App “Coffee Meets Bagel.” United States v. John Muriuku Wamuigah . On May 22, Malaysia extradited Kenyan national John Muriuku Wamuigah to stand trial in the District of Connecticut on a wire fraud charge. According to court documents, Mamuiga and others executed a scheme to defraud using business email compromise and romance scams. The scheme involved exploitation of elderly victims through romance scams to serve as unwitting money mules. United States v. Dwayne Asafo Adjei et al. On June 4, a superseding indictment sought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio was unsealed. It charges David Onyinye Abuanekwu, Dwayne Asafo Adjei, Nancy Adom, Eric Aidoo, and Nader Wasif with wire fraud and money laundering conspiracies. According to court documents, from December 2017 through March 2024, the defendants used various wire fraud and romance fraud schemes — often targeting elderly individuals in the United States — to obtain funds from victims by means of false pretenses. The defendants shared in funds obtained from victims with co-conspirators in the Republic of Ghana and elsewhere. This case was investigated by the FBI. Tech Support / Imposter Fraud United States v. Rakeshkumar Patel . On May 21, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware announced Indian national Rakeshkumar Patel’s guilty plea to one count of wire fraud conspiracy for his role in an elder fraud scam targeting Americans. According to court documents, the scheme involved at least $2.1 million in loss from victims who were contacted over the phone by fraudsters posing as federal agents who convinced victims their identities had been stolen and that they were under federal investigation. United States v. Nanjun Song et al . On May 21, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island announced the indictment of eight individuals for their roles in orchestrating and executing an elaborate transnational fraud and money laundering scheme targeting elderly citizens in the United States and Canada. According to court documents, pop-up messages on seniors’ computers making various false claims lured victims to call live agents, who informed the victims that their financial assets were at risk or could be garnished, among other false claims. Law enforcement identified approximately 300 individuals in at least 37 states who suffered known losses exceeding $5 million. United States v. Atharva Shailesh Sathawane . On May 27, a grand jury in the Northern District of Florida charged Atharva “Andy” Sathawane with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents, Sathawane and his co-conspirators defrauded elderly victims throughout the United States into providing money and gold in response to fraudulent telephone calls and electronic messages. This case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, and the Gainesville Police Department. Grandparent Scams United States v. Johnny Cepeda . On May 30, a grand jury in the District of New Jersey indicted Jhonny Cepeda of New York, NY, with wire fraud conspiracy. According to court documents, Cepeda served as a courier in a “grandparent” or “family-in-need-of-bail” scam operated from call centers in the Dominican Republic. The scam targeted elderly Americans, deceiving numerous victims into believing that a loved one had been arrested and urgently needed cash for bail and other legal services. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, and the FBI. Mail Fraud United States v. Georg Ingenbleek . On May 14, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey announced that Georg Ingenbleek, 58, a citizen of Germany, was extradited to the United States to face an indictment charging him with two counts of mail fraud. According to court documents, from at least 2011 through 2016, Ingenbleek orchestrated a massive mail fraud scheme targeting elderly and otherwise vulnerable victims with false and fraudulent psychic solicitations. Ingenbleek had been a fugitive since being indicted in 2020. Domestic Elder Fraud While prosecuting perpetrators who believe they are hidden abroad is one focus of the Department’s work, the Department also remains focused on domestic actors who prey on American seniors and domestic actors who facilitate foreign-based schemes. Fraud can erode American seniors’ trust in markets and other important public institutions, furthering a feeling of isolation and helplessness for individuals who worked for decades to have a secure retirement. Matters Relating to Domestic Perpetrators United States v. Kenneth W. Mattson . On May 22, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northen District of California announced the arrest of Kenneth Mattson, who is charged with wire fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice. According to court documents, for more than a decade, Mattson allegedly solicited and obtained millions of dollars in investments from hundreds of investors — many of whom were nearing or in retirement — in what he represented were legitimate and safe interests of limited partnerships that owned real estate. Those representations were false: although many of the partnerships were real entities, Mattson’s victims, referred to in the indictment as “off-books investors,” never had interests in those partnerships. United States v. Jon Kubler . On May 23, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina announced charges against Jon Kubler of Redondo Beach, California. According to court documents, from December 2017 to April 2023, Kubler orchestrated a $4 million investment scheme that targeted elderly and vulnerable victims. Despite not being licensed as an investment adviser, Kubler allegedly provided investment planning and management services to victims who were unsophisticated investors, elderly, and the beneficiaries of settlements or life insurance proceeds. United States v. Sunil Patel et al. On April 15, a grand jury in the Southern District of New York charged Sunil Patel, Ratansha Vakil, and Lakhmichand Lohani with conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and bank fraud. According to court documents, from April 2023 through December 2023, the defendants laundered the proceeds of an elder fraud scheme, in which the defendants’ co-conspirators made phone calls to elderly victims, told them their assets or personal information was at risk, and directed them to send their money in the form of cashiers’ checks to limited liability companies controlled by the defendants. This case was investigated by the FBI. United States v. Kendall Grey . On June 10, Kendall Grey pled guilty to one count of bank fraud in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. According to court documents, from July 2022 through January 2023, in his role as a bank insider, Grey facilitated a retirement account scam. Scammers involved in the scheme tricked an investment management company into authorizing a distribution to an imposter posing as the true accountholder. They created phony identification documents for the victim accountholder in order to open bank accounts in the victim’s name, which were used to receive and launder the stolen funds. Recovering Victim Loss In addition to holding fraudsters to account, the Department is committed to recovering money for victims whenever possible. Victims face many challenges in financially recovering from fraud schemes — and that is even more true for older victims. Many retired seniors are no longer earning income and cannot count on market appreciation to grow their retirement savings. Perpetrators may have already spent or forwarded victim funds beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement. Victims may not have the resources to pursue legal action or hire legal representation. These, and other reasons, make it critically important that the Department do whatever it takes to achieve substantial victim restitution in cases we investigate and prosecute. Today, the Attorney General announced the successful conclusion of the Consumer Data Victim Compensation Fund, managed by the Consumer Protection Branch of the Civil Division. In 2021, the Department of Justice reached Deferred Prosecution Agreements (DPAs) with two separate data companies, Epsilon Data Management and KBM Group, under the terms of which the two companies admitted to selling or renting the data of millions of American consumers to the perpetrators of mass mailing fraud schemes. Such schemes typically involved letters sent by mail falsely promising large cash prizes or other rewards in exchange for payment of a fee. In 2022, a third consumer data company, Wiland Inc., signed a Non-Prosecution Agreement with the Department of Justice that included an additional $4.4 million in victim compensation. As a part of their DPAs, Epsilon and KBM funded the operation of a Claims Administrator to more effectively reimburse victims. In total, as of June 2025, the fund has returned over $129 million to over 100,000 victims across the country. National Elder Fraud Hotline In addition to returning money to victims of elder fraud, the Department also supports older victims through its National Elder Fraud Hotline campaign. The National Elder Fraud Hotline is a free, national resource for older adults and their loved ones experiencing financial fraud. Supported by the Office for Victims of Crime, the National Elder Fraud Hotline is staffed by professionals who have experience working with older adults. Staff are continuously updated on the latest scams, are trained to make referrals and warm hand-offs for resources and services in the older adult’s local area and can assist older adults in placing a report with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), a report which has the potential to freeze funds (although freezing funds cannot be guaranteed). If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. For more information about the department’s efforts to help older Americans and to combat elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and fraud, please visit the department’s Elder Justice webpage (at elderjustice.gov). For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov . The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance working with foreign authorities to secure the arrest and extradition to the United States of perpetrators abroad. The Department notes that for all cases discussed above, facts included in a Complaint, Information, or Indictment are only allegations, and all defendants are innocent until proven guilty by evidence beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: MEXICAN NATIONAL SETNENCED FOR FIREARM POSSESSION AND ILLEGAL RE-ENTRY AFTER REMOVAL

body_text: Jackson, MS – A citizen of Mexico was sentenced today to 12 months in prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and illegal re-entry into the United States after having been removed or deported. According to court documents and statements made in open court, Erik Sel Camacho-Lara, 31, was arrested by the Ridgeland Police Department for possession of a stolen firearm after law enforcement responded to a call for service at a Ridgeland residence. The caller was a minor child that resided in the home. The minor child told Ridgeland Police that Camacho-Lara was armed and had possibly discharged a firearm inside the home. Responding officers were forced to make entry into the home to apprehend Camacho-Lara. Officers opened a bedroom door inside the home and heard the slide of a semi-automatic handgun being manipulated. Once inside the room, Officers saw Camacho-Lara holding a handgun. After speaking with officers, Camacho-Lara surrendered the firearm and was taken into custody. The United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations then took over the investigation. A biometric verification confirmed Camacho-Lara’s identity and revealed that he had been previously removed from the United States on April 2, 2013, by United States Border Patrol Agents in Texas. Camacho-Lara pleaded guilty to the charged conduct on March 6, 2025. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana, made the announcement. The United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with assistance from the Ridgeland Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Goff prosecuted the case. This case was investigated by the Mississippi Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America . HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Mexican national guilty of immigration violations in the Eastern District of Texas

component: USAO - Texas, Eastern

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas –A Mexican national has pleaded guilty to an immigration violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Rigoberto Rodriguez-Moreno, 44, a Mexican national illegally residing in Lufkin, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a previously deported person before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson on June 16, 2025. According to information presented in court, on March 4, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security and Investigations (HSI) received information that Rodriguez-Moreno was being held in the Angelina County Jail on a state arrest warrant. An HSI investigation determined that Rodriguez-Moreno was previously deported from the United States to Mexico on October 4, 2017, and did not have permission to return to the United States. Immigration records reveal this was the second time Rodriguez-Moreno was deported. The first deportation occurred in 1999. He has previous federal convictions for bringing in and harboring illegal aliens in 1999 and illegal reentry by a deported person in 2015. Rodriguez-Moreno faces up to 20 years in federal prison and deportation at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. Rodriguez-Moreno still faces unrelated state charges in Angelina County. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). This case was investigated by the Lufkin Homeland Security Investigations and the Angelina County Sheriff's Office. This case was prosecuted by the Lufkin Division of the U.S Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Texas.


title: Member of Makah Tribe indicted federally for knife assault of intimate partner

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A grand jury returned a two-count indictment last week charging 19-year-old Peyton Blaise Watson with stabbing his intimate partner in the neck, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Watson, a member of the Makah Tribe, allegedly assaulted the victim on property within the Lower Elwha Klallam Reservation. Watson is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Watson remains detained at the Federal Detention Center in SeaTac. Trial is scheduled for August 18, 2025. According to records filed in the case, in the early morning hours of May 9, 2025, Lower Elwha Police and Clallam County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a home on the Lower Elwha Klallam Reservation where a witness called 911 to report that Watson had stabbed an adult female victim in the neck. Officers found the victim standing a few feet from Watson. Once Watson was taken from the room, the victim began crying and identified Watson as her assailant and that he had stabbed her in the neck. The victim was taken by ambulance to Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles where she required surgery. Watson was booked into the Clallam County Jail on tribal charges. The FBI joined the investigation and secured items of evidence from the scene including a black folding knife about three inches long. The knife contained blood residue. The victim was hospitalized for five days as she recovered from her injuries, including damage to her esophagus and nerve damage. She was able to describe for investigators how Watson attacked her and allegedly threatened to kill her. Assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in severe bodily injury are punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a 250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Lower Elwha Klallam Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Celia Lee and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ajay Ravindran. Ms. Lee serves as a Tribal Liaison for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington.


title: Hopkinsville, Kentucky Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Trafficking

body_text: Paducah, KY – A Hopkinsville, Kentucky man was sentenced on June 11, 2025, to 10 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd, Cincinnati Field Office, IRS Criminal Division, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department, and Sheriff Tyler DeArmond of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. According to court documents, Troy Clark, 45, sold methamphetamine on three separate occasions. Specifically, Clark sold 46.46 grams of pure methamphetamine on November 24, 2021, 100.1 grams of pure methamphetamine on December 3, 2021, and 104.18 grams of pure methamphetamine on January 25, 2022. On January 27, 2022, a state search warrant was executed at Clark’s residence. Clark was in possession of approximately 2 ounces of methamphetamine that he intended to distribute. For his role in the offenses, Clark was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for three counts of distribution of methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty, the IRS-CI, Kentucky State Police, the Hopkinsville Police Department, and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Slidell Man and Woman Indicted for Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, False Statements in Loan Applications, Money Laundering, and Federal Controlled Substances Act Violations

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JAMAR HOWARD (“HOWARD”) , age 38, and CHARENYIA CARMOUCHE (“CARMOUCHE”) , age 31 of Slidell, were charged in a recently unsealed twelve-count indictment on May 30, 2025 with conspiracy to commit offenses, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, False Statement in Loan Application, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1014, Money Laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1957, and Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Carfentanil, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. According to the indictment, HOWARD and CARMOUCHE submitted loan applications to various lenders and other entities between 2023 and 2024. In support of the loan applications, HOWARD and CARMOUCHE submitted false tax documents. HOWARD submitted altered bank statements in support of loan applications in his name and in the name of his business, Marathon Expedited Trucking. Once HOWARD and CARMOUCHE obtained approval of the loan applications, the funds from various financial institutions were deposited into bank accounts held by HOWARD and CARMOUCHE . HOWARD and CARMOUCHE used the loan proceeds for their personal use and enrichment. In addition, CARMOUCHE did knowingly engage and attempt to engage in monetary transactions in criminally derived property of a value greater than $10,000, such property having been derived from a specified unlawful activity. Finally, according to court records, beginning on a date unknown, but at least by March 26, 2024, and continuing until the date of the indictment, in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere, HOWARD knowingly and intentionally conspired to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, 100 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of carfentanil, a Schedule II controlled substance and fentanyl analogue. If convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Offenses, HOWARD and CARMOUCHE face a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of Wire Fraud, HOWARD faces a maximum term of imprisonment of twenty years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of False Statement in Loan Application, HOWARD and CARMOUCHE face a maximum term of imprisonment of thirty years, a fine of up to $1,000,000.00, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of Money Laundering, CARMOUCHE faces a maximum term of imprisonment of ten years, a fine of up to $250,000.00, and at least three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. If convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute carfentanil, HOWARD faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years and up to a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, and at least five years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. The defendants also face payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee for each count. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendants must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Briana Williams of the Narcotics Unit. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Two Corporate Executives Sentenced in First-Ever Criminal Prosecution for Failure to Report Under Consumer Product Safety Act

component: Civil Division

body_text: Two California businessmen were sentenced in Los Angeles, California, today for conspiracy and failing to report information related to defective dehumidifiers linked to multiple residential fires. U.S. District Court Judge Dale S. Fischer sentenced Simon Chu, 70, of Pomona, California, and Charley Loh, 67, of Arcadia, California, to serve 38 and 40 months in prison respectively, plus three years of supervised release, for their roles in a conspiracy to defraud the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and in failing to furnish information as required by the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). The Court also ordered Chu and Loh to pay fines of $5,000 and $12,000, respectively, as part of their sentences. Chu and Loh were convicted on November 16, 2023, following trial in Los Angeles. According to court documents and evidence presented in court, Loh was part owner and chief executive officer of Gree USA Inc. (Gree USA), and another corporation in City of Industry, California, both of which imported and sold residential dehumidifiers that were made in China by Gree Electric Appliances, Inc. of Zhuhai (Gree Zhuhai). Chu was part owner and chief administrative officer of the same two corporations. The CPSA requires manufacturers, importers and distributors of consumer products to report “immediately” to the CPSC information that reasonably supports the conclusion that a product contains a defect that could create a substantial product hazard or creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death. This duty also applies to the individual directors, officers and agents of those companies. According to evidence presented in court, by September 2012, Chu, Loh and their companies had received multiple reports that their Chinese dehumidifiers were defective, dangerous and could catch fire. They also knew that they were required to report this product safety information to the CPSC immediately. Despite knowing about dehumidifier fires and tests showing defects in the dehumidifiers, Chu and Loh failed to disclose those defects and hazards for at least six months while they continued to sell their products. “Federal law requires companies to report potentially dangerous products to the Consumer Product Safety Commission to help protect consumers from harm,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will continue to investigate and bring to justice companies and individuals who willfully evade these requirements and put the public in danger.” The defective dehumidifiers sold by Chu and Loh’s two corporations were included in multiple recalls of a larger number of defective dehumidifiers manufactured by Gree Zhuhai. According to the recall notices, more than 450 reported fires and millions of dollars in property damage were linked to the recalled Gree dehumidifiers. The most recent recall announcements for the Gree dehumidifiers can be found here: www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2017/Gree-Reannounces-Dehumidifier-Recall-Following-450-Fires-and-19-Million-in-Property-Damage-0 and here: www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2023/Gree-Recalls-1-56-Million-Dehumidifiers-Due-to-Fire-and-Burn-Hazards-Reports-of-At-Least-23-Fires . The CPSC’s most recent warning about the recalled Gree dehumidifiers is here: www.cpsc.gov/Warnings/2023/CPSC-Warning-Stop-Using-Recalled-Gree-Dehumidifiers-Due-to-Fire-Hazard-4-Deaths-May-be-Tied-to-Recalled-Units . “Corporate executives who choose to ignore the law will be held accountable – especially when death and serious injuries result,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “By putting profits over the safety of others, these defendants created serious risks to consumers, and we will continue to prosecute those who endanger the public.” “These Chinese-made products were hazardous, and the defendants knew it,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman. “Today’s sentences are a clear message that the CPSC will take a hard line against executives who break American laws and endanger families. I commend the CPSC and Justice Department teams for their work to secure this outcome.” Gree USA was sentenced in April 2023 to pay a $500,000 criminal fine after pleading guilty to failing to notify the CPSC about the problems with the dehumidifiers. The fine, along with provisions to pay restitution to victims, was part of a $91 million criminal resolution with Gree USA, Gree Zhuhai and another related Gree company, Hong Kong Gree Electric Appliances Sales Co. Ltd. This resolution is the first corporate criminal enforcement action ever brought under the CPSA. Homeland Security Investigations of the Department of Homeland Security investigated the case. This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Natalie Sanders, Speare Hodges, and Stephen Gripkey of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis Mitchell of the Central District of California, with the assistance of Patricia Vieira of the CPSC’s Office of General Counsel. Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts may be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, visit its website at www.justice.gov/usao-cdca .


title: Corporate Executives Sentenced to Federal Prison for Failing to Report Defective Dehumidifiers Linked to More Than 450 Fires

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Two corporate executives were sentenced today to federal prison terms for conspiring to defraud the United States and for failing to report information about defective dehumidifiers linked to multiple fires in the first criminal enforcement action against corporate executives for failing to report required information ever brought under the Consumer Product Safety Act. (CPSA) Simon Chu, 70, of Pomona, was sentenced to 38 months in federal prison and was fined $5,000 by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer. Judge Fischer today also sentenced Charley Loh, 67, of Arcadia, to 40 months in federal prison and fined him $12,000. The executives each were found guilty by a jury in November 2023 of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and one count of failure to furnish information as required by the CPSA. “Federal law requires companies to report potentially dangerous products to the Consumer Product Safety Commission to help protect consumers from harm,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will continue to investigate and bring to justice companies and individuals who willfully evade these requirements and put the public in danger.” “Corporate executives who choose to ignore the law will be held accountable – especially when death and serious injuries result,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “By putting profits over the safety of others, these defendants created serious risks to consumers, and we will continue to prosecute those who endanger the public.” “These Chinese-made products were hazardous, and the defendants knew it,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Peter Feldman. “Today’s sentences are a clear message that the CPSC will take a hard line against executives who break American laws and endanger families. I commend the CPSC and Justice Department teams for their work to secure this outcome.” The defective dehumidifiers sold by Chu’s and Loh’s two corporations were included in multiple recalls of a larger number of defective dehumidifiers manufactured by Gree Electric Appliances Inc. of Zhuhai (Gree Zhuhai) in China. Recall notes stated that more than 450 reported fires and millions of dollars in property damage have been linked to the recalled Gree Zhuhai dehumidifiers. The most recent recall announcements for the Gree dehumidifiers can be found here and here . The CPSC’s most recent warning about the recalled Gree dehumidifiers is here . Chu was part owner and chief administrative officer of Gree USA Inc. and another corporation in the City of Industry, that distributed and sold to retailers for consumer purchase dehumidifiers that were made by Gree Zhuhai in China. Loh was part owner and CEO of the same two corporations. The CPSA requires manufacturers, importers and distributors of consumer products to report “immediately” to the CPSC information that reasonably supports the conclusion that a product contains a defect that could create a substantial product hazard or creates an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death. This duty also applies to the individual directors, officers, and agents of those companies. By September 2012, Chu, Loh and their companies received multiple reports that their Chinese dehumidifiers were defective, dangerous and could catch fire. They also knew that they were required to report this product safety information to the CPSC immediately. Despite their knowledge of consumer complaints of dehumidifier fires and test results showing defects in the dehumidifiers, Chu and Loh failed to disclose their dehumidifiers’ defects and hazards for at least six months while they continued to sell their products to retailers, for resale to consumers. The jury acquitted both defendants of one count of wire fraud. Gree USA was sentenced in April 2023 to pay a $500,000 criminal fine after pleading guilty to failing to notify the CPSC about the problems with the dehumidifiers. The fine, along with provisions to pay restitution to victims, was part of a $91 million criminal resolution with Gree USA, Gree Zhuhai and another related Gree company, Hong Kong Gree Electric Appliances Sales Co. Ltd. Homeland Security Investigations investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Dennis Mitchell of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section, and Justice Department Trial Attorneys Natalie Sanders, Speare Hodges, and Stephen Gripkey of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch prosecuted this case, with the assistance of Patricia Vieira of the CPSC’s Office of General Counsel.


title: Rochester business owner sentenced for food stamp fraud

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: ROCHESTER, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Zina Amba Mbile Mbile, 46, of Rochester, NY, who was convicted of food stamp fraud, was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay $246,890.00 in restitution to the United States Department of Agriculture by Chief U.S. District Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle P. Rossi, who handled the case, stated that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) uses federal tax dollars to help low-income individuals purchase food. Eligible individuals are provided with a debit card from which they can make food purchases at authorized food stores. Businesses authorized to accepts SNAP benefits, can only do so for the sale of eligible food products. It is unlawful to accept SNAP benefits for non-food items such as cigarettes, beer, or for cash. Between March 1, 2020, and July 23, 2024, Mbile, who operated the Beni Food convenience store on Dewey Avenue in Rochester, accepted SNAP benefits from customers in exchange for non-food items, such as cosmetic products. Mbile also exchanged cash for food stamp benefits, resulting in a profit for Mbile. In total, Mbile fraudulently caused $246,890.00 to be deposited into Beni Food’s bank accounts for food that was never purchased. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Charmeka Parker, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Monroe County Department of Human Services, under the direction of Commissioner Thalia Wright. # # # #


title: Pakistan native arrested, charged with illegal reentry

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Saima Qamar, 55, a citizen of Canada and native of Pakistan, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, Qamar was detained by the Lewiston Police Department, which reached out to U.S. Border Patrol for assistance in identifying the defendant. A records check determined that Qamar was a citizen of Canada and national of Pakistan who was illegally present in the United States after previously having been removed in April 2019. Qamar made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained. This investigation 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 complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol Niagara Falls Station, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Brady Waikal. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Pennsylvania Man Charged with Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Identity Theft

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Adepoju Babatunde Salako, 32, of Pennsylvania, has been charged with six counts of wire fraud; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; and four counts of aggravated identity theft. According to the indictment, between July 2020 and July 2021, Salako allegedly participated in a money laundering conspiracy involving fraudulent applications for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and for unemployment insurance benefits to more than 30 states that obtained more than $5.6 million in government benefits using over 1,000 stolen or fake identities. Salako and his co-conspirators allegedly moved fraud proceeds through several intermediate accounts using various methods, eventually spending the money or transferring it overseas as currency or in the form of goods such as cars or solar panels. The indictment further alleges that between January 4, 2021, and March 20, 2021, Salako submitted approximately 15 fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance benefits to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), using stolen or false identities. Salako allegedly used names and addresses of residents of Colorado, which he looked up on personal information search websites such as TruthFinder, to submit applications using the Colorado residents’ actual identifiers. The CDLE paid one unemployment insurance claim submitted by Salako, in the amount of $649, and paid an additional $15,431 to bank accounts controlled by Salako based on claims submitted by a co-conspirator. The indictment further alleges that in addition to submitting fraudulent unemployment insurance claims to Colorado, Salako submitted and aided and abetted in the submission of fraudulent claims in other states using stolen or false identities, including Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and New York, at least 10 fraudulent applications for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans to the SBA, using stolen or false identities, and a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program loan application in the name of Turn-Turn-Turn Woodturning, using the stolen identity of a Nevada resident. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted in March 2020 and was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans dealing with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act created the PPP, a program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provided loans to small businesses to retain workers, maintain payroll, and certain other expenses consistent with PPP rules. Additionally, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several federal programs expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits. The defendant made his initial appearance in Colorado on June 13, 2025, before Magistrate Judge Scott T. Varholak. The charges contained in the indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, and CDLE. The case is being prosecuted by the Economic Crime Section of the United States Attorney’s Office. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form Case Number: 25-cr-00162-CNS


title: Eugene Man Accused of Damaging Federal Government Property

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: EUGENE, Ore.— Kielan Robert Eugene Fitzsimonds, 33, of Eugene has been charged with willful depredation of government property for breaking the window of a federal government vehicle. According to court documents, on June 8, 2025, Fitzsimonds is alleged to have intentionally thrown rocks at a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) vehicle parked at a federal building in Eugene. The rocks shattered the vehicle’s back window and dented its trunk and hood. On June 10, 2025, a federal agent discovered the damaged vehicle and found a large rock in the back seat. Investigators obtained surveillance footage from the building which showed a man, later identified as Fitzsimonds, attempting to enter the building and throwing objects at vehicles in the parking lot. Fitzsimonds made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings. The case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Eugene Police Department. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Oregon City Man Charged with Assaulting a Federal Law Enforcement Officer During Weekend Riot Near Local ICE Office

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—An Oregon City, Oregon man made his first appearance in federal court today after he was charged with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer during a declared riot Saturday near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland. Joshua Ames Cartrette, 46, has been charged by criminal complaint with misdemeanor assault of a federal officer. According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, thousands of people engaged in peaceful protests in Portland. In the afternoon, several hundred people gathered in protest at an ICE office in South Portland where some individuals targeted the building with mortar fireworks, rocks, bricks, and glass bottles. The gathering was later declared a riot by local law enforcement. At approximately 5:50pm, individuals breached the exterior door of the ICE office before being pushed back by federal officers. Additional federal officers, including Customs and Border Protection Tactical Unit (BORTAC) agents, were dispatched to the location. Later the same evening, a BORTAC agent observed Cartrette push another agent and kick multiple deployed tear gas canisters toward other agents. Cartrette made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was released on conditions pending future court proceedings. Misdemeanor assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to one year in federal prison. This case is being investigated by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) and FBI. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Gresham Man Charge with Assaulting a Federal Law Enforcement Officer During Weekend Riot Near Local ICE Office

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A Gresham, Oregon man made his first appearance in federal court today after he was charged with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer during a declared riot Saturday near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland. Ginovanni Joseph Brumbelow, 21, has been charged by criminal complaint with assaulting a federal officer. According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, thousands of people engaged in peaceful protests in Portland. In the afternoon, several hundred people gathered in protest at an ICE office in South Portland where some individuals targeted the building with mortar fireworks, rocks, bricks, and glass bottles. The gathering was later declared a riot by local law enforcement. At approximately 5:50pm, individuals breached the exterior door of the ICE office before being pushed back by federal officers. Additional federal officers, including Customs and Border Protection Tactical Unit (BORTAC) agents, were dispatched to the location. At around 8:00pm the same evening, a BORTAC agent was assisting with the arrest of a rioter when he felt a sharp pain in the back of his head. The agent released the individual he was arresting and turned to observe a male rioter, later identified to be Brumbelow, directing a pointed wooden stake at him. Surveillance footage later reviewed by investigators confirmed the positions of Brumbelow and the agent amid the riot when the assault occurred. Brumbelow made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was released on conditions pending his arraignment on July 16, 2025. Assaulting a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison. This case is being investigated by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) and FBI. It is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Jury Convicts Newburgh Felon of Firearms Possession

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Andre Decker, age 45, of Newburgh, New York, was convicted on Friday of possessing a firearm as a felon following a 4-day jury trial. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and United States Marshal David McNulty made the announcement. The trial proof established that Decker, who was previously convicted of a violent felony involving a firearm, absconded from federal probation supervision and was the subject of an arrest warrant. On November 27, 2023, when Deputy United States Marshals attempted to apprehend Decker, he fled the apartment he shared with his girlfriend and led law enforcement on a foot chase wearing only his underwear. Decker broke into a neighboring apartment and hid in a closet where he was quickly located and arrested. The defendant possessed two loaded firearms in his apartment. U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Andre Decker couldn’t hide from the U.S. Marshals, and he couldn’t escape this trial conviction, either. Decker’s extensive criminal history and utter disregard for the law warranted zealous prosecution for his conduct in this case, and that’s just what he got. I thank the U.S. Marshals and Albany Police Department for their work in apprehending the defendant and keeping him off the streets.” U.S. Marshal David McNulty stated: “Mr. Decker is a danger to our community. We are proud to have secured his capture and wish to thank both the community, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and all our fellow law enforcement agencies whose cooperation was so important in this case.” Sentencing is scheduled for October 15, 2025, before United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci. Decker faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 3 years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The United States Marshal Service and Albany Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mikayla Espinosa and Ashlyn Miranda prosecuted the case. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders works together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Florida Man Sentenced to 100 Months’ Imprisonment for Wire Fraud and Tax Evasion

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Robert Rahrle, age 35, formerly of Florida and now residing in the Northern District of New York, was sentenced last week to 100 months’ imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release for wire fraud and tax evasion. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Harry T. Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), made the announcement. As part of his previously entered guilty plea, Rahrle admitted that from 2017 through 2024, he ran a fraudulent online gift basket website called iCare Gifting Solutions LLC. iCare purported to cater to families of incarcerated individuals, promising to send care packages into prisons. iCare charged hundreds of customers approximately $50 per gift basket but never sent the gift packages. In addition to defrauding iCare’s customers, Rahrle evaded his federal taxes. He self-prepared and filed tax returns for tax years 2017 and 2018 that falsely reported business losses and failed to report hundreds of thousands of dollars of gross receipts. Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also ordered Rahrle to pay a $2,000,000 money judgment and $178,651 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service with restitution to the individual victims of Rahrle’s fraud offense to be determined at a later date. U.S. Attorney Sarcone said: “Driven by greed, Rahrle operated a years’ long fraud scheme scamming people out of millions of dollars. For that he will pay a high price a spend the next 8 years in federal prison. My office will vigorously pursue consumer scam artists like the defendant to protect the public and the public fisc.” “Mr. Rahrle took advantage of those who wanted to help others and literally did not deliver what was promised. While care packages were left unsent, he pocketed the money with little regard of the consequences. This sentence sees to it that Mr. Rahrle will spend a lot of time behind bars, and perhaps he’ll learn firsthand the potential value of a legitimate care package business,” said Harry T. Chavis, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-CI New York. This case was investigated by IRS-CI, the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the Criminal Investigation Division of the U.S. Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael D. Gadarian.


title: Local attorney sentenced to 8 years in prison for child pornography crimes

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – Stephen Chinn, 41, of Columbus, was sentenced in federal court here today to 96 months in prison for receiving and possessing child pornography. According to court documents, in May 2023, Chinn uploaded child pornography to the internet that depicted prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct including sex acts with adults and animals. These uploads were flagged by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). When investigators executed a search warrant in August 2023 at Chinn’s Grandview Heights residence, they discovered a desktop computer containing more than 4,000 child sexual abuse images. In addition, a forensic analysis of Chinn’s computer revealed he had downloaded and saved other child sexual abuse material in August 2023. The material included prepubescent children engaged in bestiality and sexual intercourse with adults, as well as minor victims subjected to sadistic and masochistic abuse. Forensic data revealed that much of this content was downloaded from a Russian social media site known to be used for the download and exchange of child sexual abuse material. At the time, Chinn was employed as a public defender in Franklin County. Chinn was initially arrested and charged locally with Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving a Minor and Pandering Obscenity. Chinn was released on bond in that matter. He was charged federally in September 2023, and the federal indictment superseded the charges in his local case. Chinn pleaded guilty to federal charges in August 2024. The case was investigated by the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; Grandview Heights Police Chief Ryan Starns; Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and Franklin County Prosecutor Shayla D. Favor announced the sentence imposed today by Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Noah R. Litton are representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Bath Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearms

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

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Bath man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to being a felon in possession of firearms. According to court records, in October 2024, the Bath Police Department received information that Noah Sibole-Little , 29, had potentially threatened an individual at a residence with a firearm. Bath officers and Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office personnel responded to the area and set up a perimeter. Officers observed Sibole-Little exit a rear door to the residence with a backpack and toss the bag over a fence on the property into a bush. Police seized the backpack and located three firearms—two 9mm pistols and a .380 caliber pistol—inside. Sibole-Little had previously been convicted of Robbery and Aggravated Assault in 2016 in Cumberland County and was therefore prohibited from possessing firearms. Sibole-Little faces up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the Bath Police Department and the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office. Project Safe Neighborhoods : 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psn . ###


title: Omaha Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Carinda M. Blair, 39, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 11, 2025, in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Blair to 78 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Blair’s release from prison, she will begin a two-year term of supervised release. Blair was charged as a result of her involvement with a Mexico Source of Supply (SOS) of methamphetamine and was a local courier who was distributing the SOS’s methamphetamine in Nebraska and Iowa. On August 17, 2023, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Drug Enforcement Administration surveillance observed a suspected drug courier go to Blair’s Omaha apartment and conduct a drug deal. In a subsequent search warrant on the Mexico SOS’s phone number, messages confirmed that Blair had arranged the drug deal with the SOS. Messages indicated that Blair was a regular customer of the SOS beginning in March of 2023 and was consistently buying ounces of methamphetamine from the SOS on a weekly basis. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.


title: Lincoln Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that William Arthur Parrott, 54, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on June 12, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine mixture. United States District Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Parrott to 300 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Parrott’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. Parrott was convicted on the conspiracy charge by a Lincoln jury on January 30, 2025, after a three-day jury trial. Evidence presented at trial included testimony from three persons involved in drug distribution with Parrott between March of 2020 and November of 2022. In addition, the Government presented text messages sent between Parrott and one of the witnesses concerning drug transactions; drugs found during a search of the witness’s hotel room; information regarding searches of residences associated with other co-conspirators; a tracker placed on a co-conspirator’s vehicle; and surveillance done by narcotics investigators. Parrott was held responsible for the distribution of approximately 11 kilograms of methamphetamine. He received sentencing enhancements for possession of a gun in connection with the drug offense and for using his Lincoln residence for the purpose of drug distribution This case was investigated by the Lincoln/Lancaster County Drug Task Force.


title: Hickman Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud Conspiracy

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Jesse T. Hill, 35, of Hickman, Nebraska, entered a plea of guilty to an Information alleging that he committed conspiracy to commit bank fraud in front of United States Magistrate Judge Jacqueline M. DeLuca. Judge DeLuca scheduled Hill’s sentencing for September 11, 2025, at 3 p.m. before United States District Court Judge Susan M. Bazis. Hill faces a maximum possible penalty of 30 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to $ 1 million, and a mandatory special assessment of $100. Hill additionally has agreed to pay restitution and forfeit his interest, if any, in a property in Puerto Rico, a PC-12/47E Pilatus Aircraft, and funds in a Charles Schwab account. Individual 1 operated a real estate business in Nebraska. Individual 1 died on November 2, 2022. Hill was an investment advisor operating in Nebraska. In 2013, Hill organized JT Equity Trading, LLC which operated as a hedge fund until 2018. Hill then organized First SOJO Capital Group, LLC (“First SOJO”) in 2019. First SOJO was a Registered Investment Advisor in Nebraska that managed two pooled investment vehicles: Outlier Fund I, LP and Outlier Fund II, LP. First SOJO used the services of Piedmont Fund Services from late 2021 until April 2022, when Piedmont Fund Services terminated their relationship with Hill due to significant investment losses. At no point in time did Piedmont Fund Services provide services to Individual 1 or any of Individual 1’s controlled entities. Beginning in November 2020, Hill and Individual 1 began attempting to obtain loans from financial institutions throughout Nebraska and western Iowa. The loans were sought in the name of Individual 1 and/or Individual 1’s entities. It was represented that these loans were to be used for real estate investments and the alleged collateral for the loans was an investment account of Individual 1 and/or Individual 1’s entity that was managed by Hill. Hill and Individual 1 would grant a surety with the financial institution, typically in the form of a control agreement, a commercial security agreement, or an assignment of account. Hill would falsely claim that Individual 1 and/or Individual 1’s entities were clients of his through his own investment entities JT Equity or First SOJO. Hill would prepare and present fraudulent invoices from JT Equity or Piedmont Fund Services to the financial institutions. Hill would falsely represent values of alleged funds that Individual 1 and/or an entity of Individual 1 had in an account that Hill managed. Hill would falsely represent that no other financial institution had a security interest in these fictitious accounts. Throughout the process of obtaining or attempting to obtain the loans, Hill and Individual 1 would engage with each financial institution to facilitate the loan process to include meeting with the financial institution in person, communicating by telephone, communicating by text message, or communicating by email. Hill knew that the representations being made to the financial institutions in order to obtain loans by Individual 1 and/or Individual 1’s entity were false and were being done with the intent to defraud. As a result of this scheme, Hill and Individual 1 attempted to obtain at least $45,650,000.00 in loans from at least 19 different financial institutions. The majority of the funds that were fraudulently obtained went into a failed investment scheme. A portion of the proceeds from fraudulent loans obtained later in the scheme were used to pay off or pay down fraudulent loans obtained earlier in the scheme. Proceeds were deposited in a Charles Schwab account, were used to purchase a property in Puerto Rico, and were used to purchase an ownership interest in a PC-12/47E Pilatus Aircraft. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - Office of the Inspector General, Federal Housing Finance Agency - Office of the Inspector General, and the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System - Office of the Inspector General with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol, Lincoln Police Department, and the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office.