title: Clinton County Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution, Receipt, and Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Anthony Deyoe, age 45, of Au Sable Forks, New York, pled guilty yesterday to distributing, receiving, and possessing child pornography announced United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). As part of his guilty plea, Deyoe admitted that in June of 2024, he exchanged child sexual abuse material with other users of an online social networking application installed on his cellular telephone. Deyoe also admitted that in December of 2024, during a search conducted by law enforcement, he possessed numerous images and videos of child sexual abuse material on the same cellular telephone. Deyoe admitted that he committed these offenses after previous convictions in New York State, one in 2008 for Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, and in 2018 of Promoting a Sexual Performance by a Child. U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “Protecting children is my top priority. I am thankful to HSI and the NYSP for their partnership and assistance in bringing this defendant to justice. Every child should feel safe, and my office will do whatever it can to make sure that happens.” “Through his admitted crimes, Anthony Deyoe placed his own abhorrent desires above the safety of child victims. HSI Rouses Point is committed to working with our partners in pursuit of justice for the innocent minor population who are victimized by online perpetrators," said HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan. At sentencing, currently scheduled for November 5, 2025, in Utica, New York, Deyoe faces a term of imprisonment between 15 and 40 years for each of the receipt and distribution counts. For the possession count, Deyoe faces a term of imprisonment between 10 and 20 years. Deyoe also faces a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. He will also be required to continue to register as a sex offender. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from New York State Police and members of the Tri-County Special Response Team which is made up of law enforcement personnel from Clinton, Essex, and Franklin County. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle is prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Clinton County Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Receive and Distribute Child Pornography and for Possessing Child Pornography

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Richard Hockersmith, 65, of Plattsburgh, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 6 years in federal prison for conspiring to receive and distribute child pornography and possession of child pornography announced United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). As part of his prior guilty plea, Hockersmith admitted that in August of 2022, he began conspiring with his co-defendant, Jack Kelly, about exchanging child sexual abuse material. Hockersmith further admitted that he and Kelly decided to exchange the material by mailing an SD card containing child sexual abuse images and videos back and forth, which each of them did. Hockersmith also admitted that during a search of his residence on September 12, 2024, he still possessed the SD card he and Kelly used to receive and distribute child sexual abuse material via the U.S. mail, which contained the sexually explicit images and videos of children they shared with one another. In addition to a term of imprisonment, United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also sentenced Hockersmith to serve a 10-year term of supervised release to begin after Hockersmith is released from prison. Hockersmith will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release. U.S. Attorney Sarcone stated, “They thought they were being sly—using the mail to trade child pornography—but it didn’t work thanks to the diligent investigative work of the agents and investigators from HSI and the New York State Police. Let this be a lesson, we will find and punish anyone who is involved in the abuse or exploitation of children.” “The defendant was sentenced for his heinous crime of receiving, possessing, and distributing child sexual abuse material,” said HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan. “Together with our partners, HSI Rouses Point will continue to seek justice for victimized children. Any person who believes they have information pertaining to the exploitation of a child is encouraged to contact the HSI tip-line at 866-347-2423.” The case was investigated by HSI with assistance from New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: North Platte Man Sentenced to 27 years in Prison for Drug Conspiracy

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Guadalupe Ramirez, 40, of North Platte, Nebraska, was sentenced on July 3, 2025 in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for Conspiracy to Distribute 500 grams or more of Methamphetamine. United States District Court Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Ramirez to 324 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Ramirez is released from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. Beginning in 2021, special agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and task force officers with the Cooperative Organization for Drug Enforcement (CODE) began a large-scale investigation into drug dealing in central and west-central Nebraska. Ramirez, also known as “Shrek,” quickly emerged as a key player in a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy that saw methamphetamine being trafficked into Nebraska mainly through mailings originating from California and Mexico. Members of the conspiracy would receive the mailed packages loaded with narcotics and distribute the drugs throughout Nebraska, including as far east as Omaha. At the time of sentencing, the Court found between 15 and 45 kilograms of methamphetamine were moved through Nebraska as a part of this conspiracy. The investigation also revealed an association between Ramirez and firearms. Ramirez’s Facebook profile included discussions between himself and others in the conspiracy about firearms and a public video of Ramirez discharging a firearm out the window of a vehicle he used to deal drugs. While imposing the sentence, Judge Bazis commented that Ramirez was essentially “the second in command” of this operation and told Ramirez that “a lot of drugs moved through Nebraska because of you.” The years’ long investigation that led to this conviction was recognized by the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA)’s 2024 Community Impact Operation of the Year. In presenting the award, Midwest HIDTA Director Dan Neill noted that the case was up against other jurisdictions with much larger cities, including St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri. The award recognized the hard work of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies during this investigation. FBI Special Agent in Charge Eugene Kowel said, “The trafficking of drugs into our communities is not a victimless crime. It has a destructive effect on our neighborhoods and families. The investigation of Ramirez and his co-conspirators resulted in 36 federal indictments, 22 local arrests, the seizure of illicit drugs, cash, and firearms, and dismantled a pernicious drug trafficking organization in central Nebraska. We’ll continue to join forces with our partners to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations in both urban and rural communities across the state, and to impose consequences on those responsible for selling drugs to mothers, fathers, sons, and daughters in our community.” U.S. Attorney Lesley Woods said, “The outstanding work of the CODE Task Force demonstrates that full prosecutorial and investigation collaboration can accomplish tremendous outcomes in the interest of making Nebraska an even safer place for its citizens to call home.” These cases were investigated by the CODE Task Force which is made up of law enforcement agencies throughout a 22-county area in west-central/southwest Nebraska and includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nebraska State Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, North Platte Police Department, Lexington Police Department, and Army National Guard Counter Drug Unit. The investigation and arrests were also assisted by the U.S. Postal Service, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Ogallala Police Department, La Vista Police Department, the Tri-Cities Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT) Task Force, the Western Intelligence Narcotics Group (WING) Task Force, the Capitol Region Safe Streets Task Force (CRSSTF), the Lincoln/Lancaster County Metro Fugitive Task Force, the Lincoln and Keith County Attorney’s Offices, and Nebraska District 11 Probation Office. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Mexican man charged with illegal re-entry

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. –U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Oscar Leo Hernandez Sanchez, 37, a citizen and national of Mexico, 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, Sanchez was encountered by Customs and Border Protection at the Peace Bridge Port of Entry on the morning of June 26, 2025. He was occupying a tractor trailer in a no parking zone of the entrance to the Duty Free Shop. Sanchez then attempted to back down the ramp of the Peace Bridge, towards Interstate I-190. CBP officers made contact with the Sanchez out of concern that a traffic accident would occur. When asked for identification, he produced a Mexican Passport and a Mexican Consular Identification Document. Sanchez was then escorted to secondary to determine his immigration status in the United States. A records check determined that Sanchez was arrested and physically removed from the United States in December 2011. 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. Sanchez made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer and was detained. The complaint is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy. 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: Medina man pleads guilty to possession of child pornography

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Kyle Stack, 39, of Medina, NY, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. to possession of child pornography involving prepubescent minors, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly, who is handling the case, stated that in July 2020, Stack possessed a cellular phone, which contained more than 4,000 images and videos of child pornography. The child pornography included prepubescent minors less than 12-years-old and images of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. In addition, Stack possessed a laptop, which contained more than 9,000 images and videos of child pornography. The plea is the result of an investigation by the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm. Sentencing is scheduled for November 7, 2025, before Judge Sinatra. # # # #


title: Marijuana Dealer Who Possessed Machine Gun Sentenced to 27 Months in Federal Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WASHINGTON – U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced that Zimarie Bryant, 20, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 27 months in federal prison in connection with marijuana trafficking and illegally possessing a machine gun. Bryant, an aspiring rapper aka “Cruddy Marie,” pleaded guilty on March 13, 2025, to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and to one count of unlawful possession of a machine gun. In addition to the 30-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson ordered Bryant to serve three years of supervised release. According to court documents, on Aug. 31, 2023, FBI agents went to an apartment in the 3600 Block of Jay Street, NE, to execute a federal arrest warrant. Agents knocked on the door but did not gain entry for more than 20 minutes. Agents obtained a search warrant and recovered numerous firearms, including a 9mm Glock 45 that had been modified with a switch to make it a functionally fully automatic machine gun. Agents also recovered about 12 pounds of marijuana, ammunition, and a firearm magazine. As part of this plea, Bryant acknowledged that he possessed the marijuana with the intent to distribute it, that he possessed the machine gun in connection with that possession with intent to distribute, and that he knew the firearm was a machine gun. While Bryant was released from the apartment, messages from his Instagram account from around the time of the search acknowledge his presence at the scene. On Aug. 31, 2023, Bryant sent an Instagram message to another user saying, “I was just locked up and got picked up by the fbi.” In a separate conversation that day, another Instagram user asked him, “Ever found some thunder 1” “? *”, which refers to marijuana. Bryant responded, “I had some but fbi ran in our spot and took everything”. On May 30, 2024, Bryant was arrested at an apartment in Southeast Washington, D.C. Law enforcement recovered a disassembled Glock 19 handgun, two 9mm magazines with 15 rounds each, a black scale, and two additional 9mm rounds. When Bryant was shown his arrest warrant during booking, he denied having a machine gun but did admit he had a Glock 19. Bryant has a history of using and possessing firearms unlawfully. On June 30, 2023, he posted a video on Instagram showing him possessing what appears to be the same firearm involved in this case. Joining in the announcement were Assistant Director in Chief Steven J. Jensen of the FBI Washington Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Washington Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). This case was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office, the DEA, and MPD. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Solomon Eppel. This news release, originally issued on July 2, was updated July 8 to reflect a resentencing of the defendant.


title: Carbon County Man Sentenced To 120 Months’ Imprisonment For Drug Trafficking Offense

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jason Mika, age 44, of Lansford, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 3, 2025, to 120 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr., for one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Mika previously pled guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute over 500 grams of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Mika possessed over one pound of methamphetamine, several pounds of marijuana, drug packaging materials, over $22,000 in cash, and several firearms, that were found in his home in Lansford, during the execution of a search warrant by members of the Bureau of Narcotics Investigation, Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, as well as other investigators on September 6, 2024. The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania, the Lehighton Borough Police Department, the Nesquehoning Police Department, the Lansford Police Department, the Franklin Township Police Department, and the Carbon County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney James Buchanan is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiate 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: Harrisburg Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Trafficking Methamphetamine

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Muhammad Adnan, age 21, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 2, 2025, to 10 years in prison by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for drug trafficking. According to Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, Adnan was indicted with three codefendants for distributing methamphetamine in quantities of 50 grams and more on multiple occasions from November 2023 until February 2024, in Harrisburg. Adnan had previously pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine on February 27, 2025. Codefendants Urias Williams pleaded guilty on February 27, 2025, and is awaiting sentencing; Aaron Pitts is currently scheduled for trial on October 6, 2025; and Aaron Gambino is a fugitive. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Capital City Safe Streets Task Force, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Dauphin County Drug Task Force, and the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiate 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). Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Former Chief Operating Officer of Pain Care Centers Sentenced

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. –The former chief operating officer and practice manager of several southwest Virginia pain clinics was sentenced yesterday to 36 months in federal prison for her role in healthcare fraud and drug conspiracies at the clinics. Jennifer Adams, 52, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, served as the Chief Operating Officer of L5 Medical Holdings, a company doing business under the name “Pain Care Centers” that operated clinics in Woodlawn, Lynchburg, Madison Heights, Blacksburg, and Christiansburg. In November 2024, Adams pled guilty to helping conceal illegal prescribing and healthcare fraud at the clinics. According to court documents, in 2014, despite having no medical training, a former mortgage broker and L5 Medical’s owner, John Barnes, purchased and operated Pain Care Center clinics. Among other things, providers at the practice prescribed opioids and opioid addiction treatment medications, including Suboxone. Adams, who also lacked medical training, helped Barnes run the clinics. As part of her plea, Adams admitted to encouraging medical providers with L5 to follow the opinion of non-medical professionals in making medical decisions, including whether a patient should be treated for opioid addiction or for pain management, whether a patient should receive a prescription, and what type of drug should be prescribed. Adams also admitted to knowing that one practitioner, Dr. Wendell Randall, was not providing medically legitimate care to patients. Court records show that L5 employees described Dr. Randall as a “quack” and “train wreck,” explained his files did not “justify continuing the medication” he prescribed to patients and questioned if “anyone check[ed] to see if he was real doctor.” Adams acknowledged she knew L5 illegally used the prescribing credentials of some doctors – known as registration numbers – to prescribe Suboxone, a Schedule III drug used to treat patients with opioid addiction, even when the doctors had not seen the patients who received the prescriptions. Additionally, Adams helped implement drug testing policies at the clinics that improperly inflated bills to medical insurers. Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of DEA Washington Division, Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General’s Philadelphia Region, Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of the Virginia State Police, and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares made the announcement today. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General, the Virginia State Police, and the Virginia Attorney General’s Office - Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Cagle Juhan and Jason M. Scheff prosecuted the case.


title: Yankton Man Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison  for Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Yankton, South Dakota, man convicted of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on July 7, 2025. Matthew Williams, age 33, was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison and four years of supervised release. He was ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2023. He pleaded guilty on April 2, 2025. The conviction stemmed from an incident on March 17, 2022, when Williams intentionally distributed a pill containing fentanyl to one of his drug customers who ingested it and overdosed. Paramedics were called to the residence and administered a dose of Narcan, which saved the victim’s life. This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Connie Larson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth A. Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case. Williams was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: FORT WALTON BEACH WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO $200K THEFT OF GOVERNMENT BENEFITS

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Rhonda Lynn Lopez, 59, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to theft of government property. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. United States Attorney Heekin said: “By falsely claiming benefits she knew she had no right to receive, the defendant stole resources that were intended for those truly in need. I appreciate the hard work of our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and stop this criminal, and I want to make clear that my office will continue to aggressively prosecute anyone who defrauds the government.” Court documents reflect that in Lopez provided false information to the Social Security Administration (SSA) during her benefit reviews. Based on the information learned during the investigation regarding her assets and finances, SSA determined Lopez was not entitled to Supplemental Security Income payments beginning on or about May 28, 1998. As a result, she stole more than $206,000 from the United States Government. Lopez faces up to 10 years imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The plea was the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Two California Residents Plead Guilty in Connection with $16M Hospice Fraud Scheme and Money Laundering Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Two California residents pleaded guilty yesterday in connection with their roles in defrauding Medicare of nearly $16 million through sham hospice companies and to laundering the proceeds of the fraud as part of a multi-year scheme. According to court documents, Karpis Srapyan, 35, of Winnetka, California, conspired with others, including co-defendants Petros Fichidzhyan and Juan Carlos Esparza, to bill Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and never provided. To conduct their fraudulent scheme, they used a series of four sham hospice companies: one owned by Esparza and the other three owned by foreign nationals but controlled by the defendants. Srapyan and his co-defendants concealed the scheme by using foreign nationals’ personal identifying information to open bank accounts, submit information to Medicare, and sign property leases. They also misappropriated names and other identifying information of several doctors, two of whom were deceased, to fraudulently bill Medicare for purported hospice services. In total, Medicare paid the fake hospice companies nearly $16 million. Fichidzhyan, Esparza, and Srapyan worked with others to launder the fraudulent proceeds from their hospice scheme. Susanna Harutyunyan, 39, of Winnetka, was aware that her husband and co-defendant Mihran Panosyan was involved in illegal activity with Srapyan and Fichidzhyan. As part of the money laundering scheme, Harutyunyan and her co-defendants maintained fraudulent identification documents, bank documents, checkbooks, and credit and debit cards in the names of purported foreign owners in the residence where she and Panosyan lived and another residence that was owned in her name. Srapyan conducted dozens of financial transactions, totaling approximately $3.2 million, moving funds between accounts in the names of the sham hospice companies, accounts in the names of foreign nationals that were controlled by the defendants, and other accounts involved in the money laundering scheme. Harutyunyan knowingly spent fraudulent proceeds on personal expenses, including payments for a BMW automobile. Srapyan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Harutyunyan pleaded guilty to money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 17; she faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine their sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Harutyunyan faces deportation. Co-defendant Petros Fichidzhyan previously pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. In May, Fichidzhyan was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Co-defendant Mihran Panosyan pleaded guilty to money laundering in June and is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 8. Co-defendant Juan Carlos Esparza’s change of plea hearing is scheduled for July 14. The guilty pleas today are the most recent convictions in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme. Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement. The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Michael Bacharach, Sarah E. Edwards, and Allison L. McGuire of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara B. Vavere for the Central District of California is handling asset forfeiture. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of 9 strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Four Defendants Charged with Assaulting Federal Law Enforcement Officers, Other Offenses During Protests Near Local ICE Office

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—Four defendants made their first appearances in federal court today after committing various offenses—including assaulting federal officers and possessing a destructive device—during ongoing protest gatherings near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland. Riley Freeman, 26, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offenses of assaulting a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon and possession of an unregistered destructive device. Andrew Marcum, 22, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offense of assaulting a federal officer. Jeremy Hummel, 27, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the misdemeanor offense of depredation of government property. Ian Joseph McCarthy, 35, of Portland, has been charged by criminal complaint with the felony offenses of assaulting a federal officer and depredation of government property. According to court documents and information shared in court, on July 4, 2025, several individuals gathered near an ICE office in South Portland where, for weeks, individuals have repeatedly targeted the building and federal law enforcement officers with threatening statements, discharging pepper spray, and throwing rocks, trash, and bricks. At approximately 8:00pm, federal officers observed an individual defacing the ICE building guard shack with graffiti. As an officer began to pursue the individual, Marcum ran toward the officer and kicked the officer in the leg, causing the officer to trip. At approximately 8:41pm, officers observed another individual, later identified as Hummel, defacing the ICE building with black spray paint. At approximately 11:16pm, as federal officers cleared a group of people off federal property, Freeman threw an incendiary device towards the officers that detonated near them. Freeman attempted to flee but officers pursued him and Freeman was arrested. The same evening, federal officers observed McCarthy using bolt cutters to attempt to damage a proximity card reader near the vehicle entrance of the building. McCarthy had also been observed removing and damaging the fiber optic cable system to the ICE building, interrupting internet and communication service for the building. While being placed under arrest, McCarthy kicked and punched several officers assisting in the arrest. All four defendants made their first appearances in federal court Monday before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. They were released on conditions pending future court proceedings. Felony assault of a federal officer is punishable by up to eight years in federal prison, and assault of a federal officer with a deadly or dangerous weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. Felony possession of an unregistered destructive device and depredation of government property over $1,000 are punishable by up to 10 years in federal prison. Depredation of government property under $1,000 is a class A misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in prison. These cases are being investigated by the Federal Protective Service (FPS) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). They are being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. Since June 13, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged 22 defendants with offenses committed at the ICE building including assaulting federal officers, arson, possession of a destructive device, and depredation of government property. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Final Defendant Sentenced in National Methamphetamine & Cocaine Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Alexis M. Sanford today announced that United States District Judge Jane M. Beckering sentenced Merria Wallace, 42, a resident of West Park, Florida with significant ties to Lansing, Michigan, to serve 120 months in prison for her role in a multi-state drug trafficking conspiracy. During sentencing, Judge Beckering characterized Wallace as a facilitator for a major drug trafficking organization, finding that she “was a really important part of this operation” – an operation responsible for distributing significant quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine throughout Michigan. Wallace is the final defendant to be sentenced in the case. Wallace was the logistics manager for a conspiracy designed to import methamphetamine and cocaine to Michigan for sale. In her role, Wallace tracked packages containing approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine sent to Michigan from California. She also booked flights for co-conspirators to fly thousands of dollars in drug proceeds to California and then return to Michigan with drugs, including cocaine. On multiple occasions, Wallace even traveled herself, transporting drug money on behalf of one of the conspiracy’s leaders, Jason Demyers. Overall, the organization distributed kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine in and around Detroit, Lansing, and Kalamazoo between August 2022 and July 2024. “The sentences in this case are significant and effectively hampered this transnational drug trafficking organization, which spanned multiple states, including Michigan, Florida, Arizona and California,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Alexis Sanford . “Our office is committed to combatting these organizations, including sources of supply from other states or countries who are responsible for distributing significant quantities of drugs into our West Michigan communities. We will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to make our communities safer for everyone.” During the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately ten kilograms of methamphetamine, eight kilograms of cocaine, multiple pieces of real property used to facilitate the drug trafficking conspiracy, and jewelry valued at approximately $325,000 that constituted proceeds of the drug trafficking conspiracy. In total, the United States charged fourteen defendants as part of the organization. Twelve of the defendants have pleaded guilty, while two have entered a pretrial diversion program. The Court has imposed the following prison sentences on the convicted defendants: Name Residence Age Sentence Jason Demyers Lansing, Michigan Phoenix, Arizona 44 324 months Franchot Barnes Southern California 47 324 months Jomo Grady Kalamazoo, Michigan 51 210 months Evette Wallace Kalamazoo, Michigan 36 110 months Mark Williams Southfield, Michigan 54 105 months Jamar Goins Lansing, Michigan 45 78 months Franchot Meadows Bloomfield, Michigan 22 75 months Ivan Williams Southfield, Michigan 35 63 months Lanise Moody Lansing, Michigan 42 40 months Jonathan Conner Lansing, Michigan 43 37 months Shirley Starks Lansing, Michigan 41 2 years of probation The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Lansing Police Department (LPD) began the investigation into Demyers’ drug trafficking organization in October 2022, in partnership with Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office. “The results of this investigation highlight the relentless work the Drug Enforcement Administration and our state and local partners do daily to keep our communities safe, said DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew P. Lawton . “With the assistance of the Lansing Police Department and the Michigan State Police, we have succeeded in holding those accountable for flooding our backyards with drugs and weapons. We will continue to prioritize the Mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration and bring those responsible for these crimes to justice. These severe sentences show that narcotics trafficking has grave consequences and should serve as a warning to the cartels and drug gangs alike.” This prosecution, dubbed Operation Cold as Ice, was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . Assistant United States Attorneys Stephanie M. Carowan and Austin J. Hakes prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.


title: Ten Individuals Charged with Attempted Murder of Federal Officers and Firearms Offenses in Alvarado Police Officer Shooting

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

body_text: Ten individuals have been charged for their roles in the shooting of an Alvarado police officer at the Prairieland Detention Center. Today’s announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Nancy E. Larson, Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas FBI R. Joseph Rothrock, and Enforcement Removal Operations Dallas Acting Field Office Director Joshua Johnson. According to a criminal complaint filed today, the defendants, dressed in black military-style clothing, began shooting fireworks at the facility, as part of an organized attack. After approximately 10 minutes of convening, one or two individuals broke off from the main group and began to spray graffiti on vehicles and a guard structure in the parking lot at the facility. An Alvarado police officer responded to the scene after correctional officers called 911 to report suspicious activity. When the Alvarado police officer arrived, one alleged defendant positioned in nearby woods shot the officer in the neck area. Another alleged assailant across the street fired 20 to 30 rounds at unarmed correctional officers who had stepped outside the facility. As alleged in the complaint, AR-style rifles were found at the scene. The assailants fled from the detention center but were stopped by additional law enforcement officers. Some defendants were wearing body armor, some were armed, and some had two-way radios. A total of twelve sets of body armor were found during searches of vehicles associated with the defendants, on their persons, and in the area around the Prairieland Detention Center. Additionally, officers found spray paint, flyers stating, “FIGHT ICE TERROR WITH CLASS WAR!” and “FREE ALL POLITICAL PRISONERS,” and a flag stating, “RESIST FACISM – FIGHT OLIGARCHY.” One of the alleged attackers had cell phones inside a “Faraday bag,” used to block phone signals and commonly used by criminal actors to try to prevent law enforcement from tracking their location. Ten individuals were charged in one complaint with three counts of attempted murder of federal agents and three counts of discharging a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Those include: • Cameron Arnold • Savanna Batten • Nathan Baumann • Zachary Evetts • Joy Gibson • Bradford Morris • Maricela Rueda • Seth Sikes • Elizabeth Soto • Ines Soto As outlined in the complaint, officers photographed the graffiti, flyers, flag, body armor, and magazines containing ammunition: “Make no mistake, this was not a peaceful protest,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Nancy E. Larson. “This was an ambush on federal and local law enforcement officers. This increasing trend of violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated in the Northern District of Texas. Those who use violence against law enforcement officers will be found and prosecuted using the toughest criminal statutes and penalties available.” “The incident at the Prairieland Detention Center underscores the dangers that officers face daily. We want to thank all the law enforcement agencies that promptly responded and assisted in apprehending the suspects,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI stands with our partners and pledges that violence against law enforcement will not be tolerated. We are committed to thoroughly investigating this weekend’s incident and will hold those responsible accountable for threatening the safety of law enforcement.” “Violence, threats of violence, and attempts of vandalism at our ICE Facilities will not deter our officers at ICE from fulfilling their duties, said Josh Johnson, Acting ERO Dallas Field Office Director. “This type of vigilante lawlessness is emblematic of the dangers federal, state, and local law enforcement officials face every day.” A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, the defendants face a minimum penalty of ten years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The investigation was conducted by the Dallas FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Office (ICE ERO), Homeland Security Investigations, ATF, Texas Department of Public Safety, Alvarado Police Department, and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. us_v_arnold_et_al_complaint.pdf


title: SON OF SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFICIARY PLEADS GUILTY TO THEFT OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – David James Massey, 39, of Pace, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to Theft of Government Funds. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Social Security Disability benefits provide support for the basic needs of elderly and disabled citizens, but this defendant took those monies to line his own pockets despite knowing he wasn’t entitled to receive them. My office is committed to identifying and prosecuting this financial abuse, returning taxpayer dollars to the American people, and ensuring a just sentence for those who prey on these resources.” Court documents reflect that Massey’s mother was a Social Security Administration (SSA) Title II beneficiary who received her benefits into a joint bank account she shared with her son, Massey. Massey’s mother died in 2019, but he continued to receive and use her benefits for his own use. From the date of his mother’s death in 2019 through August 2023, the SSA deposited over $118,000 into the joint account. Massey knew he was not entitled to the funds and failed to notify the SSA of his mother’s death. Instead, Massey transferred the benefit payments from the joint account into multiple other accounts wherein he spent the money for his own personal use. Massey faces up to ten years’ imprisonment as a result of his actions. If Massey is sentenced to a term of imprisonment, such term could be followed by up to a 3-year term of supervised release. Thus, if Massey were to violate any conditions of his release, he could potentially face an additional period of incarceration related to violating his supervision. In accordance with his Plea Agreement, Massey will be required to pay back all funds he unlawfully stole from the SSA. This case was investigated by the Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan. Sentencing is scheduled for September 30, 2025, at 9:00 AM at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Romanian Man Guilty of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that RAMBO HARNA (“HARNA”) , citizen of Romania, pleaded guilty on June 26, 2025 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen goods, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371. According to court records, HARNA , and others, conspired to defraud Walmart stores across the country, out of merchandise, money orders, and money transfer requests. The scheme unfolded when a co-conspirator would count money out in front of a cashier, while another of the co-conspirators, including HARNA , would help to distract the cashier. Using a sleight-of-hand technique, the co-conspirator would pretend to hand the cashier the full amount while secretly retrieving a large portion of the cash. The co-conspirators would then return merchandise for a refund to other Walmart stores in a different state or obtain the full value of money orders and money transfer requests after having only paid for a fraction of the cost. At the sentencing hearing scheduled for July 23, 2025, before United States District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, HARNA faces up to 5 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to 3 years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. 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). Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, and Walmart Home Office Central Investigations Organized Retail Crime Division in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: PENSACOLA MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO POSSESSING UNREGISTERED MACHINEGUN

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Prashant M. Jenkins Jr., 24, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of possession of an unregistered machinegun. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Court documents reflect that on October 30, 2024, law enforcement officers found and seized from Jenkins’ residence an AR-style machinegun conversion device, a Glock pistol with a loaded magazine, a loaded AR-15 magazine, approximately 500 grams of marijuana, and other suspected drug trafficking paraphernalia. The conversion device, which itself is considered a machinegun under federal law, was not marked with a serial number and was not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record as required. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I applaud the excellent work of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and our federal ATF agents to make our community safer by getting this dangerous individual off the streets. My office remains fully committed to aggressively prosecuting those who illegally manufacture and possess these dangerous weapons, fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America by targeting violent criminals with the full force of the law.” Sentencing is currently set for September 30, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers. Jenkins faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment and will be prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition. The plea was the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) 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 United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Hong Kong-Based Company Agrees to Pay $876,000 to Resolve Alleged False Claims Act Violations

component: Civil Division

body_text: Schaefer Systems International Ltd. (SSI) has agreed to pay $876,000 to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations relating to the payment of a prohibited finder’s fee in connection with the award of an Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) contract to supply a pallet racking system for a warehouse at a U.S. military base in South Korea. SSI markets and sells warehouse logistics systems and provides related services throughout Asia. SSI disclosed the prohibited payment to the government following an internal compliance review and internal investigation. The settlement resolves allegations that prior to the award of the AAFES contract in 2018, SSI falsely certified its compliance with a procurement integrity provision limiting the payment of commissions to certain bona fide employees and agencies. Unbeknownst to AAFES, SSI intended to pay a finder’s fee to a South Korean national who had informed SSI of the potential contracting opportunity and helped secure the contract. “Those who do business with the government must do so fairly and honestly,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable contractors that fail to follow procurement rules, but we will also give credit to those who disclose their wrongdoing, take appropriate remedial actions, and meaningfully cooperate with the government’s investigation.” “Department of Defense contractors have a duty to uphold their contractual obligations and deliver honest value to the American taxpayer,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Stanley A. Newell of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Transnational Operations Field Office. “This civil settlement demonstrates that illicit payment schemes and kickbacks will not be tolerated. The dedicated professionals of DCIS will work tirelessly to hold those who violate the public trust accountable.” In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that SSI took a number of significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government. Following an internal compliance review and independent investigation, SSI promptly disclosed to the government the prohibited payment. SSI also provided the government with a detailed and thorough written disclosure and cooperated with the government throughout its investigation. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and DCIS. Fraud Section Senior Trial Counsel Andrew A. Steinberg handled the matter. The claims resolved by the United States in the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.


title: Mexican Man Pleads Guilty to Violating Federal Kingpin Statute and Money Laundering in Connection with Arizona-Based Transnational Drug Trafficking Organization

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A Mexican national illegally residing in Phoenix, Arizona, pleaded guilty in federal court on July 7, 2025, to charges of violating the federal “Kingpin” statute for operating a continuing criminal enterprise as well as money laundering, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Marcos Monarrez-Mendoza, 55, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan. Monarrez-Mendoza was among 35 individuals charged through a Second Superseding Indictment unsealed in January 2024 for their participation in a domestic and international narcotics and money laundering conspiracy involving substantial quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine (read the Second Superseding Indictment news release here). In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, at various times from September 2022 to November 2022, Monarrez-Mendoza—a co-leader, along with his son Marcos Monarrez Jr., of the Phoenix-based Monarrez Drug Trafficking Organization—was intercepted over a federal wiretap obtaining hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, millions of fentanyl pills, and kilograms of cocaine from a Mexican national drug supplier. Monarrez-Mendoza provided the drugs to a network of subordinate drug distributors who redistributed them throughout the country, including into western Pennsylvania. Additionally, Monarrez-Mendoza provided over $100,000 in proceeds from the drug sales to couriers who smuggled the money into Mexico to promote the drug trafficking operation. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for December 5, 2025. The law provides for a sentence of not less than 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $2 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorneys Arnold P. Bernard Jr. and Tonya S. Goodman are prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Monarrez-Mendoza. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, 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). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: McKeesport Felon Sentenced to Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 37 months of imprisonment on his conviction of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand imposed the sentence on Richard L. Edwards Jr., 49. According to information presented to the Court, Edwards was serving probation following a 2023 conviction for which he was sentenced to five years of county probation and 18 months of electronic home monitoring. While on approved grocery windows on both May 25, 2024, and June 1, 2024, Edwards stopped with his wife at a local firearms store, where his wife purchased a firearm on each occasion. In light of the two unauthorized stops, Westmoreland County Adult Probation conducted a search of Edwards’ residence on August 9, 2024, where they located multiple firearms and ammunition in Edwards’ bedroom and requested the assistance of the McKeesport Police Department. In total, law enforcement seized four firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun, and numerous rounds of ammunition from Edwards’ bedroom. Edwards is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition based upon his prior convictions for robbery and simple assault—both of which involved his use and threatened use of a firearm. Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca L. Silinski prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended Westmoreland County Adult Probation, the McKeesport Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Edwards.


title: Honduran National Indicted For Re-Entry of Deported Alien

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – ActingUnited States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that PEDRO TAILOR CASTILLO-BONILLA (“CASTILLO- BONILLA”) , age 42, a native of Honduras, was indicted on July 3, 2025, for re-entry of removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). According to court documents, CASTILLO-BONILLA , an illegal alien, was found in Jefferson Parish on June 18, 2025. He had previously been removed to Honduras on October 20, 2011, and August 15, 2012. If convicted, CASTILLO-BONILLA faces a maximum penalty of two years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 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). Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in investigating this matter. Special Assistant United States Attorney Frederick W. Veters Jr., of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.


title: Mexican National Guilty Of Illegal Re-Entry

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that MARCO GOMEZ-ARGUELLO ("GOMEZ-ARGUELLO") , age 36, pled guilty on July 3, 2025, for illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a) and Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(b)(1). According to the indictment, GOMEZ-ARGUELLO , re-entered the United States after being previously deported on October 28, 2013. At sentencing , GOMEZ-ARGUELLO faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) New Orleans Field Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). * * *


title: Kenner Man Guilty of Violating Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that TEVIN BORNES (“BORNES”) , age 31, a resident of Kenner, Louisiana, pled guilty on July 2, 2025, to violating the Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo. According to court documents, in response to a complaint, law enforcement searched BORNES’ apartment on July 31, 2023 and seized 12.5 grams of marijuana, 47.74 grams of pure crystal methamphetamine, 9.75 grams of cocaine base, 137.22 grams of methamphetamine, 14.5 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and 4 firearms, including: a Glock Model 22, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, equipped with a machinegun conversion device, a Pioneer Arms Model Sporter, 7.62 millimeter caliber semi-automatic rifle, a Glock Model 23, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a Del-Ton DTI-15, 5.56 caliber semi-automatic pistol. BORNES pled guilty to Counts 1 through 4 of the indictment. Count 1 of the indictment charged BORNES with possession, with intent to distribute, 5 grams or more of methamphetamine, and quantities of cocaine and cocaine base (“crack”), in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B), and 841(b)(1)(C). For this offense, he faces a statutory mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to forty years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000,000, and at least four years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. Count 2 charged BORNES with possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i). For this offense, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, up to life imprisonment, to run consecutive with any other sentence, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to five years supervised release. Count 3 charged BORNES with possession of a machinegun, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(o). For this offense, he faces up to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. Count 4 charged BORNES with being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). For this offense, he faces up to fifteen years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years supervised release. For each of the charged counts, BORNES also faces payment of a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Kenner Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit oversees the prosecution. * * *


title: Phoenix Return Preparer Indicted for Filing False Tax Returns for Himself and Others

component: Tax Division

body_text: A Phoenix man made his initial appearance in federal court recently after a grand jury in Phoenix returned an indictment charging him with filing false tax returns for himself and for clients of his tax preparation business. The following is according to the indictment: from 2021 to 2023, Pacifique Kashosi allegedly prepared and filed false tax returns for clients of Africa Union Tax Services LLC, his return preparation business. On those returns, Kashosi claimed false or inflated sick and family leave and fuel credits that created or increased refunds to which he knew the clients were not entitled. The indictment further alleges that Kashosi earned income through the operation of his tax preparation business for the years 2022 and 2023 that he did not report on the tax returns he filed for himself for those two years. If convicted, Kashosi faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant Chief Andrew Kameros of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Rapp for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Body Armor Company Owner Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: CLEVELAND – Vall Iliev, 70, of Stow, Ohio, has been sentenced to 63 months (5.25 years) in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Donald C. Nugent after he pleaded guilty in March to smuggling foreign-made body armor and then selling it to law enforcement agencies and other members of the public as legitimate, domestically-made certified products. Iliev was additionally ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment. Judge Nugent also ordered him to pay approximately $5.2 million in restitution. According to court documents and testimony, in May 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents at the Blaine, Washington port of entry (POE) intercepted a Canadian-registered truck found to be carrying more than 200 ballistic body armor plates in boxes originating from China. The plates were hidden using a technique known as “Master Carton Smuggling,” which is typically used in attempts to evade detection by POE officials. The pre-packaged boxes were concealed within a larger shipping container and pre-addressed to be delivered to Iliev’s home or his businesses, Vallmar Studios and ShotStop, in Stow. Vallmar Studios was used as a warehouse to process the armor before being sold to law enforcement agencies and the general public through the ShotStop website. The armor was touted as American made and marked with labels as being certified by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ). The NIJ is the research, development, and evaluation arm of the U.S. Department of Justice, which has published performance standards for ballistic-resistant police body armor for more than 50 years. Manufacturers and distributors are permitted to use the NIJ trademarked symbol if the products meet established standards for protection. However, inspectors who examined the body armor found that none of the items from the Chinese manufacturers qualified to be NIJ-certified because approved manufacturers are only located within the United States. Federal investigators discovered that NIJ-certified and American-made labels on the armor were affixed to the products after arriving from China but before they were sold by ShotStop. Although the company’s advertising claimed that the products were NIJ-certified and made in Stow, Ohio, investigators learned that neither the Vallmar Studios nor the ShotStop facilities were equipped to manufacture body armor. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cleveland Office alongside the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Duncan T. Brown for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: H Block Gang Member Sentenced to Over Six Years in Prison for Drug Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A long-time member of the violent Boston-based gang, H-Block, was sentenced today in federal court for drug conspiracy offenses. Dennis Wilson, a/k/a “Deuce,” 36 of Boston, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 77 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In April 2025 , Wilson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Wilson was one of 10 H-Block gang members and associates charged in August 2024 following a multi-year investigation that began in 2021 in response to an uptick in gang-related drug trafficking, shootings and violence. According to court documents, over 500 grams of cocaine, cocaine base (crack cocaine) and fentanyl, as well as over 20,000 doses of drug-laced paper were seized during the investigation. According to the charging documents, the H Block Street Gang is one of the most feared and influential city-wide gangs in Boston. Originally formed in the 1980s as the Humboldt Raiders in the Roxbury section of Boston, the gang re-emerged in the 2000s as H Block. Current members of H Block have a history of violent confrontation with law enforcement, including an incident in 2015 when a member shot a Boston Police officer at point blank range without warning or provocation. From 2022 through 2023, Wilson participated in a conspiracy to distribute various controlled substances, including fentanyl, powdered cocaine and cocaine base (crack). On numerus occasions, Wilson accompanied a co-conspirator on various drug deals with undercover officers. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Andrew Murphy of the U.S. Secret Service Boston Field Office; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. The investigation was supported by the Massachusetts State Police; Massachusetts Department of Corrections; Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; and the Braintree, Quincy, Randolph and Watertown Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit and Jeremy Franker of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section are prosecuting the cases. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Providence VA Service Representative Admits to Federal Extortion, Bribery, Witness Tampering Charges

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A former benefits service representative with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in Providence pleaded guilty today to a six-count indictment that charges him with three counts of bribery and one count each of extortion, gratuity received by a public official, and witness tampering, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Michael Darrah, 47, of Taunton, MA., solicited and accepted bribes from veterans and the family member of a veteran to approve requested dependent care benefits and/or disability benefits. In requesting payments, Darrah claimed that some of the money he sought from his victims would be used to purchase gift cards for other purported VA employees who Darrah claimed either could or did assist him in expediting and approving benefits claims. As reflected in the indictment: Darrah requested payments and accepted approximately $3,385 from a veteran to “grease the wheels” to push paperwork through and expedite a claim for disability benefits. Darrah corruptly sought and accepted $16,566 from a second veteran to expedite and approve a claim for disability benefits. Darrah sought and accepted $2,700 from a relative of a third veteran to expedite and approve the veteran’s benefits claim and he sought and accepted a “gratuity” of approximately $5,000 from the same veteran for having successfully used his position at the VA to get other VA employees to expedite and approve the claims. The indictment reflects that Darrah requested this “gratuity” despite being advised that the veteran was facing homelessness as his house was being foreclosed. After becoming aware of the government’s investigation into his conduct, Darrah attempted to corruptly persuade a witness not to cooperate with the investigation and to lie about the nature of payments made to him. Darrah is scheduled to be sentenced on October 14, 2025. The defendant’s sentence will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Roklan and Ly T. Chin. The matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General, with the assistance of the FBI, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Veterans Administration Police. ###


title: Ojo Amarillo Man Pleads Guilty to Violent Assault Resulting in Serious Injuries

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Ojo Amarillo man pleaded guilty to a violent assault that left the victim with lasting disfigurement. According to court records, on May 6, 2025, Kyle Kee , 44, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, intentionally struck the victim with his fists. As a result, the victim suffered an orbital floor fracture, nasal bone fractures, and facial disfigurement. Kee pleaded guilty to one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. At sentencing, Kee faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Kee will be subject to up to three years of supervised release. 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 Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jordan is prosecuting the case.


title: Justice Department Announces Arrest of Prolific Chinese State-Sponsored Contract Hacker

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that Xu Zewei (徐泽伟), 33, of the People’s Republic of China was arrested on July 3 in Italy at the request of the United States. Xu and his co-defendant, PRC national Zhang Yu (张宇), 44, are charged in a nine-count indictment , unsealed today in the Southern District of Texas, for their involvement in computer intrusions between February 2020 and June 2021, including the indiscriminate HAFNIUM computer intrusion campaign that compromised thousands of computers worldwide, including in the United States. Xu was arrested in Milan, Italy, and will face extradition proceedings. According to court documents, officers of the PRC’s Ministry of State Security’s (MSS) Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) directed Xu to conduct this hacking. The MSS and SSSB are PRC intelligence services responsible for PRC’s domestic counterintelligence, non-military foreign intelligence, and aspects of the PRC’s political and domestic security. When conducting the computer intrusions, Xu worked for a company named Shanghai Powerock Network Co. Ltd. (Powerock). Powerock was one of many “enabling” companies in the PRC that conducted hacking for the PRC government. “This arrest underscores the United States’ patient and tireless commitment to pursuing hackers who seek to steal information belonging to U.S. companies and universities,” said John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division. “The Justice Department will find you and hold you accountable for threatening our cybersecurity and harming our people and institutions.” “The indictment alleges that Xu was hacking and stealing crucial COVID-19 research at the behest of the Chinese government while that same government was simultaneously withholding information about the virus and its origins,” said Nicholas Ganjei, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. “The Southern District of Texas has been waiting years to bring Xu to justice and that day is nearly at hand. As this case shows, even if it takes years, we will track hackers down and make them answer for their crimes. The United States does not forget.” “In February 2020, as the world entered a pandemic, Xu Zewei and other cyber actors working on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) targeted American universities to steal groundbreaking COVID-19 research. The following year, these same actors, operating as a group publicly known as HAFNIUM, exploited zero-day vulnerabilities in U.S. systems to steal additional research,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of FBI’s Cyber Division. “Through HAFNIUM, the CCP targeted over 60,000 U.S. entities, successfully victimizing more than 12,700 in order to steal sensitive information. This arrest, carried out with our Italian law enforcement partners, demonstrates the FBI’s relentless commitment to holding CCP-sponsored hackers accountable for their crimes.” According to court documents, in early 2020, Xu and his co-conspirators hacked and otherwise targeted U.S.-based universities, immunologists, and virologists conducting research into COVID‑19 vaccines, treatment, and testing. Xu and others reported their activities to officers in the SSSB who were supervising and directing the hacking activities. For example, on or about Feb. 19, 2020, Xu provided an SSSB officer with confirmation that he had compromised the network of a research university located in the Southern District of Texas. On or about Feb. 22, 2020, the SSSB officer directed Xu to target and access specific email accounts (mailboxes) belonging to virologists and immunologists engaged in COVID-19 research for the university. Xu later confirmed for the SSSB officer that he acquired the contents of the researchers’ mailboxes. Beginning in late 2020, Xu and his co-conspirators exploited certain vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server, a widely-used Microsoft product for sending, receiving, and storing email messages. Their exploitation of Microsoft Exchange Server was at the forefront of a massive campaign targeting thousands of computers worldwide and known publicly as “HAFNIUM.” In March 2021, Microsoft publicly disclosed the intrusion campaign by state-sponsored hackers operating out of China. Throughout March 2021, Microsoft and other industry partners released detection tools, patches, and other information to assist victim entities in identifying and mitigating this cyber incident. Additionally, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency released a Joint Advisory on Compromise of Microsoft Exchange Server on March 10, 2021. However, by the end of March 2021, hundreds of web shells remained on certain U.S.-based computers running Microsoft Exchange Server software. In April 2021, the Justice Department announced a court-authorized operation to remediate hundreds of computers in the United States made vulnerable by HAFNIUM actors. In July 2021 , the United States and foreign partners attributed the HAFNIUM campaign to the PRC’s MSS. Among the victims of Xu’s exploitation of Microsoft Exchange Server were another university located in the Southern District of Texas and a law firm with offices worldwide, including in Washington, D.C. After exploiting computers running Microsoft Exchange Server, Xu and his co-conspirators installed web shells on them to enable their remote administration. These web shells were specific to HAFNIUM actors at the time. As with the earlier COVID-19 research intrusions, Xu and Zhang worked together on the HAFNIUM intrusions, under the supervision and direction of SSSB officers. For example, on or about Jan. 30, 2021, Xu confirmed to Zhang that he had compromised the other university’s network. Later, on or about Feb. 28, 2021, Xu updated a SSSB officer on his successful intrusions. This SSSB officer then directed Xu to obtain a list of other, successful intrusions from a second SSSB officer. Unauthorized access to the law firm’s network allowed Xu and his co-conspirators to steal information from mailboxes and search them for information regarding specific U.S. policy makers and government agencies. Their search terms included “Chinese sources,” “MSS,” and “HongKong.” The announcement of charges against Xu is the latest describing the PRC’s use of an extensive network of private companies and contractors in China to hack and steal information in a manner that obscured the PRC government’s involvement. Operating from their safe haven and motivated by profit, this network of private companies and contractors in China cast a wide net to identify vulnerable computers, exploit those computers, and then identify information that it could sell directly or indirectly to the PRC government. This largely indiscriminate approach results in more victims in the United States and elsewhere, more systems worldwide left vulnerable to future exploitation by third parties, and more stolen information, often of no interest to the PRC government and, therefore, sold to other third parties. Xu is charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of wire fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count; conspiracy to cause damage to and obtain information by unauthorized access to protected computers, to commit wire fraud, and to commit identity theft, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; two counts of obtaining information by unauthorized access to protected computers, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; two counts of intentional damage to a protected computer, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison; and aggravated identity theft, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison. Zhang Yu, remains at large. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The FBI’s Houston Field Office is investigating the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark McIntyre and John Marck for the Southern District of Texas and Deputy Chief Matthew Anzaldi of the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs is handling the extradition. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Mexican National Sentenced for Unlawful Reentry After Pleading Guilty to Possessing Stolen Vehicle and Drugs

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – A Mexican National was sentenced today for Unlawfully Reentering the United States, after four prior removals, and possessing a stolen vehicle and drugs, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Rodrigo Chacon Villegas, 36, for Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien. Judge Frizzell ordered Chacon Villegas to serve 18 months imprisonment in the United States Bureau of Prisons, followed by three years of supervised release. Upon his release, Chacon Villegas is expected to face removal proceedings. In December 2024, immigration officials found Chacon Villegas at the Tulsa County Jail after being arrested in November for driving a stolen vehicle, possessing methamphetamine, and marijuana. In State Court, Chacon Villegas was sentenced to a two-year suspended sentence in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty. Records show that Chacon Villegas is a Mexican national who has previously been deported and removed from the United States four times. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard prosecuted the case.


title: Fort Myers Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Federal Prison For Robbing Convenience Stores At Gunpoint

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Kevoun Najae Watts (22, Fort Myers) to 10 years in federal prison for Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The court also ordered Watts to forfeit the firearm and ammunition used in the offenses. Watts pleaded guilty on February 26, 2025. According to court documents, Watts admitted to robbing a gas station and a convenience store at gunpoint on July 31, 2024, in Fort Myers. This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Myers Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan. 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. Plea Agreement


title: Dunklin County Man Sentenced to 128 Months in Prison for Methamphetamine Sales

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Tuesday sentenced a man who sold methamphetamine twice in 2023 to 128 months in prison. Clayton E. Barnes, 53, of Kennett, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau in April to two counts of distribution of methamphetamine. He admitted selling 54.4 grams of meth for $600 on Aug. 17, 2023, to a confidential informant and a Missouri State Highway Patrol corporal in the parking lot of a Kennett store. Six days later, the corporal returned to the market and bought 102.62 grams of meth from Barnes for $1,300. Barnes qualified as a career offender, having prior convictions that include a 2009 conviction for selling 8 grams of cocaine base and a 2020 conviction for selling 14 grams of meth. The Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Hunter prosecuted the case.


title: Prolific Armed Robber Sentenced to Over 25 Years in Prison

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Anthony Randall, aka “Anthony McZeal,” 39, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Timothy J. Savage to 25 years and 19 days in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for armed robbery and gun offenses. Randall was charged by indictment in February 2024 with two counts of robbery which interferes with interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery) and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He pleaded guilty in March of this year. In addition to the two robberies with which he was charged — the September 1, 2021, gunpoint robbery of the CVS store located at 1600 Wadsworth Avenue in Philadelphia, and the September 11, 2021, gunpoint robbery of the Philadelphia Pretzel Factory store located at 1555 Wadsworth Avenue — Randall admitted carrying out 17 other armed robberies in the fall of 2021. The defendant began committing these crimes just months after his March 2021 release from federal prison, where he’d been incarcerated for six armed robberies committed in 2006. “Anthony Randall terrorized the community during his extreme armed robbery spree — all while on supervised release for his previous string of gunpoint crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Prosecuting committed offenders like this is a priority for my office. We’ll continue to get violent criminals off the street and make Philadelphia safer.” “No one should have to live or work in fear,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Philadelphia Division. “Armed robberies don’t just endanger lives, they erode the sense of safety that every person deserves. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: the FBI is unwavering in its commitment to protecting our communities and holding violent offenders accountable for their actions.” The case was investigated by the FBI Philadelphia Violent Crimes Task Force and the Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Miller and Amanda Reinitz.