title: Poplar man sentenced to more than 15 years in prison for murder

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: GREAT FALLS – A Poplar man convicted of murder and using a firearm in the commission of the murder was sentenced to 186 months in prison and five years of supervised release Wednesday, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said. Michael J. Ackerman, 74, pleaded guilty in January 2026 to one count of second-degree murder and one count of use of a firearm during a crime of violence. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged in court documents that early in the morning on Sept. 14, 2025, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s deputies in Billings received a call and were told Ackerman had admitted to killing three people – Jane Doe 1, John Doe and Jane Doe 2. Deputies then tried to contact Ackerman inside the house in Billings. After deputies read Ackerman his Miranda rights, he agreed to speak with law enforcement. He said on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, he was in his home in Poplar and he and the rest of the people in the house were using methamphetamine. Ackerman believed Jane Doe 1, John Doe, and Jane Doe 2 were “setting him up.” Ackerman said he was in the bedroom with Jane Doe 1, and Jane Doe 1 had a pistol in her hand. In response, Ackerman picked up his Smith and Wesson 9 mm pistol and shot Jane Doe 1 twice in the head. The defendant then said he heard John Doe and Jane Doe 2 moving in the next room so walked over where John Doe and Jane Doe 2 were sleeping and shot them both. Ackerman told deputies they would find the deceased inside his house in Poplar. Yellowstone County contacted Fort Peck Law and Justice Department officers, who went to the Poplar residence and received no response. They were granted a telephonic search warrant from the Fort Peck Tribal Court and went inside the house at around 5:30 a.m. Inside they found the dead bodies mentioned by Ackerman – Jane Doe 1, John Doe, and Jane Doe 2. All three had gunshot wounds and four 9 mm casings were close to the bodies. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice and Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. XXX #26-103


title: Tucson Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact with Children

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – On May 26, 2026, Johney Lynn Hammond, 30, of Tucson, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Angela M. Martinez to 18 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Hammond previously pleaded guilty to two counts of Abusive Sexual Contact with a Child. Between Jan. 1, 2014, and Oct. 25, 2017, Hammond, an enrolled member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, molested two children under the ages of nine on the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in Tucson, Arizona. The Pascua Yaqui Police Department and the FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew C. Cassell, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: 24-CR-2720 RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-086_Hammond # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Three Gang Members Charged In Connection With Execution-Style Murder On Bronx Sidewalk

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Pete Gizas, and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging three defendants in connection with the August 7, 2025, murder of Ralph Herrera, a/k/a “Chicken,” who was shot from point-blank range in the side of the head while standing on a Bronx sidewalk. The three defendants, JAHRID DAWKINS, KADIN WEST, a/k/a “Kay Backends,” and MILAN WRIGHT, a/k/a “BabyyThreat,” were arrested earlier today and were ordered detained. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla. “As alleged, the defendants plotted a point-blank murder after a gang dispute and carried it out in cold blood on a busy Bronx sidewalk,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “New Yorkers want us to do all we can to end targeted gang violence and, today, that is exactly what our Office and our law enforcement partners are delivering.” “The defendants allegedly carried out a deliberate, point-blank killing on a Bronx sidewalk—a calculated act of gang violence that left Ralph Herrera ambushed and fatally shot in the street,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas. “HSI New York agents and task force officers worked lockstep with the NYPD to follow the evidence step-by-step and identify, investigate, and arrest these alleged killers. Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to do whatever it takes to drive violent gangs out of our neighborhoods and protect the people we serve.” As alleged in the Indictment, other court filings, and statements made during court proceedings:(1) From at least 2023 through May 2026, DAWKINS, WEST, and WRIGHT were members and associates of the MacBallers, a violent gang whose members engage in drug trafficking, robbery, and systematic violence against rivals and anyone perceived to have disrespected the gang. Gang members also openly celebrate their criminal conduct through music and on social media. On August 5, 2025, WEST, WRIGHT, and other gang members got into an altercation with Herrera, the victim, in front of a Bronx store. In the days that followed, WEST and WRIGHT discussed killing Herrera in retaliation for the perceived slight. On August 7, 2025, DAWKINS—wearing a mask and all-black clothing—approached Herrera on a busy sidewalk and shot him in the side of the head at point-blank range, killing him, before fleeing the scene. The murder is captured on video: * * * DAWKINS, 18, of Edison, New Jersey; WEST, 23, of the Bronx, New York; and WRIGHT, 19, of the Bronx, New York, are each charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison as to DAWKINS and WEST, and 20 years in prison as to WRIGHT. WEST and WRIGHT are also charged with conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Additionally, WEST is charged with murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum penalty of death or life in prison, and a mandatory minimum penalty of life in prison, and with a firearms offense, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. The statutory maximum penalties in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI and the NYPD. This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick R. Moroney, Robert S. Ruff, and Joe Zabel are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ^ As the introductory phrase signifies, the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Rapid City Woman Sentenced to Over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on May 26, 2026. Judith Brewer, 40, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Brewer was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in December 2025. She pleaded guilty on March 4, 2026. In November 2025, law enforcement responded to a residence in Rapid City after a person reported that Brewer was at her home and unwanted. Brewer had since fled to another home, where deputies found her hiding along with a bag she had taken from the reporting party. Brewer was arrested on outstanding warrants and found to be in possession of a 9mm pistol. Brewer knew she was prohibited from possessing firearms based on her having a prior felony conviction. 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). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case. Brewer was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Illegal Alien from India Sentenced to 10 Years in Homeland Security Task Force Investigation of Sex Trafficking of Minors

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Kavankumar Patel, 27, of Gujarat, India, was sentenced on May 26, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for two counts of sex trafficking of a minor. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Patel to 10 years’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Patel’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. However, Patel is in the United States illegally and faces deportation after completing his prison sentence. On January 6, 2025, the Omaha Police Department received a report of a theft. Responding officers identified indicia of sex trafficking. The Homeland Security Task Force and the Omaha Police Department immediately began investigating and recovered two minor females, aged 15 and 16, who had been brought to the AmericInn hotel at 2920 S. 13th Court in Omaha from out of state to be sold for commercial sex. The two minor females reported that their traffickers had instructed that the minors must engage in sex with hotel staff for a reduced room rate or they would be kicked out of the hotel. Two hotel employees paid the trafficker to have sex with one of the minors and a third hotel employee had sex with the other minor. Patel, an employee at the AmericInn, admitted that he used money from the hotel till to pay the traffickers to have sex with one of the minors at the hotel. Hotel employees then permitted the traffickers and minors to remain at the hotel for multiple days. The traffickers would post online advertisements for commercial sex and arrange commercial sex acts involving the minor victims. The minors reported having little food and feeling like they had no choice but to engage in sex acts as directed. “The United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will never tire of working as hard as we need to work to protect the most vulnerable victims in our communities,” said United States Attorney Lesley Woods. “The Homeland Security Task Force rescued these children from a living nightmare, and anyone with knowledge or suspicion of human trafficking in our communities should reach out to state or federal law enforcement immediately to report those concerns and to be part of the effort to free all of Nebraska’s victims of human trafficking.” This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Omaha comprises agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, USPIS, the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, and assistance of the Omaha Police Department with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska.


title: Roanoke Man Sentenced to 720 Months in Prison For Sexual Exploitation of Children

component: USAO - Indiana, Northern

body_text: FORT WAYNE – Cecil Spangler, 37 years old, formerly of Roanoke, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Children, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Spangler was sentenced to 720 months in prison followed by a lifetime term of supervised release. Restitution will be imposed at a later date. “A predator who used a minor to engage in sexual conduct and produced a visual depiction of that sexual conduct will spend the next 60 years in prison for his sick and depraved decisions. He did this over the period between June 2021 and August 2023. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Indiana State Police, the Huntington County Sheriff’s Office, the Roanoke Police Department, and Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery, along with support and coordination of the Huntington County Prosecutor’s Office led by Prosecutor Jeremy Nix and Chief Deputy Theresa Searles, the Defendant was arrested, prosecuted, convicted, sentenced, and locked up in a place where he can no longer harm children,” U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred said. “Cecil Spangler’s horrific conduct has caused unimaginable physical and emotional trauma to children,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “I’m proud of our agents’ diligence and tenacity in facilitating this 60-year sentence, ensuring he can never hurt another child.” This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Indiana State Police, the Huntington County Sheriff’s Office, the Roanoke Police Department, and the Huntington County Prosecutor’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison  for Attempted Enticement of a Minor

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Attempted Enticement of a Minor. The sentencing took place on May 18, 2026. Jayson “Javi” Gomez, 31, was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $95 in restitution and $100 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture was also ordered. Gomez was indicted for the charge by a federal grand jury in August 2025. He pleaded guilty on February 13, 2026. On August 5, 2025, during the 2025 Sturgis Bike Rally, Gomez initiated communications on MeetMe with someone he thought was a 14-year-old girl. The girl, in fact, was a Rapid City Police Detective operating in an undercover capacity on the Internet-based application, MeetMe, used for dating and “hookups.” Gomez gave his cell number to the undercover persona and started communicating with her through texting. Gomez told her that they would have “Netflix and chill moments,” which is a slang term for having sexual intercourse while watching a movie. Gomez and the undercover persona made arrangements for him to pick her up at a predetermined location. When Gomez showed up at the location, he was arrested. Ultimately, Gomez admitted he intended to, and would have had, sex with the 14-year-old girl had she been a real person. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case. Gomez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Convicted Sex Offender From Berks County Pleads Guilty to Enticing Minors to Engage in Sexual Conduct

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Carlos Rivera-Smith, 38, of Reading, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge Catherine Henry to four counts of use of an interstate commerce facility to entice a minor, and attempt to entice a minor, to engage in sexual conduct, and one count of commission of a felony offense by an individual required to register as a sex offender. The defendant has been detained in federal custody since January 14, following his arrest on a criminal complaint and warrant. He was charged by information last month; with today’s plea, he has waived prosecution by indictment. As detailed in court filings and statements, Rivera-Smith directed four minor children with whom he had communicated over a social media app and paid money to via cash apps to produce sexually explicit images at his direction and to entice them to perform sex acts with him. Records obtained by law enforcement show that he did so multiple times over more than two years, beginning in 2022, paying the children hundreds of dollars for them to sexually exploit themselves. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on September 9 and faces a maximum possible term of life imprisonment. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States 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 projectsafechildhood.gov . The case was investigated by the Reading Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey Dimmig.


title: San Antonio Tow Company to Pay $280,000 for Illegally Auctioning Servicemember-Owned Vehicles

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: WASHINGTON — The Justice Department today announced that San Antonio-based tow company Vehicle Management Solutions, Inc. (VMS) will pay $280,000 to resolve allegations that the company illegally sold or scrapped approximately 93 vehicles owned by U.S. servicemembers in violation of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). “When members of our Armed Forces are called to fight for our country, they should not have to return home to find that their car has been illegally sold. Towing companies must comply with federal laws that protect servicemembers or face serious consequences,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice stands with our men and women in uniform and will vigorously defend their rights under the law.” “The Western District of Texas is proud to be home to countless military members and their families, as well as many veterans of our Armed Forces. Deploying is hard enough. Worrying about the safety and security of one’s personal property while deployed is a concern no member of our military should carry,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “In the Western District of Texas, we will always fight for those that fight for us, both while they are home and while serving our country overseas. This case is an example of our resolve and commitment to that mission.” The Department alleges that VMS engaged in a pattern or practice of auctioning or otherwise disposing of vehicles owned by SCRA-protected servicemembers without obtaining the required court orders. The Department began investigating VMS after receiving a complaint from a servicemember whose vehicle was towed and auctioned by VMS in 2024 while he was serving on an overseas deployment in Kosovo. The SCRA is a federal law that provides a variety of financial and housing protections to members of the U.S. military. The law prohibits a towing company from selling a vehicle owned by an SCRA-protected servicemember unless the company first obtains a court order authorizing the sale. Under the settlement, VMS will pay $220,000 in compensation to the affected servicemembers. VMS will also pay a $60,000 civil penalty to the U.S. Treasury and will be required to make policy and training changes to avoid committing future violations. The Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $489 million in monetary relief for over 152,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the Department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov . Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA may have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil . Note: Read the settlement here .


title: Felon Who Fled Police with a Stolen Sig Sauer Pistol Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison

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

body_text: WASHINGTON -- Kelon Von Dukes, 22, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 30 months in prison in connection with his unlawful possession of a loaded Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “Dukes had already been convicted twice for carrying a pistol without a license. During this latest encounter with police, he was carrying a stolen gun, led the police on a chase, and ran into oncoming traffic to avoid them,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Repeat offenders like Dukes have really got to ask themselves if it’s all worth the serious federal consequences they face.” Dukes pleaded guilty on May 29, 2025, before Judge Reggie B. Walton to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 30-month prison term, Judge Walton ordered Dukes to serve three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a 46-month prison term. According to court papers, on March 1, 2025, about 5:25 p.m., members of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Seventh District Special Missions Unit were on patrol in the 4700 block of South Capitol Street SE when they spotted Dukes smoking what appeared to be marijuana cigarette near a gas station. On noticing the officers, Dukes tossed his cigarette and a black bag and fled on foot toward the Maryland border. Officers pursued Dukes on foot. During the chase, Dukes ran into the street through oncoming traffic, forcing vehicles to swerve to avoid him. Officers eventually detained Dukes on the 400 block of Southern Avenue SE and recovered a loaded Sig Sauer P365 9mm pistol from his jacket pocket. The firearm had one round chambered and eight additional rounds in the magazine. The pistol was later determined to have been stolen. Officers also recovered the black bag Dukes had discarded, which contained marijuana, a digital scale, and cash. Dukes was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his two 2023 felony convictions for carrying a pistol without a license. The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Washington Field Office. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Ibanez. This case was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative. Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump’s Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators. 25cr68 Follow us on Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc USADC.Media@usdoj.gov


title: Husband and Wife Admit to Promoting Prostitution in Illicit Massage Parlors in New Jersey and New York

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – A husband and wife admitted to conspiring to promote prostitution in spas in New Jersey and New York, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. Zhejun Piao, 38, and Miyeon Choi a/k/a “Maya,” 38, both of Palisades Park, New Jersey, each pleaded guilty on May 26, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in Trenton federal court to an Information charging them with one count of conspiracy to commit interstate travel and use of the mail and any facility in aid of a racketeering enterprise. According to documents filed in the cases and statements made in court: Choi admitted to being a leader or organizer of the conspiracy in which she, Piao, and other co-conspirators owned or operated the following nine massage parlors, often referred to as spas: Coco Spa in Paterson, New Jersey; Gold Spa and 785 Spa in Passaic New Jersey; 365 Spa in Fairview, New Jersey; Queen Spa and Hawaii Spa in Edgewater, New Jersey Good Day Spa in East Brunswick, New Jersey; Spa Wellness in Toms River, New Jersey; and New Soothing Day Spa in New Rochelle, New York. Each of the spas operated in a similar way in which women workers provided sexual services to paying customers in exchange for a fee of $160 or $175. Many of the spas provided customers with loyalty or rewards cards whereby customers would receive a stamp for each visit and receive a free visit after collecting a certain number of stamps. The spas typically opened for service from approximately 8:00 am to midnight, seven days a week with many of the women living at the spas, and according to ledgers for the spas, some of the women performed sexual services to approximately 20 men a day. As a leader of the conspiracy, Choi admitted to among other things, recruiting women to work at the spas, communicating with customers by phone to book appointments, controlling the money generated by the spas, and advertising the sexual services offered at the spas online. She also admitted to directing other co-conspirators in furtherance of the conspiracy, such as requesting one co-conspirator to deliver groceries and condoms to spas or delegating responsibilities to communicate with customers and record appointments to another co-conspirator. For his role, Piao admitted to delivering supplies to the spas, including groceries, mouthwash, cleaning supplies, medications, and condoms, as well as picking up ledgers, receipts, and cash proceeds from the spas. Both Choi and Piao admitted to storing tens of thousands of condoms in their home in addition to approximately $1.2 million in cash. As part of their guilty pleas, Choi and Piao agreed to forfeit the cash, numerous designer handbags, luxury watches, and jewelry. The charge of conspiracy to commit interstate travel and use of the mail and any facility in aid of a racketeering enterprise carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for October 6, 2026. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy; the U.S. State Department, Diplomatic Security Service; and the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Lt. Colonel (Ret.) Jeanne Hengemuhle. He also thanked HSI New York, Hudson Valley Office; Customs and Border Protection; the Passaic County Prosecutors Office; Passaic County Sheriff; Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office; Bergen County Sheriff; Edgewater Police Department; Fairview Police Department; Paterson Police Department; East Brunswick Police Department; New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice; South Toms River Police Department; Edison Police Department; South Toms River Police Department; Morris County Prosecutor’s Office; Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office; New Rochelle Police Department; Westchester District Attorney’s Office; Federal Air Marshals; New York State Police; ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations; the Westwood Police Department; and the Ridgefield Park Police Department; and the Palisades Park Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey S. Smith of the Criminal Division in Newark. ### Defense counsel: Miyeon Choi: Warren Sutnick, Esq. Zhejun Piao: Paul Brickfield, Esq. choi.information.pdf piao.information.pdf


title: Stamford Woman Admits Selling Drugs, Firearm, While on Federal Supervised Release

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that AMONDA MENDEZ, also known as “M-Dot” and “Dot,” 35, of Stamford, pleaded guilty yesterday in New Haven federal court to a narcotics trafficking offense and admitted that she violated the conditions of her supervised release from a prior federal conviction. According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2016, Mendez was sentenced in Hartford federal court to 10 years of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for narcotics trafficking and firearm possession offenses. She was released from federal prison in January 2025. Between April and July 2025, law enforcement made multiple controlled purchases of crack cocaine and fentanyl, and one purchase of a loaded .40 caliber pistol, from Mendez. The pistol had been reported as stolen. Mendez was arrested on July 28, 2025. On that date, a search of her person revealed approximately 48 grams of crack cocaine and $1,934 in cash, a search of her Stamford residence revealed approximately 163 grams of crack, and a search of another Stamford residence connected to Mendez revealed $2,456 in cash. Mendez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack”). At sentencing, due to enhanced penalties as a result of her prior federal conviction, Mendez faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life. Mendez has been detained since her arrest. This matter has been investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Stamford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Gresham. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud Charge  in Connection With Disability Benefits Scam

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – A Maryland man pled guilty in federal court, today, to charges stemming from a social security disability benefits scam. Andrew Langford, 50, of Ft. Washington, is charged with one count of wire fraud in connection with the scheme. U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) records show that from January 2014 through May 2021, Langford received more than $270,000 in disability benefits that he was not entitled to. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Michael McGill, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General (SSA-OIG) – Philadelphia Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge Andrew McKay, Mid-Atlantic Field Division of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. According to the plea agreement, beginning in January 2014, and continuing through May 2021, Langford devised a scheme to defraud the SSA to obtain money to personally enrich himself and to benefit him and his associates. Back in November 2008, Langford applied for SSA disability benefits, reporting that he was unable to work due to a disabling condition. Then in May 2009, Langford applied for child/auxiliary benefits for his three minor children. Later in 2009, SSA notified Langford that he was eligible for and would begin receiving disability benefit payments. SSA also notified Langford of his responsibility to inform the agency if he returned to work or if his health improved. As part of the scheme, Langford operated two cleaning companies — NDA Cleaning Services, LLC, and CK Janitors, Inc. — registered in Maryland and Virginia, respectively. Langford utilized an IRS system to apply for Employer Identification Numbers for his businesses associated with the alleged fraud. But Langford failed to report that he returned to work as required. Langford concealed his ownership of the businesses, along with his income and ability to work, from the SSA. In August 2020, when a SSA employee inquired about the businesses, Langford verbally advised that he never heard of NDA Janitorial Services or NDA Cleaning Services. Langford also maintained he last worked in 2008. But records showed that in March 2015, Langford filed Articles of Organization for NDA Cleaning Services, LLC, and then in October 2018, he filed Articles of Reinstatement for the business. Langford is also listed as the resident agent for the business. Further, records from the Virginia State Corporation Commission Information System show Langford is listed as the director/CEO of CK Janitors, Inc., from November 2015, through April 2018. Then in September 2019, the SSA mailed Langford a Continuing Disability Review notice, informing him of an impending review of his disability case. In January 2020, after the SSA didn’t receive required documentation, it mailed Langford a proposed decision to end his benefits. The SSA’s decision was based on the agency’s review of documents, including his earning records, as reported to the IRS. In May 2021, SSA mailed Langford notices informing him that he received SSA disability and child/auxiliary payments overpayments to which he was not entitled. IRS records revealed that Langford earned more than $100,000, annually, for tax years 2012, 2014, and 2016. Langford faces up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for Tuesday, September 1, at 10:30 a.m. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the SSA-OIG and TIGTA for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon who is prosecuting the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud . # # #


title: Former Kendall Bank Manager Sentenced to Over 1 ½ Years for Embezzlement

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Sandra Campfield, 68, Kendall, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 21 months in federal prison and a $50,000 fine for embezzling money by a bank employee. The prison term will be followed by 2 years of supervised release. As part of her sentence, Campfield was ordered to pay $395,103.67 in restitution to the victims of her embezzlement. Campfield pleaded guilty to this charge on February 18, 2026. Campfield previously worked as the long-time branch manager of a bank in Elroy, Wisconsin. Between September 2012 and August 2024, she used her position at the bank to steal approximately $351,344 from customer accounts. Campfield also took approximately $43,758 worth of foreign currency from the bank’s vault. At Campfield’s sentencing, Judge Conley expressed concern over the length and depth of Campfield’s embezzlement scheme and her use of “sophisticated methods” to conceal the fraud. Judge Conley also found it aggravated that Campfield abused her management position to execute her embezzlement. The charge against Campfield was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Levins prosecuted the case. # # # #


title: Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Canadian Company That Sought to Purchase Protective Surgical Masks at Outset of Covid-19 Pandemic

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Julie Dotton pleaded guilty to wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud a company seeking to purchase personal protective equipment (PPE) at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Gary R. Brown. When sentenced, Dotton faces a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment as well as restitution of at least $8.2 million in addition to $8.2 million in criminal forfeiture. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI) announced the guilty plea. “The defendant took advantage of a provider’s need for life-saving personal protective equipment to line her own pockets,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office will continue to vigorously prosecute defendants who shamefully seek to profit from global health emergencies and crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.” “Julie Dotton deprived a personal protective equipment provider of critical supplies during a global pandemic, stealing more than $8 million for her own benefit. The FBI continues to track down those who exploited the COVID-19 crisis and ensure they face the consequences for their selfish greed,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. According to court filings, between March 2020 and October 2020, Dotton misrepresented her ability to obtain PPE to a Canadian company that was an official provider of PPE to two Canadian provinces during the earliest stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a nominal entity she controlled, Dotton entered into a contract with the company to provide approximately 12 million face masks for $8.2 million. Dotton then caused the company to wire the $8.2 million payment to a purported third-party escrow agent’s bank account. After a superficial attempt to purchase PPE, and rather than use the funds to procure the PPE as promised, Dotton directed others to disburse the funds to various third parties for her benefit. After Dotton failed to procure the agreed upon PPE for the company, and the company demanded delivery of the PPE or a refund, Dotton strung them along with excuses for several months, all the while continuing to have the money disbursed for her benefit. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam R. Toporovsky and Joshua Dugan are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Timothy Migliaro. The Defendant : JULIE DOTTON Age: 53 Orchard Park, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-394 (GRB)


title: Fraudster Who Sold Personal Information of Over 7 Million Elderly Americans to Jamaican Scammers Sentenced to Prison

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Today, a North Carolina man was sentenced to 121 months in prison and three years of supervised release for running a seven-year scheme where he victimized millions of elderly Americans by selling their personal information to Jamaican lottery fraud scammers. He was also ordered to pay forfeiture in the amount of $5,214,688.48. According to court documents, Troy Murray, 57, of Hickory, North Carolina, devised a scheme where he organized, maintained, and sold lists containing the names, phone numbers, physical addresses, and, in some cases, ages and email addresses, of elderly Americans to individuals in Jamaica involved in lottery fraud schemes. From 2016 to 2023, Murray sold these lists to Jamaican scammers, who perpetrated lottery fraud on elderly American consumers, earning Murray hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. Murray was a prolific and well-known lead list broker for Jamaican scammers. To complete the transactions, scammers would typically call email, or text Murray for a list of names. Murray then provided a price per list, typically $500, for 100 to 300 names. Initially, Murray instructed scammers to provide payment via wire transfer; however, after multiple monetary wire transmission services blocked him from using their services, he instructed scammers to send him pre-paid gift cards to pay for the lists instead. Murray’s list broker service was so well known in Jamaica that that his pseudonym, “Steve Dixon,” was referenced by a Jamaican musical artist in a 2022 song lyric. After receiving payment from the Jamaican scammers, Murray used the funds to purchase farm equipment, vehicles, and collectibles like bars and coins made of precious metals. Murray also sent money he made from the scheme to one of his sons to purchase personal property and pay for his business and living expenses. During the scheme, Murray sent at least 22,000 lead lists to scammers. These lists contained the names and personal information of over seven million elderly Americans and garnered Murray over $5.2 million. Victim losses exceeded $9.5 million. In January 2026, Murray pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division made the announcement. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Senior Litigation Counsel David Sullivan and Trial Attorney Ryan Norman of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.


title: District Man Sentenced in Illegal Possession of a Machine Gun Inside a Charter High School

body_text: WASHINGTON – James Adrian Brewer, 20, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 16 months in prison in connection with his possession of a machine gun on the grounds of a Northwest charter school, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Brewer pleaded guilty on Feb. 12, 2026, before Judge Jia M. Cobb to one count of unlawful possession of a machine gun. In addition to the 16-month prison term, Judge Cobb ordered Brewer to serve two years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested a sentence of 27 months in prison. “Bringing a machine gun onto school grounds is an act that puts students, staff, and the entire community at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Schools must be safe spaces where students can learn without fear. Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to holding accountable those who endanger the public.” According to court documents, Brewer was attending the Goodwill Excel Center Adult Charter School in Northwest Washington on Sept. 3, 2025, when a school administrator observed Brewer with what appeared to be a firearm tucked into his waistband. When confronted, Brewer surrendered the pistol to the administrator, who then turned it over to Metropolitan Police Department officers. The firearm was later determined to be a Glock 19 9mm pistol that previously had been reported stolen. The Glock was loaded with 23 rounds of ammunition and outfitted with a switch-style machine gun conversion device (MCD) which allowed it to function as a fully automatic weapon. As part of his plea, Brewer admitted to possessing the handgun at the school. He further admitted to knowing that the MCD converted the pistol into a machine gun. When asked if he knew what an MCD did, Brewer stated that it made the firearm “fun” and shoot quickly. This case was investigated by the MPD with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives - Washington Field Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alyssa Levey-Weinstein and former Assistant U.S. Attorney James B. Nelson. The Glock 19 9mm pistol that previously had been reported stolen. 26cr5


title: Las Vegas man sentenced to more than two years in prison for stealing coins, precious metal from Helena shop

body_text: GREAT FALLS – A Las Vegas man who stole nearly $59,000 in coins and precious metal from a Helena business was sentenced today to 27 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $276,153.08 in restitution to the Helena business as well as five other theft victims, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said. Bishop Lott, 47, pleaded guilty in January 2026 to one count of interstate transportation of stolen property. U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided. The government alleged in court documents that Lott, along with Ricky Rynell Rose, broke into Wayne Miller Coins in Helena and stole $58,629 worth of coins and precious metal. Rose pleaded guilty last year and was sentenced to 39 months in prison. The Helena Police Department got a call March 3, 2024, saying that Wayne Miller Coins had been burglarized earlier that day. As part of their investigation, Helena police officers reviewed surveillance footage from multiple businesses and analyzed email account data, which led them to Lott and Rose, who had taken the stolen material to Nevada. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Helena Police Department and the FBI conducted the investigation. XXX #26-106


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Reaches $7.9M in Settlements Connected to PPP Fraud Enforcement Initiative

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — United States Attorney Bryan P. Stirling announced today that the District of South Carolina entered multiple settlements with defendants for more than $7.9 million, resolving allegations that various companies violated the False Claims Act by providing false information to obtain over $5 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for which they were not eligible. “These settlements reflect our commitment to protecting taxpayers and holding those accountable who disregard program requirements in order to obtain federal funds they are not entitled to,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Our team secured these settlements in the first five months of 2026, and we’ll continue to aggressively pursue individuals or businesses who defraud our taxpayers.” Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Secured Act (CARES Act) in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain approved expenses through the PPP, which the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) administered. The PPP provided for loans in two “draws”—first draw loans became available in March 2020, with a second draw announced in January 2021. To be eligible for PPP loans, businesses were required to certify on their loan applications that they met certain size standards based on, for example, the number of employees they, and their affiliated entities, collectively employed. In determining the number of employees, businesses generally were required to count all employees of U.S. and foreign affiliates. Businesses with more than 500 employees were not eligible for first draw loans, and businesses with more than 300 employees were not eligible for second draw loans. The District of South Carolina has entered into settlement agreements with the following organizations to resolve allegations that they falsely certified eligibility for PPP loans by misrepresenting their total number of employees, including all affiliates, in violation of the False Claims Act (FCA).EuWe Eugen Wexler US Plastics Inc. is a company with a principal place of business in Williamston that specializes in the production of plastics parts used in automobiles. In 2021, EuWe Eugen US received a $1,627,947 second draw PPP loan. As part of the loan application, EuWe Eugen US certified that it had 169 employees, but in reality its employee headcount together with its German parent company, EuWe Eugen Wexler Holdings GmbH & Co. KG, and its subsidiaries, exceeded the 300-employee cap. EuWe Eugen US later sought and received forgiveness of the full amount of the loan, plus interest. EuWe Eugen US has agreed to pay $2,175,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the FCA by obtaining this PPP loan for which it was ineligible. The settlement resolves allegations brought in the qui tam action in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina captioned United States ex rel. GNGH2 Inc. v. EuWe Eugen Wexler US Plastics, Inc. , No. 8:24-cv-05297-DCC. Relator GNGH2 received $217,500 as a share of the settlement amount. Mankiewicz Coatings, LLC is a company with a principal place of business in Charleston that specializes in industrial coating systems. In 2021, Mankiewicz Coatings received a $1,221,263 first draw PPP loan. As part of the loan application, Mankiewicz Coatings certified that it had 80 employees, but in reality its employee headcount together with its German parent company, KG Erste Grau Vewaltungs-GmbH & Co., and its subsidiaries, exceeded the 500-employee cap. Mankiewicz Coatings later sought and received forgiveness of the full amount of the loan, plus interest. Mankiewicz Coatings has agreed to pay $1,850,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the FCA by obtaining this PPP loan for which it was ineligible. Fukoku America, Inc. is a company with a principal place of business in Laurens that specializes in the production of rubber parts used in various vehicles and machines. In 2021, Fukoku America received a $1,212,950 second draw PPP loan. As part of the loan application, Fukoku America certified that it had 157 employees, but in reality its employee headcount together with its Japanese parent company, Fukoku Co. Ltd., and its subsidiaries, exceeded the 300-employee cap. Fukoku America later sought and received forgiveness of the full amount of the loan, plus interest. Fukoku America has agreed to pay $1,800,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the FCA by obtaining this PPP loan for which it was ineligible. The settlement resolves allegations brought in the qui tam action in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina captioned United States ex rel. Blockquote, Inc. v. Fukoku America, Inc. , No. 6:24-cv-01579-DCC. Relator Blockquote received $180,000 as a share of the settlement amount. AWL Automation, LLC is a company with a principal place of business in Spartanburg that specializes in the design and production of automated machines for use in manufacturing. In 2021, AWL Automation received a $741,185 second draw PPP loan. As part of the loan application, AWL Automation certified that it had 32 employees, but in reality its employee headcount together with its parent company, Nobel Future B.V., which is located in the Netherlands, and its subsidiaries, exceeded the 300-employee cap. AWL Automation later sought and received forgiveness of the full amount of the loan, plus interest. AWL Automation has agreed to pay $1,100,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the FCA by obtaining this PPP loan for which it was ineligible. Stoba USA Corp. is a company with a principal place of business in Charleston that specializes in high-precision metal components. In 2021, Stoba USA received a $683,695 second draw PPP loan. As part of the loan application, Stoba USA certified that it had 39 employees, but in reality its employee headcount together with its German parent company, Stoba Holding GmbH Co Kg, and its subsidiaries, exceeded the 300-employee cap. Stoba USA later sought and received forgiveness of the full amount of the loan, plus interest. Stoba USA has agreed to pay $993,784.86 to resolve allegations that it violated the FCA by obtaining this PPP loan for which it was ineligible. The settlement resolves allegations brought in the qui tam action in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina captioned United States ex rel. Verity Investigations, LLC v. Stoba USA Corporation , No. 2:25-cv-03884-RMG. Relator Verity will receive a share of the settlement amount. The government’s investigations were led by Assistant United States Attorneys Austin E. McCullough and James C. Leventis, Jr. The United States Attorney further wishes to commend attorney Kandace Zelaya of the SBA Office of the General Counsel for her assistance in the investigations. The claims resolved by civil settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. ###


title: Pittsburgh Financial Advisor Sentenced to 27 Months of Prison and Ordered to Pay $4.7 Million in Restitution for Defrauding Investment Client

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 27 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay more than $4.7 million in restitution on his conviction of defrauding an investment client, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Thomas Pipich, 74. According to information presented to the Court, Pipich stole millions of dollars from an investment client in order to conceal losses he incurred on behalf of another client. In 2005, Pipich helped to create an investment fund, BarTom Investments, LLC, into which a friend committed millions of dollars. BarTom thereafter suffered catastrophic investment losses that resulted in it having minimal bank and investment account balances as of May 2017. In an attempt to conceal these losses, Pipich created a sham loan between BarTom and another investment client, and transferred a total of more than $3 million from the other client to BarTom pursuant to this purported loan. He also told a series of lies about the purported loan, including providing false asset summaries that overstated the value of the purported loan and pretending that the loan was secured when it was not. Ultimately, Pipich paid himself more than $800,000 from the proceeds of the purported loan, and lost at least $2.6 million through further investment losses. “This defendant, a financial advisor, betrayed his friend and client, and he stole millions of dollars,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “Working with our law enforcement partners, our office will continue to ensure that financial advisors who abuse their clients’ trust in order to enrich themselves will be investigated and prosecuted, and as this case demonstrates, face serious consequences and years of incarceration.” “Fraud schemes like this one directly jeopardize the savings, retirement plans, and financial security victims spent decades building. The harm from this is absolutely life changing,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “The FBI and our partners will follow every dollar to find anyone who thinks they can manipulate investor confidence to pad their own bank account. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that you will be held accountable.” Assistant United States Attorney William Guappone prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pipich.


title: Maryland Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty to  Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges Resulting From HSTF Investigation

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man pled guilty in federal court, today, to charges stemming from his role as a drug supplier. Alcedo Hodge, Jr., 29, of Parkville, is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges are in connection with a multi-state federal drug investigation. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Secretary Carolyn J. Scruggs, Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). In 2024, the DEA investigated a drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating in Richmond, Virginia. Investigators identified Co-Conspirator 1 (CC-1) as one of the DTO’s re-supply sources, along with Hodge. Then in December 2024, law enforcement intercepted wiretap conversations about the DTO’s cocaine re-supply in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. On December 5, investigators covertly followed a DTO member who drove from Virginia to Owings Mills, Maryland, to meet CC-1. During the surveillance, law enforcement observed Hodge arrive at a secluded shopping center parking lot. The DTO member and CC-1 then followed Hodge in their vehicles. While in the parking lot, investigators saw CC-1 exit Hodge’s vehicle. Then, as Hodge left the parking lot, CC-1 called the DTO member over to his vehicle. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the DTO member after he returned to Virginia later that day. Investigators searched the DTO member’s car, recovering one kilogram of cocaine. Additionally, in January 2025, investigators observed Hodge engaging in another suspected drug transaction. Then on March 17, 2025, investigators initiated a traffic stop on Hodge in Baltimore County after observing an additional suspected drug transaction. During the traffic stop, a K-9 unit scanned the vehicle and returned a positive alert for the controlled substances. Investigators searched the vehicle and recovered three kilograms of cocaine; a fully loaded Glock semi-automatic handgun equipped with a 22-round capacity extended magazine; and approximately $78,000 in cash. After law enforcement arrested Hodge, investigators searched his Parkville residence. Inside his residence, investigators recovered an additional three kilograms of cocaine; another loaded firearm, which was stolen; and two digital money counters. Hodge acknowledged that he intended to use the recovered firearms and U.S. currency to facilitate his drug offense. Hodge faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine along with a minimum of five years and a maximum of life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. U.S. District Judge James K. Bredar set sentencing for Tuesday, August 18, at 11 a.m. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Baltimore comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI); the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the United States Marshals Service (USMS); the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA (W/B HIDTA); the Maryland State Police (MSP); the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DEA, BCPD, BPD, and DPSCS for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Calvin Miner who is prosecuting this federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md . # # #


title: Omaha Man and Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Brian T. Smith, 52, and Myria K. Phaisan, 50, both of Omaha, Nebraska, were sentenced in federal court in Omaha for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Smith on May 18, 2026, to 27 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Smith’s release from prison, he will begin a three-year term of supervised release. Smith was also ordered to pay $455,707.81 in restitution. Senior Judge Bataillon sentenced Phaisan on May 26, 2026, to a five-year term of supervised release. Phaisan was also ordered to pay $228,402.65 in restitution. Smith and Phaisan’s co-defendant, Syed Hussain, has not yet been apprehended by law enforcement. Hussain is charged by Indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud, one count of identity theft, one count of misuse of a social security number, and one count of aggravated identity theft. An Indictment is a charging document that contains one or more individual counts that are merely accusations. Hussain is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Smith and Phaisan participated in a scheme using interstate wire communications to defraud various government benefit programs that had been instituted by the United States government in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Specifically, members of the conspiracy fraudulently applied for funds from the Housing Assistance Fund and Emergency Rental Assistance as well as applying for Paycheck Protection Program loans. The conspirators registered internet domains that were variations in spellings or nomenclature of legitimate mortgage companies or financial institutions in order to further their fraudulent activities. The conspirators also acquired names and personal identifying information of individuals to create fraudulent identity documents, such as driver’s licenses, or other documents, to include W-9s, mortgage statements, and rental agreements in support of fraudulent applications. Hussain is alleged to have participated in the same acts as Smith and Phaisan. As a result of this scheme, the conspirators caused a loss across all programs at issue totaling $1,187,860.90 and an additional intended loss of $42,334.37. On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. This case was investigated by the Office of Inspector General – U.S. Department of the Treasury.


title: Former County Prosecutor Sentenced to 10 Years for Distributing Child Pornography

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Adam J. Westbrook, 35, Neenah, Wisconsin, was sentenced last week by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in prison for distributing child pornography. The prison term will be followed by 20 years of supervised release. Westbrook pleaded guilty to this charge on September 16, 2024. In early February 2024, law enforcement arrested a man in Kenosha County, Wisconsin for various sex crimes. They searched his phone and found several videos showing a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Evidence showed that Westbrook had sent the videos to the Kenosha County man. Before sentencing, Judge Peterson reviewed a letter submitted by Westbrook. He found that Westbrook’s letter and statements at sentencing contained a mix of self-reflection and self-deception. Judge Peterson explained that while Westbrook demonstrated an acute awareness of the risk he posed, his self-deception made him an enormous risk to public safety. Between his plea and Friday’s sentencing, Westbrook also attempted to withdraw his plea and filed a motion challenging the legality of the indictment. Judge Peterson found Westbrook’s actions inconsistent with accepting responsibility for his crime, which Judge Peterson concluded made Westbrook more dangerous. The charge against Westbrook was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, the Kenosha County Sheriff's Office, and the Neenah and Lake Delton Police Departments, with assistance from the UK National Crime Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Louis Glinzak and Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case. This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . # # # #


title: Clinic Manager Convicted of $8M Medicare Fraud Scheme

body_text: A federal jury in the Eastern District of New York convicted a New York woman today for her role in an $8 million health care fraud conspiracy. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Olga Popovych, 43, of New York, New York, was an office manager of several physical therapy clinics that paid cash kickbacks to ambulette drivers who recruited Medicare patients to bring to the clinics. As the evidence at trial showed, the defendant was personally involved with paying the ambulette drivers cash kickbacks. She also falsified medical records to indicate that physical therapists who were not actually at the clinic treated the patients. Between 2018 and 2020, Medicare paid these clinics over $8 million. Witnesses testified at trial that the defendant exchanged text messages with her co-conspirators that discussed the payment of kickbacks through the use of code words. The evidence also showed that the defendant suspected that the clinics were being watched by law enforcement and took steps to conceal the scheme. The jury convicted Popovych of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, conspiracy to make false statements relating to health care matters, 4 counts of health care fraud, and 3 counts of making false statements relating to health care matters. She faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years for each health care fraud conviction and 5 years for each false statements conviction. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division; U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. for the Eastern District of New York; Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle for the FBI New York Field Office made the announcement. HHS-OIG and FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Patrick J. Campbell and John Howard of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case. Trial Attorney Miriam Glaser Dauermann assisted in the prosecution. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs . The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Oregon Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Traffic Firearms

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—An Oregon man was sentenced to federal prison today for his role in a firearms trafficking ring, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon. Freddy John Bish, 52, was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. According to court documents, in September 2025, Bish drove a vehicle with 12 firearms from Oregon to California to meet an unidentified co-conspirator in Central California who planned to take the guns to Mexico. California Highway Patrol stopped Bish and seized the weapons. On November 20, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Bish with conspiracy to traffic firearms and trafficking firearms. On January 21, 2026, Bish pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case with assistance from Tigard Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Sherwood Police Department, and California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Maloney prosecuted the case. This arrest is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.


title: Gosnell Co-Conspirator Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — John Badger Thorpe, 69, of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to receive and distribute child sexual abuse material and two counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in December 2023, Thorpe began communicating with former Charleston County Magistrate Judge James Benjamin Gosnell, Jr., via text message and encrypted apps. Thorpe and Gosnell discussed their shared sexual preference for minors, primarily the violent sexual abuse of infants and toddlers. In the summer of 2024, Gosnell traveled to Thorpe’s home in Florida with a flash drive containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Thorpe and Gosnell viewed the CSAM together, and then Gosnell left the thumb drive of CSAM with Thorpe, who then sent it back to Gosnell in Charleston via FedEx. In August and September of 2025, Thorpe distributed CSAM to Gosnell by sending him an explicit image of a toddler they discussed abusing. Thorpe faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each count. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and up to a lifetime of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Thorpe after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice 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, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Katherine Orville and Emily Limehouse are prosecuting the case. ### * The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child. NOTE: James Benjamin Gosnell, Jr. has pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of child sexual abuse material involving a prepubescent minor, three counts of receipt and attempted receipt of child sexual abuse material, conspiracy to receive and distribute child sexual abuse material, and distribution of child sexual abuse material. He is scheduled for trial beginning Aug. 24, 2026.


title: Cedar Lake Woman Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison For Bank Fraud

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: HAMMOND – Katie M. Tristan, 41 years old, of Cedar Lake, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to bank fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Tristan was sentenced to 15 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release. Tristan was also ordered to pay $125,157.67 in restitution to the victims of the offense. Of that amount, which was paid in full at sentencing, $123,192.22 will be returned to the Hanover Community School District. According to documents in the case, between October 2020 and June of 2023, Tristan used her leadership positions in the parent-teacher organizations (PTOs) at two Cedar Lake elementary schools to embezzle over $107,000 in funds that had been donated to support extracurricular programming. For a period of over two years, Tristan used the PTO debit cards for personal expenses including car rentals, travel and entertainment, utility payments, and retail shopping. Once Tristan had exhausted the PTOs’ funds, she executed a series of fraudulent check transactions to falsely inflate the balances of the PTO bank accounts and prolong the fraud. When school administrators and the Cedar Lake Police Department began investigating the missing PTO funds, Tristan obstructed those investigations by forging bank documents and using fake email accounts to impersonate other PTO volunteers. In September 2023, Tristan used a fake email account to impersonate the Cedar Lake Police detective handling the investigation, enabling her to manipulate the detective’s communications with a key witness. “By stealing from her parent-teacher organization (PTO), Katie Tristan stole from the children that she had supposedly volunteered to help,” said U.S. Attorney Mildred. “Money meant to support their education and personal growth was diverted to funded her personal wants and expenses to the tune of $107,000. She compounded her crime through blatant fraud and obstruction designed to hide the fact that she was a thief. Thankfully, the law enforcement professionals from the FBI, Cedar Lake Police Department, and our office saw to it that justice was served. While Tristan failed to honor her duties as a PTO volunteer, her example can at least serve to teach other would-be fraudsters a valuable lesson—if you steal from Hoosier students, you will be held accountable.” “Tristan sought out and obtained a position of trust in the Cedar Lake elementary schools and then violated the trust the community placed in her,” said Timothy J. O’Malley, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Office. “The FBI is proud to have worked this investigation with the Cedar Lake Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to help protect a local Indiana community.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cedar Lake Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary D. Heater.


title: Beaumont felon guilty of drug trafficking and firearms violations following Homeland Security Task Force investigation in the Eastern District of Texas

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont convicted felon has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking and firearms violations following a Homeland Security Task Force investigation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Micheal Corbin, 48, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on May 28, 2026. According to information presented in court, in April of 2025, law enforcement began investigating Corbin, a drug trafficker and convicted felon in Beaumont. As the investigation progressed, it was determined that Corbin was supplying other drug traffickers with methamphetamine to be distributed throughout the area. In total, law enforcement seized more than 8 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine from Corbin, who was also found in possession of a firearm. As a previously convicted felon, Corbin is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Houston comprises agents and officers from the FBI; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Houston (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI); and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; Beaumont Police Department; Texas Department of Public Safety; Nederland Police Department; Jasper Police Department; and San Augustine County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Lee. Corbin faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison at sentencing. The actual sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. ###


title: Canton woman convicted of embezzling nearly $600,000 from her employer

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – A small business’s former financial controller, who engaged in a five-year pattern of embezzling funds from her employer, pleaded guilty today, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations - Detroit. Deborah Beaudoin, age 56, from Canton, Michigan, was convicted of wire fraud for orchestrating a scheme that caused over $598,000 in losses to the business where she worked. At the hearing, Beaudoin admitted to devising and executing a scheme to order and obtain unauthorized company debit cards linked to the company’s bank account. Beaudoin made repeated false and fraudulent entries on company ledgers to make the withdrawal of money using these cards appear legitimate. Once Beaudoin obtained the cards, she withdrew the money at local ATMs and deposited a portion of those funds into her personal bank accounts. Over the five-year scheme, Beaudoin obtained at least $598,000 in fraudulent funds. Sentencing before United States District Judge Judith Levy will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Beaudoin faces a possible maximum sentence of not more than 20 years’ imprisonment without the possibility of parole, a fine of not more than $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Dorval Norwood.


title: Aguadilla Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On May 27, 2026, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Raúl Arias-Marxuach sentenced Leonardo Román-Domenech, age 40, of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, to 14 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for the transportation of child exploitation material, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Román-Domenech was indicted on April 3, 2025, arrested on April 9, 2025, and pleaded guilty on February 2, 2026. According to court documents, from July through October 2021, Leonardo Román-Domenech, used a cellphone device with internet capabilities to knowingly transport images of a 15-year-old female minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico and Carlos Goris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office made the announcement. The FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Emelina Agrait Barreto of the Child Exploitation and Immigration Unit prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. ###


title: Grafton Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: RUTLAND – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on May 27, 2026, Terry Russ, 43, of Grafton, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 72 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Russ pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine and possessing a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking offense. According to court records, ATF’s investigation into Russ first began when Russ was connected with a firearm used in an incident in Springfield, Massachusetts, in which police officers were shot and one was seriously injured. Russ later sold an untraceable privately-manufactured firearm with 53 rounds of ammunition, 200 bags of fentanyl, and 15.5 grams of cocaine to a confidential informant. A subsequent search of Russ’s property resulted in the seizure of 12 additional firearms, 12.5 grams of fentanyl, and 69.5 grams of cocaine. At sentencing, the government noted the scale of Russ’s drug dealing, highlighting witness statements indicating that Russ had served as many as ten clients per day, keeping multiple firearms in close proximity to where he conducted drug transactions. The government’s sentencing memo also highlighted Russ’s significant criminal history and his prior convictions for violent offenses, including four convictions for assault and two convictions for violating abuse prevention orders, as well as prior convictions for burglary and drug offenses. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Vermont State Police; and the Brattleboro Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Corinne Smith and David Golubock. Terry Russ was represented by Chandler Matson, Esq. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Sussex County Man Convicted for $2.1 Million COVID-19 Fraud Scheme

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – A New Jersey man was found guilty by a jury for fraudulently obtaining more than $2.1 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and laundering the proceeds, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. Nikenson Jean Mathurin, aka “Nik Mathurin,” aka “Jean Mathurin,” 46, of Sparta, New Jersey, was convicted of three counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering on May 21, 2026 following a four-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court. Sentencing is scheduled for October 6, 2026. “Pandemic relief programs were created to help struggling businesses keep workers employed and survive a national emergency—not to serve as a personal payday for fraudsters. The evidence at trial showed that Mathurin submitted fraudulent loan applications packed with fake payroll records, false tax documents, and fabricated business information to obtain more than $2.1 million in federal relief funds. This Office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who stole taxpayer-funded emergency assistance for personal gain.” - U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer “Individuals who exploit pandemic relief programs undermine the integrity of our financial system and divert vital resources intended to support Americans in times of crisis. Through deception and fraud, Mathurin stole more than $2 million from the very businesses these programs were created to help,” stated Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, IRS Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office. “This verdict underscores IRS-CI’s commitment to protecting taxpayer funds and holding those who abuse these programs accountable.” According to documents in this case and evidence at trial: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, Congress authorized emergency funding that small businesses could use to help keep their businesses afloat and employees on payroll. Beginning in April 2020, Mathurin participated in a scheme to defraud lenders and the Small Business Administration to obtain federal COVID-19 emergency relief money by submitting fifteen fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications on behalf of businesses he claimed to own. Mathurin’s fraudulent applications included false information concerning, among other things, the applicant entities’ average monthly payroll, gross revenue, and number of employees, and fake supporting tax documents and payroll records. As a result of his fraudulent applications, Mathurin unlawfully obtained more than $2.1 million in federal COVID-19 emergency relief money. Each wire fraud charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and the money laundering charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Each charge also carries a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain to the defendant or gross loss to the victim, whichever is greatest. U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer credited special agents the IRS – Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, with the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Stark and Fatime Meka Cano of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Newark. The District of New Jersey COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . ### Defense Counsel for Mathurin: Mark G. Davis, Esq. mathurin.indictment.pdf


title: Madison Man Sentenced to 20 Months for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Curtis Perryman, 39, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced last week by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 20 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. Perryman’s prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Perryman pleaded guilty to this charge on March 18, 2026. During a dispute with another man in the foyer of an apartment building on July 21, 2025, Perryman retrieved a handgun from his apartment, returned to the foyer, pointed the gun at the male, and threatened him. When officers arrived at the scene, Perryman said his fiancé was the one who had the firearm, but surveillance video showed Perryman possessing the handgun before handing it to his fiancé. Officers found a Mossberg 9mm handgun with a loaded magazine next to it in Perryman’s apartment. Perryman’s criminal history includes two juvenile robbery cases, one of which involved him possessing a sawed-off shotgun, and two adult robbery convictions that resulted in 15-year prison sentences. At the time of the federal offense, Perryman was under supervision for forgery and identity theft. Because of these felony convictions, Perryman was prohibited from possessing a firearm. At sentencing, Judge Peterson said Perryman escalated the dispute by introducing a gun. Perryman’s criminal record, impulsiveness, and willingness to engage in violence led Judge Peterson to conclude Perryman was a danger to the community. The charge against Perryman was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, which is comprised of federal agents from ATF as well as state and local agents throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case. Federal prosecutions by the U.S. Department of Justice involving drugs and guns are part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). # # # #