title: Romanian National Sentenced to Nine Months in Federal Prison for Installing Skimmers throughout Southern District of Mississippi

component: Department of Justice

body_text: Jackson, MS – Antonio Rafaila, 19, was sentenced today to nine months in federal prison for illegal possession, production, or trafficking in device-making equipment, also known as skimmers. His codefendant, Giovanni Iortoman, 19, was sentenced last week to serve one year in prison for the same crime. Both defendants entered the United States illegally. According to court documents and statements made in court, on the morning of March 31, 2025, employees of a grocery store in Laurel, Mississippi discovered a skimmer attached to a point-of-sale terminal in one of the store’s check-out lanes. A skimmer is capable of reading and recording account information including customer names, account numbers, and personal identification numbers from credit and debit cards. Store employees checked CCTV footage from the store and reported the matter to law enforcement immediately. CCTV footage revealed that two men, later identified as Antonio Rafaila and Giovanni Iortoman, had placed a skimmer device on the point-of-sale machine. Rafaila and Iortoman used the same tactics at multiple grocery stores in Jones, Rankin, and Madison counties with the intent to steal the personal information of customers for profit. One of the men would purchase items at the grocery store and distract the checkout clerk while the other surreptitiously installed the skimmer. The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office Cyber Fraud Task Force alerted local stores about the two men and their descriptions. The sedan the subjects were seen driving in Laurel was later stopped by Madison County law enforcement almost immediately after the subjects emplaced another skimmer in Madison. Iortoman presented a Romanian identification card to officers and Rafaila falsely identified himself as Aaron Lipani with a fraudulent Italian passport when questioned. A check of government databases determined that Iortoman and Rafaila were foreign nationals in the country without legal authority. As the defendants entered the United States illegally, they may be subject to deportation upon their release from prison. A criminal complaint was filed against Rafaila and Iortoman on April 2, 2025. A federal grand jury returned an indictment against them on April 8, 2025. U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis, and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch made the announcement. The United States Secret Service and the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office investigated the case through their partnership in the Cyber Fraud Task Force with assistance from the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly T. Purdie and C. Brett Grantham are prosecuting the case. The Cyber Fraud Task Force offered the following tips to keep your bank card data safe: Use terminals that offer tap to pay or chip read capabilities. Avoid swiping cards, if possible. Look at the terminal prior to inserting or using your card in relation to other terminals in the store. Do they look the same? Overlay skimmers will add to the overall dimensions of a terminal.


title: Nigerian National Pleads Guilty to Making False Statements to Firearms Dealer

body_text: Jackson, MS – A Nigerian national unlawfully present in the United States pleaded guilty on Monday, December 15th in federal court to making false statements while attempting to purchase a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, Laurel Echezonam, 25, entered the country unlawfully via the United States Southern Border in 2022. Immigration officials determined that Echezonam was a Nigerian national in the country without approval. On June 7, 2024, and June 8, 2024, Echezonam traveled from his residence in Vicksburg, Mississippi to purchase a firearm at different firearms dealers. When Echezonam completed the required firearms purchase form, he made false statements regarding his immigration status to deceive the firearms dealer into selling him the firearms. Echezonam was denied the firearms based on his immigration status and was subsequently apprehended by immigration officials. Laurel Echezonam is scheduled to be sentenced on March 17, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of up to ten years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson if the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lynn Murray and C. Brett Grantham are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Jefferson Parish Man Sentenced for Machine Gun Possession

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that, JAHBRELL PRICE (“PRICE”) , age 25, of Marrero, Louisiana was sentenced on December 4, 2025 by U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, after previously pleading guilty to the two-count indictment pending against him. Count 1 charged PRICE with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(3). Count 2 charged PRICE with possession of a machine gun, in violation of Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(o) and 924(a)(2). PRICE was sentenced to a total term of 33 months’ imprisonment, consisting of 12 months as to Count One and 33 months as to Count Two, with the terms to be served concurrently. PRICE was further sentenced to three (3) years of supervised release, consisting of one (1) year as to Count One and three (3) years as to Count Two, to be served concurrently as well as a $125 mandatory special assessment fee. According to documents, on January 7, 2024, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives located PRICE at a motel at 6751 Westbank Expressway, in Marrero, where he was arrested on an outstanding Orleans Parish warrant. Detectives secured a search warrant for PRICE’s hotel room and located twenty (20) bottles of promethazine (9,460 ml), $1,375.00 in United States currency, and a Glock model 45 nine-millimeter handgun with an external and visible machine gun conversion device attached to the rear of the slide. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit .


title: Mexican National Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Convicted of Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican National illegally residing in Lee’s Summit, Mo., was sentenced in federal court yesterday for Illegal Re-entry by an Alien Previously Convicted of an Aggravated Felony. Severo De La Torre-Sanchez, 61, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian Wimes to three years and six months in federal prison without parole followed by three years of supervised release. On Aug. 7, 2024, De La Torre-Sanchez was found at a Lee’s Summit restaurant when officers were attempting to serve him with an ex-parte order of protection. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents identified De La Torre-Sanchez was illegally in the United States after having been removed on two prior occasions in 2020 and 2022. He was removed in 2020 after serving a 17 year federal sentence for drug trafficking in the Southern District of Georgia. De La Torre-Sanchez was also previously convicted for Attempted Re-entry of a Removed Alien in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California in 2022. This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda K. Hanson. It was investigated by Department of Homeland Security Customs and Immigration Enforcement. Operation Take Back America 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: Nicaraguan National Sentenced for Misuse of Social Security Number

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that, LEONARDO PARAMO-BARBAS (“ PARAMO-BARBAS ”), age 29, was sentenced on December 4, 2025, by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance, after previously pleading guilty to misuse of a social security number in order to obtain employment, in violation of Title 42, United States Code, Section 408(a)(7)(B). PARAMO-BARBAS was sentenced to time served and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to the indictment, PARAMO-BARBAS falsely represented that a Social Security Number was assigned to him for the purpose of obtaining and maintaining employment, knowingly, willfully, and with intent to deceive, on July 20, 2022. 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. Acting United States Attorney Simpson praised the work of the ICE Enforcement Removal Office, Homeland Security Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Katherine Kaufman of the General Crimes Unit.


title: Twice-Removed Illegal Alien Sentenced To Over 24 Years For Role In Drug Conspiracy And Possession Of Firearms

component: USAO - Tennessee, Eastern

body_text: GREENEVILLE Tenn. – On December 17, 2025, Courtney Sterling, 45, of Jamaica, was sentenced to 292 months by the Honorable Clifton L. Corker, United States District Judge, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Greeneville. Following his imprisonment, Sterling will be on supervised release for 10 years. As part of the plea agreement filed with the court, Sterling agreed to plead guilty to an indictment charging him with Conspiracy to Distribute 50 Grams or More of Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846, 841(a)(1), and (b)(1)(A), Possession of a Firearm as an Illegal Alien, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(5), and Aggravated Re-entry, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1326(a), (b)(2). According to filed court documents, in November of 2022, the Johnson City, Tennessee Police Department (JCPD) was notified about a shipment of marijuana that was scheduled to be delivered to an address in Johnson City. This led to a search warrant and investigation at Sterling’s residence and the discovery of 11 pounds of methamphetamine, 2.5 pounds of cocaine, and firearms. Sterling was arrested after this offense. Upon further investigation, officers later discovered additional firearms, cocaine, and large amounts of U.S. currency. Sterling, a Jamaican citizen, had previously been removed from the United States on two prior occasions. After making bond in Washington County, Tennessee, he failed to appear in court and became a fugitive. In October of 2024, Homeland Security Investigators (HSI), along with the JCPD, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) intercepted the shipment of 20 pounds of methamphetamine and 2.6 pounds of cocaine to another address in Johnson City. Sterling had coordinated the delivery with co-defendants MJ Adams and Heather Ward to their residence for distribution within the Eastern District of Tennessee. After the execution of a search warrant, agents also located an additional pound of methamphetamine in the residence and large amounts of U.S. currency. Judge Corker also sentenced another member of the conspiracy on Wednesday, December 17 th ; Heather Ward, 37, of Johnson City, received a sentence of 120 months with a period of supervised release of five years following her imprisonment. The third member of the conspiracy, MJ Adams, 41, of Johnson City, is set to be sentenced before Judge Corker on February 4, 2026. U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III of the Eastern District of Tennessee made the announcement. The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by JCPD, HSI, TBI, and DEA. This investigation was led by JCPD Sergeant William Saulsbury, HSI Special Agent John Bulla, and TBI Special Agent Jason Roark. Special Assistant United States Attorney AnCharlene Davis and Assistant United States Attorney Meghan Gomez represented the United States. 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: Member of Anti-Capitalist and Anti-Government Group Arrested and Charged with Threatening ICE Officers

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: LAFAYETTE– On December 13, 2025, Micah James Legnon, 28, of New Iberia, Louisiana, was arrested on a criminal complaint filed in the Western District of Louisiana charging him with threatening Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. According to court documents, Legnon also known as Dark Witch and Kateri the Witch, is associated with the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), a far-left, pro-Palestine, anti-government, and anti-capitalist group. Legnon’s association with TILF included participating in a chat called “Order of the Black Lotus,” in which Legnon discussed teaching other TILF members urban warfare while writing threatening messages about ICE officers there and on social media. “This arrest reflects the Justice Department’s priority of disrupting and dismantling terrorist networks across the Nation,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “We will continue to aggressively target violent extremist groups like the Turtle Island Liberation Front, hold their proxies accountable, and ensure the American people—and the officers who protect them—can live without fear. Thank you to the US Attorney, Zachary Keller, in the Western District of Louisiana for his incredible work.” “The FBI will not tolerate anyone who threatens law enforcement officers and will work with our partners to bring them to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This defendant allegedly threatened ICE officers and had an assault rifle, body armor, and other items in his vehicle when he was arrested by local law enforcement. He is associated with the Turtle Island Liberation Front which espouses anti-government views. The FBI is steadfast in our commitment to protect the American people and those who wear the badge to protect our communities.” “Groups like TILF are a menace to society and a threat to the values that make America the greatest nation on Earth,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “As we approach the one-year anniversary of the New Orleans New Year’s Day terror attack, the Louisiana U.S. Attorney’s Offices stand vigilant alongside the FBI and our other federal, state, and local partners to uncover and stop potential terrorist plots dead in their tracks. The swift and decisive action taken by the FBI’s California and Louisiana components and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office here exemplifies that commitment we all have to keeping Louisiana and our country safe.” Legnon, who has a military background, was under surveillance by the FBI on December 12, 2025, due to his affiliation with TILF members plotting to bomb Los Angeles who were arrested that day. On December 12, FBI saw Legnon leaving his New Iberia residence with what appeared to be an assault rifle and body armor in his vehicle in an apparent effort to execute an attack. Legnon was stopped and arrested by the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, and one assault rifle, one pistol, one gas canister, and body armor were recovered from his vehicle. A federal search warrant executed on Legnon’s residence revealed sniper training manuals, SWAT training manuals, assault rifles, and multiple rounds of ammunition. This investigation is ongoing. The FBI is investigating the case with valuable assistance from the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney John W. Nickel for the Western District of Louisiana is prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance provided by the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer , under Case Number 6:25-mj-00229. ###


title: Repeat Offender Sentenced to 150 Months in Prison For Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Yakima, Washington – Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian sentenced David Allen Vickers, age 53, of Yakima, Washington, to 150 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Vickers will also be on federal supervised release for three years after serving his custodial sentence. The following information was made public during the legal proceedings. Between 1991 and 2020, Vickers was convicted of multiple criminal offenses, including Driving under the Influence, Residential Burglary, Third Degree Assault, Fourth Degree Assault, Conspiracy to Deliver Marijuana, Delivery of a Controlled Substance, Obstruction, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Forgery. In 2020, Vickers was charged in State court with Residential Burglary, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle, and Third Degree Assault. On May 17, 2023, he was permitted to resolve the charges by entering into a Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (SOSA) program. On June 21, 2023, while serving a term of State community custody supervision for the above, Vickers was found sleeping behind the wheel of a vehicle on the roadway. Officers with the Yakima Police Department approached the vehicle and woke him. One of the officers believed he was intoxicated. An officer asked Vickers to step out of the vehicle for a field sobriety test. As he exited the vehicle, an officer saw what he believed to be Vickers tossing a gun into the backseat. Officers obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and found a loaded firearm in the rear of the vehicle. Officers also found several pills in Vickers’ pocket. Officers ran a check and learned that he had a lengthy criminal history and was the subject of an arrest warrant for violating conditions of his SOSA program. On September 12, 2023, a federal Grand Jury returned an indictment that charged Vickers with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. On July 29, 2025, he pled guilty to the Indictment. On the same day, he was released over the government’s objection. Within three weeks, he cut off his GPS monitoring device and fled. In early August 2025, the United States Marshals Service arrested him in the Western District of Washington. First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano drew a stark difference between the rights of law-abiding citizens and convicted felons to possess firearms: “It is well established that law-abiding American citizens have a Constitutional right to keep and bear arms. Law-abiding citizens who own firearms are often fierce advocates for gun safety and routinely support restricting dangerous felons from possessing firearms. Mr. Vickers is not such a person. He possessed illegal drugs and has more than 30 prior misdemeanor and/or felony convictions. His conduct makes him a danger to the community and has justifiably resulted in him being prohibited from lawfully possessing firearms. The United States Attorney’s Office is dedicated to defending all citizens’ rights under our Constitution, and to seeking appropriate accountability for individuals who pose a danger to the community.” “Mr. Vickers’ criminal history is staggering, and his habitual disregard for the law shows he has not learned from his prior sentences. By holding offenders like Mr. Vickers accountable, ATF, our law enforcement partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are helping protect our communities and reinforcing that those who illegally possess firearms and endanger public safety will be held accountable.” This case is being investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), the Yakima Police Department (“YPD”), the Washington State Department of Corrections (“DOC”), and the United States Marshals Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tom Hanlon.


title: Kansas businessman & employee indicted for PPP fraud

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging two Kansas men for allegedly defrauding the Small Business Administration (SBA) by submitting false information on applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. According to court documents, Joseph Campbell, 61, of Olathe and John Duncan, 65, of Topeka are both charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy. Campbell was also indicted on six counts of money laundering, six counts of making a false statement in a loan application, and two counts of making a false statement. Campbell, as owner of multiple businesses, and Duncan, as Campbell’s employee, are accused of submitting false information to receive approximately $273,000 in PPP loan proceeds and approximately $1,761,100 in EIDL loan proceeds then allegedly utilizing the funds in an unauthorized manner including for personal benefit. IRS - Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting the case. OTHER INDICTMENTS Jorge Armando Chavez-Sanchez, 38, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was indicted on one count of reentry of a previously removed alien convicted of a felony. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case. Manuel De Jesus Chavez-Suarez, 48, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Jordan C. Davis, 44, of Kansas City, Missouri, was indicted on one count of escape from custody. The U.S. Marshal Service is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case. Manuel Humberto Marquez-Bencomo, 52, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Alpharetta Man Charged for $940,000 Investment and Ticket Fraud Scheme

body_text: ATLANTA - Matthew Neet has been arraigned on federal charges of wire fraud after allegedly scamming real estate investors and college football fans seeking tickets for University of Georgia (“UGA”) games. “Neet allegedly defrauded at least two dozen football fans and investors out of hundreds of thousands of dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “As we enter the college football playoff, fans should exercise caution when purchasing tickets for games. Unfortunately, scammers may seek to exploit the rich history and tradition of college football for quick cash. And, as always, investors should be wary of too-good-to-be-true wealth building opportunities.” “Neet allegedly exploited college football fans and investors for personal gain, and the FBI is committed to holding those who engage in fraud accountable,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “As the popularity of college football continues to grow, we urge fans and investors alike to be vigilant and verify the legitimacy of any offers they receive, particularly when large sums of money are at stake.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Matthew Neet allegedly defrauded investors and college football fans by offering fraudulent property investment opportunities when he had no intention of actually investing the funds he received. He also fraudulently offered to sell tickets for UGA football games when he had no intention of providing tickets. Two dozen individuals paid Neet approximately $943,000 for the investment opportunities or college football tickets. Neet allegedly used the money for his own purposes. Neet waived indictment and agreed to proceed by criminal information on December 19, 2025. According to the information, Neet duped investors by offering purported investments in teak/timberland property in Costa Rica. He also claimed to have for sale UGA football tickets for games against the Universities of Alabama, Texas, and Mississippi. These claims were allegedly false, and Neet never provided the tickets. Matthew Neet, 43, of Alpharetta, Ga., was arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge John K. Larkins III. Members of the public are reminded that the information only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal is prosecuting the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: BATON ROUGE MAN SENTENCED TO 153 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR GUN CONVICTION

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: United States Attorney Kurt L. Wall announced that U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson sentenced Alkeyvin Ennis, age 33, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 153 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Court further sentenced Ennis to serve 13 years of supervised release following his term of imprisonment and ordered the firearm involved be forfeited. According to admissions made during his plea, on or about June 24, 2022, a 2020 Kia Soul was reported stolen to the Baton Rouge City Police Department. On July 8, 2022, officers spotted the stolen Kia Soul traveling westbound on Greenwell Springs Road and began following the vehicle when it then accelerated and ran a red light trying to flee from the officers, ultimately crashing into a residence on North 49th Street and causing significant damage to the residence. Following the crash, Ennis leapt out of the Kia, and ran to the back of the residence, while being pursued by officers. Officers detained him in the backyard of a house next door. When officers apprehended Ennis, they observed a pair of black gloves he had removed from his hands as he fled. As officers walked Ennis back to their patrol car, they observed that he was wearing a leg holster, black T-shirt, black pants, and boots. The stolen Kia Soul had red and blue emergency lights attached to the front driver and passenger visors. A tactical vest labeled “Police,” walkie-talkie radio, and black flashlight was located on the passenger floorboard. Very shortly following his arrest, law-enforcement officers learned that Ennis used the firearm, while impersonating a police officer, when he and at least one or two accomplices made a traffic stop of a driver operating a Honda Accord and led the driver to believe they were police officers, pistol whipped the driver on the head, and zip-tied his hands behind his back. During this encounter, the victim/driver broke free and fled at which time Ennis stepped back into the stolen Kia Soul and his accomplice into the victim’s car, and drove off. After placing Ennis into one of the patrol units, officers searched the area he ran through as he fled looking for the pistol he was carrying in his leg holster but were not able to locate it due to poor lighting conditions. After his arrest, Ennis made a phone call from prison directing a friend to the location of his arrest and asked the friend to retrieve the pistol he dropped during the flee. The call was monitored and recorded by jail authorities. Officers learned of that recorded phone call and proceeded to spot of the defendant’s arrest, located a Glock 26, 9 mm caliber pistol with an extended magazine just a few feet from where Ennis had been arrested. The firearm was loaded with one round in the chamber. Ennis was previously convicted of simple burglary on April 2, 2012, in the 15 th Judicial District Court and was sentenced to seven years imprisonment with hard labor; possession of ecstasy on July 22, 2015, in the 19th Judicial District Court, and was sentenced to three years imprisonment with hard labor; and attempted possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on December 15, 2021, in the 18h Judicial District Court, and was sentenced to a suspended jail term of seven and a half years while under supervised probation for three years. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Baton Rouge Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert W. Piedrahita.


title: West Roxbury Man Indicted for Fentanyl Distribution

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A West Roxbury man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for drug distribution offenses involving fentanyl. Santo Leandro Duverge Tejeda, a/k/a “La Niña,” 29, was indicted on two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The defendant will be arraigned in federal court in Boston at a future date. Duverge Tejeda was previously arrested and charged by complaint on Nov. 20, 2025. According to the charging documents, the defendant distributed fentanyl on four separate occasions in Watertown and Waltham. On the day of his arrest, he allegedly possessed over 400 grams of fentanyl intended for distribution. The charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew A. Caffrey, III of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Roslindale Man Arrested for Drug Conspiracy

body_text: BOSTON – A Roslindale man has been arrested and charged in connection with an alleged fentanyl distribution conspiracy, following a series of controlled purchases in Brookline and Boston. Shaquylle Burden, 31, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Burden was arrested on Dec. 11, 2025 and remains in federal custody. A co-defendant, Kerry Charlotin, a/k/a “KG,” 36, of Rockland, was also arrested in South Carolina and remains in federal custody. He will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. Charlotin is currently on federal supervised release for a 2020 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to the charging documents, the defendants trafficked fentanyl in and around the greater Boston area since at least June 2025. It is alleged that, on separate dates in October and December of 2025, Burden and Charlotin sold or arranged the sale of fentanyl during repeated controlled purchases. One firearm was also allegedly located at Burden’s residence at the time of his arrest. The charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Boston; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the FBI’s Columbia Field Office in South Carolina. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood . The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: TWO LAFAYETTE MEN PLEAD GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT IN A MULTI-STATE VEHICLE THEFT, FIREARM TRAFFICKING, AND IDENTITY THEFT CONSPIRACY

body_text: United States Attorney Kurt L. Wall announced that Dennis Loyd Sizemore, age 54, and Gregory Brazell, age 41, both of Lafayette, Louisiana, pled guilty before U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick to conspiracy to transport a stolen motor vehicle; altering, removing and obliterating a vehicle identification number; possession of fifteen or more unauthorized access devices; and conspiracy to sell or dispose of a firearm and the transfer of a firearm to a prior convicted felon. According to admissions made as part of their guilty pleas, between October 2021 and March 2022, Sizemore, Brazell, and their co-conspirators, Chrisopher Don Byerley and Adrienne Marie King, carried out a coordinated and complex operation extending across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas, in which the group stole, then used or sold the stolen and altered vehicles, including tractors, excavators, forklifts, and a pickup truck, with a total value of over $250,000. The conspiracy involved tampering with Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) to disguise the identity of stolen property. Use of a chop shop, fraudulent documentation, and false business fronts such as “Hevyquip L.L.C.” to sell stolen equipment and unauthorized possession of over 400 identities and access devices to further conceal their criminal activities During the investigation, it was determined that Brazell and Sizemore used a third party to illegally purchase a firearm, which was later sold to Byerley, a prior convicted felon, who then installed on the pistol an unregistered silencer. In February 2022, an investigation of a shoplifting incident in the Juban Crossing Shopping Center led Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office detectives to uncover from a stolen pickup truck being operated by Byerley, the unregistered firearm silencer, an FN Model 509 9mm pistol and ammunition; documentation detailing parts orders for silencers all in Byerley’s handwriting; multiple text messages and photographs pointing to intent to traffic firearms and circumvent federal regulations; and numerous documents, records, emails, text messages and photos that led law enforcement to uncover the conspiracy and far-reaching criminal enterprise. Byerley was recently sentenced to 115 months in federal prison following his convictions in this conspiracy. This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, Saint Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office, Saint Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Iberia Sheriff’s Department, and Lafayette Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lyman E. Thornton III and M. Patricia Jones. To address the firearm trafficking charges, AUSA Thornton was appointed as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the Western District of Louisiana, where he worked in conjunction with Assistant United States Attorney John Nickel.


component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan Confirmed by the U.S. Senate CONCORD – Last night, the United States Senate voted to confirm President Donald J. Trump’s nominee of United States Attorney Erin Creegan for the District of New Hampshire. U.S. Attorney Creegan was appointed by U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi to serve as an Interim U.S. Attorney beginning on August 13 of this year. U.S. Attorney Creegan subsequently received an appointment from the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire on December 11. She now begins her service as a Senate confirmed Presidential appointee. “It is the honor of my lifetime to be the chief federal law enforcement officer for the best state in the nation,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “I look forward to working closely with our state and federal partners to interdict drug trafficking, combat violent crime, and dismantle criminal networks. I also look forward to protecting the contributions of the American taxpayer through defensive and affirmative civil litigation. I thank the President, the Attorney General, the Senators, and leaders in state government and the New Hampshire bar, for their support.”


title: Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 20 Years for Distributing Counterfeit Fentanyl Pills Resulting in a Fatal Overdose

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Pasqual Perez Duckett, 41, of Newberry, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl which resulted in the death of a 28-year-old Columbia woman. In July 2023, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration, in collaboration with the City of Columbia Police Department and the Richland County Sheriff's Department, initiated an investigation into Duckett after receiving credible information about his involvement in distributing large quantities of counterfeit prescription pills, cocaine, marijuana, and methamphetamine throughout Richland and Newberry Counties. The investigation revealed that Duckett had ordered approximately 125 kilograms of pill binder to be shipped to his residence, which he then used to manufacture thousands of counterfeit pills. These pills were falsely marketed as Percocet and Oxycodone but were laced with fentanyl. On August 30, 2023, Duckett distributed a counterfeit pill to a 28-year-old woman from Columbia, who believed the pill to be Percocet. After ingesting the pill, the victim was found dead the following morning by her mother. Toxicology and autopsy reports confirmed that the cause of death was acute fentanyl toxicity. After learning that the pill he distributed caused the victim’s death, Duckett took steps to distance himself from the incident, including checking out of a hotel the following day, deleting text messages from his phone, and moving his vehicle in an apparent attempt to establish an alibi. Despite this knowledge, Duckett continued to distribute fentanyl-laced pills, falsely marketed as Percocet, on at least three separate occasions after learning of the victim's death. “Fentanyl continues to plague our communities, showing up in illicit substances and counterfeit pills,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We are fighting this evil head on with our law enforcement partners and hope this sentence brings a measure of peace and closure to our victim’s family and loved ones.” “This sentence reflects the devastating reality of fentanyl trafficking,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “A life was lost because of this defendant’s actions, and no punishment can ever undo that harm. Today’s sentencing holds the offender accountable and sends a clear message that those who profit from distributing this deadly poison will face severe consequences.” “Those who put fentanyl on our streets should be treated as murderers; it’s no different than shooting someone,” said Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. “They know these drugs kill people and continue to do it.” “I have witnessed first-hand the devastatingly harmful and lethal effects of fentanyl and opioids," said Columbia Police Chief William H. "Skip" Holbrook. "This sentencing is another example of law enforcement working together to arrest and prosecute opioid traffickers and distributors who have zero regard for the sanctity of life or the harm being inflicted in our communities.” Senior United States District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie sentenced Pasqual Perez Duckett to 240 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision and ordered restitution to the victim’s family to cover funeral costs. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the City of Columbia Police Department, and the Richland County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case. ###


title: Vicksburg Man Sentenced for Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon

body_text: Jackson, MS – A Jackson man was sentenced on December 18, 2025, to 26 months in prison for illegal possession of ammunition. According to court documents, Steven Galey, 50, of was found in possession of ammunition after a call for service for a vehicle in Warren County. Upon arrival, Warren County Sherrif’s Deputies identified the driver as Steven Galey asleep behind the wheel. Thirty-four rounds of ammunition were in plain view on the vehicle’s dashboard. As a previously convicted felon, Galey is prohibited by federal law from possessing ammunition. Galey was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2024, for illegal possession of ammunition. He pled guilty on August 19, 2025. United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and ATF Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives made the announcement. The case was investigated by the ATF and the Warren County Sherriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amber Jones prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justive.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl ?inline) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Ellicottville man going to prison for enticing travel to engage in sexual activity

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.- U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Anthony Burris, 35, of Ellicottville, NY, who was convicted of two counts of enticing travel to engage in sexual activity, was sentenced to serve 90 months in prison by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny. Assistant U.S. Attorney Maeve E. Huggins, who handled the case, stated that between January and March 11, 2021, Burris coerced Victim 1, a woman suffering from drug addiction, to perform commercial sex acts. He did so by threatening the use of physical violence, and by supplying, and at times withholding, quantities of controlled substances. Burris, who knew Victim 1 was physically addicted to controlled substances, also provided transportation, housing, a cellular phone, and food to Victim 1, who was homeless during this time. In exchange, Victim 1 performed commercial sex acts and gave the proceeds to Burris, who posted online advertisements on Skipthegames.com, which contained sexually suggestive photographs of Victim 1. Burris then transported Victim 1 to various locations in the Western District of New York and elsewhere, including to Pennsylvania, to engage in these commercial sex acts. Between June 2020, and March 11, 2021, Burris coerced a second victim (Victim 2) to perform commercial sex acts, once again threatening physical violence, and providing money for the purchase of controlled substances, and by supplying, and at times withholding, quantities of controlled substances. Like Victim 1, Burris knew Victim 2 was physically addicted to controlled substances and homeless. Victim 2 performed commercial sex acts and gave the proceeds to the defendant. Burris also posted ads for Victim 2 on Skipthegames.com and transported Victim 2 to various locations in the Western District of New York and elsewhere, including Pennsylvania, to perform commercial sex acts. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James B. Quattrone, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, the Amherst Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Chamberlin, and the Millcreek, PA, Police Department, under the direction of Chief Carter Mook. # # # #


title: Romanian Admits $211,000 Nationwide Sleight-of-Hand Fraud

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – An illegal immigrant from Romania on Friday admitted targeting stores across the country with a sleight-of-hand fraud that netted about $211,000. Ica Munteanu, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal reentry and one count of wire fraud. Munteanu admitted unlawfully entering the U.S. around September of 2016. She was deported back to Romania on Sept. 11, 2017, and re-entered unlawfully around March of 2019. Munteanu was found in Florida on June 24, 2025, and originally charged in the Middle District of Florida with that crime. Munteanu also admitted stealing a total of $211,000 from two national retailers in at least 20 states during at least 70 different transactions. Munteanu would bring merchandise or gift cards to cashiers and then count money into piles that added up to at least the full amount of the transaction. She would then take the cash back, gather it into a pile and slip some bills from the bottom of the stack into her pocket before handing the cash back to the cashier. Munteanu would then go to a different store and return the merchandise. In one example described in her plea agreement, Munteanu shortchanged a store in Rolla out of $2,800, and then returned the merchandise at three different stores in Illinois for a refund. Munteanu is scheduled to be sentenced on April 23, 2026. The wire fraud charge is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both prison and a fine. The illegal reentry charge is punishable by up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ladendorf prosecuted the case.


title: Australian National Sentenced to 66 Months in Prison for $2.7 million Fraudulent Check Scheme

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Matthew T. Schelp on Friday sentenced a woman to 66 months in prison for using the stolen identities of others to attempt to deposit $2.7 million in fraudulent and stolen checks. Gabrielle Borthwick, 23, opened, or tried to open, accounts at a series of banks and credit unions in Missouri and elsewhere by depositing bogus cashier’s checks ranging in value from $121,260 to $1.4 million. Borthwick admitted fraudulently using the names, birthdates and Social Security numbers of multiple people, as well as counterfeit out-of-state driver’s licenses, to open the accounts. To dispel concerns about the out-of-state licenses, Borthwick falsely claimed to have recently moved to Missouri. She supplied fake utility and phone bills to support her claims. She sometimes claimed to run a wedding planning business to allay bank officials’ suspicions about the size of the checks. She also tried to cover up tattoos and distinguishing characteristics by wearing clothing and bandages, Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ladendorf wrote in a sentencing memo. Borthwick then tried to withdraw cash or electronically transfer funds before the financial institutions realized that the checks were fraudulent. In total, Borthwick admitted depositing checks at multiple Missouri banks and credit unions and at one bank in Illinois totaling $2.7 million. Bank officials thwarted her attempts to open some accounts or deposit some of the bogus checks. She fraudulently obtained $271,667. One of those checks, in the amount of $30,000, had been stolen from the mail. Judge Schelp ordered her to repay the money. Borthwick, who is a native of Australia, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis in September to 12 felonies: six counts of financial institution fraud and six counts of aggravated identity theft. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and police departments in Eureka, O’Fallon and Union in Missouri and Edwardsville in Illinois investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Ladendorf prosecuted the case.


title: Former Ketchikan church elder indicted for child exploitation offenses

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: JUNEAU, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment this week charging a former Ketchikan church elder with sexually exploiting a child outside the U.S. and with possessing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). This case is one of three cases charged in Alaska through Operation Relentless Justice , a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. According to court documents, between March and November 2019, Dwight Chris John, 74, induced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct while outside the U.S. in order to produce visual depictions of such conduct. The indictment alleges that John intended to and did transport those visual depictions back to the U.S. The indictment further alleges that beginning on Nov. 1, 2019, and continuing through May 16, 2024, John knowingly possessed CSAM in Alaska. The CSAM allegedly involved a prepubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. John is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of children outside the U.S. and one count of possession of child pornography. The defendant is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted of both counts, he faces up to 50 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement as part of Operation Relentless Justice. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. The FBI Anchorage Field Office, Juneau Resident Agency is investigating the case, with assistance from the Ketchikan Police Department, as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. If anyone has information concerning John’s alleged actions, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Reed and Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Dodge City, Kansas, Man Sentenced for Possessing More than Eight Pounds of Cocaine

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – A Dodge City, Kansas, man was sentenced for possessing more than eight pounds of cocaine that he knowingly transported from Texas to the Northern District of Oklahoma, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Alejandro Aldave, 37, for Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Distribute. Judge Hill ordered Aldave to serve 120 months imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release. In April 2025, law enforcement became aware that Aldave was distributing large amounts of cocaine out of a home in Tulsa. After receiving a search warrant, an agent installed a tracking device on Aldave’s vehicle. His vehicle was tracked from Tulsa to Odessa, Texas. After staying in Odessa for less than twenty minutes, Aldave’s vehicle headed back to Tulsa. During a traffic stop in Tulsa, Aldave admitted to Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers that he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Troopers also smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, Troopers found marijuana vape pens and a hidden compartment with four one-kilogram bundles of cocaine. After arresting Aldave, agents executed a search warrant at his home in Tulsa. Agents found a firearm, ammunition, more than 700 grams of cocaine, and more than 3,000 counterfeit Xanax pills that contained a synthetic opioid commonly known as U-47700. Data provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) shows that nearly 70% of all drug poisonings and overdose deaths involved synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, and that U-47700 has been linked to at least 46 confirmed overdose deaths. The DEA notes that U-47700 is frequently pressed into pill format and marketed as a wide variety of prescription opioids. Aldave has two prior convictions related to the distribution and possession of illicit drugs. Court documents show that he has never served time for those convictions. He will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The Drug Enforcement Administration Tulsa Resident Office, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam McConney prosecuted the case.


title: District Man Sentenced in Armed Carjacking at Northeast Washington D.C. Gas Station

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Terrell Edmondson, 19, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 84 months in federal prison in connection with an October 2024 armed carjacking in Northeast Washington that was documented by multiple surveillance cameras and by evidence that Edmondson posted to his own Instagram account, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Edmondson pleaded guilty on August 13 before Judge Beryl A. Howell to a count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. In addition to the 84-month prison sentence, Judge Howell ordered Edmondson to serve five years of supervised release. Joining in the announcement was Chief Michael Sullivan of the U.S. Capitol Police. According to court records, on Oct. 4, 2024, about 2:15 a.m., MPD officers responded to a report of an armed carjacking on the 5700 block of Eads Street NE. The victim was at a gas station when a blue Mercedes pulled up next to him. Two masked and armed gunman, one of whom was identified as Edmondson, got out of the Mercedes and demanded the victim’s 2006 Infiniti M35X. One of the gunmen pointed a firearm at the victim’s face. The two gunmen fled with the Infiniti. At about 3:05 a.m. Edmondson posted a video to his Instagram account of the carjacked Infiniti and the Mercedes. Later that same day, MPD notified U.S. Capitol Police that the carjacked Infiniti was driving recklessly through heavy traffic near Capitol grounds. U.S. Capitol Police spotted and pursued the Infiniti before it crashed into another vehicle. Edmondson then fled from the Infiniti toward the recreation fields northeast of RFK stadium where he was detained. 24cr486 This case was investigated by the U.S. Capitol Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Helfand for the District of Columbia. Surveillance photo taken at the gas station during the carjacking of the Infiniti. Surveillance photo of Terrell Edmondson as he exits the back seat of a blue Mercedes at the gas station where the carjacking took place. The wreckage of the carjacking Infiniti in a photo taken later the on the day of the carjacking. 24cr486


title: Justice Department Files Denaturalization Complaint against Bosnian War Persecutor Who Fraudulently Obtained U.S. Citizenship

component: Civil Division

body_text: Today, the Department of Justice filed a civil complaint to revoke the citizenship of Kemal Mrndzic, who failed to disclose during his immigration proceedings that he served as a guard at the notorious Čelebići prison camp during the Bosnian War. At Čelebići, prison guards subjected Bosnian-Serbs to beatings, torture, sexual assault, starvation, and murder. “The allegations in this complaint demonstrate the value this Administration places upon both the integrity of its naturalization process and, more importantly, ensuring that those who persecute others based on protected bases, especially in war time, do not reap the benefits of refuge in the United States by gaming America’s immigration process,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. In October 2024, a federal jury found Mrndzic guilty of several criminal fraud and misrepresentation counts relating to his successful efforts to obtain a naturalization certificate and a U.S. passport. The jury’s guilty verdict established that Mrndzic falsified and misrepresented information material to his naturalization eligibility. Among other facts, Mrndzic failed to disclose to immigration authorities the nature and timing of his military service during the Bosnian War. Specifically, he failed to disclose that he persecuted Bosnian-Serb inmates as a prison guard at Čelebići. Mrndzic’s 2024 conviction established his ineligibility to naturalize, as the Justice Department alleges in the naturalization revocation complaint. This case is being civilly prosecuted by the Justice Department’s Office of Immigration Litigation, Affirmative Litigation Unit, after extensive investigation by ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations and criminal prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.


title: Kipnuk man indicted for child pornography offenses

body_text: FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment this week charging a Kipnuk man with multiple child pornography offenses. This case is one of three cases charged in Alaska through Operation Relentless Justice , a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. According to court documents, between Aug. 11 to 13, 2025, Petngalria Paul, aka “Garrett,” 28, distributed, received and possessed child sexual abuse materials within Alaska. Paul is charged with one count of distribution of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The defendant is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman of the District of Alaska and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement as part of Operation Relentless Justice. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. The FBI Anchorage Field Office is investigating the case, as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Alaska State Troopers. If anyone has information concerning Paul’s alleged actions or may have encountered someone using the name “Petngalria Paul” or “Garrett Paul” in person or online, please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ibad Jafri are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Pelican man indicted for advertising, distributing child pornography

body_text: JUNEAU, Alaska – A federal grand jury in Alaska returned an indictment this week charging a Pelican man with advertising and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). This case is one of three cases charged in Alaska through Operation Relentless Justice , a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. According to court documents, between July 5 and 20, 2024, Adam Pool, 39, knowingly made a notice and advertisement seeking and offering to exchange CSAM and knowingly distributed CSAM via the internet. Pool is charged with one count of advertising child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography. The defendant is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Alaska. If convicted of both counts, he faces between 15 and 50 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brandon Waddle of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement as part of Operation Relentless Justice. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. The FBI Anchorage Field Office, Juneau Resident Agency is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Reed and Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 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 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Two Defendants Plead Guilty in Shooting that Injured Dunbar High School Student

body_text: WASHINGTON – Saki Frost, 19, and Azhari Graves, 19, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today to multiple counts in relation to a shooting that occurred on May 3, 2024, near Dunbar High School that injured one student. The guilty pleas were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Frost and Graves each pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and carrying a pistol without a license. Frost, who was 17 years old at the time of the shooting, was prosecuted as an adult under Title 16. As part of their sentences, both defendants will be required to register as gun offenders. Both defendants are set to be sentenced on March 20, 2026, before the Honorable J. Michael Ryan. According to the government’s evidence, on May 3, 2024, at approximately 9:53 a.m., Graves and Frost opened fire on a sedan that was driving down Kirby Street NW, near Dunbar High School. A witness to the shooting reported hearing machine gun fire. Surveillance video captures Frost and Graves running down an alleyway holding firearms prior to the shooting. Surveillance video also captures the shooting, in which an individual appearing to be Frost, fires a gun toward the sedan. Surveillance footage also captures Graves after the shooting holding a firearm with the slide locked to the rear of the weapon, indicating that the weapon had been fired. Graves and Frost then fled the area in a vehicle. Later that day, MPD officers located the vehicle used by the defendants and arrested Graves and Frost. Investigators recovered a total of 29 shell casings from the scene of the shooting and numerous fragments from the exterior of Dunbar High School, as well as from classrooms inside the school. Investigators also observed at least six bullet strikes to the N Street side of Dunbar. During the shooting, one Dunbar student suffered a graze wound to the head from the gunfire. Joining in the announcement was Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. The case was investigated by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Helfand and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kraig Ahalt and Courtney Scholz.


title: Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Relentless Justice

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: 205 Child Victims Located and 293 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in Nationwide Crackdown, Including Nine in the Southern District of Alabama December 19, 2025 – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes." “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” “Together with our law enforcement partners, the United States Attorney’s Office will continue to pursue justice on behalf of victims relentlessly,” said U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello. “Safeguarding children and preventing future harm remain top priorities. Offenders who have violated the law will be held accountable.” "Operation Relentless Justice is a testament to the seamless collaboration between our federal, state, and local partners who worked tirelessly to bring these individuals to justice,” said FBI Mobile Special Agent in Charge Sara Jones. “By combining our resources and expertise, we are sending a clear message that there is no corner of the world where predators can hide. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to keep our community’s children safe." Nine offenders were arrested in the Southern District of Alabama, and three have been federally indicted by the Grand Jury. Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, including three from the Southern District of Alabama, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were 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 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, visit justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: 205 Child Victims Located and 293 Child Sex Abuse Offenders Arrested in Nationwide Crackdown, Including 1 in the Western District of Michigan December 19, 2025 – The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country. “We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes." “Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.” In the Western District of Michigan, Robert Mark, age 59, of Whitehall, was charged by criminal complaint with sexual exploitation and attempted sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography. The complaint alleges that Mark was the leader of an all-girl Scouting America troop. After people complained that Mark was surreptitiously taking pictures or videos of scouts at troop events, investigators obtained and executed a search warrant at his home. They found sexually explicit videos of scouts on Mark’s phone that he had recorded using hidden cameras in his bathroom during troop events that he hosted at his home. If convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor, Robert faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years. “Operation Relentless Justice demonstrates the FBI’s firm commitment to protecting children from those who violate positions of trust and exploit them,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The defendant allegedly used his role as a Scout Leader to target young girls, which is deeply troubling and violates the trust our community puts in its youth leaders. I want to thank our FBI Grand Rapids WEBCHEX Task Force, the Michigan State Police, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan for their partnership in this case. FBI Detroit will never waver in pursuing anyone who violates children and use every means possible to hold them accountable.” “I commend the FBI for acting quickly to investigate these allegations,” said Timothy VerHey, United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan. “The conduct outlined in the court documents will not be tolerated, especially when it is done by someone who has promised to watch over the children of others.” Others arrested under Operation Relentless Justice are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon. As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself. This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, including 7 from the Western District of Michigan, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders. The FBI’s Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience. These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were 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 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, visit justice.gov/psc . The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org . The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov , or by calling your local FBI field office. A complaint and an indictment are merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Lexington Business Owner and Business Agree to Pay $860,000 to Resolve Improper Paycheck Protection Program Loan

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON Ky. – A Lexington-based shared workspace management and consulting firm, Workspace Strategies, and one of its owners, Karen Condi, agreed to pay the United States $860,779.50 to resolve allegations that it improperly obtained, and received forgiveness for, Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for which it was not eligible. Congress created the PPP in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to small American businesses struggling to pay employees and other expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible small businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the SBA through two rounds of funding, referred to as First Draw and Second Draw PPP loans. When applying for PPP loans, borrowers were required to certify that they were eligible for the requested loans and that the information they provided was true and accurate. Regulations provided various requirements for use of PPP funds, including limitations on the manner in which the loans could be utilized. Borrowers who applied for Second Draw loans also were required to certify that they experienced at least a 25% reduction in quarterly gross receipts as a result of the pandemic. Workspace Strategies applied for, received, and obtained forgiveness for First and Second Draw PPP loans collectively valued at nearly $600,000. The settlement resolves allegations that Workspace Strategies and Condi falsely certified that loan proceeds would be and were utilized for payroll expenses and other permissible purposes. In fact, Workspace Strategies and Condi allegedly used a portion of the proceeds for impermissible purposes, including for Condi’s personal benefit. Further, the settlement resolves allegations that Workspace Strategies and Condi falsely certified that Workspace Strategies’ gross receipts fell at least 25% as a result of the pandemic in its Second Draw PPP loan application. Based on these false certifications, Workspace Strategies received loans for which it was ineligible and received forgiveness of loan funds to which it was not entitled. “Our office is committed to holding accountable businesses and individuals who improperly obtained or used COVID-19 relief funds,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Paul McCaffrey. “The loans were intended to help eligible small businesses survive the pandemic. When business owners misspend those funds, or businesses falsely certify their eligibility for pandemic relief, it is critically important that we recover taxpayer dollars.” “This settlement demonstrates the excellent results achieved through the combined efforts of SBA and the Department of Justice to forcefully respond to PPP misconduct,” said SBA's General Counsel Wendell Davis. "Misallocation and misuse of federal funds undermines SBA and the entire federal government's pandemic relief efforts, and SBA continues to devote a major effort alongside our partners at DOJ to investigate abuse and recover funds on behalf of the American people.” The Government’s work in this investigation illustrates its commitment to combatting COVID-19 fraud. The United States encourages anyone with information about potential fraud involving COVID-19 to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . PPP recipients also may voluntarily disclose self-discovered evidence of fraud involving the PPP to U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The settlement resolves a lawsuit brought by a private citizen under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file a civil action on behalf of the United States, thereby bringing allegations of fraud to the Government’s attention, and share in any financial recovery. As part of this resolution, the individual who filed the qui tam complaint will receive a portion of the settlement proceeds. This case is captioned United States ex rel. Emily Parker v. Condi Management Group, LLC, d/b/a Workspace Strategies and Karen Condi , Case No. 5:23-CV-00030-KKC. This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Long, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. – END –


title: Ohio Resident Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Cleveland, Ohio, was sentenced in federal court to 180 months in prison, to be followed by eight years of supervised release, on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and crack, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Kareem Middlebrook, 43, on December 18, 2025. According to information presented to the Court, from in and around December 2021 to in and around March 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Middlebrook conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of cocaine, a quantity of a mixture of fentanyl, and a quantity of a mixture of crack. Additionally, in and around May 2022, Middlebrook possessed with the intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl. Middlebrook was intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that he distributed to others. Further, in and around May 2022, Middlebrook—who had been previously convicted of a felony—unlawfully possessed a firearm. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Middlebrook. Additional agencies participating in the investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Indiana Borough Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies. 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. The HSTF for the Western District of Pennsylvania comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania.


title: $8.39 Million Settlement With College Relating To Improper Receipt Of Paycheck Protection Program Loan

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Special Agent in Charge of the Eastern Regional Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General (“SBA-OIG”), Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite, announced today that MARYMOUNT MANHATTAN COLLEGE (“MMC”) has agreed to pay $8,392,758.43 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by falsely certifying that it was eligible for a Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan. Under the settlement approved by U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken, MMC has admitted and accepted responsibility for conduct alleged in the Government’s Complaint, including that it was ineligible to receive the PPP loan due to the total number of individuals it employed. The PPP, administered by the SBA, was created to assist small businesses nationwide adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations such as MMC were deemed eligible for PPP loans if they met certain requirements. For example, when MMC applied in May 2020, 501(c)(3) organizations (like for-profit businesses) were generally required to have 500 or fewer employees. MMC exceeded this size eligibility requirement. The American Rescue Plan Act, enacted in March 2021, modified the size eligibility standard for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations to require that they have no more than 500 employees per physical location. “The Paycheck Protection Program was established to ease financial and economic strain caused by the pandemic by providing businesses with forgivable loans,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “But too many applicants applied for and received taxpayer money that they had no right to receive. Our Office remains dedicated to holding those who improperly claim public funds accountable.” “Entities that misrepresented their eligibility to obtain funds from SBA programs intended to support small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic undermined the integrity of these critical relief efforts,” said SBA-OIG Special Agent in Charge Amaleka McCall-Brathwaite. “The SBA Office of Inspector General remains committed to identifying and addressing fraud within SBA programs and will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who exploit these programs.” As alleged in the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court: On or about May 7, 2020, MMC submitted, through its authorized representative, an application for a PPP loan to a financial institution. MMC was approved for and received a PPP loan in the amount of $6,555,592.00. In June 2021, MMC, through its authorized representative, applied for forgiveness of most of the PPP loan, and $6,197,696.64 of the PPP loan amount was ultimately forgiven. MMC indicated on its PPP loan application that it had an average of 482 full-time equivalent employees each month. MMC also certified, among other things, that it was eligible to receive the loan. MMC submitted an appendix with its loan application that included audited financial statements (balance sheets, statements of activities, statements of cash flows, and notes to financial statements), tax returns and related schedules, and payroll records. Within this lengthy appendix, there was a table reflecting that MMC’s full-time and part-time employees exceeded 500 for each month during 2019. The appendix did not list the location at which the employees worked. MMC actually employed well over 500 full-time and part-time employees at the time it submitted its loan application. Further, it had more than 800 full-time and part-time employees for each month in 2019, including those months within the period relevant for determining PPP eligibility. Under applicable law and regulations, full-time and part-time employees were counted equally for purposes of determining PPP loan eligibility. The 482-employee total listed on the PPP loan application improperly counted MMC’s part-time employees as one-third of an employee. When it applied for PPP loan forgiveness in June 2021, MMC misrepresented in its application that it had only 447 employees at the time of its PPP loan application. MMC violated the False Claims Act by knowingly presenting and making, or causing to be presented and made, false claims and statements in connection with its submission of its PPP loan application and forgiveness application. Specifically, MMC falsely certified its eligibility for the PPP loan because MMC employed more than 500 employees (in total and at a single location) and was thus ineligible for the loan it received. In connection with the filing of the lawsuit and settlement, the Government joined a private whistleblower lawsuit that had been filed under seal pursuant to the False Claims Act. Mr. Clayton praised the SBA’s Office of General Counsel for its assistance with this case. The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Osmond is in charge of the case.


title: Elementary School Teacher Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – An elementary school teacher has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of sexual exploitation of children and distribution and possession of child pornography, announced Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., United States Attorney of the Eastern District of Michigan. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz, Homeland Security Investigations, Detroit Division (HSI). Charged was Martin Daryl Waskowski, 38, of Royal Oak. According to court records, on December 3, 2025, Waskowski was traveling from Canada back to the United States when he was stopped by Customs and Border Protection inspections at a border crossing in Vermont. Waskowski’s digital devices, including a cell phone and a laptop, were reviewed by HSI agents and found to contain suspected child pornography. A subsequent search warrant was executed at Waskowski’s home in Royal Oak, Michigan where numerous electronic items were seized by law enforcement which contained numerous files of child pornography, including very young children being sexually assaulted by adults. Further investigation revealed that Waskowski had allegedly attempted to produce child pornography by video-recording via spy camera a minor victim in a restroom. Waskowski is also facing federal charges for child exploitation offenses in Vermont. He is currently in custody awaiting a detention hearing set for December 22 in federal court in Detroit. “These alleged crimes are disgusting,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon. “It is a parent’s worst nightmare to have a predator teaching our children. I am thankful for the men and women who find and prosecute these evil people.” “HSI will continue to prioritize the safety and security of children in our communities especially when offenders occupy positions of public trust,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz. “This investigation was only made possible through cooperation and collaboration with agents from HSI Burlington and officers from Customs and Border Protection. We encourage anyone with additional information on this case to please to contact investigators at the tipline below.” If you have any information that may be relevant to this investigation, please contact HSI-Waskowski-Investigation@hsi.dhs.gov The Homeland Security Investigations Detroit and Burlington offices investigated this case with significant assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent. The burden is on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.