title: Former Connecticut Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, today announced that on October 1, 2025, DIANA MILLER-LLOYD, also known as “Diana Rabin” and “Diana Lloyd,” 44, of Jacksonville, Florida, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty in Hartford federal court to aiding in the preparation of false tax returns. According to court documents and statements made in court, Miller-Lloyd formerly resided in Middlefield and operated Lloyd Forenzique & Accounting Services Corporation, a tax return preparation business in Connecticut. She established the business in 2017 in Windsor, and subsequently moved it to Branford in 2019 and to Guilford in 2021. Before 2017, Miller-Lloyd provided tax preparation services under the business name Lloyd Forensic & Accounting Services. Miller-Lloyd routinely obtained substantial federal tax refunds for her clients, many of whom had annual incomes exceeding $500,000, by disregarding information provided by the clients and their employers, and by fabricating and improperly deducting charitable contributions and business expenses, including advertising, repairs and maintenance, travel, meals, utilities, insurance, and legal services. As a result of these fraudulent deductions, for the 2016 through 2021 tax years, Miller-Lloyd attempted to obtain for her clients at least $1,062,293 in either fraudulent refunds or fraudulent reductions on owed tax payments. The IRS detected apparent fraudulent activity on several of the filed returns before refund monies were paid, resulting in an actual loss to the government of $472,913. In addition, Miller-Lloyd at times used the professional credentials of another person, who was a certified public accountant, to defend filed returns when audited by the IRS. Miller-Lloyd pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false and fraudulent income tax returns, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years on each count. She is released on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for February 23. Miller-Lloyd has agreed to pay to the IRS restitution of $472,913. This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.


title: Fort Dodge Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Stolen Firearm

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who possessed a stolen firearm as a prohibited person was sentenced November 13, 2025, to more than four years in federal prison. Jammonttay Coleman, 36, from Fort Dodge, Iowa, received the prison term after a July 7, 2025, guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that on August 25, 2024, Coleman possessed a stolen 9mm pistol with a large capacity magazine. That day, law enforcement in Fort Dodge stopped a vehicle driven by Coleman for speeding through a construction zone. During the traffic stop, law enforcement smelled marijuana coming from Coleman’s vehicle. After first refusing to exit his vehicle, Coleman ultimately complied. When he opened his door, a bag of marijuana fell from the vehicle. Law enforcement then searched the vehicle and located the stolen 9mm pistol. This firearm had been reported stolen in July 2024 during a fight in Otho, Iowa, where defendant was observed by others taking the firearm after it had been discarded by the owner. Coleman admitted to officers to taking the firearm and possessing it as a felon, as well as being a user of marijuana. As a felon and user of a controlled substance, he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. At the time of his illegal possession of the firearm, Coleman was on parole for felony burglary and assault while participating in a felony in Sac County, Iowa. Coleman was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand. Coleman was sentenced to 57 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Coleman is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. 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. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Webster County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Dodge Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-3039. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Athol Man Arrested for Sexual Exploitation of Minors and Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – An Athol, Mass. man has been arrested and charged for sexually exploiting minors and receiving and possessing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). Defendant allegedly convinced minors to send CSAM over Snapchat. Michael Indelicato, 41, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Worcester on one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, aiding and abetting; one count of sexual exploitation of a minor; two counts of receipt of child pornography; and one count of possession of child pornography. Indelicato was arrested on Oct. 7, 2025 and remains in federal custody. According to court records, on or about Nov. 16, 2020, Indelicato told an individual over Snapchat that he would pay the individual $1,500 to make CSAM of the individual’s younger sibling, a pre-pubescent minor, and to send them to Indelicato. It is alleged that Indelicato convinced the individual to make the CSAM and Indelicato received it from the individual over Snapchat. Later, on or about Jan. 12, 2021, Indelicato allegedly convinced a different minor over Snapchat to make and send him CSAM of the minor, which Indelicato received from the minor over Snapchat. Further, on May 1, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Indelicato’s home, where allegedly a large amount of CSAM belonging to Indelicato was found. The charge of sexual exploitation of a minor provides for a sentence of at least 15 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of receipt of child pornography provides for a sentence of at least five years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Tama Man Who Distributed Child Pornography  Sentenced to 210 Months in Federal Prison

body_text: A man who distributed, received, and possessed child pornography was sentenced today to more than 17 years in federal prison. Jacob Samuel Yang, age 37, from Tama, Iowa, received the prison term after a May 22, 2025 guilty plea to distribution and possession of child pornography. Evidence in a plea agreement and at sentencing showed that between September 2019 and February 2025, in Tama, Iowa, Yang downloaded child pornography and stored it on a cellular telephone and laptop computer. He also distributed child pornography to multiple people in March 2024. In addition, Yang solicited sex from several children via messaging applications. Yang was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Yang was sentenced to 210 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to make $15,000 in restitution to victims in this case. He must also serve a 5‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” Yang is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, the Tama County Sheriff’s Office, the Tama Police Department, and the Marshalltown Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-CR-24. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Florida Woman Sentenced For Role In Mortgage Fraud Conspiracy

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced Angel Jackson (45, Astatula) to one year and one day in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Jackson pleaded guilty on February 10, 2025. According to court documents, Jackson and others conspired to create and execute a mortgage fraud scheme targeting financial institutions. To ensure that otherwise unqualified borrowers obtained mortgage loans from financial institutions, Jackson created fictitious and fraudulent paystubs that falsely indicated that the borrowers worked at particular companies for certain periods of time and earned income that they did not. Further, Jackson altered legitimate Social Security benefit letters to reflect exaggerated monthly disability income. She also altered bank statements to show falsely inflated account balances. This case was investigated by Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor. NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.


title: Department of Homeland Security Contractor Agrees to Pay $3.9M to Resolve Alleged Violations of the False Claims Act

component: Civil Division

body_text: Zephyr Aviation LLC, located in Mineral, Virginia, and its owners Frederick Credno Jr. and Frederick W. Credno III have agreed to pay $3,901,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting inflated invoices for aviation contracts to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “Companies that do business with the government are expected to charge the United States accurately for the goods and services they provide,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department will continue to pursue those who knowingly overcharge the government at the expense of the American taxpayers.” “With this settlement, we are sending a clear message that committing fraud in federal contracts will be met with significant sanctions against those defrauding the American taxpayer,” said Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG). “I commend our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice’s Civil Fraud Section for tirelessly pursuing this investigation to hold these individuals accountable.” “This settlement showcases CBP OPR’s ongoing commitment to accountability and integrity,” said Acting Assistant Commissioner Robert B. Danley of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Professional Responsibility. “Today’s settlement reaffirms our duty to protect taxpayers and hold accountable those who take advantage of our government programs.” This settlement resolves allegations pertaining to contracts with DHS under which Zephyr chartered flights to transport persons in the custody of CBP between 2022 and 2025. In connection with these contracts, Zephyr subcontracted with various aircraft operators to fly the required flights, and Zephyr submitted invoices to CBP purportedly based on the required flight times. The United States alleged that Zephyr and its owners routinely submitted invoices to DHS that requested payment for flight hours that exceeded the actual flight times of the aircraft operators. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort among the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and DHS Office of Inspector General. The matter was handled by Trial Attorney Daniel W. Kastner of the Fraud Section. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. Note : The Settlement can be read here .


title: Tampa Man Sentenced To Ten Years For Attempted Coercion And Enticement Of A Minor To Engage In Sexual Activity

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia Hernandez Covington has sentenced Yitzchak Reuven Baum (37, Tampa) to 10 years in federal prison for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, attempted transfer of obscene material, receipt and access with intent to view child sex abuse material (CSAM). Baum pleaded guilty on July 21, 2025. According to court documents, between August and October 2023, Baum attempted to coerce or entice an individual, whom he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, to engage in sexual activity. Baum also sent obscene material to the purported minor during the conversations. In March 2024, following the execution of a search warrant, law enforcement located numerous conversations on social media sites in which Baum had requested and received CSAM. This case was investigated by the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.


title: Pilots Indicted For Wire Fraud

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging two Florida men—Jean Paul Lacruz Romero (30, St. Cloud) and Jordan David Coursey (38, Haverhill)—with one count of wire fraud. If convicted, Romero and Coursey each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit money that is alleged to be traceable as proceeds of the offense—$305,231.34, from Coursey and $479,818.66 from Romero. According to the indictment and evidence presented in court, between October 10, 2021, and July 27, 2023, Romero and Coursey knowingly devised a scheme to defraud their employer, Constellation Productions, Inc. Constellation is an aviation and production company in Marion County, Florida. It was part of their scheme that the two pilots personally paid the costs to fuel Constellation aircraft. They then created false invoices with material misrepresentations that overstated the fueling costs and electronically submitted them by email to Constellation for reimbursement. Romero and Coursey fraudulently obtained a total of $785,050 from this overbilling scheme. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson. NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.


title: Zuni Man Sentenced for 2023 Murder

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man was sentenced to 72 months prison for voluntary manslaughter. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, on February 4, 2023, Joey Luarkie , 25, an enrolled member of the Zuni pueblo, Luarkie stabbed John Doe in the neck during an argument at a residence on the Zuni Pueblo. John Doe was found outside the residence by responding officers and died the next day after being transported to the hospital and undergoing emergency surgeries. Luarkie pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter. Upon his release from prison, Luarkie will be subject to one year of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case. This press release was posted November 14, after the end of the federal government shutdown.


title: Shiprock Man Charged with Sexual Assault of a Minor

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man has been charged in federal court with sexually assaulting a minor. According to court documents, on the night of October 31, 2025, and into the early morning hours of November 1, 2025, Tyrel Westley Johnson , 31, allegedly engaged in a sexual act with a minor who is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Johnson is charged with engaging in a sexual act with an incapacitated person and sexual abuse of a minor. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Johnson faces up to life in prison. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Marshall is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This press release was posted November 14, after the end of the federal government shutdown.


title: Roswell Felon Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

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

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Roswell man was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to methamphetamine trafficking and weapons charges stemming from a July 2023 raid on his Roswell home. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on July 13, 2023, officers from the Roswell Police Department executed a search warrant at the residence of Daniel Johnny Fuentes , 35. In Fuentes’ bedroom, officers located nine firearms and 997.39 net grams of pure methamphetamine. At the time, Fuentes was on supervised release following a four year prison sentence for a 2016 drug trafficking conviction. As a previously convicted felon, Fuentes was prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition. Fuentes pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Upon his release from prison, Fuentes will be subject to five years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Shawn Stallo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Phoenix Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with significant assistance from the Roswell Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Devon Aragon Martinez prosecuted the case. This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.


title: More Than 1700 New Immigration Cases Filed by Western District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office During Government Shutdown

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – United States Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas announced today that federal prosecutors in the district filed 1,709 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases since the beginning of the six-week government shutdown. “Despite not getting paid for the past six weeks, the Western District of Texas maintained its diligent pursuit of bringing to justice those who would violate our immigration laws,” said Mr. Simmons. “I’m so proud of and thankful for all of our Western District of Texas team members who remained committed to the cause despite the difficult circumstances imposed upon them.” On Nov. 10, U.S. citizen Juan Jesus Carranza Jr. , of Laredo, was arrested for allegedly transporting five undocumented aliens. A criminal complaint alleges that Carranza led Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and deputies from the McMullen County and Atascosa County Sheriff’s Offices on a high-speed chase, driving a vehicle that had been reported stolen out of Bexar County. Carranza eventually crashed on State Highway 16 in Bexar County, allegedly bailing out of the vehicle with the five aliens. Carranza and four of the aliens were arrested and transported to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. The fifth alien was injured, transported to a hospital for treatment, then transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for immigration processing. A DPS trooper involved in the vehicle crash sustained an injury, breaking his arm in two places and requiring surgery. Carranza was charged with alien smuggling and, if convicted, faces up to 20 years in federal prison. On Oct. 15, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested Gerardo Francisco Hernandez-Acosta , a U.S. citizen, after he was allegedly observed picking up four illegal aliens in Fort Hancock. According to a criminal complaint, Hernandez-Acosta expected to be paid $100 per alien to transport them from the pickup location to the Greyhound bus station in El Paso. Hernandez-Acosta’s lengthy criminal record spans from 1983 to 2021 and includes six convictions for burglary of a vehicle, along with five additional convictions for property theft. He was indicted on Nov. 12 for one count of conspiracy to transport aliens and one count of transporting aliens for financial gain. Two illegal aliens were arrested in San Antonio in late October on criminal charges related to their alleged firearm possession. Derian Lenin Estupinan Chacon , 20, of Ecuador, and Francarlos Requena Vasquez , 22, of Venezuela, came to the attention of Homeland Security Investigations and the San Antonio Police Department in connection to SAPD’s investigation of a shooting. On Oct. 15, as part of their investigation, SAPD officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle allegedly driven by Estupinan. A criminal complaint alleges that the front passenger in the vehicle was identified as Requena and that SAPD officers observed a .40 caliber handgun in plain view on one of the vehicle seats. According to the complaint, Requena had recently purchased the handgun on Facebook Marketplace, but Estupinan was in physical possession of handgun at the time of the traffic stop. Manuel Elias Ramos-Santos , a Honduran national, was arrested in the San Antonio area and charged with one count of alien in possession of a firearm on Oct. 26. Ramos-Santos was pulled over by a Castle Hills Police Department officer for a speeding violation. A criminal complaint alleges that Ramos-Santos was not in possession of a driver’s license, leading to him being detained and then referred to ICE. A search of his vehicle allegedly led to the discovery of a 9mm handgun with a fully loaded magazine. The complaint also alleges that Ramos-Santos was in possession of a counterfeit $100 bill, a counterfeit Social Security card, and a counterfeit Legal Permanent Resident Card. Mexican national Florentino Cortes Uribe was arrested Oct. 28 after he allegedly sold cocaine and firearms to an undercover law enforcement officer on multiple occasions. A criminal complaint alleges that Uribe sold one ounce of cocaine to a San Antonio Police detective on Oct. 6 and said that he could also sell firearms to the officer. On Oct. 14, Uribe again sold an ounce of cocaine to the detective, along with an AM-15 multi-caliber pistol that the undercover officer stated would be smuggled into Mexico, according to the complaint. On Oct. 28, Uribe met with the SAPD detective for a third time, selling another ounce of cocaine and two pistols. Uribe is charged with one count of firearms trafficking and one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm. In El Paso, Mexican national Hugo Fabian Cazarez-Garcia was arrested on Oct. 30, after he claimed his entry documents were stolen, and he was denied entry into the U.S. through the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry. Cazarez-Garcia has previously been removed from the U.S. to Mexico eight times, the most recent being Dec. 5, 2024, following an eight-month imprisonment for his second DUI. In addition to his two DUIs, Cazarez-Garcia has twice been convicted for burglary. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Federal Jury Finds Davenport Man Guilty Of Armed Carjacking

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that a federal jury has found Armoni Tyree Moody (24, Davenport) guilty of carjacking, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime, and possessing ammunition as a convicted felon. Moody faces a minimum penalty of seven years, up to life, in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 21, 2026. According to evidence presented at trial, Moody arranged over social media to meet an individual to purchase marijuana. Moody entered the passenger seat of the individual’s car, brandished a loaded handgun, and pressed it against the individual’s head. Moody then forced the victim to hand over the victim’s two cellphones and told the victim to get out of the car or he would shoot the victim, before driving away with the victim’s car. The following day, a search warrant was obtained for Moody’s residence. The victim’s belongings and the loaded firearm were recovered from Moody’s bedroom, and the victim’s car was found parked nearby. Upon further investigation, detectives recovered text messages from Moody’s cellphone where he discussed his intent to commit the robbery a few hours beforehand and videos of Moody in possession of the same firearm on his social media account. Prior to this offense, Moody had been convicted of robbery with a weapon for which he was still serving a term of probation at the time of the carjacking. As a convicted felon, Moody is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.


title: Hawaii Man Sentenced to Life in Prison and to Pay Over $1M in Restitution for Sex Trafficking Three Adult Women and One Minor

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Isaiah McCoy, 37, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was sentenced yesterday to life in prison after a jury found McCoy guilty in April of four counts of sex trafficking three adults and one minor, two counts of obstructing a sex trafficking investigation, seven counts of interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises, and one count of interstate travel for prostitution purposes. Additionally, the court ordered McCoy to pay the victims $1,017,241.00 in restitution. “The significant sentence imposed by the court reflects the egregiousness of the defendant’s conduct in abusing and preying on multiple women and girls,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The defendant targeted each victim’s vulnerabilities and used physical force, threats, sexual violence, and psychological coercion to compel the victims to engage in commercial sex for his own profit. The Justice Department is committed to fully enforcing our federal human trafficking statutes to hold offenders accountable and to seek justice for survivors of these heinous crimes.” “The sentencing of Mr. McCoy is a testament to HSI’s zero tolerance for those who engage in sex trafficking in Hawaii,” said Special Agent in Charge Lucy Cabral-DeArmas of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Hawaii. “McCoy is a predator who left countless victims in his path while he sought to enrich himself at their expense. HSI will aggressively pursue those, like McCoy, who seek to exploit vulnerable women and girls and mute their voices while believing they will not be held accountable.” The evidence presented at the 12-day trial earlier this year showed that McCoy compelled victims to commit hundreds of commercial sex acts between 2019 and 2021. McCoy made promises of a romantic relationship, a luxurious lifestyle, and financial security to women and girls struggling with low self-esteem, a difficult upbringing, and/or financial trouble. McCoy’s promises ended up hollow and false, designed to provide him with the opportunity to learn about a victim’s vulnerabilities while misrepresenting himself as caring and empathetic. McCoy’s feigned romantic interest and claimed wealth led him to emotionally manipulate his victims. After luring the victims into his orbit with his false promises, McCoy turned violent and abusive if the victims did not provide him with enough money or otherwise violated one of his many rules, which included requiring the victims to call him “Daddy” or “Zeus,” requiring the victims to share their cell phone location, and requiring the victims to provide him an update on the amount of money earned through commercial sex work. Evidence presented in court detailed the extensive violence to which McCoy subjected his victims. For example, McCoy repeatedly burned one of the victims on her arms when she did not provide him with enough money. On other occasions, McCoy threw victims to the ground before repeatedly stomping on their head, stomach, or hands with his feet. McCoy even smashed a victim’s head against a car door before carrying her unconscious body through a hotel lobby and into an elevator. McCoy inflicted violence against multiple victims that caused them to seek treatment at local hospitals. All of McCoy’s actions contributed to the creation of a climate of fear where the victims felt they had no way out because McCoy promised them that he had eyes and ears everywhere monitoring the victims’ every move. McCoy required his victims to work all hours of the day and night even when they were sick or hungry. Afterwards, McCoy required the victims to turn over all the proceeds from his commercial sex business to himself because he felt that the money belonged to him. McCoy then spent the money on high-end designer shoes, belts, clothing, and other accessories. In contrast, although McCoy would intermittently buy items for the victims as “rewards,” the victims were ultimately left with nothing. HSI investigated the case with assistance from the Honolulu Police Department. Trial Attorney Elizabeth Hutson and former Trial Attorney Maryam Zhuravitsky of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit prosecuted the case. Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org . Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking .


title: Tioga Man Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison For Child Enticement

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that James Casher, age 40, of Tioga, Pennsylvania was sentenced on October 16, 2025, to 10 years in prison by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann for child enticement. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Casher entered a guilty plea in June 2025, to enticing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Casher had contact with a Minnesota woman in 2023 and attempted to arrange a meeting with the woman’s 12-year-old daughter to have sexual relations with her. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations. # # #


title: Lehigh Acres Man Sentenced To Ten Years In Federal Prison For His Role In Orchestrating Multi-Million Dollar Covid Relief Fraud Scheme

body_text: Fort Myers, FL – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Lester John Parker, Jr. (55, Lehigh Acres) to ten years and one month in federal prison for his role in a multi-million-dollar COVID-19 relief fraud scheme. Parker pleaded guilty on July 9, 2025, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, access device fraud, and aggravated identity theft. According to court records, between 2020 and 2021, Parker orchestrated and carried out a scheme to defraud the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) and various SBA-approved lenders by submitting fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications on behalf of himself and numerous other individuals and businesses. Forgivable PPP loans—which were 100% guaranteed by the federal government—were one of the sources of economic relief provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The fraudulent applications submitted by Parker included false documents such as forged bank statements and bogus IRS records, as well as fraudulent representations regarding the PPP applicant’s average monthly payroll, in an effort to deceive the SBA and various SBA-approved lending institutions into approving large PPP loans for applicants who did not qualify for such loans. Altogether, more than 100 fraudulent PPP applications were linked to Parker’s conspiracy, which resulted in over $3 million in fraudulent loan proceeds being disbursed. Aside from filing fraudulent PPP applications, Parker’s conspiracy also included an intricate scheme to launder fraud proceeds to bogus employees of sham businesses controlled by Parker. In some instances, stolen identities were used by conspirators in furtherance of the fraud. This case was investigated by the United State Secret Service and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon Eth. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by contacting the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.


title: Milton Man Sentenced To 41 Months In Prison On Drug Trafficking Charges

body_text: WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Justo Melendez-Morales, age 45, from Milton, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 15, 2025, to 41 months’ imprisonment and six years of supervised release by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann after pleading guilty to distribution of cocaine. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on or about February 26, 2025 through May 9, 2025, Melendez-Morales sold and possessed approximately 38 grams of cocaine in his Milton apartment, which he maintained as a premises for drug trafficking. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted 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). This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations # # #


title: Citizen Of Mexico Sentenced For Illegal Reentry

body_text: WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Edelicio Castillo-Ramos, age 34, a citizen of Mexico, received a time-served sentence of nearly four months in prison after pleading guilty to illegal reentry on October 15, 2025, by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann. Castillo-Ramos was transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) custody for immediate deportation. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Castillo-Ramos faced one count of Illegal Reentry following his arrest in Clinton County on June 20, 2025, after previously being removed from the United States. Castillo-Ramos had been removed from the United States on July 12, 2012, through Calexico, California, and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so. This case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant United States Attorney Robin Zenzinger prosecuted 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). This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations. # # #


title: Jamaican citizen indicted for stealing $800,000 from Vancouver, Washington victim in lottery scam

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A Jamaican citizen who was extradited to Western Washington was ordered detained pending trial on four counts of wire fraud and four counts of mail fraud for his lottery scheme that cost an elderly victim more than $800,000, announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Roshard Andrew Carty, 34, was arrested in Jamaica on August 21, 2025, and arrived in the Western District of Washington for arraignment on October 23, 2025. Late Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Magistrate Judge David W. Christel ordered Carty detained pending trial scheduled for December 22, 2025. According to records filed in the case, Carty first contacted the 73-year-old victim in 2020. Between August 2020 and February 2024, he convinced the victim to send him $800,000 as taxes, fees and other costs to claim a $22 million prize from Publishers Clearing House. Carty allegedly convinced the victim that the FBI was recording the call and told her she was not to tell anyone about the big win. Carty’s requests for cash started small and grew over time. He had the victim remove small amounts of cash from her accounts and send them to a U.S. location via FedEx. Carty told the victim the money was lost or stolen and demanded more. Carty allegedly told the victim to borrow against her home so she could send more money. Carty allegedly convinced the victim to sell her home to cover additional “costs and fees” to claim her prize. In all, Carty allegedly stole more than $800,000 from the victim by having her mail the money to various couriers in the U.S. Carty was relentless in contacting the victim using various phone numbers and texting programs. When she tried to cut off contact, he tried sending tow trucks, and pizza deliveries, and asked her landlord for a welfare check to try to get back in touch with the victim. Carty was indicted in November 2024. Following his August 2025 arrest in Jamaica, Carty consented to extradition to the United States. The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica has a page devoted to lottery scams based in that country. Find it here . The bottom line: You never should pay to receive a prize and any request for advance fees is a scam. Wire fraud and mail fraud are punishable by up to 20 years in prison. The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Staniar and David Martin. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Government of Jamaica to secure the arrest and extradition of Carty.


title: Citizen Of Guatemala Sentenced For Illegal Reentry

body_text: WILLIAMSPORT - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced Victor Manuel Mazariegos-Palacios, age 46, citizen of Guatemala, pled guilty to illegal reentry into the United States and was sentenced on October 15, 2025, to time-served, approximately four months in prison by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on or about February 8, 2023, Mazariegos-Palacios was found in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, after previously having been removed from the United States. Mazariegos-Palacios was removed from the United States in 2006 and reentered without first obtaining legal permission to do so. Mazariegos-Palacios will be deported to his native country. The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alisan Martin prosecuted 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). This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations. # # #


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 24 Months in Prison for Firearms Offense

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Diego Edgardo Aleman-Lozano, age 25, a Mexican national, was sentenced on October 2, 2025, to 24 months in prison to be followed by one year on supervised release by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for possession of a firearm by an alien. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Aleman-Lozano was pulled over by Pennsylvania State Police in 2021 for violations of the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code. State Troopers saw a 5.56 caliber green-tipped rifle cartridge on the front passenger seat. Because Aleman-Lozano was an alien on a nonimmigrant visa and was therefore not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition, law enforcement obtained a search warrant for the car. Upon executing the warrant, Troopers recovered a 9mm polymer semiautomatic pistol with no serial number. 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). This matter was investigated by the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case. This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations. # # #


title: West Virginia Woman Pleads Guilty to Lying to Obtain U.S. Citizenship After Committing War Crimes in Bosnia

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A naturalized U.S. citizen from Bosnia and Herzegovina pleaded guilty on Nov. 10 to criminal charges related to her lying about her prior criminal conduct to obtain U.S. citizenship. “The defendant obtained the privileges of U.S. citizenship through lies and deceit, concealing the violent crimes she committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department is fully committed to holding accountable those who exploit our immigration system and pose a threat to public safety.” “Covering up past human rights abuses to attain U.S. citizenship is an egregious offense, and I thank our law enforcement partners both here in the U.S. and in Bosnia and Herzegovina for investigating this matter to ensure that justice is done,” said U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan for the District of Connecticut. “Individuals who lie on their naturalization documents undermine the process for all who justly apply to be a part of our great nation,” said Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien of the FBI New Haven Field Office. “Tomanic’s admissions of fraud are detestable because of her history of targeting people based on their ethnicity and religion. The FBI, along with our partners at the the Department of Homeland Security’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Office of Fraud Detection and National Security will continue to investigate crimes of this nature to ensure the sanctity of the immigration process for all who righteously apply for U.S. Citizenship.” According to court documents, Nada Radovan Tomanic, 53, served with the Zulfikar Special Unit of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s, during the armed conflict in the region. Along with other Zulfikar Special Unit soldiers, Tomanic participated in the physical and psychological abuse of Bosnian Serb civilian prisoners. When applying for U.S. naturalization in 2012, Tomanic falsely denied having served in a detention facility or in any other situation involving the detention of others. She also falsely denied having committed a crime for which she had not been arrested – specifically, the crime of inflicting serious bodily harm under the Criminal Law of the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia. Tomanic’s deception extended beyond her written naturalization application. During her interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, she was placed under oath and legally obligated to answer questions truthfully. Despite that obligation, she again lied about her service in a detention facility and her past criminal conduct. Tomanic pleaded guilty to one count of procuring citizenship contrary to law. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 3, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The defendant faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Trial Attorney Elizabeth Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anastasia King and Angel Krull for the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HRSP historians. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance. The FBI is investigating the case, with coordination provided by the Department of Homeland Security’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS), along with the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit (IHRU). The Justice Department thanks authorities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, to include the Ministry of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Srpska Ministry of Interior, Serbian authorities, and the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, who were instrumental in providing assistance that aided in furthering the investigation. Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324) or through the FBI’s online tip form at www.tips.fbi.gov/ , or Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or through ICE’s online tip form at www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form.


title: Two Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Narcotics in Southwestern Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that two men involved in a southwestern Connecticut narcotics trafficking ring were sentenced last month by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford. On October 17, RONALD VINCENT, 30, of Stratford, was sentenced to 84 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release, and on October 20, MARQUIS JONES, 30, of Derby, was sentenced to 40 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release. According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2022, the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, which was investigating gang activity in the South End and West Side of Bridgeport, identified Christian Pichardo as a supplier of various narcotics to gang members and other drug distributors. During the investigation, investigators intercepted calls and text messages over court-authorized wiretaps between Pichardo and his associates, including Vincent and Jones, made controlled purchases of narcotics, and seized drugs from members of the conspiracy and their drug customers. Some of the drugs seized during the investigation had been cut with fentanyl analogues, nitazines, and xylazine. Nitazines are synthetic opioids stronger than fentanyl, and xylazine is a large animal tranquilizer. Vincent and Jones resided in Bridgeport during the investigation. Vincent was a close associate of Pichardo who primarily trafficked fentanyl. Jones trafficked fentanyl to crack cocaine to gang members and others. Vincent and Jones were each arrested on August 5, 2024, and subsequently pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Released on $100,000 bonds, they are required to report to prison on December 16 and January 7, respectively. Pichardo pleaded guilty to a related charge and, on July 14, 2025, was sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment . This matter has been investigated by the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bridgeport, Stratford, and Norwalk Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen L. Peck through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Program. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Former Banker Sentenced For Embezzlement

body_text: Tampa, FL – U.S. District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle has sentenced Jennifer Lamanna (49, Venice) to 15 months in federal prison for embezzlement by a bank employee and for making a false statement to an agency of the United States. Lamanna pleaded guilty on July 21, 2025. According to court documents, Lamanna worked for an FDIC-insured financial institution. Over a period of months, Lamanna embezzled $280,000 from the institution by stealing funds from the bank vault. After embezzling the funds, Lamanna deposited the majority of funds into a bank account under her control. To balance out the vault and conceal her embezzlement, Lamanna made multiple large withdrawals and subsequent matching deposits out of a customer’s account. To make the sham transactions appear legitimate, Lamanna filed fictitious Currency Transaction Reports (CTR). On June 8, 2023, Lamanna made a materially false statement to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a sub-agency of the U.S. Treasury Department, when she completed and submitted a CTR falsely stating that a bank customer deposited $160,100 in cash into his account knowing that no such deposit took place. This case was investigated by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor. NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.


title: Former Connecticut Resident Pleads Guilty to Lying to Obtain U.S. Citizenship After Committing War Crimes in Bosnia

body_text: A naturalized U.S. citizen from Bosnia and Herzegovina pleaded guilty on November 10, 2025, in Bridgeport federal court to criminal charges related to her lying about her prior criminal conduct to obtain U.S. citizenship. “The defendant obtained the privileges of U.S. citizenship through lies and deceit, concealing the violent crimes she committed in Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Department is fully committed to holding accountable those who exploit our immigration system and pose a threat to public safety.” “Covering up past human rights abuses to attain U.S. citizenship is an egregious offense, and I thank our law enforcement partners both here in the U.S. and in Bosnia and Herzegovina for investigating this matter to ensure that justice is done,” said U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan for the District of Connecticut. “Individuals who lie on their naturalization documents undermine the process for all who justly apply to be a part of our great nation,” said Special Agent in Charge P.J. O’Brien of the FBI. “Tomanic’s admissions of fraud are detestable because of her history of targeting people based on their ethnicity and religion. The FBI, along with our partners at the Department of Homeland Security’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center, and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Office of Fraud Detection and National Security will continue to investigate crimes of this nature to ensure the sanctity of the immigration process for all who righteously apply for U.S. Citizenship.” According to court documents, Nada Radovan Tomanic, 53, of West Virginia, formerly of Hartford, Connecticut, served with the Zulfikar Special Unit of the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 1990s, during the armed conflict in the region. Along with other Zulfikar Special Unit soldiers, Tomanic participated in the physical and psychological abuse of Bosnian Serb civilian prisoners. When applying for U.S. naturalization in 2012, Tomanic falsely denied having served in a detention facility or in any other situation involving the detention of others. She also falsely denied having committed a crime for which she had not been arrested – specifically, the crime of inflicting serious bodily harm under the Criminal Law of the Socialist Republic of Yugoslavia. Tomanic’s deception extended beyond her written naturalization application. During her interview with a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, she was placed under oath and legally obligated to answer questions truthfully. Despite that obligation, she again lied about her service in a detention facility and her past criminal conduct. Tomanic pleaded guilty to one count of procuring citizenship contrary to law. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 3, 2026, and faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. Trial Attorney Elizabeth Nielsen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel Krull and Anastasia King for the District of Connecticut are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HRSP historians. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance. The FBI is investigating the case, with coordination provided by the Department of Homeland Security’s Human Rights Violators and War Crimes Center (HRVWCC) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ Office of Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS), along with the FBI’s International Human Rights Unit (IHRU). The Justice Department thanks authorities from Bosnia and Herzegovina, to include the Ministry of Justice of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Srpska Ministry of Interior, Serbian authorities, and the United Nations International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals, who were instrumental in providing assistance that aided in furthering the investigation. Members of the public who have information about human rights violators in the United States are urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALLFBI (1-800-225-5324) or through the FBI’s online tip form at www.tips.fbi.gov/ , or Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or through ICE’s online tip form at www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form .


title: Clearwater Man Sentenced To 15 Years In Federal Prison For Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material Of An Infant

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virigina M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced William Jack Filing (30, Clearwater) to 15 years in federal prison for receiving child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Filing to register as a sex offender and serve a lifetime of supervision following his release. A federal jury convicted Filing on July 15, 2025. According to evidence presented at trial, using the online persona “Calcifer_Starflame,” Filing discussed his desire to sexually abuse a baby boy in a one-on-one chat with a co-conspirator on a social media platform. At Filing’s request, the co-conspirator sent videos of an infant child being sexually abused. In response, Filing said that it was his “daydream” to sexually abuse a baby himself and sent explicit photos of himself. When the co-conspirator asked about his preferred age, Filing stated, “1-4, maybe 5 or 6, less words the better.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations–Tampa, with substantial assistance from the Clearwater Police Department and the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce of Central Florida. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Claire Favorit and Abigail K. King. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.


title: Harrisburg Man Sentenced To 210 Months in Prison For Role In Straw Purchasing Firearms And Attempted Murder

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Johnny Quinones, age 32, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 29, 2025, by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 17.5 years in prison for his role in straw purchasing firearms and attempted murder. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Quinones conspired with three other individuals to purchase firearms for felons and persons under indictment. Quinones was prohibited by law from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions. Quinones was convicted on October 18, 2023, of straw purchasing a gun, possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon and conspiracy. On August 11, 2020, Harrisburg Police responded to a shooting victim in the City of Harrisburg where a victim was shot in the head. They eventually focused on Johnny Quinones, a felon. The investigation ultimately revealed that Taashaun Mansfield was buying guns for felons. Mansfield bought seven guns in a two-month period, and each time he lied on the forms about who was going to get the guns. All the guns ended up in the possession of people prohibited by law from possessing the guns. The following coconspirators pleaded guilty to weapons offenses and were sentenced: Taashaun Mansfield was sentenced to 37 months in prison; Michael Windham was sentenced to 46 months in prison; and Antonio Godbolt was sentenced to 33 months in prison. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in conjunction with the Harrisburg Bureau of Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Consiglio and Richard Euliss prosecuted 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). This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations # # #


title: West Tennessee Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Jackson, TN – James Ballew , 74 , of Milan, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for possessing child pornography. D. Michael Dunavant, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. Ballew was charged with two counts of possession of child pornography. According to the information presented during the sentencing hearing, on February 10, 2023, Federal Bureau of Investigation agents executed a search warrant on Ballew’s residence in Milan. Agents seized two computers during the execution of the search warrant. Additionally, agents obtained a search warrant to search both computers. As a result of the search of both computers, agents discovered Ballew possessed 143,343 photographs and 7,848 videos depicting child sexual abuse material. Following his guilty plea for possession of child pornography, United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Ballew to 10 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. Additionally, Ballew must comply with the conditions of the Sexual Offender Registry upon his release. There is no parole in the federal system. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Possession of child pornography is an abhorrent and disturbing crime that endangers and harms real child victims forever. And it doesn’t take an economist to know that demand drives supply. By seeking out and possessing thousands of images and videos of young children being sexually abused, Ballew contributed to their past victimization. And by fueling the demand for child pornography, his conduct likely also contributed to the future harm done to children in the name of profit. We will always seek significant and mandatory minimum sentences for such despicable and predatory behavior, and this successful prosecution has incapacitated a real threat to our children and our community in West Tennessee.” This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Office and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate and apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Milan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Davis prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. ### For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates


title: Clay County Man Pleads Guilty To Possessing A Loaded Firearm As A Convicted Felon

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida –United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Dustin Neil Haas (38, Clay County) has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Haas faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison and forfeiture of a Bryco Jennings 9mm pistol and ammunition used in the offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Law enforcement arrested Haas on September 22, 2025, and he was subsequently detained. According to court documents, on August 11, 2025, a deputy from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office pulled over a motorcycle driven by Haas for driving without a tag. The deputy also determined that Haas was driving on a suspended license. Upon making contact with Haas, the deputy observed a large bulge in the vest Haas was wearing. During a subsequent search of the vest, the deputy located a black Bryco Jennings 9mm pistol, loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition. At the time, Haas had multiple prior felony convictions which prohibit him from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Jacksonville Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin C. Frein. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.


title: Lycoming County Man Sentenced To 30 Years In Prison For Production Of Child Pornography

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Stout, age 49, a resident of Hughesville, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 23, 2025, to 30 years’ imprisonment by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann, for production of child pornography. According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, between July 28, 2024 and July 29, 2024, Stout communicated with a 14-year-old child via Instagram. Over a twenty-four-hour period, Stout directed the child to take and remit sexually explicit images of herself. On August 23, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Stout’s residence and three cellular telephones belonging to Stout were seized and analyzed. In total, hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material, including images and videos of the 14-year-old child engaging in sexually explicit conduct were recovered from Stout’s devices. Forensic review confirmed that in addition to communicating with the 14-year-old child, Stout communicated with multiple minors via Snapchat. The conversations were graphic, sexually explicit, and revolved around the production of child sexual abuse material. In addition to producing sexually explicit images and videos of children, Stout distributed child sexual abuse material to others via the encrypted Telegram application. Stout admitted to communicating with minors online and requesting sexually explicit images from them. Further, to gain their trust, he acknowledged that he would often pose as a juvenile male. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Philadelphia Division, the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office, and the Hughesville Borough Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations. # # #


title: Florida Man Pleads Guilty To Threatening To Assassinate The President

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Christopher Davies (31, Cape Coral) has pleaded guilty to one count of making threats against the President of the United States. Davies faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, Davies wrote a letter to an official at the Charlotte Correctional Institution stating in substance that he intended to kill President Donald Trump. Davies claimed that he had “orchestrated the most daring Presidential assassination that this country has ever seen,” and that “Donald J. Trump must perish.” During questioning by Secret Service agents, Davies admitted to writing the letter and explained that he wanted to kill the President. When asked, hypothetically, what he would do if the President Trump was near him, Davies claimed that he would attempt to kill the President with his bare hands. This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey. NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.


title: Menominee Man Sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for  Assault with Intent to Murder and Burglary

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 10, 2025, Neegee J. Cloud (age: 34), formerly of Neopit, received a total sentence of 360 months in federal prison for committing assault with intent to commit murder and burglary on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The sentence, imposed by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, came after a federal jury found Cloud guilty of the charges on August 7, 2025, following a multi-day trial. After completing his prison sentence, Cloud will be on supervised release for an additional 36 months. According to court documents, Cloud broke into a home in Neopit on the Menominee Indian Reservation on September 20, 2024. Once inside, Cloud violently assaulted his girlfriend by punching her, stomping on her head and neck, and kicking her. Cloud also slammed the woman’s face into the floor. Her resulting injuries included multiple facial fractures, a traumatic brain injury, and swelling to her neck and throat that necessitated spending nearly two weeks in an intensive care unit and a month at the hospital. The woman survived due to rapid response by law enforcement and medical personnel, who were alerted after the homeowner remotely witnessed some of Cloud’s actions which were recorded on the home’s surveillance cameras. In sentencing the defendant, Judge Griesbach noted the seriousness of the offense, which he described as a “horrible, horrible crime” that involved “a wanton infliction of brutality.” He also noted Cloud’s lengthy criminal history, which included seven prior convictions involving violence against others. The case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew J. Maier and Alexander E. Duros prosecuted the case. # # # For further information contact: Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero (414) 297-1700 Follow us on X


title: Windsor Man Pleads Guilty to Extortion and Threats

body_text: BOSTON – A Windsor man pleaded guilty on Oct. 22, 2025 in federal court in Springfield to making online threats and extortionate demands. Michael Andrew Rodgers, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of threatening interstate communications and one count of extortionate interstate communications before U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni, who scheduled sentencing for Feb. 4, 2026. Rodgers was arrested and charged in September 2024. On April 5, 2023, Rodgers posted a threat on the Google review page of a Springfield medical practice that stated: “They gonna get what’s coming soon. […] Will be there in the morning to get them myself one way or another. Locked and loaded.” Beneath this text, Rodgers included an image of a hand holding a gun. On April 6, 2024, Rodgers submitted a threat through a fraud reporting website for the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General with the intent to extort Social Security disability benefits. Specifically, Rodgers stated: “I m gonna start taking what I need. By any means nessacary. […] GIVE ME MY MONEY OR IM GONNA START DROPPING PEOPLE. YOULL NEVER FIND MY WEAPONS SO STOP LOOKING AND GIVE ME MY CHECK. […] NEXT TIME I SLICE SOMETHING OPEN. IT WONT BE ME. ITLL BE ONE OF YOUR CHILDREN ILL MERC A WHOLE SCHOOL AND NOT GIVE A F***. […] SO YOULL BE MY FIRST TARGET IF YOU KEEP REFUSING TO HELP ME.” The charge of threatening interstate communications provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of extortionate interstate communications provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the Massachusetts State Police, Springfield Police Department, Windsor Police Department and Federal Protective Service. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: St. Augustine Business Owner Pleads Guilty To Attempting To Use A Minor Child For The Production Of A Sexual Abuse Video

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Jack Dymond Leach (43, St. Augustine) has pleaded guilty to attempting to use a minor child to produce and send him videos and photos depicting the child being sexually abused by a child sex trafficker in the Philippines. Leach faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison and a potential life term of supervised release. On May 29, 2025, Leach was arrested by federal agents and has been custody since that time. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 20, 2026. According to court documents, in March 2025, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents were investigating child sexual exploitation activities involving a particular telecommunications application (“app”). An HSI analyst in Jacksonville discovered certain information associated with a specific app account that was communicating with two other app accounts had been used by individuals in the Philippines in 2023 to traffic children for sexual exploitation. This app account was determined to have accessed the internet in St. Augustine. Further investigation revealed that this account belonged to and was used by Leach. Between November 19, 2023, and March 20, 2024, Leach’s app account and the other two app accounts used by child traffickers in the Philippines exchanged 1,287 messages and 32 media files. In an app text message that Leach sent to a trafficker on November 21, 2023, Leach stated, “i like 3y, 5y, 8y.” The trafficker responded, “I c[a]n get that age.” On November 22, 2023, Leach texted, “will [the minor child] make dirty pics or vids …,” and “sure, i’ll pay for them.” On December 2, 2023, Leach sent a message offering to pay the trafficker for producing a video depicting a minor child engaging in specific sexually explicit conduct and sending it to Leach. Leach and the trafficker discussed by text message possible methods of payment. On December 5, 2023, Leach sent the trafficker about $160 using an electronic payment system to produce and send the video of the child being sexually abused. On May 8, 2025, federal search warrants were executed at Leach’s residence and his business. Law enforcement seized numerous electronic devices belonging to and used by Leach. A forensic examination of these devices revealed that several contained visual depictions of prepubescent children being sexually abused. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Northeast Florida INTERCEPT Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown. It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify, rescue, and seek justice for victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.


title: Bloomsburg Man Sentenced To 22 Years In Prison In Fentanyl Overdose Case

body_text: WILLIAMSPORT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Tysheem Dunlap, age 28, of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania was sentenced on October 28, 2025, by Chief United States District Judge Matthew W. Brann to 22 years in prison for a drug delivery resulting in death. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Dunlap was convicted by a jury in May 2025 of three counts of drug delivery (fentanyl) resulting in death or serious bodily injury, and two counts of distribution of cocaine. The charges resulted from Dunlap distributing drugs on August 20, 2022, that were used by four individuals in Bloomsburg, PA, who believed they were using cocaine. The drugs distributed by Dunlap contained fentanyl, however, and resulted in the death of one individual and the non-fatal overdose of two others who were revived by paramedics. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bloomsburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey MacArthur and Alisan V. Martin prosecuted 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). This case was also brought as part of a district wide initiative to combat the nationwide epidemic regarding the use and distribution of heroin. Led by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Heroin Initiative targets heroin traffickers operating in the Middle District of Pennsylvania and is part of a coordinated effort among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who commit heroin related offenses. This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations. # # #


title: Lackawanna County Man Sentenced To 108 Months’ Imprisonment For Conspiracy And Theft Of Major Artwork

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Damien Boland, age 50, of Covington Township, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 13, 2025, to 108 months’ imprisonment, a term of supervised release, and to pay restitution in the amount of $2,049,420.15, by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for conspiracy, theft of major artwork and concealment/disposal of major artwork. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, a jury found Boland guilty of all eleven counts following a nearly month-long trial earlier this year. The jury found that, along with his co-defendants and other co-conspirators, Boland was responsible for stealing the following: “Le Grande Passion” by Andy Warhol and “Springs Winter” purportedly by Jackson Pollock stolen in 2005 from the Everhart Museum in Scranton, Pennsylvania; Six championship belts, including four belonging to Carmen Basillio and two belonging to Tony Zale stolen in 2015 from the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota, New York; The Hickok Belt and MVP Trophy belonging to Roger Maris, stolen in 2016 from the Roger Maris Museum in Fargo, North Dakota; The U.S. Amateur Trophy and a Hickok Belt awarded to Ben Hogan, stolen in 2012 from the USGA Golf Museum & Library; Fourteen trophies and other awards worth approximately $300,000 stolen in 2012 from the Harness Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in Goshen, New York; Five trophies worth over $350,000, including the 1903 Belmont Stakes Trophy, stolen in 2013 from the National Racing Museum & Hall of Fame in Saratoga Springs, New York; Three antique firearms stolen in 2006 from Space Farms: Zoo & Museum in Wantage, New Jersey; An 1903/1904 Tiffany Lamp stolen in 2010 from the Lackawanna Historical Society in Scranton, Pennsylvania; “Upper Hudson” by Jasper Crospey, worth approximately $120,000, stolen in 2011 from Ringwood Manor in Ringwood, New Jersey; and Antique firearms worth over $150,000, stolen in 2011 from Ringwood Manor in Ringwood, New Jersey. Boland committed the above thefts as part of a larger, eight-person conspiracy. After a month-long trial held earlier this year co-conspirators Nicholas Dombek, age 55, of Thornhurst, Pennsylvania and Joseph Atsus, age 51, of Roaring Brook, Pennsylvania were convicted alongside Boland of conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property, as well as multiple related substantive offenses. They are presently pending sentencing. Three additional co-conspirators pled guilty pursuant to felony informations and were sentenced by Judge Mannion earlier this year. They include: Thomas Trotta, age 50, of Dunmore Pennsylvania, who was sentenced to 96 months’ imprisonment for theft of major artwork; Dawn Trotta, age 53, of Dunmore, Pennsylvania who was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property; Frank Tassiello, age 52, of Taylor, Pennsylvania, who was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property; and Ralph Parry, age 47, of Springbrook Township, Pennsylvania, who was sentenced to three years of probation as well as a period of home-confinement for conspiracy to commit theft of major artwork, concealment and disposal of major artwork, and interstate transportation of stolen property. After stealing the above-described items, the conspirators would transport the stolen goods back to Northeastern Pennsylvania, often to the residence of Dombek, and melt the memorabilia down into easily transportable metal discs or bars. The conspirators would then sell the raw metal to fences in the New York City area for hundreds or a few thousands of dollars, significantly less than the sports memorabilia would be worth at fair market value. Dombek burnt the painting “Upper Hudson” by Jasper Crospey, valued at approximately $125,000, to avoid the painting being recovered by investigators and used as evidence against the members of the conspiracy. The whereabouts of many of the other paintings and stolen objects are currently unknown, however, several antique firearms stolen from the Space Farms: Zoo and Museum and the Ringwood Manor Museum, both in New Jersey, were recovered by investigators, including an antique gun which Boland had earlier hidden at a relative’s house in a different state. The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Pennsylvania State Police, the New Jersey State Police, the New York State Police, the New Jersey State Park Police, the Newport Police Department (Rhode Island), the Fargo Police Department (North Dakota), the Chester Police Department (New York), the Exeter Borough Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Scranton Police Department, the Franklin Police Department (New Jersey), the Village of Goshen Police Department (New York), the Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, D.C.), the West Milord Township Police Department (New Jersey), the Montclair Police Department (New Jersey), the Saratoga Springs Police Department (New York), the Canastota Police Department (New York), the South Abington Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Bernards Township Police Department (New Jersey), the Salisbury Township Police Department (Pennsylvania), the Montclair State University Police Department (New Jersey) the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office (Pennsylvania), the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office (New Jersey), the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office (New Jersey), the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (New York), and multiple other local law enforcement agencies from across the country. Assistant United States Attorneys James M. Buchanan and Jenny Roberts prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Kentucky Man Sentenced for Role in Scheme to Defraud Boone County Schools

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jesse Marks, 65, of Rush, Kentucky, was sentenced on Thursday, November 13, 2025, to five years of federal probation, including one year and six months on home detention, and ordered to pay $3,448,571.85 in restitution for conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Marks admitted that he conspired with Michael David Barker to overbill the Boone County Schools system while Barker was its maintenance director during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to court documents and statements made in court, Marks was the sole owner and operator of Rush Enterprises when Barker contacted him in November 2019 about Rush Enterprises selling custodial and janitorial supplies to Boone County Schools. Marks agreed to supply Boone County Schools with hand soap, trash can liners, facemasks, face shields, and hand sanitizer among other items. During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools received additional government funds to ensure that students and staff could attend in-person learning in a safe and clean environment. Marks admitted that he and Barker entered into the overbilling scheme around March 2020. From that time until on or about December 2023, Barker submitted fraudulent invoices to Boone County Schools on behalf of Rush Enterprises that significantly inflated the number of products it was delivering to Boone County Schools. The Boone County Board of Education relied on the fraudulent invoices to issue checks to Rush Enterprises using the United States Postal Service. Marks estimated that approximately 80 percent of the total payments received by Rush enterprises from Boone County Schools, or $3,448,571.85, was for products never delivered. Marks admitted that he gave Barker at least half of the fraudulent profits from the overbilling scheme after deducting the cost of the products actually delivered to Boone County Schools. Marks deposited the mailed checks from Boone County Schools into the business bank account for Rush Enterprises, wrote himself checks on that account that he cashed at various banks, and personally delivered cash to Barker in manila envelopes. Barker, 48, of Foster, was sentenced on November 10, 2025, to two years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $3,448,571.85 in restitution for conspiracy to commit mail fraud. Barker pleaded guilty on April 7, 2025, admitting that he conducted the scheme while employed as the Boone County Schools maintenance director. “Justice prevailed due to the tremendous teamwork of our federal and state law enforcement agencies,” United States Attorney Moore Capito said. “These two defendants enriched themselves by stealing millions of dollars from a public school system in our southern coalfields during a national emergency. They stole hope from the children of Boone County and did so at the expense of taxpayers throughout West Virginia and our country. This is no longer a negotiable vice in West Virginia – it is a crime we will prosecute without mercy.” Capito commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), the West Virginia State Police, and the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office (WVSAO) Public Integrity and Fraud Unit (PIFU), and the assistance provided by the West Virginia Department of Education. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Gabriel Price prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-6. ###