title: 5 Men Plead Guilty for Role in Global Digital Asset Investment Scam Conspiracy Resulting in Theft of More than $36.9 Million from Victims

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Five men have pleaded guilty for their roles in laundering more than $36.9 million from victims of an international digital asset investment scam conspiracy that was carried out from scam centers in Cambodia, the Justice Department announced today. The following defendants were part of an international criminal network that induced U.S. victims, believing they were investing in digital assets, to transfer funds to accounts controlled by co-conspirators and that laundered victim money through U.S. shell companies, international bank accounts, and digital asset wallets: Joseph Wong, 33, of Alhambra; Yicheng Zhang, 39, of China; Jose Somarriba, 55, of Los Angeles; Shengsheng He, 39, of La Puente; and Jingliang Su, 44, of China and Turkey. As part of the conspiracy, co-conspirators residing overseas contacted U.S. victims directly through unsolicited social media interactions, telephone calls, text messages, and online dating services and gain the victims’ trust. The co-conspirators then promoted fraudulent digital asset investments to the victims. Scammers would tell victims that their investments were appreciating in value when, in fact, those funds were stolen and not invested at all. Instead, more than $36.9 million in victim funds were transferred from U.S. bank accounts controlled by the co-conspirators to a single account at Deltec Bank in the Bahamas, opened in the name of Axis Digital Limited. Somarriba, He, and Su directed Deltec Bank to convert victim funds to the stablecoin Tether (USDT) and to transfer the converted funds to a digital asset wallet controlled by individuals in Cambodia. From there, co-conspirators in Cambodia transferred the USDT to the leaders of scam centers throughout the region including in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. Somarriba and He founded Axis Digital and opened the Deltec Bank account. Su joined Axis Digital as a director and participated in the digital asset conversions and transfers of victim funds. Wong managed a network of money launderers in Los Angeles who registered shell companies, opened U.S. bank accounts, and wired victim funds to international bank accounts. Zhang opened and operated two U.S. bank accounts used to launder victim proceeds. Zhang and Wong pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy. They each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Zhang has been in custody since May 2024. He, Somarriba, and Su pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money services business. He, Somarriba, and Su each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison. Su has been in custody since November 2024 and has a sentencing hearing scheduled for November 17. Eight co-conspirators have pleaded guilty so far, including Daren Li, a national of China and St. Kitts and Nevis and former resident of Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates who has been in U.S. custody since April 2024, and Lu Zhang, a Chinese national illegally in the United States who managed a network of U.S.-based money launderers, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering on Nov. 12, 2024 and May 13, 2024, respectively. The United States Secret Service’s Global Investigative Operations Center is investigating the case. The Homeland Security Investigations’ El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center, U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Dominican National Police, and U.S. Marshals Service provided valuable assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Maxwell Coll and Alexander Gorin of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section, Assistant United States Attorney Nisha Chandran of the Major Frauds Section, and Trial Attorneys Stefanie Schwartz of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Tamara Livshiz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting these cases. If you or someone you know is a victim of a digital asset investment fraud, report it to IC3.gov .


title: Portland Man Faces Federal Charges for Distributing Fentanyl and Possessing a Firearm Following Fatal Overdose Investigation

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.—A Portland man has been charged with distributing fentanyl and possessing a firearm following a fatal overdose investigation by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. Daryl Antonio Edward Turner, 43, has been charged by criminal complaint with distribution of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, on June 2, 2025, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a suspected fatal overdose near Wood Village, Oregon. Deputies seized a substance suspected to be fentanyl from the scene and quickly developed leads of the alleged fentanyl supply source, later identified as Turner. On June 5, 2025, investigators contacted Turner in Portland and seized a firearm, counterfeit pills suspected to contain fentanyl, and $922 in cash. When questioned by investigators, Turner admitted that he possessed fentanyl for further distribution, acknowledged the dangers of fentanyl, and was aware the substance could kill people. Turner made his first appearance in federal court today before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. He was ordered detained pending further court proceedings. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Multnomah County Dangerous Drug Team (DDT). It is being prosecuted by AUSA Scott Kerin, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. The Multnomah County DDT is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program (HIDTA) and is composed of members from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County Parole and Probation, Gresham Police Department, the FBI, and U.S. Marshal’s Service (USMS). The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives. A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org . Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.


title: Madison County Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Offender Registration and Supervised Release Violations

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – On May 28, 2025, Floyd Wood, 57, of DeRuyter, New York pled guilty in United States District Court to failure to register an email account in violation of the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, and also admitted violating conditions of his federal supervised release. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and United States Marshal David McNulty made the announcement. Wood, a federally convicted sex offender, admitted that he created and maintained an email account without reporting it to the Sex Offender Registry, as required by law. He also admitted that he violated the conditions of his supervised release by not reporting the email account, and falsifying reports about it, to the United States Probation Office. Wood also admitted that he violated conditions of supervised release by possessing an unreported and unmonitored internet-capable phone, on which the email was discovered. The failure to register offense carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Wood also faces up to an additional 5 years for violating the terms of his supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “Sex offenders who surreptitiously use the internet in violation of law, and in violation of court-imposed conditions of supervision designed to mitigate their threat to society, will be prosecuted by my office to the fullest extent of the law.” The United States Marshals Service is investigating the case with assistance from the United States Probation Office. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York is prosecuting the case. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Onondaga County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography and Supervised Release Violations

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Edward McKeraghan, 59, of Syracuse, New York pled guilty last week in United States District Court to possession of child pornography, and also admitted violating conditions of his federal supervised release. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) made the announcement. McKeraghan, a federally convicted sex offender on supervised release for a prior child pornography offense, admitted that he possessed child sexual abuse material on an unreported and unmonitored internet-capable phone that he obtained in violation of his conditions of federal supervision. The phone was discovered by the United States Probation Office during a routine home visit. Sentencing is scheduled for October 15, 2025. For the child pornography offense, McKeraghan faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. He also faces up to an additional 2 years for violating the terms of his supervised release. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Repeat sex offenders pose a grave threat to society, particularly to our children. My office will continue to vigorously prosecute all child exploitation offenses in the Northern District of New York.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated, “Mr. McKeraghan’s actions are especially disturbing, given he is a convicted predator on supervised release. Our children are among the most vulnerable members of our community, and the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is committed to working together to protect them any way we can. The FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is investigating the case with assistance from the United States Probation Office. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa M. Fletcher, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator for the Northern District of New York is prosecuting the case. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: San Diego Man Sentenced for Sending Hate-Filled Email with Death Threat

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – George Joseph Wellinger II was sentenced in federal court today to six months in custody and four months of home confinement for intentionally threatening a member of the LGBTQ community with violence via email. Wellinger admitted in his plea agreement that he intentionally selected this victim based on the victim’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, and because of the defendant’s animus toward members of the LGBTQ community. According to court documents, the victim was targeted after being interviewed for a KTLA news report about a hate-inspired murder in Lake Arrowhead in August 2023. According to the plea agreement, the threatening email called the victim “another alphabet clown that wants to take a dirt nap, too,” and included a link to the KTLA news report which featured the victim and others discussing the murder of a Lake Arrowhead business owner who had been gunned down for hanging a Pride flag in her business. The email continued: “We know what you look like and know where are you are....only a matter of time....Love it....get ur ghey on sister....scissor it up....we coming for ur rainbow azz. Click Click!!!” “This was a particularly cruel act. No one should have to live in fear,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “The U. S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the civil rights of everyone in our community.” “Today’s sentence serves as a stark reminder there is no place for hate crimes in San Diego or anywhere,” said FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi. “The FBI’s commitment to investigate hate crimes underscores the seriousness of these offenses. It is not just about enforcing the law but protecting our community and ensuring the rights of individuals to live free of fear.” If you or anyone you know believes you have been the victim of a hate crime, please contact the FBI at www.tips.fbi.gov . Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacqueline M. Jimenez and Alicia Williams are prosecuting this case. DEFENDANT Case Number: 24-CR-1591 George Joseph Wellinger II Age: 49 San Diego, CA CHARGE Transmitting a Threatening Communication - Title 18 U.S.C., § 875(c) Maximum penalty: Five years in prison INVESTIGATING AGENCY Federal Bureau of Investigation For more information and resources about the department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit https://www.justice.gov/hatecrimes .


title: San Diego Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Prison for Supplying Fentanyl Resulting in Young Woman’s Death

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Danny Nunez of San Diego was sentenced in federal court today to 188 months in prison for providing the fentanyl that resulted in the fatal overdose of a 25-year-old Escondido woman in 2024. Nunez admitted in his plea agreement that he sold fentanyl to the victim, identified in court records as L.P., on September 11, 2024. The next day, her parents found her lifeless body in her bedroom. Emergency responders were unable to revive her. On October 3, 2024, Escondido Police Department detectives posing as L.P. contacted Nunez, asking to purchase fentanyl. The defendant agreed to provide the requested fentanyl. The same day, the detectives arrived at Nunez’s residence and contacted the defendant. Nunez was arrested as he walked outside to meet “L.P.” carrying two baggies containing 7.67 grams and 1.23 grams of fentanyl. “The defendant stole a young life and shattered a family by peddling deadly fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “Today’s sentence sends a clear and powerful message: Those who traffic in poison will be held fully accountable for the devastation they cause.” “Those who bring dangerous drugs into our communities, especially fentanyl, will be held accountable,” said Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Diego. “This investigation is an example of the strong partnerships between our state and local law enforcement partners that make up the San Diego Fentanyl Abatement and Suppression Team (FAST). FAST is committed to ensuring the individuals who distribute fentanyl into our communities are held accountable.” “The San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA proudly supports federal, state and local law enforcement efforts to reduce overdose deaths in our community,” said David King, executive director of San Diego and Imperial Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. “Those individuals who place a priority on profits from drug sales over public safety should take notice that the criminal justice system will hold them accountable. San Diego County is a safer place after this investigation and successful prosecution.” Escondido Police Lt. Ryan Hicks stated: “The Escondido Police Department works aggressively to identify and hold accountable anyone who chooses to participate in the poisoning of our community through illicit fentanyl distribution. We can successfully conduct these investigations through crucial support from the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and our federal partnerships.” This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Van Demark. Special Agents and Task Force Officers with the Fentanyl Abatement and Suppression Team (FAST) led this investigation. HSI San Diego FAST is a multiagency task force comprising state, local, and federal partners and was first established in August 2022 focusing on the disruption and dismantlement of criminal organizations that smuggle and distribute fentanyl within San Diego County. HSI’s FAST targets fentanyl smuggling and distribution networks to combat overdoses and decrease the availability and accessibility of fentanyl. The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, created by Congress with the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988, provides assistance to federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug-trafficking regions of the United States. This grant program is administered by the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). There are currently 33 HIDTAs, and HIDTA-designated counties are located in 50 states, as well as in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia. DEFENDANTS Case Number 24-CR-2295-W Danny Nunez Age: 25 San Diego, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Attempted Distribution of Fentanyl 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Homeland Security Investigations Escondido Police Department San Diego Imperial Valley HIDTA


title: Drug Trafficker Unlawfully Residing in Oregon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Dispatcher-Based Drug Trafficking Organization

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.— A Portland drug trafficker was sentenced to federal prison Friday for possessing fentanyl on multiple occasions. Yesmin Miseal Medina Vargas, 20, a Honduran national unlawfully residing in Oregon, was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison and four years’ supervised release. According to court documents, in February 2023, Medina Vargas was identified as a leader of a dispatcher-based drug trafficking organization in the Portland area. Medina Vargas was responsible for taking orders from customers and coordinating drug deliveries. In February 2023, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents executed a search warrant on Medina Vargas’ residence and seized more than 20 pounds of fentanyl, body armor, ammunition, and cellular phones. Medina Vargas resumed drug trafficking and several months later, in August 2023, Medina Vargas arrived at a controlled buy in Tigard, Oregon, with a minor in his vehicle. Medina-Vargas and the minor were arrested, and agents seized approximately 2,000 fentanyl pills. On September 12, 2023, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a two-count indictment charging Medina Vargas with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. On November 5, 2024, Medina Vargas pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. As part of his plea agreement, Medina Vargas admitted that he was part of a drug trafficking organization that caused an overdose death. This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the FBI, Westside Interagency Narcotics Team, and Lake Oswego Police Department. It was prosecuted by Cassady A. Adams, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid 80 to 100 times more powerful than morphine and 30 to 50 times more powerful than heroin. A 2-milligram dose of fentanyl—a few grains of the substance—is enough to kill an average adult male. The wide availability of illicit fentanyl in Oregon has caused a dramatic increase in overdose deaths throughout the state. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. If you or someone you know suffers from addiction, please call the Lines for Life substance abuse helpline at 1-800-923-4357 or visit www.linesforlife.org . Phone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also text “RecoveryNow” to 839863 between 2pm and 6pm Pacific Time daily.


title: Monterey County Man Who Sold Fentanyl-Laced Pills Resulting In Overdose Death Of A Minor Sentenced To More Than Eight Years In Prison

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE – Edward Tellez Solis, aka Edward Telles Solis, was sentenced today to 100 months in federal prison for possessing and distributing fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills via social media and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila handed down the sentence. Tellez Solis, 27, of Marina, Calif., was indicted by a federal grand jury on Aug. 4, 2022. On Feb. 10, 2025, Tellez Solis pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of distribution of fentanyl, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to the plea agreement and court documents, Tellez Solis used social media applications such as Snapchat and Telegram to advertise, sell, and distribute controlled substances such as fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills (known as “M30” pills or “blues”), cocaine, Ecstasy/MDMA, Hydrocodone/Norco tablets, marijuana, and Alprazolam/Xanax tablets. On March 3, 2022, Tellez Solis contacted a 15-year-old minor via Snapchat and offered to sell him 13 M30 pills, knowing that the pills contained fentanyl or some other federally controlled substance. The next day, Tellez Solis delivered at least nine M30 to the 15-year-old, who then suffered a fatal overdose. During a search of Tellez Solis’s car, law enforcement found a stash of controlled substances, $17,243 in cash, a loaded firearm, three fully loaded magazines, and an additional 89 rounds of ammunition. An additional $98,246 in cash was found inside of his home. “While this sentence brings a measure of justice to the community for this crime, it can never undo the pain and devastation the defendant’s reprehensible actions caused the victim’s family,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian. “We will continue to work closely with our federal and local law enforcement partners to fight the scourge of fentanyl and other illegal narcotics pouring over our border. We owe the victim’s family and the people of the Northern District of California nothing less.” “Edward Tellez Solis used social media as a superhighway to sell lethal drugs and line his pockets with the proceeds. Today’s sentencing marks a crucial step in bringing justice to the victim and a family devastated by the scourge of fentanyl,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris. “We will be relentless in our pursuit of unscrupulous drug dealers who distribute poison in our community.” In addition to the prison term, Judge Davila also sentenced the defendant to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered Tellez Solis to pay $29,895.85 in restitution to the family of the minor overdose victim. The defendant was immediately remanded into custody. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amani S. Floyd and Dan M. Karmel prosecuted the case with the assistance of Veronica Hernandez. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the DEA and the County of Monterey Sheriff’s Office.


title: McCurtain County Resident Pleads Guilty To Illegally Possessing A Firearm

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

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Kendall James Hopper, age 61, of Smithville, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm, punishable by up to fifteen years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. The Indictment charged Hopper with knowingly possessing one lever-action rifle on January 2, 2024, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police, and the LeFlore County Sheriff’s Office. The Honorable D. Edward Snow, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hopper will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Geizura represented the United States.


title: Dishonorably Discharged Man, Who Was Prohibited From Possessing Firearms, Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of 20 Firearms in Relation to a Conspiracy to Commit a Hobbs Act Robbery

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—A man who was discharged from the U.S. Navy under dishonorable conditions was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for possession of twenty firearms. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today, by United States District Court Judge Lee P. Rudofsky. James Charles Hart, 26, of Wynne, was arrested on a complaint December 7, 2023. On January 9, 2024, Hart was charged in an indictment for possession of a firearm by a dishonorably discharged person. On July 2, 2024, Hart was indicted in a superseding indictment charging him with one count of possession of a firearm by a dishonorably discharged person and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. On January 6, 2025, Hart plead guilty to possession of a firearm by a dishonorably discharged person. In addition to the 144-month sentence, Judge Rudofsky also sentenced Hart to 3 years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Hart was dishonorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on August 26, 2021, after being convicted for advocating supremacist and extremist doctrine, ideology and causes, larceny of military property, and selling firearms without a license. Hart’s conduct included advocating killing military members and encouraging others to take up the cause and recruit others. During the court martial, Hart told the presiding judge that the statement was not made in gest. Because of his dishonorable discharge, Hart was advised he was not allowed to possess firearms after his discharge from the Navy. An investigation by the FBI revealed that on April 2, 2023, Hart entered the driveway of a residence dressed in a tactical vest and carrying an AR pattern firearm with approximately ten loaded magazines, approached the resident and stated that he was “patrolling this neighborhood” for looters. Hart stated that he was protecting the neighborhood. The resident advised Hart to leave his property and that he never requested Hart to provide any protection. On December 7, 2023, FBI special agents arrested Hart while he was a passenger in another’s car. During a search incident Hart’s arrest, FBI found a firearm associated with Hart. Armed with a search warrant, FBI searched Hart’s personal car and Hart’s residence. In total, Hart possessed 20 firearms between the two vehicles and his residence. Hart possessed numerous Glock and Sig Sauer handguns, shotguns, AR and AK pattern rifles, and numerous other firearms, including NFA weapons. Hart also possessed thousands of rounds of ammunition, loaded and unloaded magazines, ballistic helmets, body armor, gas masks, confederate and Nazi flags, and tactical gear. During a subsequent search of Hart’s phone, FBI discovered a conspiracy to commit a robbery between Hart and members of a militia to target in Tennessee. This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Crews. # # # This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available on-line at http://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Co-leader of large-scale narcotics & human trafficking rings sentenced to 30 years in prison

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – A leader in a case with 23 defendants involved in narcotics and human trafficking conspiracies was sentenced in federal court here today to 360 months in prison for drug, gun, human trafficking and money laundering crimes. From 2008 until June 2022, Cordell Washington, 38, of Pickerington, ran a large-scale drug trafficking organization in Columbus with co-defendant Patrick Saultz. Their operations also included sex trafficking, labor trafficking, fraud and money laundering. A multi-agency law enforcement task force initially announced the case in July 2022 after a federal grand jury indicted 11 defendants for distributing bulk amounts of fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a Columbus elementary school. In October 2022, the government added 12 defendants and 28 new charges. Court documents detail that the drug trafficking organization brought large quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, alprazolam and marijuana into Columbus. These drugs were sold or used to coerce individuals into sexual activity for some members of the drug ring and their profit. As part of this case, local, state and federal law enforcement officers have executed more than 20 search warrants at various locations throughout Central Ohio and seized more than $1.7 million in drug proceeds. For example, while executing a search warrant at a local storage unit, law enforcement officials discovered approximately one million dollars in bulk United States currency. Searches of additional residences yielded 47 firearms, diamonds, Rolex watches and additional bulk amounts of cash. The drug trafficking organization sold drugs to customers out of more than 20 Columbus residences and distributed larger amounts to regional drug traffickers who then trafficked those narcotics to places such as West Virginia and the Northern District of Ohio. Saultz began the drug trafficking organization by distributing heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine from his residences on Vida Place and South Hague Street in Columbus as early as 2008. Most of the drug dealing took place within 1000 feet of Burroughs Elementary School in Columbus at a residence on South Burgess. For example, one of Washington and Saultz’s numerous subordinates sold approximately $18,000 worth of narcotics per day from the location on South Burgess. The case also involves the overdose death of at least one individual and the violent death of a second victim. As part of his plea in April 2024, Washington admitted to labor trafficking male drug addicts. The defendant provided the men with their drug of choice after the men completed construction or cleaning projects at residences owned by the drug trafficking organization. The men were recruited by Washington and some completed the work for him under serious threat of harm. Washington would provide the addicts with advances on small amounts of drugs so that they were well enough to perform physical labor. If Washington was not pleased with their work product, he would not complete the final drug payment and would threaten violence against them. Washington used numerous methods to launder the group’s drug trafficking proceeds, including establishing front businesses that purported to be rental, repair and construction companies. As of today, 18 of the 23 defendants have been sentenced, including six defendants who were sentenced to more than 10 years in prison. Saultz was sentenced in March 2025 to 30 years in prison. Acting U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris commended the investigation coordinated by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force, which includes Columbus Division of Police Chief Elaine Bryant; Jared Murphy, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Andrew Lawton, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Other agencies that have assisted the task force with the investigation include the Franklin County Sheriff's Office, HIDTA Task Force, IRS-Criminal Investigation, FBI, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI), Ohio National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, Pickerington Police Department, New Albany Police Department and the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team. This investigation was initiated as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy Prichard and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case. # # #


title: Fraudulent Billing Scheme Targeted in False Claims Act Complaint Against Physical Therapy Practice

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA - The United States has filed a complaint under the False Claims Act (“FCA”) against Absolute Physical & Aquatic Therapy, LLC; Chipley Physical Therapy, LLC; Ruben Laurel; and Lorrie Laurel, announced U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for Northern District of Florida, alleges that the Defendants billed the Government for services that Defendant Lorrie Laurel, a physical therapist, performed while she was abroad. Defendant Chipley Physical Therapy, LLC (“CPT”) provides outpatient physical and aquatic therapy services across the Florida panhandle in Chipley, Marianna, and Bonifay, and is owned and operated by Defendants Ruben and Lorrie Laurel. Defendant Absolute Physical & Aquatic Therapy (“APAT”) is a physical therapy billing company owned and operated by Defendant Ruben Laurel. The government’s complaint alleges Defendants knowingly submitted false claims for payment in violation of the FCA by billing the government for services while Defendant Lorrie Laurel was out of the country and on cruises in Mexico, Jamaica, Aruba, and the Bahamas between July 2019 and March 2024. More specifically, the complaint alleges Defendants submitted 613 claims for payment to the United States for services Defendant Lorrie Laurel allegedly performed at CPT while she was abroad. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This lawsuit demonstrates our firm commitment to hold healthcare providers accountable for fraudulent billing and fulfills the promise of President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to aggressively root out fraud, waste, and abuse. Healthcare providers who are fraudulently charging the federal government for medical services not rendered will be vigorously pursued by our office.” The lawsuit is captioned United States ex rel. Ariel Bowen v. Absolute Physical & Aquatic Therapy, LLC, et al. , Case No. 5:21-cv-236-TKW-MJF (N.D. Fla.), and is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provided substantial assistance in the investigation. The United States is represented in this matter by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mary Ann Couch and Marie Moyle for the Northern District of Florida. The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: North Dakota Man and Woman Sentenced to Lengthy Terms in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a North Park, North Dakota, man and a Bismarck, North Dakota, woman who were convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencings took place on June 2, 2025. Richard Rasmusson, age 44 , was sentenced to ten years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Leslie Apple, age 40, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. She was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Rasmusson and Apple were indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2024. Rasmusson pleaded guilty on November 4, 2024. Apple pleaded guilty on November 18, 2024. These convictions stemmed from drug distribution activity that occurred between January 2024 and April 2024. During that time period, Rasmusson and Apple took methamphetamine from North Dakota to distribute in the Mobridge, South Dakota, area. On April 5, 2024, Rasmusson and Apple were arrested in Mobridge while possessing 104 grams of pure methamphetamine. This case was investigated by the FBI Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Mobridge Police Department, and the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case. Both Rasmusson and Apple were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Aberdeen Man Found Guilty of  Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a jury has convicted David Fowler, age 49, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance following a two-day jury trial in federal district court in Aberdeen, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on June 4, 2025. The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, up to life on supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. David Fowler was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2024. In March and April 2024, investigators with the Brown County Sheriff’s Office conducted three controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Fowler, in amounts ranging from 10-21 grams. Authorities then obtained a search warrant for Fowler’s home, where 56 grams of methamphetamine were located. Fowler’s supplier was also arrested en route to his residence with an additional 344 grams of methamphetamine. The investigation revealed the methamphetamine was being mailed from California to a local source in Aberdeen, where it was then sold to sub-distributors, including Fowler. In total, Fowler purchased five packages of methamphetamine, totaling 2.5 pounds. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, the Aberdeen Police Department, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case. A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing will take place on September 8, 2025. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Illegal Aliens Face Federal Charges in Cobb County Methamphetamine Lab Bust

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: ATLANTA - Juan Perez-Maldonado and Francisco Garcia Gomez, both illegal aliens from Mexico, appeared in federal court on June 4, 2025, following their arrests on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Garcia Gomez and a third illegal alien from Mexico, Filemon Hernandez-Jijon, were also charged with possession of a firearm by an alien unlawfully present in the United States. “Our law enforcement partners worked swiftly to disrupt a suburban drug lab, seize numerous firearms, and arrest two illegal aliens allegedly responsible for manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Criminals who traffic illegal drugs in our communities will be identified, found, and prosecuted with deliberate speed.” “DEA remains focused on keeping America safe and protecting the homeland from by removing dangerous drugs from our communities and bringing criminals to justice,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Atlanta Division. “Keeping our communities safe is our highest priority.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On June 3, 2025, DEA agents saw Filemon Hernandez-Jijon allegedly supply two kilograms of methamphetamine to a drug customer in the Smyrna, Georgia area. Law enforcement later observed Hernandez-Jijon traveling to and from a mobile home located in Marietta, Georgia. Hours later, DEA agents executed a federal search warrant at the mobile home and encountered Juan Perez-Maldonado and Francisco Garcia Gomez there. A third person fled the scene. Inside the mobile home, agents discovered an active laboratory used to convert liquid methamphetamine into a crystal-like form, as well as at least 13 kilograms of what appeared to be the finished drug product. In addition, agents located two handguns, including one hidden in the tank of a toilet, and money remitter receipts bearing Garcia Gomez’s and Hernandez-Jijon’s names. Outside the home, agents recovered acetone, several empty coolers, and other materials commonly used to produce crystalized methamphetamine. In connection with this investigation, agents executed another federal search warrant at an apartment in Smyrna. In a baby’s crib, agents located a bag containing a loaded Glock pistol, two additional loaded firearm magazines, and identification for Perez-Maldonado. Elsewhere in the apartment, agents found a Springfield XD firearm and a mechanical press used to press powder into kilogram bricks. The investigation further revealed that Perez-Maldonado and Hernandez-Jijon had been previously deported and removed from the United States. Hernandez-Jijon is currently a fugitive. If you have any information on the whereabouts of Hernandez-Jijon, please contact your local law enforcement agency. Members of the public are reminded that the complaint only contains charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with valuable assistance provided from the Marietta-Cobb-Smyrna Narcotics Unit and the DeKalb County Police Department – HIDTA Task Force. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Schwarzl and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebeca M. Ojeda are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Atlanta recommends parents and children learn about the dangers of drugs at the following web site: www.justthinktwice.gov . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6000. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Rhode Island Man Sentenced for Setting Fires Around the Exterior of a Church and Assaulting Federal Officers

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Kevin Colantonio, 36, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to malicious damage by means of fire, obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs, and two counts of assault on a federal officer. He was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr., to more than six years in federal prison. He intentionally set multiple fires around the exterior of a predominantly black church in North Providence, RI, in February 2024, and assaulted two federal correctional officers while detained at a federal detention center following his arrest. “This defendant acted with disdain against people of faith and complete disregard for law enforcement officers,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “The Civil Rights Division will continue to vigorously prosecute anti-Christian bias in the United States and ensure Americans are free to worship without fear.” Colantonio previously admitted to a federal judge that on Feb. 11, 2024, he used gasoline and a lighter he purchased minutes earlier at a gas station within walking distance of Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries, to ignite five fires around the exterior of the church. The fires were quickly extinguished by North Providence officers, but not before the church sustained some damage. During a Feb. 15, 2024, court-authorized search of Colantonio’s residence, an accelerant detection canine indicated a positive reaction on several items of seized clothing. These items matched the clothing Colantonio was wearing on the night of the arson, based upon surveillance footage. Colantonio admitted to setting the fires and assaulting the corrections officers. Acting U.S. Attorney Sara Miron Bloom for the District of Rhode Island and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Roklan for the District of Rhode Island and Taylor Payne of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case. The fires set at the Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with members of the North Providence, RI, Police Department and the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office. The assault of the federal officers was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Shiprock Man Charged with Unlawfully Possessing a Firearm

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was charged by indictment with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, in the morning hours of May 15, 2025, Jay Ray Kelly , 39, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was seen walking in Shiprock, firing a handgun into the air. Concerned citizens called police. Later that morning, police arrested Kelly with a handgun and 155 rounds of ammunition in a backpack. Kelly is charged federally with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition. In 2006, Kelly was convicted in the District of New Mexico for possessing a firearm in a school zone. Because of this 2006 federal felony conviction, Kelly was prohibited from possessing all firearms and ammunition. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case. View the Indictment (Kelly).pdf An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Sanostee Man Pleads Guilty to Assault Charges

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Sanostee man pleaded guilty to a violent assault that left a woman seriously injured. According to court records, Nathan Mescale , 36, and enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, admitted that on December 2 and December 3, 2023, he assaulted Jane Doe, and the assault caused her serious bodily injury. At sentencing, Mescale faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Mescale will be subject to up to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mia Ulibarri-Rubin is prosecuting the case. View the Plea Agreement (Mescale).pdf


title: San Antonio Man Sentenced to More than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Firearms

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 151 months in prison for firearms trafficking. According to court documents, Joel Alejandro Martinez aka Bo Jackson, 26, was identified by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives as being a frequent seller of stolen firearms in online chat groups. On Jan. 10, 2024, Martinez posted two pistols for sale and agreed to sell them at a location in San Antonio. He stated that he did not have a car but his mother, codefendant Margarita Hernandez Martinez, would drive him. On Feb. 28, 2024, at the agreed upon time, Martinez arrived at the location, driven by his mother, and unloaded a black rifle case from the truck, placed it in the backseat of the purchaser’s vehicle, and got in the front seat of the purchaser’s car. The purchaser gave Martinez $1,100 in cash for the .308 caliber rifle. Later that day, Martinez contacted the purchaser to ask what else they might be interested in purchasing. The purchaser, an undercover ATF agent, indicated that they purchase all sorts of firearms but also deal in “cheap throwaways stolen.” Martinez responded to the undercover agent, “I got you,” and indicated that he could supply AR-style rifles and pistols. He later told the undercover that he purchased stolen or crime-involved guns in large batches and agreed to sell four pistols to the undercover for $1,600. In another conversation, the agent told Martinez that he, “buys them for cheap and will move them to Mexico.” The undercover agent met with Martinez—driven by his mother—three more times between March 5, 2024 and April 11, 2024, to conduct sales of firearms, at least one of which Martinez knew and had reasonable cause to believe was stolen. Martinez’s mother, Hernandez Martinez, was sentenced on April 25 to 40 months in prison for aiding and abetting. Federal District Court Judge Jason K. Pulliam sentenced both defendants. U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zack Parsons prosecuted the case. ###


title: Gang Member Convicted by Jury for his Part in Murder

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – Following a one-week trial, a federal jury in Memphis convicted a member of the Unknown Vice Lords (UVL) — a violent street gang in Memphis — for his involvement in a gang-related murder, after deliberating for less than an hour. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Vincent Grant, also known as “V-Slash,” 41, of Memphis, was a high-ranking member of UVL, also known as The Ghost Mob — a criminal enterprise that controlled territory throughout the entire city of Memphis and beyond to Arkansas and Mississippi. Members of UVL committed murders, burglaries, assaults, human trafficking, and drug trafficking on behalf of the enterprise. When the gang’s Supreme Elite Chief, the leader for the entire state of Tennessee, was murdered, the gang sought retaliation against anyone thought to be involved. As proven at trial, on Jan. 10, 2019, the gang’s Supreme Elite Chief and his girlfriend were murdered in a residential neighborhood in broad daylight. The gang sought retaliation that same night against a rival gang, the Traveling Vice Lords (TVL) whom they initially believed to have been responsible. Multiple UVL members drove to a known TVL hangout and engaged in a gun battle with the other gang. During the next few days, UVL conducted its own internal investigation and were informed that a fellow member was thought to be responsible for their Chief’s murder. Five days after the Chief was murdered, on Jan. 15, 2019, the implicated member, the victim for this trial, was murdered at the hands of Grant and other UVL members. On Jan. 14, 2019, Grant, as a keeper of guns for the gang, provided guns to multiple gang members for the purpose of going on a “demo,” which is the gang’s term for committing violent acts. Then early the next morning at around 1:00 a.m., Grant and three other gang members drove the victim to an apartment complex, where two of them executed the victim with the guns Grant provided. “This violent gang brutally executed one of their own and left the body on display as a warning that betrayal would not be tolerated,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their blatant disregard for human life — carrying out shootings in broad daylight and in residential neighborhoods—underscores the urgent need to confront and dismantle this threat to public safety. The Justice Department and the ATF turned this case from a cold case into a conviction, and we remain committed to working closely with law enforcement to tackle even the most challenging cases. Our warning to street gangs is clear: their violence will not be tolerated.” “Gang violence is never isolated — it endangers entire communities,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. “This gang’s brutal executions, carried out openly in residential neighborhoods in broad daylight, sent a chilling message of intimidation; but ATF and our law enforcement partners sent an even stronger one back: violence and fear will not prevail. We remained dedicated to protecting the community and unraveled this deadly conspiracy to ensure justice was done. We remain relentless in our commitment to dismantle gangs that threaten public safety, and we’ll continue to hold accountable, those who inflict violence in our communities.” The jury convicted Grant of causing death by use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, that being murder in aid of racketeering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 19 and faces up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis Police Department, and United States Secret Service assisted in the investigation. Trial Attorneys Lisa Thelwell and Christopher Usher of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case with substantial assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee. This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Memphis, Tennessee. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute the violent offenders and prevent further violence. ### Press Release Number: 25-586


title: Executive At Investor Relations Firm And Two Associates Plead Guilty To Insider Trading Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that ROBERT YEDID, ANDREW KAUFMAN, and MARK JACOBS pled guilty to participating in a five-year insider trading scheme to reap illegal profits from stock and options trading based on inside information about several health care company clients of the investor relations firm where YEDID was employed. Together, YEDID, KAUFMAN and JACOBS made more than $500,000 in illicit gains through this scheme. JACOBS pled guilty today before U.S. Chief District Judge Laura Taylor Swain. YEDID and KAUFMAN pled guilty before Chief Judge Swain on May 29, 2025. “Robert Yedid betrayed the trust of his employer and its clients by stealing confidential information and passing it to two friends, Andrew Kaufman and Mark Jacobs, to make unlawful, profitable trades based on inside information,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “This Office is committed to prosecuting securities fraud and ensuring that insiders and their friends can’t cheat their way to profits. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to police the financial markets and hold those accountable who misuse nonpublic information for personal gain.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Robert Yedid abused his authority as a former investor relations director and provided his friends with material nonpublic information to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit profits. By betraying the trust placed in his position, Yedid established an unlawful financial advantage for his insular social circle that was not afforded to all investors. May today’s plea serve as a deterrent to any individual who exploits confidential trading information for personal benefit.” According to the allegations contained in the Information and statements made in public filings and in public court proceedings: Between 2019 and 2024, YEDID, KAUFMAN, and JACOBS engaged in a scheme to trade in stocks and options based on material nonpublic information about several publicly traded health care companies, in violation of the duties of trust and confidence that YEDID owed to his employer, an investor relations firm, and to the companies. YEDID was a director at an investor relations firm that provided public relations services to health care companies, including BioDelivery Sciences International Inc. (“BDSI”), CinCor Pharma (“CinCor”), Inotiv (“Inotiv”), Inspire Medical Systems (“Inspire”), Nano-X Imaging Ltd. (“Nano-X”), and OncoCyte Corp. (“OncoCyte”). In this role, YEDID had access to the content of upcoming press releases, which often contained highly sensitive, non-public, and potentially market-moving news, such as earning reports, regulatory approvals, clinical trial results, and merger and acquisition announcements. YEDID owed a duty of trust and confidence to his employer and its clients and was prohibited from misusing or disclosing the firm’s confidential information for personal gain or to benefit others. Beginning in 2019, YEDID knowingly and willfully tipped his friends, KAUFMAN and JACOBS, with valuable, nonpublic information of upcoming corporate announcements involving at least six client companies. That confidential information included advanced notice of an upcoming merger for BDSI; clinical trial results for healthcare products being developed by OncoCyte and CinCor; and quarterly earnings announcements for Inspire, Nano-X, and Inotiv. YEDID understood and intended that the information he provided to KAUFMAN and JACOBS would be used to execute securities trades before the information became public. As expected, KAUFMAN and JACOBS executed trades based on YEDID’s tips. In many cases, KAUFMAN and JACOBS traded aggressively in the securities of the companies, often purchasing shares or options just days before major announcements were made. Together, KAUFMAN and JACOBS traded in stocks and options on at least 17 different occasions based on YEDID’s tips. KAUFMAN generated profits of more than $480,000, and JACOBS generated profits of more than $35,000. In exchange for the tips, KAUFMAN shared half of his illegal profits with YEDID by giving him cash in envelopes during various meetings in New York City. In November 2024, FBI agents approached YEDID, KAUFMAN, and JACOBS as part of this investigation. Shortly after being contacted by the FBI, KAUFMAN intentionally deleted spreadsheets he maintained that listed the illegal profits he made through trading based on YEDID’s tips. KAUFMAN deleted these records in order to impede and obstruct the FBI’s investigation. * * * YEDID, 67, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. KAUFMAN, 68, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison; one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison; and one count of obstruction of justice, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. JACOBS, 77, of Malvern, Pennsylvania, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. YEDID is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge Swain on September 12, 2025, at 2:30 p.m; KAUFMAN is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge Swain on September 18, 2025, at 11 a.m; and JACOBS is scheduled to be sentenced by Chief Judge Swain on September 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for its cooperation and assistance in this investigation. The case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra Rothman is in charge of the prosecution. u.s._v._yedid_kaufman_and_jacobs_information.pdf


title: Nigerian Man Sentenced To More Than Five Years For Hacking, Fraud, And Identity Theft Scheme

body_text: Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that KINGSLEY UCHELUE UTULU was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe to 63 months in prison for his role in a broad hacking, fraud, and identity theft scheme targeting U.S.-based businesses and individuals. UTULU previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. “Kingsley Uchelue Utulu took part in a scheme to hack into U.S. tax preparation businesses, trade in the stolen personal identifying information, and defraud the IRS and other governmental bodies,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Offshore scammers like Utulu and his co-conspirators may think they can target hard-working Americans with their hacking and fraud schemes and avoid prosecution. The message from the Department and the FBI is clear, they cannot. We are committed to protecting Americans from criminals operating offshore.” FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia said: “Kingsley Utulu, a Nigerian national, was part of a scheme that targeted and infiltrated electronic systems of U.S.-based companies to steal more than two million dollars through fraudulent tax returns. Along with his co-conspirators, this defendant’s scheme reached across the globe to exploit sensitive information for financial gain. The FBI will never exempt any individual who seeks to unlawfully profit through deceitful practices, regardless of where they are located.” According to the Indictment, public court filings, and statements made in court: Beginning in at least in or about 2019, UTULU and other Nigeria-based conspirators took part in a scheme to hack into U.S-based tax preparation businesses. The conspirators utilized spearphishing emails to obtain access to these business’s electronic systems. Once they had obtained access, the conspirators stole the tax and other identifying information of the business’ customers. The conspirators hacked into several U.S.-based tax businesses, located in New York, Texas, and other states. The conspirators obtained the stolen identity information of thousands of individuals. They used this information to file fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service and state tax authorities. The conspirators sought fraudulent refunds of at least approximately $8.4 million, of which they successfully obtained at least approximately $2.5 million. In addition to filing fraudulent tax returns, the conspirators used the stolen identities to file fraudulent claims with the Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. The conspirators were able to obtain at least an additional approximately $819,000 in fraudulent payouts. UTULU was arrested for his involvement in this scheme while being present in the United Kingdom and was thereafter extradited to the U.S. to be prosecuted. * * * In addition to the prison term, UTULU, 38, of Nigeria, was ordered to pay restitution in an amount of $3,683,029.39 and forfeiture in the amount of $290,250. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Nessim is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Pennsylvania man sentenced to 15 years in prison for abducting a Virginia woman and transporting her to another state

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for kidnapping a Virginia woman. According to court documents, on March 17, 2022, Troy Edwin Leitner, 61, of Scranton, abducted a victim, identified as Jane Doe, from a residence in Norfolk, transported her to various locations, and eventually left her at a hospital in Manning, South Carolina, two days later. Jane Doe was renting a room inside a residence in Norfolk and was struggling with an addiction to heroin. Leitner went to a neighboring residence, presented a photograph of Jane Doe to the neighbor, and claimed that he had an arrest warrant for Jane Doe. Leitner also presented what appeared to be valid credentials and was wearing tactical clothing, a jacket marked "Fugitive Recovery Agent," a badge, and a pistol in a holster. Believing Leitner to be affiliated with law enforcement, the neighbor agreed to assist him. Though Jane Doe wasn’t home at the time, the neighbor called Leitner later that afternoon and informed him that the residents were back. Leitner returned, entered the residence, and abducted Jane Doe. Leitner placed handcuffs on Jane Doe and told her that she was under arrest. Leitner told Jane Doe that he was taking her somewhere to ask her questions and would bring her back to her residence. Jane Doe believed Leitner was affiliated with law enforcement and complied with his directions. Leitner took Jane Doe to the Ocean View Inn, handcuffed Jane Doe to a table, and told her he would shoot her if she ran. Leitner and Jane Doe stayed for approximately an hour before leaving. Leitner told Jane Doe that they were going to his office, which he claimed was located in Richmond. Leitner then transported Jane Doe to Richmond where she consumed heroin. Leitner then took Jane Doe southbound and Leitner rented several hotel rooms from Richmond to South Carolina. When Leitner and Jane Doe got out of his vehicle, Leitner would tell Jane Doe to stay close to him and pretend she was his girlfriend so that he would not have to embarrass her by putting her in handcuffs. Jane Doe feared Leitner and complied with his directions. At some point during the trip, Leitner called Jane Doe's mother on the telephone and falsely claimed that he was taking Jane Doe to a rehabilitation center in Florida. While Leitner and Jane Doe were at a hotel in Hamer, South Carolina, on March 18, 2022, Leitner received a call from a law enforcement officer. Leitner falsely claimed that his "office" in Washington had received information about drug and prostitution activity at Jane Doe's residence and that Jane Doe had agreed to assist in the apprehension of a drug dealer. He also falsely claimed that he was taking Jane Doe to rehabilitation and that he was part of “Federal Fugitive Recovery.” Leitner and Jane Doe left the hotel and drove for approximately one to two hours before stopping again. On March 19, 2022, when Jane Doe began to feel very sick, Leitner left her at a hospital in Manning. A security guard at the facility observed Leitner pull his vehicle into the ambulance bay of the hospital. Leitner was “jittery" and "nervous," and told security his name was "Agent Leitner " and that he was a bounty hunter. Leitner falsely claimed that he had picked up Jane Doe on the side of the road and that she was on drugs. The security guard became suspicious and photographed Leitner's Pennsylvania license plate. Leitner was later arrested in Pennsylvania. Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Dominique Evans, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Norfolk Field Office, made the announcement after sentencing by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Gibney Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan M. Montoya and Anthony C. Marek prosecuted the case. 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. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:24-cr-57.


title: Georgia Man Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing Machinegun at Hospital

body_text: MACON, Ga. – A Henry County resident who had a stolen Glock 9mm handgun with a loaded 30-round extended magazine capable of converting to a fully automatic weapon while at the Labor and Delivery unit of a hospital was sentenced to serve more than five years in prison—above federal sentencing guidelines—for his crime. Terrell Monquez Searcy, 21, of McDonough, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 66 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self on June 4. Searcy previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a machinegun on March 21, 2025. There is no parole in the federal system. “Holding people found in possession of machineguns and with illegal conversion devices accountable for breaking federal law remains a top priority in the Middle District of Georgia,” said Acting U.S. Attorney C. Shanelle Booker. “This case exemplifies how law enforcement and prosecutors work together to effectively remove illegal firearms and other dangerous destructive devices from the streets in order to make our communities safer.” “Machinegun conversion devices are fueling a deadly uptick in gun violence, turning routine firearms into weapons of war," said ATF Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Thomas Crawford of the Atlanta Field Division. "This case is yet another example of why ATF is committed to aggressively identifying and removing these illegal devices from our communities." According to court documents, the stipulation of facts and other statements made in Court, Monroe Police Department officers were dispatched to Piedmont Walton Hospital on Aug. 17, 2023, after a nurse observed Searcy in a Labor and Delivery room with a handgun, which is prohibited in the hospital. When hospital security came to the room, Searcy admitted he did have a handgun and that he put it under the couch cushion. He gave the firearm—a Glock Model 17 9mm handgun with a loaded 30-round extended magazine—to security and remained in the room. Hospital security noticed that a full auto sear pin appeared to have been attached to the rear of the slide, making the firearm a machinegun, prompting the call by hospital security to police. Police ran the serial number on the firearm and found out it was reported stolen from Walton County, Georgia. Searcy was taken into custody. ATF agents tested the firearm and confirmed it did function as a machinegun. Further investigation revealed that Searcy, a rapper known as Quez 2RR, had showcased a pistol with what appeared to be a machinegun conversion device in music videos on a YouTube channel. In a music video titled “Traffic,” Searcy rapped, “I pop out a switch on the back of my Glock” and “I put a switch on the back of my Glock, just to clean up the street when it’s time for that action.” At one point in the video, Searcy’s holding a pistol in his waistband with what appears to be a machinegun conversion device attached to the back. Following the federal indictment charging Searcy with possessing a machine gun in August 2024, agents located Instagram messages between Searcy and a female law enforcement officer with the Clayton County Police Department. Between January and March 2023, Searcy asked the police officer to run his information to see if there were any warrants for his arrest. The police officer also provided information to Searcy regarding an active homicide investigation. During an interview with Clayton County Police Department detectives, the officer admitted to providing Searcy with information on an active homicide investigation and advising Searcy when she located active warrants for his arrest. On Feb. 11, 2025, members of the ATF, McDonough Police Department and Henry County Sheriff’s Office executed a federal search warrant at Searcy’s residence in McDonough, Georgia. Searcy and two other men were in the home along with several firearms. The defendant told agents that he had been living at the residence for a couple of months, that he slept with a Draco firearm under his bed and that the Glock 17 found in the living room belonged to him. ATF agents submitted test fires from both firearms to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to determine if either firearm had been used in other crimes. The Micro Draco recovered from Searcy’s bedroom returned with several NIBIN leads, including two from the DeKalb County Police Department. Both DeKalb County incidents indicated that the Micro Draco was used in a drive-by shooting in DeKalb County where four people, including two juveniles, were shot inside their homes. Each shooting occurred within just days of Searcy receiving information from the Clayton County police officer on the active Clayton County homicide where his friend was shot and killed. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case, with assistance from the City of Monroe Police Department, Clayton County Police Department, McDonough Police Department, Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Dekalb County Police Department and the Piedmont Walton Hospital Security Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach prosecuted the case for the Government.


title: Four men sentenced for conspiracy to traffic counterfeit Adderall on darknet marketplace sites

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Three New York men and a New Jersey man have been sentenced to prison for conspiracy to create a counterfeit substance and distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, Gregory Castillo-Rosario, 32, of Brooklyn, New York; Joseph James Vasquez, 33, of Brooklyn; Joshua William Vasquez, aka Fredrico Sanchez and Luis Santos, 32, of Jackson Township, New Jersey; and Rafael Antonio Roman, 35, of Brooklyn, manufactured and distributed thousands of counterfeit Adderall pills that contained meth. They distributed the pills through three identified darknet marketplace (DM) drug vendor aliases: MrJohnson, NuveoDeluxe, and AllStateRx. The conspirators operated the vendor pages, posted listings for controlled substances, processed orders, packaged controlled substances using methods designed to evade law enforcement detection, and shipped the counterfeit pills to customers nationwide via the U.S. Postal Service. Payment from customers typically came in the form of cryptocurrency. The counterfeit Adderall were round, orange pills, debossed with "b974" on one side and "30" on the other to appear to be generic Adderall. The pills did not contain the active ingredients of the pharmaceutically manufactured drug, however, and instead contained meth. The conspirators advertised the counterfeit pills as Adderall, and while the NuveoDeluxe vendor page explicitly advertised its pills as containing meth, the AllStateRx and MrJohnson pages did not. The conspirators purchased meth over the darknet and used high-speed grinders to grind it into powder form. The conspirators also bought binding materials, mechanical pill presses, and pill press attachments to transform the meth into counterfeit Adderall pills. After a series of controlled buys, on Feb. 21, 2024, law enforcement searched a commercial facility used by the conspiracy that was leased and operated by members of Roman's family as well as the residences of Joshua Vasquez and Roman. At the facility, investigators recovered two pill presses used to make the pills, three high-speed grinders used to grind bulk meth, and approximately 39,996 counterfeit pills. At Joshua Vasquez’s residence, investigators found $298,108 in cash, and Vasquez had $15,726 on his person at the time of his arrest. At Roman's residence, investigators recovered approximately 34,593 counterfeit pills, a handgun, three loaded ammunition magazines, and approximately $34,820. Analysis of the vendor pages’ sales showed the three vendor pages were responsible for over 13,000 sales of counterfeit Adderall pills nationwide. When added to the pills seized as part of the investigation, analysis showed the conspiracy was responsible for at least 320 kilograms of counterfeit Adderall pills either manufactured for distribution or distributed across the United States. Joshua Vasquez pled guilty on April 24, 2024. On July 25, 2024, he was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Joseph Vasquez pled guilty on April 15, 2024. On Aug. 8, 2024, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Roman pled guilty on May 30, 2024. On Nov. 14, 2024, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Castillo-Rosario pled guilty on Jan. 3, 2024. He was sentenced yesterday to 12 years in prison. Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Emily Odom, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal and Cyber Division; Ibrar A. Mian, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Washington Division; George Scavdis, Special Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Metro Washington Field Office; and Damon E. Wood, Inspector in Charge of the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher M. Carter prosecuted the case. The investigation was supported by the Justice Department’s Joint Criminal Opioid and Darknet Enforcement (JCODE) team’s Operation RapTor, a global initiative to disrupt the sale of illicit narcotics on the darknet. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Howell Township Police Department, Marlboro Township Police Department, Asbury Park Police Department, Freehold Borough Police Department, Middletown Police Department, Wall Township Police Department, Jackson Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department, Orlando Police Department, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Arlington County Police Department, and New York Police Department provided significant assistance in the investigation. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case Nos. 1:24-cr-76 (Joseph Vasquez), 1:24-cr-83 (Joshua Vasquez), 1:24-cr-114 (Roman), and 1:24-cr-276 (Castillo-Rosario).


title: California Attorney Guilty of Federal Contempt Charge for Failing To Ensure Distribution of Settlement Funds to Relatives of Victims of Lion Air Flight 610

body_text: CHICAGO — A California attorney has pleaded guilty to a contempt of court charge for willfully disobeying a court order that called for settlement funds to be distributed to relatives of victims killed in the crash of Lion Air Flight 610. DAVID R. LIRA, 65, of Pasadena, Calif., entered the plea on Thursday before U.S. District Judge Mary M. Rowland in the Northern District of Illinois. Judge Rowland set sentencing for Oct. 8, 2025. Lira worked for the California personal injury law firm Girardi Keese, which represented five clients who were relatives of passengers killed in the 2018 crash in the Java Sea. Girardi Keese filed lawsuits in federal court in Chicago against the plane’s manufacturer, Boeing Co., and settled the suits in 2020. In connection with the settlements, U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin ordered that the settlement funds, which included a total of $7.5 million for four of the clients, be sent to each client as soon as practicable. Although Boeing wired the settlement funds for those four victims into Girardi Keese’s client trust account, Lira admitted in a plea agreement that he knew for several months that the firm failed to distribute the money to the clients, in contravention of Judge Durkin’s order. During those months, Lira admitted that the victims demanded their money but were not paid, and that there was nothing about the Covid-19 pandemic that precluded the firm from paying the money. Lira confronted another attorney at the firm, THOMAS GIRARDI, who was also Lira’s father-in-law, and demanded that Girardi pay the money to the clients, Lira’s plea agreement states. Lira admitted in his plea that he knew Girardi had misappropriated the money and that Lira was willfully violating Judge Durkin’s orders. Lira ultimately resigned from the firm. The Lion Air Victims eventually received their settlement funds following a hearing before Judge Durkin when another law firm’s insurer paid the amount that Girardi had misappropriated. Girardi, 86, of Seal Beach, Calif., was convicted last year by a federal jury in Los Angeles of embezzling millions of dollars in settlement funds from other clients. In connection with Girardi’s sentencing in that case, prosecutors in Los Angeles apprised the Court about Girardi’s misappropriation of settlement funds in the Lion Air matter. Girardi was sentenced earlier this week to more than seven years in federal prison. Lira’s guilty plea was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Hasten, Emily Vermylen, and Thomas Peabody. “The willful failure to ensure distribution of settlement funds compounded the grief and anguish of the clients who lost loved ones in the Lion Air crash,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros. “Attorneys who violate the trust of their clients and breach the fiduciary duty that is paramount to the practice of law will be held accountable.” “The FBI stands committed to protecting victims of crime and holding those who have violated federal laws accountable, no matter how much time may have passed,” said FBI SAC DePodesta. “The FBI is thankful for our continuing partnerships with law enforcement and our prosecutorial partners who have ensured justice in this case.” u.s._v._lira_no._23_cr_54-3_-_plea_agreement.pdf


title: U.S. Attorney announces immigration case updates for the Eastern District of Virginia

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, announced today case updates on seven immigration cases in the district. On Jan. 20 the President signed executive orders addressing the enforcement of U.S. immigration laws. Protecting the American People Against Invasion recognized that enforcing our Nation’s immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States, and that it is the policy of the United States to faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens, particularly those aliens who threaten the safety or security of the American people. The order tasked the Department of Justice with prioritizing the prosecution of criminal offenses related to the unauthorized entry or continued unauthorized presence of aliens in the United States. Securing Our Borders prioritizes the pursuit of criminal charges against illegal aliens who violate immigration laws and against those who facilitate their unlawful presence in the United States. On April 30, 2014, pursuant to a final order of removal, Honduran national Jose Alvarenga Aguirre, 30, was removed from the United States. Alvarenga Aguirre illegally reentered the United States, and on Aug. 9, 2024, agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) learned that he had been arrested in Fairfax County for charges of receiving or buying stolen goods and mob and simple assault or battery. On May 30, Alvarenga Aguirre pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-137 On April 23, 2023, Honduran national Gerson Josue Lopez was removed from the United States. Four days later, authorities again encountered and removed Lopez from the United States. On Dec. 2, 2024, Lopez was removed again following his arrest for abduction by force and intimidation and assault and battery on a family member after assaulting the mother of his two-year-old child. Lopez illegally reentered the United States in February 2025 and on Feb. 21 he was arrested by the Loudoun County Sherriff’s Office. On May 30, Lopez pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal and he remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-132 On Feb. 7, 1999, pursuant to a final order of removal, Mexican national Raul Hector Vasquez-Robles, 53, was removed from the United States. Vasquez-Robles illegally reentered the United States, and on Feb. 1, he was arrested on charges of possession of cocaine. ICE agents learned that he had been arrested after he was booked into the Chesapeake jail. On May 27, Vasquez-Robles pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 2:25-CR-51 On Jan. 16, 2020, Salvadoran national Jamie Alvarado Machuci, 39, was found illegally present in the United States after he was arrested, charged, and convicted of a felony hit and run in Prince William County. On June 30, 2020, pursuant to a final order of removal, Alvarado Machuci was removed from the United States. On Dec. 2, 2024, ICE agents learned that Alvarado Machuci had returned to the United States when he was arrested again in Prince William County. Alvarado Machuci pled guilty on June 4 to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:25-CR-137 On March 23, 2015, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) first encountered Guatemalan national Heliberto Figueroa Gomez, aka Greivin Armindo Juares Mazariegos, 31. On Aug. 29, 2019, pursuant to a final order of removal, Figueroa Gomez was removed from the United States. On Dec. 2, 2019, CBP again encountered Figueroa Gomez illegally present in the United States, and he was removed again on Dec. 12, 2019. Figueroa Gomez again illegally reentered the United States, and on Feb. 20 was arrested by Chesterfield Police on a pending driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge. On May 6, Figueroa Gomez pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 3:25-CR-31 On Feb. 13, 2018, Honduran national Nilson Javier Hernandez-Flores, 33, was removed from the United States pursuant to a final order of removal. Hernandez-Flores illegally reentered the United States and was removed again on Nov. 8, 2019. On March 19, 2022, ICE agents learned that Hernandez-Flores was subject to an arrest warrant for malicious wounding, use of a firearm in a felony, and grand larceny. Hernandez-Flores was arrested by Virginia Beach Police on Feb. 11, 2024. On June 4, Hernandez-Flores pled guilty to illegally reentering the United States following a previous removal. He remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 4: 24-CR-42 On Aug. 23, 2007, Liliana Yamileth Martinez-Medrano, aka Lidia Medrano and Jacqueline L. Reyes Vanegas, 40, was removed from the United States, and was removed again on April 4, 2017, pursuant to a final order of removal. On July 20, 2019, ICE agents found Martinez-Medrano, who was being held on local charges, at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. Martinez-Medrano self-deported on March 21, 2022. Martinez-Medrano later illegally reentered the United States. On Dec. 14, 2023, Martinez-Medrano self-surrendered on a warrant for her arrest for contributing to the delinquency of a minor after stealing packages with her nine-year-old child. On May 23, Martinez-Medrano was found in violation of her terms of supervised release. She remains subject to the prior order of removal. Case No. 1:21-CR-143 Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for the case number provided above.


title: Career Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Over 11 Years in Federal Prison

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: BOISE – Nicole Ann Kettler, 41, of Grayling, Michigan was sentenced to 139 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced. According to court records, Kettler was travelling to Portland, Oregon on a regular basis to purchase large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl for distribution in Idaho. On May 2, 2024, Kettler was pulled over for a traffic violation in Nampa, Idaho. During the traffic stop, officers observed drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. A canine trained in the detection of the odor of controlled substances positively alerted on the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 4,300 fentanyl pills, more than a half-pound of fentanyl powder, more than a quarter-pound of methamphetamine, and a variety of other controlled substances. After Kettler was arrested, she admitted to investigators that she frequently travelled to Portland to purchase significant quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl for distribution in Idaho. Kettler has two prior convictions for possession with intent to deliver controlled substances. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Kettler to serve five years of supervised release following her prison sentence. Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Idaho State Police Department, the Oregon State Police Department, and the High Desert Drug Task Force, which led to Kettler’s arrest and subsequent charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse prosecuted this case. The High Desert Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. They are supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). ###