title: Chinese state-sponsored hacker arrested on U.S. warrant

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 33-year-old Chinese national has been taken into custody for his alleged involvement in U.S. computer intrusions between February 2020 and June 2021, including the reckless and indiscriminate HAFNIUM campaign that compromised thousands of computers worldwide. Authorities took People's Republic of China (PRC) national Xu Zewei (徐泽伟) into custody in Milan, Italy, as he departed a plane from China at the request of the United States. Xu is charged along with PRC national Zhang Yu (张宇), 44, in a now unsealed nine-count indictment returned in November 2023. They were both involved in computer intrusions between February 2020 and June 2021 at the direction of officers of the PRC’s Ministry of State Security’s (MSS) Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB), according to the indictment. The charges allege MSS and SSSB are PRC intelligence services responsible for PRC's domestic counterintelligence, non-military foreign intelligence and aspects of the PRC's political and domestic security. When conducting the computer intrusions, Xu worked for Shanghai Powerock Network Co. Ltd., one of many “enabling” companies in the PRC that conducted hacking for the PRC government, according to the charges. “The indictment alleges that Xu was hacking and stealing crucial COVID-19 research at the behest of the Chinese government while that same government was simultaneously withholding information about the virus and its origins,” said Nicholas Ganjei, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. “The Southern District of Texas has been waiting years to bring Xu to justice and that day is nearly at hand. As this case shows, even if it takes years, we will track hackers down and make them answer for their crimes. The United States does not forget.” “This arrest underscores the United States’ patient and tireless commitment to pursuing hackers who seek to steal information belonging to U.S. companies and universities,” said John A. Eisenberg, Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division. “The Justice Department will find you and hold you accountable for threatening our cybersecurity and harming our people and institutions.” “While the world was reeling from a virus that originated in China, the Chinese government plotted to steal U.S. research critical to vaccine development,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “Xu Zewei, an alleged hacker acting on behalf of China's primary spy agency, targeted COVID-19 data using sophisticated cyber techniques and tradecraft. His landmark arrest by FBI Houston agents in Italy proves that we will scour the ends of the Earth to hold criminal foreign adversaries accountable.” According to court documents, in early 2020, Xu and his co-conspirators hacked and otherwise targeted U.S. based universities and leading immunologists and virologists conducting ground-breaking research into COVID-19 vaccines, treatment and testing. The charges allege Xu and others reported their activities to officers in the SSSB who were supervising and directing the hacking activities. For example, on or about Feb. 19, 2020, Xu allegedly provided an SSSB officer with confirmation that he had compromised the network of a research university located in SDTX. On or about Feb. 22, 2020, the SSSB officer directed Xu to target and access specific email accounts (mailboxes) belonging to virologists and immunologists engaged in COVID-19 research for the research university, according to the allegations. Xu later allegedly confirmed for the SSSB officer he acquired the contents of the researchers’ mailboxes. Beginning in late 2020, Xu and his co-conspirators exploited certain vulnerabilities in Microsoft Exchange Server, a widely used Microsoft product for sending, receiving and storing email messages, according to the charges. Their exploitation of Microsoft Exchange Server was allegedly at the forefront of a massive campaign targeting thousands of computers worldwide and known publicly as “HAFNIUM.” In March 2021, Microsoft publicly disclosed the intrusion campaign by state-sponsored hackers operating out of China. In July 2021 , the United States and foreign partners attributed the HAFNIUM campaign to the PRC’s MSS, which they and private sector cybersecurity leaders condemned as “indiscriminate,” “reckless,” “irresponsible” and “destabilizing.” The charges allege victims of Xu’s exploitation of Microsoft Exchange Server were a university located in the Southern District of Texas and a law firm with offices worldwide, including in Washington, D.C. After exploiting computers running Microsoft Exchange Server, Xu and his co-conspirators allegedly installed web shells on them to enable their remote administration. According to the indictment, these web shells were specific to HAFNIUM actors at the time. As with the earlier COVID-19 research intrusions, Xu and Zhang allegedly worked together on the HAFNIUM intrusions under the supervision and direction of SSSB officers. For example, on or about Jan. 30, 2021, Xu confirmed to Zhang that he had compromised the university’s network, according to the charges, and on or about Feb. 28, 2021, updated an SSSB officer on his successful intrusions. This SSSB officer then directed Xu to obtain a list of other, successful intrusions from a second SSSB officer, according to the allegations. The charges allege unauthorized access to the law firm’s network allowed Xu and his co-conspirators to steal information from mailboxes and search them for information regarding specific U.S. policy makers and government agencies. Their search terms allegedly included “Chinese sources,” “MSS” and “HongKong.” The announcement of charges against Xu is the latest describing the PRC’s use of an extensive network of private companies and contractors in China to hack and steal information in a manner that obscured the PRC government’s involvement. Operating from their safe haven and motivated by profit, this network of private companies and contractors in China allegedly cast a wide net to identify vulnerable computers, exploit those computers, and then identify information that it could sell directly or indirectly to the PRC government. This largely indiscriminate approach can result in more victims in the United States and elsewhere, more systems worldwide left vulnerable to future exploitation by third parties, and more stolen information, often of no interest to the PRC government and, therefore, sold to other third-parties. In April 2021, the Justice Department announced a court-authorized operation to remediate hundreds of computers in the United States left vulnerable by HAFNIUM actors. Xu is charged with two counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to do which all carry possible prison terms of up to 20 years in federal prison. The indictment also includes conspiracy to cause damage to and obtain information by unauthorized access to protected computers, to commit wire fraud and to committing identity theft as well as two counts of obtaining information by unauthorized access to protected computers. If convicted on any of those charges, he could receive up to five years, while intentional damage to a protected computer carries a maximum 10-year-possible sentence on either of two counts as charged. For the aggravated identity theft, he could receive another two years which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. All convictions would also have the potential of up to $250,000 as a possible fine. Zhang remains at large. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The FBI’s Houston Field Office is conducting the investigation. SDTX Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Mark McIntyre and John Marck and Deputy Chief Matthew Anzaldi of the National Security Division’s National Security Cyber Section are prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Ute Fish and Wildlife Officer Pleads Guilty in 2022 Shooting on Tribal Land in Uinta Canyon

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Waneka Rosebud Cornpeach, age 42, of Fort Duchesne, Utah, pled guilty to felony charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury, both while within Indian Country. According to the plea agreement, on July 17, 2022, the defendant admits to firing her weapon at two different victims, resulting in serious bodily injury to both victims. The defendant was remanded, and sentencing will be held on November 17, 2025. The FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Brian Dunn from the District of Colorado is handling the prosecution of the case in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. Case Number: 2:23-cr-00434-HCN-DAO-1


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts 4 in Sex Trafficking Ring

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a 15-count indictment against four individuals from the Charleston area in connection with sex trafficking. The charges stem from an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Charleston Police Department that uncovered sex trafficking, money laundering, conspiracy offenses, and related charges. The individuals charged include: Johnathan Dais, 33, of Charleston, for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking; sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; attempted sex trafficking of a child; use of a facility of interstate commerce to promote an unlawful activity; false statements; conspiracy to commit money laundering; and money laundering. Calvin Wolfe, 54, of Charleston, for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Rose Stoner a/k/a Rose Wolfe, 50, of Charleston, for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Alexis McInnis, 20, of Charleston, for use of a facility of interstate commerce to promote an unlawful activity; false statements; and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The indictment alleges that between 2016 and 2025, Dais, and at times his co-conspirators, Wolfe and Stoner a/k/a Wolfe, recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, and sex trafficked at least five victims by force, fraud, or coercion, including one minor victim. The indictment also alleges Dais and McInnis used facilities of interstate commerce to promote prostitution activity, and that they each made false statements to law enforcement during the investigation. Dais and McInnis are also charged with laundering the funds derived from such unlawful activities. Sex trafficking carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Johnathan Dais, Calvin Wolfe, and Rose Stoner a/k/a Wolfe are currently detained pending trial, and Alexis McInnis was granted a $5,000 unsecured bond on July 7 by the Honorable Molly Cherry. Authorities with Homeland Security Investigations and the Charleston Police Department are seeking information that may help identify additional victims exploited by these individuals. If you, or someone you know, was a victim, please provide a name and contact information to the following email address, with subject line referencing Johnathan Dais: Charleston_ExploitationTips@hsi.dhs.gov . The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Charleston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Orville is prosecuting the case. All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Nevada Resident Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Engage in Voter Registration Fraud

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Ronnie Williams pled guilty today to an information charging him with conspiracy to engage in voter registration fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Today’s guilty plea underscores our commitment to protecting the integrity of the electoral process,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy. Any attempt to undermine that process through fraud will be investigated and prosecuted. This case sends a clear message—election fraud will not be tolerated in Minnesota.” According to court documents, beginning in 2021 through 2022, Ronnie Williams, 58, was involved in a conspiracy to create fictitious identities and information for use in Minnesota voter registration applications. After filling out the forms, Williams signed a statement affirming that he had read and understood the certification, which included a warning that submitting false information constitutes a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. According to court documents, Williams then submitted the fraudulent registrations to Foundation 1, an organization focused on voter registration efforts in Minnesota. Foundation 1 forwarded the false applications to county election offices throughout the state. In exchange, Foundation 1 compensated Williams for each registration submitted, and Williams shared a portion of the payments to his co-conspirator. Williams pled guilty today in U.S. District Court before Judge David S. Doty. This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office wishes to thank the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section for partnering with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also wishes to thank the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State and the Carver County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance and full cooperation with this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Harry M. Jacobs and Trial Attorney Jonathan Jacobson of the Justice Department’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Birmingham Tax Preparer Sentenced for Filing False Tax Returns

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham tax preparer has been sentenced for preparing false tax returns for clients, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. U.S. District Judge Sharon L. Blackburn sentenced Geta Barr to 18 months in prison. In February 2025, Barr pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of a false and fraudulent tax return. According to the plea agreement, Barr was the owner Maxi Tax Resource, LLC, a tax preparation business in Birmingham. Of the approximately 900 returns that Barr prepared for tax years 2017, 2018, and 2019, 96% claimed refunds. Barr prepared false tax returns for at least 14 different clients between tax years 2016 and 2020. During this time, Barr included false Schedule Cs reporting losses for fabricated businesses, as well as false itemized deductions and standard deductions. This fraudulent conduct resulted in a total tax loss to the IRS of over $300,000. The Internal Revenue Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan S. Rummage the case.


title: Honduran National Sentenced To 21 Months In Federal Prison For Facilitating $7.6 Million Payroll Scheme To Defraud The IRS And Workers’ Compensation Insurance Company

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Brian J. Davis today sentenced Ana Romero (43, Honduras) to 21 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States for the purpose of impeding the lawful functions of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The court also ordered Romero to forfeit $461,850, which are proceeds of the wire fraud offense. In addition, Romero was ordered to pay $1,947,471.18 in restitution to the IRS. Romero entered a guilty plea on November 15, 2024. According to court documents, between 2018 and 2019, Romero conspired with others to facilitate the payment of construction workers “off the books” to avoid paying premiums for workers’ compensation insurance and payroll taxes. Construction contractors and subcontractors entered into arrangements with the conspirators, through which Universal Florida Construction LLC – a shell company formed by Romero – facilitated both the distribution of proof of insurance and the payment of workers with cash. In exchange for 6% to 8% of the contractors’ and subcontractors’ payroll, Romero and others caused the distribution of certificates of liability insurance in the name of Universal Florida Construction, which contractors and subcontractors then used as nominal proof that workers were supposedly insured. In reality, Universal Florida Construction’s insurance policy was issued based on a fraudulent application that never disclosed that contractors and subcontractors would be employing workers who were ostensibly insured under the shell company’s barebones insurance policy. As a result of contractors and subcontractors using Universal Florida Construction’s proof of insurance, but never paying any insurance premiums, the insurance company was defrauded more than $1.2 million. Romero and others also facilitated the deposit of checks into the shell company’s bank accounts, as well as the withdrawal of cash to be paid to workers – all without withholding, or paying over, payroll taxes to the IRS. Through these arrangements with the conspirators, the construction contractors and subcontractors could disclaim responsibility for withholding and paying payroll taxes to the IRS or ensuring that the workers were legally authorized to work in the United States. By facilitating payments to workers of over $7.6 million without payroll taxes being withheld, Romero and her co-conspirators caused the U.S. Treasury to lose more than $1.9 million in tax receipts. One of co-conspirators, Oscar Molina-Avila, was previously sentenced to four years and four months’ imprisonment for his role in the scheme. Co-defendant Jose Molina-Herrera was previously sentenced to two years and three months’ imprisonment. “Romero and her co-conspirators assisted contractors and work crews in stealing money from the federal government by avoiding paying over employment taxes, which were ultimately used for their personal gain and unfair industry competition,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Richard Nelson, IRS Criminal Investigation, Tampa Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation special agents and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate and refer to the Department of Justice, employers engaging in employment tax fraud. Romero’s sentencing serves as an example of what they can expect when engaging in this illegal activity.” “Under-the-table cash payroll schemes, especially those designed to pay illegal immigrants not authorized to work in the United States, jeopardizes the integrity of the industry and undermines the legal framework intended to protect workers and ensure fair business practices,” said HSI Jacksonville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Timothy Hemker “HSI, through our strong law enforcement partnerships, is committed to investigating these schemes and bringing to justice those who seek to exploit the system.” This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Florida Department of Financial Services – Bureau of Insurance Fraud. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican.


title: Pawtucket Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fraud, ID Theft, Altering Government Checks, and Violating Terms of Supervised Release

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE, RI – A Pawtucket man with a lengthy record of arrests and convictions for financial fraud who admitted to defrauding the federally funded Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the U.S. Treasury out of more than $100,000 combined was sentenced today to federal prison, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Reynaldo Martinez, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 73 months and one day of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release. Martinez pleaded guilty on April 2, 2025, to two counts of conspiracy and one count each of misuse of a Social Security number, and aggravated identity theft. He also admitted to violating the terms of federal supervised released he was serving at the time of his most recent arrest. In this most recent case, court documents reflect that Martinez appeared in person at multiple Rhode Island Department of Human Services offices and filed fraudulent applications for SNAP benefits. Martinez fraudulently obtained at least 40 SNAP EBT cards through the use of stolen identities, stolen or fraudulent Social Security numbers, and/or fraudulent driver’s licenses. Martinez fraudulently secured at least $33,192.36 in SNAP benefits. In a second fraud scheme, Martinez cashed altered United States Treasury checks made payable to himself. Martinez and co-conspirators obtained checks made payable to others, then altered the checks to reflect counterfeit or fraudulent driver’s licenses they presented when cashing or depositing the checks. The total amount of fraudulent U.S. Treasury checks cashed or deposited was approximately $79,532.32. Court records illustrate that Martinez was previously arrested and convicted on multiple occasions in multiple states on fraud related and other criminal charges dating back to 2012. In November 2017, Martinez pleaded guilty in federal court to four counts of aggravated identity theft, two counts of access fraud, and one count each of bank fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud, attempted access fraud, and interstate transportation of stolen goods. He was sentenced to 48 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of federal supervised release. Martinez’s most recent fraud schemes were launched while he was serving the term of supervised release. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Peter I. Roklan. The matters were investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, U.S. Marshals Service, Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit - Fraud Detection & Prevention Unit, Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Rhode Island State Police, Pawtucket Police Department, Warwick Police Department, West Warwick Police Department, Woonsocket Police Department, Foxborough, MA Police Department, and Walmart Global Investigations. ###


title: Man Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison For String Of Armed Robberies In Charlotte

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jamaris Ladell Smith, 36, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 14 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release today for a string of armed robberies, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Chief Johnny Jennings, of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement. According to documents filed with the court, Smith committed six armed robberies in a span of two days. Court records show that, on January 17, 2023, at approximately 11 p.m., Smith entered the Sam’s Mart located at 4627 Sharon Road in Charlotte. Wearing a denim jacket with a fake fur collar, a red and blue knit cap, a black hoody, and blue jeans, Smith pointed a handgun at the store clerk and demanded cash. During the robbery, Smith told the clerk not to get killed over the store, warning her that she would be killed if she made the wrong move. The clerk placed the cash drawer on the counter and Smith took the money and left the scene. The next day, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Smith, wearing a blue denim jacket with the words “Empty Promises” written on the back, entered the Walgreens located at 7115 E WT Harris Blvd. in Charlotte and asked the clerk to open the register. Smith then pointed a black handgun at the clerk. When the clerk hesitated, Smith began to count down from five to zero. The clerk opened the register and Smith reached over and grabbed the cash. As with the previous robbery, Smith told the clerk he was not playing around and that he would shoot her. After taking the cash, Smith left the scene. On the same day, at approximately 8:30 p.m., Smith, wearing the same denim jacket with the words “Empty Promises” written on the back, entered the CVS located at 6110 The Plaza, in Charlotte. Smith stood at the empty counter until the clerk came from the back to help him. At that point, Smith pulled out a gun and said, “Don’t move and don’t scream. Give me everything you got.” The clerk opened the store register and gave Smith cash. Smith then fled the scene in a vehicle. Later the same evening, a little after 11:00 p.m., Smith, wearing a denim jacket with a fake fur collar, a red and black knit cap, and a black hoody, entered the Circle K located at 4474 Randolph Road, in Charlotte. Smith pointed a black handgun at the store clerk, telling him to empty the register. Smith grabbed the cash from the register and left. The next day, on January 19, at approximately 1:20 a.m., Smith, wearing the same outfit as the day prior, entered the 7-Eleven located at 8101 Old Concord Road in Charlotte, pointed a handgun at the clerk and stated, “it’s not worth it, give me all the money.” Smith took the store’s cash and left. U.S. v. Jamaris Ladell Smith – January 19, 2023, Armed Robbery of 7-Eleven Store Then a few hours later, at approximately 6:05 a.m., Smith entered the Burger King located at 4709 Sharon Road, in Charlotte, pointed a gun at an employee, forced her into the office and demanded money from the cash registers. Smith took the cash and fled in a silver SUV. Smith was arrested later the same day after investigators reviewed surveillance videos from the robberies and identified him as the robber. Distinctive articles of clothing Smith wore during the robberies, including the jacket with the writing on the back, were recovered from Smith’s residence. Also, the firearm Smith used during the robberies was found in Smith’s vehicle. On February 16, 2024, Smith pleaded guilty to six counts of Hobbs Act robberies and brandishing a firearm during, in relation to, and in furtherance of a crime of violence. He remains in custody pending transfer to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility. In sentencing Smith to a lengthy prison term, U.S. District Judge Max O. Cogburn Jr. noted the need to promote respect for the law and to protect the public. The FBI and CMPD investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dana Washington with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.


title: Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Returning to  United States after Removal

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national has pleaded guilty in federal court to illegally reentering the United States after having been previously removed. Florencio Aburto-Feliciano, 46, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to one count of unlawfully returning to the United States after removal. On May 8, 2025, Aburto-Feliciano was arrested on warrants for outstanding traffic violations by Greenwood, Missouri, Police Officers. On May 10, 2025, he was taken into custody by immigration officers at the Jackson County, Missouri detention center. Aburto-Feliciano faces up to two years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Chief U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips will impose sentencing on November 13, 2025. He has been and will remain in custody pending his sentencing hearing. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman. It was investigated by Immigration & Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations. Operation Take Back America These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Convicted Felon With 17 Firearms Pleads Guilty

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Latchman Singh (31, Orlando) today pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Singh faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 25, 2025. According to court documents, deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office were executing a search warrant at Singh’s residence in connection with state auto theft charges when they discover that Singh, a previously convicted felon, had 17 firearms in his closet, bedroom and kitchen: At least two of the firearms were stolen, one firearm did not have a serial number, and one of the firearms had a silencer attached to it. As a previously convicted felon, Singh is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. Singh has agreed to forfeit the firearms and ammunition, which were involved in the offense. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill. 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.


title: Justice Department's Antitrust Division Announces Whistleblower Rewards Program

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division today announces its partnership with the United States Postal Service to create the Whistleblower Rewards Program. For the first time, the Antitrust Division will offer rewards for individuals who report antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm consumers, taxpayers, and free market competition across industries from healthcare to agriculture — under existing law and at no additional cost to the taxpayer. “Antitrust crimes and related offenses that harm free market competition often occur in secret, making detection a formidable challenge. The new Whistleblower Rewards Program will create a new pipeline of leads from individuals with firsthand knowledge of criminal antitrust and related offenses that will help us break down those walls of secrecy and hold violators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Antitrust Division. “This program raises the stakes: If you’re fixing prices or rigging bids, don’t assume your scheme is safe — we will find and prosecute you, and someone you know may get a reward for helping us do it.” “This reporting mechanism gives those with a vested interest in maintaining the integrity of the Postal Service the opportunity to join us in the fight,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “The Postal Inspection Service, along with our partners in the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General will not tolerate anyone who violates Antitrust Laws; we remain committed to seeking justice against anyone who chooses to do so. And for those who are also motivated to using this tool to report Antitrust crimes, we affirm our commitment to fully investigate and bring violators to justice.” “As a key partner and original member in the Department of Justice’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG), actively collaborates with other federal agencies to detect, investigate, and prosecute antitrust crimes, ensuring fair competition and safeguarding taxpayer’s dollars in federal procurements,” said Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Robert Kwalwasser, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “We are pleased to be partnering with DOJ and the Postal Inspection Service to implement the Whistleblower Rewards Program to incentivize individuals and companies to provide information about collusive behavior without fear of reprisal. This newly established program is an example of DOJ’s commitment to root out illicit behavior in all industries, which includes industries where the USPS procures goods and services either directly or indirectly. The USPS OIG will fully participate in this collaborate effort to ensure the USPS and the U.S. taxpayers are not being defrauded of honest services.” The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and USPS OIG have long played a vital role in uncovering and investigating postal-related antitrust crimes that harm Americans. The Whistleblower Rewards Program will provide individuals with the opportunity to report evidence of antitrust crimes directly to the Antitrust Division and, in appropriate cases, qualify for substantial monetary rewards of up to 30% of any criminal fines recovered, for violations of law affecting the Postal Service, its revenues, or its property. The program expands upon the Division’s long-standing efforts to detect and prosecute cartels and criminal collusion by incentivizing individuals to report specific, credible, and timely information about illegal agreements to fix prices, rig bids, and allocate markets, as well as other federal criminal violations that impact, distort, or undermine the competitive process or market competition. To facilitate reporting, the Division has established a dedicated Whistleblower Regards Program webpage accessible at www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards . Whistleblowers and their counsel are encouraged to contact the Division promptly.


title: Previously convicted felon sentenced to five years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm

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

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on July 16, 2024, Richmond Police officers approached Terry B. Matthews, 41, in a parking lot in Richmond. When the officers engaged Matthews in conversation, Matthews fled on foot and the officers pursued. Matthews jumped from a ledge and injured himself when he landed. Officers observed a loaded handgun in Matthews’ waistband and recovered it. Matthews also possessed a knotted plastic baggie containing over five grams of cocaine. In 2005, Matthews was convicted of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He then was convicted of assault and battery for beating his 17-year-old former girlfriend with a wooden board and a stick. Matthews was later convicted of second-degree murder after using a tree branch to strike the head of a victim who allegedly owed him money. As a previously convicted felon, Matthews cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition. Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Rick Edwards, Chief of Richmond Police, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick J. McGorman 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. 3:24-cr-160.


title: Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Concealing His Cryptocurrency Donations to ISIS

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – Jibreel Pratt, 26, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to two counts of concealing cryptocurrency donations he intended to make to the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. According to the plea agreement, in February 2023, Pratt initiated a conversation with a Confidential Human Source (CHS) who Pratt believed was an ISIS member who could facilitate overseas travel to join ISIS. Over the next several months, Pratt communicated his desire to travel overseas to join ISIS and recorded a video pledging allegiance to ISIS’s leader. Pratt also provided ideas, information, documents and handwritten notes on a variety of subjects, including how ISIS could use drones and remote-controlled cars to deliver explosives, how ISIS could organize intelligence operations, and how ISIS could improve its air defense systems. And, in March and May 2023, Pratt sent cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) to the CHS, intending that the money would be used to help pay for the travel of other individuals who were purportedly traveling to join ISIS and/or to help fund an individual who Pratt believed would commit an act of violence in support of ISIS. Pratt concealed the nature and source of his Bitcoin transfers by using a privacy focused VPN and an app that encrypted private keys and transaction data. “Jibreel Pratt has many talents. And he swore a binding oath to use them to help ISIS—a genocidal anti-American terrorist organization,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon. “Pratt meticulously plotted to support ISIS and covertly sent them money to further their evil works. We will find the terrorists operating in our shadows and bring them to justice.” "Today’s guilty plea by Jibreel Pratt underscores the serious threat posed by individuals who attempt to support foreign terrorist organizations known for violence and human rights abuses,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The FBI remains unwavering in its commitment to protecting the American people from those who seek to carry out or orchestrate acts of terrorism. This outcome reflects the strength of our partnerships with law enforcement and intelligence agencies, as well as the dedication of our Joint Terrorism Task Force. The FBI in Michigan will continue working relentlessly to disrupt any plot that threatens the security of our nation.” Sentencing is scheduled for November 13, 2025. A conviction for concealing the financing of terrorism carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. The parties agreed that a 9-year sentence is an appropriate resolution of the matter. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Douglas Salzenstein and Jennifer Burke, Trial Attorney, National Security Division, U.S. Department of Justice are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.


title: Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Illinois Case Concerning States’ Obligations Under the National Voter Registration Act

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: Today, the Justice Department filed a Statement of Interest in Judicial Watch v. Illinois State Board of Elections , regarding the requirements under the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) for states to make reasonable efforts to remove the names of ineligible voters and to make their voter registration list available for public inspection. The requirement for states to make a “reasonable effort” to clean their voter rolls means that the program should be effective in achieving the goals set out by Congress, and nothing less. “It is critical to remove ineligible voters from the registration rolls so that elections are conducted fairly, accurately, and without fraud,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Under the NVRA, states have the responsibility to conduct a robust program of list maintenance. The Department of Justice will vigorously enforce those requirements to ensure compliance.” More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting . Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.


title: Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Nearly 3 Years in Federal Prison  for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on July 7, 2025. Adrian Fast Dog, age 45, was sentenced to two years and nine months in federal prison and five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100. Fast Dog was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2024. He pleaded guilty on April 10, 2025. The conviction stems from Fast Dog failing to register as a sex offender as required by federal law between June 25, 2024, and February 13, 2025. Fast Dog had previously been convicted of a sex offense in federal court, which requires him to register for the rest of his life. This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . Fast Dog was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Doc Antle, Owner of Myrtle Beach Safari, Sentenced for Federal Wildlife Trafficking and Money Laundering Charges

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: Bhagavan “Doc” Antle, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina — who was featured in a popular Netflix documentary — was sentenced today to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to a conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and launder more than $500,000 for what he believed to be an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants into the United States across the Mexico border. Antle was also ordered to pay a $55,000 fine, serve three years of supervised release, and forfeit three chimpanzees and more than $197,000 to the government. Two of Antle’s co-defendants were recently sentenced for their separate involvement in either the Lacey Act or money laundering conspiracy. A defendant in a related case recently pleaded guilty to illegally selling a newborn chimpanzee to Antle. “Today’s sentence holds Doc Antle and his co-defendants accountable for activity they knew was unlawful and unethical,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “They illegally purchased and sold newborn endangered wildlife even as they laundered more than $500,000 in smuggling money — all while promoting themselves as conservationists.” “Doc Antle portrayed himself as a conservationist. But in reality, he was a key player in the illegal chimpanzee trade, and he laundered more than half a million dollars through a complex web of deceit,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “We are grateful to our law enforcement partners for their work in bringing the defendant to justice for both of these federal crimes.” “These sentences should send a clear message: the FBI and our partners will not tolerate those who attempt to violate our laws,” said Special Agent in Charge Kevin Moore of the FBI Columbia Field Office. “We remain firmly committed to investigating and holding accountable individuals whose illegal actions threaten our financial systems and put protected species at risk.” “This case underscores the grave criminal threat posed by wildlife traffickers who not only exploit vulnerable species for profit but also use sophisticated money laundering tactics to conceal their crimes,” said Assistant Director Douglas Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement. “Our special agents uncovered a complex network of illicit activity involving the trafficking of endangered animals — including baby chimpanzees and cheetahs — falsified documentation, and the laundering of hundreds of thousands of dollars through purported nonprofit organizations. These traffickers operated under the false pretense of conservation, betraying both the law and public trust. We remain unwavering in our commitment to dismantling such networks and bringing those responsible to justice.” The wildlife conspiracy outlined various schemes Antle used to hide his illegal trafficking in endangered species, including requiring payments to be “donations” funneled through his non-profit, The Rare Species Fund; conducting transactions in bulk cash to hide their true nature; and creating false paperwork to hide the illegality of his wildlife transactions. The animals trafficked included baby chimpanzees, cheetahs, lions, and tigers, all of which are protected under both the Endangered Species Act and international treaties. The Lacey Act prohibits trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, fish or plants, including animals protected under the Endangered Species Act. Antle’s co-defendant in the wildlife conspiracy, Jason Clay, was recently sentenced to four months in prison, four months home confinement, and to pay a $4,000 fine into the Lacey Act Reward Fund. In 2019, Clay illegally sold a juvenile chimpanzee to Antle in exchange for $200,000 in cash and a juvenile gibbon. As for the money laundering conspiracy, Antle and a co-defendant laundered more than $500,000 in cash between February and April 2022 that were represented to be proceeds from an operation to smuggle illegal immigrants across the Mexican border into the United States. Evidence presented to the court showed that Antle planned to conceal the cash he received by writing checks for what appeared to be construction-related services for Myrtle Beach Safari, which he owned and operated, and which was featured in the Netflix documentary. The Myrtle Beach Safari is a 50-acre for-profit zoo that offers tours and private encounters with exotic wildlife. Antle’s co-defendant in the money laundering conspiracy, Andrew Sawyer, was recently sentenced to serve two years of probation including eight months of home detention. He also forfeited nearly $185,000 to the government and a chimpanzee. In a different Lacey Act violation case connected to Antle, Shaylynn Kolwyck-Peterson pleaded guilty last month to illegally selling a chimpanzee to Antle in 2022 for $200,000. The Kolwyck family owns and manages the private Sunshine Zoological Preserve LLC in north Florida. The facility is believed to be the only one in the United States breeding chimpanzees for private or non-scientific purposes. The FBI and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the case. Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Bower for the District of South Carolina prosecuted the case.


title: OmegaPro Founder and Promoter Charged for Running Global $650M Foreign Exchange and Crypto Investment Scam

component: Criminal Division

body_text: An indictment was unsealed today in the District of Puerto Rico charging two men for their alleged roles in operating and promoting OmegaPro, an international investment scheme that defrauded victim investors of over $650 million. According to court documents, Michael Shannon Sims, 48, of Georgia and Florida, was a founder, strategic consultant, and promoter of OmegaPro, and Juan Carlos Reynoso, 57, of New Jersey and Florida, led OmegaPro’s operations in Latin America and parts of the United States, including Puerto Rico. “As alleged, the defendants preyed upon vulnerable individuals in the U.S. and abroad, defrauding them of over $650 million by making false promises of substantial returns and that their money was safe,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division is committed to prosecuting these bad actors and pursuing justice for their many victims. Thanks to the dedicated work of our multiagency and international law enforcement partners, we are leading efforts to combat these complex and insidious digital asset investor scams.” “As alleged in the indictment, the defendants operated a global fraud scheme through OmegaPro that deceived investors with false promises of extraordinary returns, only to misappropriate hundreds of millions of victim funds,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “We remain committed to dismantling international financial schemes that target U.S. victims — including here in Puerto Rico — and to recovering illicit proceeds through criminal prosecution and asset forfeiture.” “The FBI will not stand by while the American public is defrauded,” said Assistant Director Joe Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “Through coordination with our partners, these individuals will have to defend their actions in a court of law.” “This case exposes the ruthless reality of modern financial crime,” said Chief Guy Ficco of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). “OmegaPro promised financial freedom but delivered financial ruin – stealing over $650 million from everyday people and vanishing it into virtual currency. These weren't just scams; they were precision-engineered betrayals. Our job is to stand up for those who've been exploited and continue our cross-agency collaboration until those responsible are brought to justice." “This case highlights the critical role international partnerships play in dismantling transnational financial fraud schemes that exploit global markets and victimize unsuspecting investors,” said International Operations Assistant Director Ricardo Mayoral of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “HSI remains committed to working with our partners worldwide to disrupt criminal networks that weaponize emerging technologies to conceal illicit profits and defraud the public.” Sims and co-conspirators established OmegaPro in or about January 2019, and Reynoso joined a few months later, in or about April 2019. As alleged, the defendants and others operated and promoted OmegaPro as a multi-level marketing (MLM) scheme for investors to purchase “investment packages,” which the defendants and others falsely promised would generate 300% returns over 16 months through foreign exchange (forex) trading by elite traders. Investors were instructed to purchase these investment packages using virtual currency. According to court documents, Sims allegedly misled victims by vouching for OmegaPro’s trading performance and the skills of the hired traders and by falsely advertising the safety of investment in OmegaPro. Reynoso allegedly falsely and misleadingly represented that OmegaPro was operating pursuant to a legitimate license and, at other times, that OmegaPro was not subject to any country’s legal rules. The indictment alleges that Sims and Reynoso, together with co-conspirators, hosted lavish OmegaPro promotional events and trainings all over the world including, for example, projecting the OmegaPro logo onto the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, at an event in Dubai. The objective of these promotional events allegedly was to convince existing and prospective investors that OmegaPro was a legitimate enterprise that offered a path to wealth and a luxurious lifestyle. Further, Sims, Reynoso, and their co-conspirators used social media to display their expensive vacations and cars, as well as their designer clothes and watches. The indictment alleges that through the defendants’ and others’ misrepresentations, OmegaPro raised over $650 million in virtual currency from thousands of investors. After OmegaPro announced that it had suffered a network hack, Reynoso and others told victims in or about January 2023 that their investments were secure and that OmegaPro was transferring their investments to another platform called Broker Group. Despite these representations, victims were unable to withdraw money from either their OmegaPro accounts or their accounts at Broker Group, resulting in millions in victim losses. The more than $650 million in funds raised from victims allegedly was first sent to virtual currency wallet addresses controlled by OmegaPro executives and then allegedly transferred to OmegaPro insiders and high-ranking promoters to disperse the funds and obscure their origins. As alleged, Sims and Reynoso both profited millions from this scheme. Both defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, Sims and Reynoso each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. The FBI, IRS-CI, and HSI New York are investigating the case, with assistance from FBI’s Virtual Asset Unit, HSI Bangkok, HSI Bogota, HSI Frankfurt, HSI Istanbul, HSI London, HSI Miami, HSI New Delhi, HSI The Hague, the Office of the Attorney General of Colombia, and the Joint Chiefs of Global Tax Enforcement (J5), an alliance between the Australian Taxation Office, the Canada Revenue Agency, the Dutch Fiscal Intelligence and Investigation Service, His Majesty's Revenue and Customs from the U.K., and IRS-CI. Trial Attorneys Ariel Glasner and Tamara Livshiz of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Gottfried for the District of Puerto Rico and on detail to the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section are prosecuting the case. If you believe you were potentially victimized by OmegaPro or have information relevant to this investigation, please visit the FBI’s Victim Witness website at forms.fbi.gov/victims/omegaprovictims or contact OmegaProVictims@fbi.gov . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: California Bay Area CEO Sentenced for Employment Tax Crimes

component: Tax Division

body_text: A California man was sentenced today to a year and a day in prison for a decade-long scheme to avoid paying over employment taxes to the IRS. The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: John Comeau, of Santa Clara, was the CEO of Vivid Inc., a company that provided metal coating services to industrial customers in California and elsewhere. Vivid Inc. employed as many as 40 employees at any given time. Comeau was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from the wages of Vivid’s employees and then paying those funds over to the IRS each quarter. The timely payment of these taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government, because, for example, they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year. From the first quarter of 2010 through the fourth quarter of 2019, Vivid Inc. paid its employee a total of over $8.8 million in wages. During this period, Comeau collected and withheld taxes from the wages of Vivid’s employees but did not pay over all the taxes owed to the IRS. He also caused false quarterly employment tax returns to be filed with the IRS, underreporting Vivid’s wages by more than $5 million. To conceal his scheme, Comeau caused accurate tax forms to be issued to certain employees. These tax forms reported higher wages than the amounts Vivid had reported to the IRS. Comeau also issued tax forms, such as Wage and Tax Statement, Form W-2, to other Vivid employees that underreported their wages. When an employer underreports wages paid to their employees, it may negatively impact those employees’ Social Security benefits, as those forms are used by the Social Security Administration to compute benefits owed to an employee. Instead of paying his taxes, Comeau used some of the funds to maintain a comfortable lifestyle that included a $3 million home and luxury cars. In total, Comeau caused a tax loss to the United States of more than $1.1 million. In addition to his prison sentence, U.S. District Judge P. Casey Pitts for the Northern District of California ordered Comeau to serve three years of supervised release and pay $1,153,948 in restitution to the IRS. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Trial Attorney Mahana Weidler of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ilham Hosseini for the Northern District of California prosecuted the case.


title: Kansas Man Sentenced to 300 months for Enticement of a Minor and Production of Child Pornography

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Leavenworth, Kansas man was sentenced in federal court today for enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and production child pornography, involving a 15-year-old minor victim. Antoine Askari Richardson, 27, was sentenced to 300 months imprisonment by U.S. District Judge D. Gregory Kays for one count of use of interstate facility to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and one count of production of child pornography. Richardson, a former graduate student and employee of a private University, in Leavenworth, Kansas, previously pled guilty to enticement of a minor and production of child pornography on February 27, 2025. According to the written plea agreement, Richardson met the minor victim on a social media application. Richardson communicated online with the minor victim and travelled to Grain Valley, Missouri to engage in sexual acts with the minor victim four times between November 2022 and January 2023. Richardson recorded the sexual acts with his cellular phone and sent the videos to the minor victim. Richardson admitted to also communicating with a second minor on a social media application and engaging in sexually explicit conversations with the second minor. Richardson admitted to travelling across state lines in attempt to meet the second minor but was unsuccessful in contacting the second minor. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Grain Valley, Missouri Police Department, Leavenworth, Kansas Police Department, and the Jackson County, Missouri Prosecutor’s Office. Richardson will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Honduran Man Charged with Illegal Reentry to the United States

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on June 26, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Yubert Yasiel Lopez-Lopez, 31, of Honduras, with being found in the United States on February 2, 2025, after having previously been removed from the United States. Lopez-Lopez entered a plea of not guilty to the charges during an arraignment on June 27, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle. Judge Doyle ordered that Lopez-Lopez be detained during the pendency of this matter. According to court records, Lopez-Lopez, a citizen of Honduras, was previously ordered removed from the United States on two occasions. On December 8, 2014, Lopez-Lopez was removed pursuant to an order issued by an Immigration Judge in Houston, Texas, after he had illegally crossed the U.S./Mexico border near Hidalgo, Texas in May 2014. On June 26, 2018, Lopez-Lopez was removed to Honduras after pleading guilty to illegal entry into the United States and receiving a sentence of time served in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Pursuant to his order of removal in 2018, Lopez-Lopez was prohibited from entering, attempting to enter, or being in the United States for 20 years thereafter. Lopez-Lopez was additionally expelled from the United States on two occasions in 2022 after illegally crossing the U.S./Mexico border near Yuma, Arizona. On February 2, 2025, Lopez-Lopez was encountered by a law enforcement officer who recorded Lopez-Lopez’s presence on the officer’s body worn camera. Lopez-Lopez provided his legal name and date of birth that matched his immigration records and indicated that his presence in the United States was illegal. On February 2, 2025, Lopez-Lopez was also wanted by law enforcement in Honduras for weapons trafficking. Lopez-Lopez was taken into custody by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) with the assistance of other law enforcement agencies on June 10, 2025, in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Lopez-Lopez is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Lopez-Lopez faces up to 2 years’ imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Customs and Border Protection. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Jason Turner. Lopez-Lopez is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Charles Curlett. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Connecticut Man Sentenced to 69 Months in Fentanyl Distribution Case

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 26, 2025, Alexander Marcano, 33, of Hartford, Connecticut, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 69 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. Marcano previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl on December 9, 2024. According to court records, in the early hours of January 30, 2023, U.S. Border Patrol Agents patrolling in the area of North Troy, Vermont, approximately one-half mile from the U.S./Canada border, encountered a vehicle driving erratically and pulled it over. Marcano was the front-seat passenger of the vehicle. Border Patrol agents learned that Marcano had an extraditable warrant from Connecticut for a shooting, for which Marcano was later convicted of Assault 1st Degree – Serious Physical Injury. At the time of the traffic stop, Marcano was found to be in possession of more than 98 grams of fentanyl, over 41 grams of cocaine base, over 75 grams of cocaine powder, a loaded 9 millimeter pistol, over $20,000 in cash, and drug paraphernalia indicative of drug distribution. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Vermont Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Lasher and Corinne Smith. Marcano was represented by Ian Carleton, Esq.


title: U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro Welcomed Participants to the 2025 Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Anti-Violence Youth Summit

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON - U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, with numerous local and federal law enforcement agencies and community-based organizations, welcomed more than 350 District youth to the 15th Annual Anti-Violence Youth Summit held today at the Catholic University of America in the Pryzbyla Center. This year’s event, titled “Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful,” focused on a variety of subjects including drug abuse prevention, gun violence prevention, and mental health awareness. A moment of silence was held to remember young victims lost by homicide in 2024. U.S. Attorney Pirro presented the United States Attorney’s Office’s Youth Citizenship Awards to two participants who have been models of academic achievement and peer leadership. U.S. Attorney Pirro and 2025 Youth Summit Award Recipients. “The most important thing we can do, in addition to our core mission, is to get out in the community to talk to young people,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “The President wants to make Washington, DC safe again and events with youth is an excellent example of how we are empowering young people to protect themselves. If you or anyone you know needs information on protecting our youth please reach out to my office.” Thousands of the District’s youth have participated in the Summit since the U.S. Attorney’s Office began holding this event in 2011. The Summit is a part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhood Program, a nationwide effort to reduce violent crime. The U.S. Attorney thanks this year’s partners: the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation; the East of the River Family Strengthening Collaborative; the Catholic University of America, including its Department of Public Safety; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Metropolitan Police Department; the Department of Homeland Security; and the D.C. Prevention Centers. The event is planned and executed each year by members of the Community Engagement Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.


title: Seven Chinese Nationals Charged for Alleged Roles in Multi-Million-Dollar Money Laundering, Alien Smuggling and Drug Trafficking Enterprise

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – Seven Chinese nationals were charged today in connection with a multi-million-dollar conspiracy to cultivate and distribute marijuana across the Northeast that used interconnected grow houses concealed inside single-family properties in Massachusetts and Maine. It is alleged that Chinese nationals were smuggled into the United States to work in these grow houses without access to their passports until they repaid their smuggling debts. The following individuals have been indicted on one count each of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, as well as additional charges listed respectively: Jianxiong Chen, 39, of Braintree, Mass. also indicted on one count of money laundering conspiracy, 11 counts of money laundering and one count of bringing aliens into the United States; Yuxiong Wu, 36, of Weymouth, Mass. also indicted on one count of money laundering conspiracy and four counts of money laundering; Dinghui Li, 38, of Braintree, Mass. also indicted on one count of money laundering conspiracy and two counts of money laundering; Dechao Ma, 35, of Braintree, Mass. also indicted on one count of money laundering conspiracy and two counts of money laundering; Peng Lian Zhu, 35, of Melrose, Mass. also indicted on one count of money laundering conspiracy; Hongbin Wu, 35, of Quincy, Mass.; and Yanrong Zhu, 47, of Greenfield, Mass. and Brooklyn, N.Y. Six defendants were arrested this morning. Yanrong Zhu remains a fugitive. “This case pulls back the curtain on a sprawling criminal enterprise that exploited our immigration system and our communities for personal gain. These defendants allegedly turned quiet homes across the Northeast into hubs for a criminal enterprise – building a multi-million-dollar black-market operation off the backs of an illegal workforce and using our neighborhoods as cover. That ends today,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Today, we arrested members of an alleged Chinese-run drug trafficking organization who are accused of running a massive marijuana cultivation and distribution scheme that has raked in millions and contributed widely to the illegal drug trade here in the Northeast,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Equally disturbing is that Jianxiong Chen – the accused ringleader of this organization – is charged with paying to smuggle a Chinese national across the Mexican border to work at his grow houses. This takedown highlights the need for a sustained law enforcement effort, across all levels, to shut down and thoroughly investigate the organized criminal enterprises behind these unlicensed and illegal operations.” “The Massachusetts State Police share the resolve of our federal and local partners to support safer communities across the Commonwealth,” said Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. “Troopers assigned to our Special Services Section used their training and skill in this Operation to respond to the concerns of our neighbors, disrupt these illicit growing activities, and improve the quality of life across Massachusetts. Each of these properties can now return to their intended purpose as homes which our communities desperately need.” According to the charging documents, from in or about January 2020, the defendants allegedly owned, operated or partnered with a network of interconnected grow houses in Massachusetts and Maine to cultivate and distribute kilogram-sized quantities of marijuana in bulk. Specifically, the enterprise allegedly operated grow houses in Braintree, Mass.; Melrose, Mass.; and Greenfield, Mass., among other locations in Massachusetts, Maine and elsewhere. It is alleged that the grow house operators maintained contact with each other through a list of marijuana cultivators and distributors from or with ties to China in the region called the “East Coast Contact List.” It is alleged that Chen controlled several grow houses in Maine as well as a home in Braintree, Mass., which served as a base of operations for the enterprise. Marijuana manufactured by the interconnected grow house network, as well as bulk cash from dealers, was allegedly delivered to and redistributed by Chen at this Braintree residence. It is further alleged that co-conspirators concealed the marijuana and cash they were delivering to Chen inside the engine compartments of their vehicles. During a search of the home in October 2024, over $270,000 in cash was allegedly recovered from the house and from a Porsche in the driveway, as well as several Chinese passports and other identification documents inside a safe. Data extracted from Chen’s cell phone allegedly revealed that he helped smuggle Chinese nationals into the United States – putting the aliens to work at one of the grow houses he controlled while keeping possession of their passports until they repaid him for the cost associated with smuggling them into the country. It is alleged that profits from the marijuana sales, which totaled in the millions of dollars, were used to purchase luxury homes, automobiles, jewelry and other items in Massachusetts including to expand the enterprise through the purchase of real estate. Additional October 2024 searches of grow houses located in Braintree and Melrose where Ma and Zhu resided, respectively, allegedly resulted in the seizure of over 109 kilograms of marijuana, nearly $200,000 in cash and numerous luxury items including a gold Rolex watch with a $65,000 price tag still on it. It is further alleged that the enterprise conducted bulk cash transactions with operators located in the Eastern District of New York. According to court documents, in June 2023, Hongbin Wu and Yanrong Zhu were stopped by law enforcement after leaving a grow house in Greenfield, Mass., during which $36,900 in cash was seized from the defendants. The charge of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, at least two years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of money laundering conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the amount involved, whichever is greater. The charges of money laundering each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the amount involved, whichever is greater. The charge of bringing aliens into the United States provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of three years and up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. U.S. Attorney Foley, FBI SAC Docks and MSP Superintendent Colonel Noble made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration; New York State Police; Maine State Police; and the Braintree, Westchester County and New York Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Pohl of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Maryland Couple Sentenced for $20M Insurance Fraud Scheme

body_text: A Maryland husband and wife were sentenced today to 12 years in prison and four years in prison, respectively, after their convictions for a scheme to commit insurance fraud. The following is according to court documents and evidence presented at trial: James and Maureen Wilson, of Owings Mills, conspired to defraud insurance companies by obtaining over 40 life insurance policies for applicants by mispresenting their health, wealth, and existing life insurance coverage. The total death benefits from these policies exceeded $20 million. The Wilsons also conspired to defraud individual investors to obtain funds that Wilson used to pay premiums on fraudulently obtained life insurance policies. To conceal the fraud, the Wilsons transferred the money they made from the fraud through multiple bank accounts, including accounts in the name of trusts. The Wilsons filed false individual income tax returns for 2018 and 2019, which did not report as income or pay tax on the approximately $5.7 million and $2 million, respectively, they made from the fraud. In addition to their prison sentences, Judge Deborah K. Chasanow for the District of Maryland ordered both Wilsons to serve three years of supervised release and to pay approximately $16 million in restitution to victims of the insurance fraud scheme and $2.7 million in restitution to the United States. She also ordered the Wilsons to forfeit approximately $14.8 million in seized funds. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case with assistance from the Maryland Insurance Administration and the Maryland Office of The Attorney General. Trial Attorneys Shawn Noud and Richard Kelley of the Tax Division, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Phelps and Philip Motsay for the District of Maryland, and Trial Attorney Stephanie Williamson of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Canadian Man and Costa Rican Woman Plead Guilty to Illegal Entry

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 13, 2025, Joshua Ian Fudge, 30, a citizen of Canada, and his wife Karen Melissa Rodriguez Valverde, 24, a citizen of Costa Rica, both pled guilty to criminal complaints charging them, with illegally entering the United States at a time or place other than designated for entering the country by immigration authorities, and were sentenced to time-served. They each faced a maximum prison term of 6 months. According to court records, at approximately 2:55 p.m. on June 12, 2025, electronic surveillance spotted two individuals with backpacks on “Pee Wee’s” bridge in Canaan, Vermont. “Pee Wee’s” bridge is approximately 150 feet from the U.S./Canada border and is commonly used to illegally cross into the United States. U.S. Border Patrol agents made contact with the individuals less than five minutes after the electronic surveillance alert. Fudge and Rodriguez Valverde provided identification to Border Patrol agents that confirmed that Fudge was a Canadian citizen and that Rodriguez Valverde was a citizen of Costa Rica who was a lawful permanent resident of Canada. Following a review of immigration records for Fudge and Rodriguez Valverde, Border Patrol agents discovered that on November 4, 2024, Fudge was deemed inadmissible and denied access to the United States at Newark International Airport after he stated to agents during pre-entry questioning that he had previously traveled to New Jersey to work with Rodriguez Valverde’s father and had been paid for that work. Fudge did not possess an immigrant visa that allowed him to work in the United States. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the efforts of the United States Border Patrol and United States Customs and Border Protection. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Turner. Fudge was represented by Lisa Shelkrot, Esq. Rodriguez Valverde is represented by Federal Public Defender Michael Desautels. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Cedar Rapids Fentanyl Supplier Sentenced to Federal Prison

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A Cedar Rapids man who mailed thousands of fentanyl pills from Arizona to Cedar Rapids was sentenced July 7, 2025, to more than eight years in federal prison. Anthony Chan Dixon, age 35, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a January 21, 2025 guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Information disclosed at the sentencing hearing showed that Dixon moved from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Phoenix, Arizona, prior to 2022. Beginning in 2022, and continuing through September 2023, Dixon shipped packages containing hundreds of fentanyl pills from Arizona to various fentanyl dealers in Cedar Rapids, totaling at least 4,500 fentanyl pills. Dixon had previously been convicted of two felony drug offenses. Dixon was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Dixon was sentenced to 106 months’ imprisonment, and he must also serve a three‑year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Dixon is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and investigated by the Johnson County Drug Enforcement Task Force consisting of the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa City Police Department, the Coralville Police Department, the North Liberty Police Department, the University of Iowa Police Department, and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-CR-00058-CJW. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Felon who Conspired to Distribute Drugs and Possessed Firearms Sentenced to Over Twenty-Five Years in Federal Prison

body_text: A Cedar Rapids man who conspired to distribute controlled substance was sentenced July 7, 2025, to more than 25 years in federal prison. James Colquhoun, age 40, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, received the prison term after a February 10, 2025, guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance after a prior conviction for a serious drug felony, carrying of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that between January 2024 and February 13, 2024, Colquhoun knowingly conspired with others to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine in the Cedar Rapids area. On February 13, 2024, officers stopped Colquhoun’s vehicle and searched it. During the search, officers located over 500 grams of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, over $25,000, and a firearm. Colquhoun knowingly possessed those controlled substances with the intent to distribute them. After the traffic stop, officers searched Colquhoun’s hotel room where he resided. During the search of his hotel room, investigators located over 600 grams of heroin, over 50 grams of methamphetamine, and another firearm. In 2014, Colquhoun was convicted in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Iowa of distribution of a controlled substance and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and carrying a firearm during and relation to a drug trafficking crime. Colquhoun was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Colquhoun was sentenced to 336 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 10-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Colquhoun is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dillan Edwards and Special Assistant United States Attorney Michael Hudson, and it was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Cedar Rapids Police Department, and the Marion Police Department. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-CR-00029-001. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Lummi Nation member indicted for assault by strangulation of ex-partner

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 48-year-old member of the Lummi Nation was arraigned in federal court today on an indictment charging him with assault by strangulation, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Marc Cagey Oreiro entered a plea of not guilty. Trial is scheduled in front of U.S. District Judge Lauren King on August 25, 2025. According to records filed in the case, on May 23, 2025, Oreiro assaulted the victim in the master bedroom of a home on Lummi Nation tribal land. Oreiro pushed the victim onto the bed and alternated strangling her with his hands and forearm causing the victim to experience difficulty breathing. While she was pinned to the bed, Oreiro hit her multiple times, punching her in the head, back, stomach, side, and ear. He struck her in the ribs with his knee and knelt on her chest and repeatedly threatened to kill her. Lummi Police officers arrived at the door after a housemate called police. After searching the home, police arrested Oreiro who physically fought with officers. The victim was found crying in the master bedroom closet where Oreiro had ordered her to hide from police. The victim was transported by medics for treatment of her injuries. She had bruises on her face, ears, and bruising and abrasions on her neck. Oreiro was originally charged in tribal court. Following the initial FBI investigation, Oreiro was charged by criminal complaint, and on June 25, 2025, the grand jury returned an indictment. Assault by strangulation is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00. The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by the FBI Safe Trails Task Force and the Lummi Nation Police. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Celia Lee. Ms. Lee serves as a Tribal Liaison for the U.S. Attorney’s Office.


title: Former Loan Officer Charged and Agrees to Plead Guilty to Million-Dollar Heloc Scheme

body_text: BOSTON – A former loan officer was charged and has agreed to plead guilty in connection with defrauding his employer out of almost $1 million. Brian Socha, 45, of Brookfield, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of bank fraud. A plea hearing has not yet been scheduled by the Court. According to the charging document, Socha hacked into co-workers’ computers on over 20 occasions to covertly raise the credit limit and lower the interest rate on the home equity line of credit (HELOC) on the home he owned with his wife. Over a period of six years, Socha allegedly increased the HELOC credit limit from $135,500 to $995,000 and adjusted the HELOC interest rate from 7.25% to 1.99%. The charge of bank fraud provides for a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Merck of the Springfield Office is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: RGV man sent to prison after using girlfriend and minor to pass through checkpoint with illegal alien

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 42-year-old resident of Rio Grande City has been ordered to federal prison for unlawfully transporting an illegal alien, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Jason Al Venecia pleaded guilty March 26. U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Venecia to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Venecia took his girlfriend and her minor daughter with him to smuggle the illegal alien to facilitate passage through the checkpoint. On Jan. 2, Venecia approached the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint in a Cadillac SRX. Authorities noticed two adult males in the front and an adult and minor female in the backseat. During initial inspection, the front male passenger admitted to being in the United States illegally. He was from Mexico with no authority to be in the United States. Law enforcement found multiple proof of life videos in Venecia’s cell phone from illegal aliens after they had crossed the Rio Grande River. There were text messages telling Venecia he would be paid $1,250 when the illegal aliens made it to their next destination. While on bond awaiting sentencing, Venecia was caught assisting his girlfriend during her own attempt to smuggle illegal aliens further into the United States. His bond was subsequently revoked and ordered into custody where he will remain pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Venecia’s girlfriend has since pleaded guilty to her separate case prosecuted in the McAllen Division. Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Pruitt prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: Jury Finds Father Guilty of First-Degree Child Sexual Abuse of His 12-Year-Old

body_text: WASHINGTON –A Washington, D.C. resident, 33, has been found guilty by a jury on seven felony charges, including first-degree child sexual abuse, second-degree child sexual abuse, and incest for sexually abusing his 12-year-old daughter between April and May of 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. The verdict was returned today, following a trial in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. The Honorable Todd Edelman scheduled sentencing for October 10, 2025. The defendant faces a maximum sentence up to life in prison for the crimes. According to the government’s evidence, on May 27, 2023, the twelve-year-old victim was spending Memorial Day weekend with her father (the defendant) and the defendant’s girlfriend and slept in the bed with them. In the early morning of May 28, 2023, the defendant’s girlfriend pulled back the covers and saw that the defendant’s hand was inside of the front of the victim’s pants. Later that night the defendant texted the victim, first asking her to lie to her mother about him touching her, then asking the victim if she wanted him to touch her. The defendant raped the victim after sending the text messages. On Monday, May 29, the defendant’s girlfriend took the victim home, and she disclosed to her mother. The defendant’s DNA was on swabs collected during the victim’s sexual assault examination, and spermatozoa was confirmed on the vaginal/cervical swab collected from the victim. The victim told the jury that this was not the first time that the defendant had abused her, and that the same things that happened on Memorial Day weekend happened to her at the defendant’s house. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Folse and Richard Kelley.


title: Harlingen man imprisoned for possession of child sexual abuse material

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 47 year-old Harlingen man has been sentenced for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Rico Deangelo Longoria pleaded guilty April 1. U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. considered information in several victim impact statements and ordered Longoria to serve 121 months in federal prison. He was further ordered to serve 15 years of supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. Additionally, he was ordered to pay $60,500 in restitution to the victims of the offense. During the sentencing, the court emphasized the seriousness of the offense. Judge Rodriguez read excerpts from victim impact statements indicating documented abuse in the material found in Longoria’s possession which highlighted enduring trauma and lifelong consequences inflicted on them. The court noted the mere possession and viewing of such material perpetuates their suffering. “Viewing or possessing child pornography is not some private, harmless activity,” said Ganjei. “The minor victims are repeatedly traumatized by the dissemination and viewing of the recording of the most horrific moments of their lives. This sentence sends a message that this conduct will be met forcefully in the Southern District of Texas.” Authorities had discovered a computer associated with a specific IP address in Harlingen engaging in downloading and distributing of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). In February, they executed a federal search warrant of his residence and located a phone hidden inside the water tank of a toilet. Forensic analysis resulted in the discovery of 337 images and 47 videos of CSAM. The files included images of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Longoria will continue in custody following the sentencing where he will remain pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page .


title: Woman sentenced for smuggling firearms into Mexico

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 38-year-old Georgia woman has been sentenced today for smuggling several firearms and magazines hidden in a vehicle’s gas tank, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Mirna Luna pleaded guilty April 1. U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. has now handed Luna a 46-month term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the seriousness 0f trafficking of firearms. Luna traveled from her Canton, Georgia, residence Dec. 15, 2024, and attempted to cross at the Brownsville/Matamoros port of entry into Mexico. Once there, authorities had referred her to secondary inspection where they discovered 17 firearms and 27 magazines hidden in the gas tank of the Nissan car she was driving. Luna claimed ownership of the car and admitted she is the only person who drives it. She does not have a license to export firearms and has not applied for one. She will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jose Esquivel and Ana Cano prosecuted the case.