title: Providence Man Pleads Guilty to Cocaine Possession with Intent to Distribute Charge

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Providence man involved in a drug trafficking investigation pleaded guilty today in federal court to a cocaine possession with intent to distribute charge, announced United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. Charles Lassiter, 32, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2026. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The charge carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. According to court documents, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force conducted an investigation into narcotics trafficking that identified Lassiter as involved in cocaine distribution. On December 7, 2023, agents executed a court-authorized search warrant at Lassiter’s residence and seized approximately 47 grams of cocaine. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stacey A. Erickson and Peter I. Roklan. The matter was investigated by the Rhode Island FBI Safe Streets Task Force. The Safe Streets Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.


title: Former fugitive charged with attempted murder of federal officers, firearms crimes

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: DAYTON, Ohio – Federal charges were filed here against a Dayton man who had been a fugitive in Missouri for approximately five years. The defendant fired shots at fugitive apprehension officers when they arrived at his Dayton home to take him into custody. Terrence Gay, 41, had been a fugitive since September 2021, when he failed to appear to begin serving a federal prison sentence for fentanyl crimes. According to court documents, on March 19, the Southern District of Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) developed new information regarding Gay’s whereabouts and began surveillance on his residence. On March 23, law enforcement officials surrounded Gay’s home, announcing their presence and purpose. Gay allegedly failed to comply with agents to come out of his home and eventually fired approximately 12 rounds at officers, striking an unmarked Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office vehicle with deputies inside. Dayton Police SWAT and Montgomery County SWAT teams arrived to provide assistance. During this time, United States Marshals received a phone call from Gay’s attorney, and a three-way call was made to arrange Gay’s peaceful surrender. Gay is charged with assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon, attempted murder of a federal officer, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Besides his prior convictions in Missouri, Gay has prior convictions in Montgomery County for aggravated robbery, theft and kidnapping. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; United States Marshal Michael D. Black; Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck and Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Erica D. Lunderman is representing the United States in this case. A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: Former Immigration Officer Pleads Guilty to Accepting Bribe

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Amara Dukuly, 44, of Woodlyn, Pennsylvania, a former immigration officer employed by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”), pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge John M. Younge to aiding and abetting the bribery of a public official in exchange for an official act. As detailed in court filings, from approximately 2015 to his arrest in June 2025, Dukuly used his status as a USCIS employee to solicit bribes from individuals, in exchange for promises to help them obtain assistance with their immigration status. On April 4, 2025, Dukuly received a $6,000 bribe from an individual to help with the removal of “terrorist” references from the individual's immigration file. Dukuly promised the individual that after the “terrorist” references were removed, his file would be “clean.” The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on July 14 and faces a maximum possible term of 15 years in prison. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Anita Eve and Robert Livermore.


title: Chinese national and two U.S. citizens charged with conspiring to smuggle artificial intelligence technology to China

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA - Stanley Yi Zheng, Matthew Kelly, and Tommy Shad English have been charged with conspiring to commit smuggling and export control violations. The three defendants are alleged to have sought millions of dollars’ worth of export-controlled computer chips from a California-based computer hardware company for illegal shipment to China through Thailand. “Keeping sensitive tech from falling into the wrong hands is a matter of utmost importance to our national security and U.S. competitiveness,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “My office is proud to ensure that any bad actor who seeks to profit from endangering our security will face justice in an American courtroom.” “Protecting sensitive defense technology from diversion to foreign adversaries is a top priority,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Jason J. Sargenski of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “Advanced computing technologies, like Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), play a critical role in military artificial intelligence and national defense capabilities. When individuals attempt to illegally acquire or export this technology for profit, they are putting national security and our warfighters at risk. DCIS will continue working with our U.S. and international partners to identify these networks, disrupt their operations, and hold those responsible accountable.” “The smuggling of advanced technology like these computer chips represents a direct threat to U.S. national security,” said Peter Ellis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Georgia. “The individuals charged in this case attempted to bypass U.S. export laws to send sensitive technology to adversaries. The FBI will continue working with our partners to prevent the illegal diversion of critical technologies and hold those responsible accountable.” “Safeguarding America’s advanced technology is critical to our national security and public safety,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “This case highlights the importance of strong partnerships between federal law enforcement, industry, and our international counterparts. By working together, we were able to disrupt a sophisticated scheme to illegally export sensitive U.S. artificial intelligence technology. HSI remains committed to protecting the integrity of our supply chains and ensuring that critical innovations do not fall into the hands of those who would threaten our security.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the criminal complaints, and other information presented in court: In or about May 2023, Zheng, Kelly, and English began conspiring together to obtain computer servers with export-controlled computer chips from a California-based computer hardware company (“Company-1”) and ship them to Thailand with an ultimate destination of China, in violation of U.S. law. In doing so, the three defendants used the names of Thailand-based companies as the purported purchasers of the computer servers when in fact the co-conspirators intended for the U.S.-origin AI chips to be diverted to China. In October 2023, English, purporting to act on behalf of a Thailand-based company, ordered 750 computer servers for approximately $170 million from Company-1. Of the 750 computer servers, 600 contained a computer chip that was controlled on the U.S. Commerce Control List and required a license for export to China. In placing that order, English signed an “Advanced Computing Certification,” certifying that the computer servers were not destined for China or any other country subject to heightened export requirements. In January 2024, English transferred over $20 million to Company-1 as partial payment for the October 2023 order. In January 2024, when discussing via email an upcoming compliance review for the October 2023 order, English asked Company-1 to add Zheng and Kelly to the email thread, which prompted a response from Company-1 noting, among other things, that Zheng’s company was based in China and that it was “odd” that no one from the Thailand-based company was in the list of carbon copy recipients. Company-1 also commented that “China is an embargoed country restricted by the US government. US companies are restricted from selling to businesses or end users headquartered in China.” In early February 2024, additional review of the October 2023 order was conducted by the California-based manufacturer of the computer chips that would be inside 600 of the servers English had ordered (“Company-2”). Company-2’s efforts to verify the end user of the computer chips in Thailand were unsuccessful. Ultimately, the October 2023 purchase was not completed. While the October 2023 deal lost momentum, in April 2024, English, purporting to act on behalf of a second Thailand-based company, sought to order from Company-1 another 500 computer servers that contained an export-controlled computer chip. In doing so, English signed an End User Certification stating that the Thailand-based company was the end user for the purchase. This deal, like the October 2023 deal, ultimately was unsuccessful. Text messages obtained through the investigation illustrated aspects of the conspiracy and revealed that Zheng, English, and Kelly discussed, among other things, “fake” corporate niceties to help complete the computer chip purchases, the value of the computer chips in China, and recruitment of others to participate in the scheme. For example, in June 2023, in a group chat with Zheng and English titled “GPU Partnership,” Kelly stated: “They just need more details about your company, customers, revenue, etc.” and “I know you mention you [English] are better than CDW but they have a nice website, company decks, quarterly earning reports, etc that are all public information.” English replied: “I’m not breaking my back. I fake these weeks ago.” Later, in July 2023, in the same group chat, Zheng sent a message discussing the market value of Company-2’s computer chips in China, showing that Zheng, English, and Kelly were all aware that the ultimate destination for the computer chips would be China. Subsequently, in March 2024, Kelly messaged Zheng a draft solicitation message for Kelly to send to others. The message stated, among other things: “[I am] [c]urrently working on distributing GPU systems with [Company-2] chips for supercomputing[.] . . . We . . . have a few customers in China but it’s a banned country for distribution. It’s a lucrative business right now – millions of dollars in profits per order – so we are looking for partners. One you can find customers that need GPUs for their supercomputer solutions or two they act as a pass through partner for customers in China. Let me know if you are interested in discussing?” Approximately 28 minutes after sending the draft solicitation message to Zheng, Kelly received feedback from Zheng. Zheng stated, among other things: “DO NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT CHINA.” Zheng explained that the portions of Kelly’s message that referenced China needed to be removed because: “We will draw attention[] from US government for embargo[] violation.” In response, Kelly noted that similar information had been told to other individuals. Zheng replied: “We just talk about it, no one can hold it as evidence[] against us.” Stanley Yi Zheng, 56, of Hong Kong, China, was arrested on March 22, 2026, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa J. Cisneros, of the Northern District of California, on March 23, 2026, for his initial appearance. The Government has moved for Zheng to be remanded to federal custody and held without bail pending trial. Matthew Kelly, 49, of Hopewell Junction, New York, and Tommy Shad English, 53, of Atlanta, Georgia, surrendered to federal authorities on March 25, 2026. Their initial appearances will be held in the District of New Jersey and Northern District of Georgia later today. The criminal complaints were issued in the Northern District of Georgia on March 20, 2026. The charges contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case is being investigated by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry & Security, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Brett Ruff of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Georgia Thief Pleaded Guilty to Identity Theft and Wire Fraud for Stealing from Sampson County

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A Georgia man, Roderick Michael Bates, 55, pleaded guilty to identity theft and wire fraud for stealing from a local farm machinery and equipment business in Salemburg. According to court documents, Bates used stolen identities with fake driver’s licenses to secure financing for farm machinery and equipment from a local Sampson County business. Using these identities, he fraudulently purchased high-value items totaling more than $65,000, including a zero-turn mower, an Evolution D5 Ranger golf cart, and 12-foot and 16-foot dump trailers. He then had the business ship the items to him hundreds of miles away, outside the state of North Carolina. “Criminals need to think twice before stealing from the good and hardworking people in Eastern NC.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Our office will prosecute you and stick you behind prison bars. Cheaters.Never.Win.” “I would like to thank our federal partners that helped bring this individual to justice. The citizens of Sampson County should know that our offices will work tirelessly to protect the property and livelihoods of every citizen. Regardless of distance, we will find them.” said Sampson County Sheriff Jimmy Thornton. Bates faces a mandatory minimum of 2 years and a maximum penalty of 42 years in prison when sentenced in a few months. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert T. Numbers, II accepted the plea. The FBI and the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Petracca is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 7:25-CR-00117-D-BM


title: U.S. Attorney Charges Ulster County Woman With Receipt And Distribution Of Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today the arrest of GABRIELLE EICHERT for receiving and distributing child pornography. EICHERT was taken in federal custody today and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court. “The sexual exploitation of children is way too common,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “We need to get predators off the streets and send the message: you will be caught, and you will go to prison. As alleged, Gabrielle Eichert received and distributed material that re-victimizes vulnerable children and fuels further abuse. We are committed to identifying and holding accountable those who participate in these offenses. We will use every available tool to protect children and ensure that justice is served. If you have information to report, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov .” As alleged in the Complaint : [1] On March 17, 2026, Gregory Graff was charged in the Southern District of New York with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. Those charges followed his arrest in Orange County, New York, on January 22, 2026, by the New York State Police. The investigation of Graff, who lived and worked in the Southern District of New York since at least in or about June 2024, revealed that Graff and EICHERT used a chat application to exchange numerous images of minors, including prepubescent minors, engaged in sexual activity. During their exchange of messages, Graff and EICHERT discussed their mutual interest in sexually explicit images of minors and discussed their efforts to obtain additional such images. EICHERT was arrested on March 24, 2026, by New York State Police. Prior to her arrest, EICHERT admitted that she exchanged messages with Graff, and that she and Graff exchanged images of minors, including prepubescent minors, engaged in sexual activity. There may be other victims. If you have information to report, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov . * * * EICHERT, 32, of Kingston, New York, is charged with one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography, which carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The statutory minimum and maximum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, New York State Police Troop F – Computer Crimes Unit, New York State Police Troop F, New York State Police Troop K, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office, the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marcia S. Cohen and John Wynne are in charge of the prosecution. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Two Mexican Nationals Sentenced for Unlawfully Being in the United States

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – Two Mexican nationals were sentenced for Unlawful Reentry of a Removed Alien after being found more than four times in the United States unlawfully, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. Today, U.S. District Judge Raul M. Arias-Marxuach sentenced: Jose Alberto Sandoval-Hernandez , 63, to eight months imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release. Efrain Munguia-Alverez , 39, to 12 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. In August 2025, Sandoval-Hernandez was arrested for driving under the influence, leaving the scene of a collision involving property damage, and driving without a valid driver's license. Sandoval-Hernandez fled from the scene on foot and was detained by officers. While booking Sandoval-Hernandez into jail, agents discovered that he had been previously removed from the United States in 2015, 2019, and 2022. Court dockets show that Sandoval-Hernandez pleaded guilty to his state court charges and was sentenced to 31 days in jail. In a separate incident in October 2025, Munguia-Alverez was arrested for a traffic violation and driving without a valid driver's license. While being booked into jail, agents discovered that Munguia-Alverez had been removed twice in 2008, once in 2011, twice in 2016, and once in 2019. Munguia-Alverez was prosecuted by this office in 2019 for Unlawful Reentry. He was sentenced to time served after being held for six months for his 2016 state violation and his 2019 federal violation, and was removed from the United States. State court dockets show that Munguia-Alverez has several aliases and had been previously convicted of several state crimes, including possessing controlled substances, providing law enforcement with a false id, and public intoxication. Both men will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons and are expected to face removal proceedings upon release. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ammon Brisolara prosecuted the case.


title: Armenian Man Extradited to U.S. Faces Charges for Role in Infostealing Malware Scheme

component: Criminal - Office of International Affairs

body_text: AUSTIN, Texas – An Armenian man made his initial appearance in an Austin federal court Tuesday after being extradited to the U.S. on criminal charges related to his alleged role in an infostealer scheme, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons. According to court documents, Hambardzum Minasyan allegedly conspired with others to enrich himself by developing and administering RedLine, one of the most prevalent infostealing malware variants in the world, which has previously been used to conduct intrusions against major corporations. When executed, RedLine would steal data, including access devices, from victims’ computers. A three-count indictment alleges the conspirators maintained digital infrastructure, including C2 servers and administrative panels to enable the deployment of the malware by affiliates, and collected payments from RedLine affiliates, allowing the affiliates to use the infostealer against victims. Additionally, they allegedly responded to questions and requests from actual and potential RedLine affiliates, conspired with each other and affiliates to steal and possess the financial information, including access devices, of victims, and laundered the proceeds of cybercrime through cryptocurrency exchanges and other means. The indictment alleges that Minasyan registered two virtual private servers to host portions of RedLine’s infrastructure as well as two internet domains in support of the RedLine scheme. He also allegedly created repositories on an online file sharing site that were used to distribute RedLine to affiliates. In November 2021, he allegedly registered a cryptocurrency account that was used to receive payments from RedLine affiliates. In October 2024, the Department of Justice joined the Netherlands, Belgium, Eurojust and other partners in announcing an international disruption effort against the current version of RedLine Infostealer. International authorities have created a website at www.operation-magnus.com with additional resources for the public and potential victims. At the same time, the Justice Department unsealed charges against alleged co-conspirator Maxim Rudometov, one of the developers and administrators of RedLine Infostealer. Minasyan is charged with conspiracy to commit access device fraud, conspiracy to violate the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison for access device fraud and up to 20 years in prison for the other two counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This is a joint investigation by the FBI Austin Cyber Task Force, which consists of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Army Criminal Investigation Division, among other agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Mangels is prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs secured the arrest and March 23 extradition of Minasyan and provided significant assistance throughout the investigation. The Criminal Division’s International Computer Hacking and Intellectual Property (ICHIP) attorney advisor, who is based at Eurojust in The Hague, also provided assistance. The Justice Department provides cybercrime technical assistance to foreign law enforcement, prosecutorial, and judicial partners in other countries through the ICHIP program. Learn more about the Criminal Division’s ICHIP Program, jointly administered by the Criminal Division’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section through a partnership between the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, here . An indictment/criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Gun Store Owner Indicted for Conspiracy and Attempting to Provide Material Support to Designated  Foreign Terrorist Organizations

component: USAO - Arizona

number: 2026-051_Weinberger, et al.

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – The owner of Grips By Larry, a former federal firearms licensee (FFL) was indicted last week on charges related to providing material support to Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (“CJNG”) and Cartel de Sinaloa (“CDS”), Mexican cartels that were designated as foreign terrorist organizations in 2025. On March 17, 2026, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a superseding indictment against Laurence Gray, 65, of Hereford, Arizona, for Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Conspiracy to Provide Support to a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization. Gray was arraigned on the indictment in federal court today. Gray, the owner of Grips by Larry, a federally licensed firearms dealer in Arizona, was previously indicted for firearms trafficking offenses in 2025, alongside a second individual, Barrett Weinberger, 73, of Tucson, Arizona. The original charges against both men included trafficking in firearms, aiding and abetting the straw purchasing of firearms, and aiding and abetting material false statements during the purchase of a firearm. In addition to more firearms charges, last week’s superseding indictment added material support to terrorism charges against Gray. The indictment alleges that Gray knowingly attempted to provide firearms to CJNG in May of 2025, and knowingly conspired to provide firearms to both CJNG and CDS that same year. Both cartels were designated by the U.S. Secretary of State as foreign terrorist organizations pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act on Feb. 20, 2025. Convictions for Conspiracy to and Attempting to Provide Material Support to a Designated Terrorist Organization each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. A conviction for Trafficking in Firearms carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. A conviction for Aiding and Abetting the Straw Purchase of Firearms carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. A conviction for Aiding and Abetting a Material False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcus Shand, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. CASE NUMBER: CR-25-00835-PHX-DJH RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-051_Weinberger, et al. # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Parrish Man Pleads Guilty to Setting Rental Van on Fire at Bradenton Motel

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – Kendarius Devonta Stitten (26, Parrish) pleaded guilty today to a violation of the federal Anti-Arson Act. Stitten faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court records, on March 20, 2025, Stitten used a lighter and a t-shirt to set a van on fire in a motel parking lot in Bradenton. A couple from Oregon had rented the van from Tampa International Airport. The fire damaged the van, as shown in the picture below: Stitten admitted to federal and state investigators that he had set the van on fire because he thought it belonged to a female acquaintance who failed to show up to a planned meeting at a room at the motel. 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). This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations, and Cedar Hammock Fire Rescue. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall.


title: Houma Man Guilty of Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – VAN VESSEL , (“VESSEL”) , age 50, of Houma, pled guilty on March 18, 2026 before U.S. District Judge Lance M. Africk to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. Sentencing is scheduled for June 24, 2026. At sentencing, VESSEL faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, up to a $10,000,000 fine, at least five years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. According to the indictment, during the early morning hours of May 18, 2025, Houma Police Department officers attempted to stop a vehicle driven by VESSEL for lacking operational headlights and taillights. VESSEL attempted to flee but ultimately crashed his vehicle and was arrested. A search of the vehicle VESSEL crashed revealed over seven (7) pounds of methamphetamine on the passenger floorboard packaged in a large, vacuum sealed bag. VESSEL later admitted to law enforcement that he knew the methamphetamine was in the vehicle and he possessed the methamphetamine for distribution purposes. United States Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Houma Police Department, and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Tampa Man Pleads Guilty to Multiple Firearms Offenses

body_text: Tampa, FL - Jeffrey Hennig (60, Tampa) has pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of firearms with altered or removed serial numbers. Hennig faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The sentencing date has not yet been set. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents and proceedings, in March 2024, officers with the St. Petersburg Police Department coordinated the purchase of methamphetamine and a firearm from Hennig. An undercover officer purchased a .22 H&R Model 929 revolver from Hennig. The firearm had an obliterated serial number. Hennig also sold the officer 50 rounds of .22 caliber ammunition. Hennig also sold 28 grams of methamphetamine to the undercover officer for $200. Agents searched Hennig’s apartment on March 20, 2024, and seized two additional firearms, a Taurus .357 Magnum revolver and a Hi-Point JCP .40 S&W with a loaded extended magazine. Both firearms were loaded and the Hi Point had an obliterated serial number. Small amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl were also found in the apartment. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the St. Petersburg Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).


title: Veterans Affairs Senior Executive Charged With Concealing Gifts and Cash Received from Government Contractors

body_text: windom_indictment.pdf WASHINGTON – John H. Windom, 64, a member of the Senior Executive Service who previously served as Executive Director of the Office of Electronic Health Record Modernization (OEHRM) in the Department of Veterans Affairs, has been charged in relation to his alleged failure to disclose his receipt of thousands of dollars in cash, casino chips, gift cards, and other gifts from contractors while leading the project. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and Veterans Affairs Inspector General Cheryl L. Mason. “As alleged, the defendant exploited his senior position for personal gain and concealed gifts and financial relationships that created serious conflicts of interest in the health care of our nation’s veterans,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Such conduct is not only a betrayal of the public trust—it undermines confidence in the institutions dedicated to serving those who have sacrificed for this country. Our office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute public corruption wherever it occurs, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the integrity of the programs that support America’s veterans.” According to the three-count Indictment issued today, between 2017 and 2021, while Windom was leading the $16 billion acquisition and deployment of the VA’s Electronic Health Records solution, then one of the largest information technology contracts in the federal government, he concealed from the VA, executive branch ethics officials, and the public that he was also accepting, and sometimes demanding, extravagant gifts from a group of contractors and subcontractors who worked on the project he was overseeing. The Indictment charges Windom with Concealment of Material Facts, False Statements, and Falsification of a Record or Document in relation to his failure to report his receipt of such gifts, which he had a legal duty to do. “This indictment sends a clear message that the VA OIG is committed to holding individuals accountable, including VA employees who are alleged to have misused their position of public trust for personal gain,” said Inspector General Mason. “The VA OIG thanks the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this investigation.” The charge of falsification of records and documents carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The charge of making false statements carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in prison for each count. The charges also carry potential financial penalties. The maximum statutory sentence for federal offenses is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. Investigating this case are the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the FBI Washington Field Office, and the Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Miller. An Indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Follow us on Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube | Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc


title: Chinese National and Two U.S. Citizens Charged with Conspiring to Smuggle Artificial Intelligence Technology to China

component: National Security Division (NSD)

body_text: Stanley Yi Zheng, Matthew Kelly, and Tommy Shad English have been charged with conspiring to commit smuggling and export control violations. The three defendants are alleged to have sought millions of dollars’ worth of export-controlled computer chips from a California-based computer hardware company for illegal shipment to China through Thailand. “The cutting-edge AI chips the defendants allegedly schemed to export to China represent the best of American ingenuity and years of strategic investment in maintaining our technological leadership,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “NSD is committed to protecting U.S. innovation and ensuring that those who violate U.S. export controls face serious consequences.” “Zheng, Kelly, and English allegedly conspired to sell millions of dollars’ worth of American-made AI computer chips to buyers in China, in clear violation of U.S. export controls,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “As our foreign adversaries escalate their efforts to dominate the field of artificial intelligence, we are seeing them employ increasingly brazen schemes to illegally acquire valuable U.S. technology. Enforcing export controls is critical to our work safeguarding America’s economic and national security, and the FBI will continue working with our partners to protect our nation’s innovation and hold accountable those seeking to profit by supplying hostile nation states.” “Keeping sensitive tech from falling into the wrong hands is a matter of utmost importance to our national security and U.S. competitiveness,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg of the Northern District of Georgia. “My office is proud to ensure that any bad actor who seeks to profit from endangering our security will face justice in an American courtroom.” “Protecting sensitive defense technology from diversion to foreign adversaries is a top priority,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Jason J. Sargenski of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southeast Field Office. “Advanced computing technologies, like Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), play a critical role in military artificial intelligence and national defense capabilities. When individuals attempt to illegally acquire or export this technology for profit, they are putting national security and our warfighters at risk. DCIS will continue working with our U.S. and international partners to identify these networks, disrupt their operations, and hold those responsible accountable.” “Safeguarding America’s advanced technology is critical to our national security and public safety,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “This case highlights the importance of strong partnerships between federal law enforcement, industry, and our international counterparts. By working together, we were able to disrupt a sophisticated scheme to illegally export sensitive U.S. artificial intelligence technology. HSI remains committed to protecting the integrity of our supply chains and ensuring that critical innovations do not fall into the hands of those who would threaten our security.” According to the criminal complaints and other information presented in court: In or about May 2023, Zheng, Kelly, and English began conspiring together to obtain computer servers with export-controlled computer chips from a California-based computer hardware company (Company-1) and ship them to Thailand with an ultimate destination of China, in violation of U.S. law. In doing so, the three defendants used the names of Thailand-based companies as the purported purchasers of the computer servers when in fact the co-conspirators intended for the U.S.-origin AI chips to be diverted to China. In Oct. 2023, English, purporting to act on behalf of a Thailand-based company, ordered 750 computer servers for approximately $170 million from Company-1. Of the 750 computer servers, 600 contained a computer chip that was controlled on the U.S. Commerce Control List and required a license for export to China. In placing that order, English signed an “Advanced Computing Certification,” certifying that the computer servers were not destined for China or any other country subject to heightened export requirements. In Jan. 2024, English transferred over $20 million to Company-1 as partial payment for the Oct. 2023 order. In Jan. 2024, when discussing via email an upcoming compliance review for the Oct. 2023 order, English asked Company-1 to add Zheng and Kelly to the email thread, which prompted a response from Company-1 noting, among other things, that Zheng’s company was based in China and that it was “odd” that no one from the Thailand-based company was in the list of carbon copy recipients. Company-1 also commented that “China is an embargoed country restricted by the US government. US companies are restricted from selling to businesses or end users headquartered in China.” In early Feb. 2024, additional review of the Oct. 2023 order was conducted by the California-based manufacturer of the computer chips that would be inside 600 of the servers English had ordered (Company-2). Company-2’s efforts to verify the end user of the computer chips in Thailand were unsuccessful. Ultimately, the Oct. 2023 purchase was not completed. While the Oct. 2023 deal lost momentum, in April 2024, English, purporting to act on behalf of a second Thailand-based company, sought to order from Company-1 another 500 computer servers that contained an export-controlled computer chip. In doing so, English signed an End User Certification stating that the Thailand-based company was the end user for the purchase. This deal, like the Oct. 2023 deal, ultimately was unsuccessful. Text messages obtained through the investigation illustrated aspects of the conspiracy and revealed that Zheng, English, and Kelly discussed, among other things, “fake” corporate niceties to help complete the computer chip purchases, the value of the computer chips in China, and recruitment of others to participate in the scheme. For example, in June 2023, in a group chat with Zheng and English titled “GPU Partnership,” Kelly stated: “They just need more details about your company, customers, revenue, etc.” and “I know you mention you [English] are better than CDW but they have a nice website, company decks, quarterly earning reports, etc that are all public information.” English replied: “I’m not breaking my back. I fake these weeks ago.” Later, in July 2023, in the same group chat, Zheng sent a message discussing the market value of Company-2’s computer chips in China, showing that Zheng, English, and Kelly were all aware that the ultimate destination for the computer chips would be China. Subsequently, in March 2024, Kelly messaged Zheng a draft solicitation message for Kelly to send to others. The message stated, among other things: “[I am] [c]urrently working on distributing GPU systems with [Company-2] chips for supercomputing[.] . . . We . . . have a few customers in China but it’s a banned country for distribution. It’s a lucrative business right now – millions of dollars in profits per order – so we are looking for partners. One you can find customers that need GPUs for their supercomputer solutions or two they act as a pass through partner for customers in China. Let me know if you are interested in discussing?” Approximately 28 minutes after sending the draft solicitation message to Zheng, Kelly received feedback from Zheng. Zheng stated, among other things: “DO NOT MENTION ANYTHING ABOUT CHINA.” Zheng explained that the portions of Kelly’s message that referenced China needed to be removed because: “We will draw attention[] from US government for embargo[] violation.” In response, Kelly noted that similar information had been told to other individuals. Zheng replied: “We just talk about it, no one can hold it as evidence[] against us.” Stanley Yi Zheng, 56, of Hong Kong, China, was arrested on March 22, 2026, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lisa J. Cisneros, of the Northern District of California, on March 23, 2026, for his initial appearance. The Government has moved for Zheng to be remanded to federal custody and held without bail pending trial. Matthew Kelly, 49, of Hopewell Junction, New York, and Tommy Shad English, 53, of Atlanta, Georgia, surrendered to federal authorities on March 25, 2026. Their initial appearances will be held in the District of New Jersey and Northern District of Georgia today. The criminal complaints were issued in the Northern District of Georgia on March 20, 2026. The charges contained in the complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case is being investigated by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry & Security, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samir Kaushal of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Brett Ruff of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.


title: Jury Convicts Melbourne Man of Transporting Four Kilograms of Cocaine to Brevard

body_text: Orlando, Florida – A federal jury has found Leonard Ronald Nile, Jr. (53, Melbourne) guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Nile faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 40 years, in federal prison on each count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 23, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to testimony presented at trial, Nile drove a co-conspirator from Melbourne to south Florida to assist that individual (a known drug distributor) with picking up almost 30 pounds of marijuana and 4 kilograms (nearly $60,000 worth) of cocaine which were destined to be distributed in and around Brevard County. DEA surveilled the men as they picked up the drugs. After attempting a traffic stop, Nile led troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol on a high-speed chase at speeds exceeding 140 mph. The chase ended when troopers successfully executed a precision immobilization technique (PIT maneuver). After the vehicle was disabled, Nile fled on foot and was quickly apprehended by a police K9 and several law enforcement officers. Agents recovered the marijuana and the 4 kilograms of cocaine from the vehicle Niles was driving. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the West Melbourne Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorneys Jerry M. Harre and Matthew Del Mastro.


title: Dauphin County Man Pleads Guilty to Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Scheme

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Ardavan Alamoutinia, 33, of Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge Juan R. Sánchez on one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, 10 counts of mail fraud, one count of theft of government money, and one count of aggravated identity theft, arising from a scheme to fraudulently obtain emergency funds meant for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendant and co-defendant Aryanah Davison, 26, of Harrisburg, Pa., were charged by indictment in May 2023, with Davison pleading guilty to her role in the scheme in January of last year. As detailed in court filings, Alamoutinia and Davison used stolen identities to file over 500 fraudulent applications for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (“PUA”). These 500-plus fraudulent applications were filed using at least 375 identities of current or former employees of Company 1, Personally Identifiable Information (“PII”) which a co-conspirator had stolen and transferred to Davison. After receiving the PII, Alamoutinia and Davison filed, or caused to be filed, the fraudulent PUA applications in 27 different states, resulting in a loss to the government of at least $2,886,876. The two co-defendants converted at least $2,500,000 of the fraudulent proceeds in this case, spending them, in part, on a luxury sports vehicle and hundreds of thousands of dollars of cryptocurrency. Alamoutinia is scheduled to be sentenced on July 9 and faces a maximum possible term of 232 years’ imprisonment. Davison will be sentenced at a later date; she also faces a maximum possible term of 232 years in prison. This case was investigated by the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Inspector General, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney S. Chandler Harris.


title: Walden Attorney Charged With Filing False Tax Returns

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), Harry T. Chavis, Jr., announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging JOHN REVELLA with four counts of subscribing to false tax returns for 2019 through 2022. REVELLA surrendered today and was presented in White Plains federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy. “John Revella allegedly filed false tax returns that underreported income from his law practice,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Cheating on your taxes is stealing from those who pay their fair share and from the public services that New Yorkers rely on. This Office will continue to pursue those who attempt to criminally shift their obligations onto honest taxpayers.” “When a licensed attorney with real knowledge of the law tries to hide his alleged misconduct, IRS‑CI is there to follow the money and bring the facts to light,” said IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr. “Today’s indictment reflects the power of coordinated financial investigations and underscores IRS‑CI’s commitment to following the facts, uncovering the truth, and holding individuals accountable when they abuse the financial system for personal gain.” As alleged in the Indictment: [1] REVELLA was admitted to the practice of law in New York and maintained a solo practice in Walden, New York, that focused primarily on real estate transactions. REVELLA deposited funds he received in the course of his law practice into an Interest on Lawyer Account ("IOLA") he maintained on behalf of his law practice. REVELLA did not maintain an operating bank account for his law practice. REVELLA withdrew legal fees he earned from his practice's IOLA account primarily by drawing checks made payable to himself from the account and then cashing those checks at the bank. From 2018 to 2022 inclusive, REVELLA cashed approximately 1,700 checks in a total amount exceeding $1.1 million. Although REVELLA reported between $22,700 to $30,750 in income from his law practice on his 2019 through 2022 tax returns, he failed to report a total of more than $1 million in such income during that period. As a result, REVELLA failed to pay a total of more than $380,000 in taxes during those four years. * * * REVELLA, 48, of Walden, New York, is charged with four counts of subscribing to false tax returns, which carries a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the investigative work of the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney's Office and the IRS-CI. This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney James McMahon is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Justice Department Settles Lawsuits Challenging Biden Administration’s Alleged Social Media Coercion and Deplatforming

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department this week announced the settlement of litigation alleging that the Biden administration induced social media companies to suppress disfavored speech by American citizens. The lawsuits alleged that inducing social media companies to suppress disfavored speech violated the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The settlements implement President Trump’s Executive Order, entitled “Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship,” acknowledging that “the previous administration trampled free speech rights by censoring Americans’ speech on online platforms, often by exerting substantial coercive pressure on third parties, such as social media companies, to moderate, deplatform, or otherwise suppress speech that the Federal Government did not approve.” 90 Fed. Reg. 8243 (Jan. 28, 2025). “The Biden administration coerced social media companies to stifle free speech that they disapproved of,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “These Department of Justice settlements are key steps in undoing those abuses of the First Amendment, especially against conservative media. We will never waver on protecting Americans’ right to speak freely.” “This Department is committed to upholding the First Amendment rights of all Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, of the Civil Division. “No one should have their right to engage in constitutionally protected speech online infringed by unlawful government coercion of social media companies.” The United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana found that U.S. Government actors likely had caused certain plaintiffs to be deplatformed by major social media companies. Now, the Department’s agreements with plaintiffs avoid the need for continued litigation in these cases. Missouri v. Biden , No. 3:22-cv-1213 (W.D. La.); Children’s Health Defense v. Biden , No. 23-cv-0381 (W.D. La.). Securing the right of the American people to engage in constitutionally protected speech is a priority of the Department of Justice. Additional information about the Civil Division is available at www.justice.gov/civil .


title: Central Falls Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Distribution Charge

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Central Falls man involved in narcotics trafficking pleaded guilty today in federal court to distribution of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. Christian Carrion, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl. Carrion is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2026. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison, up to a $10M fine, and a mandatory minimum of four years of supervised release. According to court documents, the FBI Safe Streets Task Force conducted an investigation that identified Carrion as involved in fentanyl distribution. As part of that investigation, Carrion sold approximately 56 grams of fentanyl to another individual in May 2025. A search warrant executed at Carrion’s residence approximately two weeks later also resulted in the seizure of cocaine. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Peter I. Roklan. The matter was investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force. The Safe Streets Task Force consists of agents and law enforcement officers from the FBI, Rhode Island State Police, the Cranston, Woonsocket, Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Central Falls Police Departments, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Rhode Island Department of Corrections.


title: New Hampshire Man Charged with Cyberstalking

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Londonderry, N.H. man was arrested today for allegedly cyberstalking a Massachusetts victim through social media, text messages; and various online platforms. Among numerous other things, the defendant allegedly posted sexually provocative statements, including a post that indicated the victim wanted to be sexually assaulted. The defendant also allegedly directed others on social media to produce, post and repost sexually explicit material of the victim. Brad Cerullo, 46, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of cyberstalking. Cerullo was arrested this morning and, following an initial appearance today, was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for March 27, 2026 at 2 p.m. in federal court in Boston. According to the charging documents , between March 2021 and May 2025, the victim received approximately 72 text messages to her cell phone from at least 26 unknown senders, many from VoIP numbers. Several of the text messages referenced her photos or personal information on impersonation Twitter accounts. It is alleged that two of the unknown VoIP numbers were traced to Cerullo. Over 340 of the victim’s images, including sexually explicit images and videos stolen from a secure device in the victim’s possession, and at least 10 accounts, including four accounts containing the victim’s name, were allegedly used to impersonate and/or further a campaign to shame, defame, harass, or otherwise cause the victim substantial emotional distress. The charge of stalking by electronic means provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Wayne Tracy, Acting Chief of the Haverhill Police Department made the announcement today. The Andover and Londonderry (N.H.) Police Departments provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and member of the Major Crimes Unit, 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: Guatemalan Illegal Alien Indicted For Illegal Re-Entry of Removed Alien

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – EMNER ISAIAS NAJERA-NAJERA (“NAJERA-NAJERA”) , age 41, a native of Guatemala, was indicted on March 19, 2026, for illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to the charging document, the defendant was found in the United States on March 12, 2026, having reentered the United States without authorization from the Attorney General of the United States after being previously deported on June 22, 2017. NAJERA-NAJERA faces up to two years imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, up to one year of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 for re-entry of a removed alien. U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 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). U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Border Patrol in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: West Tennessee Man Sentenced to 70 Years in Prison for Production and Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Jackson, TN – Cody Ray Brewer, 30 , of Saulsbury, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 70 years in federal prison for production and possession of child pornography. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. The investigation in this case revealed that Brewer engaged in various illegal sexual acts with a minor at a residence in Hardeman County, Tennessee in early January 2025, and that he set up a camera in the minor’s bedroom to record those acts. Following the execution of a search warrant at the residence, investigators found several sexually explicit videos on the device that Brewer used to record the videos and on Brewer’s cell phone. Brewer was later charged with one count of using and coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct, one count of being a person with custody or control of a minor who knowingly permitted the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct, and one count of possessing a cell phone that contained visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Following his guilty plea to the three-count indictment, United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Brewer to 70 years in prison and ten years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Child exploitation and production of child pornography is an abhorrent offense that scars the victimized children forever. For his depraved and predatory behavior, Brewer deserves this effective life sentence in prison, where he can never hurt another child.” This case was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bolivar Police Department, the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, and the Horn Lake, Mississippi Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Violent Extremist Network “764” Member Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting Minors and Cyberstalking

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A member of a violent extremist network pled guilty to child sex abuse charges in federal court today, stemming from a November 2025 arrest. Erik Lee Madison, 20, of Halethorpe, Maryland, pled guilty to the sexual exploitation of a child and cyberstalking. Madison sexually exploited at least 10 minor female victims. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; Chief Amal E. Awad, Anne Arundel County Police Department (AACOPD); and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD). According to court documents, from November 2024 until November 2025, Madison, a member and associate of “764,” a criminal organization of Nihilistic Violent Extremists, used the internet to create and share extreme content — such as gore, violence, and child pornography — to extort and blackmail vulnerable teenagers. Madison used the internet to sexually exploit minor females and encourage them to engage in self-harm. The minor female victims were from various locations inside and outside of the United States. Madison used the internet to cause minor females to produce or stream sexually explicit conduct, cut themselves with razors, and cut signs and words on their bodies. Additionally, Madison coerced the female minor victims into using their blood to write various signs, along with Madison's monikers, on a wall and then they streamed it to Madison. He also encouraged the victims to injure animals. Then Madison extorted the victims through a variety of methods, including threatening to harm them and their families, “leak” or disseminate depictions of the victims engaging in cutting and sexually explicit conduct, “dox” the victims and their family members, and threatening to “swat” victims and their family members.' Members of “764” use known online social media communications platforms as mediums to support the possession, production, and sharing of extreme gore media and child sex abuse material with vulnerable, juvenile populations. These individuals often conduct coordinated extortions of teenagers, blackmailing the victims to comply with the group’s demands. Madison faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a minor. He also faces a mandatory maximum sentence of 10 for cyberstalking. Sentencing is set for Tuesday, June 16, at 11:30 a.m. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page. The Justice Department remains vigilant against the threat of Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) networks, like 764, that operate within the United States and around the globe. NVEs often target vulnerable individuals, including minors, using social media platforms to share child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and gore material, and groom victims toward committing acts of violence. Victims are often extorted, coerced, compelled, and blackmailed into complying with NVE demands, including self-mutilation, online and in-person sexual acts, harm to animals, sexual exploitation of siblings and others, acts of violence, threats of violence, suicide, and murder. For more information on how to protect children and others, read about the online risks here: Parents, Caregivers, Teachers — FBI and the FBI’s March 2025 public service announcement . U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, AACOPD, and BCPD for their work in the investigation. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md . # # #


title: Tulsan Sentenced for Receiving and Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: A Tulsa man was sentenced today for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Raul M. Arias-Marxuach sentenced Cameron David Joshua Cox, 26, to 87 months imprisonment, followed by 15 years of supervised release. Upon his release, Cox will also be required to register as a sex offender. Judge Arias-Marxuach further ordered Cox to pay $3,000 in restitution. The Tulsa Police Department received three separate cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The social media application, Kik, submitted the tips indicating that child sexual abuse material was uploaded by Cox using multiple accounts. While investigating Cox, officers discovered that he worked at a children’s museum in Tulsa. Officers served a search warrant on Cox’s home while he was present and seized several electronic devices. When Cox spoke with officers, he admitted to using Kik to receive and distribute child sexual abuse material. Further, Cox admitted to viewing child sexual abuse material of newborns up to fourteen years old. Images and videos recovered by law enforcement were sent to the NCMEC’s Child Victim Identification Program . They identified at least five known victims, and victim impact statements were provided to the court. Restitution paid by Cox will go directly to the victims who requested restitution. Cox will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The Tulsa Police Department and the FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Ihler and Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, local, and tribal resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC .


title: Orlando Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Obtaining Disaster Benefits After Hurricane Ian

body_text: Orlando, Florida – Shardae Jackson (40, Orlando) has pleaded guilty to fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits. Jackson faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to the plea agreement, Jackson submitted a false and fraudulent application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (“FEMA”) for disaster assistance following Hurricane Ian in September 2022. In her application, Jackson falsely claimed that her residence had been damaged by Hurricane Ian and included a falsified utilities bill and lease agreement. In reality, Jackson had not lived at that residence since 2021, and a fire in 2021—not Hurricane Ian—had damaged the residence and rendered it uninhabitable. Based on Jackson’s misrepresentations, FEMA granted Jackson’s application and provided her with assistance funds and paid for her stay at two hotels in Orlando for 250 nights. This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diane S. Hu.


title: Team Rehab Physical Therapy agrees to pay nearly $5 Million to resolve False Claims Act allegations related to fraudulent billing scheme

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT - United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced today that Team Rehabilitation Services, LLC (“Team Rehab”), which operates approximately 140 physical therapy clinics in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Georgia, has agreed to pay $4,969,494 to settle allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for payment for physical therapy services to several federal healthcare programs. Healthcare providers charge services to federal healthcare programs using Current Procedural Terminology (“CPT”) codes. Some CPT codes are time-based, whereby the provider bills based on the amount of time spent delivering a service to the patient. Additionally, some CPT codes are only appropriate where the provider is administering care on a one-to-one basis. Healthcare providers certify that the CPT codes they charge to the federal healthcare programs are accurate. The settlement resolves allegations that, from January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2024, Team Rehab knowingly and improperly submitted false claims to Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for time-based CPT codes for one-to-one physical therapy services even though those services occurred in a group setting where the provider did not maintain sufficient direct patient contact throughout the service to appropriately bill for those time-based CPT codes. “Improperly billing federal healthcare programs depletes valuable resources and erodes public trust,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon. “This case is further proof that this office will continue to aggressively root out fraud, waste, and abuse in our healthcare system.” “Protecting the integrity of the TRICARE program and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars are top priorities for the Defense Health Agency. This settlement sends a clear message that we will not tolerate practices that exploit the program and inflate costs at the expense of our service members, veterans, and their families,” said Dr. David Krulak, director, TRICARE Health Plan, Defense Health Agency. “Taxpayers pay the price when medical services under federal health care programs are improperly billed,” said Derek M. Holt, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Office of the Inspector General. “We are grateful to our colleagues at the Department of Justice for continuing to pursue accountability for these actions and protecting the integrity of programs like the FEHBP.” After learning of the United States’ investigation in this case, Team Rehab cooperated with the United States by self-identifying improper claims for payment and implementing additional compliance controls to prevent future overbilling. This civil settlement resolved a sealed lawsuit originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Thornton v. Team Rehabilitation Physical Therapy, No. 2:23-cv-11592 (E.D. Mich.). The whistleblower will receive $919,356 of the settlement proceeds. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort among the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, and the Michigan Attorney General Health Care Fraud Division. Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Gentner from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan handled this matter for the United States.


title: Lead Defendant in Multi-State SNAP and PUA Fraud Conspiracy Pleads Guilty

body_text: BOSTON – A Fitchburg, Mass. man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Worcester to his role in a fraud scheme that used the stolen identities of more than 100 individuals to obtain $440,000 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The defendant and his alleged co-conspirators also fraudulently obtained over $700,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits from Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio Washington and Nevada. Raul Fernandez Vicioso, 37, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Commit SNAP Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, SNAP benefit Fraud, Aiding and Abetting and Money Laundering. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for July 9, 2026. The defendant was charged on Feb. 3, 2026 . Three alleged co-conspirators – Joel Vicioso Fernandez, 42, of Fitchburg, Mass.; Roman Vequiz Fernandez, 32, a Venezuelan national living in Leominster, Mass.; and Coralba Albarracin Siniva, 24, a Venezuelan national living in Leominster, Mass., were charged by criminal complaint . Raul Fernandez Vicioso and his alleged co-conspirators purchased and used the stolen personal information of over 100 real people from multiple states to fraudulently obtain SNAP benefits. The stolen identities were used to create 24 “households” in SNAP applications. All of these applications, submitted in the names of over 100 people, were listed as living in two single-family apartments in Providence, R.I. A number of the stolen identities from Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico were used to fraudulently obtain SNAP benefits in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Raul Fernandez Vicioso used his own personal information to create fraudulent SNAP benefit accounts that were found commingled among the victim identities in the applications. In support of the fraudulently submitted SNAP applications, the defendants and their co-conspirators allegedly provided images of counterfeit passports and passport cards, with metadata that indicated the images were taken inside or within the immediate vicinity of El Primo Restaurant – a restaurant operated by Raul Fernandez Vicioso in Leominster, Mass. The defendants and their co-conspirators allegedly used the fraudulent SNAP benefits cards to purchase large quantities of expensive bulk food items (such as multiple-pound packages of chicken, beef and pork) at various local wholesalers and food markets to stock El Primo Restaurant at no expense. With their supplies obtained for free through fraudulent SNAP benefits, they sold menu items at El Primo Restaurant at a complete profit, later wiring the fraud proceeds to individuals living in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, among other places. According to the charging documents, between April 2020 and December 2021, the defendants and their co-conspirators further enriched themselves by over $700,000 by submitting fraudulent applications and supporting documents for PUA in Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Nevada. The fraudulent PUA benefits were issued in the names of Raul Fernandez Vicioso and allegedly Joel Vicioso Fernandez and in the names of suspected identity theft victims, including identities common to the related the SNAP benefit fraud. At least 29 different identities were allegedly used in PUA applications in six different states – all of which listed the address for El Primo Restaurant as the residential address. Bank records obtained during the investigation detail approximately $276,021 in fraudulent PUA benefits deposited into bank accounts held in the names of the El Primo Restaurant, Raul Fernandez Vicioso and allegedly Joel Vicioso Fernandez and other co-conspirators. Other fraudulent PUA benefits were allegedly issued to prepaid cards in the identities of the various individuals which were applied for using known addresses and telephone numbers of the subjects. During searches of Raul Fernandez Vicioso’s residence and the El Primo Restaurant, fraudulently obtained Massachusetts and Rhode Island EBT cards, fraudulent documents bearing a Providence address involved in the alleged scheme, printed ledgers and handwritten lists of more than 100 identities and SNAP-related mailings were recovered. Fraud, waste or abuse can be reported to the Council of the Inspectors General for Integrity and Efficiency: https://www.oversight.gov/where-report-fraud-waste-abuse-or-retaliation . The charge of Conspiracy to Commit SNAP Fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000 The charge of illegal acquisition or use of SNAP benefits provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of money laundering provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount involved in the transaction, whichever is greater. 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; Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General; U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service; Rhode Island Office of Internal Audit - Fraud Detection & Prevention Unit; Massachusetts State Police; the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island; and the Fitchburg and Leominster Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danial Bennett of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.


title: Uruguayan Man Pleads Guilty to Agreeing to Move Money into the U.S. in Violation of U.S. Sanctions Relating to Venezuelan Officials

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A Uruguayan man pleaded guilty yesterday to agreeing to use an unlicensed money services business to circumvent U.S. sanctions relating to Venezuela by transferring approximately $100,000 from the Dominican Republic into a U.S. bank account. According to court documents, Irazmar Carbajal De Jesus, 60, agreed to transfer approximately $99,500 delivered in cash in the Dominican Republic to a specified bank account in Ft. Lauderdale. Law enforcement agents advised Carbajal De Jesus’s partner that the funds were from a sanctioned person from the Venezuelan government who needed help moving them to the U.S. “This defendant agreed to move money tied to a sanctioned Venezuelan official into the United States, using coded language, fake invoices, and layered transactions to try to hide what was really happening,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Sanctions are not symbolic. They are a critical national security tool, and anyone who tries to evade them by exploiting our financial system will be identified and prosecuted. Our Office will continue to protect the integrity of U.S. banks and hold accountable those who attempt to turn them into conduits for illicit funds.” Carbajal De Jesus and his partner advised that the fee would be 20 percent for this service, which included creating fake invoices to justify the transactions to the banks and the use of several accounts to transmit the funds. Carbajal De Jesus referred to the funds in coded language, identifying them as a “boy who needs to be taken to school.” Carbajal De Jesus pleaded guilty to conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida, and Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. The FBI International Corruption Unit in Miami investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nalina Sombuntham for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Barbara Levy of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section are prosecuting the case. The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section's (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations. MNF’s International Unit investigates and prosecutes cross-border money laundering schemes involving transnational criminal organizations, cartels, foreign official corruption and related money laundering affecting the U.S. financial system and prosecutes criminal cases and civil forfeiture matters to recover the proceeds of those crimes. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 25-cr-20426. ###


body_text: Manchester Man Sentenced to Five Years for Trafficking Pounds of Methamphetamine CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced today in federal court for drug trafficking, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Michael Raiche, 49, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe to 60 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. In July 2025, Raiche pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, specifically methamphetamine. “The defendant conspired with others to distribute dangerous drugs in our state,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “Today’s sentence reflects the serious threat posed by those who deal in drugs like methamphetamine. Our office will continue to pursue individuals and organizations who profit from drug trafficking in our communities.” “Michael Raiche pushed massive amounts of meth onto New Hampshire’s streets and was caught red-handed selling this poison on six separate occasions,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “While he sits behind bars contemplating the consequences of his criminal conduct, the FBI and our partners will continue to target those fueling the Granite State’s drug epidemic and callously profiting from people’s pain and addiction.” “This case highlights the strength of our partnership with federal and state agencies,” said Colonel Mark B. Hall, Director, New Hampshire State Police. “The Collaboration between the FBI, our Local Law Enforcement partners, and New Hampshire State Police Narcotics Investigations Unit has led to the successful disruption of the illegal distribution of narcotics that is threatening our communities. We remain committed to holding those responsible, accountable and protecting public safety.” According to the court documents and statements made in court, in the fall of 2022 the FBI, New Hampshire Major Offender Task Force, and the New Hampshire State Police (“NHSP”) began investigating a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in New Hampshire. On multiple occasions, a confidential source (or “CS”) sought to purchase methamphetamine from Thomas Conway who told the CS that “Mike,” the defendant, would take care of him. In December 2022, Conway told the CS about the defendant taking over his drug distribution business. Phone calls and text messages intercepted during the investigation confirmed that the defendant worked as a mid-level methamphetamine distributor for Conway and the two discussed the need to restructure their drug trafficking organization to ensure a sufficient drug supply. In one call on March 20, 2023, Conway told the defendant he had bought a pound of methamphetamine. Thereafter, on March 22, 2023, NHSP pulled over another of the defendant’s co-conspirators and found about one pound of methamphetamine in a briefcase in the car. In a call with Conway, they discussed how they anticipated the police search of the vehicle and finding one pound of methamphetamine. The Federal Bureau of Investigation Major Offender Task Force in partnership with the New Hampshire State Police led the investigation. The Concord Police Department, Franklin Police Department, and New Hampton Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Cherniske prosecuted the case.


title: Jackson Man Pleads Guilty to being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm

component: Department of Justice

body_text: Jackson, MS – A Jackson man pleaded guilty on Wednesday, March 25th in federal court to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, law enforcement officers stopped Eugene Cooper, Jr., 50, on March 13, 2024, while he was in possession of a handgun in his vehicle in the metro Jackson area. At the time of the stop, Cooper, Jr. had previously been convicted of burglary and fondling of a child. Eugene Cooper, Jr. is scheduled to be sentenced on June 25, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi and FBI Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case with assistance from the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. Assistant U.S. Attorney C. Brett Grantham is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Former Office Manager Sentenced for Bank Fraud

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – A former office manager was sentenced today for Bank Fraud and stealing more than $700k from her employers, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Raul M Arias-Marxuach sentenced Toni Lee Mesh, 40, of Vinita, to 46 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. She is further ordered to pay $703,938.41 in restitution. In 2023, Mesh was hired as the office manager and accountant for two privately owned manufacturing businesses in Pryor. She was responsible for the business’s accounting system, processing revenues and expenses, and handling payroll. Mesh admitted to abusing her position of trust to embezzle funds for unauthorized transactions that solely benefited her. Prior to being fired, Mesh embezzled nearly $580k. After Mesh was fired in June 2024, she continued to falsify business checks. Mesh was hired two months later as an office manager by a business in Broken Arrow. She was employed there for less than 90 days and stole more than $100k from that business. Court dockets show that Mesh has been convicted in state court for embezzlement, unauthorized use of a credit card, and uttering a forged instrument. Mesh was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The U.S. Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David D. Whipple prosecuted the case.


title: Brothers from D.C. Charged with Multiple Counts in Shooting of U.S. Park Police Officer

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

body_text: foster_x_foster_complaint_redacted.pdf WASHINGTON – Asheile Foster, 22, and Darren Foster, 21, brothers who reside in the District of Columbia, were charged today in U.S. District Court in connection with the March 23 shooting of a U.S. Park Police Officer, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. The Foster brothers face counts of Assault on a Federal Officer, Assault With Intent to Kill While Armed, Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Aggravated Assault While Armed, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. The Fosters made their first appearances today before Magistrate Judge Moxila A. Upadhyaya who scheduled a detention hearing for tomorrow, March 26. “Those who target law enforcement officers will be identified, apprehended, and held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Asheile Foster, 22, and Darren Foster, 21, fled the scene, but were quickly apprehended by law enforcement. This office will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law to ensure they face the consequences they deserve.” According to court documents, multiple law enforcement agencies responded about 7:30 p.m. on March 23 to Queens Stroll Place SE and 51st Street SE for a report of a shot U.S. Park Police officer. The USPP officer had been sitting in an unmarked Tesla Model Y, conducting surveillance on Asheile Foster, who had just departed the U.S. Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility after retrieving personal property stemming from his arrest the previous day. As the USPP officer sat in his vehicle, two men approached. The men fired several shots in his direction. At least one of the bullets struck the officer in the shoulder. The officer radioed for help, calling out that he’d been hit. Investigators arrived from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Department of Forensic Sciences. They scoured the scene and recovered 32 shell casings. Officers canvassed the neighborhood and discovered a black backpack wedged in a fence. The bag contained a Diamondback DB-15 (marked "Cal. Multi") AR-style rifle with no stock. The DB-15 was loaded with 15 rounds of .300 blackout caliber ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber. Police located Darren Foster, took him into custody, and interviewed him shortly after midnight the morning of March 24. Asheile Foster was taken into custody about 6:30 a.m. March 24 as he left a nearby residence. A search of the home’s attic revealed a Glock 19, 9mm pistol loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition in the magazine and one round in the chamber. This case is being investigated by the U.S. Park Police, the ATF Washington Field Division, The Department of Forensic Sciences, and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Helfand. 26mj62 Follow us on Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube


title: Danbury Man Admits Filing False Tax Returns

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that MARK EDWARDS, 61, of Danbury, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to an offense related to the filing of false tax returns. According to court documents and statements made in court, since approximately 1998 Edwards has owned and operated “Mark Edwards Roofing and Siding, LLC,” a roofing and construction business. Beginning at least as early as 2018, Edwards failed to keep accurate records or perform bookkeeping for his business, and during the preparation of his income tax returns he provided his tax preparer with handwritten income and expense figures that substantially underreported his income. On his federal income tax returns for the 2019 through 2023 tax years, Edwards underreported his gross receipts by at least $1.3 million, resulting in a tax loss to the IRS of $368,334. Edwards pleaded guilty to aiding in the preparation of a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. Edwards is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing, which is not scheduled. This investigation has been conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.