title: Two Fiji Nationals Sentenced to Prison for Carrying Out Multi-Million Dollar Real Estate Short Sale Fraud

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO , Calif. — Jyoteshna Karan, 52, and Praveen Singh, 45, both of Modesto, were sentenced for leading a multi-million dollar mortgage fraud scheme, Acting United States Attorney Michele Beckwith announced today. Karan received three years and four months in prison, and Singh received two years. According to court records, from 2006 through 2015, Karan and Singh conspired to make straw purchases and short sales of approximately 15 homes from Modesto to Sacramento. A straw purchase is where one person buys a home on behalf of another person to get around certain restrictions. Straw purchases are generally illegal in the real estate industry because they compromise lenders’ risk management practices. A short sale is where a homeowner sells their home for less than the amount they owe on their mortgage, with lender approval, to avoid foreclosure. Short sales must generally be arm’s length transactions in the real estate industry because that helps protect buyers and sellers from undervaluation, overpayment, and bias. After Karan and Singh acquired the homes, they allowed them to go into foreclosure and arranged for short sales with the lenders. They then quickly resold, or flipped, the homes to other people at market rates and therefore reaped significant profits. In doing so, they caused the lenders to suffer over $3,000,000 in losses. Karan and Singh were experienced real estate professionals who used unwitting participants, fabricated documents, and shell companies to carry out their fraud. For example, they used Singh’s mother as one of the straw purchasers, fabricated documents to make it appear as though the straw purchasers worked for their shell companies making six figure salaries, and fabricated documents to make it appear as though the transactions were arm’s length. This was all done to convince the lenders to go through with the deals. This case is the product of an investigation by the FBI, FDIC OIG, and the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Barton prosecuted the case.


title: Armed Drug Dealer From Oahu Sentenced to 170 Months in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – Acting United States Attorney Kenneth M. Sorenson announced that Ryan “Junior” Guzman, 40, of Honolulu, Hawaii, was sentenced today in federal court by Chief U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson to 170 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. As part of his prior guilty plea, Guzman admitted that on March 13, 2023, he distributed one pound of methamphetamine to a third party in the Magic Island parking lot in downtown Honolulu. He also admitted that in June 2024, he possessed a privately made firearm, known as a “ghost gun,” loaded with 15 hollow point rounds. Guzman further admitted he possessed that firearm in connection with his methamphetamine trafficking. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Honolulu Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Myers prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Bank Fraud Ringleader, “Scamdaddy,” Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Utah Credit Unions

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Matthew Acquah, 24, of Los Angeles, California, was sentenced today to 36 months’ imprisonment, a term of three years’ supervised release, and ordered by the court to pay $452,000 in restitution for his role defrauding Utah-based credit unions out of nearly half a million dollars. The sentence, imposed by Chief District Judge Robert J. Shelby, comes after Acquah pleaded guilty in January 2025 to counts of bank fraud, bank fraud conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft. According to court documents and statements made at Acquah’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, Acquah admitted that he used fraudulent identification documents to open lines of credit on behalf of unwitting victims and then take out unauthorized cash advances. He also admitted helping plan and execute numerous bank fraud sprees in Utah involving out-of-state coconspirators. According to prosecutors, Acquah was referred to as “Scamdaddy” or “Playboy Prince” by his coconspirators. Acquah arranged airfare for coconspirators, booked hotel rooms, facilitated vehicles and drivers, trained new recruits, and performed other management functions for the bank fraud ring. Between December 2023 and June 2024, Acquah admitted that his fraud ring managed to obtain over $450,000 in fraud proceeds from credit unions in Utah. According to documents filed with the court, Acquah used his share to fund a lavish lifestyle, including an apartment in downtown Los Angeles and a vehicle. He was arrested with over $100,804 in U.S. currency split between his apartment and an offsite storage unit, which will be used to repay victims. The case was investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations and the Taylorsville City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Tanner Zumwalt of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.


title: Fairfield Man Pleads Guilty to Prescription Drug Diversion

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: DES MOINES, Iowa – A Fairfield pharmacist pleaded guilty on March 27, 2025, to stealing thousands of prescription pills from a pharmacy he owned and operated. According to public court documents, Bryan Paul Vander Linden, 42, admitted that from June 2022 to at least November 2023, he obtained prescription pills from Summit Pharmacy of Iowa for his own use. To obtain the pills, Vander Linden would order and not report the pills in the pharmacy’s inventory, take from the pharmacy stock, or take pills from the controlled substance collection bin. In total, Vander Linden obtained more than 3,500 oxycodone and hydrocodone pills, Schedule II controlled substances, and more than 400 carisoprodol pills, a Schedule IV muscle relaxant. Vander Linden is scheduled to be sentenced on July 28, 2025 and faces a potential sentence of up to four years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Drug Enforcement Administration is investigating this case.


title: Justice Department to Surge Resources to Indian Country to Investigate Unresolved Violent Crimes

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: The Justice Department today announced that it will surge FBI assets across the country to address unresolved violent crimes in Indian Country, including crimes relating to missing and murdered indigenous persons. FBI will send 60 personnel, rotating in 90-day temporary duty assignments over a six-month period. This operation is the longest and most intense national deployment of FBI resources to address Indian Country crime to date. FBI personnel will support field offices in Albuquerque; Denver; Detroit; Jackson, Miss.; Minneapolis; Oklahoma City; Phoenix; Portland, Oregon; Seattle; and Salt Lake City. The FBI will work in partnership with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal law enforcement agencies across jurisdictions. FBI personnel will be assisted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit, and they will use the latest forensic evidence processing tools to solve cases and hold perpetrators accountable. U.S. Attorney’s Offices will aggressively prosecute case referrals. “Crime rates in American Indian and Alaska Native communities are unacceptably high. By surging FBI resources and collaborating closely with US Attorneys and Tribal law enforcement to prosecute cases, the Department of Justice will help deliver the accountability that these communities deserve,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “The FBI will manhunt violent criminals on all lands – and Operation Not Forgotten ensures a surge in resources to locate violent offenders on tribal lands and find those who have gone missing,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska supports this mission and has similarly sought to aggressively pursue violent criminals who have victimized people on Indian reservations in Nebraska. For example, this past February, our AUSAs obtained a murder conviction against Michelle Marr following a jury trial. The defendant is scheduled for sentencing on June 5, 2025. Indian Country faces persistent levels of crime and victimization. At the beginning of Fiscal Year 2025, FBI’s Indian Country program had approximately 4,300 open investigations, including over 900 death investigations, 1,000 child abuse investigations, and more than 500 domestic violence and adult sexual abuse investigations. Operation Not Forgotten renews efforts begun during President Trump’s first term under E.O. 13898, Establishing the Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives. This is the third deployment under Operation Not Forgotten, which has provided investigative support to over 500 cases in the past two years. Combined, these operations resulted in the recovery of 10 child victims, 52 arrests, and 25 indictments or judicial complaints. Operation Not Forgotten also expands upon the resources deployed in recent years to address cases of missing and murdered indigenous people. The effort will be supported by the Department’s MMIP Regional Outreach Program, which places attorneys and coordinators in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the United States to help prevent and respond to cases of missing or murdered indigenous people.


title: Baltimore Man Sentenced for Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Prohibited Person

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Robert Jackson, 39, of Baltimore, Maryland, to 54 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Toni M. Crosby of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). On January 26, 2024, while observing a Citi Watch Camera, a Baltimore City Police Department (BPD) detective observed a hand-to-hand gun exchange, on Milton Avenue. The detective witnessed Jackson and co-defendant, Derek Harvey, walking southbound on North Milton Avenue in Baltimore City. Jackson reached into the hoodie he wore and pulled out a tan handgun and handed it to Harvey who then placed the gun in his waistband. Baltimore City detectives arrested both men shortly after observing the weapon exchange, seizing the firearm and ammunition. Both men were prohibited from possessing the weapon and ammunition because of prior convictions. Harvey has previously pled guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on May 8, 2025. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF and BPD for their help with the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon who prosecuted the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Romanian National Sentenced To 24 Months’ Imprisonment For Wire Fraud Conspiracy And Aggravated Identity Theft

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Stefan-Alin Doleanu, age 29, of Romania, was sentenced on March 27, 2025, to 24 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for wire fraud conspiracy and aggravated identity theft. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, between November 2022 and March 2023, Doleanu and multiple co-conspirators, including co-defendant Eliza Doleanu, conspired to use stolen SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (“EBT”) card information at Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club stores in Camp Hill, Chambersburg, Mechanicsburg, and York. During this period, the Doleanus illegally purchased several thousand dollars in goods. Judge Wilson further ordered Doleanu to pay restitution in the amount of $14,255.97. Doleanu will be removed from the United States upon the completion of his sentence. The case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the United States Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Mexican Man Sentenced To Three Months’ Imprisonment For Illegal Re-Entry

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Eustolio Sanchez-Ramirez, age 38, of Chiapas, Mexico, was sentenced on March 27, 2025, by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson, to three months’ imprisonment on the charge of illegal re-entry into the United States, to run consecutive to any sentence that may be imposed at Dauphin County Magisterial Docket No: CR-796-2024. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Sanchez-Ramirez was last deported from the United States to Mexico in November 2018. He re-entered the United States again sometime after November 2018 without first obtaining legal permission to do so. Sanchez-Ramirez was encountered in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, on December 19, 2024. The case was investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Harrisburg Police Bureau. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams is prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Attorney General Pamela Bondi Dismisses Biden-Era Lawsuit Against Commonsense Georgia Election Law, Advancing President Trump’s Mandate to End Weaponization

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Today, Attorney General Pamela Bondi directed the Department of Justice to dismiss its claims in In Re Georgia Senate Bill 202, a Biden-era lawsuit that falsely accused Georgia of intentionally suppressing Black voters’ votes. “Contrary to the Biden Administration’s false claims of suppression, Black voter turnout actually increased under SB 202,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Georgians deserve secure elections, not fabricated claims of false voter suppression meant to divide us. Americans can be confident that this Department of Justice will protect their vote and never play politics with election integrity.” The Biden administration fabricated an untrue narrative following the passage of Senate Bill 202 and sued the state of Georgia, claiming without evidence that SB 202 was an intentional scheme to “depress the Black vote” and referring to the basic election legislation as “Jim Crow 2.0.”Some mainstream media outlets and corporate allies of the Biden Administration fueled this falsehood, demonizing Georgians for political gain and triggering boycotts—including Major League Baseball’s relocation of the 2021 All-Star Game from Atlanta—that, by some estimates, cost the state over $100 million in economic losses. In reality, SB 202’s commonsense reforms—photo ID for all voting, strengthened absentee ballot procedures, and rapid reporting of results—spurred record voter turnout, including among Black Georgians. “The Department of Justice is done with this disgrace,” said Acting Associate Attorney General and Department of Justice Chief of Staff Chad Mizelle. “There is nothing racist about protecting elections—baseless claims of Jim Crow-style discrimination are the real insult.” President Trump and Attorney General Bondi are committed to dismantling weaponized litigation and ensuring fair, lawful elections for all Americans. Instead of wasting time on false, divisive lawsuits, the Department of Justice will continue to root out real discrimination, promote common-sense election safeguards, and ensure equality for every American.


title: Taos Man Admits to Killing Up-And-Coming Native American Artist Deanna Suazo

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – Santiago Martinez pleaded guilty in federal court to voluntary manslaughter for the death of his girlfriend, DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo, a talented Indigenous artist, following a late-night argument in November 2021. According to court records, on November 12, 2021, Santiago Martinez and his girlfriend, DeAnna Suazo, were at their shared home, where they consumed alcohol and listened to music in her vehicle. Early in the morning hours, the couple engaged in a heated argument outside their home about the future of their relationship, during which Suazo reiterated her desire to end things. The argument escalated into a physical altercation, leading to Martinez intentionally running over Suazo with her SUV, resulting in her death due to mechanical asphyxia and blunt trauma Although Martinez had consumed alcohol, he acknowledged being aware of his actions and their wrongfulness at the time of the incident. DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo (Diné, Taos Pueblo) was a talented artist and the daughter of Native American artists Geraldine Tso, a Navajo artist, and David Gary Suazo, a Taos Pueblo painter. She celebrated her Indigenous heritage through figural paintings of strong Indigenous women, blending traditional and contemporary styles with inspiration from Japanese manga. Suazo's work was exhibited nationwide, including at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts and the Balzer Contemporary Edge Gallery. In 2022, IAIA established the DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo Memorial Fund for Indigenous female artists in the MFA in Studio Arts Program, honoring her legacy and contributions to the art world. David Gary Suazo DeAnna pictured with her artwork courtesy of David Gary Suazo At sentencing, Martinez faces between 10 and 15 years in prison followed by not less than three years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrinand Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary Jones and Nora Wilson are prosecuting the case.


title: Euless Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Transporting Illegal Aliens in Tractor Trailer Tank

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: DEL RIO, Texas – A Euless man was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 72 months in prison for his role in an alien smuggling operation. According to court documents, Oland Maurice McKenzie, 43, was the driver of an 18-wheeler tractor trailer truck that was stopped on June 29, 2023, as it was transporting 18 illegal aliens in metal grain hopper trailer. A Maverick County Sheriff’s deputy initiated the traffic stop when McKenzie failed to utilize a turn signal as he entered a parking lot. The deputy learned McKenzie did not have a commercial driver’s license required to drive the tractor trailer. During the traffic stop, U.S. Border Patrol agents arrived and initiated a canine inspection, which led to the discovery of 18 individuals inside the pneumatic tank trailer, which was a completely enclosed metal cylinder, commonly used to transport powdered concrete or sand. McKenzie was arrested and charged in a criminal complaint. He was eventually indicted by a grand jury for one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens placing lives in jeopardy and one count of illegal alien transportation placing lives in jeopardy. He was found guilty of both counts on May 1, 2024 by jury verdict. “The disruption by law enforcement on the front end of this event absolutely saved lives,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas. “The tractor trailer was loaded with human cargo and bound for San Antonio out of Eagle Pass. Fortunately, there were no injuries beyond heat exhaustion but, if not for our law enforcement partners, this event could have ended much worse—potentially resulting in death.” “This conviction highlights the severity of human smuggling and the critical need to enforce U.S. immigration and border security laws,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge for San Antonio, Craig Larrabee. “ICE and HSI will continue to target those who engage in these unlawful activities, which pose significant risks to public safety.” HSI and the U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Miner prosecuted the case. ###


title: Former CBP Officer Sentenced to Federal Prison and Community Service for Bribery and Role in Alien Smuggling

body_text: EL PASO, Texas – A former U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso to 51 months in prison and 80 hours of community service for one count of bribery of a public official and one count of bringing in certain aliens for financial gain. According to court documents, in December 2022, investigating agents received information that Omar Moreno, 46, of Horizon City, was smuggling illegal aliens into the United States as a CBP officer, receiving $4,000 per alien from a smuggling organization. On Feb. 1, 2024, a video recording captured Moreno escorting two illegal aliens, one being a foot guide, into the U.S. through the Ysleta Port of Entry without undergoing an inspection. On Feb. 23, 2024, two undercover officers posed as illegal aliens and used a confidential human source as a foot guide to enter the U.S. from Mexico. Again, Moreno allowed the smuggling to occur through the port of entry. After his shift ended, Moreno was paid $8,000 and arrested. Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The case was investigated by the FBI, Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility, and Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Johnston and Andres Ortega prosecuted the case. ###


title: Richmond Sexual Predator Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS— Moises Bojorquez, 29, of Richmond, Indiana, has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of a child, distribution of child sexual abuse material, and possession of matter containing child sexual abuse material. According to court documents, Bojorquez sexually abused a prepubescent relative, who was in his care and custody. In several instances, Bojorquez live chatted the sexual abuse. In other instances, Bojorquez recorded the sexual abuse and sent it to a woman via Telegram, an encrypted, cloud-based instant messaging service. Bojorquez and the woman engaged in a months-long conversation via Telegram in which they described their shared sexual interest in children. Bojorquez also shared other child sex abuse material with the same woman via Telegram and with others via email. Investigators located more than 1,000 images and videos on Bojorquez’s two cell phones, some of which depicted infants or toddlers engaged in sexually explicit conduct and sadistic or masochistic conduct or other depictions of violence. “No child should suffer sexual abuse,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “This predator cruelly exploited an innocent child to satisfy his criminal sexual desires with other likeminded predators. Thanks to the efforts of law enforcement officers, this defendant will now spend 40 years in federal prison, where he cannot sexually abuse another child.” “This case is a sobering reminder of the depths of pravity some individuals will go to exploit the most innocent among us,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “HSI and our law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying and bringing to justice those who prey on children. We will continue to use every available resource to protect the innocent and disrupt the networks that facilitate these horrific crimes.” “The Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force remains vigilant and committed to working with its local and federal partners to protect society’s most vulnerable to sexual exploitation: our children. Caretakers, parents, and others in positions of trust who fail in their duty to protect children but instead seek to sexually exploit them for their own selfish and devious reasons will be identified, investigated, and prosecuted,” said Christopher D. Cecil, Commander of Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Homeland Security Investigations and members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including Indiana State Police, Richmond Police Department, and Plainfield Police Department, investigated this case, with assistance from the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Sarah Evans Barker. Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Wood and Tiffany J. Preston, who prosecuted this 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 the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. If you are a victim of child sexual exploitation, please contact your local police department. Resources for victims of child exploitation can be found on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood ###


title: CEO Of CardReady LLC Sentenced To Seven Years In Prison For $19 Million Credit Card Laundering Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that BRANDON BECKER, the former CEO of CardReady, LLC (“CardReady”), was sentenced today to seven years in prison for operating a credit card laundering scheme in which BECKER and his co-conspirators stole over $19 million based on false promises that they could reduce thousands of customers’ debt burdens. As part of this scheme, BECKER and his co-conspirators created dozens of sham merchant accounts and false merchant applications, defrauding a credit card processing company and federally insured bank into processing victim payments. BECKER previously pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska, who also imposed today’s sentence. Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Over a two-year period, Brandon Becker and his co-conspirators preyed on nearly 20,000 victims who were trying to reduce their debt burdens. Becker tasked co-conspirators at CardReady to recruit straw owners for shell companies, and deceived credit card payment processors into fraudulently processing more than $19 million in stolen funds. With today’s sentence, Becker faces the consequences of this massive fraud, sending the clear message that corporate executives who facilitate fraud will be held accountable for their crimes.” According to the Superseding Indictment, court filings, and statements made in Court: BECKER was the CEO of CardReady, a Los-Angeles based company acting as a sales agent in the credit card processing industry. As part of its business as a sales agent, CardReady found merchants who wanted credit card processing services, and submitted merchant applications on behalf of those merchants to an Independent Sales Organization (“ISO”), referred to in the Indictment as the “New York ISO.” The New York ISO then evaluated the merchant applications, and referred acceptable merchant accounts for processing up the chain to Payment Processor-1 and to Bank-1. Bank-1 and Payment Processor-1, in turn, processed payments to merchants for purchases by customers who had used credit cards. In or about 2012, BECKER negotiated a deal with co-defendant STEVEN SHORT, the former head of Florida-based E.M. Systems & Services LLC and affiliated companies (collectively, “E.M. Systems”). Under this deal, CardReady would retain approximately one-third of E.M. Systems’ credit card sale transactions in exchange for providing E.M. Systems access to the credit card processing network. For roughly the next two years, SHORT and telemarketers working in boiler rooms for E.M. Systems cold-called customers and offered services, including debt consolidation and interest-rate reduction, which were prohibited by the applicable guidelines from Bank-1 and other associated processing entities (the “Guidelines”), and which – as BECKER knew – would produce chargebacks from dissatisfied customers far in excess of the number and rate of chargebacks permitted under the Guidelines. In securing payment card processing for E.M. Systems, BECKER concealed that E.M. Systems was the true underlying merchant. Instead, BECKER and his subordinates and co-conspirators, created approximately 26 sham merchant companies, each headed by a “signer” (the “Sham Merchants” and the “Sham Merchant Accounts”). The 26 signers for the 26 Sham Merchants typically had no business of their own, and lacked knowledge of E.M. Systems’ business. In return for signing the paperwork provided to them, the signers were paid a nominal fee from CardReady. BECKER and his co-conspirators prepared and coordinated fraudulent merchant applications for each of the Sham Merchants, through merchant applications that falsely described the Sham Merchants to make them look like legitimate independent businesses and to make it more likely that the associated Sham Merchant Account would be approved for processing by the New York ISO, Payment Processor-1, and Bank-1. The merchant application for each Sham Merchant also concealed the Sham Merchant’s true association with E.M. Systems. By steering E.M. Systems’s payment processing through these Sham Merchant Accounts, BECKER accomplished a number of fraudulent purposes. First, the use of these Sham Merchant Accounts made it possible for E.M. Systems and other high-risk merchants to conceal their identities from Payment Processor-1 and Bank-1 and to maintain payment card processing. This was particularly relevant, as Payment Processor-1 repeatedly required CardReady to close individual Sham Merchant Accounts because of excessive chargebacks and reports of sales of prohibited services. BECKER then caused CardReady to quickly replace the closed Sham Merchant Accounts with new Sham Merchant Accounts, precluding Payment Processor-1 from shutting down its processing of E.M. Systems and other high-risk merchants. Second, the fraudulent processing scheme enabled E.M. Systems and other high-risk merchants to spread out their charges, refunds, and chargebacks across multiple Sham Merchant Accounts. This enabled them to evade chargeback monitoring programs operated by Bank-1, Payment Processor-1, and the New York ISO. BECKER’s use of signers to deceive payment processors was not limited to the E.M. Systems scheme. BECKER and his agents and employees at CardReady systematized the recruitment of over 270 signers and the creation of over 800 Sham Merchant Accounts to be used by more than 30 high risk clients other than E.M. Systems between approximately 2012 and 2016, both before and after the E.M. Systems scheme. * * * BECKER, 53, of Los Angeles, California, pled guilty on August 30, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. In addition to the prison sentence, BECKER was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,910,600.05, and forfeiture of $11,405,964.00. STEVEN SHORT, 48, of Tampa, Florida, pled guilty on August 16, 2022, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. On May 2, 2023, SHORT was sentenced to 78 months in prison and three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,910,600.05 and forfeiture of $8,833,889.69. Mr. Podolsky praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and thanked the Federal Trade Commission for its assistance. This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Vladislav Vainberg and Timothy Capozzi are in charge of the prosecution.


title: South Carolina Construction Company to Pay $191,070 to the United States to Resolve False Claims Allegations

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston announced today that Thompson Construction Group Inc., of Sumter, South Carolina, has agreed to pay the United States $191,070 to resolve civil allegations that it violated the federal False Claims Act by submitting false claims for payment from federal disaster recovery grant funds and by falsely certifying that homes it had constructed were compliant with contract conditions. On June 26, 2016, portions of central and southern West Virginia experienced extreme levels of rainfall, resulting in historic flooding over a vast swath of the region. Flood waters rushing across West Virginia’s mountainous landscape damaged or swept away thousands of homes, businesses, bridges and other infrastructure, leaving thousands of West Virginia residents homeless and at least 23 dead. Following a presidential disaster declaration issued in response to the flooding, Congress appropriated funds for disaster recovery in West Virginia to be administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the form of Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds. These funds were made available to fund an array of recovery needs in West Virginia including housing rehabilitation and replacement for low income homeowners. Thompson was awarded a series of contracts to reconstruct homes that were damaged or destroyed during the catastrophic flood. Because future flooding and water intrusion was a concern, the contracts included specific requirements for water management including crawl space drainage systems and sump pumps to be installed in homes constructed in a flood plain. These requirements were detailed in pre-bid construction specifications and incorporated into the contracts awarded. Thompson completed construction of these homes and submitted invoices certifying compliance with the contract terms and was paid from federal CDBG-DR funds. Investigators later learned, however, that crawl space drainage systems and sump pumps had not been installed as required, making Thompson’s claims and certifications false. The Settlement Agreement announced today requires Thompson to pay $95,535 in restitution and $95,535 in double damages pursuant to the False Claims Act. “Numerous West Virginia families devastated by the 2016 flooding relied on Thompson Construction, which received significant taxpayer dollars only to leave these families vulnerable to future flooding,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “I commend HUD-OIG and the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations for conducting the civil investigation, the Affirmative Civil Enforcement-Health Care Fraud Investigative Specialist Tyler E. Japhet in our office for assisting the investigation, and Assistant United States Attorney Gregory P. Neil for securing this settlement.” “Thompson Construction Group’s actions diverted limited federal taxpayer resources that were intended to help victims rebuild homes that had been damaged by devastating floods and instead used that money to line their pockets,” said Special Agent-in-Charge Shawn Rice with HUD-OIG. “HUD OIG remains steadfast in its commitment to working with our prosecutorial, law enforcement, and oversight partners to aggressively pursue individuals who engage in activities that threaten the integrity of HUD programs.” “The Commission on Special Investigations is committed to investigating all matters involving the misappropriation and theft of public funds,” said Commission Director Rick Eplin. “Commission investigators spent many days in the field interviewing homeowners and contractors in this matter. In addition, they collected photographic evidence that clearly supported the allegations set forth. We are thankful for the support of our federal partners with HUD-OIG and the United States Attorney’s Office who made a successful resolution of this case possible.” A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. ###


title: Former High-Ranking FDNY Official Sentenced To 20 Months In Prison For Role In Bribery Conspiracy

body_text: Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that BRIAN CORDASCO was sentenced to 20 months in prison for participating in a conspiracy to solicit and receive bribes in his role as a Chief of the New York City Fire Department (“FDNY”) Bureau of Fire Prevention (“BFP”). CORDASCO previously pled guilty on October 8, 2024, before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who also imposed today’s sentence. Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “As a chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention, Brian Cordasco was entrusted to protect the people of New York City and to fairly represent their interests. Instead, he repeatedly abused his position of power by expediting fire inspection services for those who paid him thousands of dollars in bribes. The sentence imposed today sends a clear message that government officials who betray the public trust to line their own pockets will be met with just punishment.” According to the Indictment, plea agreement, and statements made in court: From 2021 to 2023, CORDASCO repeatedly abused his position as a Chief of the BFP by participating in a scheme to solicit and receive $190,000 in total bribe payments from a former FDNY firefighter named Henry Santiago, Jr. In exchange for those bribe payments, CORDASCO used his authority within the BFP to improperly “expedite” BFP inspections and plan reviews for Santiago’s customers. CORDASCO personally profited $57,000 as part of this scheme. To carry out this conspiracy, CORDASCO lied to his BFP subordinates to justify otherwise improper expediting requests. CORDASCO also lied to law enforcement when interviewed about his involvement in the scheme. If you believe you have information related to bribery, fraud, or any other illegal conduct by FDNY or BFP employees, please contact squad6complaint@doi.nyc.gov or (212) 825-2402. If you were involved in such conduct, please consider self-disclosing through the SDNY Whistleblower Pilot Program at USANYS.WBP@usdoj.gov. * * * In addition to the prison term, CORDASCO, 49, of Staten Island, New York, was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay forfeiture of $57,000 and a fine of $100,000. Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Department of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Greenwood, Matthew King, and Daniel H. Wolf are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Federal grand jury indicts Buffalo man on multiple drug charges

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury indicted Michael R. Prell, Jr. a/k/a Struggle Mike a/k/a Struggle a/k/a Jr, 43, of Buffalo, NY, with narcotics conspiracy and attempted possession of five kilograms or more of cocaine with intent to distribute, which carry a minimum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum of life. Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis A. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that between early 2024 and September 26, 2024, Prell conspired with others to sell cocaine. In addition, on August l, September 25, and September 26, 2024, Prell attempted to possess, with intent to distribute, cocaine. The defendant was arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was released on conditions. The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, III, New York Field Division, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie P. Feroleto. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Red Lake Man with Multiple Prior Felonies Charged with Illegal Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Darrell Emery Loud, a Red Lake man, has been indicted for possessing a firearm as a felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. According to court documents, on September 12, 2024, Darrell Emery Loud, 42, was found in possession of a Remington Model 870 Express 20-gauge shotgun. Because Loud has multiple prior felony convictions in Beltrami County for DWI, domestic assault, and fleeing from a peace officer, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time. The indictment charges Loud with one count of illegal possession of a firearm as a felon. His arraignment hearing is scheduled for April 2, 2025, in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Leo I. Brisbois. “The safety and security of Red Lake Nation is of the upmost importance to my office,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “We deeply value our partnership with the Red Lake Police Department. Together, along with our federal partners, we will continue to hold accountable those who would bring violence to the Red Lake Indian Reservation.” This case is the result of investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Red Lake Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren O. Roso is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Long Beach Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Smash-and-Grab Robbery of Jewelry Worth $2.6 Million

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Long Beach man was sentenced today to 84 months in federal prison for his role in a smash-and-grab robbery of a Beverly Hills jewelry store in 2022 in which more than $2.6 million in merchandise was stolen – and the proceeds of which he later displayed on his Instagram account. Ladell Tharpe, 39, was sentenced by United States District Judge George H. Wu, who also ordered him to pay $2,674,600 in restitution. Tharpe pleaded guilty in September 2024 to one count of interference with commerce by robbery (Hobbs Act). “Brazen criminal action that directly targets our small businesses in Los Angeles County will not be tolerated,” said Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally. “The consequences for such action are severe and penalized accordingly, and I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their exceptional and dutiful work during this investigation.” “Mr. Tharpe terrified his victims during this violent robbery carried out in broad daylight, then shamelessly boasted about it online,” said Akil Davis, the Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI will continue to work with our counterparts at local police departments to address violent crime and pursue justice at the federal level where appropriate.” “The Beverly Hills Police Department is committed to protecting our community and ensuring justice,” said Beverly Hills Police Chief Mark G. Stainbrook. “We value our partnership with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and appreciate the investigators who relentlessly pursued and prosecuted those responsible for this crime. As a reminder, crime will not be tolerated in Beverly Hills.” In March 2022, Tharpe and his accomplices, Deshon Bell, 22, Jimmy Lee Vernon III, 33, both from Long Beach, as well as an unnamed minor drove three vehicles to a jewelry store in Beverly Hills and used sledgehammers and crow bars to break the glass surrounding the merchandise while employees and customers were present. One of the vehicles driven to the jewelry store had been reported stolen four days prior to the robbery and was left in front of the victim store. The thieves removed from the store’s display cases at least 19 bracelets, seven pairs of earrings, four necklaces, a pair of obelisks, eight rings, and 20 watches, all of which was valued at approximately $2,674,600. The robbers then returned to the car in which Bell was waiting and then fled the scene. Two days after the heist, Tharpe posted images of large amounts of cash on his Instagram with the text “Robbery Gang.” Tharpe has been in federal custody since March 2023. Bell and Vernon each pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery. Judge Wu sentenced Bell to one year and one day in federal prison in February 2024, as well as ordering him to pay $2,674,000 in restitution. Vernon, whose cellphone fell out of his sweatpants pocket during the conduct of the robbery and was recovered by investigators, was sentenced last month to 80 months in prison and was also ordered to repay $2,674,000 in restitution. The FBI and the Beverly Hills Police Department investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Butler of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Kevin B. Reidy of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted the case.


title: Trio Sentenced for Roles in Reservation Murder

component: Department of Justice

body_text: JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI – Three tribal members were sentenced for their respective roles in a murder, which occurred in September of 2023, in the Pearl River Community of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Reservation. According to court documents, Michael Jeffrey Shaffer, Sr., 48, and Montero Ray Willis, 22, were both sentenced to prison for Murder in the Second Degree. Shaffer was sentenced to 262 months, and Montero was sentenced 151 months. Deyonkia Alice Willis, 32, was sentenced to 60 months for the crime of Accessory After the Fact. All three were previously indicted by a federal grand jury in November of 2023 and previously plead guilty. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon and Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The Choctaw Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case as part of the Project Safe Neighborhood’s Tribal Initiative. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin J. Payne and Brian K. Burns prosecuted the case. Project Safe Neighborhood’s Tribal Initiative refers to the inclusion of tribal law enforcement officials and community leaders within the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a national initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice that aims to identify and address the most pressing violent crime issues in a community by bringing together federal, state, local, tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and community partners to develop comprehensive solutions; essentially, it signifies the program's efforts to actively involve tribal entities in combating crime within their jurisdictions.


title: Tonia Haddix Admits Lying Repeatedly to Court About Death of Tonka the Chimpanzee

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A Missouri woman on Monday admitted lying in U.S. District Court and in court filings about the purported death of “Tonka,” a chimpanzee that was one of the subjects of a long running federal civil suit. Tonia Haddix waived her right to indictment by a grand jury and pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to three felony charges: two counts of perjury and one count of obstruction of justice. She admitted that her false statements influenced and obstructed the administration of justice in the pending civil suit. That suit, originally filed in 2016, involved allegations by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) over the care of primates, including Tonka, at a facility near Festus, Missouri. On October 2, 2020, the District Court entered its consent decree requiring that Haddix, who was then operating the Festus facility, take certain steps relative to Tonka. What followed, based upon Haddix’s failure to comply with the provisions of the District Court’s consent decree, were a series of motions seeking civil contempt against Haddix filed by PETA. The District Court entered a number of orders granting temporary restraining orders against Haddix, finding Haddix in civil contempt relative to the District Court’s consent decree. On March 26, 2021, the District Court issued a temporary restraining order against Haddix requiring that Haddix not transfer Tonka and continue to provide appropriate caregiving to him. On July 14, 2021, the District Court found Haddix in violation of that order and entered an additional order requiring that Tonka and six other chimpanzees be transferred from Haddix’s possession to the Center for Great Apes. During that July 14, 2021 hearing, Haddix falsely claimed that Tonka had died, but failed to provide the Court with proof of death. The District Court’s July 14, 2021 order provided that the transfer of Tonka and the six other chimpanzees to the Center for Great Apes be carried out by representatives of PETA, representatives of the Center for Great Apes, and Deputy U.S. Marshals. On July 28, 2021, access was only provided to the six chimpanzees which were duly transferred to the Center for Great Apes, but no information was provided by Haddix as to the whereabouts of Tonka. On August 2, 2021, PETA filed its fourth motion seeking civil contempt against Haddix for failing to transfer Tonka as ordered by the District Court. On August 16, 2021, Haddix filed her declaration with the District Court, under penalty of perjury, which contained the materially false statement that, “On May 30, 2021, Tonka died. On that same date, [my husband] cremated Tonka’s body. After the cremation, he gave me Tonka’s cremated remains. Since then, I have retained—and continue to retain—Tonka’s remains.” Haddix well knew at that time that Tonka was not dead, but alive and living in a known location. On December 27, 2021, Haddix filed in the District Court her pro se motion to dismiss with prejudice PETA’s fourth motion seeking civil contempt. In that motion, Haddix again made numerous materially false representations that Tonka was dead. Her materially false statements influenced, obstructed and impeded the due administration of justice in that pending civil case. On January 5, 2022, the District Court convened a hearing during which Haddix gave sworn testimony and again made materially false statements, including that on May 30, 2021, “…and then I went in and I opened the cage door and [Tonka] was dead. He was dead.” “…we took him around and let the chimps say good-bye. Then we put him in the Gator and we backed the Gator up against the truck, the bed of the truck, the tailgate, and then we put his body over into the truck and then he left.” “…and I waited for [my husband] to call me, to let me know [that he had completed his cremation.]” “…I wanted to keep trying to save Tonka if I could. But then he just died on his own, so there was no saving him.” Based upon her false testimony, the District Court denied PETA’s motion for civil contempt. On June 2, 2022, based upon newly discovered evidence presented to the District Court that Tonka was alive, the District Court entered its temporary restraining order requiring Haddix to cooperate in the transfer of Tonka from her possession to a facility designated by PETA. On June 8, 2022, representatives of PETA and representatives of the Save the Chimps Foundation, with the assistance of Deputy U.S. Marshals, were finally able to transfer Tonka from where he was being held in a cage in Haddix’s basement to a Save the Chimps sanctuary, where Tonka continues to live to this date. “Despite repeatedly being warned by the District Court about the consequences of flouting the consent decree and court orders and being given ample opportunity to come into compliance, Haddix continued to defy the Court,” said U.S. Attorney Sayler A. Fleming. “She then repeatedly lied about Tonka’s death while she was under oath.” "Tania Haddix swore to tell the truth under oath and then proceeded to blatantly lie to a federal judge," said Special Agent in Charge Ashley Johnson of the FBI St. Louis Division. “There is no excuse." Haddix is scheduled to be sentenced July 16. Each perjury charge is punishable by up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine. The obstruction charge is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and the same fine range. The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Hal Goldsmith is prosecuting the case.


title: Three Charged with Multiple Drug Charges Following Arrests at Local Nightclub

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

body_text: NASHVILLE – Rimon Salim, 37, a naturalized citizen of the United States; Antuan Rhodes, 44, of Nashville, Tennessee; and Jorge Luis, 35, a citizen of Mexico without legal status in the United States, have been arrested and charged in three separate criminal complaints for their involvement in drug-related crimes at two Antioch, Tennessee, nightclubs, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. “The extraordinary number of calls from citizens to police about these establishments justifies law enforcement efforts to hold these individuals accountable for their criminal activity,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “Night clubs like these, where illegal activity is rampant, are a blight on our city and we will do what it takes to clean them up for the benefit of the community.” “This operation exemplifies the effectiveness of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies who have united to combat a drug trafficking operation,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The FBI remains committed to working with our partners to keep illegal drugs off our streets and holding those accountable for endangering our communities.” According to court documents, Salim owns and operates Miami Club and Paisanos bar and billar. Paisanos operates as a nightclub on the weekends from 6:00 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. When Paisanos closes, Miami Club opens next door as an “after-party nightclub” from 2:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Between 2020 and 2024, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department has received over 400 calls for service from these clubs and nearby businesses. These calls have been for fights, weapons, shots fired, individuals suffering gunshot wounds, theft, disorderly conduct, and various other crimes. Approximately 18 months ago, law enforcement began investigating drug trafficking in these clubs. Undercover agents went inside the clubs and observed drug sales and drug usage. Law enforcement also used informants to purchase drugs from individuals in the nightclubs’ bathrooms. Specifically, between February 2024 and March 2025, Jorge Luis sold informants cocaine in Paisanos’ bathroom on multiple occasions. In addition, between August 2024 and March 2025, Salim, Rhodes, and others sold and provided informants methamphetamine and cocaine in Miami Club on multiple occasions. Salim is charged with maintaining a drug-involved premises and distributing controlled substances. He faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $500,000 fine for maintaining a drug-involved premises. He faces up to life in federal prison and a $10,000,000 fine for distributing controlled substances. Luis and Rhodes are both charged with distributing controlled substances. They face up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1,000,000 fine for each count. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ahmed Safeeullah is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A complaint is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # # # #


title: Kissimmee Man Indicted For Receipt Of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging Christian Harmon (38, Kissimmee) with receipt of child sexual abuse material. If convicted, Harmon faces a minimum penalty of 5 years, up to 20 years, in federal prison. According to court documents, on April 7, 2024, Harmon was chatting with another user on an internet-based application. During that chat, Harmon requested child sexual abuse material and received approximately 22 illicit videos depicting the sexual abuse of children as young as infants. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Nashua Man Indicted in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

body_text: DULUTH, Minn. – Lance Wayne Anderson, a Minnesota man, has been charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. According to court documents, from March 2022 through September 17, 2023, Lance Wayne Anderson, 58, intentionally conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in and around Minnesota. The indictment charges Anderson with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Leo I. Brisbois on March 24, 2025. “Minnesota is awash in deadly methamphetamine,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick. “This poison makes its way to every corner of our state. We are grateful to the Wilkin County Sheriff’s Office for their partnership to ensure that Anderson—who trafficked deadly methamphetamine to Wilkin County—sees federal justice.” This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Wilkin County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Campbell Warner is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Rotterdam Felon Sentenced for Unlawfully Possessing a Shotgun

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jesse Taber, age 46, of Rotterdam, New York, was sentenced today to 27 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a shotgun. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), made the announcement. As part of his prior guilty plea, Taber admitted that on December 26, 2023, inside of his Rotterdam residence, he possessed a 12-gauge Stoeger Coach Gun shotgun. Taber further admitted that he has three prior felony convictions in New York that prevent him from lawfully possessing any firearms. United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also imposed a three-year term of supervised release to begin after Taber is released from prison. ATF investigated the case with the assistance of the Rotterdam Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Belliss prosecuted the case. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn .


title: Former Altamonte Springs Man Pleads Guilty To Stealing COVID Relief Funds

body_text: Orlando, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces that Joshua Robinson (32, Texas) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud. Robinson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to the plea agreement, between July 2020 and August 2021, Robinson devised a scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration (SBA) by submitting false and fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. Specifically, Robinson submitted an EIDL application and a PPP application for businesses that he knew he did not own. Robinson obtained $13,100 from the EIDL application and $19,133 from the PPP application. Robinson then fraudulently obtained forgiveness of his PPP loan. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General together with the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the department's response to the pandemic, please visit Justice.gov/Coronavirus and Justice.gov/Coronavirus/CombatingFraud. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by contacting the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form .


title: York County Man Charged With Filing False Income Tax Return

body_text: HARRISBURG- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Waylon Wilcox, age 45, of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, was charged by criminal information on March 28, 2025, with filing false individual income tax returns. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the criminal information charges Wilcox with two counts of making and subscribing false individual income tax returns. The criminal information alleges that Wilcox engaged in a complex cryptocurrency scheme, wherein he sold his shares for over $7,402,935 in 2021 and $4,899,180 in 2022 and failed to report his gains from the sale of the cryptocurrency on his individual tax returns. The information alleges that Wilcox filed a false individual income tax return for tax year 2021, which underreported his income for tax year 2021 by approximately $8,511,238 and reduced Wilcox’s tax then due and owing by approximately $2,180,453. It is further alleged that Wilcox filed a false individual income tax return for tax year 2022, which underreported Wilcox’s income for tax year 2022 by approximately $4,599,532 and reduced Wilcox’s tax then due and owing by approximately $1,098,623. “IRS Criminal Investigation is committed to unraveling complex financial schemes involving virtual currencies and non-fungible token (NFT) transactions designed to conceal taxable income,” said Philadelphia Field Office Special Agent in Charge Yury Kruty. “In today’s economic environment, it’s more important than ever that the American people feel confident that everyone is playing by the rules and paying the taxes they owe.” The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams is prosecuting the case. # # #


title: Harrisburg Man Indicted For Drug Trafficking And Firearms Possession

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that David Gladden, age 46, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury with four counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and two counts of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that on August 21, 2021, Gladden possessed with the intent to distribute 28 grams of crack cocaine and additional quantities of cocaine. The indictment also alleges that on September 11, 2023, Gladden possessed with the intent to distribute 28 grams of crack cocaine and additional quantities of cocaine and marijuana; possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and possessed a firearm as a felon. Additionally, the indictment alleges that on March 7, 2024, Gladden possessed with the intent to distribute 100 grams of PCP, 28 grams of crack cocaine and additional quantities of cocaine. The indictment further alleges that on July 30, 2024, Gladden possessed with the intent to distribute 28 grams of crack cocaine and additional quantities of cocaine and marijuana; possessed a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; and possessed a firearm as a felon. 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 Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Harrisburg Police Department; the Pennsylvania State Police; and the Susquehanna Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Ford is prosecuting the case. Gladden faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Illegal alien repeat offender sent to prison

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 41-year-old man who illegally resided in Harlingen has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of unlawfully reentering the country again, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Fidel Jose-Ramirez pleaded guilty Dec. 18, 2024. U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. has now ordered him to serve 33 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Jose-Ramirez is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard about his violations of supervised release stemming from a prior conviction. In handing down the sentence, Judge Rodriguez considered factors to protect the public and noted Jose-Ramirez’s criminal history represented a higher risk of harm to the public. He has other criminal convictions including driving while intoxicated, assault family violence, criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance. He was first ordered removed from the United States in 2019. Jose-Ramirez was previously convicted of being an alien unlawfully found in the United States after removal in 2023. The investigation revealed that after his conviction and subsequent removal, he had illegally reentered the country Jan. 3, 2024, after crossing the Rio Grande River near Brownsville. He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Marian prosecuted the case.


title: Juneau man pleads guilty to producing child pornography

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: JUNEAU, Alaska – A Juneau man pleaded guilty today to producing child pornography. According to court documents, William Steadman, 35, a registered sex offender, met a pre-pubescent boy in his community and enticed him to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Steadman documented the conduct and posted the content on the dark web. Steadman first came to the attention of law enforcement when he distributed his newly produced child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online. Steadman attempted to obscure his identify from law enforcement by using the dark web, but tips from law enforcement, a cryptocurrency payment for additional CSAM, and analysis of his online statements led to his identification and arrest. A residential search resulted in the discovery of over 4,000 images and videos of CSAM on his devices. Steadman pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced on a later date and faces a mandatory‑minimum penalty of 25 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 50 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Glen Peterson, U.S. Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Seattle Field Office made the announcement. The Secret Service’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mac Caille Petursson, Jack Schmidt, and William Reed for the District of Alaska and Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: “Make D.C. Safe Again” Initiative Gets Off to Fast Start, Doubling the Monthly Average since January 2021

body_text: WASHINGTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office brought federal firearms charges against 18 defendants in the month of March—twice the monthly average since January 2021—announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. “The United States Attorney’s Office is continuing its work to Make D.C. Safe Again by aggressively prosecuting violent offenders, adopting eligible Superior Court cases into District Court, and coordinating federal and local resources,” said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. “Our efforts directly support the President’s Executive Order to restore law and order in the District and help make our nation’s capital not only safer, but also worthy of its place as the pride of every American.” “We are committed to reducing violence by addressing the flow and supply of illegal firearms within the District, we at ATF will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners as well as the United States Attorney’s Office to ensure those who violate federal firearm laws and terrorize our communities with violence are held accountable and brought to justice for their crimes,” said ATF Washington Field Division Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood. “We remain steadfast in our mission of fighting violent crime in D.C.” During the month of March, the U.S. Attorney’s Office accepted 23 cases for federal prosecution, 18 of which have already been charged in the U.S. District Court. This is the highest number of case adoptions since before January 2021. As a result of this surge, more dangerous offenders are off the streets. Examples of these cases include: Traffic Stop in Southeast D.C. Leads to Federal Indictment, Firearm Recovery, and Drug Seizure . Three District Men Indicted Following Firearms Arrest During Early Morning Traffic Stop in Logan Circle. Repeat Felon on Probation Is Indicted for Alleged Possession of Ammunition. Make D.C. Safe Again is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful. Make D.C. Safe Again aims to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenses, and seek detention for federal firearms violators. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Police Department are investigating these cases. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Four More Defendants Indicted on Fraud and Money Laundering Charges Relating to International Lottery Scam Targeting Elderly

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Four individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Defendant Yonel Burnett, 28, of Jamaica, was charged in a two-count Indictment with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. Defendants Omar McKenzie, 34, of Lauderdale Lakes, Florida; Shemeca Shields, 29, of East Hartford, Connecticut; and Nicole Lamont, 30, of Eastham, Massachusetts, each were charged in a one-count Indictment with conspiracy to commit money laundering. Burnett and McKenzie were both arrested in Florida, on March 14 and March 27, 2025, respectively. Lamont was arrested in Massachusetts on March 23, 2025. Shields was arrested in Connecticut on March 26, 2025. The Indictments are related to those announced in December 2023 naming seven other co-conspirators, three of whom were extradited from Jamaica. (Read the release regarding the earlier Indictments here .) According to the Indictments, the defendants and their co-conspirators executed a fraud scheme that stole more than $4.5 million from elderly and vulnerable victims in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere in the United States. As part of that scheme, conspirators, including Burnett, contacted the victims and falsely told them that they had won a million- or multi-million-dollar sweepstakes, but needed to pay certain taxes and fees before they could claim their prize. These claims were often reinforced with forged documents purporting to describe the sweepstakes winnings and required taxes and fees, some of which bore the seals of government agencies. The conspirators then directed the victims to send money, including cash, checks, and money orders, to people designated by the conspirators. Some of these people were earlier victims of the lottery scam who had been unwittingly fooled into accepting and moving money on behalf of the members of the conspiracy. Others, including McKenzie, Lamont, and Shields, were themselves members of the conspiracy. After being laundered through a network of bank accounts and money mules, victim money was withdrawn by members of the conspiracy living in Jamaica. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to twice the pecuniary loss to any victim, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense(s) and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey R. Bengel is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation leading to the Indictments. The charges stem from the Department of Justice’s wide-ranging efforts to protect older adults from fraud and financial exploitation. Last week, for example, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania also announced the Indictment of a Dominican Republic man living in Cleveland, Ohio, for his participation in an organized crime group operating across Pennsylvania and Ohio to defraud victims out of tens of thousands of dollars through a grandparent fraud scam. As part of that scheme, scammers called a grandparent and impersonated their grandchild in a crisis such as an accident or arrest, and then asked the grandparent to send immediate financial assistance, which conspirators arranged to be picked up in Pennsylvania and delivered by Lyft and Uber drivers to the defendant in various locations in Northern Ohio. (Read the grandparent fraud scam release here .) An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Former Chief of Staff to Mayor in Lawrence Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison for Child Pornography Charges

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – The former Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Lawrence, Mass., was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Jhovanny Martes-Rosario, 50, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 43 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In December 2024, Martes-Rosario pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. In April 2023, Martes-Rosario was indicted by a federal grand jury. Martes-Rosario was identified by law enforcement as the likely user of Yahoo and Apple accounts, containing child pornography. In February 2023, a search was executed at Martes-Rosario’s residence and an iPad device was seized which contained child pornography files. Martes-Rosario admitted that he was the owner of the email addresses and that he searched for and downloaded child pornography to his personal iPad and later sent it to his email address for storage. He also admitted he had been searching for and storing child pornography for years. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit and Meghan C. Cleary of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Missouri Man Who Traveled To Orlando With Child Sexual Abuse Material Sentenced To 12 Years

body_text: Orlando, FL – U.S. District Judge Paul G. Byron has sentenced Raymond Andrew Lamadrid (55, Missouri) to 12 years in federal prison for transportation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Lamadrid pleaded guilty on January 7, 2025. According to court documents, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) discovered that Lamadrid was sending and receiving CSAM via Snapchat. On September 16, 2024, Lamadrid arrived in Orlando by plane from the Dominican Republic. During an inspection of Lamadrid’s cellphone by U.S. Customs Border Protection at the Orlando International Airport, officers discovered CSAM. “This sentencing demonstrates the unwavering dedication and vigilance of HSI Orlando, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in safeguarding our community,” said Homeland Security Investigation Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “Catching this predator with child sexual abuse material serves as a crucial reminder that we remain steadfast in our fight against these heinous crimes. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect our children and bring offenders to justice.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie A. McNeff. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Beckley Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking Organization

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Demetrius Terrell Burns, 32, of Beckley, was sentenced today to 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine base. Burns admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine base, also known as “crack,” in Beckley and elsewhere within the Southern District of West Virginia. According to court documents and statements made in court, in April 2024 Burns received fentanyl from a supplier in Beckley that he used to supply Tilford Joe Bradley Jr., a co-defendant. Burns admitted that on April 12, 2024, he told Bradley by phone that he had received a shipment of “raw” fentanyl. Burns further admitted that he offered to sell Bradley $1,800 worth of raw fentanyl, and they discussed adding cutting agent to the fentanyl to make a larger profit when it was sold. Burns also admitted that he knew Bradley intended to redistribute these drugs in and around the Southern District of West Virginia. Burns and Bradley are among 12 individuals indicted on charges alleging the defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack within the Southern District of West Virginia from in or about June 2023 to in or about May 2024. All 12 have pleaded guilty, including two defendants who pleaded guilty to separate charges in lieu of the offenses alleged in the indictment. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department. Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell prosecuted the case. The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-cr-90. ###


title: California Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine

body_text: BOSTON – A California man has pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to trafficking and conspiring to traffic large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Marcos Haro, 39, of Sacramento, Calif., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl; two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; aiding and abetting; and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; aiding and abetting. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for June 25, 2025. In April 2023 , Marcos Haro was indicted along with his brother Noel Haro. Noel Haro is a member and influential leader of the “Border Brothers” gang – a large-scale international gang known to be involved in drug, weapon and human trafficking in Southern Arizona with a presence in Nogales, Mexico and the Arizona prison system. Noel Haro is currently serving a life sentence following convictions in Arizona for drug distribution, conspiracy and money laundering. Noel Haro was previously serving his sentence at a facility in Arizona but was transferred to serve his sentence in Massachusetts upon being deemed a security concern due to his alleged influence over other inmates and repeated introduction of cell phones and narcotics into Arizona facilities. Beginning in or about April 2019, and investigation began into Noel Haro’s attempts to facilitate the trafficking of narcotics to Massachusetts. Investigators monitoring Noel Haro’s inmate calls learned that he was attempting to solicit friends and family members to transport narcotics from Arizona to Massachusetts on his behalf. In April 2022, recorded inmate calls indicated that Noel Haro worked with his brother, Marcos Haro, to arrange drug deals outside of prison. In June 2022, Marcos Haro agreed to supply a cooperating witness- with samples of multiple narcotics – including fentanyl and methamphetamine. Marcos Haro later mailed the narcotics concealed in a purple teddy bear inside a postal package. On July 13, 2022, the package was retrieved and found to contain powdered fentanyl, five counterfeit fentanyl pills, methamphetamine and approximately 3 grams of heroin. On July 25, 2022, during a recorded inmate call, Noel Haro and Marcos Haro discussed selling one pound of methamphetamine to the same individual. On July 27, 2022, investigators retrieve the package sent from Marcos Haro which contained approximately 446.6 grams of 99% pure methamphetamine. On Aug. 10, 2022, Noel Haro directed Marcos Haro to arrange the sale of five pounds of methamphetamine to the same individual. Later, on Sept. 12, 2022, investigators retrieved two packages sent from Marcos Haro, which contained approximately 892.3 grams of 86% pure methamphetamine and approximately 1,320.2 grams of 95% pure methamphetamine. In October 2022, Marcos and Noel Haro made arrangements to sell an individual 2,000 fentanyl pills. On Nov. 17, 2022, Marcos sent the individual a photograph of a United States Postal Service shipping box, label and receipt. On Nov. 20, 2022, investigators retrieved the package sent by Marcos Haro to the individual, which contained approximately 2,000 blue pills, which tested positive for approximately 215.3 grams of fentanyl. According to court documents, on April 2, 2023, Marcos Haro was arrested in Sacramento, Calif. following a motor vehicle stop. A 9mm handgun with eight live rounds in the magazine and approximately 2.9 grams of suspected fentanyl that field tested positive for the presence of opiates, were found during a subsequent search of Marcos Haro’s vehicle. Marcos Haro has a criminal history including a 2016 conviction for possession of a controlled substance while armed and illegal possession of an assault weapon with a large capacity magazine, for which he was sentenced to seven years in prison. Noel Haro pleaded guilty in March 2025 and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5, 2025. The charge conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; aiding and abetting each provide for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl; aiding and abetting provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Department of Correction’s Commissioner Shawn Jenkins made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sacramento Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alathea E. Porter and Charles Dell’Anno of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case.


title: Milton, Vermont Man Charged with Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on March 27, 2025 a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Willard Perry, 66, of Milton, Vermont, with possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), also known as child pornography. Perry entered a plea of not guilty to the charge during an arraignment on March 28, 2025 before United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford. Judge Crawford ordered that Perry be released on conditions, including that Perry provide the probation officer with a complete and current inventory of the number of media storage devices and electronic devices capable of internet access that he uses or possesses, and that he not use an internet-capable device until an Internet Use Plan is developed and approved by the Probation Officer. According to court records, law enforcement uncovered on Perry’s computer thousands of photos and videos, most of which law enforcement believes contain child sexual abusive material, including content involving the sexual assault of prepubescent girls. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Perry is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Perry faces up to 20 years’ incarceration if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Arra. Perry is represented by Brooks G. McArthur, Esq. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC .