component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – The former Chief Executive Officer of Nodus International Bank (Nodus Bank), a Puerto Rican international bank, pleaded guilty yesterday for leading a scheme to fraudulently obtain at least $24.9 million from Nodus Bank and conspiring to evade U.S. sanctions against Venezuela. “The defendant abused his position as CEO, turning the bank he managed into his own personal ATM and unlawfully transacting with a sanctioned individual,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendant’s crimes undermine the integrity of our financial system, threaten economic prosperity, and harm national security. The Criminal Division will investigate and prosecute fraudsters to protect financial markets and promote safety and prosperity for all Americans.” “This defendant used his position as CEO to siphon more than $24 million, hide conflicts of interest, and help drive the bank’s collapse,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “The scheme also involved efforts to evade U.S. sanctions tied to Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, PDVSA. As a career prosecutor and former state trial judge, I’ve learned that following the money reveals the truth. Here, it exposed both fraud and sanctions violations. We will hold accountable anyone who abuses our financial system for personal gain.” “Corporate titles don’t place anyone above the law,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “Executive level fraud has real victims, and yesterday’s outcome is a step toward restoring accountability and confidence in the banking system. IRS Special Agents, alongside our partners, will keep bringing transparency to complex financial crimes and delivering results.” According to court filings, Tomás Niembro Concha, 64, of Miami, conspired with others to siphon money from Nodus Bank, ultimately leading to the bank’s failure in 2023. Niembro and his co-conspirators concealed from other Nodus Bank board members and executives and the bank’s regulator that certain investments and loans were for the benefit of Niembro and Board Chairman Juan Ramirez, in violation of Puerto Rican law. From 2017 to 2023, Niembro, Ramirez and others caused Nodus Bank to invest $11 million in a Miami-based lender so those funds could be loaned to Niembro and Ramirez for their own benefit. Niembro and his co-conspirators knew that these transactions were illegal and concealed their conduct through the sham investments. Between January 2018 and September 2021, Niembro and Ramirez also fraudulently induced Nodus Bank’s board and comptroller to agree to buy at least 47 promissory notes totaling approximately $25.3 million from Nodus Finance, a Miami-based company that Niembro and Ramirez jointly owned, so they could use the proceeds of the transactions for themselves. In early March 2023, Nodus’s regulator, the Office of the Commissioner of Financial Institutions of Puerto Rico (OCIF), notified the bank it would be placed into liquidation. Niembro and Ramirez fraudulently caused Nodus Bank to accept a loan portfolio from Nodus Finance to pay down the debt from the 47 promissory notes. Moreover, between 2021 and 2023, Niembro conspired with others to conduct prohibited financial transactions with an individual designated as a Specially Designated National (SDN) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for providing material support to Venezuela’s state-owned oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA). To satisfy an outstanding loan of approximately $2.5 million that the SDN’s company had with Nodus Bank prior to the imposition of sanctions, Niembro and the SDN devised a scheme to cause Nodus Bank to foreclose on the SDN’s home in Southampton, NY — for which they obtained OFAC authorization — but separately reached a “private” agreement to induce Nodus Bank to sell the property back to the SDN for $4 million through a front company — a transaction that was strictly prohibited by U.S. sanctions and not otherwise licensed by OFAC. Niembro pleaded guilty to a two-count Information charging conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Niembro’s sentencing has been scheduled for June 8. As part of his plea agreement, Niembro agreed to forfeit at least $16.9 million, which represents the value of the proceeds he derived from the wire fraud conspiracy. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) investigated the case with support from OCIF and the Treasury Executive Office for Asset Forfeiture (TEOAF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Felipe Plechac-Diaz and Trial Attorneys Javier Urbina and Samir Paul of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) are prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Miami comprises of agents and officers from IRS-CI with the prosecution being led by Bank Integrity Unit of the Money Laundering Narcotics and Forfeiture Section of the Department of Justice and by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations. MNF’s Bank Integrity Unit investigates and prosecutes banks and other financial institutions, including their officers, managers and employees whose actions threaten the integrity of the individual institution or the wider financial system. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.sdfl.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.sdfl.uscourts.gov , under case number 26-cr-20035. ###


title: Shiprock Woman Sentenced for Assault

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock woman was sentenced to two years in prison for assaulting and stabbing another woman. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, on November 21, 2024, Angelia Garcia , 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, repeatedly stabbed Jane Doe in an unprovoked attack. As a result of the attack, the victim sustained serious wounds, including a wound to the back of her neck. During a subsequent interview with agents, Garcia admitted to stabbing the victim. Garcia subsequently pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Upon her release from prison, Garcia will be subject to three years of supervised release. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Pahl is prosecuting the case.


title: Tift County Meth Trafficking Ringleader Sentenced to Prison

component: USAO - Georgia, Middle

body_text: ALBANY, Ga. – The last member of a Tift County, Georgia, drug trafficking ring, who helped orchestrate the operation from behind prison bars which authorities estimate distributed hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine, has been sentenced to serve more than 13 years in federal prison. Juan Carlos Popoca, 38, of Tifton, was sentenced to serve 165 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by Senior U.S. District Judge W. Louis Sands on March 19. Popoca pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine on Dec. 17, 2025. “Those who traffic deadly and addictive drugs in the Middle District of Georgia, especially from behind bars, will face swift and severe federal consequences,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “We are partnering with law enforcement at every level to pursue, prosecute and remove the most dangerous offenders from our communities.” “Even from behind bars, criminal activity will not go unchecked,” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “This investigation reflects the strength of collaboration between our agents and local partners to identify, disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking operations. The GBI remains committed to protecting Georgia communities by holding offenders accountable at every level.” Popoca’s co-conspirators, all of Tifton, pleaded guilty and were sentenced to prison: Haley Maria Sumner, 34, was sentenced to serve 78 months in prison on Jan. 29, 2026, after she pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine; Jerri Jo Austin, 54, was sentenced to serve 36 months in prison on July 31, 2025, after she pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine; and Susan Nichole Lopez, 31, was sentenced to serve 30 months in prison on Dec. 14, 2025, after she pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Georgia Bureau of Investigation Southwestern Regional Drug Enforcement Office agents received information from a confidential source in 2021 that Austin was distributing methamphetamine in Tift County, Georgia. During the investigation, agents learned that Popoca, Sumner and Lopez were working with Austin to distribute methamphetamine, and that Popoca was an inmate at a Georgia prison. Working undercover, a GBI agent contacted Popoca in April 2022 to purchase methamphetamine. Popoca directed the agent to Austin, who he referred to as his “aunt.” As a result, the agent purchased methamphetamine from Austin on April 11, 2022. During this interaction, Austin asked the undercover agent if he could fly a drone to drop drugs into the prison where Popoca was incarcerated. Several additional controlled purchases were made at Popoca's direction, sometimes involving the other co-conspirators, at various locations in Tift County. Popoca shifted his communications to Telegram, an encrypted instant messaging app. Agents organized the final controlled purchase of heroin on June 24, 2022, taking Lopez into custody at a gas station in Tift County. Agents estimate the organization is responsible for distributing 180 kilograms of methamphetamine, 60 kilograms of cocaine and 1,300 pounds of marijuana in Tift County. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The GBI Southwestern Regional Drug Enforcement Office investigated the case with valuable assistance from the Tift County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonja Profit prosecuted the case for the Government.


title: Sentence Handed Down to Man Who Strangled Girlfriend Over Argument About Cell Phone

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Marcus Hazel, 32, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 10 months for strangling his romantic partner, in November 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Hazel pleaded guilty to strangulation in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on Jan. 16, 2026. Superior Court Judge Judith Pipe ordered Hazel to serve 10 months in prison for this offense. According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Nov. 28, 2025, Hazel and the victim were at the Gateway Hotel in the 2700 block of New York Avenue, NE. While there, Hazel became angry about losing his cell phone. The victim offered to let him use her cell phone until his phone was found or he bought a new one. Hazel became upset, told the victim he did not want to use her phone, and that he wanted her to buy him a new cell phone. Hazel began cursing at the victim and arguing with her when she asked the defendant several times to leave the hotel. The defendant placed both his hands around the victim’s neck applying pressure until she could not breathe. He then slammed the victim to the floor and continued strangling her until she nearly lost consciousness. Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery W. Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Elias Feldman of the Sex Offense and Domestic Violence Section, who prosecuted the case. 2025 CF3 016192


title: Health Care Management Corporation Agrees to Pay $4 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – CVR Management, LLC, a professional services corporation in Greenbelt, Maryland, along with the Center for Vein Restoration, Center for Vascular Medicine (CVM), LLC, and Sanjiv Lakhanpal, MD, FACS, agreed to pay the United States $4 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE for medically unnecessary vein treatment procedures. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the settlement with Special Agent in Charge Maureen Dixon, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and Christopher Dillard, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) – Mid-Atlantic Field Office. According to the United States, CVR, over a six-year period, knowingly submitted claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE for chronic venous insufficiency treatment procedures that were medically unnecessary. Specifically, the government alleges that chronic venous insufficiency can be treated by sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, or endovenous laser ablation. The condition refers to the improper functioning of the vein valves where blood, which normally should move upwards toward the heart, instead pools in the veins such that the walls of the veins weaken and become distended manifesting as varicose veins, cramping, swelling, or skin discoloration on the affected leg and sometimes as ulcers or skin necrosis on the legs. The United States further alleges that neither Medicare, Medicaid, nor TRICARE cover the treatment of varicose veins for cosmetic reasons alone. Treatment for chronic venous insufficiency must be accompanied by certain other conditions and after the patient undergoes a specified period of alternative treatment options that prove unsuccessful. Between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016, CVR knowingly billed Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE for sclerotherapy, radiofrequency ablation, and endovenous laser ablation procedures that were not clinically indicated and were medically unnecessary. “Billing for medically unnecessary procedures saps public confidence in the health care system and is a drain on the public fisc,” Hayes said. “We will hold accountable health care providers that knowingly engage in such conduct.” “The Medicare and Medicaid programs cover medically necessary procedures, and health care providers are required to submit accurate claims for the services provided,” Dixon said. “HHS-OIG will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and additional law enforcement partners to evaluate and pursue allegations of inaccurate billings to federal health insurance programs.” “This settlement demonstrates DCIS’s commitment to collaborate with its investigative partners to hold fraudulent providers accountable,” Dillard said. “DCIS will continue to safeguard the military community and aggressively work to help maintain public trust in TRICARE, the DoD’s primary health care program.” CVR Management, LLC provides health care management services and manages the operations of the Center for Vein Restoration, a multi-state collection of physician-led vein treatment practices and medical centers specializing in diagnosing and treating vein disease, notably chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. It operates 16 locations in Maryland. The Center for Vascular Medicine, a related practice group, specializes in the treatment of deep venous and arterial disorders in the legs, feet, and pelvic areas. CVM operates several offices located in Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Lakhanpal is the entities’ CEO and president and CVM’s chairman of the board. The federal share of the civil settlement is $3,395,634.93. Additionally, the total Medicaid recovery is $604,365.07, with eight Medicaid participating states, and the District of Columbia, slated to receive $325,208.84 of the civil settlement and the United States $279,156.23 of the Medicaid recovery. State Medicaid programs are jointly funded by the federal and state governments. This civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Karen Fulton and Jane Doe, both former employees of CVR. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The relators’ share of the proceeds of the settlement will be $752,000. The qui tam actions are captioned U.S. ex rel. Fulton v. CVR Management, LLC, et al., No. 15-cv-3591 (D. Md.) and U.S. ex rel. Jane Doe v. Center for Vein Restoration, LLC, et al ., No. 20-cv-1943 (D. Md.), respectively. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the HHS-OIG and DCIS/DODIG for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tarra DeShields and Roann Nichols who handled this case, along with Investigator Ann Thiel. The United States’ settlement in this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud . # # #


title: Kern County Man Sentenced to 12 Years, 7 Months in Prison for Flying Drone over State Prison with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Jorge Narvaez, 28, of Delano, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to 12 years and seven months in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, on June 9, 2024, Narvaez piloted an Autel, EVO II Pro V3 drone over North Kern State Prison (NKSP) intending to distribute methamphetamine within the facility. Narvaez loaded the drone with two balloons packaged with methamphetamine, flew the drone over the prison, and dropped the balloons into the prison yard. NKSP officers recovered both balloons. Laboratory analysis confirmed that the two balloons contained a total of 21.4 grams of methamphetamine. On that same date, Narvaez attempted a second drone flight over NKSP with three similarly packaged balloons of methamphetamine, but the drone crashed into a nearby field. Law enforcement recovered the drone and balloons of methamphetamine. Laboratory analysis confirmed that these three balloons contained a total of 49.6 grams of methamphetamine. Narvaez pleaded guilty on Oct. 20, 2025. A forensic examination of the recovered drone revealed camera footage captured by the device. That footage showed the operator of the drone, later determined by investigators to be Narvaez. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the North Kern State Prison Investigative Services Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas E. Karp prosecuted the case.


title: Merced County Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Receiving and Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Joel Damian Ortega, 36, of Merced, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to 20 years in prison for receipt and distribution of material depicting the sexual exploitation of children, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, between Jan. 26, 2024, and July 7, 2024, Ortega used a Samsung Galaxy smartphone to receive and distribute at least one visual depiction of a child engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Ortega also used an iPhone to receive at least one visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct on April 2, 2024. Ortega pleaded guilty on June 23, 2025. The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany M. Gunter prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: Former professor guilty in student financial aid fraud scheme

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 43-year-old Richmond resident has admitted to theft of government funds, fraud, unlawful use or transfer of identity documents and aggravated identity theft in an extensive scam involving hundreds of fraudulent financial aid applications, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck. For approximately five years, Emmanuel Finnih submitted over 100 false applications for financial aid to the Department of Education for numerous straw students across several colleges and universities in Texas. Finnih, who worked as a professor at a local university, used the personal identifiers of other individuals to prepare, submit and sign false and fraudulent financial aid applications and master promissory notes in their names. In furtherance of his scheme, Finnih utilized mailing addresses, telephone numbers and email accounts he controlled to ensure ED and colleges would send any communications directly to him. He then obtained the financial aid refunds via electronic transfer, check and prepaid debit cards sent either to mailing addresses or bank accounts he designated and controlled. Finnih further admitted to the aggravated identity theft of two victims whose personal identifiers had been repeatedly used to apply for and obtain federal financial aid over the course of several years. He also acknowledged he was fraudulently in possession of false identity documents - temporary driver permits and identification cards - with the intent to unlawfully use or transfer those documents in furtherance of the fraud scheme. Some victims had tens of thousands of dollars in loans in their name, and the fraudulent applications significantly impacted their credit. The scheme also caused at least $600,000 in losses to the United States. “Finnih spent years stealing victims’ identities and defrauding the federal government—today, he stood in court and admitted exactly that,” said Marck. “In the Southern District of Texas, fraud against the American taxpayer is not a financial strategy—it is a path to federal prison.” “Federal student aid exists so that individuals can make their dream of a higher education a reality. Ensuring that those who steal student aid are stopped and held accountable for their criminal actions is a big part of our mission,” said Special Agent in Charge John Woolley of ED - Office of Inspector General’s Central Regional Office. “I’m proud of the work of the Office of Inspector General and our law enforcement partners for their work in this case and we will continue to work together to stop those who steal Federal education funds. America’s students and taxpayers deserve nothing less.” U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen will impose sentencing June 22. At that time, Finnih faces up to 10 years in federal prison for theft of government funds, while the student financial aid fraud and unlawful use or transfer identity documents each carries a possible five-year prison term. He will also be ordered to serve a mandatory two years for aggravated identity theft which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. In addition, Finnih could be ordered to pay up to $250,000 in fines for each count and restitution. Finnih was permitted to remain on bond pending his sentencing hearing. ED – OIG conducted the investigation with assistance from Lone Star College Police Department, U.S. Marshals Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shirin Hakimzadeh and Brad R. Gray prosecuted the case.


title: Another significant week in support of Operation Take Back America: SDTX charges 373 more as part of ongoing border enforcement actions

body_text: HOUSTON – The Southern District of Texas has filed 371 cases in immigration and related matters from March 13-19, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck. A total of 22 people are charged with human smuggling crimes. Another 141 criminal complaints allege instances of illegal entry, while 204 people face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have prior felonies such as narcotics, violent crime, immigration crimes and more. The remaining six cases involve firearms charges and other immigration crimes. Two charged in recent days are Mexican nationals with felony criminal histories to include injury to a child or the elderly, or aggravated assault, according to the allegations. Ivis Anibal Olvera-Moreno and Carlos Alberto Chairez-Estala had allegedly been removed July 11 and July 19, 2025, according to their respective charges. However, law enforcement allegedly discovered them in the McAllen area without authorization to be in the United States. Authorities found another foreign national from Mexico near Donna, despite also having been previously removed within the past year. The criminal complaint alleges Daniel Davalos-Ayala has multiple prior convictions for illegal reentry, possession with intent to distribute and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Another case alleges Jorge Armando Pineda-Samaniego, Mexico, has a prior conviction for illegal reentry and was previously removed May 9, 2018. Authorities allegedly discovered him again near Edinburg. All four are charged with felony reentry after removal and face up to 20 years in federal prison, if convicted. In addition to the new cases, Mexican national Fernando Ramirez-Noria was ordered to serve 84 months in federal prison for his illegal reentry conviction. The court considered his criminal history while unlawfully present in the United States, including convictions for domestic violence, driving while intoxicated and illegal reentry. Authorities first removed him in January 2015, but he repeatedly returned. Law enforcement found him again in the country following a 2023 DWI arrest. In Houston, Jose Rosario Belmontes-Lira pleaded guilty and was sentenced for unlawful reentry into the United States. He has prior convictions for burglary, driving while intoxicated and illegal reentry. Law enforcement discovered him in January in Houston without authorization to be in the country. Also sentenced was Honduran national Alex Ramon Reyes. He has prior convictions for possession of a controlled substance, theft and human smuggling. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. The cases are all part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal histories, including convictions for human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Norwich Man on Federal Supervised Release Pleads Guilty to Drug and Gun Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JAVON MORSE, 30, of Norwich, pleaded guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to cocaine distribution and firearm possession offenses. According to court documents and statements made in court, on December 13, 2017, Morse was sentenced in Bridgeport federal court to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for trafficking cocaine. He was released from prison in January 2021. On October 14, 2024, while on federal supervised release, Morse fled from Norwich Police during a traffic stop. After he fled, Morse went to a storage facility where he maintained a storage unit. As Norwich Police again attempted to stop Morse’s vehicle, Morse threw a backpack from the vehicle and sped away. Morse’s vehicle became disabled a short distance away and he was taken into custody. Morse possessed $2,356 in cash at the time of his arrest. A search of the backpack Morse discarded revealed nearly a kilogram of cocaine, numerous narcotic pills, items used to process and package narcotics, and other items. A search of Morse’s storage unit revealed four handguns, including two “ghost guns;” loaded gun magazines, including high-capacity magazines; ammunition; and other items. A subsequent search of Morse’s vehicle revealed approximately 10 pounds of marijuana, narcotic pills, quantities of methamphetamine and crack cocaine, items used to process and package narcotics, and $4,449 in cash. Morse, who has been detained in federal custody since December 12, 2024, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 40 years, and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years. He faces additional penalties if he is found to have violated the conditions of his supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for June 30. This investigation has been conducted by the Norwich Police Department, the Connecticut State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Stolfi Collins.


title: Ashburn man pleads guilty to fraud involving relief programs and securities trades

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Ashburn man pled guilty on March 17 to making false statements relating to his scheme to defraud federal programs and trade securities. According to court documents, in 2020 and 2021, Ravindar Reddy Palla, 59, operated IT Objects, LLC, for which Palla’s wife was nominally listed as the owner. Palla applied for and was awarded at least one government contract through the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Business Development Program, by falsely claiming that IT Objects qualified because it was owned and controlled by a woman. In 2020 and 2021, Palla applied for loans on behalf of IT Objects through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a pandemic program that provided low-interest financing to small businesses to pay up to eight weeks of payroll costs. IT Objects received two loans totaling $351,900. Of those funds, Palla transferred at least $348,900 into his personal checking account, then transferred at least $344,000 of the funds to his personal brokerage account and used those funds to trade securities. Palla later submitted PPP Loan Forgiveness applications for both loans, falsely claiming that he used the PPP loan funds for approved purposes. Based in part on Palla’s false statements, the two PPP loan forgiveness applications were approved, SBA reimbursed the lender for the full amounts, and Palla never repaid any portion of the loans. Palla also applied for loans in 2020 and 2021 on behalf of IT Objects through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, intended to enable small businesses to meet financial obligations and operating expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based in part on Palla’s false statements in those applications, IT Objects received two loans totaling $499,900. Of those funds, Palla transferred at least $410,000 to his personal brokerage account and used those funds to trade securities. In 2024, Palla controlled at least six accounts at a brokerage company. Palla used his online access to his brokerage accounts to initiate a series of transfers from his bank accounts to his brokerage accounts, knowing that he did not have sufficient funds in his bank accounts to cover the transfers. Palla nonetheless made securities purchases using the brokerage company’s funds based on the amounts of the transfers. When the brokerage company became aware that the transfers were unsuccessful, the company attempted to recoup some of their losses by selling the securities Palla had purchased. Palla’s seventeen fraudulent transfers carried an intended harm of at least $1,292,700 and caused actual harm of $457,116.85. Palla is scheduled to be sentenced on June 30 and faces up to 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Washington Field Office and the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Harvey is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-38.


title: Philadelphia Man Convicted at Trial of Robbing Kensington Pharmacy at Gunpoint

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

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Michael Nixon, 31, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was convicted at trial of robbery which interferes with interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery), using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, arising from his gunpoint robbery of a pharmacy located on the 2900 block of North 5th Street in Philadelphia’s Kensington section. As proven at trial, on December 22, 2021, at approximately 5:44 p.m., Nixon forced Victim #1, a pharmacy employee, back into the store, as Victim #1 was attempting to get to their car. Once inside the pharmacy, Nixon demanded access to the store’s controlled substances safe and told Victim #1 to put the narcotics from the safe into plastic bags. As Victim #1 did so, Nixon pointed a black firearm at them and urged them to hurry up. Once the defendant had the bottles of drugs, he exited the store, ran to a waiting blue Dodge Charger, and got into a passenger seat. Nearby Philadelphia Police Department (“PPD”) Narcotics Strike Force (“NSF”) officers observed Nixon flee the store and enter the vehicle. At that time, the NSF officers attempted to stop the Charger, but the vehicle sped off and led police on a high-speed pursuit through the city. During the vehicle pursuit, PPD officers observed what appeared to be medicine bottles being thrown from the vehicle. Following a minor vehicle accident at the 3100 block of Janney Street in Philadelphia, both Nixon and the driver of the vehicle were taken into police custody. PPD officers went back to the route of travel and recovered multiple bottles of controlled substances, specifically alprazolam tablets and one partially broken bottle containing methylphenidate hydrochloride tablets, which matched the substances stolen from the pharmacy. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on July 8 and faces a maximum possible term of life in prison. This case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Stram and Justin Oshana.


title: Fresno Man Sentenced to over 6 Years in Prison for Illegally Possessing Ammunition Loaded in a “Ghost Gun”

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Felipe Macias, 28, of Fresno, was sentenced Thursday to six years and five months in prison by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff for being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, in August 2024, Macias was observed on a city bus in Fresno with the grip of a firearm protruding from his waistband. Undercover officers converged on Macias in a smoke shop, where they recovered a black “ghost gun” – a privately manufactured, un-serialized firearm loaded with a high-capacity magazine. At the time of his arrest, Macias was a previously convicted felon on post-release community supervision. Macias pleaded guilty on Sept. 29, 2025. Close-up of recovered ghost gun, showing missing serial number The Fresno Police Department, the Selma Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Another Week of 250 New Immigration Cases for Western District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 251 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from March 13 to March 19, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. Charges were brought against human smugglers and illegal aliens with past convictions for violent crimes, drug trafficking, numerous DUIs, theft, and multiple prior removals. Among the new cases, two illegal aliens from Honduras, Edgar Osmery Castellanos-Sabillon and Fernando Josue Betanco-Montoya , are facing alien smuggling charges in El Paso. According to a criminal complaint, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers near Wichita Falls conducted a traffic stop on Castellanos-Sabillon, who was allegedly the driver of the vehicle. The complaint alleges Betanco-Montoya was in the front passenger seat, and seven additional individuals with foreign passports from Cuba, Guatemala, and Mexico were in the vehicle as well. An investigation allegedly revealed that one of the smuggled aliens was identified as a target in an Ysleta Border Patrol case after he made a social media post thanking two known smugglers and indicating that he had crossed into the U.S. illegally. All nine individuals were transported to El Paso for prosecution. The complaint also alleges that Castellanos-Sabillon and Betanco-Montoya were identified as the caretakers of a stash house in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they housed and fed the aliens after they were transported from El Paso and before attempting to transport them to Dallas. Mexican national Miguel Campos-Chavelas , who was deported from the U.S. in October 2024, is charged with one count of harboring illegal aliens. A criminal complaint alleges an investigation led U.S. Border Patrol agents to an apartment complex in El Paso, where they encountered Campos-Chavelas and a female co-conspirator who is a U.S. citizen. A third individual was also discovered in the apartment and determined to be an illegal alien. According to the complaint, Campos-Chavelas claimed to be engaged to the U.S. citizen and has lived with her in the apartment since 2024. He also allegedly claimed that, working with a smuggler in Juarez, Mexico, he was supposed to be paid $500 per alien housed at the apartment and had participated in the smuggling scheme on six prior occasions. Joel Isaias Quisque Espital , an illegal alien from Guatemala, was found approximately 45 miles east of the Fort Hancock Port of Entry, near Sierra Blanca, on March 13. He has been deported from the U.S. twice, has been twice convicted of a DUI and has one prior conviction for driving without a valid license. In 2018, Quisque Espital was convicted of aggravated assault and sentenced to two years in prison. In Austin, Mexican national San Juanita Cavazos-Torres , who is also known to go by 12 other names including Allison Francis Barron, Melissa Morales and Janie Moralez, was charged with illegal re-entry after being found in the Travis County Jail in January. Her criminal history includes multiple thefts, as well as forgery, robbery, drug possession, and grand theft. She has been removed from the U.S. five times. Also charged for illegal re-entry in Austin are Mexican national Francisco Rojas-Lopez and Guatemalan national Evelio Eriberto Romero-Vasquez . Rojas-Lopez was found in the Travis County Jail in November 2025 and has been twice convicted for driving while intoxicated. Romero-Vasquez was convicted of both a DWI and assault causing bodily injury earlier this year. Mexican national Eduardo Solorio-Orozco was arrested near Maverick and charged with illegal re-entry. Solorio-Orozco has been deported twice, the last being on June 18, 2025, through San Ysidro, California. He was convicted of three DUIs between 2016 and 2018, has a felony conviction for inflicting corporal injury, and was also convicted for possession of prohibited ammunition in 2021. Mario Gonzalez-Mosqueda , also an illegal alien from Mexico, was charged in Del Rio with illegal re-entry, having been deported for the third time in November 2005. Gonzalez-Mosqueda has four felony convictions in Los Angeles, including three for drug trafficking and one for second-degree robbery. These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Operation Spring Cleaning

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - Over the past week, more than 100 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers worked together with prosecutors to arrest and charge 101 individuals in federal investigations for violent crimes. Today, the Justice Department announced the results of “Operation Spring Cleaning”, a multi-agency law enforcement operation conducted March 17 th – 19 th that identified, apprehended, and initiated prosecution against some of the most violent offenders in the Springfield and Joplin metropolitan areas, including Greene, Jasper, and Christian Counties. Its mission was straightforward: use existing Missouri and Midwest-based law enforcement resources in a coordinated way to serve warrants across partner agencies, arrest individuals wanted for serious crimes and identify additional evidence that supports successful prosecution. This effort resulted in 85 federal indictments charging 101 defendants with a variety of offenses including firearms, narcotics, and sex offenses. During the investigations into these matters, law enforcement seized a total of 141 firearms, 11.21 pounds of cocaine, 1.5 pounds of fentanyl, 204.89 pounds of marijuana, 88.14 pounds of methamphetamine, and 2.06 pounds of psilocyn. Additionally, 10 arrests on state warrants were executed including an arrest for a suspect charged with murder in the first degree and a CODIS hit for an unsolved rape investigation. “Operation Spring Cleaning is an example of the extraordinary impact that law enforcement, at all levels of government, can have when we combine our resources and focus collectively on aggressively combatting violent crime,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price. U.S. Attorney Price thanked the partner agencies in this coordinated effort including: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Carthage Police Department Christian County Sheriff’s Office Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Greene County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Greene County Sheriff’s Office Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Jasper County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Joplin Police Department Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Newton County Sheriff’s Office Nixa Police Department Ozark Police Department Springfield Police Department United States Marshals Service (USMS) Price continued, “Operation Spring Cleaning serves as a double-down on our ongoing collaboration in Southwest Missouri and a reminder that law enforcement officers, not violent criminals, control the streets of Springfield, Joplin, and all surrounding areas. We are playing offense now, and will remain on offense to confront crime and engage violent criminals at the time and place of our choosing.” Operation Spring Cleaning was conducted by the Violent Crime Abatement Team (VCAT), a coalition of Missouri-based federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to respond to violence and gun crimes. The goal of this team is to bring significant, coordinated resources to address violent crime in the Southwest Missouri area, including federal prosecution. Please note that a video of the press conference, B-roll of the operation, and photos will be available after the event on DVIDS, which is free to join but requires an account. If interested, please use the link to register an account. https://www.dvidshub.net/member/ registration . Attached is a breakdown of the operation. Operation Take Back America 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. The charges contained in any charging document are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. Total agencies involved 18 Federal indictments 85 Defendants charged federally 101 Total firearms seized during investigations/arrests 141 Federal firearms cases charged 49 Federal narcotic cases charged 23 Combined firearm and narcotic cases charged 19 Federal sex offense cases charged 9 Cocaine seized during investigations 11.21 lbs. Fentanyl seized during investigations 1.51 lbs. Marijuana seized during investigations 204.89 lbs. Methamphetamine seized during investigations 88.14 lbs. Psilocyn seized during investigations 2.06 lbs.


title: Vallejo Man Sentenced to 24 Years, 4 Months in Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Minor

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — John Robert Remlinger, 43, of Vallejo, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins to 24 years and four months in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, in the summer of 2021, Remlinger contacted the minor identified as Minor Victim 1 using a smartphone application named Wink. Wink was advertised as a service for minors to meet and befriend other minors. Remlinger told the victim that he was 17 years old even though he was actually 39 years old. The victim responded, accurately, that she was 13. They soon moved their conversations from Wink to another smartphone application, Snapchat. Using Snapchat, Remlinger repeatedly demanded that the victim provide sexually explicit videos and images, directing her how to pose. She complied and sent him videos and images of herself. Remlinger also recorded a live video call over Snapchat during which the minor victim posed in a sexually suggestive manner. Remlinger pleaded guilty on June 6, 2025. Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Fogg prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: The fifth defendant in Teton County cocaine trafficking ring sentenced

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: A three-year investigation into cocaine trafficking in Teton and surrounding counties concluded with the final defendant being sentenced. Jose Junior Ramos, 32, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, was sentenced to 95 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release to follow for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and three counts of distributing cocaine. Ramos was indicted on May 21, 2025, pleaded guilty on Oct. 30, 2025, and U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on March 6 in Cheyenne. According to court documents, in November 2023, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Southwest Enforcement Team began an investigation into a cocaine drug trafficking organization that was operating in and around Jackson, Wyoming. Through the investigation, agents learned that Ramos and other people were responsible for trafficking multiple pounds of cocaine from Phoenix, Arizona to Lincoln and Teton Counties in Wyoming and Bonneville and Teton Counties in Idaho. In April 2025, investigators stopped Ramos’s vehicle as it was driving back from Phoenix, Arizona and located three kilograms of cocaine in the vehicle. In the Defendant’s residence, investigators discovered over a dozen firearms and bulk cash. In total, the conspiracy was found culpable for trafficking just under ten kilograms, or 22 pounds, of cocaine. DCI, DEA, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Teton County Sheriff’s Office (Idaho), and the Idaho State Police investigated the crime, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Case No. 25-CR-00082 “This was part of a multi-agency collaboration dedicated to dismantling transnational criminal organizations responsible for drug trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith. “Through sustained cooperation, we are reducing the number of drugs coming into Wyoming.” Ramos is the fifth defendant in this conspiracy convicted in federal court. The others include: Saul Andrew Garcia, 26, of Irwin, Idaho, was sentenced to120 months’ imprisonment with five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and three counts of distribution of cocaine. He was sentenced on Jan. 15, 2026. Case No. 25-CR-00082 Cesar Antancio Torres-Cazares , 36, of La Piedad, Michoacan, Mexico, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and time served for illegal reentry into the United States. He will be deported following his imprisonment. He was sentenced on March 26, 2025. Case Nos. 25-CR-00055 and 25-CR-00056. Marlon Forrest, 29, of Port Maria, Jamaica, was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release, for aiding and abetting the distribution of cocaine . He was sentenced on Jan. 9, 2025. Case No. 24-CR-00038 Oneil Anthony Findley, of Savanna-la-Mar, Jamaica, was sentenced to 68 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release for attempted possession with intent to distribute cocaine, use of a communication facility to facilitate a felony drug offense and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. He was sentenced on April 11, 2025. Case no. 24-CR-00131 “If you are a bad actor poisoning our kids and weakening our communities-don’t even get on our roads-because we are coming for you and we are going to lock you up,” said Smith. This operation is part of Operation Take Back America (TBA), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


body_text: Massachusetts Men Indicted for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl in New Hampshire CONCORD – Two Massachusetts men were indicted for drug offenses, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Francis Miguel Rodriguez, 27, and Roberto Ramon-Avalo, 26, were charged by indictment on March 18, 2026. Rodriguez was charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intent to distribute it and both men are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. Both men were previously charged by criminal complaint and arrested on December 2, 2025. According to the court documents and statements made in court, beginning in early 2024, the DEA began an investigation into an unknown individual who was selling multiple-ounce quantities of methamphetamine in the Rochester, New Hampshire area. During the investigation, in June 2024, during a traffic stop, a narcotics-detecting K-9 alerted to the presence of controlled substances in Rodriguez’s vehicle. Law enforcement later found substantial quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl hidden in two black magnetic boxes secreted in the front passenger side wheel well. Thereafter, two DEA cooperating sources (or “CS”) communicated with Rodriguez to purchase methamphetamine and fentanyl. Each time, Avalo traveled to New Hampshire to deliver the drugs at the agreed upon price. In December 2025, DEA obtained arrest warrants for Rodriguez and Avalo and a search warrant for a suspected drug house in Boston that they were using to conduct their drug trafficking activity. In the residence, DEA found items used to package and mix narcotics and approximately 5 pounds of methamphetamine and other controlled substances. After Avalo’s arrest, DEA found more controlled substances in a drug hide built into the dash of his car, including more than 200 grams of methamphetamine and more than 700 grams of fentanyl. The charges of possession with intent to distribute and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance each carry a sentence of up to 20 years’ incarceration, not less than 3 years of supervised release, and a fine up to $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: D.C. Man Gets Prison Term for Pointing Gun at Taxi Driver

body_text: WASHINGTON – Erick Blanco-Cordova, 24, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to two years in prison for pointing a firearm at a taxicab driver in November 2019, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Blanco-Cordova pleaded guilty on Jan. 16, 2026, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and one count of carrying a pistol without a license. The Honorable Judge Robert Salerno sentenced Blanco-Cordova to two years in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a pistol without a license, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Blanco-Cordova’s co-defendant, Lesly Taracena, was sentenced to five years in prison in June 2025, after a jury found her guilty of conspiracy to commit an armed crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and other related charges. According to the government’s evidence, at approximately 6:55 p.m., on Nov. 11, 2019, Blanco-Cordova and Taracena were picked up in Arlington, Virginia by the victim, a taxicab driver, and asked to be taken to Union Station in Washington, D.C. After the victim drove the defendants to the corner of 7 th and F Street, NW, Blanco-Cordova and Taracena exited the victim’s taxicab without paying their fare. The victim followed them and asked them to pay. Taracena turned around and pulled a firearm out of her pocket, pointing it at the victim while Blanco-Cordova stood next to her. The victim then ran away in fear. When MPD stopped the defendants, they found a .40 caliber Smith and Wesson SD40VE semi-automatic handgun on Blanco-Cordova. Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged Assistant U.S. Attorney Katerina Qesari, who prosecuted Blanco-Cordova and co-defendant Lesly Taracena, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Hannah Skopicki, who prosecuted Lesly Taracena. 2019 CF1 014456


title: U.S. Postal Service Employee Charged with Bank Fraud and Theft of Mail

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Nicholas Pecko, age 33, of Vandling, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of bank fraud and theft of mail. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Pecko, an employee of the U.S. Postal Service, stole two checks totaling $6,581.59 that were sent through the mail, intended to be delivered by the United States Postal Office. The indictment further alleges that Pecko executed a bank fraud scheme, whereby he presented the checks for deposit after they had been altered to falsely identify him as the intended payee. The United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Lloyd is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is 35 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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: Sapulpa Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – A Sapulpa man was sentenced today for Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Damon Terrell Lewis, 48, to 151 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. In June 2025, Tulsa Police officers were dispatched to a domestic disturbance at a local hotel. Upon arrival, officers spoke with Lewis’ girlfriend, who said that Lewis threatened her with a firearm during a domestic dispute. Officers secured the firearm. Lewis admitted they got into an argument and told officers he had several outstanding warrants. Prior to arresting Lewis, officers searched him and found more than 68 grams of methamphetamine and $5,434 in cash. Officers then obtained a search warrant for the hotel room and found digital scales and other items consistent with drug distribution. Lewis will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The Tulsa Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Flynn prosecuted the case.


title: El Salvadoran National Charged With Illegal Reentry

body_text: HARRISBURG-The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Angel Vidal Reyes Guzman, age 33, a citizen of El Salvador, illegally residing in Dover, PA, was indicted on March 18, 2026, by a federal grand jury on the charge of illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that Reyes Guzman illegally reentered the United States and was found in York County, Pennsylvania, on March 4, 2026. Reyes Guzman was removed from the United States through Alexandria, Louisiana, on January 14, 2013, and reentered without having obtained permission to do so. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley K. McGraw is prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF York comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is two years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the 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: Former Hudson County Parks Department Director and Vendor Admit to Participating in a Bribe and Kickback Scheme; Second Former Hudson County Parks Department Director Charged

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – Former Hudson County Parks Department Director Thomas A. DeLeo (“DeLeo”) and business owner William A. Murray each pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, Special Attorney Jordan Fox announced. DeLeo also admitted to conspiring to launder the proceeds of the scheme. Special Attorney Fox also announced that Russell Fallacara, who succeeded DeLeo as Hudson County Parks Department Director, has been charged by complaint with conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering for his role in the scheme. On March 5, DeLeo, 76, of Little Silver, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi to a two-count Information charging him with conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. On March 17, Murray, 56, of Jersey City, also pleaded guilty before Judge Cecchi to an Information charging him with conspiracy to commit honest services fraud. On March 20, Fallacara, 58, of Bayonne, made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge André M. Espinosa and was released on bond. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: The conspiracy, which operated from in or around 2019 through in or around 2024, involved more than $1.5 million in bribes and kickbacks. Murray made the payments to DeLeo and Fallacara so that Murray’s company would be awarded contracts to work on various Hudson County Parks Department projects, including but not limited to landscape maintenance, paving, and general contracting projects. The bribes and kickbacks often came in the form of cash payments to DeLeo and Fallacara. In one instance, DeLeo received a bag containing between approximately $60,000 and $90,000 in cash. In other instances, DeLeo received money that was transmitted through a consulting company specifically formed to receive bribes and kickbacks, in order to conceal the source and nature of the payments. As alleged, Fallacara received over $400,000 in cash bribes and kickback payments. Other bribes and kickbacks came in the form of free home repairs and renovations for DeLeo, Fallacara, and their associates. During their respective tenures as Parks Department Director, DeLeo and Fallacara took official action in exchange for bribes and kickbacks to ensure that Hudson County awarded various contracts to Murray’s company, which, over the course of the conspiracy, performed over $5 million of work for Hudson County. Both the conspiracy to commit honest services fraud charge and the conspiracy to commit money laundering charge carry a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment. Special Attorney Fox credited special agents of the FBI’s Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, and special agents with the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, with the investigation leading to the prior convictions and today’s charges. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Specht and Francesca Liquori of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Special Prosecutions Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Goldberg, Chief of the Narcotics and International Trafficking Unit. The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ### Defense counsel: David A. Schwartz, Esq. and Michael J. Pappa, Esq. (for Thomas DeLeo) Joel Silberman, Esq. (for Russell Fallacara) John J. Bruno, Jr., Esq. (for William Murray) fallacara.complaint.pdf murray.information.pdf deleo.information.pdf


title: D.C. Man Gets 17-Year Prison Term for Murdering Romantic Partner

body_text: WASHINGTON – Pernell Sims, 35, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today for shooting and killing his prior romantic partner, Tyshida Williams, in July 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Sims entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder while armed before Superior Court Associate Judge Todd Edelman on Jan. 9, 2026. Judge Edelman sentenced Sims to 17 years in prison. “Pernell Sims abused Tyshida Williams, beat her and then shot her in the head while his child was in the apartment. This depraved killer will now spend his days in a cell where he belongs,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “My office will continue to be relentless in our prosecution of domestic violence offenders. If you are in a violent relationship, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.” According to the government’s evidence, Sims and Williams were in a romantic relationship on July 30, 2023. When they returned to the defendant’s apartment earlier that morning, the defendant became angry about Williams’ phone. Both Sims and Williams went to the lobby and parking garage area of the apartment building and argued for more than an hour. While in the parking garage the defendant threw Williams to the ground and kicked her in the chest. Both Sims and Williams then returned to the apartment where Sims’ child was present, went into the bedroom and closed the door. Sims then shot Williams in the head, and she died from her injuries later that morning. Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emma McArthur and Stephanie Dinan, who prosecuted the case. 2023 CF1 007952


title: Norfolk cocaine dealer sentenced for drug trafficking and firearm charges

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to seven years in prison for distribution of cocaine and using a firearm in a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents, from Jan. 28, 2025, to Feb. 13, 2025, Dyron Eugene Holloway, 36, sold cocaine during three transactions in Virginia Beach and another transaction in Norfolk. During the Norfolk transaction, Holloway also sold a handgun in addition to over 27 grams of cocaine. During a search of Holloways vehicle, investigators recovered additional cocaine, marijuana, and a digital scale. Investigators also searched Holloway’s hotel room and recovered additional cocaine, another firearm, a firearm scope, and a magazine with 29 rounds of ammunition. Among other previous convictions, Holloway was convicted in 2012 for assault and battery on law enforcement and in 2024 for possession of a firearm with a schedule I or II drug. As a convicted felon, Holloway cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division and the Virginia Beach Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke Bresnahan prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-76.


title: Illegal Alien Semi-Truck Driver Charged after Traffic Stop Uncovers over 20 Pounds of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSE CARLOS MORALES-GUTIERREZ , 31, a Mexican national who is in the country illegally, has been charged with possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to the charging document, on March 11, 2026, an Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) trooper pulled over a red semi-truck with trailer in Custer County, Oklahoma. The driver, Morales-Gutierrez, did not have a valid driver’s license. During the traffic stop, a K9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics in the trailer of the vehicle. Inside the trailer, law enforcement located a duffel bag containing more than 20 pounds of methamphetamine. On March 17, 2026, Morales-Gutierrez was charged by Complaint with possession of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. If found guilty, Morales-Gutierrez faces up to life in federal prison, and a fine of up to $10,000,000. The public is reminded that this charge is merely an allegation, and that Morales-Gutierrez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is the result of an investigation by OHP and the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bow Bottomly 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. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Bulgarian arms trafficker extradited from Spain faces charges in U.S. federal court

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Peter Dimitrov Mirchev appeared in federal court today following his extradition from Spain to face charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to possess firearms, including machineguns and destructive devices, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Kenyan national Elisha Odhiambo Asumo was extradited from Morrocco to the United States on March 11 and appeared in U.S. federal court on March 12. As alleged in the indictment, since at least September 2022, Mirchev, Asumo, Tanzanian national Subiro Osmund Mwapinga, and Ugandan national Michael Katungi Mpweire conspired to illegally supply military-grade weaponry to Mexican drug cartels, and in particular, the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), one of Mexico’s most violent and prolific transnational criminal organizations. The weaponry included machineguns, rocket launchers, grenades, night vision equipment, sniper rifles, anti-personnel mines, and anti-aircraft weapons. The defendants allegedly believed that the CJNG intended to use these weapons in furtherance of the illegal trafficking of large shipments of cocaine into the United States. On Feb. 20, 2025, the CJNG was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization under the Immigration and Nationality Act and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 13224 . Arms sales to transnational criminal organizations like the CJNG are prohibited by virtually every country. In a series of meetings with individuals claiming to represent the CJNG, Mirchev allegedly agreed to arrange, coordinate, and participate in illegal arms transactions while avoiding detection by international and U.S. law enforcement. Mirchev allegedly recruited Asumo to corruptly obtain an End-User Certificate (EUC) from a nation that would falsely claim a different end-user for the weapons. Asumo and Mwapinga allegedly obtained an EUC from the United Republic of Tanzania authorizing the importation of AK-47s. As a test shipment, Mirchev and others then exported 50 AK-47 automatic assault rifles and accompanying magazines and ammunition from Bulgaria, using the EUC provided by Asumo and Mwapinga, and intending that the weapons were actually received by the CJNG. The defendants allegedly continued to conspire to supply drug cartels with even more weaponry, potentially including surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft drones, and the ZU-23 anti-aircraft weapon system. Mirchev allegedly created a list of weaponry for the CJNG totaling approximately 53.7 million Euros (approximately $58 million U.S.). Asumo and Mwapinga allegedly agreed to again provide arms control documents designed to obscure that these weapons were intended for the CJNG. According to court records, Mirchev was previously implicated in supplying arms to Viktor Bout , who was convicted at trial of conspiring to kill U.S. nationals, conspiring to kill U.S. officers and employees, conspiring to acquire and export anti-aircraft missiles; and conspiring to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization in case 1:08-cr-365 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Mirchev was arrested by Spanish authorities in Madrid on April 8. Asumo was arrested by Moroccan authorities in Casablanca on April 8. Mwapinga was arrested by Ghanaian authorities in Accra on April 8 and was extradited to the United States on July 25. Mpweire remains at large. If convicted, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Special Operations Division - Bilateral Investigations Unit. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided invaluable assistance in securing extraditions of Mirchev, Mwapinga, and Asumo, working in cooperation with the DEA Attaché to U.S. Embassy Accra and key partners, including the Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice of Ghana, the Ghana Police Service, Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission, the Ministry of Justice of Spain, the Spanish Guardia Civil, and the Government of Morocco, including the Moroccan Direction Générale de la Surete National (DGSN- National Police), and the Moroccan Direction Générale de la Surveillance du Territoire (DGST). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony T. Aminoff and Edgardo J. Rodriguez are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-CR-102. An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Indictment: mirchev_unsealed_indictment.pdf


title: Togo Illegal Alien Sentenced for Role in Money Laundering Conspiracy

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A federal judge sentenced an illegal alien from Togo, today, for his role in a money laundering scheme totaling nearly $3 million in losses. U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Gedeon “Papa Kwam” Agbeyome, 31, of Silver Spring, Maryland, to six years in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for conspiracy to commit money laundering and aggravated identity theft. Judge Maddox also ordered him to pay $2,938,424.65 in restitution and issued a $2.8 million preliminary order of forfeiture. As part of the scheme, Agbeyome received at least $2.8 million in proceeds from a business email compromise fraud scheme. Agbeyome used bank accounts that he opened and controlled through shell entities and the identities of other real people. He then pocketed a portion of the fraud proceeds in exchange for engaging in the financial crime. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Heck, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) – Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge George Golliday, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Inspector General (EPA-OIG). According to court documents, from June 2021 through May 2023, Agbeyome participated in a significant money laundering conspiracy that led to the prosecution of at least 14 individuals . As part of the conspiracy, the co-conspirators created shell entities that did not have significant physical operations, business premises, legitimate business activities, gross revenues, cost of goods sold, nor reported wages for employees. The co-conspirators used the shell entities to open and control bank accounts that they then used to receive fraud proceeds. Additionally, Agbeyome admitted he participated in an underlying wire-fraud conspiracy. This scheme involved defrauding a victim trust that was established to remediate environmental contamination at a California manufacturing facility. Agbeyome also admitted that he used three real people’s personal identifying information in connection with the wire fraud conspiracy. Agbeyome used the stolen identities to open multiple bank accounts and to conceal his connection to a CashApp account. Agbeyome and his co-conspirators then used these financial accounts to launder money. As part of the conspiracy, co-conspirators used a business email compromise scheme to deceive the victim entities. Co-conspirators tricked the victims into sending money to the shell entity bank accounts Agbeyome controlled, and others, through look-a-like email addresses. The victims typically thought they were sending money to contractors or vendors. After gaining access to the fraudulently obtained funds, Agbeyome engaged in multiple financial transactions in quick succession. He did this to conceal the nature, location, source, and ownership of the funds, and to control the wire-fraud proceeds. These illegal acts helped promote the underlying business email compromises and other fraud schemes. Agbeyome and his co-conspirators met in person, and used phone calls, Telegram, WhatsApp, and text messages to communicate. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, which seeks to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a collaborative and comprehensive response to the growing threat to public safety and national security. The HSTF integrates personnel, including law enforcement agents, intelligence analysts, and professional staff, from federal agencies to combat crime in our communities. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the HSI-led Document and Benefit Fraud/Mid-Atlantic El Dorado Task Force, and thanked IRS-CI and EPA-OIG for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry Gruber, Bijon A. Mostoufi, Jared M. Beim, and recognized Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber, for her valuable assistance. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud .


title: Three sentenced for facilitating computer access in North Korean sanctions evasion scheme

body_text: AUGUSTA, Georgia: Three men have been sentenced in federal court after pleading guilty to their roles in a nationwide scheme that enabled North Korean workers to access U.S.-based computer networks. Each defendant pleaded guilty to a criminal Information charging them with one count of Wire Fraud Conspiracy, said Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The defendants were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall. Alexander Paul Travis , 35, of Augusta, was sentenced to 12 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit $193,265. Jason Salazar , 30, of Clovis, California, and Audricus Phagnasay , 25, of Fresno, California, were sentenced and ordered to forfeit $409,876 and $681,926, respectively. “These men practically gave the keys to the online kingdom to likely North Korean overseas technology workers seeking to raise illicit revenue for the North Korean government – all in return for what to them seemed like easy money,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “These schemes present a significant challenge to our national security, and we applaud our investigative partners working to secure our digital borders.” Since 2003, United States and United Nations sanctions cut off North Korea “from the U.S. marketplace and financial systems and restricted the ability of U.S. persons and companies from doing business” with North Korean institutions. North Korea responded with “a variety of schemes” to evade those sanctions, including “the use of highly skilled information technology (IT) workers to obtain remote, pseudonymous employment with companies around the world, including the United States, using false or stolen identities.” The revenues from those schemes contribute to North Korea’s weapons programs in violation of U.S. and U.N. sanctions. Each defendants’ guilty pleas describe how they were contacted by overseas IT workers, and each defendant allowed those workers to create resumes in the defendants’ names with false information about their experience; to use those false representations and identities to obtain remote employment with U.S. companies; to pass employer vetting procedures, including video interviews, drug testing, and fingerprinting; and, to open bank accounts in the defendants’ names to receive payment from the U.S. companies. In each case, the defendant would receive a laptop computer from the company that hired the fictitious worker, and then would install unauthorized software to enable the overseas IT worker to access the computers remotely while appearing to work from the defendant’s address in the United States. Travis, who was an active-duty member of the United States Army stationed at Fort Gordon at the time, received at least $51,397 for his participation in the scheme. Phagnasay and Salazar earned at least $3,450 and $4,500, respectively. The fraudulent scheme earned approximately $1.28 million in salary payments from the victim U.S. companies, the vast majority of which were sent to the IT workers overseas. “These defendants facilitated a scheme to deceive U.S. companies into hiring foreign remote IT workers,” said FBI Georgia Acting Special Agent in Charge Peter Ellis. “The FBI will continue to work with our partners to expose and mitigate these fraudulent IT schemes and provide support to victims of North Korean cyber actors.” The FBI Augusta (Georgia) Resident Agency is investigating the cases, along with the National Security Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, Assistant U.S. Attorney L. Alexander Hamner for the Southern District of Georgia and Trial Attorney Jacques Singer-Emery of the NSD National Security Cyber Section are prosecuting the cases.


title: Five More Plead Guilty in Feeding Our Future Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – This week, Ikram Yusuf Mohamed, Aisha Hassan Hussein, Sahra Sharif Osman, Shakur Abdinur Abdisalam, and Fadumo Mohamed Yusuf all pleaded guilty to wire fraud for their respective roles in the sprawling Feeding Our Future fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. Prosecutors have now obtained 63 convictions scheme-wide, representing the largest number of convictions in a single fraud investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in recent memory. “I am proud of our team of prosecutors, federal agents, and law enforcement partners who continue to expose the rampant fraud in Minnesota,” said U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. All five defendants were charged in United States v. Mohamed et al., 24-cr-15 (NEB/DTS). This group, which included multiple family members and friends of defendant Ikram Mohamed, purported to run food program sites in Minneapolis and its suburbs, as well as food distribution entity. The group worked together to steal and then launder $14.6 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program money that was meant to feed hungry children during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mohamed and Abdisalam pled guilty on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, and Hussein, Osman, and Yusuf pled guilty today, March 20, 2026, all in U.S. District Court before Judge Nancy E. Brasel. The defendants had been set to proceed to trial before Judge Brasel on April 20, 2026. One defendant now remains in that trial, with the other remaining defendant set for a change of plea hearing next week. Ikram Yusuf Mohamed, 42, was a leader in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme through her role as a consultant to Feeding Our Future. Mohamed opened several food sites that were enrolled in and received over $6.9 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. To conceal her involvement, she put the sites and entities in the name of family members, including her husband, mother, and siblings. Mohamed also created a food distribution company with her brother called Star Distribution LLC, which went on to create fraudulent invoices for the family-controlled sites that indicated it had sold inflated volumes of food to the sites that had in fact been purchased or delivered. At Mohamed’s advice, other program sites sponsored by Feeding Our Future used Star Distribution, causing it to receive $1.4 million for fraudulent invoices. Star Distribution also received $4.9 million directly from Feeding Our Future for the meals allegedly served at the family-controlled sites. Additionally, Mohamed solicited and received over $1.3 million in kickbacks from individuals and companies involved in the food program through her company, IM Consultation. Mohamed pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Shakur Abdinur Abdisalam, 46, Ikram Mohamed’s husband, participated in the scheme to defraud the Federal Child Nutrition Program with his wife and other family conspirators through a company called Inspiring Youth & Outreach LLC (“Inspiring Youth”). Inspiring Youth purported to run a food site in Minneapolis. Between February and November 2021, the company fraudulently claimed to have served more than 1 million meals. He and his conspirators also supported their program reimbursement claims with phony attendance rosters purporting to document the children they fed. Those rosters listed made-up children with fake ages. Based on these fraudulent claims, Inspiring Youth received more than $1.5 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. As part of the scheme, Abdisalam also paid a $21,000 kickback to his wife’s entity, IM Consultation. Abdisalam pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Aisha Hassan Hussein, 29, Ikram Mohamed’s sister, participated in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme as the principal of United Youth of MPLS LLC (“United Youth”). Hussein enrolled her company in the Federal Child Nutrition Program under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future and purported to operate two sites in Minneapolis. From December 2020 through November 2021, Hussein and her co-conspirators falsely claimed to have served more than 1.3 million meals to children at the United Youth sites, totaling approximately $2.2 million in fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. As part of the scheme, Hussein also paid a $166,000 kickback to her sister’s company IM Consultation. Hussein pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Sahra Sharif Osman, 43, participated in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme as the principal of a non-profit called Youth International Club LLC (“Youth International”). Youth International operated two Federal Child Nutrition Program sites under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. The Youth International food sites were in Hopkins and Edina and purported to serve meals out of community rooms in townhome complexes. Between March and November 2021, Youth International fraudulently claimed to have served nearly 700,000 meals and received more than $1.4 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. As part of the scheme, Osman also paid a $7,500 kickback to Ikram Mohamed’s IM Consultation. Osman pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Fadumo Mohamed Yusuf, 59, Ikram Mohamed’s mother, participated in the scheme through Active Mind’s Youth LLC (“Active Minds”), another company that enrolled in the Federal Child Nutrition Program under the sponsorship of Feeding Our Future. Active Minds purported to operate a food site located on East Lake Street in Minneapolis. Between February and June 2021, Active Minds fraudulently claimed to have served more than 500,000 meals and received more than $1 million in Federal Child Nutrition Program funds. As part of the scheme, Yusuf also paid a $38,500 kickback to her daughter’s company, IM Consultation. Yusuf pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. Sentencing hearings for all five defendants will be scheduled at a later date. These cases result from an investigation conducted by the FBI, IRS – Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca E. Kline, Matthew C. Murphy, and Matthew D. Evans are prosecuting these cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Baune is handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.


title: Lawrence man who smuggled drugs into a prison is sentenced to prison

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 96 months in prison after smuggling contraband into a prison. According to court documents, Jermel Fleming, 33, of Lawrence pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance. In February 2024, Fleming and an accomplice drove to the Hutchinson Correctional Facility in Hutchinson, Kansas. Fleming threw a package containing a controlled substance over the prison wall then left. A lab test showed the substance to be approximately 247 grams of pure methamphetamine. “Illegal drugs threaten the security of correctional staff and inmates because of the elevated risk of violence and overdoses,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Offenders caught smuggling contraband into prisons are vehemently prosecuted. If you decide to give drugs to someone who is behind bars, then you are likely to end up in a cell as well.” The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak prosecuted the case. ###