title: 27 Members Or Associates Of Tren De Aragua Charged With Racketeering, Narcotics, Sex Trafficking, Robbery And Firearms Offenses

body_text: Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Pamela Bondi, the Attorney General of the United States; Kristi Noem, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”); Todd M. Lyons, the Acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ("ICE"); and Jessica S. Tisch, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today two Superseding Indictments charging 27 individuals currently or formerly associated with the designated foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua (“TdA”) with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, robbery, and firearms offenses. The first Superseding Indictment (the “TdA Indictment”) charges six alleged members of TdA. The second Superseding Indictment (the “Anti-Tren Indictment”) charges 19 alleged members of “Anti-Tren,” a splinter faction comprised of former TdA members, along with two additional associates of Anti-Tren. Of the 27 defendants, 21 are in federal custody, including 16 who were already in federal criminal, immigration, or state custody and five who were arrested last night and today in operations in New York and other jurisdictions. Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “Today, we have filed charges against 27 alleged members, former members, and associates of Tren de Aragua, for committing murders and shootings, forcing young women trafficked from Venezuela into commercial sex work, robbing and extorting small businesses, and selling ‘tusi,’ a pink powdery drug that has become their calling card. Today’s Indictments make clear that this Office will work tirelessly to keep the law-abiding residents of New York City safe, and hold accountable those who bring violence to our streets.” Attorney General Pam Bondi said: “As alleged, Tren de Aragua is not just a street gang – it is a highly structured terrorist organization that has destroyed American families with brutal violence, engaged in human trafficking, and spread deadly drugs through our communities. Today’s indictments and arrests span three states and will devastate TdA’s infrastructure as we work to completely dismantle and purge this organization from our country.” ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons said: “We are at the forefront of efforts to identify, disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal gangs like Tren de Aragua from operating in our cities and around the world. I commend the members of our New York-based Homeland Security Investigations Violent Gang Task Force; without their efforts these indictments wouldn’t be possible. Together with our partners, ICE HSI is committed to addressing the threats posed by illicit narcotics, weapons and human smuggling networks, and ensuring these violent criminals are prosecuted to the maximum extent of the law.” NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said: “Tren de Aragua is one of the most dangerous gangs in the country, and the NYPD has taken significant action to shut down their operations in New York City. For the first time ever, TdA is being named and charged as the criminal enterprise that it is. This isn’t just street crime—it’s organized racketeering, and this gang has shown zero regard for the safety of New Yorkers. As alleged in the indictment, these defendants wreaked havoc in our communities, trafficking women for sexual exploitation, flooding our streets with drugs, and committing violent crimes with illegal guns. Thanks to the dedicated members of the NYPD and the important work of our federal partners, their time is up.” According to the allegations contained in the Indictments: [1] The TdA Indictment TdA is a criminal organization that operated throughout New York City, including the boroughs of the Bronx and Queens, as well as internationally in Venezuela, Peru, and elsewhere. The purposes of TdA included: Preserving and protecting the power and territory of TdA and its members and associates through acts involving murder, assault, robbery, other acts of violence, and threats of violence, including acts of violence and threats of violence directed at former members and associates of TdA who associated with a splinter organization known as Anti-Tren. Enriching the members and associates of TdA through, among other things: The unlawful smuggling of individuals, including young women from Venezuela, into Peru and the U.S.; The sex trafficking of young women (whom members and associates of TdA often refer to as “multadas”) who had been unlawfully smuggled into Peru and the U.S.; The trafficking of controlled substances, including a mixed substance called “tusi” that contains ketamine; and Armed robberies. Keeping victims and potential victims in fear of TdA and its members and associates through threats and acts of violence. Promoting and enhancing TdA and the reputation and activities of its members and associates. Providing assistance to members and associates of TdA who committed crimes for and on behalf of TdA, such as lodging and interstate transportation for members and associates of TdA to flee prosecution. Protecting TdA and its members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities through acts of intimidation, threats, and violence against potential witnesses to crimes committed by members of TdA. Members and associates of TdA transported “multadas” from Venezuela into Peru and the U.S. in exchange for debts that the “multadas” would pay back to TdA by engaging in commercial sex work. Members of TdA enforced compliance among “multadas” by, among other things: Threatening to kill “multadas” and their families, Assaulting “multadas,” Shooting or killing “multadas,” and Tracking down and kidnapping “multadas” who tried to flee. Members of TdA also committed and conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit, acts of violence, including acts involving murder and assault, to protect and expand TdA’s criminal operations; resolve disputes within TdA; to retaliate against rival organizations, including Anti-Tren; and to maintain control over sex trafficking victims. TdA members and associates also trafficked controlled substances, committed robberies, and obtained, possessed, trafficked, and used firearms and ammunition. The TdA Indictment charges JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama”; SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley”; EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol”; BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO; SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO; and ARMANDO JOSE PEREZ GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Biblia” (the “TdA Defendants”) with conspiring to participate in the TdA racketeering enterprise. Various of the TdA Defendants are also charged with participating in offenses relating to drug trafficking, carjacking, robbery, and extortion, as well as firearms offenses. This case is assigned U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote. The Anti-Tren Indictment Anti-Tren is a criminal organization almost exclusively comprised of former members and associates of TdA. Anti-Tren operated throughout New York City, including the boroughs of the Bronx and Queens, and in New Jersey, and elsewhere. Like TdA, the purposes of Anti-Tren included: Preserving and protecting the power and territory of Anti-Tren and its members and associates through acts involving murder, assault, other acts of violence, and threats of violence, including acts of violence and threats of violence directed at members and associates of TdA. Enriching the members and associates of Anti-Tren through, among other things: The unlawful smuggling of individuals, including women and girls from Venezuela, into the U.S.; The sex trafficking of “multadas” who had been unlawfully smuggled into the U.S.; The trafficking of controlled substances, including “tusi”; and Armed robberies. Keeping victims and potential victims in fear of Anti-Tren and its members and associates through threats and acts of violence. Promoting and enhancing Anti-Tren and the reputation and activities of its members and associates. Providing assistance to members and associates of Anti-Tren who committed crimes for and on behalf of Anti-Tren, such as lodging and interstate transportation for members and associates of Anti-Tren to flee prosecution, or bail money for members or associates of Anti-Tren who are detained. Protecting Anti-Tren and its members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities through acts of intimidation, threats, and violence against potential witnesses to crimes committed by members of Anti-Tren. Like TdA, Anti-Tren engaged in human smuggling and sex trafficking of “multadas,” into the U.S. in exchange for debts that the “multadas” would pay back by engaging in commercial sex work. And like TdA, members of Anti-Tren enforced compliance among “multadas” by, among other things: Threatening to kill “multadas” and their families, Assaulting “multadas,” Shooting or killing “multadas,” and Tracking down and kidnapping “multadas” who tried to flee. Members of Anti-Tren also committed and conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit, acts of violence, including acts involving murder and assault, to protect and to expand Anti-Tren’s criminal operations, resolve disputes within Anti-Tren, to retaliate against rival organizations, including Tren de Aragua, and to maintain control over sex trafficking victims. Anti-Tren members and associates also trafficked controlled substances, committed robberies, and obtained, possessed, trafficked, and used firearms and ammunition. The Anti-Tren Indictment charges REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ, a/k/a “Mariguana,” a/k/a “Marijuana”; JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE, a/k/a “Mantequilla”; JOSE DAVID VALENCIA-DE LA ROSA; JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN, a/k/a “Sobrino”; LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO, a/k/a “Chito”; STEFANO SAID PACHON-ROMERO; GUILLERMO FREITES VELAZQUEZ; JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA, a/k/a “Morocho”; GIOVANNY VALENTIN BLANCO LUCIANO, a/k/a “Cachorrito”; ANDERSON JESUS DURAN BERROTERAN, a/k/a “Cachorro”; ROIMAN NOE BELLO FERRER; LUIS MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ-TAPIA; MARIO ANDRES PEREDA, a/k/a “Cara de Hombre”; ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO; YEFERSON ALEJANDRO PRIETO GALVIZ, a/k/a “Flaco T,” a/k/a “Flacote”; JHONKENNEDY BRAVO-CASTRO, a/k/a “Negrito”; YENDER MAYKIER MATA; KELLEN ALEJANDRO JASPE BUSTAMANTE; and LUIS ANDRES BELLO-CHACON, a/k/a “Care de Peo” (the “Anti-Tren Defendants”) with conspiring to participate in an Anti-Tren racketeering enterprise. Various of the Anti-Tren Defendants, along with co-defendants WILFREDO JOSE AVENDAÑO CARRIZALEZ and CARLOS GABRIEL SANTOS MOGOLLON, are also charged with participating in offenses relating to sex trafficking, conspiracy to import and harbor aliens, drug trafficking, obstruction of justice, and firearms offenses. This case is assigned U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil. * * * A chart containing the names, ages, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants is set forth below. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) and NYPD. He also thanked the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office in Colorado; the Aurora Police Department in Aurora, Colorado; the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force of the U.S. Marshals Service (“USMS”); the Homeland Security Investigations National Gang Unit and New York Human Intelligence Division; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s New York Enforcement and Removal Operations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”); and the New York City Crime Analysis Center at the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. This case received significant support from Joint Task Force Vulcan (“JTFV”), which was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now expanded to target Tren de Aragua, and is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the Southern District of New York; the Eastern District of New York; the District of New Jersey; the Northern District of Ohio; the District of Utah; the District of Massachusetts; the Eastern District of Texas; the Southern District of Florida; the Eastern District of Virginia; the Southern District of California; the District of Nevada; the District of Alaska; the Southern District of Texas; and the District of Columbia, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI; DEA; HSI; ATF; USMS; and the Federal Bureau of Prisons have been essential law enforcement partners with JTFV. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Justice Department 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). In February 2025, Tren de Aragua was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization. This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jun Xiang, Kathryn Wheelock, and Timothy Ly are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. u.s._v._valero-calderon_et_al._indictment.pdf u.s._v._gonzales-valdez_et_al._indictment.pdf The Tren de Aragua Indictment COUNT CHARGE DEFENDANTS MAX. PENALTIES 1 Racketeering conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama,” 29; SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” 28; EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol,” 20; BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO, 28; SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO, 25; and ARMANDO JOSE PEREZ GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Biblia,” 30 Life in prison 2 Drug trafficking conspiracy 21 U.S.C. § 846 JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama,” BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO, SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO, and ARMANDO JOSE PEREZ GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Biblia” 20 years in prison 3 Carjacking conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 371 JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” and EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol” 5 years in prison 4 Carjacking 18 U.S.C. § 2119 JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” and EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol” 15 years in prison 5 Hobbs Act robbery 18 U.S.C. §§ 1951 and 2 JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” and EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol” 20 years in prison 6 Firearm use, carrying, and possession 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and (ii), and 2 JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” and EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol” Life in prison Mandatory minimum sentence of 7 years in prison 7 Attempted Hobbs Act extortion 18 U.S.C. §§ 1951 and 2 JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” and EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol” 20 years in prison 8 Firearm use, carrying, and possession – conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 924(o) JARWIN VALERO-CALDERON, a/k/a “La Fama,” SAMUEL GONZALEZ CASTRO, a/k/a “Klei,” a/k/a “Kley,” and EFERSON MORILLO-GOMEZ, a/k/a “Jefferson,” a/k/a “Efe Trebol” 20 years in prison 9 Firearm use, carrying, and possession – conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 924(o) BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO, and SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO 20 years in prison 10 Firearm use, carrying, and possession 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 2 BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO, and SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO 20 years in prison 11 Possession of ammunition by an illegal alien 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(5) and 2 BRAYAN OLIVEROS-CHERO 15 years in prison 12 Possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(5) and 2 SANDRO OLIVEROS-CHERO 15 years in prison 13 Firearm use, carrying, and possession 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 2 ARMANDO JOSE PEREZ GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Biblia,” Life in prison Mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison 14 Possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(5) and 2 ARMANDO JOSE PEREZ GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Biblia,” 15 years in prison The Anti-Tren Indictment COUNT CHARGE DEFENDANTS MAX. PENALTIES 1 Racketeering conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d) REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ, a/k/a “Mariguana,” a/k/a “Marijuana,” 41; JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE, a/k/a “Mantequilla,” 29; JOSE DAVID VALENCIA-DE LA ROSA, 27; JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN, a/k/a “Sobrino,” 27; LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO, a/k/a “Chito,” 30; STEFANO SAID PACHON-ROMERO, 21; GUILLERMO ENRIQUE FREITES-VELAZQUEZ, 26; JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA, a/k/a “Morocho,” 27; GIOVANNY VALENTIN BLANCO LUCIANO, a/k/a “Cachorrito,” 20; ANDERSON JESUS DURAN BERROTERAN, a/k/a “Cachorro,” 22; ROIMAN NOE BELLO FERRER, 37; LUIS MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ-TAPIA, 25; MARIO ANDRES PEREDA, a/k/a “Cara de Hombre,” 44; ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO, 26; YEFERSON ALEJANDRO PRIETO GALVIZ, a/k/a “Flaco T,” a/k/a “Flacote,” 24; JHONKENNEDY BRAVO-CASTRO, a/k/a “Negrito,” 27; YENDER MAYKIER MATA, 36; KELLEN ALEJANDRO JASPE BUSTAMANTE, 20; and LUIS ANDRES BELLO-CHACON, a/k/a “Care de Peo,” 31 Life in prison 2 Sex trafficking conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 1594(c) REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ, a/k/a “Mariguana,” a/k/a “Marijuana,” JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE, a/k/a “Mantequilla,” JOSE DAVID VALENCIA-DE LA ROSA, JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN, a/k/a “Sobrino,” LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO, a/k/a “Chito,” STEFANO SAID PACHON-ROMERO, GUILLERMO FREITES VELAZQUEZ, JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA, a/k/a “Morocho,” ANDERSON JESUS DURAN BERROTERAN, a/k/a “Cachorro,” LUIS MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ-TAPIA, MARIO ANDRES PEREDA, a/k/a “Cara de Hombre,” ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO, and JHONKENNEDY BRAVO-CASTRO, a/k/a “Negrito” Life in prison 3 Alien importation and harboring for immoral purpose – conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 371 REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ, a/k/a “Mariguana,” a/k/a “Marijuana,” JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE, a/k/a “Mantequilla,” JOSE DAVID VALENCIA-DE LA ROSA, JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN, a/k/a “Sobrino,” LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO, a/k/a “Chito,” STEFANO SAID PACHON-ROMERO, GUILLERMO FREITES VELAZQUEZ, JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA, a/k/a “Morocho,” ANDERSON JESUS DURAN BERROTERAN, a/k/a “Cachorro,” LUIS MIGUEL RODRIGUEZ-TAPIA, MARIO ANDRES PEREDA, a/k/a “Cara de Hombre,” ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO, and JHONKENNEDY BRAVO-CASTRO, a/k/a “Negrito” 5 years in prison 4 Drug trafficking conspiracy 21 U.S.C. § 846 REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ, a/k/a “Mariguana,” a/k/a “Marijuana,” JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE, a/k/a “Mantequilla,” JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN, a/k/a “Sobrino,” GUILLERMO FREITES VELAZQUEZ, JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA, a/k/a “Morocho,” GIOVANNY VALENTIN BLANCO LUCIANO, a/k/a “Cachorrito,” ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO, YEFERSON ALEJANDRO PRIETO GALVIZ, a/k/a “Flaco T,” a/k/a “Flacote,” YENDER MAYKIER MATA, KELLEN ALEJANDRO JASPE BUSTAMANTE, and LUIS ANDRES BELLO-CHACON, a/k/a “Care de Peo” 20 years in prison 5 Firearm use, carrying, and possession 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 2 REINALDO RAFAEL GONZALES-VALDEZ, a/k/a “Mariguana,” a/k/a “Marijuana,” JOSE MANUEL GUERRERO-ZARATE, a/k/a “Mantequilla,” JOHAN CARLOS MUJICA-URPIN, a/k/a “Sobrino,” GUILLERMO FREITES VELAZQUEZ, JESUS DAVID BARRIOS GARCIA, a/k/a “Morocho,” GIOVANNY VALENTIN BLANCO LUCIANO, a/k/a “Cachorrito,” ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO, YEFERSON ALEJANDRO PRIETO GALVIZ, a/k/a “Flaco T,” a/k/a “Flacote,” YENDER MAYKIER MATA, KELLEN ALEJANDRO JASPE BUSTAMANTE, and LUIS ANDRES BELLO-CHACON, a/k/a “Care de Peo” Life in prison Mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison 6 Obstruction of justice 18 U.S.C. §§ 1512(c) and 2 LUIS JOSE VELASQUEZ-HURTADO, a/k/a “Chito,” 20 years in prison 7 Unlicensed dealing of firearms 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(1)(A) and 2 STEFANO PACHON-ROMERO 5 years in prison 8 Possession of a firearm and ammunition by a fugitive from justice and illegal alien 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(2) and (5), and 2 ANDERSON SMITH ZAMBRANO-PACHECO 15 years in prison 9 Possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(5) and 2 JHONKENNEDY BRAVO-CASTRO, a/k/a “Negrito,” 15 years in prison 10 Possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(5) and 2 WILFREDO JOSE AVENDAÑO CARRIZALEZ, 26; and CARLOS GABRIEL SANTOS MOGOLLON, 31 15 years in prison [1] The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Owner Of San Jose-Based Technology Staffing Firm Sentenced To 14 Months For Visa Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE – Kishore Dattapuram was sentenced today to 14 months in federal prison for visa fraud and conspiracy to commit visa fraud. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila handed down the sentence. Dattapuram, 55, of Santa Clara, was indicted in February 2019 along with two co-defendants on one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud and 10 counts of substantive visa fraud. Dattapuram pleaded guilty to all counts in November 2024. Dattapuram co-owned and operated Nanosemantics, Inc., a staffing firm in San Jose that provided skilled employees to technology companies in the Bay Area. Nanosemantics received a commission for workers placed at client companies. Nanosemantics regularly submitted H-1B petitions for foreign workers so that foreign workers could obtain temporary authorization to live and work for employers in the United States. In order to secure an H-1B visa, an employer or other sponsor must submit an “I-129” petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A petition and associated documentation must confirm the existence and duration of the job waiting for the worker, and describe key details including the wages associated with the position. Dattapuram worked with his co-defendants to submit fraudulent H-1B applications that falsely represented that foreign workers had specific jobs waiting for them at designated end-client companies when in fact the jobs did not exist. On multiple occasions, Dattapuram paid companies to be listed as end-clients for the foreign workers, even though he knew the workers would never work for those employers. As defendants admitted, the goal of the scheme was to allow Nanosemantics to obtain visas for job candidates before securing jobs for them, thereby allowing Nanosemantics to place those workers with employers as soon as those jobs were available, rather than waiting for the visa application process to conclude, and giving Nanosemantics an unfair advantage over its competitors. Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Tatum King made the announcement. In addition to the prison term, Judge Davila also ordered Dattapuram to serve three years of supervised release, forfeit $125,456.48, and pay a fine of $7,500 and a $1,100 special assessment fee. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Griswold and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnny James are prosecuting this case with the assistance of Lynette Dixon and Nina Burney. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI, with assistance from USCIS.


title: 27 Members or Associates of Tren de Aragua Charged with Racketeering, Narcotics, Sex Trafficking, Robbery and Firearms offenses

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Note : A copy of the Anti-Tren indictment can be found here . Today, two superseding indictments were unsealed charging 27 individuals currently or formerly associated with the designated foreign terrorist organization Tren de Aragua (TdA) with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, robbery, and firearms offenses. The first superseding indictment (the “TdA Indictment”) charges six alleged members of TdA. The second superseding indictment (the “Anti-Tren Indictment”) charges 19 alleged members of “Anti-Tren,” a splinter faction comprised of former TdA members, along with two additional associates of Anti-Tren. Of the 27 defendants, 21 are in federal custody, including 16 who were already in federal criminal, immigration, or state custody and five who were arrested last night and today in operations in New York and other jurisdictions. “As alleged, Tren de Aragua is not just a street gang – it is a highly structured terrorist organization that has destroyed American families with brutal violence, engaged in human trafficking, and spread deadly drugs through our communities,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Today’s indictments and arrests span three states and will devastate TdA’s infrastructure as we work to completely dismantle and purge this organization from our country.” “Today, we have filed charges against 27 alleged members, former members, and associates of Tren de Aragua, for committing murders and shootings, forcing young women trafficked from Venezuela into commercial sex work, robbing and extorting small businesses, and selling ‘tusi,’ a pink powdery drug that has become their calling card,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky for the Southern District of New York. “Today’s Indictments make clear that this Office will work tirelessly to keep the law-abiding residents of New York City safe, and hold accountable those who bring violence to our streets.”“Tren de Aragua is one of the most dangerous gangs in the country, and the NYPD has taken significant action to shut down their operations in New York City,” said New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “For the first time ever, TdA is being named and charged as the criminal enterprise that it is. This isn’t just street crime—it’s organized racketeering, and this gang has shown zero regard for the safety of New Yorkers. As alleged in the indictment, these defendants wreaked havoc in our communities, trafficking women for sexual exploitation, flooding our streets with drugs, and committing violent crimes with illegal guns. Thanks to the dedicated members of the NYPD and the important work of our federal partners, their time is up.” According to the allegations contained in the Indictments: The TdA Indictment TdA is a criminal organization that operated throughout New York City, including the boroughs of the Bronx and Queens, as well as internationally in Venezuela, Peru, and elsewhere. The purposes of TdA included: Preserving and protecting the power and territory of TdA and its members and associates through acts involving murder, assault, robbery, other acts of violence, and threats of violence, including acts of violence and threats of violence directed at former members and associates of TdA who associated with a splinter organization known as Anti-Tren. Enriching the members and associates of TdA through, among other things: The unlawful smuggling of individuals, including young women from Venezuela, into Peru and the United States; The sex trafficking of young women (whom members and associates of TdA often refer to as “multadas”) who had been unlawfully smuggled into Peru and the United States; The trafficking of controlled substances, including a mixed substance called “tusi” that contains ketamine; and Armed robberies. Keeping victims and potential victims in fear of TdA and its members and associates through threats and acts of violence. Promoting and enhancing TdA and the reputation and activities of its members and associates. Providing assistance to members and associates of TdA who committed crimes for and on behalf of TdA, such as lodging and interstate transportation for members and associates of TdA to flee prosecution. Protecting TdA and its members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities through acts of intimidation, threats, and violence against potential witnesses to crimes committed by members of TdA. Members and associates of TdA transported “multadas” from Venezuela into Peru and the United States in exchange for debts that the “multadas” would pay back to TdA by engaging in commercial sex work. Members of TdA enforced compliance among “multadas” by, among other things: Threatening to kill “multadas” and their families, Assaulting “multadas,” Shooting or killing “multadas,” and Tracking down and kidnapping “multadas” who tried to flee. Members of TdA also committed and conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit, acts of violence, including acts involving murder and assault, to protect and expand TdA’s criminal operations; resolve disputes within TdA; to retaliate against rival organizations, including Anti-Tren; and to maintain control over sex trafficking victims. TdA members and associates also trafficked controlled substances, committed robberies, and obtained, possessed, trafficked, and used firearms and ammunition. The TdA Indictment charges Jarwin Valero-Calderon, also known as “La Fama,” 29; Samuel Gonzalez Castro, also known as “Klei” and “Kley, ” 28; Eferson Morillo-Gomez, also known as “Jefferson” and “Efe Trebol,” 20; Brayan Oliveros-Chero, 28; Sandro Oliveros-Chero, 25; and Armando Jose Perez Gonzalez, also known as “Biblia,” 30, (the “TdA Defendants”) with conspiring to participate in the TdA racketeering enterprise. Various of the TdA defendants are also charged with participating in offenses relating to drug trafficking, carjacking, robbery, and extortion, as well as firearms offenses. This case is assigned U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote for the Southern District of New York. If convicted of racketeering conspiracy, Valero-Calderon, Gonzalez Castro, Morillo-Gomez, Brayan Oliveros-Chero, Sandro Oliveros-Chero, and Perez Gonzalez face up to life in prison. If convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy, Valero-Calderon, Brayan Oliveros-Chero, Sandro Oliveros-Chero, and Perez Gonzalez face up to 20 years in prison. If convicted of carjacking conspiracy, Valero-Calderon, Gonzalez Castro, and Morillo-Gomez face up to five years in prison. If convicted of carjacking, Valero-Calderon, Gonzalez Castro, and Morillo-Gomez face up to 15 years in prison. If convicted of Hobbs Act robbery, Valero-Calderon, Gonzalez Castro, and Morillo-Gomez face up to 20 years in prison. If convicted of firearm use, carrying, and possession, Valero-Calderon, Gonzalez Castro, and Morillo-Gomez face up to life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison. If convicted of attempted Hobbs Act extortion, Valero-Calderon, Gonzalez Castro, and Morillo-Gomez face up to 20 years in prison. If convicted of firearm use, carrying, and possession – conspiracy, Valero-Calderon, Gonzalez Castro, Morillo-Gomez, Brayan Oliveros-Chero, and Sandro Oliveros-Chero face up to 20 years in prison. If convicted of possession of ammunition by an illegal alien, Brayan Oliveros-Chero faces up to 15 years in prison. If convicted of possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien, Sandro Oliveros-Chero faces up to 15 years in prison. If convicted of firearm use, carrying, and possession, Perez Gonzalez faces up to life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. If convicted of possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien, Perez Gonzalez faces up to 15 years in prison. The Anti-Tren Indictment Anti-Tren is a criminal organization almost exclusively comprised of former members and associates of TdA. Anti-Tren operated throughout New York City, including the boroughs of the Bronx and Queens, and in New Jersey, and elsewhere. Like TdA, the purposes of Anti-Tren included: Preserving and protecting the power and territory of Anti-Tren and its members and associates through acts involving murder, assault, other acts of violence, and threats of violence, including acts of violence and threats of violence directed at members and associates of TdA. Enriching the members and associates of Anti-Tren through, among other things: The unlawful smuggling of individuals, including women and girls from Venezuela, into the United States; The sex trafficking of “multadas” who had been unlawfully smuggled into the United States; The trafficking of controlled substances, including “tusi”; and Armed robberies. Keeping victims and potential victims in fear of Anti-Tren and its members and associates through threats and acts of violence. Promoting and enhancing Anti-Tren and the reputation and activities of its members and associates. Providing assistance to members and associates of Anti-Tren who committed crimes for and on behalf of Anti-Tren, such as lodging and interstate transportation for members and associates of Anti-Tren to flee prosecution, or bail money for members or associates of Anti-Tren who are detained. Protecting Anti-Tren and its members and associates from detection and prosecution by law enforcement authorities through acts of intimidation, threats, and violence against potential witnesses to crimes committed by members of Anti-Tren. Like TdA, Anti-Tren engaged in human smuggling and sex trafficking of “multadas,” into the United States in exchange for debts that the “multadas” would pay back by engaging in commercial sex work. And like TdA, members of Anti-Tren enforced compliance among “multadas” by, among other things: Threatening to kill “multadas” and their families, Assaulting “multadas,” Shooting or killing “multadas,” and Tracking down and kidnapping “multadas” who tried to flee. Members of Anti-Tren also committed and conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit, acts of violence, including acts involving murder and assault, to protect and to expand Anti-Tren’s criminal operations, resolve disputes within Anti-Tren, to retaliate against rival organizations, including Tren de Aragua, and to maintain control over sex trafficking victims. Anti-Tren members and associates also trafficked controlled substances, committed robberies, and obtained, possessed, trafficked, and used firearms and ammunition. The Anti-Tren Indictment charges Reinaldo Rafael Gonzales-Valdez, also known as “Mariguana” and “Marijuana,” 41; Jose Manuel Guerrero-Zarate, also known as “Mantequilla,” 29; Jose David Valencia-De La Rosa, 27; Johan Carlos Mujica-Urpin, also known as “Sobrino,” 27; Luis Jose Velasquez-Hurtado, also known as “Chito,” 30; Stefano Said Pachon-Romero, 21; Guillermo Freites Velazquez, 26; Jesus David Barrios Garcia, also known as “Morocho,” 27; Giovanny Valentin Blanco Luciano, also known as “Cachorrito,” 20; Anderson Jesus Duran Berroteran, also known as “Cachorro, ” 22; Roiman Noe Bello Ferrer, 37; Luis Miguel Rodriguez-Tapia, 25; Mario Andres Pereda, also known as “Cara de Hombre,” 44; Anderson Smith Zambrano-Pacheco, 26; Yeferson Alejandro Prieto Galviz, also known as “Flaco T” and“Flacote,” 24; Jhonkennedy Bravo-Castro, also known as “Negrito,” 27; Yender Maykier Mata, 36; Kellen Alejandro Jaspe Bustamante, 20; and Luis Andres Bello-Chacon, also known as “Care de Peo,” 31 (the “Anti-Tren Defendants”) with conspiring to participate in an Anti-Tren racketeering enterprise. Various of the Anti-Tren Defendants, along with co-defendants Wilfredo Jose Avendaño Carrizalez and Carlos Gabriel Santos Mogollon, are also charged with participating in offenses relating to sex trafficking, conspiracy to import and harbor aliens, drug trafficking, obstruction of justice, and firearms offenses. This case is assigned U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil of the Southern District of New York. If convicted of racketeering conspiracy, Gonzales-Valdez, Guerrero-Zarate, Valencia-De La Rosa, Mujica-Urpin, Velasquez-Hurtado, Pachon-Romero, Freites Velazquez, Barrios Garcia, Blanco Luciano, Duran Berroteran, Bello Ferrer, Rodriguez-Tapia, Pereda, Zambrano-Pacheco, Prieto Galviz, Bravo-Castro, Maykier Mata, Jaspe Bustamante, and Bello-Chacon face up to life in prison. If convicted of sex trafficking conspiracy, Gonzales-Valdez, Guerrero-Zarate, Valencia-De La Rosa, Mujica-Urpin, Velasquez-Hurtado, Pachon-Romero, Freites Velazquez, Barrios Garcia, Duran Berroteran, Rodriguez-Tapia, Pereda, Zambrano-Pacheco, and Bravo-Castro face up to life in prison. If convicted of alien importation and harboring for immoral purpose – conspiracy, Gonzales-Valdez, Guerrero-Zarate, Valencia-De La Rosa, Mujica-Urpin, Velasquez-Hurtado, Pachon-Romero, Freites Velazquez, Barrios Garcia, Duran Berroteran, Rodriguez-Tapia, Pereda, Zambrano-Pacheco, and Bravo-Castro face up to five years in prison. If convicted of drug trafficking conspiracy, Gonzales-Valdez, Guerrero-Zarate, Mujica-Urpin, Freites Velazquez, Barrios Garcia, Blanco Luciano, Duran Berroteran, Prieto Galviz, Maykier Mata, Jaspe Bustamante, and Bello-Chacon face up to 20 years in prison. If convicted of firearm use, carrying, and possession, Gonzales-Valdez, Guerrero-Zarate, Mujica-Urpin, Freites Velazquez, Barrios Garcia, Blanco Luciano, Zambrano-Pacheco, Prieto Galviz, Maykier Mata, Jaspe Bustamante, and Bello-Chacon face up to life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. If convicted of obstruction of justice, Velasquez-Hurtado faces up to 20 years in prison. If convicted of unlicensed dealing of firearms, Pachon-Romero faces up to five years in prison. If convicted of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a fugitive from justice and illegal alien, Zambrano-Pacheco, faces up to 15 years in prison. If convicted of possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien, Bravo-Castro, Avendaño Carrizalez and Santos Mogollonface up to 15 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Attorney General Bondi and Acting U.S. Attorney Podolsky praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI and NYPD. They also thanked the Arapahoe County District Attorney’s Office in Colorado; the Aurora Police Department in Aurora, Colorado; the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS); the HSI National Gang Unit and New York Human Intelligence Division; ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations New York; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); and the New York City Crime Analysis Center at the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. This case received significant support from Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), which was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now expanded to target Tren de Aragua, and is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the Southern District of New York; the Eastern District of New York; the District of New Jersey; the Northern District of Ohio; the District of Utah; the District of Massachusetts; the Eastern District of Texas; the Southern District of Florida; the Eastern District of Virginia; the Southern District of California; the District of Nevada; the District of Alaska; the Southern District of Texas; and the District of Columbia, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI; DEA; HSI; ATF; USMS; and the Federal Bureau of Prisons have been essential law enforcement partners with JTFV. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Justice Department 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). In February 2025, Tren de Aragua was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jun Xiang, Kathryn Wheelock, and Timothy Ly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Walgreens agrees to pay up to $350M for illegally filling unlawful opioid prescriptions and for submitting false claims to the Federal Government

component: Civil Division

body_text: WASHINGTON — The Justice Department, together with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), today announced a $300 million settlement with Walgreens Boots Alliance, Walgreen Co., and various subsidiaries (collectively, Walgreens) to resolve allegations that the national chain pharmacy illegally filled millions of invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and then sought payment for many of those invalid prescriptions by Medicare and other federal health care programs in violation of the False Claims Act (FCA). The settlement amount is based on Walgreens’s ability to pay. Walgreens will owe the United States an additional $50 million if the company is sold, merged, or transferred prior to fiscal year 2032. The government’s complaint, filed on Jan. 16 and amended April 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, alleges that from approximately August 2012 through March 1, 2023, Walgreens, one of the nation’s largest pharmacy chains, knowingly filled millions of unlawful controlled substance prescriptions. These unlawful prescriptions included prescriptions for excessive quantities of opioids, opioid prescriptions filled significantly early, and prescriptions for the especially dangerous and abused combination of three drugs known as a “trinity.” Walgreens pharmacists allegedly filled these prescriptions despite clear red flags indicating a high likelihood that the prescriptions were invalid because they lacked a legitimate medical purpose or were not issued in the usual course of professional practice. The complaint further alleges that Walgreens pressured its pharmacists to fill prescriptions quickly and without taking the time needed to confirm that each prescription was lawful. Walgreens’s compliance officials also allegedly ignored substantial evidence that its stores were dispensing unlawful prescriptions and even intentionally deprived its own pharmacists of crucial information, including by refusing to share internal data regarding prescribers with pharmacists and preventing pharmacists from warning one another about certain problematic prescribers. In light of Friday’s settlement, the United States has moved to dismiss its complaint. Walgreens will also move to dismiss a related declaratory judgment action filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. “Pharmacies have a legal responsibility to prescribe controlled substances in a safe and professional manner, not dispense dangerous drugs just for profit,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice is committed to ending the opioid crisis and holding bad actors accountable for their failure to protect patients from addiction.” “Strict compliance with the law is essential to safeguarding the public, who rely on carefully considered and limited prescriptions for their health and wellbeing,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Those companies and individuals authorized to provide controlled substances have a professional responsibility to ensure that the prescriptions they fill are within the course of professional practice and regulations. Medically unnecessary prescriptions are a cost ultimately borne by the taxpayers and consumers. As we continue to address the opioid crisis here in Virginia and across the nation, we are determined to ensure pharmacies and pharmacists operate within the law.” “This settlement resolves allegations that, for years, Walgreens failed to meet its obligations when dispensing dangerous opioids and other drugs,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Granston of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will continue to hold accountable those entities and individuals whose actions contributed to the opioid crisis, whether through illegal prescribing, marketing, dispensing or distributing activities.” “Importantly, Walgreens’s agreements with the DEA and HHS-OIG provide swift relief in the form of monitoring and claims review that will improve Walgreens’s practices immediately,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros for the Northern District of Illinois. “Our office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that opioids are properly dispensed and that taxpayer funds are only spent on legitimate pharmacy claims.” “This landmark civil settlement is the largest Controlled Substances Act resolution in our district’s history and once again confirms the high priority our office has placed upon confronting those responsible for the opioid crisis here,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “We are grateful for the energy and collaborative spirit brought to this effort by our colleagues in the DEA, the Department of Justice Civil Frauds Section and Consumer Protection Branch, and the United States Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern District of Illinois, District of Maryland, Eastern District of New York, and Eastern District of Virginia.” “With the power to dispense potentially harmful substances comes the responsibility to ensure that every prescription is legitimate before it is filled,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “When pharmacies fail that responsibility, this office will work with others across the country to hold accountable those who put patients and communities at risk.” “This settlement holds Walgreens accountable for failing to comply with its critical responsibility to prevent the diversion of opioids and other controlled substances,” said U.S. Attorney John J. Durham for the Eastern District of New York. “The settlement also underscores our office’s continued commitment to ensure that all persons and businesses that fill controlled-substance prescriptions adhere to the requirements of the Controlled Substances Act that are designed to prevent highly addictive medications from being used for illegitimate purposes.” In addition to the monetary payments announced today, Walgreens has entered into agreements with DEA and HHS-OIG to address its future obligations in dispensing controlled substances. Walgreens and DEA entered into a memorandum of agreement that requires the company to implement and maintain certain compliance measures for the next seven years. Walgreens must maintain policies and procedures requiring pharmacists to confirm the validity of controlled substance prescriptions prior to dispensing controlled substances, provide annual training to pharmacy employees regarding their legal obligations relating to controlled substances, verify that pharmacy staffing is sufficient to enable pharmacy employees to comply with those legal obligations, and maintain a system for blocking prescriptions from prescribers whom Walgreens becomes aware are writing illegitimate controlled substance prescriptions. Walgreens has also entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with HHS-OIG, which further requires Walgreens to establish and maintain a compliance program that includes written policies and procedures, training, board oversight, and periodic reporting to HHS-OIG related to Walgreens’s dispensing of controlled substances. “Pharmacies have an obligation to ensure that every prescription for highly addictive controlled substances is legitimate and issued responsibly in compliance with the Controlled Substances Act,” said DEA Acting Administrator Derek Maltz. “When one of the nation's largest pharmacies fails at this obligation, they jeopardize the health and safety of their customers and place the American public in danger. The DEA remains committed to protecting all Americans from unscrupulous practices that prioritize profit over patient safety.” “Pharmacies that neglect their legal duties and their critical role in delivering safe and appropriate medications to enrollees of federal health care programs, and instead exploit these programs for market advantage, squander taxpayer dollars and put patient safety at risk,” said Acting Inspector General Juliet T. Hodgkins of HHS-OIG. “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners will use every tool in our arsenal to prevent these outcomes. This settlement and corporate integrity agreement reflect HHS-OIG’s commitment to ensuring compliance, correcting failures in oversight, and protecting the foundation of federally-funded health care.” “In the midst of the opioid crisis that has plagued our nation, we rely on pharmacies to prevent not facilitate the unlawful distribution of these potentially harmful substances,” said Norbert E. Vint, Deputy Inspector General Performing the Duties of the Inspector General at OPM OIG. “We applaud our investigative staff, law enforcement partners, and partners at the Department of Justice for their hard work and unwavering commitment to protecting patients from harm.” The civil settlement resolves four cases brought under the qui tam , or whistleblower, provisions of the FCA by former Walgreens employees. The FCA authorizes whistleblowers to sue on behalf of the United States and receive a share of any recovery. It also permits the United States to intervene and take over such lawsuits, as it did here. The relators will receive a 17.25% share of the government’s FCA recovery in this matter. The United States’ pursuit of this matter underscores the government’s commitment to 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 HHS-OIG, at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The DEA, HHS-OIG, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Defense Health Agency (DHA), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Department of Labor (DOL) Office of Inspector General, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Office of Inspector General, FBI Chicago Field Office, and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Colorado, Southern District of California, Eastern District of California, Northern District of California, Eastern District of Washington, Southern District of Alabama, Southern District of Illinois, Central District of Illinois, District of Arizona, Western District of Texas, Northern District of Texas, District of Puerto Rico, and Eastern District of Louisiana provided substantial assistance in the investigation. The United States is represented in this matter by attorneys from the Justice Department’s Civil Division Consumer Protection Branch (Assistant Director Amy DeLine and Trial Attorney Nicole Frazer) and Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section (Assistant Director Natalie Waites and Trial Attorney Joshua Barron), as well as from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern District of Virginia (Assistant U.S. Attorney John Beerbower), Northern District of Illinois (Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie R. Raedy), Middle District of Florida (Chief of the Civil Division Randy Harwell and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Tapie), District of Maryland (Chief of the Civil Division Thomas Corcoran), and Eastern District of New York (Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot M. Schachner). Fraud Section senior financial analyst Karen Sharp provided support for the matter. The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. Additional information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Additional information about the Fraud Section of the Civil Division and its enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/civil/fraud-section . For information about the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, visit: Middle District of Florida, justice.gov/usao-mdfl ; Northern District of Illinois, justice.gov/usao-ndil ; District of Maryland, justice.gov/usao-md ; Eastern District of New York, justice.gov/usao-edny ; and Eastern District of Virginia, justice.gov/usao-edva . For information about the federal agencies involved in this investigation and their work to combat the opioid crisis and federal healthcare fraud, visit: DEA at dea.gov ; FBI at fbi.gov ; HHS-OIG at oig.hhs.gov ; DHA at health.mil/About-MHS/OASDHA/Defense-Health-Agency ; OPM at opm.gov ; and DOL at dol.gov .


title: Court Sentences North Carolina Woman to Twenty-Four Months  Imprisonment for Trafficking Cocaine

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – On April 21, 2025, United States District Court Judge, Jeffrey U. Beaverstock sentenced Phyliss Joy Ferris of Wake Forrest, North Carolina, to 24 months imprisonment for Conspiracy to Possession with the Intent to Distribute Cocaine. Documents filed with the Court established that on October 24, 2022, the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office (BCSO) Special Operations Unit stopped Ferris on Interstate 65 for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop a deputy smelled the odor of marijuana and officers began a probable cause search of the vehicle based on the odor of marijuana. Ferris was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. Officers located the top to a marijuana dispensary jar that still contained small remnants of green leafy substance consistent with marijuana. Inside Ferris' purse, officers located a bottle of "Blunt Bomb", a cover agent commonly used to mask the odor of marijuana. The defendant later told officers that she purchased the "Blunt Bomb" while on the trip to help cover the odor of marijuana in the vehicle. As officers continued to search, they opened the spare tire well inside the rear cargo area of the vehicle. Inside, they found a Ziploc bag wrapped in duct tape. White powder consistent with cocaine could be seen through cracks in the tape on the "brick" or kilo of suspected cocaine. Officers removed the cocaine from the vehicle and the DEA Laboratory later confirmed the powder was in fact cocaine weighing 1007 grams. In a later interview with a DEA Task Force Officer, Ferris admitted to being paid to make previous trips for the organization that hired her to transport the cocaine from Texas to North Carolina. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney George F. May.


title: Colbert County Man Arrested for Failure to Register in the State of Alabama as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A Colbert County man has been charged for violating the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and United States Marshal Martin Keely. A one-count indictment filed in U.S. District Court charges Michael Shane McDaniel, 56, of Plainfield, Indiana, with failing to register or update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). McDaniel was convicted of child molestation in the Marion Superior Court in Indianapolis, Indiana, and required to register as a sex offender under SORNA. Following this conviction, McDaniel travelled across state lines from Indiana to Alabama and did not register as a sex offender. McDaniel was arrested on April 16, 2025, in Colbert County, Alabama. McDaniel will be detained and held in federal custody pending disposition of this case. The Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 implemented SORNA and established a comprehensive national system for the registration of sex offenders. The Act requires anyone convicted of specified crimes to register with the national sex offender registry. It is a federal felony offense for sex offenders to travel to another state and fail to register. Federal violations of SORNA can result in imprisonment for up to 10 years. The U.S. Marshals Service for the Northern District of Alabama investigated the case along with the U.S. Marshals Service for the Southern District of Indiana, the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, the Hendricks County, Indiana Sheriff’s Office, and the Colbert County, Alabama Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Leann White is prosecuting the case. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . An indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Fresno Woman Sentenced to 2 Years in Prison for Tax Evasion and Ordered to Forfeit Her Mansion and BMW

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — Pilar Rose, 51, formerly of Fresno, was sentenced today to two years in prison for tax evasion and obstructing an IRS audit, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. Rose was also ordered to forfeit more than $2.5 million of proceeds from the sale of her and her husband’s mansion and BMW, which authorities had seized. According to court records, from 2012 through 2015, Rose prepared false financial statements for her husband’s orthodontics practice that significantly underreported the practice’s profits. As a result, Rose evaded more than $870,000 that she and her husband owed in federal taxes. Then, in early 2016, Rose obstructed an IRS audit of her and her husband’s taxes. She altered hundreds of checks that were for their nondeductible personal expenses, such as their mortgage, utilities, landscaping, pool cleaning, cars, credit cards, and children’s college tuition, to make it appear as though the checks were for deductible business expenses. She also created false financial statements for her husband’s orthodontics practice to match the altered checks. She provided the altered checks and false financial statements to the IRS auditors to try to avoid paying the federal taxes that she and her husband actually owed. In June 2015, Rose had sought a $1.5 million home mortgage refinance loan on the couple’s mansion located on Van Ness Boulevard in Fresno. To assure the bank of their creditworthiness and induce the bank to make the loan, Rose submitted copies of her and her husband’s federal tax returns that showed significantly greater income than was reported on the actual returns they filed with the IRS. The bank declined the loan after discovering the discrepancies. Then, in July 2015, Rose applied to a second bank for a $1,475,000 home mortgage refinance loan on the Van Ness Boulevard residence. In the application, she represented that their bank accounts had a combined balance of more than $250,000 when they actually had less than $3,000. She also submitted copies of her and her husband’s federal tax returns, and a profit and loss statement, that significantly exaggerated the profitability of her husband’s orthodontics practice. As a result, the second bank approved the loan, and Rose and her husband received $1,475,000 to which they were not entitled. Authorities later seized the residence. Moreover, in September 2017, Rose purchased a new BMW sedan for approximately $90,000. She made a $25,000 down payment and financed the remaining $65,000 through a loan she obtained from a third bank. In the loan application, Rose represented that she was an attorney who made more than $600,000 per year when she actually was not an attorney. She also used the Social Security number belonging to her husband’s former dental school classmate because she knew that using her real SSN would result in her having a low credit score, which may have disqualified her from receiving the loan. As a result, the loan was approved, and Rose received more than $65,000 to which she was not entitled. Authorities later seized the BMW. This case was the product of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Barton, Michael Tierney, Alyson Berg, and Kevin Khasigian prosecuted the case.


title: Lincoln Man Sentenced for Selling Gun to Minor

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Camarion Almond, 21, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was sentenced on April 17, 2025, in federal court in Lincoln for unlawful disposition of a firearm. United States District Court Judge Susan M. Bazis sentenced Almond to 57 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Almond’s release from prison, he will begin a 3-year term of supervised release. In 2023, officers with the Lincoln Police Department began investigating Clifton Davis after several guns purchased by him were used in crimes committed by others, including a homicide. Through search warrants executed on Davis’s phone, law enforcement learned that he had transferred multiple guns to Camarion Almond. Law enforcement reviewed text messages between Almond and others, and learned that on February 17, 2023, Almond called Davis after another friend, a minor at the time, told Almond that he wanted to purchase some firearms. The following day, Almond texted his friend to say that guns were available, and the two briefly discussed a price. Additional discussions in March include others reaching out, through Almond, to see if Davis had any additional guns to sell. In imposing the sentence, Judge Bazis stressed the risk providing guns to those who cannot legally get them poses to the general public. One of the guns Almond passed along to the minor was ultimately used in a homicide. Davis was previously sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment for his role in the offense. This case was investigated by the Lincoln Police Department.


title: Latimer County Resident Pleads Guilty To Second Degree Murder

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Tracy Ann Mannon, aka Tracy Ann Moore, aka Tracy A. Carter, age 52, of Wilburton, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to an Information of one count of Murder in Indian Country—Second Degree, punishable by up to life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00. The Information alleged that on February 26, 2024, Mannon unlawfully killed the victim willfully, deliberately, maliciously, and with malice aforethought. The crime occurred in Latimer County, within the boundaries of the Choctaw Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Wilburton Police Department. The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Mannon will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Satter represented the United States.


title: The Arthritis Knee Pain Centers and Dr. John Rush Face Federal Civil False Claims Allegations

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY- The Arthritis Knee Pain Centers (AKPC) and Dr. John Rush, its owner and Chief Executive Officer, face False Claims Act allegations related to false claims for knee injection procedures, announced U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky. In its complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, the United States alleges that between April 15, 2019, and the present, AKPC and Dr. Rush knowingly submitted or caused the submission of millions of dollars in false claims to Medicare for: 1) medically unreasonable and unnecessary knee injections; and 2) millions of milliliters (ml) of more contrast dye than they actually used during knee injection procedures. The complaint alleges that AKPC and Dr. Rush falsely increased Medicare payments by unreasonably and unnecessarily doubling the number of knee injection visits for patients with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. Instead of treating both knees on the same date of service, AKPC and Dr. Rush required patients to receive their treatment on separate dates. As alleged, attending twice as many visits not only inconvenienced thousands of Medicare patients, but also extended the length of their treatment, often by more than a month, delaying pain relief. The complaint further alleges that the named defendants routinely submitted false claims for reimbursement from Medicare for single-use vials of contrast dye. This involved the named defendants claiming that they only used a portion of a single-use vial on a patient and then discarded the remainder of the contrast dye (Medicare will reimburse for discarded amounts). However, and as alleged, the reality was that the named defendants did not discard the contrast dye and, instead, used it on other patients. “To increase Medicare reimbursements by millions of dollars, the defendants, as alleged, delayed pain relief to thousands of Medicare patients and risked infecting them with contaminated contrast dye,” said U.S. Attorney Bennett. “This office has and will continue to vigorously prosecute those who prioritize profits over patients.” This matter is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Weyand and Jessica R.C. Malloy with assistance from Auditor Phil Bezehertny and Investigator Cristal Fox. The case is captioned United States v. John Rush, M.D., et al. , No. 3:25-CV-200-CRS (W.D. Ky.) and is available here . The claims alleged by the United States are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. ###


title: Queens, New York Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Firearm and Drug Case

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on April 14, 2025. Anthony Phelps, 34, of Queens, New York, was sentenced by United States District Judge Frank P. Geraci, Jr. to a term of 57 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release. Phelps previously pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court records, Phelps distributed cocaine base to a confidential informant on three separate occasions, in March and September 2024. On April 17, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence in Essex, Vermont where Phelps was staying. During the search, law enforcement recovered approximately 705.12 grams of cocaine, 90.82 grams of cocaine base, and a 9mm pistol from one room, as well as approximately 92.24 grams of suspected cocaine, 86.78 grams of sodium-bicarbonate, and a rifle from another room. Phelps stipulated that he intended to distribute the cocaine and cocaine base to others. As a prior felon, Phelps was prohibited from possessing the 9mm pistol. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations and the Vermont State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary B. Stendig. Phelps was represented by Kevin Henry, Esq.


title: Tampa Fugitive Sentenced To Federal Prison For Conspiracy Involving Over 100 Kilograms Of Marijuana

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Charlene Honeywell has sentenced Zecki Halum (41, Tampa) to three years and five months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana. Halum pleaded guilty on July 24, 2024. According to court records, in August 2009, the Drug Enforcement Administration received information that a recreational vehicle (RV) would be used to transport a significant quantity of marijuana from Arizona to the Middle District of Florida. Agents surveilled and tracked the RV as Halum’s co-conspirator drove the RV to Florida. During the cross-country trip, the driver maintained daily phone contact with Halum. When the RV arrived in Tampa, Halum and another co-conspirator met the driver. They then traveled to a church parking lot in Crystal Springs, where they planned to unload the marijuana from the RV. At that time, agents arrested Halum and the co-conspirators. Agents searched the RV and recovered more than 100 kilograms of marijuana packaged in bales and wrapped in a manner consistent with drug trafficking. In February 2010, Halum failed to appear for court while his case was pending trial. Halum fled the country and remained a fugitive for nearly 15 years before surrendering to authorities. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeff Chang and Kelley Howard-Allen.


title: Mexican Man Charged with Bringing Aliens to the United States

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that on April 17, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Benjamin Gutierrez-Morales, 28, of Sonora, Mexico, with illegally bringing aliens to the United States. Gutierrez-Morales’s arraignment will occur on April 21, 2025, at 1:00 PM in Burlington, Vermont. According to court records, Gutierrez-Morales met two aliens north of the United States-Canada international border on April 5, 2025. He led those two aliens on foot south across the border. Law enforcement caught all three aliens near Lost Nation Road in Berkshire, Vermont. The two aliens who Gutierrez-Morales brought to the United States both pleaded guilty to illegally entering the United States on April 7, 2025. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that an indictment contains allegations only and that Gutierrez-Morales is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Gutierrez-Morales faces up to 10 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Gutierrez-Morales is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Emily Kenyon. 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: Aliquippa Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to five years of imprisonment on his conviction for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Senior United States District Judge Arthur J. Schwab imposed the sentence on James Louis Peronis, 61, on April 15, 2025. According to information presented to the Court, beginning in May 2021, Peronis was the subject of a joint investigation by local, state, and federal law enforcement related to cocaine trafficking. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Peronis would obtain kilogram quantities of cocaine in Ohio and then distribute the cocaine in Pennsylvania. On July 1, 2021, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Peronis as he entered the Western District of Pennsylvania from Ohio. During the traffic stop, law enforcement conducted a consensual search of the vehicle, which resulted in the seizure of nearly two kilograms of cocaine. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program of Beaver County for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Peronis.


title: Executive Vice President of Insurance Brokerage Pleads Guilty in $133M Affordable Care Act Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Florida executive pleaded guilty today for his role in a scheme to submit fraudulent applications to enroll consumers in Affordable Care Act insurance plans (ACA plans) that were fully subsidized by the government. The purpose of the scheme was to obtain millions of dollars in commission payments from the insurance company that operated the ACA plans. The federal government paid at least $133,900,000 in subsidies for fraudulently enrolled individuals. According to court documents, Dafud Iza, 54, an executive vice president of an insurance brokerage firm, participated in a scheme to fraudulently enroll ineligible individuals into ACA plans that offered tax credits to eligible enrollees. These tax credits, or “subsidies,” could be paid by the federal government directly to insurance plans as a payment toward the plan’s monthly premium. The scheme involved submitting false and fraudulent applications for individuals whose income did not meet the minimum requirements to be eligible for the subsidies. Iza and his accomplices deceptively marketed subsidized ACA plans to ineligible consumers and falsely inflated consumers’ incomes to obtain the federal subsidies. In furtherance of the scheme, Iza and his accomplices targeted vulnerable, low-income individuals experiencing homelessness, unemployment, and mental health and substance abuse disorders, and knew that “street marketers” working on their behalf offered bribes to induce those individuals to enroll in subsidized ACA plans. Marketers working for Iza’s accomplices coached consumers on how to respond to application questions to maximize the subsidy amount paid by the federal government and provided addresses and social security numbers that did not match the consumers purportedly applying. Iza pleaded guilty to one count of major fraud against the United States and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office; Acting Special Agent in Charge Jesus Barranco of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Miami Regional Office; and Special Agent in Charge Emmanuel Gomez of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Miami Field Office made the announcement. The FBI, HHS-OIG, and IRS-CI are investigating the case. Assistant Chief Jamie de Boer and Trial Attorney D. Keith Clouser of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: PENSACOLA MAN CHARGED IN FEDERAL INDICTMENT FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER

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

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Austin James McCastler II, 35, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week charging him with two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and marijuana, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon, attempted prevention of the government’s authority to take property during an authorized search and seizure, attempted murder and assault of a Special Agent of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime. Michelle Spaven, Acting United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today. McCastler is scheduled for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Hope Thai Cannon on April 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in Pensacola, Florida. If convicted, McCastler faces up to life imprisonment. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Pensacola Police Department, and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton are prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Kansas City Resident Arrested and Charged in Connection with Tesla Arson

body_text: Note : View the affidavit here . A Kansas City resident, attending college in Boston, was arrested and made his initial court appearance today in U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, to face federal charges related to an arson at a Tesla business in Kansas City, Missouri. According to the criminal complaint, filed in the Western District of Missouri and unsealed today, Owen McIntire, 19, is charged with one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and one count of malicious damage by fire of any property used in interstate commerce. “Let me be extremely clear to anyone who still wants to firebomb a Tesla property: you will not evade us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “You will be arrested. You will be prosecuted. You will spend decades behind bars. It is not worth it.” “Crimes have consequences. The people behind these violent and dangerous attacks on private property will face decades in prison — we will not make deals and we will not negotiate,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This is the second arrest this week of a suspect charged with targeting Tesla, more proof that the FBI will not stand for these destructive acts,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “These actions are dangerous, they are illegal, and we are going to arrest those responsible. We will work with our partners at the Department of Justice to hold accountable anyone who commits such crimes. I commend our FBI teams in Kansas City and Boston for their work.” “ATF’s Special Agents and forensic experts recovered and analyzed key evidence—including Molotov cocktails—used in this deliberate and dangerous arson attack,” said Acting Director Dan Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). “This wasn’t vandalism — it was a violent criminal act. Thanks to the relentless work of ATF special agents, and our close coordination with the FBI and local law enforcement, we now have a suspect in custody. I am committed to ensuring ATF continues to stand on the front lines of public safety. ATF will not tolerate those who incite political violence in our communities.” According to an affidavit filed in support of the federal criminal complaint, on March 17, at approximately 11:16 p.m., an officer with the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department (KCMOPD) in the vicinity of the Kansas City (KC) Tesla Center observed smoke coming from a grey Cybertruck parked in the KC Tesla Center parking lot. The officer also observed an unbroken suspected incendiary device near the burning Cybertruck. KCMOPD recovered the unbroken incendiary device, also known as a Molotov cocktail. The fire spread from the Cybertruck to a second Cybertruck in the lot. The Kansas City Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish the fire. The Cybertrucks had sale prices of $105,485 and $107,485. Additionally, two charging stations were damaged by the fire, each of which is valued at approximately $550. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Foley and Trey Alford for the Western District of Missouri and Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case. The FBI Kansas City and Boston Field Offices, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department are investigating the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Lincoln County Man Sentenced for  Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Waynesburg, Ky., man, Steven Fellmy, 46, was sentenced on Thursday, to 300 months in prison, by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell, for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine. According to the evidence at trial, on August 8, 2023, a Simpsonville Police Department Detective relayed an anonymous tip to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, which concerned the transport of a large quantity of methamphetamine from Anderson County into Mercer County. As a result, Fellmy was traffic stopped in Mercer County, by a Mercer County Sheriff’s Deputy. At the scene, a Harrodsburg Police Department K9 positively alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Law enforcement then searched the vehicle, which led to the recovery of 193.5 grams of 95% pure methamphetamine. On his person, Fellmy also had 9.439 grams of methamphetamine and 22.529 grams of heroin. Under federal law, Fellmy must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for 10 years. Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; Chief Scott Elder, Harrodsburg Police Department; Chief Thomas Brummer, Simpsonville Police Department; and Sheriff Ernie Kelty, Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by DEA, Harrodsburg Police Department, Simpsonville Police Department, and Mercer County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Baker is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Grant County Man Sentenced for   Armed Drug Trafficking

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. – A Dry Ridge, Ky., man, Rodney Ruggles, 45, was sentenced on Thursday to 120 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and oxycodone and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to his plea agreement, on December 13, 2023, law enforcement stopped a vehicle operated by Ruggles for several driving violations. After Ruggles consented to a search of the vehicle, law enforcement found a firearm safe containing five grams of methamphetamine, a small bag of marijuana, 3.5 oxycodone pills, 50 to 100 baggies, and a pistol. Ruggles admitted to possessing the methamphetamine and oxycodone with the intent to distribute and that he possessed the firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. Ruggles also admitted to distributing methamphetamine for several weeks before he was arrested. Specifically, he admitted from November 2023 to December 2023, he obtained approximately one ounce of methamphetamine from his source of supply, every two days. Under federal law, Ruggles must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for five years. Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge, DEA, Louisville Field Division; and Sheriff Michael Helmig, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the DEA and Boone County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel King is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Boone County Man Sentenced for   Illegal Possession of a Machinegun

body_text: COVINGTON, Ky. – A Burlington, Ky., man, Juan Velazquez-Rodriguez, 48, was sentenced on Thursday to 85 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning, for illegal possession of a machine gun. According to his plea agreement, in January 2024, a law enforcement source reported that Rodriguez offered to sell the source, who was a convicted felon, a machinegun conversion device (MCD). Law enforcement searched Rodriguez’ residence and found a MCD in his dresser. The MCD was not marked with a serial number, and Rodriguez admitted he knew it was designed to convert a firearm into a machinegun. A search of Rodriguez’ social media and cell phone revealed messages between Rodriguez and another individual about 3D printing firearm parts. Rodriguez later messaged this same associate from jail, and instructed him to remove everything that had to do with the 3D printer from the associate’s apartment. Rodriguez also offered to sell MCDs to multiple other individuals, explaining that the “switch,” or MCD, would convert a Glock handgun or AR-15 rifle to fully automatic. Under federal law, Rodriguez must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Sheriff Les Hill, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by HSI and Boone County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel King is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. – END –


title: Belcourt, ND, Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Abusive Sexual Contact of a Minor Child

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: Fargo – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced that Cole Jeanotte age 41, formerly from Belcourt, ND, appeared in federal court on April 17, 2025, before District Court Judge Peter Welte and was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for the offenses of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Minor Under 12 Years of Age. In addition, Judge Welte ordered Jeanotte to pay $100 in special assessment fees. As reflected in court documents, Jane Doe disclosed to her mother in May 2020 that Jeanotte had sexually abused her. Jane Doe reported that Jeanotte began sexually abusing her in 2012 continuing until 2013 when Jane Doe was approximately 7 years of age. Following the incidents, Jeanotte threatened to hurt Jane Doe’s mother if Jane Doe told her mother about him sexually abusing her. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting those who sexually abuse children, regardless of when the disclosure is made,” Puhl said. “This sentence reflects the egregious nature of Jeanotte’s conduct, and it will ensure the protection of other children.” “Jeanotte committed a heinous crime against a defenseless child, and today’s sentence reflect the gravity of that offense,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Protecting the most vulnerable members of our society — especially children — is one of the FBI’s highest priorities. We remain steadfast in our commitment to working with our partners to bring predators to justice and protect children from harm.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of North Dakota. # # #


title: Illegal Alien and Convicted Drug Dealer Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS— Juan Morales, 49, of Mexico, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release after pleading guilty to illegal reentry of a removed alien after deportation. According to court documents, on November 6, 2024, Morales was convicted of operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license. Further investigation revealed that Morales had been removed from the United States on two separate occasions in 2007 and 2018. Morales has a lengthy criminal history, including two previous federal convictions for illegal reentry, as well as two convictions in Indiana and Illinois for dealing cocaine and methamphetamine. “While in the United States unlawfully for a third time, this defendant has repeatedly broken the law, demonstrating time and time again a fundamental lack of respect for this country,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Our office is committed to working with ICE and our other law enforcement partners to ensure criminal defendants like Mr. Morales cannot continue to pose danger to our communities.” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tiffany J. Preston and Samantha Spiro, who prosecuted this 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 (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) ###


title: Ethiopian Man Sentenced to Armed Robbery  of a Gulfport Supermarket

component: Department of Justice

body_text: Gulfport, MS – An Ethiopian national was sentenced today to 12 years in prison for armed robbery of a local supermarket in Gulfport. According to court documents, Milki Ibrahim walked into the supermarket on February 23, 2024, pulled out a black handgun and said, “Give me the money or I will shoot y’all right now.” The employee behind the cash register complied and gave Ibrahim $1200. Ibrahim threatened to come back and kill the people in the store if they went to the police. Employees of the store were able to positively identify Ibrahim as the armed robber. A subsequent review of Ibrahim’s cellphone showed he took pictures of himself wearing the same clothes that were worn during the robbery just one day prior. Those same clothes were found in the defendant’s residence along with a firearm that matched the description to the one used in the robbery. In December 2024, Ibrahim pled guilty to the charge. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi and Special Agent in Charge Robert Eikhoff of the Federal Bureau of Investigation made the announcement. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Gulfport Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Smith is prosecuting the case. For non- HSTF cases pursuant to Op. TBA This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Honduran Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Reentry by a Removed Alien

body_text: GULFPORT, MS – A Honduran man pleaded guilty on April 16, 2025, to Unlawful Reentry into the United States by a Deported or Removed Alien. According to court documents, Denis Ramon Flores Ortez, age 40, of Honduras pleaded guilty to this federal felony offense in U.S. District Court in Gulfport. Flores Ortez is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Federal law also provides for Flores Ortez to face Homeland Security removal proceedings after serving any sentence of imprisonment. On February 3, 2025, the U.S. Border Patrol encountered Flores Ortez, at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center in Gulfport. As a result of official records checks, Flores Ortez was found to be an illegal alien from Honduras who had been lawfully removed from the United States. Flores Ortez illegally entered the U.S. in 2004, and was afforded the privilege of a voluntary departure in lieu of removal. In 2010, Flores Ortez illegally reentered the U.S. and was apprehended by Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) after his arrest in Jackson County. A removal order was issued against him, and he was physically removed from the U.S. Thereafter, he unlawfully reentered the U.S. after removal and was arrested in Gulfport, MS, in 2025. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi, Patrick A. Lemon, praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Border Patrol. Lemon and Eric P. DeLaune, Special Agent-in-Charge for Homeland Security Investigations in New Orleans, Louisiana, and Adam M. Calderon, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol’s New Orleans Sector, made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).