title: Catholic Health agrees to pay nearly $3.3 million to resolve alleged False Claims Act violations

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Catholic Health System, Inc. (CHS) has agreed to pay $3,293,122.66 to resolve allegations arising under the False Claims Act that CHS knowingly submitted or caused to be submitted false claims to the Medicare program that were the result of violations of the Physician Self-Referral Law, commonly known as the Stark Law. Generally, the Stark Law prohibits healthcare entities, such as hospitals, from obtaining reimbursement from Medicare for certain health services when those services were referred by a physician who have a financial relationship the healthcare entity. In this case, the Government alleges that CHS and its affiliated hospitals had financial relationships with non-employee physicians. These non-employee physicians then referred health services, such as laboratory testing, hospital services, or medical supplies, to CHS and its affiliated hospitals. CHS and its affiliated hospital then billed Medicare for the referred services. Although the Stark Law contains exceptions, here the government believes the compensation arrangements, failed to meet any of the exceptions because they were not commercially reasonable, or the compensation received by the physicians exceeded fair market value for the administrative services they provided. “The Stark Law is designed to protect Medicare by ensuring that physician referrals are not influenced by financial interest,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “This office is committed to holding health care providers accountable who engage in such conduct.” The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Gary Tucker. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Tucker v. Catholic Health System, Inc., 20-cv-1482 (W.D.N.Y.). Mr. Tucker will receive a share of the settlement. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Coriell and Investigator Margaret McFarland of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York handled the matter, along with assistance for the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. # # # #


title: Amherst man going to prison on fentanyl charge

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Dewayne Vass, 43, of Amherst, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 188 months in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy C. Lynch, who handled the case, stated that on July 12, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a Moselle Avenue residence associated with Vass, as well as at Vass’s Sunshine Drive residence, and on his vehicle. Investigators recovered large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, approximately $127,000 in cash, a pistol, and drug paraphernalia. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Matthew Miraglia. # # # #


title: Albanian National Convicted of Running Vast International Drug Conspiracy

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – After a trial that took parts of twelve weeks in federal court, a federal jury convicted Ylli Didani, 43, an Albanian national, of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to distribute cocaine on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced today. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Lawton, Drug Enforcement Administration, Detroit Division; Marty Raybon, Director of Fields Operation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Special Agent in Charge Charles Miller, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations and Chief John Piggott, Farmington Hills Police Department. Evidence at trial proved Didani was a leader of an international drug trafficking organization with ties to the United States, South America, and Europe. Didani and other unindicted co-conspirators planned and financed the distribution of cocaine from several locations including the Eastern District of Michigan. Didani arranged the distribution of enormous shipments of cocaine from South America to Europe, where the cocaine was seized by law enforcement. As a result of this investigation, in 2019 and 2020, law enforcement seized over 3400 kilograms of cocaine Didani’s organization loaded onto five different freighters that were bound for international ports. The seized cocaine has a street value of over $100,000,000.00. The evidence at trial proved Didani and other members of his organization planned the design of an underwater drone that would be utilized to transport large quantities of cocaine to Europe. The drone, which was going to be equipped with an underwater modem and GPS antenna, would transport the cocaine while attached to the bottom of a commercial containership. The drone would then be remotely released from the containership off the shore of Europe. The drone and cocaine would then be picked up by a fishing boat controlled by Didani’s organization. Didani faces up to life in prison as a result of today’s convictions. The case was investigated by the DEA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Group 6 consisting of both DEA Special Agents and Task Force Officers from Farmington Hills PD, Sterling Heights PD, Troy PD, Novi PD, Dearborn Heights PD, and Northfield Township PD, IRS-CI, and US Customs and Border Protection.


title: Nashville Felon Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison Following 2024 Shooting at WeGo Bus Station

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

body_text: NASHVILLE – Shawn Terry Demont Newby, 44, of Nashville, was sentenced yesterday to 5 years in federal prison having previously pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee. “So many of our citizens use public transportation to get to school, go to work, and live their daily lives,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “They need to be able to do all of those things without fear of getting shot. Prosecutions like this hold shooters accountable and protect all of our community from random violence on public transportation.” According to court documents, on the evening of January 6, 2024, Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) officers responded to a WeGo bus station at 3458 Dickerson Pike in Nashville to investigate a shooting. MNPD officers learned that a man, later identified as the defendant, discharged a firearm after a verbal altercation with someone near the bus stop. A security camera from the bus captured the shooting incident. The video recorded the defendant speaking with the bus driver, and telling the driver, “My name is Shawn Newby.” The bus driver and other witnesses told officers the defendant left the bus after the shooting incident. Officers found Newby on a sidewalk near the bus station. As an MNPD officer approached him, Newby tossed a Taurus, model PT-22, .22 LR caliber, pistol onto the grass nearby, where MNPD officers found it. Officers also found .22 caliber shell casings around the bus where the shooting took place. Newby previously had been convicted of felony offenses, including Voluntary Manslaughter, Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon and theft over $1,000, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm in Davidson County, Tennessee, Criminal Court. Following his term of incarceration, Newby will be on supervised release for 3 years. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Herbert L. Bunton III prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. # # # # #


title: York County Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Make False Statements to a Bank

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Brandi McCoy, 48, of York County, has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for conspiracy to make false statements to a bank. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that McCoy operated a daycare in South Carolina. Between June 2020 and April 2022, McCoy and others conspired to make false statements to banks to secure loans under the Paycheck Protection Program and avoid repayment. After loan money was received, McCoy submitted more false statements to request forgiveness and avoid repayment of the money. These false statements included greatly inflated numbers related to the size of the staff employed at the daycare and the amount of salary paid by the daycare. McCoy also provided false statements concerning the amount of expenses paid by the daycare. As a result of the misstatements, over $1 million in loans were approved. United States District Senior Court Judge Joseph F. Anderson, Jr. sentenced Brandi to 15 months imprisonment, to be followed by a three-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. McCoy was also ordered to pay restitution to the Small Business Administration. On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . This case was investigated by United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Potterfield is prosecuting the case.


title: Two District Men Indicted on Drug, Firearms, Fentanyl Charges Following 2023 High-Speed Pursuit

body_text: WASHINGTON – Dremale Vanterpool, 27, and Torrance Brock, 23, both of the District, have been indicted on federal firearms and drug trafficking charges following a 2023 high-speed vehicle pursuit and foot chase in the District, resulting in the recovery of loaded firearms, cocaine, fentanyl, and other evidence of drug distribution. Vanterpool is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Brock is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to court documents, on June 7, 2023, U.S. Capitol Police officers attempted to stop a gray Nissan Rogue believed to be linked to armed robberies in Delaware and Maryland. When officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle fled, prompting a pursuit through Northeast and Southeast D.C. After the vehicle became trapped by traffic in the 3400 block of Ely Place SE, Vanterpool and Brock fled on foot. Officers observed both men clutching their waistbands, suggesting they were concealing weapons. Vanterpool was apprehended in the driveway of a nearby building after he was seen tossing a baseball-sized bag over a fence. Brock was detained shortly afterward. USCP officers ultimately recovered two loaded firearms—a Springfield Armory Hellcat 9mm and a Taurus G3C 9mm. They also located a baseball-sized bag containing more than 39 grams of cocaine. Vanterpool was also found with a digital scale, two cell phones, approximately $605 in cash, and another bag with a powder identified to contain cocaine and fentanyl. Both men have prior felony convictions in North Carolina and are prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms. This case is being investigated by the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with support from the U.S. Capitol Police, Metropolitan Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. View indictment here. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Honduran Man Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Identity Theft And Related Fraud Charges

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Elieser Aurelio Gomez-Zelaya (34, Honduras) has pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft, false representation of a Social Security number, and false claim of United States citizenship for employment purposes. Gomez-Zelaya faces a minimum term of two years, up to 12 years, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, Archer Western-de Moya Group Joint Venture II (Joint Venture) is enrolled in E-Verify, a web-based system through which employers electronically confirm the employment eligibility of their employees. E-Verify is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The SSA and USCIS verify the submitted information against the records of actual persons who are authorized to work in the United States. E-Verify is a voluntary program for employers and requires documents such as a Social Security number and photo identification of a prospective employee. From at least 2021 through September 2022, Gomez-Zelaya used another person’s means of identification to defeat the E-Verify system and to commit the felony offenses of misuse of a Social Security Number and false claim of United States citizenship for employment purposes. Gomez-Zelaya was encountered by law enforcement at the Joint Venture on September 22, 2022. He was working there under the stolen identity. That night, another individual at the Joint Venture, also working under a stolen identify, Juan Molina-Salles, struck and killed Pinellas County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Hartwick at the Joint Venture’s construction site in Pinellas County. During the investigation into Deputy Hartwick’s death, Gomez-Zelaya gave a false name (the stolen identity) to law enforcement and was arrested on state charges of accessory after the fact. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Transportation – Office of Inspector General, the Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General, the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.


title: Jacksonville Man Sentenced To Prison For Making False Statements Related To His Military Service

body_text: Jacksonville, FL – U.S. District Judge Wendy B. Berger has sentenced Robert David Gulledge (60, Jacksonville) to three months in federal prison for making a false statement to a federal agency. Gulledge pleaded guilty on December 19, 2024. According to court documents, Gulledge created a fraudulent Form DD-214 military discharge document thatlied about his service in the United States Marine Corps. Specifically, he falsified several positions he never held and multiple awards he never received, including the Bronze Star with V Device, Navy/Marine Jump Wings, and the Iraq Campaign and Kuwait Liberation awards, among others. In 2009, he first submitted the false form for an Intelligence Analyst position on a government contract, which he received. He later submitted the false form for government contracting positions and to repeatedly claim VA benefits never owed to him. Gulledge tried to use the false form for employment or benefits at least 10 times over 15 years. “The Diplomatic Security Service is firmly committed to making sure that those who commit document fraud face consequences for their criminal actions,” said Deputy Assistant Director William Ferrari of the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service Office of Special Investigations. “The strong relationship we enjoy with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement agencies is vital towards ensuring the integrity of official U.S. documents and protecting greater U.S. interests.” This case was investigated by U.S. Department of State – Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Office of Special Investigations, the Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Inspector General, and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelly S. Milliron.


title: Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictment Charging Two Men Involved in Robberies at Stores in Shreveport

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SHREVEPORT, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging two men for their involvement in the robbery of two stores in Shreveport. Kevin Terrell Lewis a/k/a “Kelvin Lewis,” 38, of Arlington, Texas, and his brother, Larry Dewayne Lewis , 44, of Shreveport, have been charged with two counts of robbery and one count of conspiracy to using, carrying, brandishing and discharging firearms during and in relation to a crime of violence. Kelvin Lewis was also charged with two counts of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The indictment alleges that on or about December 23, 2024, Kelvin Lewis and Larry Lewis, each aided and abetted by the other, committed robbery of personal property consisting of approximately $500 in United States currency from the victim owner/manager of the Pull-Up Liquor located at 5619 Hearne Avenue in Shreveport, as he was closing the store and walking to his car in the parking lot. The indictment further alleges that on or about January 22, 2025, Kelvin Lewis and Larry Lewis, each aided and abetted by the other, committed robbery of personal property consisting of prescription drugs and a work van that was in the care, custody and control of victim B.J. as he was making a delivery from the Hackbarth Company to Walgreens located at 3124 Line Avenue in Shreveport. Kelvin Lewis is charged in the indictment with using, carrying, and brandishing semi-automatic firearms during and in relation to these crimes of violence. The indictment also alleges that Kelvin Lewis and Larry Lewis conspired to use, carry, brandish and discharge a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, namely, robbery. If convicted, each defendant faces a sentence of not less than 10 years or more than life in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. Larry Dewayne Lewis is currently in federal custody after being indicted on February 5, 2025, and charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. This investigation is ongoing and is being led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Shreveport Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys J. Aaron Crawford and William C. Gaskins. An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. # # #


title: Three Illegal Aliens Charged in Separate Cases Involving Illegal Re-Entry into the United States and Illegal Possession of Narcotics and Firearms

component: USAO - Louisiana, Western

body_text: SHREVEPORT, La. – Three men found to be in the Western District of Louisiana illegally have been indicted by a federal grand jury in three separate cases, announced Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook. Ariel Mauricio Zelaya-Pineda a/k/a Carlos Antonio Pineda Ramos , 39, a citizen of Honduras, was charged in a complaint on April 30, 2025, with one count of re-entry of a removed alien, was arrested, and is currently in federal custody. The indictment returned by the grand jury alleges that Zelaya-Pineda was found in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, after having been removed from the United States on six prior occasions. The indictment alleges that Zelaya-Pineda never obtained the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States. His prior removals are as follows: On or about April 27, 2009, at or near Columbus, Georgia; On or about November 10, 2010, at or near San Antonio, Texas; On or about May 27, 2013, at or near Dallas, Texas; On or about November 19, 2018, at or near Houston, Texas; On or about February 17, 2020, at or near Houston, Texas; and On or about July 29, 2024, at or near Alexandria, Louisiana. If convicted, Zelaya-Pineda faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Bossier City Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robin McCoy. The second immigration indictment charges Homero Arroyo-Ayala , 47, a citizen of Mexico, with one count each of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense, re-entry of a removed alien, and possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien. The indictment alleges that on November 27, 2024, Arroyo-Ayala did possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine and possessed a 9mm “ghost gun” in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and possession of a 9mm “ghost gun” and ammunition. It is alleged in the indictment that Arroyo-Ayala was found in Bossier Parish, Louisiana after having been denied admission to the United States and removed on July 16, 2003, at or near San Ysidro, California, and had never obtained the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States. A sentencing notice included in the indictment alleges that Arroyo-Ayala was convicted in the Supreme Court of California, County of Los Angeles, of possession for sale of a controlled substance, an aggravated felony, and was subsequently removed from the United States. He is subject to increased punishment as to the charge of re-entry of a removed illegal alien. If convicted, Arroyo-Ayala faces a total sentence of a minimum of 5 years up to life in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Louisiana State Police, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Gaskins. The third immigration indictment charges Erik Alexis Valladares-Corea a/k/a Eric A. Valladares , 23, a citizen of Honduras, with one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by an illegal alien and one count of re-entry of a removed alien. Valladares was charged in a complaint on May 8, 2025, with one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and one count of illegal re-entry of a removed alien, was arrested, and is currently in federal custody. The indictment returned by the grand jury alleges that Valladares illegally possessed a Beretta Model 950B .22 caliber pistol and ammunition. It is further alleged that Valladares was found to be in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported and removed therefrom on or about May 29, 2020, at or near Alexandria, Louisiana. Valladares did not obtain the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States. If convicted, Valladares faces up to 15 years in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Louisiana State Police, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Gaskins. An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. # # #


title: 24-Year-Old Ponce Man Arrested for Child Exploitation

component: USAO - Puerto Rico

body_text: SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Derek Orengo Delgado, a 24-year-old from Ponce, Puerto Rico, was arrested on criminal charges related to his alleged child exploitation conduct, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Orengo Delgado on May 8, 2025. On May 7, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Derek Orengo Delgado on charges involving the coercion and enticement of a minor, transportation of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity, sexual exploitation of children, receipt of child exploitation material, and transfer of obscene material to a female minor. According to court documents, in or about January 2025, Orengo Delgado used a cellphone, online instant messaging services, and social media to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a 15-year-old female minor to engage in sexual activity, and to produce a visual depiction of the conduct. From January 11 to January 12, 2025, Orengo Delgado knowingly transported the female minor with the intent to engage in sexual activity, and to produce sexually explicit images of a minor. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with its law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who exploit minors for sexual purposes,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Those who prey on children will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” “No child should be deceived by a person they trust,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Juan Special Agent in Charge Rebecca González-Ramos. “This case underscores the importance of zero-tolerance approach toward crimes against children. Our HSI agents are relentless and will continue to work with law enforcement partners to identify and prevent child exploitation in Puerto Rico.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenifer Hernández-Vega, Chief of the Crimes Against Children, Human Trafficking and Immigration Unit, is prosecuting the case. The Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force led by HSI is in charge of the investigation. If convicted for the charges the defendant faces the following penalties: (1) coercion and enticement of a minor - a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to life in prison; (2) transportation of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity -- a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years up to life in prison; (3) production of sexual exploitation material – 15 to 30 years in prison; (4) receipt of child exploitation material – 5 to 20 years in prison; and (5) transfer of obscene material to a minor – up to 10 years in prison. All charges of conviction are to be followed by a term of supervised release after imprisonment of no less than 5 years up to life. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit Know2Protect.gov . To report suspicious activities, call 787-729-6969 or send an email to IntelHSISanJuan@hsi.dhs.gov . This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Tulsa Drug Dealer Convicted by Federal Jury of Fentanyl Death

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – A federal jury convicted Tulsan, Brandon Jerome Silas, 45, of Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in Death, four counts of Use of a Communication Facility in Committing, Causing, and Facilitating the Commission of a Drug Trafficking Felony, and Money Laundering. In February 2022, a witness found Haley Scruggs unresponsive at home and called 911. Paramedics attempted to revive Haley but were unsuccessful. A medical examiner testified that Haley’s death was an accident and that she died from fentanyl toxicity. When a DEA agent testified, he explained how they discovered messages between Haley and Silas discussing the purchase of fentanyl directly before her death. The last few messages between Haley and Silas describe how to get to Haley’s house, and Silas tells her that he is there. The agent further explained that Haley’s phone showed transactions through a cash application, consistent with payment for drugs. Silas’ bank records presented to the jury showed that money was being digitally transferred from various peer-to-peer cash applications into his accounts. Over 14 months, bank records indicated that Silas deposited or transferred more than $450,000 into his accounts. Two witnesses took the stand and explained to the jury how they originally started purchasing pills from Silas. When they went to Silas for fentanyl, he warned both of them to “be careful.” DEA fentanyl seizures represent over 133 million deadly doses in 2025. Click here to find additional resources or learn more about the OnePillCanKill campaign. The Drug Enforcement Administration Oklahoma City Resident Office investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Bailey and Charles Greenough prosecuted the case.


title: Operation Restore Justice Initiative Results in Indictment Charging Man with Attempting to Cause Minor to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, La. – Acting United States Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook announced that as a result of Operation Restore Justice , a nationwide initiative to identify, track, and arrest child predators which was announced last week, a Rapides Parish man has been indicted. The federal grand jury in Shreveport has returned an indictment charging Keith William Noce , 45, with use of a facility to attempt to cause a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. The indictment alleges that between April 29, 2025, and May 1, 2025, in the Western District of Louisiana, Noce used a facility and means of interstate commerce to knowingly attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor under the age of 18 years old to engage in sexual activity. Noce, along with two other subjects in Louisiana, were charged last week following a joint, undercover operation by the FBI, Alexandria Police Department and Louisiana State Police. A fourth subject was indicted in the Eastern District of Louisiana on child pornography charges. If convicted, Noce faces a sentence of up to 10 years to life in prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. The case was investigated by the FBI, Alexandria Police Department, and Louisiana State Police and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Earl M. Campbell. To report an incident involving the possession, distribution, receipt or production of child pornography: Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) – referred to in legal terms as "child pornography" – captures the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. These images document victims’ exploitation and abuse, and they suffer revictimization every time the images are viewed. In 2023, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received 36 million reports of the possession, manufacture, or distribution of child sexual abuse materials. To file a report with NCMEC, go to https://report.cybertip.org or call 1-800-843-5678 . An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. # # #


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Awards Ceremony Honors Law Enforcement Partners

component: USAO - Indiana, Southern

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- On May 16, 2025, The United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana recognized more than 90 members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies at its Law Enforcement Awards ceremony at the Indiana War Memorial & Museum in downtown Indianapolis. The ceremony, held during National Police Week, honored law enforcement professionals who have gone above and beyond their duties to safeguard Indiana communities in cases that concluded in 2024. “This event is a small token of our appreciation for the time, dedication, and teamwork it takes to investigate a case and bring the worst offenders to justice. The pace, complexity, and scope of the investigations brought in the Southern District of Indiana are a true testament to the quality of our partners in federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies,” said John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “It is especially meaningful to spend time during National Police Week to recognize the talents and sacrifice of those who have dedicated themselves to serving the public—often at risk to themselves. Every day these outstanding law enforcement officers, analysts, victim specialists, prosecutors, and other professionals work to make our communities safer, and I am happy to recognize many of them with these awards.” The honorees are members of the following agencies: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Drug Enforcement Administration Federal Bureau of Investigation- Indianapolis Homeland Security Investigations IRS-Criminal Investigation U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern Dist. of Ind. U.S. Postal Inspection Service U.S. Postal Service- Office of Inspector General Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Carmel Police Department Fishers Police Department Anderson Police Department Muncie Police Department Clarksville Police Department Brownsburg Police Department Beech Grove Police Department Evansville Police Department Lawrence Police Department Montgomery County Probation Office The teams who led the following cases received awards at the ceremony: Outstanding Collaborative Investigation: Cases receiving this recognition are limited to those that have demonstrated outstanding efforts or overcome significant challenges in collaboration with multiple agencies. Awarded to: U.S. v. Keith Jones, et al and U.S. v. Romero, et al . Project Safe Childhood Shield of Innocence: This award honors those who have provided extraordinary assistance to victims of a federal child exploitation crime. Extraordinary assistance is that which involves direct and ongoing emotional support and encouragement which required extra hours, on and off duty; commitment to making a victim whole, leading to restitution on behalf of a victim; thoughtful analysis of restitution owed to victims in a large-scale victim case; or other complex issues involving victim cases. Awarded to: U.S. v. Stan Hayes. L.E.A.T.H Heroism Award: This award is presented to a L.E.A.T.H. case that demonstrates extraordinary commitment and fortitude in the pursuit of justice. The Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence (LEATH) Initiative is named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. The LEATH Initiative began in October of 2020 and recognizes the inherent danger posed by firearms in the hands of domestic abusers. Awarded to: U.S. v. Cody Steele. Investigative Excellence Award: Cases receiving this award are limited to those that have substantially and significantly contributed to the mission of the United States Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice by conducting complex, thorough and proactive analysis of evidence. Awarded to: U.S. v. Tuong Quoc Ho , U.S. v. Adediran, et al , and Enas Said v. United States : After being permanently disqualified from the SNAP program for food stamp trafficking in another state, Mahmoud Said tried to circumvent the ban by registering his Indiana grocery stores under his wife’s name. When Enas Said submitted the false applications, the Food and Nutrition Service charged her with knowingly providing false information, resulting in her own permanent disqualification. Enas sued the agency but refused to participate in discovery, leading the court to dismiss the case. Despite her appeal, the litigation team remained persistent, filing a comprehensive brief only to discover that Said’s attorney had lost his law license. Shortly after, Said withdrew the appeal. The team’s unwavering pursuit of sanctions and accountability was crucial to upholding the integrity of the SNAP program and ensuring that benefits remain accessible to those who truly need them. Excellence in the Pursuit of Justice; Presented to a case in which local, state, and federal officials achieved extraordinary results in their work to prevent crime, enhance community safety, and seek justice. Awarded to: U.S. v. Cortez Venable, et al. Community Impact: Presented to a case that had widespread, positive impact on constituents, law enforcement relations, and the legacy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Indiana. Awarded to: U.S. v. Jamarr Hill, et al. and U.S. v. Hendricks County . Outstanding Agency Service: Presented to a case that substantially and significantly contributed to the mission of the United States Attorney’s Office and the Department of Justice. Awarded to: U.S. v. Marquel Payne ###


title: Dauphin County Man Charged With Failing To Register As A Sex Offender

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Robert Gene Hiler, Jr., age 52, was charged yesterday with failing to register as a sex offender. Hiler had been living in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and recently resided in Los Angeles, California. According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, Hiler was required to register as a sex offender based on a prior conviction in Pennsylvania. The indictment alleges that Hiler traveled in interstate commerce and then failed to register and update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney David C. Williams is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court. # # #


title: Eagle Butte Man Sentenced to Federal Prison  for Abusive Sexual Contact

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Abusive Sexual Contact. The sentencing took place on May 12, 2025. Bryant Heideman, age 25, was sentenced to two years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Heideman will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act. Heideman was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2024. He pleaded guilty on February 12, 2025. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in November 2023 in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation. Heideman had sexual contact with the victim, who was 12 years old, after allowing her to stay in his home between November 13 and November 14, 2024. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the FBI and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.


title: Mexican National With Four Prior Deportations Sentenced To Prison For Illegally Reentering The United States

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national was sentenced Wednesday by Chief United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 33 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally reentering the United States after being removed from the country on four prior occasions. According to court documents, Casiano Meza-Cadenas was found by immigration officials on October 22, 2023, after he was previously deported on or about August 19, 2004, September 24, 2008, May 26, 2018, and May 6, 2019. Meza-Cadenas came into ICE custody in 2024, after serving a state sentence on a conviction for possession of firearm by a prohibited person. This latest conviction was Meza-Cadenas’ fifth conviction related to firearms, including a 2016 conviction for battery with substantial bodily harm where he shot two people. Meza-Cadenas pleaded guilty to one count of Deported Alien Found in the United States. This was his second such conviction, as he was convicted in 2018 in the Southern District of California for the same crime. United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Michael Bernacke made the announcement. The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case. Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form . ###


title: Army Soldier Charged with Child Pornography Offenses

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal grand jury returned an indictment yesterday charging Seth Herrera, 35, a U.S. Army soldier, previously of El Paso, TX, with attempted sexual exploitation of a child and receipt of files depicting child sexual abuse. According to court documents, Herrera allegedly used encrypted messaging applications and network applications to find, receive, and download child sexual abuse material (CSAM) over the course of multiple years, beginning in 2021. He also allegedly used artificial intelligence chatbots to generate CSAM using images of children he knew. He is also alleged to have surreptitiously taken images and videos of those same children undressing in his home in El Paso. Herrera is already charged in Alaska relating to his alleged transportation, receipt, and possession of CSAM, including AI-generated CSAM, while stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret F. Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory J. Rasmussen for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Michigan Man Sentenced to Decades in Prison for  Production and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Daniel Augustine Solis, age, 33, to 40 years in federal prison for producing and distributing child sexual abuse material. Judge Rice also imposed a lifetime of supervised release and restitution of $615.00 Judge Rice presided over a criminal trial for Solis, which began November 4, 2024. On the second day of trial, Solis pleaded guilty after the United States presented evidence of a text conversation between Solis and his co-defendant regarding the sexual abuse of a child. According to court documents and information presented at the trial and sentencing hearing, in the fall of 2019, Solis lived with his girlfriend in Eastern Washington. Solis was abusive and manipulative, which included monitoring his girlfriend’s actions through logging on to her social media and various phone applications. Solis eventually moved to Michigan, where he continued his pattern of manipulation. In attempt to appease Solis, his girlfriend agreed to create sexually explicit videos involving a minor child and send them to Solis. In February 2020, Solis became angry when he learned that his girlfriend told her mother Solis had access to the family cell phone plan. For the next several hours, Solis threatened to report his girlfriend to police based on the previously created videos, unless she created more explicit videos involving the minor child. Solis gave her specific instructions regarding the content and time length for the videos. After the creation of the videos, the two continued texting. At some point, Solis again became upset with his girlfriend. This time, instead of demanding another video, Solis logged into his girlfriend’s phone account, using the name and password he used to monitor her activity, and sent the explicit videos to his girlfriend’s co-workers and friends. “Daniel Solis committed acts of unimaginable cruelty and exploitation,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Rich Barker. “His manipulation and abuse caused profound harm, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of those crimes. The Department of Justice remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the most vulnerable in our communities—our children—and to holding predators accountable wherever they are found.” This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . This case was investigated by the FBI, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kalamazoo Township Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Alison L. Gregoire and Rebecca R. Perez with assistance from the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office. 2:20-cr-00179-TOR


title: Man Sentenced to 17.5 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Child Sexual Abuse Material on Twitter

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS— Melvin Anderson, 23, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 17.5 years in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to advertising child sexual abuse material and distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. According to court documents, between December 2022 and March 2023, Melvin Anderson used the social media platform Twitter, now known as X, to advertise and sell child sexual abuse material. Anderson ran multiple, publicly accessible accounts that advertised links to cloud-based storage folders containing over 600 videos and images of minors, including individuals under 12 years of age, being sexually abused and molested. Many of his advertisements themselves contained thumbnails of sexually explicit images, and he often provided his own CashApp and Apple Pay account names so that his customers could send him money. Most links were priced between $10 to $25 per link. Anderson advertised as if he was running a legitimate retail business. He organized the files based on various characteristics, such as the age of the minor victims, and he based the price on what he was offering. Material with younger victims garnered a higher price. He also created videos showing himself scrolling through the folders containing child sexual abuse materials in order to give his customers a preview. “This predator not only revictimized children by exploiting the worst days of their lives over and over again to further demand, but did so just to make a quick buck,” said John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “If not for the work of the Secret Service and our AUSAs, this dangerous man would still be profiting from such horrific abuse and incentivizing others to exploit and harm children.” “Child sexual predators will be held accountable for their vile actions and the sentencing in this case demonstrates that. The U.S. Secret Service is committed to devoting its expertise and resources to protecting children from online predators and to pursuing those who try to profit from sexual abuse,” said Ike Barnes, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Indianapolis Field Office. “I am proud of the work our Secret Service personnel did in bringing this defendant to justice. I am thankful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of Indiana and all those who worked on prosecuting this case for their diligent efforts.” U.S. Secret Service investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Wood and Tiffany J. Preston, who prosecuted this case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood , a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. If you are a victim of child sexual exploitation, please contact your local police department. Resources for victims of child exploitation can be found on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood ###


title: Thirty Gang Members and Associates Indicted on Racketeering, Murder, Drug Trafficking, Fraud, and Firearm Charges

body_text: WASHINGTON – An eight-count indictment was unsealed in the Southern District of Georgia charging 30 defendants – all alleged Sex Money Murder (SMM) gang members and associates – with crimes including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and related firearm and drug trafficking crimes. According to court documents and statements in court, SMM members and associates engaged in extreme violence to retaliate against fellow members for perceived violations of gang rules. For example, SMM members killed one member who wanted to leave the gang and attempted to kill another by repeatedly stabbing him for alleged homosexual activities while in jail. SMM members profited from trafficking large amounts of deadly drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, throughout the Savannah metropolitan area. They also made money participating in sophisticated fraud schemes targeting federal COVID-19 relief and unemployment benefit programs that resulted in intended losses of over $850,000. “As alleged, the Sex Money Murder gang, a derivative of the nationally known Bloods gang, brutally enforced its purported rules, killing a 19-year-old member, and engaged in rampant drug trafficking and federal program fraud to enrich themselves,” said Matthew Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “We will not rest until every criminal organization like SMM that wreaks havoc on our streets and prison systems and exploits programs meant to support vulnerable populations are dismantled. Thank you to every federal, state, and local law enforcement agency that came together to dismantle this criminal enterprise.” “Today’s indictment is an important step in ending gang violence on our streets and in our prisons,” said Acting United States Attorney Tara M. Lyons. “My office will continuously work with our law enforcement partners to ensure public safety.” “The violence and crime this gang committed across our region contributed to an epidemic in our nation. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families who suffer because of this gangs’ activities,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “The FBI works with our law enforcement partners every day to crush violent crime in Georgia and our nation.” “This case demonstrates the relentless coordination and commitment among our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent criminal enterprises like Sex Money Murder,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka. “ATF is proud to have played a critical role in targeting the illegal firearms and narcotics trafficking that fueled this gang’s deadly reach both inside and outside prison walls.” “This indictment represents a significant step forward in our continued efforts to dismantle violent criminal enterprises operating within Georgia communities and correctional facilities,” said Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) Director Hosey. “The GBI remains committed to working alongside our federal, state, and local partners to hold gang members accountable and protect the safety and wellbeing of all Georgians.” “The use of contraband cell phones as a tool to carry out gang activity and other crimes from behind prison walls will not be tolerated and we are proud of our Agents for their role in assisting our law enforcement partners in stopping these individuals from jeopardizing the safety of the public and the operations of our facilities,” said GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. “This indictment is a great example of partnerships at every level, ensuring the job of public safety remains paramount.” According to court documents, on February 24, 2020, Byron Hopkins and other SMM members intercepted a young victim a few hours after he stepped off his school bus. They drove him to a rural residential neighborhood where Hopkins shot him to death. The victim had reportedly expressed a desire to leave the gang after accusing Hopkins of having sexual relations with a minor female who became pregnant. To lure the victim, his, “big brother” in the gang – a person he trusted – sent him a text message claiming there was an important gang meeting he needed to attend. Believing this, the victim willingly got into the vehicle, unaware he was being taken to the site of his execution. This is just one example of SMM’s deadly violence against a member that questioned authority or violated gang rules. According to court documents and statements made in court, SMM is a subset of The Bloods gang, which originated in Los Angeles in the early 1970s. The SMM subset has spread from the Bronx and New York to areas across the East Coast, including Georgia, where it operates inside and outside prisons and jails. The indictment alleges an extensive criminal enterprise in which SMM members, including inmates within the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDOC), orchestrated numerous crimes, including murders, attempted murders, attempted robberies, drug trafficking within and outside of GDOC facilities, and wire and bank fraud. Seven of the defendants allegedly committed or ordered the charged crimes from prison. If convicted, the defendants face penalties including up to life in prison or death for the murder in aid of racketeering and using a firearm in the commission of a murder; up to life in prison for the racketeering conspiracy and drug conspiracy; up to 30 years for the wire fraud conspiracy; and up to 20 years for the conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and Georgia Department of Corrections are investigating the case, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Georgia Department of Community Supervision, the Georgia State Patrol, Hinesville Police Department, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Dodge County Sheriff’s Office, Chatham County Police Department, Chatham Couty Counternarcotics Team, Savannah Police Department, McRae-Helena Police Department, Police Department, DeKalb Police Department, Brunswick Police Department, and Richmond Hill Police Department. Trial Attorney Lisa M. Thelwell of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank M. Pennington III for the Southern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case. The indictment is a result of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations. The OCDETF mission is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States, using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency task force approach. OCDETF synchronizes and incentivizes prosecutors and agents to lead smart, creative investigations targeting the command-and-control networks of organized criminal groups and the illicit financiers that support them. Additional information about the OCDETF Program may be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Amherst Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Child Pornography Offenses

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – An Amherst man was sentenced in federal court in Springfield, Mass. for distributing and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Bradley Driscoll, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to five years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Driscoll was also ordered to pay $25,000 in restitution to the victims. In February 2025, Driscoll pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. In October 2023, Driscoll was indicted by a federal grand jury. On or about Aug. 29, 2022, Driscoll knowingly distributed and possessed CSAM. Specifically, Driscoll engaged in a Kik chat conversation with an undercover agent, where he expressed an interest in obtaining CSAM materials. Driscoll also distributed a link to the undercover agent which contained approximately 345 CSAM files depicting minor children, some as young as one year old, being sexually penetrated by adult males. In September 2023, Driscoll confirmed that he was the owner of the Kik username and that he located the link containing CSAM files through other Kik messenger chat groups. He acknowledged asking the undercover agent to send him CSAM and acknowledged that the link he shared contained sexual materials involving young children. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Chief Gabriel Ting of the Amherst Police Department made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Jury Finds District Woman Guilty of Felony-Enhanced Theft of Over $700 from Target in Columbia Heights

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Meredith Wilson, 52, of the District, was found guilty on May 14, 2025, by a Superior Court jury of second degree, in the first jury trial in more than a decade in the District for a count of felony-enhanced second-degree theft, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. The charge carries a one-year mandatory minimum sentence of incarceration. Superior Court Judge Andrea Hertzfeld scheduled sentencing for July 15, 2025. According to the evidence, on June 27, Wilson stole more than $700 of jewelry, handbags, and household goods from the Target store in Columbia Heights. Under the laws of the District of Columbia, a person convicted of theft in the first or second degree who has two or more prior convictions for theft can be prosecuted for felony-enhanced theft. Felony-enhanced theft carries with it a mandatory-minimum term of not less than one year of incarceration upon conviction. Wilson had previously pleaded guilty to second-degree theft on two prior occasions, including in 2017 and 2018 in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Wilson’s two prior convictions for theft met the predicate for the felony-enhanced theft charge under which Wilson was convicted in the instant case. The case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. It was prosecuted and tried by Assistant United States Attorneys Jason B.A. McCullough and Maggie E. Sullivan.


title: Mexican National With Prior Deportations Charged For Illegally Reentering The United States

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national unlawfully residing in Las Vegas made his initial court appearance Wednesday to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country. Fausto Garcia-Garcia, 44, is charged with one count of deported alien found in the United States. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 28, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts. According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint and statements made during court proceedings, Garcia-Garcia is a citizen and national of Mexico who was previously deported and removed from the United States on January 23, 2003, and reentered the United States illegally. On December 31, 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) learned that Garcia-Garcia had been arrested by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police for Attempt Lewdness by Person Over 18 with Child Less Than 14, Sexual Assault Against Child Less Than 14, two counts Lewdness by Person Over 18 with Child Less Than 14, and Child Abuse/Neglect. On May 1, 2025, Garcia-Garcia was remanded to ICE custody from the Clark County Detention Center, based on an immigration detainer. If convicted, Garcia-Garcia faces the maximum statutory penalty of two years in prison, a one-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Michael Bernacke made the announcement. The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case. Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form . A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ###


title: Federal Prosecutors File 20 Cases This Year Against Alleged Drug Dealers Who Sold Fentanyl that Caused Fatal Drug Overdoses

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Law enforcement officials today announced the filing of 20 criminal cases so far this year targeting fentanyl dealers who are charged with selling fentanyl and fentanyl-laced pills that directly resulted in the death of at least one victim. The cases being announced today are a result of the ongoing efforts of the OD Justice Task Force, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-led project designed to investigate fatal fentanyl poisonings and identify the individuals who provided the fentanyl that directly caused the deaths. Under the OD Justice program for the DEA’s Los Angeles Field Division, DEA agents have established collaborative relationships with local law enforcement agencies across the seven counties that make up the Central District of California. Local authorities are almost always the first to respond to an overdose death, and DEA agents have provided training to dozens of local agencies to help them analyze evidence to determine if there are circumstances that might lead to a federal criminal prosecution. There were an estimated 80,391 drug overdose deaths in the United States during 2024 and most of those deaths were fentanyl related, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Since the project’s launch in 2018, and including the cases announced today, the United States Attorney’s Office has filed charges against 163 defendants who allegedly sold drugs that resulted in a fatal fentanyl poisoning. The charge of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The criminal cases filed this year include: United States v. McDevitt Michael McDevitt, 43, of Simi Valley, is charged with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. In September 2021, McDevitt allegedly distributed the powerful synthetic opioid in Ventura County to the victim, who later died. McDevitt also is charged with possession with intending to distribute methamphetamine. McDevitt has pleaded not guilty to the charges and a June 10 trial is scheduled in this matter. He has been in federal custody since April 11. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the DEA are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Blake Hannah of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case. United States v. Biswas Alexander Nihar Biswas, 42, of Loma Linda, is charged in a single-count indictment with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Biswas allegedly distributed the powerful narcotic to a victim in San Bernardino County. The use of the drug resulted in the victim’s death in January 2024. Biswas, who has been in federal custody since March 10, has pleaded not guilty to the charge and awaits an October 20 trial date in U.S. District Court in Riverside. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the DEA are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Erin C. Kiss of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this case. United States v. Abdallah Michel Joseph Abdallah, 21, a.k.a. “Mike,” of Laguna Niguel, is charged in connection with the fentanyl overdose deaths of two people in 2023. Abdallah is charged with two counts of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. Abdallah allegedly distributed fentanyl to a victim on March 25, 2023, in Mission Viejo. The victim used the drug, which resulted in a fatal overdose. On May 15, 2023, in Aliso Viejo, Abdallah again distributed fentanyl – this time, to a different victim who ingested the powerful synthetic opioid and died. Abdallah also allegedly possessed a total of 1.3 kilograms (2.9 pounds) of fentanyl on June 10, 2023. On this date, he allegedly also possessed two firearms, including an AR-15-style pistol bearing no serial number, which commonly is referred to as a “ghost gun.” He remains in state custody and awaits arraignment on the federal criminal charges. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the Santa Ana Police Department, and the DEA are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa J. Lindhorst of the Orange County Office is prosecuting this case. United States v. Casillas Jesus Erick Casillas, 56, of Lancaster, is charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, in connection with the overdose death of a victim in Los Angeles County in January 2024. Casillas, who has pleaded not guilty to the charge, has been in federal custody since January 24. He awaits an October 26 trial date. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the DEA are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph S. Guzman of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case. United States v. Putnam Macey Delynn Putnam, 31, of Laingsburg, Michigan and formerly of Torrance, is charged in connection with the July 24, 2024, fentanyl overdose death of a victim in Los Angeles County. Putnam, who is free on $25,000 bond, is charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and serious bodily injury. She has pleaded not guilty to the charge and is scheduled to go to trial on November 18. The Long Beach Police Department, the DEA, and the FBI are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Christina R.B. Lopez of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case. United States v. Miller Myles Ray Miller, 27, of Fullerton, is charged in a federal grand jury indictment with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Miller allegedly distributed fentanyl to a victim – who was struggling with drug addiction – in Fullerton on March 18, 2022. The victim later ingested the powerful synthetic opioid and died. The La Habra Police Department and the DEA are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Lisa J. Lindhorst of the Orange County Office is prosecuting this case. United States v. Lopez, et al. Kevin Lopez, 24, of Rancho Cucamonga, Jacqueline Carolina Fonseca-Flores, 24, of Rancho Cucamonga, and Brandon Ryan Osika, 22, of Ontario, were arrested May 7 on an indictment charging them with distribution of fentanyl to a person under the age of 21 resulting in death, among other federal drug crimes. The defendants – including Meloney Osika, 24, of Ontario, who also was arrested May 7 – allegedly ran a fentanyl distribution ring in San Bernardino County. Lopez, Flores, and Brandon Osika in January 2023 allegedly distributed fentanyl to a victim who took the drug and died soon afterward. A federal magistrate judge ordered all four defendants jailed without bond. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and a June 23 trial date was scheduled in this case. The Fontana Police Department and the DEA are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher M. Brunwin of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this case. United States v. Perez Roberto Alexis Perez, 26, of Palmdale, is charged in a one-count indictment with distributing fentanyl on September 3, 2022, in Los Angeles County, which resulted in the victim’s death. The DEA and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Diane B. Roldán of the Violent and Organized Crime Section and Nicholas G. Purcell of the General Crimes Section are prosecuting this matter. United States v. Almazo Waldo Jesus Almazo Casarubbias, 22, of Santa Ana, was arrested April 11 on a federal grand jury indictment charging him with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Almazo allegedly distributed fentanyl to the victim on July 5, 2022, in Orange County. The use of the drug resulted in the victim’s death shortly thereafter. Almazo pleaded not guilty to the charge against him. A federal magistrate judge ordered him jailed without bond. Almazo is scheduled to go on trial in January 2026 in United States District Court in Santa Ana. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department and the DEA are investigating this matter. Special Assistant United States Attorney Yervant P. Hagopian of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case. United States v. Hoskinds Michael Hoskinds, 46, of San Pedro, was arrested April 8 on a one-count federal grand jury indictment charging him with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. On August 12, 2023, in Los Angeles County, Hoskinds allegedly distributed the powerful controlled substance to a victim, who later ingested it, overdosed, and died. A federal magistrate judge ordered Hoskinds jailed without bond. Hoskinds has pleaded not guilty to the charge against him. He is scheduled to go to trial on June 3 in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on this matter. Redondo Beach Police Department and DEA are investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Alix R. Sandman of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this matter. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: South Florida Tax Preparer, Two Others Charged with Conspiring to Defraud Covid-19 Relief Program

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI –The last of three defendants made his initial appearance in Miami federal court yesterday to face an indictment charging the men with conspiracy to commit wire fraud while scheming to fraudulently obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. PPP loans were intended to provide economic relief to small businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the allegations in the indictment, between May 2020 and March 2021, Guillermo Lopez Carrazana, Christian Mendoza, and Max Alberto Mera Ulloa, all residents of Miami-Dade County, conspired to submit over 165 false and fraudulent PPP loan applications to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which administered the emergency relief program under the CARES Act. The PPP was designed to help businesses maintain payroll and cover essential expenses during the pandemic. It is alleged that the defendants received $6.5 million in COVID relief money through the fraud. It is alleged that Carrazana, Mendoza (a tax preparer) and Ulloa owned and operated various businesses, including G LUX LLC, Global Tax & Accounting Group Corp, CM Logistics Systems LLC and Max Mera Corporation. Along with others, the defendants allegedly submitted fraudulent loan applications that misrepresented payroll and employee information to obtain large sums of money under false pretenses. The indictment further alleges that the defendants engaged in a kickback scheme, offering and receiving payments in exchange for referring additional individuals to participate in the fraudulent loan applications. It is also alleged that the defendants and the other fraudsters did not use the proceeds of the PPP loans for their intended purpose, instead they used the funds to enrich themselves. U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Emmanuel Gomez of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Miami Field Office made the announcement. FBI Miami and IRS-CI, Miami Field Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Cruz is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov under case number 25-cr-20178. ###


title: Everett Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking Four Victims

body_text: BOSTON – An Everett man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to four counts of an indictment charging him with sex trafficking four separate female victims. Trevor Jones, 47, pleaded guilty to four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Aug. 12, 2025. In May 2023, Jones was indicted by a federal grand jury. Jones was arrested on related state charges on March 23, 2023 and has remained in state custody since. According to the charging documents, from at least 2016 until 2023, Jones ran a sex trafficking operation targeting victims who were suffering from substance use disorder. As part of his sex trafficking operation, Jones provided his victims with controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl and cocaine to intensify their drug dependence and gain their compliance, while prohibiting the victims from obtaining controlled substances from other sources. Jones demanded “loyalty” and “dedication” from his victims. He allegedly enforced his requirements by punishing victims with acts of violence, threats of violence and withholding controlled substance from drug-dependent victims. As outlined in court, Jones beat one victim with a belt causing bruising throughout her body. When confronted with the injuries he caused, Jones told the victim that she deserved the abuse. Jones was verbally abusive toward another victim, locking her out of the house, demanding to know where her “loyalty” was and berating her for not “contributing everything” she was making. Another victim experienced degradation from Jones, with him telling her that she needed to “make daddy proud” and scolding her for being “disobedient.” The charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Revere, Arlington and Boston Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Riley, Chief of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit and Assistant United States Attorney Torey B. Cummings of the Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Unit are prosecuting the case along with Essex County Assistant District Attorneys Jessica Strasnick and Marina Moriarty, who were sworn in as Special Assistant United States Attorneys.


title: Grand jury indicts former commander of local AMVETS Post for allegedly embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: DAYTON, Ohio – A federal grand jury has charged a former local AMVETS Post commander with 15 counts of wire fraud related to embezzling money from the non-profit organization’s bank accounts. Danny Dale Gordon, 48, of Kettering, served as the commander for AMVETS Post #24 on Leo Street in Dayton from January 2022 until May 2024. According to the indictment, during that timeframe, Gordon fraudulently transferred money from the veterans organization’s fundraising and scholarship bank accounts into its primary bank account before withdrawing the funds for his own use. It is alleged that Gordon defrauded AMVETS of approximately $622,000. The indictment details that Gordon allegedly used the money at various local gambling casinos, for travel and hotel expenses, and frequenting a Dayton-area “gentlemen’s club.” Gordon allegedly made numerous fraudulent financial transactions ranging between $200 and $900 each. Wire fraud is a federal crime punishable by up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal; and Lt. Col. Seth Newfang, Commander of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, 10 th Field Investigations Squadron; announced the charges returned yesterday. Assistant United States Attorney Dwight K. Keller is representing the United States in this case. An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. # # #


title: Federal Judge Sentences Chicago Street Gang Member to 34 Years in Prison for Murdering a Man and Threatening a Witness

body_text: CHICAGO — A member of a violent Chicago street gang has been sentenced to 34 years in federal prison for murdering a man to maintain and increase his position in the gang. DIONTAE HARPER, 25, of Chicago, admitted in a plea agreement that he murdered Paul Harris on May 13, 2020. Harper and another man fired multiple shots at Harris as he sat in a vehicle at a gas station in the 8600 block of South Halsted Street in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood. Harper stated in the plea agreement that he committed the murder to maintain and increase his position in the Faceworld street gang, a criminal organization based on the South Side of Chicago whose members engaged in violent crimes and trafficked narcotics. While Harper was detained in law enforcement custody earlier this year, he made threatening statements directed toward a witness. Harper pleaded guilty in January to a federal charge of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, causing Harris’s death. U.S. District Judge Manish S. Shah imposed the 34-year prison sentence during a hearing on May 8, 2025, in federal court in Chicago. Harper’s sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and Larry Snelling, Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julia Schwartz, Sushma Raju, and Matthew Moyer. Two other individuals – the other shooter of Harris and the getaway driver – pleaded guilty to committing murder in aid of racketeering and are awaiting sentencing.


title: Cargo Airline Operator Sentenced To Two Years In Prison For Paying Millions In Kickbacks In Large-Scale Scheme To Defraud Cargo Airline

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that SKYE XU was sentenced to two years in prison by U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman for his part in a scheme to defraud Polar Air Cargo Worldwide, Inc. (“Polar”), a leading cargo airline, of more than $32 million dollars in revenue. XU previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and honest services wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, Skye Xu paid approximately $4.4 million in kickbacks to Polar executives to obtain highly lucrative business from Polar. The Polar executives concealed the kickbacks from Polar using shell companies. Corruption of this type has costs that extend way beyond Polar’s or any one company’s bottom line. Today’s sentence should be a reminder that commercial bribery has no place in America. According to the charging documents and other public filings and statements made in public court proceedings: From at least in or about November 2020 through in or about July 2021, XU operated Sky X Airlines, LLC, a cargo airline company based in California. During those nine months, and without Polar’s knowledge, XU paid approximately $4.4 million in kickbacks to shell companies controlled by three senior executives of Polar (the “Executive Defendants”) in exchange for two lucrative business contracts with Polar. These fraudulently obtained contracts earned XU and his cargo airline approximately $46 million in gross revenue and nearly $10 million in net revenue based on the sales of unused space on passenger airlines to transport cargo during the COVID-19 pandemic. The approximately $4.4 million in kickbacks that XU paid to the Executive Defendants in a nine-month span was part of more than $20 million in kickbacks and other financial benefits that the Executive Defendants and other co-conspirators received from certain Polar customers and vendors from at least 2009 to at least 2021 in exchange for ensuring that those vendors and customers received favorable business arrangements with Polar. The fraud that XU and his coconspirators perpetrated—which involved a substantial portion of Polar’s senior management and at least ten customers and vendors of Polar—led to pervasive corruption of Polar’s business, touching nearly every aspect of the company’s operations, for over a decade. XU was the last of 10 defendants charged in this case to be convicted. Five of the 10 charged defendants have previously been sentenced. * * * In addition to the prison term, XU, 43, of West Covina, California, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. XU was also ordered to forfeit $4,487,830 and to make restitution to Polar in the amount of $1,390,000. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danielle Kudla, Kevin Mead, Qais Ghafary, and Jerry J. Fang are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Bowling Green, Kentucky Man Sentenced to Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay Over $1.5 Million in Restitution for Tax Evasion and Defrauding Employer

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Bowling Green, KY – A Bowling Green man was sentenced yesterday to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for wire fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion. U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd, Cincinnati Field Office, IRS Criminal Division, and U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division made the announcement. Kenneth Ray Moore, 56, was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for three counts of wire fraud, two counts of money laundering, and four counts of tax evasion. According to court documents, between October 2009 and May 2020, Moore committed wire fraud by engaging in a scheme to embezzle $1,145,800 from his employer. Moore, who formerly held the position of Vice President of Finance, caused his employer to issue checks to “KBM Solutions,” a shell company he created to receive embezzled funds. Moore laundered money by transferring the embezzled funds to his personal financial accounts. Moore also failed to file personal income tax returns between 2013 and 2020, and owed over $300,000 in unpaid taxes, penalties, and interest. Moore was ordered to pay $1,158,194.80 in restitution for the embezzlement scheme and $342,155.84 in restitution for tax evasion, for a total of $1,500,350.64 in restitution. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation Bowling Green Office and the USPIS Bowling Green Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erin Bravo and Madison Sewell of the Louisville Office, prosecuted the case. ###


title: South Bend Man Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison

component: Criminal - Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Michael Bellina, 22 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to transportation of child pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay. Bellina was sentenced to 108 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, between August 2023 and March 2024, Bellina transported more than 600 images of child sexual abuse material that he received through the internet. He uploaded the images and distributed them on multiple internet platforms. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Indiana State Police, the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Mishawaka Police Department, the Bloomington Police Department, the Indiana University Police Department, the Raleigh (North Carolina) Police Department, the Boone (North Carolina) Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah T Jones. The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov .


title: Pierce County, Washington man indicted for sex crimes involving minors

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 40-year-old Pierce County, Washington man appeared today on an indictment charging him with attempted enticement of a minor and production of images of child sexual abuse, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Randy Lee Young came into federal custody April 24, 2025. He was arrested November 16, 2024, after allegedly communicating with someone he thought would provide her young daughters to him for sexual assaults. When Young arrived at the proposed meeting place in Marysville, Washington, he was arrested. Forensic review of his cell phone found images of child sexual abuse that he had produced. Young pleaded ‘not guilty’ in court today and remains detained at the Federal Detention Center (FDC) at SeaTac. Trial is scheduled in front of U.S. District Judge Lauren King on July 14, 2025. According to records filed in the case, Young began communicating with a law enforcement officer who was posing as the mother of 8 and 11-year-old daughters. Between November 8 and 15 2024, Young communicated with the law enforcement officer via text messaging multiple times. Ultimately Young drove from his residence in Pierce County to the location in Marysville where he was arrested. Young was held in the Snohomish County Jail until the federal charges were filed. Young gave permission for law enforcement to review his cell phone. On the phone investigators found images of sexual abuse of a minor. The investigation revealed that in October and November 2024, Young met a minor online, traveled to her hometown in southwest Washington seven times and videotaped sex acts with the 13-year-old. Text messages reveal that the victim had told Young her age. Attempted enticement of a minor is punishable by up to life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum ten years imprisonment. Production of images of child sexual abuse is punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison and up to life in prison. The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by the FBI Seattle’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United Stats Attorney Cecelia Gregson. The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Seattle man indicted for sex trafficking through force, fraud and coercion and transporting woman for prostitution

body_text: Seattle – A 37-year-old Seattle man appeared for arraignment this morning on an indictment charging him with sex trafficking through force, fraud, and coercion and transporting an adult to engage in prostitution, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Shante Broady pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the indictment. He remains detained at the Federal Detention Center (FDC) at SeaTac pending a trial currently scheduled for July 14, 2025, in front of U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour. According to records filed in the case, Broady has been on law enforcement’s radar since March 2023, when they received a report that Broady had been sex trafficking a victim in Portland, Oregon. And in November 2024, a former girlfriend reported being assaulted by Broady. In April 2025, two women in Seattle contacted the FBI regarding Broady’s sex trafficking and threats of violence. One woman said Broady was ultimately unsuccessful in his attempt to force her into prostitution. The other reported that in March 2025, Broady had lured her from Canada, paying for her plane ticket. He then forced her into prostitution with threats and violence, and brandishing a firearm when angered. Text messages allegedly document the threats. The victims got a civil restraining order to try to keep him away from them. The woman from Canada was ultimately able to return home. The criminal complaint also details Broady’s involvement in transporting and harboring a juvenile who had run away from a boarding school in another state. The juvenile was encountered on North Aurora Avenue and taken into custody by law enforcement. She was ultimately safely returned to family members. The trafficking of the juvenile remains under investigation. Sex trafficking through force, fraud and coercion is punishable by a mandatory minimum 15 years in prison and up to life in prison. Transportation of an adult for purposes of prostitution is punishable by up to ten years in prison. The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case is being investigated by the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kate Crisham. Ms. Crisham leads the Anti-Trafficking prosecutions in the Western District of Washington.