title: “Free Money” gang members indicted for committing murder at local shopping center

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON - Two alleged members of a violent Houston-based street gang have been charged for their alleged roles in the murder of one individual and attempted murder of another during a gang-related ambush. According to court documents, members and associates of the gang known as Free Money engage in robbery, home invasions, drug distribution and murder. Terry Ardoin, 24, and Travonte Ardoin, 27, both of Houston, allegedly committed the murder in connection with an ongoing gang war with a rival group. On June 24, 2022, in broad daylight, the Ardoins allegedly following a Chevrolet Equinox into a shopping center parking lot in a Black Nissan Altima. As alleged in court documents, the driver of the Equinox entered a nearby store while the passenger remained in the vehicle. When the driver returned, the Ardoins allegedly exited the Altima wearing masks and opened fired on both individuals. Multiple rounds struck the vehicle’s passenger compartment. Law enforcement responded within minutes and found one victim deceased. Terry and Travonte Ardoin are charged with murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and causing death through the use of a firearm. If convicted, they face up to life in prison or the possibility of a death sentence. The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Brown is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Ralph Paradiso of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Houston. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas have partnered, along with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes gang members and associates have committed through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute violent offenders and prevent further violence. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: “Free Money” Gang Members Indicted for Committing Murder at Local Shopping Center

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Two alleged members of Free Money, a violent Houston-based street gang, were indicted yesterday in the Southern District of Texas for their alleged roles in the murder of one individual and attempted murder of another during a gang-related ambush. According to court documents, Free Money members and associates engage in robbery, home invasions, drug distribution, and murder. The defendants, Terry Ardoin, 24, and Travonte Ardoin, 27, both of Houston, allegedly committed the murder in connection with an ongoing gang war with a rival group. On June 24, 2022, in broad daylight, surveillance footage captured the Ardoins following a Chevrolet Equinox into a shopping center parking lot in a Black Nissan Altima. As alleged in court documents, the driver of the Equinox entered a nearby store while the passenger remained in the vehicle. When the driver returned, the Ardoins allegedly exited the Altima wearing masks and opened fire on both individuals. Witnesses reported hearing numerous gunshots and described the distinct sound of a fully automatic weapon, believed to have been modified with a machine gun conversion device commonly referred to as a “switch.” Multiple rounds struck the vehicle’s passenger compartment. Houston Police Department officers responded within minutes and found one victim deceased. Terry and Travonte Ardoin are charged with murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and causing death through the use of a firearm. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of life in prison or a death sentence. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Police Department. Trial Attorney Ralph Paradiso of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Brown for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Houston. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas have partnered, along with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes committed by gang members and associates through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute the violent offenders and prevent further violence. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: California Defense Contractor and Private Equity Firm Agree to Pay $1.75M to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Relating to Voluntary Self-Disclosure of Cybersecurity Violations

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Defense contractor Aero Turbine Inc., of Stockton, and private equity company Gallant Capital Partners LLC, of Los Angeles, have agreed to pay $1.75 million to resolve their liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in an Aero Turbine contract with the Department of the Air Force. In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Aero Turbine and Gallant took significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government. “Government contractors must follow required cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive defense information,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When defense contractors fail to comply with cybersecurity requirements, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking prompt remedial measures.” “Every defense contractor must provide adequate security to safeguard covered defense information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez. “We commend Aero Turbine and Gallant for disclosing the issue and promptly cooperating to address it. We encourage others to follow their example of self-reporting to resolve violations.” “Protecting the integrity of the Department of Defense (DoD) procurement processes is a top priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Director Kelly Mayo of DCIS. “Failing to comply with DoD contract specifications and cybersecurity requirements puts DoD information and programs at risk of exploitation. DCIS will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of false claims on DoD contracts.” “This case serves as a reminder that cybersecurity transcends mission sets. Ensuring companies adhere to robust cybersecurity safeguards is integral to maintaining the Air Force’s operational edge against adversaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Caroline Galinis of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Procurement Fraud Detachment 1. “AFOSI’s Procurement Fraud team, alongside investigative partner agencies and the Department of Justice, played a critical role in protecting U.S. national security interests.” The settlement resolves the liability of Aero Turbine and Gallant under the False Claims Act for knowingly submitting or causing others to submit false or fraudulent claims for payment on a Department of the Air Force contract, which were allegedly false or fraudulent because they had not complied with the contract’s cybersecurity requirements. From January 2018 to February 2020, Aero Turbine allegedly failed to implement certain cybersecurity controls in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171 that, if not implemented, could lead to significant exploitation of the system or exfiltration of sensitive defense information. In addition, from June to July 2019, Aero Turbine and Gallant allegedly failed to control the flow of, and limit unauthorized access to, sensitive defense information by providing a software company based in Egypt with files containing such information, even though the software company and its foreign citizen personnel were not authorized to receive sensitive defense information under the Air Force contract. After learning of the issues, Aero Turbine and Gallant provided the government with multiple written self-disclosures, cooperated with the government’s investigation of the issues, and took prompt remedial action. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, DCIS, AFOSI, and the Air Force Materiel Command Law Office Procurement Fraud Division. The matter was handled by Fraud Section attorneys Robin Overby and Christopher Terranova and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Thiess. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. Note : Read the Settlement here .


title: U.S. Attorney's Office To Participate In Community Events During National Night Out

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Federal prosecutors and personnel with the U.S. Attorney’s Office will join community organizers, local neighborhoods, and law enforcement partners in the Western District for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. National Night Out (NNO) is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country. During this year’s National Night Out, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will attend community events in Charlotte organized by the West Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition and the Hidden Valley Community Association, to engage with community members, answer questions, and share information about federal public safety initiatives. Representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office will also be at Stumpton Park in Matthews and the Kenilworth Forest neighborhood in Asheville. “Our communities are safer when law enforcement and neighborhoods work together to prevent and address crime,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “That’s the point of National Night Out, and we are proud to join our law enforcement partners and communities across the district on this special night.” National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization. Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe. For more information, visit https://natw.org/


title: Walker County Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison on Drug Charge

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A Walker County man has been sentenced for illegally possessing cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Shannon Wayne Herron, 50, of Jasper, Alabama, to 108 months in prison. In February, Herron pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to the plea agreement, on November 1, 2023, detectives with the Jasper Police Department Narcotics Unit executed a search warrant on a residence in Jasper. During the search, officers recovered 366 grams of pure methamphetamine, marijuana, a digital scale, a ledger containing names with dollar amounts next to the names, four cell phones, and approximately $1,800 in cash. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case along with the Jasper Police Department Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Peoples prosecuted the case.


title: Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Failing to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to failure to register as a sex offender. Defendant served in United States Navy in April 1998 when he was convicted of sodomy, assault and intent to rape a minor under the age of 12. Adrian Martinez, 56, pleaded guilty to one count of failing to register as a sex offender before U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin who scheduled sentencing for Oct. 28, 2025. In April 2025 , Martinez was arrested and charged. Martinez is a Level 3 sex offender who was previously convicted while serving in the United States Navy of committing sodomy with a person under the age of 12; taking indecent liberties upon the body of a female under 12 years of age (4 counts); and assault with intent to rape a person under the age of 12, in violation of Uniformed Code of Military Justice. Following his conviction, Martinez was sentenced to a 40-year period of incarceration. Martinez served approximately 11 years of his 40 year sentence and was released from custody in February of 2009. Martinez was required to register as a sex offender and update his registration any time he moved or changed employment. At some point after Sept. 30, 2022, Martinez moved out of his Boston residence and did not notify law enforcement of his change in registered address. Boston Police attempted to contact Martinez but were unsuccessful in their attempts. Martinez faces a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a minimum of five years and up to lifetime supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Kevin Neal, Acting United States Marshal for the District of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The case is 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 better 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: H-Block Gang Member Sentenced for Drug Distribution and Firearm Offense

body_text: BOSTON – A member of the violent Boston-based gang, H-Block, was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for drug distribution and firearms charges. Jerry Gray, 28 of Roxbury, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley to 51 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. In April 2025 , Gray pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Gray was one of 10 H-Block gang members and associates charged in August 2024 following a multi-year investigation of H-Block that began in 2021 in response to an uptick in gang-related drug trafficking, shootings and violence. According to court documents, over 500 grams of cocaine, cocaine base (crack cocaine) and fentanyl, as well as over 20,000 doses of drug-laced paper were seized during the investigation. In February 2024, Gray, a long-time H Block gang member, sold crack cocaine to a cooperating witness, and then subsequently stole “buy” money from the cooperating witness during a controlled purchase in March of 2024. At the time of Gray’s arrest in August of 2024, a Glock pistol, along with numerous rounds of various calibers of ammunition, were located in his residence. Gray was on probation in Suffolk Superior Court for two separate firearm-related convictions at the time of the offenses. According to the charging documents, the H Block Street Gang is one of the most feared and influential city-wide gangs in Boston. Originally formed in the 1980s as the Humboldt Raiders in the Roxbury section of Boston, the gang re-emerged in the 2000s as H Block. Current members of H Block have a history of violent confrontation with law enforcement, including an incident in 2015 when a member shot a Boston Police officer at point blank range without warning or provocation. Gray is the fourth H-Block defendant to be sentenced in the case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Special Agent in Charge Andrew Murphy of the U.S. Secret Service Boston Field Office; Ted E. Docks Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. The investigation was supported by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; Massachusetts Department of Corrections; and the Braintree, Quincy, Randolph and Watertown Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit and Jeremy Franker of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section prosecuted the cases. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national unlawfully residing in Lawrence pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Eddy Antonio Perdomo, 31, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Aug. 6, 2025. Perdomo was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025. Perdomo was deported from the United States to the Dominican Republic on Oct. 3, 2023. Sometime after his October 2023 removal, Perdomo illegally reentered the United States without permission. The charge of illegal reentry provides for a sentence of up to two years in prison, one year of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. 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; Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston; and Lawrence Police Chief Maurice Aguiler made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.


title: Mexican National Pleads Guilty To Identity Theft And Seven Others Face Immigration Violations Following Federal Search At Kings Mountain Business

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Jose De La Cruz-Lopez, 45, an illegal alien from Mexico, pleaded guilty today to misusing a social security number and using false immigration identification documents, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Seven additional defendants also have been charged federally following the execution of a search and seizure warrant at Buckeye Fire Equipment Company in Kings Mountain, N.C. In addition to De La Cruz-Lopez, two others have also entered guilty pleas. Charges against others are expected after additional investigation. “Identity theft is a pervasive problem that can wreak havoc on a victim’s life,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “We take it very seriously, particularly in cases like this where it undermines our employment laws and the integrity of the hiring process. As this investigation continues, we want to remind employers to exercise vigilance and remain alert for counterfeit documents used to establish a worker’s identity and employment eligibility.” According to plea documents and other court filings, De La Cruz-Lopez, who is not authorized to work in the United States, admitted to obtaining employment at Buckeye Fire Equipment using the Social Security Number and personally identifiable information of another individual who is eligible to work in the United States and used that information on false identification documents. The falsified documents included a driver’s license bearing De La Cruz-Lopez’s image and the name of the individual eligible to work in the United States and a copy of the individual’s Social Security card. The defendant, who had been employed at the company since 2022, falsely attested on the I-9 employment eligibility verification form that he was the person presented on the ID and that he was a citizen of the United States. Below are the seven additional defendants charged as a result of the investigation: Humberto Guzman Lemus , 32, of Mexico, was charged with illegally reentering into the United States. Lemus was previously deported from the United States on December 23, 2019, at or near Hidalgo, Texas, after he was arrested for driving while impaired and failure to stop at a flashing red light. The defendant has pleaded guilty to illegal reentry and is awaiting sentencing. Angel Antonio Lara Reyes , 52, of Honduras, is charged with illegally reentering into the United States. Reyes was previously deported from the United States on November 21, 2014, at or near Brownsville, Texas. The defendant has pleaded guilty to and is awaiting sentencing. Arurto Albarras Altunar , 40, of Mexico, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States. Altunar was previously deported from the United States three times in less than 30 days at or near Laredo, Texas on February 14, 2016, and at or near Hidalgo, Texas, on February 20, 2016, and again on March 8, 2016. Geovany Lopez Lopez , 38, of Guatemala, is charged with illegally reentering the United States. Lopez was previously deported from the United States on May 11, 2011, at or near Columbus, Georgia, after he was arrested for assault on a female, resisting a public officer, and injury to real property. Luiz Antonio Martinez Lopez , 40, of Mexico, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States. Lopez was previously deported from the United States on August 4, 2011, at or near Laredo, Texas, after he was arrested for a traffic law violation. He was deported again on March 11, 2019, at or near Laredo, Texas, after he was arrested for impaired and reckless driving, wanton disregard, and resisting a public officer. Alberto Perez Mendoza , 37, of Mexico, is charged with illegal reentry into the United States. Mendoza was previously deported from the United States three times: on July 15, 2006, at or near Brownsville, Texas, on January 21, 2015, at or near Hidalgo, Texas, and again on January 28, 2015, at or near Laredo, Texas. Enrique Gil Rojano , 52, of Honduras, is charged with illegally reentering the United States. Rojano was previously convicted in California of transporting and/or selling a controlled substance and was sentenced to three years in prison. He was later arrested again and convicted of felony perjury and was subsequently deported from the United States on September 7, 2005. The charges in the indictments are allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The cases announced today are part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Since the implementation of the initiative, 44 individuals have been charged with immigration related offenses in the Western District of North Carolina. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson credited U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and Emergency Removal Operations for their investigations that led to the charges. U.S. Attorney Ferguson also commended several other law enforcement agencies that assisted in the investigation, to include the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, CBP’s Air and Marine Operations, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Social Security Administration’s Office of Inspector General, the North Carolina National Guard, the DEA, the ATF, King’s Mountain Police, the Gaston County Sheriff’s Department and the Gaston County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Smith and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Frick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte are prosecuting the cases.


title: Missoula accountant sentenced to 2 years in prison for defrauding clients

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: MISSOULA – A Missoula accountant who defrauded clients by using their cash payments intended for income taxes for his own personal expenses was sentenced today to 24 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Clawson was also ordered pay full restitution of $1,309,591 to the victims as well as a $20,000 criminal fine. William Arthur Clawson, 54, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to wire fraud and to corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the administration of the internal revenue laws. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The government alleged that from about 2016 to 2021, Clawson used his businesses, Quantum Business Solutions and Endeavor Financial Insights, to defraud clients. Clawson offered accounting and tax preparation services to clients in Montana, Washington and Oklahoma, who were engaged in the cash-intensive medical marijuana industry. Clawson promised to assess the taxes owned by his clients and receive cash payments from them that he would use to pay his fees and the taxes they owed. Instead, Clawson paid only a small portion of the taxes his clients owed and used the remainder of the money on his personal expenses and unrelated debts. Through Clawson’s actions, his clients unknowingly fell behind in paying the taxes they owed. The government further alleged that between 2019 and 2020, one of Clawson’s clients came under IRS scrutiny because of unpaid taxes. An IRS revenue officer contacted the company as part of efforts to collect taxes owed. The company called Clawson, who was serving as its accountant. Clawson instructed the company not to communicate with the IRS officer and said he would take care of the reported issue. Clawson falsely told the IRS officer that the company had cash flow issues that were making it difficult for the company to pay its taxes. Clawson acted corruptly by making other false statements to the IRS officer on the company’s behalf that Clawson knew would impede the government’s tax collection efforts. Clawson did this to conceal his misappropriation of funds the company gave him to pay its taxes. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Hargrove is prosecuting the case. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Nashville Felon Sentenced to More Than 21 Years in Federal Prison for Multiple Carjacking and Weapons Offenses Committed While He Was on Pre-Trial Release

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

body_text: NASHVILLE – Estifanos Kumssa, 26, of Nashville, Tennessee, was sentenced earlier this week to 260 months in federal prison after having previously convicted after a jury trial on two counts of carjacking and two counts of possessing and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced Robert E. McGuire, Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. “This defendant was already released on bond in state court for a violent crime when he committed more violence, so it was critically important for us to step up to protect our community,” said Acting United States Attorney Robert E. McGuire. “This conviction and the serious sentence he received should illustrate our commitment to prosecuting violent offenders to the fullest extent and holding them accountable so they can’t victimize anyone else in our community.” "The FBI works closely with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to make sure those bringing violence to our streets are held accountable," said Special Agent in Charge Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office. "We will continue working together to make our communities a safe place to live, work, and raise a family." “Criminal defendants on pre-trial release who continue to victimize our community must be held accountable,” said Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake. “Our police department and the United States Attorney’s Office are watching closely for those situations, especially violent scenarios, and are working together to take appropriate action whenever possible.” On May 30, 2019, at approximately 3:25 p.m., an Uber driver (“Victim A”) was parked and smoking a cigarette in a parking lot in Antioch, Tennessee, as he waited for his next call to pick-up a passenger. Shortly after he parked, Kumssa and an accomplice approached Victim A’s car, Kumssa banged on the window with a pink and black handgun and demanded money. When Victim A replied that he did not have any money, Kumssa shoved his gun through the cracked window, took Victim A’s wallet, and demanded that Victim A get out of his car. Kumssa then got into the driver’s seat, unlocked the passenger door so his accomplice could get in, and fled the scene in Victim A’s car. Victim A later positively identified Kumssa as the person who shoved the gun through his window during the carjacking. Surveillance video from businesses in the area of the carjacking also showed Kumssa wearing a distinctive sweatshirt which he was still wearing when he was arrested. Less than six hours after the first carjacking, 911 operators were alerted to another carjacking at 2510 Murfreesboro Pike. There were two victims of this second carjacking, the owner of the vehicle (“Victim B”), who was cleaning a business at the time of the carjacking, and a second victim (“Victim C”) who sitting in the vehicle waiting for Victim B when Kumssa and his unidentified accomplice approached it. Victim C, who later positively identified the defendant, stated that Kumssa approached him with a pistol drawn, demanded the keys, and ordered Victim C to get out of the vehicle. Kumssa and his accomplice then got in the vehicle and fled the parking lot. A be-on-the-lookout (“BOLO”) alert was issued for the vehicle and an MNPD patrol officer observed the vehicle in a parking lot in the vicinity of Bell Forge Road and Bell Road, just 2.4 miles from the site of carjacking. MNPD officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the stolen vehicle, but it fled north along Bell Road where it was stopped by using spike strips. MNPD officers caught Kumssa after a short foot pursuit and recovered a distinctive pink and black firearm in the path of his flight from the vehicle. Before these carjackings, Kumssa had been convicted of three state felonies: (1) two counts of auto burglary from events that took place in September 2017; and (2) a carjacking that occurred in January 2018. The jury in the federal case convicted Kumssa of two counts of carjacking and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, the jury acquitted Kumssa of being a felon in possession of a firearm. At the time he committed these carjackings, Kumssa was on pre-trial release on an Especially Aggravated Robbery indictment in Davidson County Circuit Court. Following his term of imprisonment, Kumssa will be on supervised release for three years. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Nashville Field Office, and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Petro and Joshua Kurtzman prosecuted the case. # # # # #


title: Ohio Child Predator Sentenced to 15 Years’ Imprisonment for Kidnapping and Sexually Abusing a California Teen

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: ST. GEORGE, Utah – Ryan Gary Patch, 28, of Dayton, Ohio, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment today and a lifetime term of supervised release after he kidnapped and sexually abused a 15-year-old girl that he met on Instagram, before he was captured and arrested in Cedar City, Utah. The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Ann Marie McIff Allen, comes after Patch pleaded guilty on March 27, 2025, to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. As part of his sentence, the court ordered Patch to pay $11,093.15 in restitution to the victim. According to court documents and statements made at Patch’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on July 24, 2024, the Cedar City Police Department received a call of an abducted minor being transported through Utah. According to the reporting party, the 15-year-old victim was taken from her home in California in the early morning hours of July 24, 2024, and was being transported to Ohio. The victim contacted her family from a newly created Instagram account on a newly gifted iPad and provided them information on her whereabouts. The victim’s phone was previously broken and disposed of by Patch before he took her from California. He also told the victim to factory reset various electronic devices and deleted their respective Snapchat and Instagram accounts. Based on the provided victim’s location, officers in Cedar City responded and found a car matching the description the victim had provided. In the car, officers found a teenage girl in the back seat and an adult male in the front seat, later identified as Patch, who appeared to be sleeping. Patch repeatedly claimed the girl was his sister, but after speaking to her, officers confirmed she was the victim they were looking for. Patch was arrested and officers found child sexual abuse materials depicting the victim on an iPad in the vehicle. Investigators also executed search warrants on Snapchat accounts known to belong to Patch and the victim. Both accounts contained child pornography depicting the victim and Patch’s plans to “come get” the victim. Patch’s account also had messages and explicit photograph exchanges with other accounts that appeared to belong to underage minors. “It was only due to the victim’s technological savvy and quick thinking that Patch’s terrifying plan was undone. Nonetheless, his abduction of the victim has inflicted trauma no one should have to endure,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. Communities are safer with defendants like Patch behind bars, and it is our hope that the victim and her family can continue to heal knowing justice is being served.” The case was investigated jointly by the Utah Department of Public Safety: Utah Highway Patrol (UHP), State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and the Cedar City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Burton and Brady Wilson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah 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 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 .


title: 27 Convicted as Part of Drug Trafficking Organization Directed from Oklahoma Prisons Using Contraband Cell Phones

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: One Defendant Received Life Sentence and 26 Others to Serve Nearly 235 Years Collectively OKLAHOMA CITY – ZACHARY CLARK , 35, BRANDON HORNE , 42, and JOHNNY ROSS , 32, all inmates in the custody of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections, have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in directing a major methamphetamine drug-trafficking organization from behind prison walls, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. As a result of a two-year-long investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBN), law enforcement seized approximately 90 kilograms of methamphetamine, 22 firearms, and nearly $350,000 in drug proceeds. The investigation also led to the arrests of 27 individuals throughout Oklahoma. All 27 individuals have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced to serve nearly 235 years collectively, in addition to one life term, in federal prison. “Inmates using contraband cell phones behind prison walls orchestrated an entire network to traffic deadly poison in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Dismantling this operation required a united front between federal and state agencies, committed to stop the flow of drugs and hold the traffickers accountable. I commend the diligent work of law enforcement and prosecutors to destroy this criminal network.” “The arrest, conviction and sentencing of members of this organization and its leadership has undoubtedly made neighborhoods throughout Oklahoma a safer place for our children and families,” said Joseph B. Tucker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of DEA Dallas. “The DEA will continue to work hand in hand with our state and local law enforcement partners to hold those distributing poison in our communities accountable for their actions.” “The results from this investigation have no doubt saved lives. These individuals were responsible for orchestrating the distribution of large shipments of meth onto the streets of Oklahoma while behind bars,” said OBN Director Donnie Anderson. “As meth continues to be one of Oklahoma’s leading killers, my agency is committed to working with our state and federal partners to arrest and prosecute those who threaten the safety of our citizens.” According to public record, in early 2024, Ross, Clark, and Horne were all inmates in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (ODOC). Despite being incarcerated, Ross, Clark, and Horne were all able to run a significant drug trafficking organization (DTO) with connections to the Irish Mob Gang, through the use of contraband cell phones. They relied on individuals who were not incarcerated to facilitate the distribution of the drugs—mainly methamphetamine—and collection of drug proceeds. Ross was indicted by a federal Grand Jury on April 16, 2024, for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Clark and Horne were separately indicted by a federal Grand Jury about a month later, on May 21, 2024, also for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Clark, Horne, and Ross each pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy, and 24 other individuals have been charged in related cases in federal court with a mixture of drug and firearm offenses. The defendants charged and sentenced as a result of this investigation include: Zachary Clark was sentenced to life in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy. Brandon Horne was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy. Johnny Ross was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy. Tiffany Manovsky , 42, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for two counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Jerry Ward , 54, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy Mondale Larue Golston , 33, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Kelly Dwayne Russell , 43, was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy and being a felon in possession of firearms. Sarah Christine Annesley , 39, was sentenced to 165 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Teresa Denise Dill , 34, was sentenced to 132 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of firearms. Logan Eugene Stapleton , 36, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Ronni Kita-Jean Love , 36, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy. Jennifer Delacy Smith , 44, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine. Armando Neri , 43, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of firearms. Troy Hickey , 35, was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of methamphetamine. Sharla Jo Cummins , 39, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Sarah Deanne Fryhover , 37, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Tina Jane Combes , 49, was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. James Buchannon Wiyninger , 50, was sentenced to 80 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for drug conspiracy. Tabitha Sue Frair , 40, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of firearms. Gloria Leshell Bills , 30, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Clayton Frank Adcock , 47, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. James Russell Kearney , 54, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Carlos Alfredo Herrera Jimenez , 31, was sentenced to 44 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, for drug conspiracy. Jacqueline Lynette Aguilar Avila , 43, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. William Ray Cooper , 51, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Tera Michell Warren , 39, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Emily Walker , 38, was sentenced to a five-year term of federal probation for drug conspiracy and being a drug user in possession of firearms. This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. It is a part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Anderson, Jason Harley, and David McCrary prosecuted the above cases. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Previously Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possession of Pistol While on Pretrial Release

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Andre Jamar Turman, 34, of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 28 months in federal prison for being a previously convicted felon in possession of a loaded Haskell Model JS-45 pistol while he was on probation and on pretrial release for multiple cases, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Turman pleaded guilty on Dec. 17, 2024, to the indictment charging him with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. In addition to the 28-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb ordered Turman to serve three years of supervised release. Joining in the announcement were U.S. Marshal Robert Dixon of D.C. Superior Court, and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) According to court documents, on May 4, 2023, Deputy U.S. Marshals and MPD detectives were searching for Turman due to numerous bench warrants out of D.C. Superior Court as well as an outstanding arrest warrant. At about 11:30 a.m., officers spotted and arrested Turman on the 2400 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, SE, near Twining Square Park. A Deputy U.S. Marshal patted down the right front pants pocket and recovered a loaded Haskell Model JS-45 pistol. The firearm was not registered in the District of Columbia. In addition, the firearm previously had been reported as stolen. Turman was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had been previously convicted of carrying a pistol without a license and sentenced to more than a year in prison. At the time of his arrest, he was on probation and pretrial release for multiple cases—including release in another firearm case in Maryland. This case was investigated by the MPD and U.S. Marshals. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shezhad Akhtar and Chrisellen Rebecca Kolb. 23cr171


title: Lexington Woman Sentenced for Impeding the Arrest of a Fugitive

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Lexington, Ky., woman, Xochitl Sonia Navarro, 45, was sentenced on Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove to 36 months in prison, for assaulting, resisting, or impeding federal officers in the performance of their official duties. According to Navarro’s plea agreement, on October 8, 2024, ICE-ERO officers began an operation to arrest Jorge Iban Cuellar-Avendano, a citizen of Mexico who had illegally re-entered the United States. Cuellar-Avendano had previously evaded arrest by fleeing in a vehicle. On this occasion, officers observed the fugitive and Navarro, the driver, get into the vehicle. When officers approached the vehicle, Navarro refused to open its doors, and attempted to evade the officers by lunging, accelerating and attempting to flee. In doing so, three officers suffered cuts, abrasions, and bruising; one officer was knocked to the ground and dragged by the vehicle, causing deep lacerations on both arms. Officers ultimately had to break the window to stop the vehicle. Under federal law, Navarro must serve 85 percent of her prison sentence. Upon her release from prison, she will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Separately, Cuellar-Avendano was sentenced to 12 months in prison for illegal reentry into the United States after a prior deportation or removal, and will be subject to deportation following service of his sentence. Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Sam Olson, Director, Department of Homeland Security, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, (ICE-ERO) Chicago Field Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by ICE-ERO. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Walker is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Armed Fentanyl And Methamphetamine Trafficker Is Sentenced To Over 24 Years In Prison

body_text: ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Kyle Heath Clark, 38, of Candler, N.C., was sentenced today to 295 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for drug and gun charges, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. According to court documents and court proceedings, between June 2023 to February 2024, Clark trafficked fentanyl and methamphetamine in Buncombe County and surrounding areas. During the investigation, law enforcement seized from Clark’s vehicles, his storage unit, his hotel room, and from his person 11 total firearms, including an AR-type rifle, ammunition, over 64 grams of fentanyl and 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine, digital scales, drug paraphernalia, and over $25,900 in cash. Clark has multiple prior felony convictions, and he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. On February 10, 2025, Clark pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a felon. He remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending placement by the federal Bureau of Prisons. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina, the Asheville Police Department, the Waynesville Police Department, the Cherokee Indian Police Department, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, the Transylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the Haywood County Sheriff’s Office, the Swain County Sheriff’s Office, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina for their investigation of the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher S. Hess of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Asheville prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Federal Grand Jury in Chicago Indicts Five Individuals for Alleged Covid-Relief Fraud

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: CHICAGO – A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted five individuals for allegedly fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in small business loans and other benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act. GEORGE KAVROULAKIS, ATHANASIOS INTZES, ADAM JABER, HASSAN KURDI, and ABDALLAH ISSA engaged in fraud related to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan program (EIDL), and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program (PUA)—three sources of relief under the CARES Act, according to an indictment unsealed this week in the Northern District of Illinois. The indictment charges Kavroulakis, 33, of Tinley Park, Ill., with nine counts of wire fraud; Intzes, 35, of Orland Park, Ill., with five counts of wire fraud; Jaber, 34, of Chicago, with nine counts of wire fraud; Kurdi, 35, of Chicago, with four counts of wire fraud; and Issa, 26, of Tinley Park, Ill., with four counts of wire fraud. Each count is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges. A status hearing is scheduled for Aug. 14, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Lindsay C. Jenkins. The indictment alleges that the defendants defrauded lenders and the U.S. Small Business Administration of millions of dollars in PPP loans and EIDL funds. In 2020 and 2021, the defendants submitted numerous fraudulent applications on behalf of themselves, other individuals, and corporate entities purportedly owned by some of the defendants, the indictment states. The applications contained materially false statements and misrepresentations about the defendants’ companies, including the number of purported employees, revenue and payroll amounts, and other expenses, the indictment states. The indictment further accuses Kavroulakis, Jaber, and Intzes of causing the disbursement of approximately $750,000 in fraudulent PUA benefits in Illinois and California. The defendants obtained the PUA benefits by submitting materially false statements and misrepresentations regarding the unemployment status of themselves and others, the indictment states. Much of the fraud proceeds was used for the defendants’ personal benefit, including the purchase of multiple Mercedes-Benz vehicles and a Rolex Submariner watch, the indictment states. The indictment 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, Robert Collins, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Central Region, Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General, and Megan Howell, Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward A. Liva, Jr. and Beth E. Palmer. The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Anyone with information about attempted fraud involving Covid-19 is encouraged to report it to the Department of Justice by calling the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or filing an online complaint at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . kavroulakis_et_al_indictment.pdf


title: Nurse indicted for deceptively obtaining Percocet and Oxycodone

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging a Missouri woman with illegally obtaining controlled narcotics. According to court documents, Brooke Haller, 40, of Kansas City, Missouri, is charged with four counts of possession of a controlled substance by deception and subterfuge. Haller, a nurse, allegedly obtained Percocet and Oxycodone through misrepresentation and fraud. The defendant made her initial court appearance on July 25, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Angel D. Mitchell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra is prosecuting the case. 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: Man Sentenced to Eleven Years in Prison for Robbing Taxi and Rideshare Drivers in Chicago

body_text: CHICAGO — A man who robbed two taxi drivers and a rideshare driver at gunpoint in Chicago has been sentenced to eleven years in federal prison. ANTHONY REED committed the violent robberies within a week in February 2022. In each of the robberies, Reed threatened to kill the driver if they did not hand over their money and other belongings. During one of the robberies, Reed used the butt of his gun to hit the driver in the head. The robberies were as follows: Feb. 4, 2022: Reed stole a tablet and cell phone from a Flash Cab taxi driver. Feb. 5, 2022: Reed stole $120 in cash, a tablet, and cell phone from a Flash Cab taxi driver. Feb. 8, 2022: Reed stole a wallet containing $200 to $400 in cash, as well as a cell phone and jacket from an Uber driver. Reed, 28, of Chicago, has been in law enforcement custody since his arrest in 2022. He pleaded guilty earlier this year to three counts of robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp, Jr. sentenced Reed to eleven years in federal prison. The 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. “Over the course of only four days, defendant robbed three victims at gunpoint while the victims were doing their job,” Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret A. Steindorf and Paul Schied argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “A significant sentence is warranted to protect the public from defendant’s criminal appetite and deter defendant from committing future violent acts.”


title: Man Convicted for Stabbing Metro Transit Police Sergeant in the Face

body_text: WASHINGTON – Erik Schleehauf, 43, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty today for actions stemming from his April 15, 2025, attack on a Metro Transit Police Sergeant, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. After a jury trial in Superior Court, Schleehauf was found guilty of one count each of assault of a police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with serious bodily injury. The Honorable Robert Salerno scheduled sentencing for October 3, 2025. “The conviction of this defendant, who violently stabbed a Metro Transit Officer for legally pursuing him after he refused to pay his Metro fare, is a perfect example of the violent behavior that will not be tolerated here in the District,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. “This violent attack while people are commuting using the transit system threatens the safety of everyone in our communities, and, in this case, the brave transit officer, severely injured in this attack, who was just doing his job.” At around 2:26 p.m., on April 15, 2025, at the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro Station, an MTPD Sergeant observed Schleehauf evade his fare by jumping over the glass gates on his way out of the Metro Transit System. The MTPD Sergeant followed the defendant as he tried to leave the station using the escalator. After Schleehauf refused to provide his identification and ignored the MTPD Sergeant’s efforts to stop him, the MTPD Sergeant deployed OC spray. Schleehauf pulled out a sharpened metal bolt, placed it between his knuckles and swung repeatedly at the MTPD Sergeant. Schleehauf repeatedly stabbed MTPD Sergeant in the face, causing puncture wounds in his cheek and lower jaw—just above his neck, which resulted in nerve damage that continues to this day. Schleehauf was arrested at the scene. Joining in the announcement was Chief Michael Anzallo of the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). This case was investigated by the Metro Transit Police Department and the Metropolitan Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck.


title: Postal Employee Pleads Guilty To COVID Relief Fraud

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Kenneth Tyrone Jackson (59, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to COVID relief. Jackson faces up to 20 years in federal prison. He is also facing a forfeiture order of $19,333, which represents the proceeds he obtained through this offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, during the COVID pandemic, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) offered loans to small businesses under the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Between March 18 and April 1, 2021, Jackson devised a scheme to defraud the SBA by applying for a PPP loan with false representations. Jackson claimed that he owned a landscaping business that made $99,675 in 2019, which was not true. Jackson also provided the SBA with a fraudulent IRS tax form as proof of this reported income. Based on his false representations, Jackson fraudulently received a $19,333 loan from the SBA. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID can report it by visiting the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www. justice. gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.


title: Ocala Man Pleads Guilty To Attempting To Transfer Obscene Material To A Minor

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Nicholas Robert Davis (30, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor. Davis faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is set for August 22, 2025. According to court documents, during an undercover operation on July 24, 2024, a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agent posed as a 13-year-old girl (UC) and received a message on an online social media platform from Davis. After learning the UC’s age, Davis and an undercover detective from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, also posing as the minor, had a video call. Davis exposed his genitalia during the call and, afterward, engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the UC. He also sent the UC an explicit video himself. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Worcester Psychiatrist Sentenced for Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substances

body_text: BOSTON – A Worcester psychiatrist was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally prescribing controlled substances. Mohamad Och, 69, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to four years of probation and ordered to pay a $30,000 fine. In November 2023 , Och was convicted following an 11-day jury trial of three counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. Och was a licensed psychiatrist who owned and operated Island Counseling Center (ICC), in Worcester, Mass., and has practiced psychiatry elsewhere in Massachusetts, including Nantucket. Among other services, Och was authorized to prescribe Schedule II-IV controlled substances to patients. Och repeatedly prescribed a combination of benzodiazepines and stimulants outside of the usual course of professional practice and not for a legitimate medical purpose. Specifically, on multiple occasions between August 2016 and February 2017, Och knowingly issued prescriptions for Adderall (a Schedule II amphetamine) and Xanax (a Schedule IV benzodiazepine) to undercover federal agents. Evidence at trial showed that amphetamines have a high potential for abuse and present serious cardiovascular risks. Evidence also showed the risks presented by mixing Xanax, a depressant, with a stimulant like Adderall. Och prescribed such highly-addictive medications without doing proper psychiatric examinations, without obtaining prior medical records, and without administering diagnostic tests (including urinalyses or blood tests) – even when faced with facts that the undercover patients may have been participating in drug diversion. Furthermore, the defendant did not discuss or review medication side effects, their conditions’ symptoms, or the risks and benefits of taking drugs like Adderall and Xanax with the undercover agents – despite documenting in medical records that he had done so. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Special Agent in Charge Roberto Coviello of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John T. Mulcahy and Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Marina Tusca Brooks Stewart (62, Groveland) has pleaded guilty to wire fraud related to COVID relief. Stewart faces up to 20 years in federal prison. She is also facing a forfeiture order of $10,000, which represents the proceeds she obtained through this offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to court documents, during the COVID pandemic, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) offered Targeted Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Advances that did not need to be repaid. The advances were for small businesses that were in low-income communities and received a reduction in revenue of more than 30% during an eight-week period. Between June 28 and 30, 2020, Brooks devised a scheme to defraud the SBA by electronically applying for an EIDL advance and providing false representations in her application. Based on her false representations, Stewart fraudulently received a $10,000 EIDL advance. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by visiting the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice. gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.


title: Worcester Man Pleads Guilty to Exploiting Minors

body_text: BOSTON – A Worcester man pleaded guilty today to sexually exploiting three minor females. Antonio Merced, 28, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of possession of child pornography before U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman, who scheduled sentencing for Nov. 21, 2025. Merced was charged in November 2024. He remains in state custody on related offenses. In July 2024, Merced exposed two minor victims to pornography and sex toys, and a subsequent investigation resulted in the discovery of multiple videos the defendant produced. Merced admitted to using three minors to create sexually explicit videos on three dates in 2023 and 2024. Merced was arrested in September 2024 and subsequently charged in Worcester District Court with three counts of dissemination of obscene material to a minor, and one count each of open and gross lewdness and lascivious behavior, dissemination of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), intimidation, enticing a child under 16 and two counts of aggravated rape of a child. The charge of sexual exploitation of a minor provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession of child pornography provides for a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Worcester Police Chief Paul B. Saucier made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Noto of the Worcester Branch Office is prosecuting 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: Jamestown woman sentenced for her role in drug conspiracy

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Holly Berenguer, 43, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, was sentenced to time serve and four years’ supervised release by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti, who handled the case, stated on September 5, 2021, a Jamestown Police Officer arrested Berenguer on an active bench warrant for failure to appear in Jamestown City Court. While she was being processed, police personnel discovered a white powdery substance and $450 hidden in Berenguer’s clothes. The substances field tested positive for heroin and methamphetamine. As part of the conspiracy, between September 2020, and September 2021, Berenguer distributed large amounts of heroin and fentanyl in the Jamestown area. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Timothy Jackson and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino.


title: Wainwright man arrested, charged with child exploitation offenses

component: USAO - Alaska

body_text: A Wainwright man was arrested by the FBI yesterday at his residence on criminal charges related to his alleged attempted enticement of minors in his community to meet for sexual contact. He also allegedly received and possessed child pornography and attempted to entice minors to produce child pornography. U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Alaska According to court documents, on Oct. 22, 2024, the North Slope Borough Police Department took a complaint from a 15-year-old minor victim about Robert Segevan, 31, allegedly requesting sexually explicit pictures from the minor victim on a digital messaging application. Two other minor victims also allegedly received the same request from Segevan. The 15-year-old victim stated Segevan started messaging them in 2023. Anytime they would attempt to block him, he would allegedly create a new account on the messaging application and continue to ask for sexually explicit pictures. Court documents explain that on Nov. 7, 2024, the North Slope Borough Police Department received a report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) detailing that a user account, later identified as Segevan’s, on the digital messaging platform was flagged for child sexual abuse material. The tip detailed Segevan asking a fourth minor victim to meet for sexual contact. Court documents further detail that on Nov. 14, 2024, the North Slope Borough received a search warrant return from the digital messaging application for two of Segevan’s usernames. Law enforcement reviewed the return and identified several sexually explicit pictures sent from a fifth minor victim. On Dec. 24, 2024, North Slope Borough Police Department executed a search warrant on Segevan’s home in Wainwright and seized electronic devices. These devices are still being processed. On June 30, 2025, the FBI received a complaint that Segevan allegedly asked one of the previously identified minor victims for pictures of their body, and that he was allegedly harassing several minors in the Wainright community for pictures of their bodies. Segevan is charged with one count of receipt of child pornography, one count of attempted enticement of a minor, one count of possession of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography. If convicted, Segevan faces between 15 years to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Anchorage Field Office and North Slope Borough Police Department are investigating the case, with assistance from Anchorage Police Department as part of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. If anyone has information concerning Segevan’s alleged actions or may have encountered someone in person or online using the name or username Robert Segevan, Ethan Allen, “tukak,” “robertsegevan20,” or “robertsegevan24,” please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carly Vosacek is prosecuting 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 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Marshall County Man Convicted of Methamphetamine and Firearms Charges

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A Moundsville, West Virginia man was convicted today by a federal jury of methamphetamine trafficking and a firearms violation. Joseph William Alfred, also known as “Chris,” age 50, was found guilty of distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine, attempted possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a firearm, and failure to appear. The evidence at trial established that a package containing more than two pounds of methamphetamine and postmarked for Alfred’s address was intercepted by the United States Postal Service. It had been mailed from an address in California. A subsequent search warrant executed at Alfred’s home resulted in the seizure of more controlled substances, a firearm, ammunition, cash, and drug paraphernalia. Alfred is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior felony drug conviction. “I commend the law enforcement agencies and the prosecutors for their outstanding efforts in this case. There should be no doubt that, as part of Operation Take Back America, we will continue to aggressively stop the flow of drugs into our communities and our country. We will pursue the most serious charges and penalties for all those who test our resolve,” said Acting United States Attorney Randolph J. Bernard. During the pretrial phase, Alfred was released on home confinement with electronic monitoring. Alfred cut off the monitoring device and failed to appear for his federal court hearing in April 2024. Alfred faces 5 to 40 years in prison for the distribution charge, 10 years to life for the attempted possession charge, up to 15 years for the firearms charge, and up to 10 years for the failure to appear charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clayton Reid and Carly Nogay prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. This case was investigated by the Ohio Valley Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the United States Postal Service; and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police. Operation Take Back America, is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). U.S. District Judge Thomas E. Johnston presided over the trial.


title: Colombian National Pleads Guilty To Orchestrating Scheme To Submit Fraudulent Asylum Applications

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO – Carlos Adolfo Haeckermann Cardenas pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to orchestrating in a scheme to submit dozens of false and fraudulent asylum applications to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Haeckermann, 62, a Colombian national residing in Doral, Fla., was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 13, 2024. Under the plea agreement, Haeckermann pleaded guilty to all four counts in the indictment, which each charge him with aiding and abetting a false statement on an immigration document, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1546(a) and 2. In pleading guilty, Haeckermann admitted he operated a business, first in Colombia and then in the United States, in which he charged fees to guide Colombian nationals through the visa and asylum application processes, including by telling his clients what to say on their applications and in their interviews to gain permission to travel to, or to remain in, the United States. Specifically, Haeckermann frequently instructed his visa-applicant clients to inflate their professional status and business interests in, and their personal connections to, Colombia to deceive U.S. immigration officers into believing the applicants would return to Colombia without overstaying their visas. He also often embellished—and, in some cases, outright concocted—his asylum-applicant clients’ stories of persecution in Colombia to deceive U.S. immigration officers and to bolster his clients’ chances of being granted asylum in the United States. The four counts to which Haeckermann pleaded guilty related to asylum applications submitted by four of Haeckermann’s clients between November 2019 and May 2020. With respect to those four applications, Haeckermann made up a story of alleged political persecution that he recycled among each of the four applicants after changing inconsequential details. At Haeckermann’s urging and direction, all four of these applicants included the falsified story in their asylum applications. Haeckermann admitted that he also worked on dozens of other fraudulent asylum applications. United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Criminal Fraud Investigations Branch Chief Jeff Rusinek made the announcement. Haeckermann was released on bond. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 5, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. before U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria. Haeckermann faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine on each count. Any sentence will be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Parker is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lance Libatique. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by DSS and USCIS.


title: San Antonio man sentenced to 41 months for transporting illegal aliens in open truck bed

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 37-year-old San Antonio resident has been ordered to federal prison for transporting 10 illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Jonathan Ray Balderas pleaded guilty Feb. 6. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered Balderas to serve 41 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court considered images showing the substantial risk of death or bodily injury Balderas created by transporting eight of the 10 aliens in the open bed of his truck, covered only by a thin tarp. The court also considered the loaded pistol found on Balderas’s waistband and communications indicating his involvement in other smuggling events. “Placing human beings in the back of a truck under a tarp while carrying a loaded firearm shows a blatant disregard for life and the law. All it would have taken is a single driver error to cause multiple people to lose their lives,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas will bring to justice anybody who seeks to make a quick buck through unlawful and dangerous and smuggling operations.” “Human smuggling is a serious federal crime that endangers lives and threatens the security of our communities,” said Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig S. Larrabee. “HSI in close coordination with our partners at U.S. Border Patrol, is committed to dismantling smuggling networks and holding individuals accountable for their actions. The arrest of Jonathan Balderas and the recovery of 10 smuggled aliens underscores the importance of our continued efforts to combat this dangerous criminal activity and bring offenders to justice.” On Nov. 18, 2024, law enforcement observed Balderas’s truck attempting to circumvent the U.S. Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint at the 29-mile marker of Interstate Highway 35. Authorities noticed the outline of people inside the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. As they approached, they observed shoes protruding out from under the tarp. Authorities discovered eight illegal aliens in the truck’s open bed and two more hiding inside. The aliens were citizens of Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Balderas will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. ICE-HSI and BP conducted the investigation with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Game Wardens. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tae W. Chon prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: Founder of Punjabi Devils Motorcycle Club Stockton Charged with Firearms Offenses, including Unlawfully Possessing a Machine Gun

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Jashanpreet Singh, 26, of Lodi, charging him with unlawful dealing of firearms; unlawful possession of a machine gun; and possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced. According to court documents, Singh was the founder of the “Punjabi Devils” Motorcycle Club, a Stockton based outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG) associated with the Hells Angels. On June 6, 2025, Singh attempted to sell several weapons to an undercover officer, including a short-barreled rifle, three other assault weapons, three machine gun conversion devices, and a revolver. A subsequent search of Singh’s residence resulted in the discovery of additional firearms, including a machine gun, another machine gun conversion device, and a silencer. Firearms (including machine guns and a short-barreled rifle), firearms parts (including a silencer and high-capacity drum magazines) and other items seized from Singh’s vehicle and residence on June 6, 2025 Officers also discovered a single “pineapple”-style capped and fused hand grenade, as well as what law enforcement believed was a military electronic capped “claymore” mine. The Explosives Ordinance Detail of the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department bomb team destroyed these items at the scene. Singh was initially facing state charges in San Joaquin County related to these offenses. On July 21, 2025, he failed to appear at a court appearance and the state court issued a bench warrant for his arrest. On July 23, 2025, the FBI received an alert from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection that Singh had booked a ticket to India and was scheduled to depart from the San Francisco International Airport on July 26, 2025. On that date, officers located and arrested Singh at the airport before he could flee. Singh remains in federal custody. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; Enforcement and Removal Operations; Homeland Security Investigations; the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office; the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Ordinance Detail; the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit; the Stockton Police Department; and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex Cárdenas and Adrian Kinsella are prosecuting the case. If convicted of unlawful dealing in firearms, Singh faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of possession and transfer of a machine gun, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and if convicted of unlawful possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle, he faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 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 U.S. Department of Justice 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: Tracy Man Pleads Guilty for his Role in Murder-for-Hire Plot

body_text: Shaminderjit Singh Sandhu, 51, of Tracy, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to use interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder for hire, Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez announced. According to court documents, Sandhu conspired with Jagninder Singh Boparai, 49, of Manteca, and Ramesh Kumar Birla Jr., 47, of Dublin, to murder Victim 2. In February 2023, Boparai, Sandhu, and Birla repeatedly met with a person they believed to be a hitman at a Starbucks in Manteca. Unbeknownst to Singh and his co-defendants throughout their interactions, the hitman was a confidential informant working for the FBI. On Feb. 17, 2024, Boparai told the supposed hitman that the first job involved the assault of Victim 1, and once he proved his trustworthiness, he would be given another job. The following day, Boparai met the confidential informant again and offered to pay $6,000 for the assault of Victim 1. In March 2023, in the presence of Birla and another individual, Boparai met with the confidential informant, and Boparai gave the confidential informant $1,000 as a down payment for the assault. After more time had passed, the confidential informant showed Boparai a staged photo of Victim l lying on the ground covered in bruises, dirt, and blood to indicate the assault had occurred. Boparai said he liked the photo and told the confidential informant that he had two other “jobs,” one of which involved robbing a business, and the other involved making a person “disappear.” According to court documents, in March 2023, Boparai met with the confidential informant to pay the confidential informant $10,000 as a down payment for the murder of Victim 2. Sandhu provided Victim 2’s address, and Boparai instructed the confidential informant that Victim 2 must disappear without any evidence remaining. Boparai then made two calls to Birla asking for Victim 2’s Facebook profile. Boparai subsequently received a Facebook profile picture of Victim 2, which he showed to the confidential informant. On March 24, 2023, Sandhu and Birla met with the confidential informant in a parking lot in Manteca. Sandhu and Birla claimed that Boparai was out of town, but Boparai was observed by surveillance remaining in a car in the same parking lot. Sandhu and Birla instructed the confidential informant to kill Victim 2 and take Victim 2’s remains to Mexico in a suitcase. All three defendants were arrested on March 31, 2023, and are currently in federal custody. This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the California Highway Patrol, the Ceres Police Department, the Dublin Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, the Lathrop Police Department, the Modesto Police Department, the San Joaquin County Probation Office, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, the Stockton Police Department, the Tracy Police Department, the Turlock Police Department, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adrian T. Kinsella and Kevin Khasigian are prosecuting the case. Sandhu is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 13, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta. Sandhu faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. Boparai pleaded guilty for his role in the offense on Jan. 23, 2025, and is pending sentencing on Aug. 7, 2025. He faces the same penalties as Sandhu. Birla is scheduled for a further status conference on Oct. 23, 2025. If convicted, he faces the same penalties as Sandhu and Boparai. As to Birla, the charges are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Burbank Man Found Guilty of Federal Criminal Charges for Embezzling $2.2 Million in Money and Property Left to Elderly Victim

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: SANTA ANA, California – A San Fernando Valley man was found guilty by a jury today of embezzling approximately $2.2 million from an estate left to an elderly victim by the victim’s late brother. Jamal Nathan Dawood, 54, a.k.a. “Jimmy Dawood,” of Burbank, was found guilty of six counts of wire fraud and nine counts of money laundering. According to evidence presented at a seven-day trial, during the second half of 2019, Dawood offered to assist the victim with the management of real estate properties and retirement savings that the victim had inherited from the victim’s deceased brother. Specifically, Dawood helped the victim open a trust account at a bank for the purpose of managing the retirement savings. Without the victim’s knowledge or authorization, Dawood then initiated wire and online banking transfers from the victim’s trust account to Dawood-controlled accounts. Without the victim’s knowledge or permission, Dawood also wired money from the victim’s trust account to people with whom Dawood had personal and business relationships. Dawood convinced the victim to transfer ownership of his home and his late brother’s real estate holdings to various companies. Dawood falsely represented that the victim would retain an ownership interest in his residence and the inherited real estate through these companies. In fact, Dawood and other individuals close to him controlled these companies. In total, Dawood fraudulently obtained at least $2,202,688 in the victim’s money and property. The illicitly obtained funds were used to purchase real estate in La Crescenta and Fontana. United States District Judge James V. Selna scheduled a December 8 sentencing hearing, at which time Dawood will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count and up to 10 years in federal prison for each money laundering count. The FBI investigated this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Kristin N. Spencer and Melissa S. Rabbani of the Orange County Office are prosecuting this case. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 3 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific Time. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. Information about the Department of Justice’s Elder Fraud Initiative is available at www.justice.gov/elderjustice .