title: Two Defendants Indicted for Forced Labor, Victim Tampering, Aggravated Identity Theft, Mail Fraud, and Wire Fraud involving Yakima and Benton County H-2A Workers

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: YAKIMA, Washington – Two individuals from the Yakima area have been indicted by a federal grand jury for illegally transporting over 100 temporary foreign agricultural workers over the border of the United States and engaging in both forced labor practices and victim tampering. Cesar Jamie Rebolledo Diaz and Socorro Ramos, both of Yakima, Washington, were charged in a ten-count Indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Yakima, Washington, on February 11, 2026. The United States Marshal Service and other law enforcement agencies are currently attempting to execute the arrest warrants for both Rebolledo Diaz and Ramos. The federal Indictment alleges that Rebolledo Diaz and Ramos fraudulently obtained 103 temporary work visas under the H-2A program by falsely representing they both worked for Marquez Farms LLC, in Wapato Washington, on documentation submitted to the United States Department of Labor, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the United States Department of State. Additionally, Ramos fraudulently held herself out to the public, while working to obtain temporary work visas, as the co-owner of Marquez Farms LLC. The Indictment further alleges Rebolledo Diaz and Ramos recruited foreign laborers from Mexico under false pretenses of providing a temporary paying job at Marquez Farms LLC, which they promised included adequate housing, food, paid travel and visas, and predictable location and hours of work. Rebolledo Diaz and Ramos then transported 103 foreign laborers from the border of the United States and Mexico to the Eastern District of Washington. This transportation was done in overcrowded school buses with no available air conditioning or water. Upon arriving in the Eastern District of Washington, some of the workers found themselves without the work promised, and others found themselves working for no pay. Moreover, the workers were not consistently provided food or adequate housing facilities. The Federal Indictment alleges that when authorities from the state of Washington began to investigate how Rebolledo Diaz and Ramos were treating the foreign laborers in their employ, Rebolledo Diaz and Ramos instructed the foreign laborers to remain silent and to report on foreign laborers who were interacting with state investigators. First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano stated, “My office is committed to seeking justice for these vulnerable victims and protecting the integrity of a federal program vital to the success of our agricultural sector in the Eastern District of Washington.” Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito said, “The Office of Inspector General is unwavering in our commitment to protect the integrity of the Department of Labor’s Foreign Labor Certification programs. When bad actors exploit vulnerable workers or attempt to game the system, we investigate, we expose, and we hold them accountable. At the same time, we safeguard the U.S. employers who follow the law and play by the rules. We will continue working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure these programs serve legitimate labor needs — not criminal enterprises. Fraud will not be tolerated. Accountability is not optional.” The charges contained in this Indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Courtney R. Pratten, Jeremy J. Kelley, and Tyler H.L. Tornabene. They were investigated by the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service.


title: Four Defendants Charged via Superseding Indictment for Fraud and Exploitation-Related Federal Offenses involving Yakima and Benton County H-2A Workers

body_text: YAKIMA, Washington – Four individuals from the Yakima and Tri-Cities area have been charged via Superseding Indictment by a federal grand jury for fraudulently obtaining temporary work visas (H-2A visas) and subsequently unlawfully transporting over 500 temporary foreign laborers over the United States/Mexico border and into the Eastern District of Washington. Francisco Rodriguez Martel, his wife Esmeralda Rodriguez, and Erica Cisneros, all from the Tri-Cities area, and Giovanna Sierra Carrillo, of Yakima, were charged in a fifty-one count Superseding Indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Yakima, Washington, on February 11, 2026. The Superseding Indictment alleges Rodriguez-Martel, Cisneros, and Carillo conspired to fraudulently obtain temporary work visas under the H-2A program by falsely representing to multiple federal agencies that approximately ten agricultural farms in Yakima and Benton Counties needed temporary foreign labor for crop seasons 2022, 2023, and 2024. The defendants operated their farm labor contract business under the name “Harvest Plus.” Rodriguez-Martel, Cisneros, and Carillo submitted documentation falsely representing Harvest Plus as a farm labor contractor for various farms located in Sunnyside, Goldendale, Pasco, Wapato, Yakima, and Prescott, Washington. These representations were made on paperwork submitted to the United States Department of Labor, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and the United States Department of State. By submitting fraudulent applications with bogus job locations, hours, and wages, and agreeing to provide food, approved housing, safety equipment, fair wages and hours (to include overtime), and coverage for injury or illness, the defendants successfully obtained hundreds of illegitimate temporary H-2A work visas. The Superseding Indictment also alleges Rodriguez-Martel, Cisneros, and Carillo recruited and lured foreign laborers from Mexico with promises of legal employment at various farms in the Eastern District of Washington, which included adequate housing, food, paid travel and visas, and predictable locations and hours of work. Upon arriving in the Eastern District of Washington, many workers found themselves performing non-approved domestic labor, working overtime without pay, were forced to work under extreme heat conditions without access to clean water, and were exposed to chemical pesticide agents without proper protection. Moreover, some laborers found themselves in overcrowded and unapproved housing with no access to kitchen facilities. Additionally, Rodriguez-Martel imposed mandatory illegal housing and food fees. The Superseding Indictment further alleges Rodriguez-Martel and Esmeralda Rodriguez threatened to call immigration authorities on, and Rodriguez-Martel threatened the physical safety of, the foreign laborers in the employ of Harvest Plus to ensure the foreign laborers did not alert the responsible Washington state agency about the illegal employment practices of the defendants. Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito said, “The Office of Inspector General is unwavering in our commitment to protect the integrity of the Department of Labor’s Foreign Labor Certification programs. When bad actors exploit vulnerable workers or attempt to game the system, we investigate, we expose, and we hold them accountable. At the same time, we safeguard the U.S. employers who follow the law and play by the rules. We will continue working with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to ensure these programs serve legitimate labor needs — not criminal enterprises. Fraud will not be tolerated. Accountability is not optional.” “The importance of this case cannot be understated,” said Pete Serrano, First Assistant United States Attorney. “When the United States Attorney’s office receives credible information from investigating agencies that stand as the basis for immigration fraud, we will charge these cases. The United States Attorney’s office will protect these vulnerable victims and the integrity of a vital federal programs, including the H-2A program which is critical to Eastern Washington’s agricultural successes” stated Serrano. The charges contained in this Superseding Indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Courtney R. Pratten, Jeremy J. Kelley, and Tyler H.L. Tornabene. They were investigated by the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and the Department of State Diplomatic Security Service.


title: Jury convicts Mexican national of human smuggling

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 63-year-old woman who resided in Penitas has been found guilty of transporting an illegal alien further into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The jury deliberated for approximately 25 minutes before convicting Ludivina Vasquez-Salinas following a one-day trial. On May 7, 2025, law enforcement encountered a white SUV with Vasquez-Salinas driving. Authorities initially observed three people in the vehicle, but the rear window soon went dark as if someone had covered it with a blanket or other item. The jury heard that Vasquez-Salinas claimed only she and her daughter were in the vehicle. However, testimony revealed authorities observed movement beneath a blanket on the rear floorboard. Vasquez-Salinas eventually admitted to law enforcement at the time that she knew there was an illegal alien in her vehicle and that she was transporting them past the checkpoint. The defense attempted to convince the jury that Vasquez-Salinas was tricked into transporting the illegal alien. The jury did not believe those claims and found her guilty as charged. U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and set sentencing for May 27. At that time, Vasquez-Salinas faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. She could also lose her status to reside in the United States. Vasquez-Salinas has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Griffith and Izaak Bruce are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Man from Netherlands sentenced to 20 years in prison for drug trafficking and money laundering

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: MISSOULA – A man from the Netherlands who trafficked more than ten kilograms of fentanyl into Montana and other states was sentenced today to 240 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Gerad Nigel Punch, 40, pleaded guilty in October 2025 to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to commit money laundering. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. “This defendant and his organization mailed a staggering quantity of drugs from Arizona to Montana and other states and laundered the proceeds,” said U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. “The sentence he received today sends a message to drug traffickers around the country that we will take the fight to them to keep Montana safe. I’m grateful to the lawyers and staff in our office and our law enforcement partners for working so hard to dismantle this criminal organization.” “This investigation and subsequent conviction are a great example of how we can work with our federal partners to keep Montana communities drug free. I’m especially proud of the work that was done by the Division of Criminal Investigation to get this poison off our streets,” Attorney General Austin Knudsen said. “As Attorney General, I will continue to use every resource available to the state to keep drugs out of our communities, criminals behind bars, and Montana safe.” “While the enforcement of our nation’s tax laws remains our top priority, IRS Criminal Investigation plays a critical role in the battle against narcotics trafficking as well,” said Amanda Prestegard, IRS-CI Denver Field Office Special Agent in Charge. “We target the illicit financial networks that fund these criminal organizations, and work side-by- side with our law enforcement partners to ensure drug traffickers cannot continue profiting from addiction and suffering in our communities.” “Today’s sentencing of Punch sends a clear message that those who traffic dangerous and deadly narcotics through our communities will be held accountable,” said Inspector in Charge Anthony Galetti. “The Postal Inspection Service along with our partners fights every day to keep these poisonous drugs from reaching communities across Montana. One pill, one gram, that’s all it takes to change the course of someone’s life. Removing someone like Punch from the streets is one step closer to the goal of ending this epidemic” “This investigation successfully dismantled a major drug trafficking and money laundering organization responsible for moving over 300,000 fentanyl pills into Montana in 2024 before they were arrested,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Deputy Special Agent in Charge for the Rocky Mountain Region Charles Engle. “HSI would like to thank all of its investigative partners for the outstanding work. The collaborative investigation led to charges against 14 defendants, making a significant impact on Montana and its communities.” The government alleged in court documents that Between February 2023 and March 2025, members of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) headed by Gerad Nigel Punch transported fentanyl into Montana for distribution. Punch and his coconspirators mailed and transported fentanyl from Phoenix, Arizona, for distribution to local dealers in Texas, Washington, and Montana. When the fentanyl arrived in Montana, Punch either directly distributed those drugs to local traffickers or arranged for other coconspirators to sell the drugs. Punch was paid several different ways for the drugs he provided, including through coconspirators depositing money in Montana bank accounts he controlled, but were opened in the names his coconspirators. Punch would then withdraw the funds the coconspirators deposited as payment for the drugs. Punch also utilized money transfer services, like Cash App and Western Union, to both receive and distribute money to further the DTO. During the investigation of Punch’s DTO, law enforcement seized over 10 kilograms of fentanyl. Punch was personally caught with over 2,000 grams of fentanyl, which he sold to an undercover officer in Butte in October 2024. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Lowney and Zeno Baucus prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, and the Southwest Montana Drug Task Force, which includes agents from the Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. XXX


title: Alleged Utah Child Predator and Creator of the “Squatty Potty” Indicted After Allegedly Receiving Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ST. GEORGE, Utah – An indictment was unsealed today in the District of Utah following the arrest of a Southern Utah entrepreneur, and original co-founder and creator of the “Squatty Potty,” after he was charged for receiving sexually explicit images of a child. Robert Edwards, 50, of Ivins, Utah, was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 10, 2026. He was arrested on February 12, 2026, in Washington County, Utah. During his initial appearance on the indictment, he pleaded not guilty and was remanded to the U.S. Marshal Service by U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul Kohler in St. George. According to the allegations in court documents, beginning in March 2021, and continuing through November 2025, in the District of Utah, and elsewhere, Edwards knowingly received multiple images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). In March 2021, an undercover FBI agent assumed the identity of an online profile account and joined a group chat used to trade child sexual abuse material. The online meeting room was viewing a collection of child sexual abuse material videos, which were being streamed on the main screen. Participants in the meeting were visible, including one user later identified as Edwards. As alleged in court documents, the investigation continued and in May 2025, FBI agents learned that Edwards was suspected of purchasing additional child sexual abuse material via his PayPal account, which flagged four transactions involving Edwards’ account as possibly related to CSAM. On November 4, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Edwards’s person and residence. Agents seized a cell phone from his vehicle, which contained multiple videos and images of child sexual abuse material, some of which downloaded onto the cell phone just two weeks before the search warrant was executed. At Edwards’s residence, law enforcement seized additional devices and found additional child sexual abuse material files. Edwards is charged with receipt of child pornography. His detention hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 2B at the courthouse located at 206 West Tabernacle Street, St. George, Utah 84470. United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, St. George Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Burton of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah 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 Justice.gov/PSC . An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Four-Time Congressional Candidate Sentenced to 4 Years in Federal Prison for Funneling Campaign Money to Himself via His Mother and Friend

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A South Bay man and former congressional candidate was sentenced today to 48 months in federal prison for embezzling approximately $250,000 from his political campaign through a fraudulent scheme involving his mother and friend, pocketing more than $100,000 in cash and using the money on personal expenses such as Las Vegas trips and to defend himself against criminal stalking charges. Omar Navarro, 37, of Torrance, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mark C. Scarsi, who ordered Navarro immediately remanded into federal custody. A restitution hearing will be scheduled at a later date. Navarro pleaded guilty in June 2025 to one count of wire fraud. Navarro unsuccessfully campaigned in the four election cycles from 2016 to 2022 to represent south Los Angeles County residents in California’s 43rd Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. According to court documents, from July 2017 to February 2021, Navarro defrauded his campaign committee, Omar Navarro for Congress, by illicitly funneling campaign cash to himself. Navarro understood that federal law required his campaign to make regular, public disclosures about the receipt and disbursement of any funds raised or spent on its behalf. As a congressional candidate, Navarro knew and understood that campaign funds raised by him and others for his campaign were restricted to supporting his election efforts and could not be used for his own personal use or enjoyment. Nevertheless, Navarro conspired with his co-defendants – his mother, Dora Asghari, 61, of Torrance, and his friend, Zacharias Diamantides-Abel, 37, of Long Beach – to convert campaign donations to personal use. From 2018 to 2020, Navarro’s campaign received more than $1 million in contributions from donors across the United States who supported his election to Congress. To use these funds for personal use and to fund his lavish lifestyle, Navarro illegally transferred campaign checks to himself by sending payments to Asghari and Abel – purportedly for campaign work. Asghari and Abel then sent that money – minus their cut – back to Navarro. To further the scheme, Navarro represented on those checks, and later lied via disclosures to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) that Abel, Asghari, and others – not Navarro – had received payment from the campaign for their services. For example, in November 2019, Navarro wrote a $2,500 campaign check to his mother for little or no work that she performed for the campaign, knowing she would funnel a substantial amount of that money back to him for his personal use. Asghari cashed the check, which caused the transmission of an interstate wire communication. She then provided most of that money back to Navarro, who took the money and made three cash deposits totaling $2,340 in his personal bank account. Navarro also wrote thousands of dollars’ worth of checks to Brava Consulting, a company that his mother owned and operated, purporting to be in payment for campaign work, but which instead the bulk of which was funneled back to him for personal expenses. These expenses included trips to Las Vegas, Nintendo Switch video games, a private investigator and personal criminal defense lawyers. Navarro admitted in his plea agreement to spending at least $12,822 in campaign money on legal fees to defend his criminal stalking case. Navarro did not report to the FEC or his campaign donors that these payments were for personal expenses. Instead, he caused other people to file on his behalf false reports with the FEC representing that the payments were for campaign expenses. In total, Navarro’s scheme deprived the campaign and its donors of approximately $268,932 in campaign funds, according to prosecutors. Asghari pleaded guilty in June 2025 to one count of making false statements for lying to the FBI in September 2020 when she said she never received any money from her son’s congressional campaign and that she never provided her son any money she from the campaign checks she accepted as the owner of Brava Consulting. She will face up to five years in federal prison at her April 13 sentencing hearing. Abel pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of conspiracy and awaits sentencing. The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter. The California Fair Political Practices Commission provided assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Frances S. Lewis of the General Crimes Section, Thomas F. Rybarczyk and Juan M. Rodriguez of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section prosecuted this case.


title: Wewoka Resident Sentenced For Assault Resulting In Serious Bodily Injury

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

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Erin Nicole Hodge, age 30, of Wewoka, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for one count of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country. The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Seminole Nation Lighthorse Police Department. On August 12, 2025, Hodge pleaded guilty to the charge in federal district court. According to investigators, on February 10, 2024, during a confrontation outside a Seminole, Oklahoma business, Hodge bit the victim on the face. The crime occurred in Seminole County, within the boundaries of the Seminole Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable John F. Heil, III, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Hodge will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.


title: Broken Arrow Resident Sentenced For Armed Assault

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Rafael Martin Sangines, age 30, of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, and to 70 months for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition. The Court ordered the sentences to be served concurrently. The charges arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Broken Arrow Police Department, the Tulsa Police Department, and the Wagoner County Sheriff’s Office. On May 13, 2025, Sangines pleaded guilty to the charges in federal district court. According to investigators, on September 29, 2024, Sangines struck the victim repeatedly with the barrel and stock of an AR-15 style rifle and threatened to kill the victim. The victim sustained multiple contusions and lacerations before escaping to safety. Law enforcement apprehended Sangines a short time later during a traffic stop and took Sangines into custody. A search conducted of Sangines and the vehicle he was driving revealed a loaded pistol magazine, a chamber-loaded AR-15 with a 30-round magazine, a chamber-loaded semi-automatic pistol with a 30-round magazine, and spent rifle casings. Prior to the attack and apprehension, Sangines had been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. The crimes occurred in Wagoner County, within the boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The Honorable John F. Heil, III, Chief District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Sangines will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.


title: PacifiCorp Agrees to Pay $575M to Settle Claims for Damage Caused by Six Wildfires in California and Oregon

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: PacifiCorp has agreed to pay $575 million to resolve the United States’ claims for damages resulting from six wildfires in California and Oregon. The two California fires are: The “Slater Fire,” which began on Sept. 8, 2020, on Slater Butte National Forest lands within the Klamath National Forest and burned 157,229 acres of federal land within the Klamath, Six River, and Rogue River Siskiyou National Forests; and The “McKinney Fire,” which began on July 29, 2022, on land next to the Klamath National Forest and burned 39,000 acres of federal land. The four Oregon fires are: The “242 Fire,” which began on Sept. 7, 2020, near Chiloquin and burned 8,916 acres of federal land; The “Archie Creek Fire,” which began on Sept. 8, 2020, near French Creek in the Umpqua National Forest and burned 67,000 acres of federal land; The “Echo Mountain Complex Fire,” which began on Sept. 7, 2020, near Otis, Oregon, and burned approximately 2,500 acres, including federal land; and The “South Obenchain Fire,” which began on Sept. 8, 2020, east of Eagle Point and burned 14,780 acres of federal land. The settlement resolves the United States’ claims that PacifiCorp’s electrical lines negligently started all six fires. The settlement monies will help repay the United States for the substantial costs it incurred fighting the fires, which is critical because the U.S. Forest Service now spends more than half of its budget on wildfire suppression annually. Settlement funds will also be distributed to the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to restore some of the 290,000 acres of public land that were burned. “The United States and PacifiCorp have reached a settlement that ensures fair compensation to the American taxpayer for fire-related damages,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. “This agreement strikes a balance by addressing the government’s significant fire-suppression costs and loss of natural resources without preventing PacifiCorp from offering electricity at fair prices.” “This settlement served the Department’s longstanding policy of holding individuals and corporations responsible for damages caused by wildfires. Every fire impacting federal lands, no matter the size, is a priority,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Grant of the Eastern District of California. “Wildfires remain a recurring threat to our natural resources, the safety of our communities, and their economic well-being. The costs of land losses and fire responses are substantial,” said U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon Scott E. Bradford. “Recouping the costs associated with these wildfires is a priority for our office, and this settlement achieves that.” This settlement is the result of a joint effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for Oregon and the Eastern District of California, the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of the Interior. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tara Amin and Kelli L. Taylor for the Eastern District of California and Alexis Lien for the District of Oregon handled the cases for the U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. PacifiCorp continues to deny liability for these fires.


title: SCDC Inmate Indicted for Threatening the President, Religious Groups

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a two-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Eric Anthony Rome Jr., 37, an inmate incarcerated in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, for sending a threatening letter to a Jewish/Christian organization and threatening to kill President Trump. The indictment alleges that in January, Rome drafted a letter to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews in Chicago, Illinois. The letter included threats and derogatory references to the Jewish community and concluded with “Enjoy having Trump in office while you can because we are going to kill him too.” Rome signed his full name to the letter. Rome faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and restitution. Rome is currently serving a state sentence for armed robbery. He has been convicted federally for threatening the president of the United States twice before. At the conclusion of his state sentence in 2030, he will begin serving a five-year sentence for a previous federal conviction involving similar threats. The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. State Department, and the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston D. Holliday Jr. is prosecuting the case. All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: GAINESVILLE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL FIREARMS OFFENSE

body_text: GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA – Devon Oliver, 18, of Gainesville, Florida, has pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with a removed serial number. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our brave state and federal law enforcement partners are on the front lines every day fighting to keep our communities safe, and my office will continue to back up those efforts with successful prosecutions like this one.” Court documents reflect that on October 22, 2025, Oliver was riding an electric scooter with a firearm concealed in his waistband. When law enforcement attempted to detain Oliver for a traffic violation, he attempted to flee on foot and discarded the firearm in the bushes of an apartment complex. After law enforcement recovered the firearm, they discovered it had an extended magazine loaded with 22 rounds of ammunition and the serial number had been cut off and removed. Oliver was arrested while hiding in a stairwell and subsequently admitted he threw the firearm while fleeing. Oliver faces up to five years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. The case involved a joint investigation by the Gainesville Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner. Sentencing is scheduled for April 28, 2026, at 1:30 pm at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor 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, human and drug trafficking. As part of its PSN strategy, the United States Attorney’s Office is encouraging everyone to lock their car doors, particularly at night. Burglaries from unlocked automobiles are a significant source of guns for criminals in the Northern District of Florida. Please do your part and protect yourself by locking your car doors. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: PENSACOLA FENTANYL TRAFFICKER PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Laurie Ann Chapman, 53, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl, and two counts of distribution of fentanyl. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Fentanyl has had an undeniably devastating, deadly impact on countless communities nationwide, which led President Donald J. Trump to designate the drug a Weapon of Mass Destruction in December 2025 to ensure we deploy every federal resource possible to eliminate it from our streets. Sheriff Chip Simmons and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office are doing great work in collaboration with our federal law enforcement partners to attack this threat head-on, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute and seek maximum punishment for anyone who peddles this poison.” Court records indicate that Chapman was the target of a multi-month joint investigation. During that time, law enforcement conducted surveillance and documented multiple instances of Chapman and her associates distributing fentanyl. The investigation concluded on May 29, 2025, when officers conducted a traffic stop and found Chapman in possession of more than 100 grams of fentanyl intended for a prearranged sale. Chapman faces a minimum mandatory sentence of five years’ imprisonment, and up to forty years’ imprisonment, and up to a five-year term of supervised release thereafter. The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Escambia County Sherriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher C. Patterson. Sentencing is scheduled for May 7, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. 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, human and drug trafficking. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Justice Department Sues OhioHealth for Anticompetitive Healthcare Contracts That Increase Costs for Ohio Patients

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, together with the Attorney General of Ohio, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit today challenging OhioHealth Corporation’s (OhioHealth) anticompetitive contract restrictions that force Ohio patients to pay higher prices for healthcare. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, seeks to enjoin OhioHealth, the largest healthcare system in central Ohio, from enforcing its anticompetitive contractual terms and continuing to suppress healthcare competition. “Americans deserve low-cost, high-quality healthcare – not anticompetitive hospital system contracts that make healthcare less affordable,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Under President Trump’s leadership, this Department of Justice will continue taking legal action to protect consumers and drive down healthcare costs across America." “Competition for healthcare is vital to all Americans,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “This lawsuit challenges anticompetitive contract restrictions that prevent consumers from choosing lower-cost health plans and severely limit consumers’ access to price information. These restrictions cause many Columbus residents to pay more for lower-quality healthcare. American families and consumers deserve better. I appreciate the partnership with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost to challenge these restrictions as we work together to open this important market to the very real benefits of open competition.” As alleged in the complaint, OhioHealth uses its market power to impose contractual restrictions that impede or completely prevent insurers from offering innovative and money-saving health-insurance plans or plan features. OhioHealth generally forces insurers to include OhioHealth in all of the networks for the commercial insurance products they offer, regardless of how OhioHealth’s prices compare to its competitors, preventing the development of budget-conscious plans in the Columbus area. Without these lower cost and innovative plan options that empower patients to save money by selecting lower-cost providers who still provide high-quality care, patients and employers are faced with fewer health plan choices and higher costs. OhioHealth owns or manages 16 hospitals and outpatient facilities throughout the State of Ohio.


title: Irish national extradited to SDTX to face child exploitation charges

body_text: CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 36-year-old man from Ireland is set to make his initial appearance in the Southern District of Texas on charges of coercion and enticement and sexual exploitation of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Matthew Liam Johnstone was extradited from Ireland to Houston Feb. 19. He is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason B. Libby in Corpus Christi at 9:45 a.m. The indictment, returned Aug. 6, 2025, alleges that in September 2022, Johnstone allegedly coerced a minor into filming and photographing herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The acts allegedly included elements of sadism and bestiality. If convicted, Johnstone faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. The FBI conducted the investigation. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with authorities in Ireland to secure the arrest and extradition of Johnstone. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Adam Braskich of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s CEOS leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page . An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Las Cruces woman pleads guilty to methamphetamine trafficking

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces woman has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges after more than 40 grams of methamphetamine was recovered during a traffic stop. According to court documents, investigators with the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force and the Las Cruces/Dona Ana Metro Narcotics unit conducted a joint investigation into Ivory Hernandez , 43, for trafficking, drugs, stolen vehicles and firearms. On May 7, 2025, investigators attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Hernandez’ s vehicle between Anthony and Las Cruces, New Mexico. Hernandez initially slowed down and pulled off the road but failed to fully stop before eventually complying with officers’ commands. During the stop, a canine trained to detect methamphetamine alerted to the presence of drugs inside the vehicle. A subsequent search revealed approximately 40.5 net grams of pure methamphetamine and a soft case containing drug packaging and weighing materials. Hernandez admitted she was transporting the drugs within the United States and intended to transfer them to another person. Hernandez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. At sentencing, Hernandez faces not less than five years and up to life in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement on behalf of the Homeland Security Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devon Aragon Martinez is prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Region II CORE 7 is comprised of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Customs and Border Protection – Office of Field Operations (OFO), U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) and Air and Marine (AMO), Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), United States Department of the Interior – Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Joint Task Force North (JTF-N), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshal Service (USMS), Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS), El Paso Police Department (EPPD), New Mexico State Police (NMSP), West Texas / New Mexico High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), Albuquerque Police Department, New Mexico Sixth Judicial District, Las Cruces/Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Districts of Western Texas and New Mexico. View the Plea Agreement (Hernandez).pdf


title: Tennessee Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Enticement of a Minor

body_text: COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa – A Powell, Tennessee man was sentenced yesterday, February 19, 2026, to 10 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor. According to public court documents, Shawn Christopher Powell, 52, communicated with a person he believed was a 13-year-old female between May and August 2025. Powell sent messages about wanting to engage in sex acts with the minor. In August 2025, Powell traveled from Tennessee to Iowa with the intent to meet up with the minor to engage in sex acts, and had condoms, sex toys, prescription pills, and children’s clothing in his possession at the time of his arrest. After completing his term of imprisonment, Powell will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Child Exploitation Task Force investigated 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 the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For information about internet safety education, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.


title: Wynne Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Arkansas, Eastern

body_text: LITTLE ROCK—Tyler Ball will spend eight years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Thursday by Chief United States District Judge Kristine G. Baker. On August 22, 2025, Ball pleaded guilty to a one-count Superseding Information charging him with possession of child pornography. Chief Judge Baker also sentenced Ball to five years supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. An investigation by the Arkansas State Police ultimately revealed that Ball took sexually explicit photos of a 10-year-old victim in or around 2015. Seven years after taking the photos, on January 27, 2022, Ball sent messages on Snapchat to the victim apologizing for “what went down back then,” when the victim was 10 years old. Ball messaged the victim, “I’m really sorry. I’m balling my eyes out. You mean so much to me and I’m very, very sorry.” After receiving these messages, the victim and the victim’s mother went to the police. On February 1, 2022, Ball was interviewed by officers and stated that on the night he sent the Snapchat messages, he “blacked out” because he had consumed alcohol and did not have any memory of “anything that happened that night.” Officers then obtained a search warrant for Ball’s residence. During a search of the residence, officers located a cell phone in a safe. A subsequent search of the cell phone revealed 14 images of sexually explicit conduct involving the victim. 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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . Parents are encouraged to always monitor your children’s online activity. The investigation was conducted by the Arkansas State Police. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kristin Bryant. # # # Additional information about the office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at https://www.justice.gov/edar X (formerly known as Twitter): @USAO_EDAR


title: Drug Dealer Convicted for Possessing over 6,000 Bags of Fentanyl

body_text: RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal jury convicted Eugene Montale Jenkins, age 36, for possessing with intent to sell 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Judge William L. Osteen announced the jury verdict. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Jenkins was a known drug dealer In Edgecombe County who had sold fentanyl, marijuana, cocaine, and crack in from his trap house for a while. In March 2023, Edgecombe County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) launched an investigation into Jenkins’ drug dealing. ECSO made five controlled buys of fentanyl from Jenkins from March to July 2023. “Folks need to realize that selling drugs will get you caught. When the jury convicts you, you will spend a long time in federal prison. It’s not worth it. Have pride in who you are and don’t destroy your community.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. On July 12, 2023, ECSO executed A search warrant. Jenkins ran out of the back of the trap house but then reentered to discard over three ounces of crack that he pulled out of his pants. ECSO found a backpack that contained over 6,000 bindles of fentanyl (worth over $100,000). They also found a bag of money, digital scales, empty bindles, stamps, ink pads, and rubber bands. The stamps on the fentanyl bindles recovered during the search matched the stamps on the bindles sold during the buys. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Dixon and Kevin Gerarde prosecuted the case. ECSO and ATF participated in the investigation. A copy of this press release is located on the EDNC USAO website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-CR-00010-WLO.


title: Former Department of Justice Prosecutor and Dallas Defense Attorney Sentenced for Unauthorized Disposal of Government Records

component: Office of the Inspector General

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – Former federal prosecutor Carlos A. Lopez (“Lopez”) , age 49, and Dallas-based criminal defense attorney Barrett R. Howell (“Howell”) , age 50, were sentenced on February 18, 2026 for charges relating to their deletion of text messages that they had been ordered to produce by a United States District Judge, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle . U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey L. Cureton of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas sentenced Lopez to one year of probation and a fine of $5,000, and Howell to six months of probation and a fine of $2,500. Both defendants were also ordered to pay $25 mandatory special assessment fees. Lopez had previously pleaded guilty to the unauthorized disposal of government records valued at less than $1,000, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641. Howell had previously pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the unauthorized disposal of government records valued at less than $1,000, a violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 641 and 2. Because the records are valued at less than $1,000, these are misdemeanor offenses. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas recused itself from this matter, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana was appointed by the Attorney General to act as special prosecutors. According to court records, Howell represented a client under investigation with others for federal healthcare fraud. Lopez was a Trial Attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice and was the lead prosecutor in the healthcare fraud investigation. Between September 2021 and December 2022, three individuals were charged with healthcare fraud in federal court in Dallas, although Howell’s client was not charged. In April 2023, two of the charged defendants alleged that Howell violated a joint defense agreement. The two defendants filed a sealed motion to compel discovery and requested an evidentiary hearing to determine whether joint defense protected information had been provided by Howell to Lopez . U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn granted the discovery request for production of all communications, including text communications, between Howell and Lopez . Judge Lynn also set an evidentiary hearing for May 15, 2023. According to the plea documents, after being made aware of the motion to compel, Lopez deleted text messages with Howell from his government-issued cell phone. Lopez subsequently produced an incomplete set of screenshots of his text messages with Howell from his government-issued cell phone. On or about April 14, 2023, Lopez and Howell saw each other at a conference and Lopez told Howell that there was an allegation that Howell shared privileged material. Lopez indicated that they should not speak further and should not have communications between them. Howell agreed. On or about April 20, 2023, after being served with a copy of the motion to compel discovery, Howell deleted text messages from his cell phone between him and Lopez . Those texts were recovered by a forensic consultant who searched his cloud account. Howell’s law firm then produced a forensic image of the cloud account for his cell phone. Prior to the production, Howell reviewed the forensic image and observed that the deleted texts were still present. Howell permitted the texts to be produced although his deletions were ultimately unsuccessful. On or about May 10, 2023, the government learned, after reviewing extracted messages from Howell’s forensically-imaged cloud account, that many text messages with Lopez had been marked “deleted” on April 20, 2023, the same day that Howell was served with the motion to compel. The next day, Lopez appeared with a personal attorney who told DOJ lawyers that Lopez had also deleted text messages. U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General, Dallas Office which handled this investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew R. Payne of the Financial Crimes Unit and Megan R. Roberts of the Appellate Unit handled this prosecution.


title: Bridgeport Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that CHRISTOPHER SANTIAGO-ROSADO, 32, of Bridgeport, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 60 months of imprisonment and four years of supervised release for distributing fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the FBI’s Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Department investigated an open-air drug market that was operating in the area of Noble Avenue and Shelton Street in Bridgeport. Between March and September 2024, investigators made 11 controlled purchases of narcotics from various sellers. The investigation, which also included court-authorized wiretaps and physical surveillance, revealed that Santiago-Rosado and others supplied fentanyl to the drug sellers. Santiago-Rosado was arrested on February 13, 2025. On November 3, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Santiago-Rosado, who is released on a $150,000 bond, is required to report to prison on March 26. This investigation has been conducted by the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, the Bridgeport Police Department, and the Stratford Police Department. The Task Force is composed of personnel from the FBI, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Norwalk, and Trumbull Police Departments. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.


title: Former NFL Player and Laboratory Owner Convicted in $328M Genetic Testing Fraud Scheme

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A federal jury in Dallas convicted a Texas laboratory owner and former NFL player yesterday for his role in a $328 million cardiovascular genetic testing fraud scheme. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Keith J. Gray, 39, of McKinney, Texas, orchestrated a scheme to bill Medicare for medically unnecessary genetic tests designed to evaluate the risk of various cardiovascular diseases and conditions. Gray, the owner and operator of two clinical laboratories, Axis Professional Labs LLC (Axis), and Kingdom Health Laboratory LLC (Kingdom), offered and paid kickbacks to marketers in exchange for their referral of Medicare beneficiaries’ DNA samples, personally identifiable information (including Medicare numbers) and signed test orders from medical providers authorizing the medically unnecessary genetic tests. As part of the scheme, the marketers engaged other companies to solicit Medicare beneficiaries through telemarketing and to engage in “doctor chase,” i.e., to obtain the identity of beneficiaries’ primary care physicians and pressure them into approving genetic testing orders for patients who purportedly had already been “qualified” for the testing during telephone calls conducted by non-medical personnel at one of the companies retained by the marketers — not by their physicians. In an effort to conceal the kickback payments, Gray used sham contracts and invoices that purported to charge for “marketing” hours but that in reality were reverse-engineered to match the amounts agreed to under the illegal per-sample kickback arrangement. Gray also sought to conceal the scheme by, among other things, referring to the payments as being for “software” and loans that never existed. Evidence at trial included text messages between Gray and his co-conspirator becoming giddy over the amount of money they were making from Medicare. For example, Gray’s co-conspirator stated, “$ent, you should have it any minute if you don’t already. Get it?” Gray responded, “Sorry I was filling my bathtub with ones. Yes lol.” Axis and Kingdom billed Medicare approximately $328 million for the false, fraudulent and kickback-tainted genetic testing claims, of which Medicare paid approximately $54 million. Gray laundered some of the proceeds by purchasing expensive luxury vehicles, including a Dodge Ram truck worth more than $142,000 and a Mercedes Benz SUV worth more than $145,000. The jury convicted Gray of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive health care kickbacks, five counts of violating the Anti-Kickback Statute and three counts of money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. Gray faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the FBI Dallas Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Dallas Region; Chief William Marlowe of the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU); and Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper of the Department of Veteran’s Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG), South Central Field Office, made the announcement. The FBI, HHS-OIG, MFCU and VA-OIG investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Ethan Womble and Adam Tisdall of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of eight strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.


title: British National Convicted of Traveling to South Florida to Sexually Abuse a Minor

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: MIAMI – A British national was convicted following a bench trial for traveling to the U.S. to sexually abuse a child he had previously victimized overseas. “Crimes against children are the most vile offenses imaginable,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This defendant crossed international borders to continue abusing a child he had already victimized overseas. After years of legal challenges, he was extradited to the United States to face justice. Let this be clear: distance, time, and geography will not shield child predators. The Southern District of Florida will relentlessly pursue those who exploit children, no matter where they hide and no matter how long it takes.” According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Justin Matthew Ward, 59, befriended a family living in Germany while the parents were employed by the U.S. Department of State. While in Germany, Ward sexually assaulted one of the family’s children, who was under the age of 12. After the family later relocated to South Florida, Ward traveled to the U.S. in February 2004 and resumed sexually assaulting the same victim. In December 2012, Ward was arrested in the United Kingdom on unrelated charges involving child molestation and the production of child sexual abuse material. Ward was convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Following the completion of those proceedings, Ward was taken into custody pursuant to a U.S. extradition request. After years of legal challenges, Ward was extradited to the Southern District of Florida on July 14, 2025. U.S. District Judge Jose E. Martinez found Ward guilty of traveling with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor. Ward faces up to 30 years in federal prison. A sentencing hearing is set for April 7. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones and Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI, Miami Field Office, made the announcement. FBI Miami is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Koontz 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 Justice.gov/PSC . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 18-cr-60353. ###


title: Brookline Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Child Pornography Offense

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Brookline man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for recruiting and enticing a 15-year-old child to produce and send child pornography to him. Scott Cunha, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In October 2025, Cunha pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of children. Cunha was arrested and charged in January 2025 . Beginning in at least 2022, Cunha communicated over Snapchat with multiple minor children between 13 and 16 years old from across the country. He enticed the children to take nude images and videos of themselves and send them to him over Snapchat, often in exchange for the promise or actual transfer of money or gifts. Cunha also tried to persuade his minor victims to meet him in person for sex acts by offering to pay them money in exchange for doing so. Cunha did, in fact, meet with at least one minor victim. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of Federal Bureau of Investigations made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Torey B. Cummings and Elizabeth Riley of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit prosecuted the case.


title: New Orleans Man Guilty of Being Felon in Possession of Firearm

body_text: Correction: DARVALE WILLIAMS pled guilty to possession of a stolen firearm, which is a violation of 18 U. S.C. § 922(j). NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DARVALE WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”) , age 20, a resident of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on February 18, 2026, before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to violating the Federal Gun Control Act, by being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to court records, in March 2024, the FBI surveilled an apartment complex in New Orleans East and observed a suspicious looking Toyota Camry parked behind the complex. As the FBI agents who were watching the apartment complex saw the Camry begin to circle the complex to leave, they blocked the Camry’s exit causing the occupants, including WILLIAMS and another male, to abandon the Camry and flee on foot. Both men were apprehended by law enforcement shortly thereafter and WILLIAMS left behind a Romarm/Cugir Draco 7.62 rifle on the backseat. That Romarm/Cugir Draco rifle had been reported stolen on December 26, 2022, during a home robbery. Judge Milazzo set sentencing for May 20, 2026. WILLIAMS faces a maximum term of ten years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New Orleans Police Department, and the New Orleans District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Liz Privitera and Sarah Dawkins of the Violent Crime Unit.


title: Former Pastor Sentenced for Embezzling from a Local Church

component: USAO - Alabama, Northern

body_text: HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – A former Huntsville pastor has been sentenced for embezzling more than $400,000, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. United States District Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Adrian Derrell Davis, 42, to 60 months in prison. In October 2025, Davis pleaded guilty to wire fraud and filing a false tax return. According to the information and plea agreement, Davis was the pastor at All Nations Worship Assembly (the “Church”) in Huntsville. From 2018 to 2020, Davis used his position as pastor to embezzle approximately $434,339 from the Church. For example, in 2018, Davis used $30,920 in Church funds to purchase an Audi A7. In 2019, Davis used $45,982 in Church funds to purchase a 2016 GMC Yukon. He also used Church funds to make 41 payments totaling $117,000 to satisfy the balance of his personal American Express card. Purchases that Davis made on this card included luxury items totaling $4,970.15 at Louis Vuitton and $5,300.00 at Flight Club, a shoe store in New York. In 2020, Davis used Church funds to pay a balance of $18,530 on a credit card that he had used to purchase jewelry. He also made additional payments from Church funds to his personal American Express card that totaled over $151,000. Items purchased that were paid with Church funds included a $29,900 purchase from Hublot, a $28,000 purchase from Peter Marco, and a $6,022.50 purchase from Louis Vuitton. None of these payments or purchases were authorized or approved by the Church. Davis also failed to report the embezzled profit on his individual tax returns for 2018, 2019, and 2020 resulting in a tax loss to the IRS in the amount of $114,859.00. Davis did not provide his tax preparer with records showing that he had received and spent more than $400,000 of the Church’s funds in tax years 2018-2020. Additionally, Davis suggested to his tax preparer that his extra income came only from speaking engagements. “Davis betrayed his congregation when he abused his position of trust for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. “My office is committed to holding accountable individuals who violate positions of public trust.” “Adrian Davis stole funds from his parishioners and filed false tax returns to conceal his crime,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kristen A. Yukness, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agents are dedicated to ensuring that individuals who hold positions of trust within the community and use those positions to participate in fraudulent financial activities are held accountable.” IRS-CI and the United States Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan S. Rummage prosecuted the case.


title: Last Defendant in Primary Health Network Fraud Scheme Convicted by Jury for Wire Fraud

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - After deliberating for two days, a federal jury on February 19, 2026, found John O’Brien of Masury, Ohio, guilty of three counts of wire fraud in connection to a scheme to defraud a non-profit medical organization, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. O’Brien was tried before United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The evidence presented during the week-long trial established that O’Brien engaged in a scheme with others to defraud Primary Health Network, a non-profit medical organization headquartered in Sharon, Pennsylvania, through the submission of fraudulent invoices, including from the telecommunications company O’Brien controlled. The four other defendants in the case all previously pleaded guilty, including three leaders of the organization last fall (read the November 2025 plea news release here ). Judge Ranjan indicated he would schedule O’Brien’s sentencing by future Order. The law provides for a total sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 or of not more than twice the loss from the offense, or both on each count. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeffrey R. Bengel and William B. Guappone prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of O’Brien and his co-defendants.


title: Romanian National Pleads Guilty to Selling Access to Networks of Oregon State Government Office and Other U.S. Victims

body_text: Yesterday, a Romanian national pleaded guilty in connection with an online intrusion into an Oregon state government office in 2021 and other cyber attacks on U.S. victims. According to court documents, Catalin Dragomir, 45, formerly of Constanta, Romania, sold access to a computer on the network of an Oregon state government office after obtaining unauthorized access to it in June of 2021. During the sale of access to the computer, Dragomir provided the prospective buyer with samples of personal identifying information from the computer. He also sold access to the computer networks of numerous other victims in the U.S., causing losses of at least $250,000. Dragomir was arrested in Romania in Nov. 2024 and extradited to the United States in Jan. 2025. Dragomir pleaded guilty to one count of obtaining information from a protected computer and one count of aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for obtaining information from a protected computer, to be followed by a mandatory consecutive sentence of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI Portland Field Office is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Benjamin A. Bleiberg and Alison M. Zitron of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine A. Rykken for the District of Oregon are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Romanian Ministry of Justice, Directorate for International Law and Judicial Cooperation, and the Romanian judiciary to secure the arrest and extradition of Dragomir. The Department of Justice also thanks Darkweb IQ for its assistance with the investigation. CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cybercriminals and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.


title: Notary Sentenced to 57 Months' Imprisonment for Real Estate Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – Shaneika Seymore , 41 , of Memphis, has been sentenced to federal prison for her part in a real estate fraud scheme. Seymore previously pleaded guilty on April 16, 2025 to one count of mail fraud, one count of bank fraud, and one count of making a materially false statement. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the sentence today. According to information presented in Court, Seymore notarized multiple fraudulent quitclaim deeds which purported to transfer ownership from the true homeowners to Seymore and her co-conspirators. The deeds were filed with the Shelby County Register of Deeds unbeknownst to the true homeowners, who were victimized by the fraudulent property conveyances. In one instance, both supposed signatories on the notarized deed had passed away before the deed was signed. In furtherance of the scheme, Seymore lied on a notary application that she filed with the Shelby County Clerk’s Office by stating that she had not previously been convicted of a felony, despite her 2019 felony conviction for theft. Over 30 properties in the Memphis area were fraudulently transferred in the scheme. In addition, further information presented in Court revealed that Seymore forged her name on stolen checks which she deposited into her bank account and lied on an application for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. On February 17, 2026, United States District Court Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Seymore to 57 months in prison and ordered her to pay $280,914.25 in restitution for her crimes. There is no parole in the federal system. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Real estate fraud schemes victimize innocent citizens and can negatively affect financial institutions and the housing market. Wherever fraud occurs in the Western District of Tennessee, this office will be prepared to hold offenders accountable for such disturbing crimes of dishonesty and greed." This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bartlett Police Department (BPD), and the Memphis Police Department (MPD). Assistant United States Attorney William Bateman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Preston Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sex Abuse Material

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that JOEL HUNTSMAN, also known as “Jay Huntsman, “Joel Feser,” and “Jay Blackburn”, 37, of Preston, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven to 84 months of imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release for distributing child sex abuse material. According to court documents and statements made in court, in June 2022, a police officer in New Albany, Ohio, conducting an online undercover investigation observed multiple users, including a user subsequently identified as Huntsman, posting child pornography in a private group chat using the Kik mobile messenger application, and referred the Huntsman matter to the Connecticut State Police. Also in June 2022, Kik submitted a CyberTip related to Huntsman to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (“NCMEC”). On November 2, 2022, the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted a court-authorized search of Huntsman’s residence and seized multiple items, including two mobile phones. Analysis of the seized phones revealed child sex abuse images and videos. Huntsman has been detained since his arrest on January 26, 2023. On September 9, 2025, he pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography. This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Connecticut State Police, and the New Albany (Ohio) Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel E. Cummings and Nancy V. Gifford. This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com .


title: Drug Dealer Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl and ANPP

body_text: NEW BERN, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Nasir Gray, 26, to 10 years in federal prison for selling 40 grams or more of fentanyl and ANPP. Gray pleaded guilty on October 14, 2025. According to the court documents and other information presented in court, this investigation began in June of 2023, when officers with the Raleigh Police Department (RPD) were contacted by a confidential source regarding a fentanyl trafficker in the Raleigh area. Law enforcement conducted a controlled purchase of fentanyl from Gray in June of 2023 and then executed a search warrant at his apartment. The search resulted in the seizure of several narcotics including PCE, a mixture of fentanyl and ANPP, a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, MDMA pills, cocaine base, and Adderall pills. They also seized digital scales, a cellphone, and a firearm. “Crime doesn’t pay. They sell poison that kills children and destroys their communities. The loss of freedom earned when you get caught never balances out whatever fleeting cash passes through your hands for a second. Do better and take care of your community.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. W. Ellis Boyle, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by District Judge Louise W. Flanagan. RPD and ATF investigated the case and Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer C. Nucci prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on our website . Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for case number 5:24-CR-00355-FL.


title: Justice Department Files Case to Revoke U.S. Citizenship of Immigration Fraudster and Former Mayor of North Miami

body_text: MIAMI – Today, the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida announced that it has filed a civil denaturalization complaint in the U.S. District Court in Miami, against Phillipe Bien-Amie, also known as Jean Philippe Janvier, a native of Haiti who used two identities to procure immigration benefits — and eventually acquire U.S. citizenship — after illegally entering the U.S. “This Administration will not permit fraudsters and tricksters who cheat their way to the gift of U.S. citizenship,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The passage of time does not diminish blatant immigration fraud.” “United States citizenship is a privilege grounded in honesty and allegiance to this country,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “The complaint alleges that this defendant built his citizenship on fraud — using false identities, false statements, and a sham marriage to evade a lawful removal order. The fact that he later served as an elected mayor makes the alleged deception even more serious, because public office carries a duty of candor and respect for the rule of law. If proven, we will ask the Court to revoke a status that was never lawfully obtained. The rule of law requires nothing less.” Before he became a U.S. citizen under the name Philippe Bien-Aime, the defendant used a fraudulent, “photo-switched” passport to enter the U.S. under the name Jean Philippe Janvier. In 2001, Bien-Aime was placed in removal proceedings and ordered removed under the Janvier identity. He appealed the removal order, but he withdrew the appeal, representing that he had returned to live in Haiti. In reality, Bien-Aime remained in the U.S. and, using the new name and date of birth, married a U.S. citizen to obtain permanent resident status. The marriage was fraudulent and invalid because he was already married to a Haitian citizen. After making numerous false and fraudulent statements in adjustment and naturalization proceedings, he naturalized in 2006 under the Bien-Aime identity. The complaint, filed on Wednesday, Feb. 18, alleges that Bien-Aime illegally procured naturalization for several reasons. First, he was subject to a final removal order, which disqualified him from naturalization and precluded the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) from considering his application for permanent resident status. Second, the removal order prohibited U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) from considering his naturalization application and granting U.S. citizenship. Third, he did not lawfully adjust status to permanent resident because of his fraud and because his marriage was fraudulent and not legally valid. Fourth, he provided false or misleading information under oath in his adjustment and naturalization interviews to obtain immigration benefits when he denied that he was subject to a removal order and denied that he lied to U.S. government officials. He also provided false testimony about his children and former residential addresses. The complaint also claims that Bien-Aime’s naturalization should be revoked because he concealed and misrepresented facts that were material to his qualifications for U.S. citizenship. Bien-Aime’s immigration fraud was discovered and confirmed through a comparison of fingerprints that he provided under the two identities. That comparison is part of an ongoing national initiative called the Historic Fingerprint Enrollment project, a joint effort by the Justice Department and USCIS. The case was investigated by USCIS of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and will be litigated by the Affirmative Litigation Unit of the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. The claims made in the complaint are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.flsd.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov , under case number 26-cv-21064. ###


title: Bethel Park Resident Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material and Possessing Contraband While Detained for Trial

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 108 months of incarceration, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal laws regarding the sexual exploitation of minors and possession of contraband in prison, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Seth Hollerich, 31, on February 19, 2026. According to information presented to the Court, Hollerich distributed material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors—including infants and toddlers engaged in sexually explicit conduct— on two occasions, in March 2021 and September 2021. Further, in November 2024, while in pretrial detention for these crimes, Hollerich was found to be in possession of prohibited objects (homemade shanks) intended to be used as weapons. In imposing sentence, Judge Stickman stated that it was “hard to fathom the level of depravity it takes to find pleasure in the victimization of little children” and explained to Hollerich that his crimes are not merely “virtual” crimes, but revictimized real human beings who had already endured being victims of sexual abuse. Assistant United States Attorneys Heidi M. Grogan and Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Department of Homeland Security, the United States Marshals Service, and Butler County Prison for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hollerich. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Nuclear Weapons Engineer Sentenced for Orchestrating 15-Year Kickback Scheme

body_text: A Kansas man was sentenced yesterday to 29 months in prison for conspiring to fraudulently steer and award subcontracts by a major engineering firm for work on nuclear weapons manufacturing projects for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC). “For more than a decade, the defendant exchanged his integrity and his employer’s trust for kickbacks from a dishonest contractor,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “To satisfy his greed, he corruptly steered contracts that were essential to ensuring the integrity of the nation’s nuclear weapons. Yesterday’s sentence reaffirms the Criminal Division’s commitment to rooting out fraud and corruption related to the procurement and manufacture of critically important products and services for the federal government and, ultimately, for United States taxpayers and to holding those accountable who commit these acts.” “The Department of Energy Office of Inspector General (DOE-OIG) is committed to ensuring the integrity of Departmental contracts and programs,” said Department of Energy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Lewe Sessions. “We take allegations of fraud and kickbacks very seriously and will aggressively investigate these matters to ensure integrity throughout DOE programs. We appreciate the efforts of the DOJ in pursuing these allegations and will continue our collaboration with the DOJ to investigative those engaged in fraud or corruption in Department programs.” According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Michael Clinesmith, 70, of Overland Park, Kansas, solicited and received kickbacks and bribes from Richard Mueller, 65, of St. Charles, Missouri, in exchange for steering subcontracts from Clinesmith’s employer to Mueller’s company (Subcontractor 1). Clinesmith, a long-tenured employee of a major engineering firm (Company 1) working at the KCNSC, was responsible for designing and procuring gages that were specially designed and manufactured to measure the components of nuclear weapons. Mueller paid Clinesmith over $1 million for surreptitiously performing some or all of the work and, in exchange, Clinesmith used his position and authority at Company 1 to steer gage subcontracts to Subcontractor 1. Clinesmith told Mueller how much money he wanted to perform work under the gage subcontracts, and Subcontractor 1 included those amounts in its bids to Company 1. Clinesmith then approved those bids and told his employer, Company 1, that those bids were fair and reasonable without disclosing that, in exchange for the subcontracts, Mueller would secretly funnel to Clinesmith money awarded to Subcontractor 1. In addition, Clinesmith provided Mueller with insider information, like Company 1’s budget for the gage subcontracts, that Subcontractor 1 used to its advantage when bidding on the subcontracts. In total, Clinesmith accepted over $1.2 million in kickbacks over the course of approximately 15 years. In October 2025, Clinesmith was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and honest services wire fraud and four counts of wire fraud and honest services wire fraud. The DOE-OIG investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Andrew Jaco and Shy Jackson of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.


title: Essex County Man Sentenced to 135 Months for Multiple Firearms Offenses, Including Possession of a Ghost Gun, a Machine Gun, and a 50-Round Magazine

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: NEWARK, NJ - An Essex County, New Jersey man was sentenced yesterday to over 11 years in prison and 3 years of supervised release for multiple firearms offenses, Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello announced. Kaiyir Green, 23, of Newark, New Jersey, previously pled guilty in July 2025 before U.S. District Judge Georgette Castner in Trenton federal court to a four-count indictment charging him with two counts of possession of a firearm and/or ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of illegal possession of a machine gun, and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. According to documents filed in these cases and statements made in Court: On March 1, 2023, law enforcement officers responded to a report of a stolen vehicle and saw Green trying to get into the stolen vehicle. When law enforcement approached, Green ran away. Law enforcement ran after Green, eventually apprehending him and recovering from him a ghost gun loaded with five rounds of ammunition. After Green was arrested, Green obstructed justice by making several phone calls from a recorded line at the detention center in which he directed another person to go to his home and remove “everything” including a “black bag.” Law enforcement later saw someone remove a black bag from Green’s home. Law enforcement searched the bag and found a firearm that had been modified with a switch rendering the firearm into a fully automatic machine gun, loaded with one round of 9mm ammunition in a large capacity magazine. Law enforcement also found a 50-round capacity drum magazine. Further investigation revealed that Green was involved in trafficking dozens of firearms, including AR-style pistols, machine guns and multiple firearms with extended or drum magazines, from out of state into New Jersey where he then sold them to third parties. Senior Counsel Philip Lamparello credited law enforcement members with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Newark Field Division, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas Kalogiros; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Lieutenant Colonel David Sierotowicz, and Elizabeth Police Department, under the direction of Chief Giacomo Sacca, with the investigation leading to the charges. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Rachelle M. Navarro of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit in Newark. ### Defense counsel for Green: Claressa Lowe, Esq.