title: Animal Abuse Task Force Comprised of Federal and Local Law Enforcement Agencies Formed

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli today announced the creation of a federal animal abuse task force aimed at prosecuting violations of the federal Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act signed into law by President Trump in 2019. Those statutes criminalize engaging in animal abuse in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce and making “animal crush” videos that depict obscene animal abuse. “Animal abuse is among the most heartbreaking and despicable type of crimes that law enforcement sees,” said Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “Together with our federal and local partners, my office intends to root out and punish those who profit from hurting animals.” The new task force will be led by federal prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section working in partnership with the FBI, the United States Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles City Animal Control, and other state and local law enforcement officers. The task force will focus on charging serious animal abuse throughout the Central District of California, the most populous federal district in the country. The seven-county district is home to approximately 20 million residents and is comprised of the counties of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. Today, the group conducted a community outreach operation in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles, and conducted welfare checks on a dozen dogs ensuring they had access to clean water and food, looked for evidence of animal neglect and abuse, provided resources, collars, and leashes, and seized one dog who was abandoned by his owner. To report animal abuse, please go to tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.


title: Dallas Resident Guilty of Being Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition While Attempting to Board a Plane

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

body_text: NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that TREVIS WILLIAMS (“WILLIAMS”) ,age 46, pleaded guilty today for violating the Federal Gun Control Act. According to court documents, on March 16, 2025, a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agent conducting security screening at Louis Armstrong International Airport noticed what appeared to be a firearm and nine (9) rounds of ammunition in the carry-on bag of the defendant. The TSA agent then notified the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office (JPSO) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). An FBI Special Agent conducted an investigation and determined that WILLIAMS was prohibited from possessing the firearm and ammunition, as he had previously been convicted of a felony in the 24th Judicial District Court, Parish of Jefferson, State of Louisiana. The firearm was determined to be a Glock Model 30, .45 caliber, semi-automatic pistol, along with the nine (9) rounds of ammunition, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8). WILLIAMS faces a maximum term of imprisonment of fifteen years, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release after imprisonment, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance set sentencing for December 16, 2025. 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. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Transportation Security Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Columbia Falls man sentenced to over 4 years in prison for illegal gun possession

body_text: MISSOULA – A Columbia Falls man who possessed a firearm illegally was sentenced today to 51 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Zachary Matthew Gargasz, 38, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The government alleged in court documents that on October 6, 2017, Gargasz was convicted in Flathead County District Court of Operation of a Clandestine Drug Laboratory and sentenced to 10 years with the Montana Department of Corrections, with all that time suspended. On November 9, 2018, Gargasz signed a Firearms Regulation Form acknowledging he was prohibited from possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. On December 1, 2023, Gargasz reported to his probation officers for a scheduled visit. Officers searched his vehicle and discovered 11 rounds of .45 ammunition in the center console. Officers also located two AR magazines taped together in opposite directions, loaded with 63 .233 caliber rounds, behind the passenger seat. Probation officers then searched Gargasz’s home and found underneath Gargasz’s mattress a .45 caliber handgun loaded with seven rounds. At a later revocation hearing on April 11, 2024, Gargasz admitted to possessing the firearm. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The ATF and State of Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . XXX


title: Mexican National Sentenced to Four Months in Prison for Unlawful Reentry

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Mexican national unlawfully residing in New Bedford was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for illegally reentering the United States after deportation. Bernardo Lorenzo-Guatemala, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to four months in prison to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In June 2025 , Lorenzo-Guatemala pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. He was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in May 2025. Lorenzo-Guatemala was deported from the United States on June 4, 2019. Sometime after his removal, Lorenzo-Guatemala unlawfully reentered the United States. Immigration officials became aware of Lorenzo-Guatemala’s unlawful presence in the United States following his arrest on July 2, 2024 for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Acting Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Previously convicted felon sentenced to over 9 years in prison for illegally possessing firearms

body_text: MISSOULA – An Auburn, Washington man who illegally possessed several firearms was sentenced today to 115 months in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Mallory Nehemiah Brown, 44, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The government alleged in court documents that on June 9, 2004, Brown was convicted of bank robbery in the Eastern District of California. Brown was sentenced to 51 months in prison to be followed by 36 months of supervised release. The conditions of his supervision included that Brown was not allowed to own, possess, or have access to a firearm or ammunition. On January 8, 2024, Brown boarded an Amtrak train in Seattle, WA, with a black duffel bag and several long boxes. Brown placed his bags and boxes on the luggage rack. The train was bound for Washington D.C., with a stop in Chicago, IL. On January 9, 2024, the train stopped in Libby, MT, based on a complaint by other passengers about Brown. Law enforcement contacted Brown and removed him from the train. The train conductor located Brown’s bag and boxes on the luggage rack. Inside, he discovered four firearms, ammunition, magazines, a suppressor, eight firearms receivers, night vision googles, a tactical vest, and other assorted accessories. Law enforcement took custody of the bags and inventoried their contents. Brown denied the bags belong to him. However, several Amtrak employees identified Brown as the person who loaded the bags on the train. Further, one of the boxes had a shipping label on it addressed to “Mallory Brown”. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF, FBI, Libby Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and Montana Probation and Parole. 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . XXX


title: Arizona man arraigned on charge of attempted child enticement

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: MISSOULA – An Arizona man with ties to Missoula, accused of attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity, appeared today for arraignment, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. The defendant, Manuel Flores, 71, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. The maximum penalties for the offense are ten years to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years to a lifetime of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided. Flores was detained pending further proceedings. The indictment alleges that on or between June 2024 and August 17, 2025, at Missoula, in Missoula County, in the State and District of Montana, and elsewhere, including Arizona, the defendant, MANUEL FLORES, knowingly used a means of interstate commerce, including the internet and a cellular phone, to attempt to persuade, induce, entice, and coerce any individual who had not attained the age of 18 years to engage in sexual activity for which any person can be charged with a criminal offense, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2422(b). Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney is prosecuting the case. The FBI’s Montana Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force and the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. The charging document is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Anyone who has information about possible crimes committed by Flores, or the physical or online exploitation of any children, are encouraged to call the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office at (801) 579-1400 or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov . PACER case reference. 25-41. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl . XXX


title: Idaho woman sentenced to 11 years in prison for trafficking drugs on the Flathead Indian Reservation

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: MISSOULA – An Idaho woman who possessed methamphetamine and fentanyl with the intention of selling on the Flathead Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 132 months in prison to be followed by 7 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Nicole Lynn Shain, 40, pleaded guilty in April 2025 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided. The government alleged in court documents that on July 1, 2024, law enforcement officers were patrolling in Pablo, MT, when they observed a black SUV with an Idaho license parked near an area frequented by persons actively addicted to controlled substances. Investigators circled the block to surveil the vehicle, but upon returning to the area where they’d seen the SUV, it was no longer there. Several hours later, investigators again saw the SUV parked in Ronan, MT. The SUV had a single occupant, Nicole Shain. Investigators learned Shain had been previously convicted of distributing dangerous drugs in Idaho. Investigators stopped Shain after observing her dispose of a piece of tin foil with drug residue on it. Investigators applied for a search warrant for Shain’s vehicle, and found inside 26.8 grams of methamphetamine, several grams of fentanyl powder and 1,092 pills containing fentanyl. These quantities of drugs significantly exceeded a user amount. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. Homeland Security Investigations and Flathead Tribal Police conducted the investigation. XXX


title: Youngstown Drug Dealer Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Ohio, Northern

body_text: YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – A Mahoning County man has been sentenced to prison for his role in selling controlled substances including fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, throughout the Youngstown-area region. Rayshawn Hall, 24, of Youngstown, Ohio, was sentenced to 276 months (23 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko after pleading guilty in April to the following charges as outlined in the indictment: One count of Distribution of Fentanyl Three counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine One count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine One count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine One count of Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine One count of Attempted Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl Hall was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment. The sentence was imposed by Judge Boyko Sept. 3, 2025. According to court documents, from about Aug. 11 to Oct. 17, 2023, investigators conducted multiple controlled drug buys from Hall that included fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Upon obtaining a search warrant for his residence, agents seized more than $56,000 in cash and other items consistent with illegal drug activity. Federal agents also discovered a box with a FedEx shipping label from Spring Valley, California, in a black Chrysler vehicle that was located on the premises. The box was suspected to contain controlled substances. A forensic laboratory analysis later confirmed that the box contained 9,810.8 grams (Approximately 21 pounds) of 90.4% pure methamphetamine, and 989.7 grams (approximately two pounds) of fentanyl. In total, at least 90,000 kilograms of converted drug weight were attributable to Hall’s actions. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the Mahoning County Law Enforcement Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yasmine Makridis for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Cal State Channel Islands Professor on Charge that He Threw Tear Gas Canister at Agents in Camarillo

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A federal grand jury today indicted a professor at California State University Channel Islands who is charged with throwing a tear gas canister at federal agents executing a search warrant at a marijuana farm in Camarillo this summer. Jonathan Caravello, 37, of Ventura, is charged with one count of assault on a federal officer using a deadly or dangerous weapon. Caravello, who is free on $15,000 bond, is expected to be arraigned in the coming weeks in United States District Court in Los Angeles. According to the first superseding indictment and court documents previously filed in this case, on July 10, federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and United States Border Patrol executed a high-risk search warrant at a marijuana farm sitting on a 160-acre property in Camarillo. A group of protesters gathered near law enforcement personnel around the farm’s entrance and used their bodies and their vehicles to impede law enforcement from exiting the location. Later, protesters became violent, throwing rocks at the government vehicles attempting to depart the location because of the danger and to provide security to a detainee who had been hospitalized. The thrown rocks broke windows and side-view mirrors, among other damage to the vehicles. For agents’ safety, law enforcement deployed tear gas among the protesters to assist with crowd control, ensure officer safety, and to allow law enforcement to depart the location. Border Patrol agents rolled tear gas canisters by protesters’ feet and Caravello ran up to one of the canisters and attempted to kick it. After the canister rolled past him, Caravello turned around, ran towards the canister, picked it up, and threw it overhand back at Border Patrol agents. Border Patrol agents eventually arrested Caravello, who continuously kicked his legs and refused to give agents his arms during the arrest. An indictment contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, Caravello would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. HSI is investigating this matter. The Major Frauds Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Eau Claire Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that John A. Soung, 48, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 10 years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine intended for distribution. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Soung pleaded guilty to this charge on June 5, 2025. In July 2024, investigators received information from a confidential source that a large quantity of methamphetamine was being stored inside a storage unit in Eau Claire. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the storage unit and found a backpack with approximately six pounds of methamphetamine inside. Records showed that Soung rented the storage unit, and he ultimately admitted that he used it to store methamphetamine for distribution around the Eau Claire area. On July 12, 2024, Soung was arrested during a traffic stop and inside the car, officers found a 9mm handgun that Soung later admitted was his. Soung is prohibited from legally possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions. In handing down Soung’s substantial sentence, Judge Conley recognized that this case represented a “great escalation” in Soung’s history of methamphetamine dealing. Judge Conley also noted that Soung was illegally possessing a firearm while regularly distributing methamphetamine. The charge against Soung was the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, Eau Claire Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Clark County Sheriff’s Department. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Levins prosecuted the case. Federal criminal cases involving drugs and firearms are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Federal Inmate Sentenced to Nearly 3 Years for Assaulting Prison Guard

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Demetrius Brown, 47, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institutional in Oxford, Wisconsin, was sentenced late last week by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 33 months in federal prison for physically assaulting a prison guard. Brown’s sentence will be served consecutive to the sentence he is already serving for drug trafficking. Brown pleaded guilty to the assault charge on June 9, 2025. On August 24, 2024, Brown attacked a prison guard after the guard found an item of contraband in Brown’s cell. The guard suffered minor injuries. At sentencing, Judge Conley found it troubling that in addition to causing injury to the guard, Brown’s conduct jeopardized the safety of other staff who responded to the assault. Judge Conley also expressed disappointment that Brown appeared to lack insight into his violent behavior. The charge against Brown was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala prosecuted this case.


title: Former Chief Financial Officer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Theft in Connection with Health Care

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.— Today, Pamela J. Kahut, 68, of Wilsonville, Oregon, was sentenced to eight months in federal prison and three years of supervised release for stealing money from the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) health benefit trust account. At the time of the offense, Kahut was PSMFC’s Chief Financial Officer. PSMFC is an interstate agency that conserves, develops, and manages Pacific Ocean fishery resources. Kahut was also ordered to pay $211,083.27 in restitution to PSMFC and to pay a $10,000 fine. According to court documents, Kahut, as Chief Financial Officer of PSMFC, had access to and controlled PSMFC’s health benefit trust account that was created to pay benefits, fees, and other charges for PSMFC employees covered under its self-funded health care benefit program. The health benefit trust account was funded, in part, through federal grant money issued to the PSMFC. Between about October 2014 and September 2020, Kahut stole $211,083.27 from the health benefit trust account. Kahut used the funds to pay for her spouse’s long-term care annual premiums, pay off her pension loans, and to pay her credit card bills. On April 8, 2025, Kahut was charged by information with Theft in Connection with Health Care. On June 5, 2025, Kahut pleaded guilty to Theft in Connection with Health Care. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General, and U.S. Department of Energy Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Robert Trisotto, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.


title: Illegal Alien Sentenced For Unlawful Reentry

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jeffry Gabriel Zamora-Pineda, age 33, a Honduran national unlawfully present in Oklahoma, was sentenced to time served for one count of Unlawful Reentry of Removed Alien. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Division and the Environmental Protection Agency. On April 22, 2025, Zamora-Pineda pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on March 19, 2025, Zamora-Pineda, an alien, was found in the United States after having been previously removed in 2019 without obtaining the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan W. Howanitz and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Olivia Staubus represented the United States.


title: Cherokee County Resident Sentenced For Federal Firearm Crime

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Timothy Allen Truelove, age 50, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 33 months in prison for one count of Felon in Possession of Ammunition. The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Cherokee Nation Office of the Attorney General. On April 7, 2025, Truelove pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on January 24, 2024, Truelove knowingly possessed 179 rounds of ammunition, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The Honorable Ronald A. White, Chief U.S. District Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Truelove will report to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility on October 3, 2025, to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan E. Soverly represented the United States.


title: Convicted Felon Who Threatened Rochester Woman with Gun  Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – Divaunte Kartrell Young, age 24, has been sentenced to 180 months of imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release following a federal jury trial in which Young was found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm as a felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Career criminals are not in charge of Minnesota,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Young threatened this victim with a gun and then tried to bribe his way out of accountability. Acts of violence and corruption like this will always end the same way—with years in federal prison.” In Spring of 2023, Young spent the day running errands with the victim, who had recently met Young. The victim kindly chauffeured Young around Rochester, Minnesota, in her car. At the end of the day, Young told the victim he wanted her to drive him from Rochester to the Twin Cities (a four-plus hour roundtrip for the victim). The victim repeatedly said no. Young then unzipped a crossbody bag he was wearing and showed the victim that he had a gun in his bag. Young threatened to shoot the victim, making statements like, “what if I shot your brain” and saying he could shoot up the car. The victim was badly frightened, and ultimately fled, leaving Young with her car. Alone on the road, in freezing mid-March temperatures, the victim hyperventilated and became sick, which the Court observed was “an intense physical reaction to an intensely frightening situation.” The victim called the police, and officers soon responded to the location the victim left her car and found Young asleep in the front passenger seat. Officers arrested Young and searched the car. They found Young’s cross-body bag in the glove compartment. Inside was a black and silver Taurus nine-millimeter handgun. Young was detained pending his trial. From jail, Young attempted to obstruct justice. He called the victim, telling her to lie to the police and court about what happened. When the victim refused to lie, Young attempted to bribe her with money. Young has a long and violent criminal history. Young’s history includes felony convictions for domestic assault, aggravated robbery, burglary, and assault of a corrections officer. Before he committed his crime, Young was on probation in four separate cases, but had absconded from supervision. On March 26, 2025, following a trial, a federal jury found Young guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Young was sentenced today by United States District Judge Eric C. Tostrud. In handing down his sentence Judge Tostrud noted that defendant’s history and characteristics were “deeply troubling” to the Court and demonstrated the defendant “was, in fact, a lifelong criminal” with five prior adult felonies. Judge Tostrud explained that “Reasonable people fear for their lives when they are threatened with a firearm. There is no question the victim’s fears were justified. The defendant was in a prime position to act on his threats.” In handing down the maximum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment, Judge Tostrud concluded that the defendant was “a great danger to the public” who had “no respect for the law.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office commends the bravery of the victim in this case. The case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the Rochester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evan B. Gilead, David B. Green, and Ruth S. Shnider prosecuted the case.


title: Foreign Nationals Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the United States and Transferred to Immigration Officials for Deportation Proceedings

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – Two foreign nationals were sentenced this week for illegally reentering the United States after previously having been deported. These felony cases were prosecuted as 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. According to court documents, Hermes Castillo, 44, and Miguel Alvarado-Villanueva, 36, both of Honduras, were encountered by the Elberta, Alabama Police Department during a traffic stop on May 29, 2025. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) was notified of the encounter. HSI arrested Castillo and Alvarado after determining that they were illegally in the United States. Castillo had previously been deported from the United States three times. Castillo had also been convicted of Possession of Cocaine in violation of Florida state law and illegal reentry in 2012. Alvarado had been previously deported from the United States three times. At sentencing, Castillo and Alvarado were each sentenced to time-served and a 1-year term of supervised release upon their release if not deported. Castillo and Alvarado had been in custody since their arrests on May 29, 2025. Both defendants were ordered to be transferred to immigration officials for deportation proceedings upon their release from prison. Several other defendants were recently prosecuted as part of Operation Take Back America’s ongoing collaboration between federal agencies with the assistance of state and local law enforcement and sentenced in federal court. In July, Miguel Castro-Gonzales, 48 of Mexico, and Albert Marel Padilla-Castro, 43, of Honduras were sentenced for illegal reentry. The Summerdale Police Department arrested Castro-Gonzales for public intoxication and resisting arrest on May 18, 2025. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) was notified of the arrest and determined that Castro-Gonzales was previously deported on three occasions. The Saraland Police Department encountered Padilla-Castro during a traffic stop on May 6, 2025. United States Border Patrol (USBP) responded to the stop. USBP arrested Padilla-Castro after determining that he was illegally present in the United States and had been previously removed on two occasions. In August, Antonio Flores, 41, of Mexico, Ali Torres-Barahona, 34, of Honduras, and Jorge Magana-Cartagena, 31, of El Salvador were sentenced for illegal reentry. The Foley Police Department arrested Flores for DUI in September 2023, but he was later released on bond under a false alias. ICE/ERO determined Flores’ true identity and concluded that he was illegally in the United States and had been deported twice. He was charged by a federal grand jury with illegal reentry and arrested in June 2025 by federal agents. The Mobile Police Department arrested Torres-Barahona for organized retail theft on June 8, 2025. ICE/ERO was notified of the arrest and determined that Torres-Barahona was illegally in the United States and had been deported three times. Federal agents encountered Magana during a worksite enforcement operation in Foley, Alabama on June 16, 2025. HSI agents arrested Magana after determining he was illegally in the United States and had been deported twice. These defendants were all sentenced to time-served and had been in custody since their respective arrests on federal charges. Upon their releases from prison, all defendants were ordered to be transferred to immigration officials for deportation proceedings. All defendants were ordered to pay $100.00 each in special assessments. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) investigated the cases with the assistance of state and local law enforcement partners, including, the Elberta Police Department, Summerdale Police Department, Saraland Police Department, Foley Police Department, and Mobile Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin D. Kopf prosecuted the cases on behalf of the United States. In addition to repelling the invasion of illegal immigration, Operation Take Back America aim includes the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protecting our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. In addition to repelling the invasion of illegal immigration, the Operation Take Bank America initiative is committed to leveraging Department of Justice resources to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Charleston Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Tiffany Dawn Shaffer, 36, of Charleston, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 17, 2025, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Shaffer near St. Albans. Shaffer admitted that she possessed 2 pounds of methamphetamine in the back of the vehicle during the traffic stop. At the time of this offense, Shaffer was serving a term of supervised release after pleading guilty to distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on June 28, 2021. Shaffer has a criminal history that also includes prior convictions for conspiracy to operate a clandestine drug laboratory and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Shaffer is scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the St. Albans Police Department and the assistance provided by the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney JC MacCallum is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-144. ###


title: Foreign-owned companies to pay $2.3 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations related to improper receipt of Paycheck Protection Program loans

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Immco Diagnostic LLC (Immco) and Primus Corporation (Primus) have agreed to pay $2.375 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that they improperly obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for which they were not eligible. In March of 2020 Congress created the PPP to provide emergency financial assistance to American businesses suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A PPP loan was both forgivable and guaranteed by the SBA. One of the requirements for a business to obtain a second draw PPP loan, was the business had to have 300 or fewer employees. In 2021, both Immco and Primus obtained second draw PPP loans. When Immco and Primus made their loan applications and again when they sought loan forgiveness, they were owned and controlled by Trinity Biotech plc (Trinity), a company based in Ireland with multiple subsidiaries worldwide. Trinity and its affiliates, which included Immco and Primus, had over 300 employees when they applied for the loans and corresponding forgiveness. The United States therefore contends that Immco and Primus were ineligible for these loans because, together with their affiliates, they had more than 300 employees, in violation of the PPP rules. “PPP was designed to support small business during the COVID-19 pandemic, but these companies failed to disclose accurate information about their size and eligibility thereby obtaining $1.8 million in forgiven loans that they were not entitled to,” said U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “This office is committed to recovering taxpayer dollars that were improperly obtained by through the PPP.” This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David M. Coriell and Jonathan W. Ferris, and Investigator Margaret McFarland, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of General Counsel. Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability. # # # #


title: Justice Department Returns Full Control of Police Practices to the City of Seattle

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington recognized the successful completion of the consent decree in United States v. City of Seattle , returning complete control of the Seattle Police Department (SPD) to the City. The 13-year consent decree effort addressed use of force, crisis intervention, stops and detentions, supervision and accountability. “We congratulate the Seattle Police Department on its achievement of sustained substantial compliance with this consent decree,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “We are proud to stand by the men and women of the Seattle Police Department as federal oversight ends and the court returns full control of local law enforcement to the city.” “The Seattle Police Department has worked over many years to develop and implement policies and procedures that have transformed the department into an example for other police forces,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller for the Western District of Washington. “Multiple Police Chiefs, city leaders, community stakeholders, and U.S. Attorneys have supported that effort. I commend the hard work that has led to the end of the consent decree.” In 2011, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington jointly initiated an investigation into the SPD under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 and the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. After concluding the investigation, in 2012 the United States and the City of Seattle entered into a consent decree to address the investigation’s findings that SPD engaged in a pattern or practice of unnecessary or excessive force in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution. In 2023, the Court granted the parties’ joint motion to terminate most of the consent decree’s requirements. The City and the Department worked collaboratively toward completion of the last remaining requirements, leading to today’s termination of the consent decree and final dismissal of the lawsuit.


title: Former DPHSS Employee Sentenced for Defrauding Assistance Programs

body_text: Hagåtña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Natasha Peredo Vitug, age 49, was sentenced to one month of imprisonment and 11 months home confinement. She was charged in the U.S. District Court of Guam with Theft Concerning Program Receiving Federal Funds, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1)(A). The Court also ordered three years of supervised release, restitution in the amount of $149,944.84, and $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Defendants convicted of SNAP fraud are barred from further participation in the program. Natasha Peredo Vitug was previously employed as an Eligibility Specialist at the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS). In that role, Vitug was responsible for processing benefits applications, determining eligibility, and issuing benefits. During the time of her employment, Vitug exploited her position in order to unlawfully re-apply for Cash Assistance Program (CAP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in the names of beneficiaries who had left Guam or terminated their participation in the programs. “Taxpayers deserve accountability for funding that supports public programs,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “Vitug’s corrupt conduct deprived the SNAP program of important resources. I applaud the efforts of law enforcement in bringing her to justice.” “Ms. Vitug abused her position of trust to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in taxpayer funds meant to help low-income families put food on the table,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David K. Porter. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to protecting these programs, and we will pursue these investigations at all levels.” This investigation was conducted by Guam DPHSS Investigation & Recovery Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin K. Petersburg prosecuted the case in the District of Guam.


title: TWO PENSACOLA MEN CHARGED IN FEDERAL INDICTMENT FOR CONSPIRACY TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Ronald Dale White, 39, and Darius Rafael Whisler, 33, of Pensacola, were indicted by a federal grand jury this week, charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and multiple counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Ronald White was also charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges today. Whisler was arraigned in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Hope Thai Cannon on August 26, 2025. White was arraigned in federal court before Judge Cannon on August 28, 2025. Trial is scheduled for October 6, 2025, before United States District Judge M. Casey Rodgers in Pensacola, Florida. If convicted, White and Whisler face up to life imprisonment. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office are investigating this case. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: TALLAHASSEE MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO PRODUCTION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Ryan Isbell, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court for production of child pornography. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I am truly thankful for the tremendous work of our local and federal law enforcement partners to investigate and put an end to this defendant’s sexual exploitation of minors. Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community from disgusting predators is a top priority, and my office will aggressively prosecute these cases to bring offenders like this to justice for victimizing our kids.” Court documents reflect that in 2020 the Tallahassee Police Department received reports that Isbell’s social media account contained child pornography. During the execution of a November 2020 arrest warrant, law enforcement encountered a minor victim who had been exploited by Isbell. A search of Isbell’s computer and cellular telephone confirmed the exploitation had been recorded. Isbell faces a minimum mandatory term of 15 years’, and up to 30 years’, imprisonment followed by lifetime supervision thereafter upon release. The case involved a joint investigation by the Tallahassee Police Department and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Spaven. Sentencing is scheduled for November 6, 2025, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark Walker. 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 . 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: Rapid City Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison  for Child Pornography Offenses

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY – U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a man from Rapid City, South Dakota, convicted of Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on August 29, 2025. Jerry Lamont, 61, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $35,630 in restitution and $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Lamont was indicted for the charges by a federal grand jury in January 2025. He pleaded guilty on May 14, 2025. Between January and December 2024, Lamont uploaded multiple pictures and videos of child pornography into his Dropbox cloud storage account. Lamont possessed 12 electronic devices, all of which contained child pornography. The material depicted children as young as infants being sexually abused, computer-generated imagery, bestiality, and bondage. Forty-one children have been identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as victims whose images Lamont possessed. Restitution was ordered to several of the victims and the South Dakota ICAC Digital Investigations Fund. “This defendant was in possession of 13,137 images of child sexual abuse material,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “Due to the relentless and collaborative work of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, the defendant was located, apprehended, and swiftly prosecuted for his exploitative conduct. The defendant is now out of our community as he begins his 15 year sentence in federal prison.” This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . This case was investigated by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case. Lamont was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: El Salvador Arrested for Assaulting Federal Agents

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: Fargo – Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced that on August 28, 2025, Carlos Jose Guzman-Pineda, age 27, a citizen of El Salvador, was charged by complaint with assaulting Border Patrol Agents. The complaint alleges that on August 25, 2025, a vehicle occupied by Guzman-Pineda was stopped by law enforcement. During the traffic stop, Border Patrol Agents determined that Guzman-Pineda was an illegal alien from El Salvador. Guzman-Pineda attempted to evade his arrest by violently assaulting Border Patrol Agents. He faces charges with penalties of up to 8 years in prison and $250,000 in fines. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Border Patrol, and prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of North Dakota, Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Lee. # # #


title: FEDERAL JURY CONVICTS BATON ROUGE MAN OF DRUG TRAFFICKING CONSPIRACY

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: Acting United States Attorney Ellison C. Travis announced the conviction of Alexander Brock, age 59, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. After a three-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge John W. deGravelles and less than an hour of deliberation, the jury unanimously convicted Brock of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine. As the evidence at trial demonstrated, between July 31, 2018 and August 9, 2019, Brock acted as a middleman by repeatedly brokering ounce-quantity deals between his four co-conspirators, all of which have been convicted in this case, to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine in East Baton Rouge and Iberville Parishes, while also converting cocaine into crack cocaine and distributing those substances to his own customers. In addition to finding Brock guilty, the jury determined that the conspiracy involved more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 28 grams of crack cocaine. As a result of his conviction, Brock now faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of forty years as well as a fine of up to $5 million and supervised release. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Jarreau, who also serves as Deputy Chief of the Organized and Violent Crimes Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and Benjamin Anderson. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Orange County Man Pleads Guilty To Production And Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that David Andrew Ogden (39, Winter Park) has pleaded guilty to five counts of production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and one count of possession of CSAM. For each production count, Ogden faces a minimum penalty of 15 years, up to 30 years, in federal prison. The possession count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 13, 2025. According to court documents, on September 8, 2024, Ogden entered an apartment without permission where three minor children were sleeping. Ogden began touching two of the children and used his cellphone to produce CSAM of them. Following Ogden’s arrest later that night, a search warrant was executed on his cellphone which revealed additional CSAM Ogden had produced in 2022 and 2024 involving two other minor children. Ogden’s phone also contained more than 1,000 AI-generated CSAM images and 10 AI-generated videos, some of which portrayed the abuse of children between the ages of 2 and 6 years old. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Winter Park Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman. 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 Attorney’s 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: Brevard County Man Sentenced To Nine Years In Federal Prison For Cocaine Distribution

body_text: Orlando, Florida – Senior U.S. District Judge Roy B. Dalton, Jr. has sentenced Matthew William Smolik (44, Titusville) to nine years in federal prison for distribution of cocaine. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $10,500, the proceeds of Smolik’s cocaine distribution. Smolik pleaded guilty on March 25, 2025. According to court documents, between September and November 2024, Smolik sold over half a kilogram of cocaine and a small quantity of fentanyl to a confidential source. In December 2024, search warrants were executed on two residences identified as stash locations for Smolik. During the search, agents located another nearly half kilogram of cocaine and drug processing materials. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Titusville Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Harrington handled the forfeiture.


title: Vanderwagen Man Sentenced for Firing Rifle During Assault

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Vanderwagon man was sentenced to 85 months in prison for using a firearm to threaten and assault another individual. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, on May 1, 2023, Perris Jeremiah Arthur , 36, confronted the victim at his residence on the Navajo Nation. After starting a physical altercation, Arthur retrieved a .22 caliber rifle from his ATV, fired two rounds into the residence, and later pointed the weapon directly at the victim, threatening to cause serious harm. Fortunately, the victim was not injured during the alternation. Arthur pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and using carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Upon his release from prison, Arthur will be subject to three years of supervised release. Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.


title: Eight Defendants Charged with Immigration Violations in Canton

body_text: AKRON, Ohio – A federal grand jury has returned indictments charging eight individuals with immigration and identity theft-related violations. According to court documents, the defendants were found Aug. 6 at a manufacturing facility in Canton. Four of the defendants were previously removed from the U.S. but were found in Ohio without the consent of the U.S. Attorney General or the Secretary for Homeland Security for readmission. The defendants and their charges are: Marcial Ajanel-Alvarez, 46, of Guatemala: Illegal Reentry of Removed Alien, 8 U.S.C. § 1326; previous removal from the United States Dec. 27, 2011. Emilio Alvarez-Perez, 31, of Guatemala: Illegal Reentry of Removed Alien, 8 U.S.C. § 1326; previous removal from the United States Sept. 4, 2013. False Claim to U.S. Citizenship to Engage Unlawfully in Employment, Title 18 U.S.C. 1015(e). Misuse of Social Security number, Title 42 U.S.C. 408(a)(7)(B). Aggravated Identity Theft, Title 18 U.S.C.1028A(a)(1). Justo-Amaya Calles, 55, of El Salvador: Illegal Reentry of Removed Alien, 8 U.S.C. § 1326; previous removal from the U.S. Dec. 3, 2012. False Claim to U.S. Citizenship to Engage Unlawfully in Employment, Title 18 U.S.C. 1015(e). Misuse of Social Security number, Title 42 U.S.C. 408(a)(7)(B). Aggravated Identity Theft, Title 18 U.S.C.1028A(a)(1). Domingo Calel-Herrera, 34, of Guatemala: False Claim to U.S. Citizenship to Engage Unlawfully in Employment 18 U.S.C.§1015(e). Unlawful Use of Identification Documents 18 U.S.C. § 1546(a). Misuse of Social Security Number 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(7)(B). Aggravated Identify Theft 18 U.S.C. § 1028A(a)(1). Juan De Leon Hernandez, 33, of Guatemala: False Claim to U.S. Citizenship to Engage Unlawfully in Employment 18 U.S.C.§1015(e). Misuse of Social Security Number 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(7)(B). Aggravated Identify Theft 18 U.S.C. § 1028A(a)(1). Pedro De Leon Hernandez, 21, of Guatemala: False Claim to U.S. Citizenship to Engage Unlawfully in Employment, 18 U.S.C.§1015(e). Unlawful Use of Identification Documents, 18 U.S.C. § 1546(a). Misuse of Social Security Number, 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(7)(B). Aggravated Identify Theft, 18 U.S.C. § 1028A(a)(1). Diego Perez-Ajanez, 37, of Guatemala: Illegal Reentry of Removed Alien, 8 U.S.C. § 1326; previously removed May 19, 2013. False Claim to U.S. Citizenship to Engage Unlawfully in Employment, 18 U.S.C.§1015(e). Misuse of Social Security Number, 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(7)(B). Aggravated Identify Theft, U.S.C. 18 § 1028A(a)(1). Victor Ramos-Santis, 44, of Guatemala: False Claim to U.S. Citizenship to Engage Unlawfully in Employment, 18 U.S.C.§1015(e). Misuse of Social Security Number, 42 U.S.C. § 408(a)(7)(B). Aggravated Identify Theft, U.S.C. 18 § 1028A(a)(1). The investigations leading to the indictments in these cases were conducted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The prosecution on these cases is being led by Assistant United States Attorney Kristen Rolph for the Northern District of Ohio. These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former Vanderburgh County Director of Finance Sentenced to 1.5 Years in Federal Prison for Stealing Over $125,000 in Public Funds

body_text: EVANSVILLE- Regene Newman, 59, of Evansville, has been sentenced to 1.5 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to wire fraud. Newman has already paid $101,133.55 in restitution to two victims, and settled privately with a third. According to court documents, Regene Newman exploited positions of public trust over a period of more than seven years, stealing over $125,000 intended for community programs and nonprofit organizations. She used the funds to support a lavish lifestyle, making large purchases at retailers including Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Bath & Body Works, Bra Goddess, Hobby Lobby, Target, and Macy’s. From 2015 to June 2021, Newman served as Director of Finance for the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office, where she had authorized access to both an office credit card and a debit card for My Goals , a nonprofit operating under the Prosecutor’s Office to assist at-risk youth. Between March 2016 and March 2021, Newman made approximately $60,028.66 in unauthorized purchases with the My Goals debit card. To conceal the theft, she arranged for the Prosecutor’s Office to make sham “donations” to the nonprofit by submitting false Accounts Payable Vouchers. These fake donations created the appearance that the funds would be used to support My Goals ’ mission of helping the community. During that time, Newman also made $26,381.04 in unauthorized purchases using the Prosecutor’s Office credit card. In June 2021, Newman left the Prosecutor’s Office and became Business Director for Vanderburgh County Community Corrections. There, she gained access to a separate county credit card and later requested responsibility for managing the checking account of a local nonprofit that supports individuals battling addiction. Once granted access, she made an additional $10,725 in unauthorized credit card purchases and $23,929.46 in unauthorized debit card purchases. “Regene Newman stole from public institutions and nonprofit organizations whose mission was to serve vulnerable members of the Vanderburgh County community. She deliberately exploited positions of public trust to fund a lifestyle of self-indulgence—stealing not only taxpayer dollars, but also resources earmarked for addiction treatment and youth intervention,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Today’s sentence is a stark reminder that those who abuse positions of trust and steal from the public will be held accountable.” “This sentencing underscores an uncompromising truth: those who corrupt positions of trust and steal from the public will be brought to justice,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge, Timothy O’Malley. “For years, Regene Newman diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars intended to serve at-risk youth in Vanderburgh County, instead funding a life of personal extravagance. This calculated abuse represents not only financial theft, but a profound betrayal of the very communities these resources were meant to uplift. The FBI will continue to pursue those who exploit the public trust and ensure they are met with the full weight of accountability.” “This outcome reflects the strength of interagency collaboration and the importance of vigilant oversight,” said Paul Joyce, State Examiner. “The State Board of Accounts is proud to work alongside our federal partners to uncover fraud and restore integrity to public service. We remain steadfast in our mission to ensure that public funds serve the people- not the personal interests of those entrusted to manage them.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Indiana State Board of Accounts investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew B. Miller, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: Scott County Man Sentenced for Armed Fentanyl Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Georgetown, Ky., man, Marvelous Davis, 26, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell to 93 months in prison, for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to his plea agreement, on November 12, 2024, law enforcement performed a traffic stop on a vehicle in which Davis was a passenger. During the search of the vehicle, law enforcement located an unserialized firearm, also known as a “ghost gun,” under Davis’ seat. Law enforcement also found 39.7 grams of pressed pills containing fentanyl. Davis admitted to possessing the drugs with intent to distribute to others and that he possessed the firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activity. Under federal law, Davis must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Division; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; Chief Lawrence Weathers, Lexington Police Department; and Chief Darin Allgood, Georgetown Police Department, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, KSP, Lexington Police Department, and Georgetown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Melton is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. – END –


title: Two Detroit Men Plead Guilty to Fentanyl Crime

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Eric Jaeshon Ray, also known as “Brody,” 31, and Franklin Fitzgerald Elly, also known as “Costco,” 36, both of Detroit, Michigan, each pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, from in or about May 2025 to in or about July 2025, Ray and Elly conspired together and with other individuals to distribute fentanyl in the St. Albans area of Kanawha County. On four separate occasions between May and June of 2025, Elly assisted Ray in distributing a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant in St. Albans as part of the conspiracy. Ray and Elly are scheduled to be sentenced on December 15, 2025, and each faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department. United States District Judge Joseph R. Goodwin presided over the hearings. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-128. ###


title: The Justice Department Files Complaint Challenging Illinois Laws Providing In-State Tuition and Scholarships for Illegal Aliens

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: The United States is challenging Illinois laws providing in-state tuition and scholarships for illegal aliens. These laws unconstitutionally discriminate against U.S. citizens, who are not afforded the same reduced tuition rates or scholarships, in direct conflict with federal law. On Tuesday, Sept. 2, the Department of Justice filed a complaint in the Southern District of Illinois against the State of Illinois, Governor Pritzker, the State Attorney General, and the boards of trustees of state universities in Illinois seeking to enjoin the State from enforcing the Illinois laws and bring them into compliance with federal requirements. In the complaint, the United States seeks to enjoin enforcement of Illinois laws that requires colleges and universities to provide in-state tuition rates for all aliens who maintain Illinois residency, regardless of whether those aliens are lawfully present in the United States. Federal law prohibits institutions of higher education from providing benefits to aliens that are not offered to U.S. citizens. The Illinois laws blatantly conflict with federal law and are thus in conflict with the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. “Under federal law, schools cannot provide benefits to illegal aliens that they do not provide to U.S. citizens,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice has already filed multiple lawsuits to prevent U.S. students from being treated like second-class citizens — Illinois now joins the list of states where we are relentlessly fighting to vindicate federal law.” “Illinois has an apparent desire to win a ‘race to the bottom’ as the country’s leading sanctuary state. Its misguided approach mandating in-state tuition, scholarships, and financial aid to illegal aliens plainly violates federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft for the Southern District of Illinois. “This policy treats illegal aliens better than U.S. citizens living in other states and incentivizes even more illegal immigration, all on the taxpayer’s dime. Illinois citizens deserve better.” This lawsuit follows two executive orders signed by President Trump that seek to ensure illegal aliens are not obtaining taxpayer benefits or preferential treatment. The first, “ Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders ” orders all agencies to “ensure, to the maximum extent permitted by law, that no taxpayer-funded benefits go to unqualified aliens.” The second, “ Protecting American Communities From Criminal Aliens ,” directs relevant officials to “take appropriate action to stop the enforcement of State and local laws, regulations, policies, and practices favoring aliens over any groups of American citizens that are unlawful, preempted by Federal law, or otherwise unenforceable, including State laws that provide in-State higher education tuition to aliens but not to out-of-State American citizens.”


title: Houston Man Sentenced For   Cocaine Distribution Conspiracy

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ANACLETO SILVA-HERRERA (“SILVA-HERRERA”), age 40, a resident of Houston, Texas, was sentenced by United States District Judge, Jane Triche Milazzo, on August 20, 2025, after previously pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, and possession, with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine. SILVA-HERRERA was sentenced to 37 months imprisonment, one year of supervised release, and a $200 mandatory special assessment fee. According to court documents, SILVA-HERRERA, and other co-conspirators, distributed, and possessed with intent to distribute, multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine within the Eastern District of Louisiana. SILVA-HERRERA transported kilogram quantities of cocaine, and proceeds from the sale of narcotics, on behalf of a co-conspirator, a known Mexico-based source of supply. This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Orleans Field Division Office, and assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Border Patrol, the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, the Kenner Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF . * * *


title: Raleigh County Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

body_text: BECKLEY, W.Va. – Jeremy Dale Shuck, 47, of Coal City, pleaded guilty today to distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 16, 2024, Shuck sold approximately 13.92 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant for $200 in a service station parking lot in Beaver. Shuck admitted to the transaction as part of his guilty plea. Shuck is scheduled to be sentenced on January 23, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $5 million. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). United States Magistrate Judge Omar J. Aboulhosn presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons and former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell have prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-41. ###


title: Mexican National Charged with Drug Trafficking Conspiracy after Seizure of  29 Kilograms of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national has been charged by criminal complaint with distribution and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Geovanni L. Cano, 39, was charged in a six-count criminal complaint on Aug. 29, 2025. Cano was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and five counts of distribution of methamphetamine. According to court documents, between January and August 2025, Cano distributed approximately seven kilograms of methamphetamine to law enforcement through six controlled buys conducted in Kansas City, Mo. Cano distributed the drugs on behalf of a Mexico-based broker. On Aug. 28, 2025, investigators arrested Cano while he was in possession of approximately 3.7 kilograms of methamphetamines. A federal search warrant was executed at Cano’s residence in Kansas City, Ks. Investigators located approximately 18.6 kilograms of methamphetamine in the residence. The charges contained in the criminal complaint 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. Attorney Ashleigh Ragner. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Kansas City, Kansas Police Department; and IRS-Criminal Investigations. Operation Take Back America This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Missouri Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Government Contractor Agrees to Pay $3.1 Million to Resolve Alleged Violations of the False Claims Act

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: BOISE – Sanford Federal, Inc. and its owner, Joseph Mandour, agreed to pay $3,100,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act in their acquisition and performance of 49 government contracts across the United States and involving multiple Federal agencies. The United States alleged that Sanford and Mandour violated the False Claims Act by knowingly misrepresenting the identities of individuals alleged to be employees, using unknown persons and fraudulent credentials to sweeten their contract bids, and misrepresenting Sanford’s size to acquire set-aside contracts in violation of Small Business Administrative rules. The United States also alleged that Sanford and Mandour acquired a service-disabled veteran owned small business set-aside contract and then knowingly violated a limitation on subcontracting that required such contracts to be performed by service-disabled veteran owned small businesses. “Government contractors are important partners that help us achieve our various government missions. But misrepresentations in bids undermine the integrity of the bid process and deprive legitimate businesses of the opportunity to compete for government contracts,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott. “We will continue to protect the right of small businesses and service-disabled veteran owned businesses to obtain government contracts without being undermined by fraudulent bid practices.” “This settlement demonstrates that the VA OIG will actively investigate fraud allegations involving VA contracts that are set aside for service-disabled veterans,” said Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their efforts in this case.” “Lying to the government undermines the trust and integrity essential to fair competition in our country,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip C. Mazzella of the Department of Commerce OIG. “If these lies go unchecked, our ability to effectively monitor and operate vital government programs in the United States will be significantly weakened. To hold these bad actors accountable, Commerce OIG along with our federal partners, will continue to aggressively pursue and investigate allegations of false certifications made by government contractors.” “When unscrupulous individuals manipulate programs intended to support small businesses, they undermine trust, weaken competition, and deny opportunities to honest business owners,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher W. Dillard of the DoD Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “DCIS stands with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our investigative law enforcement partners to root out fraud and hold accountable those who prey on Federal programs.” This matter was investigated jointly by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the United States Department of Commerce, the United States Air Force, the United States Army, and the United States Department of Defense. Additional assistance was provided by the Small Business Administration and the General Services Administration. Assistants United States Attorney Elliot Wertheim and Robert Firpo handled the investigation. The claims resolved by the settlement against Sanford Federal, Inc. and Joseph Mandour, are allegations only and there has been no admission or determination of liability. Settlement Agreement ###


title: United States Intervenes and Sues ProMedica Health System, Inc. and Its Affiliates for Providing Grossly Substandard Nursing Home Services

component: Civil Division

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf and the Department of Justice announced that the United States has intervened and filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania under the False Claims Act (FCA) against ProMedica Health System, Inc. (ProMedica) and various affiliated entities including HCR ManorCare Inc. and four nursing homes located in Pennsylvania, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia (the defendants). ProMedica is a nonprofit corporation that is headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. From 2018 to 2023, it owned and controlled the following four nursing homes: ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation - Pottstown (Pennsylvania), ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation - Riverview (Ohio), ProMedica Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation - Greenville East (South Carolina), and ProMedica Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation - Imperial (Virginia). In its complaint in intervention, the United States alleged that the four nursing homes provided non-existent, grossly substandard skilled nursing facility care or services that otherwise failed to meet the required standards of care under the Nursing Home Reform Act. The United States alleged that, from 2017 to 2023, the defendants failed to develop or follow individualized care plans for their residents. Specifically, in many cases, the facilities failed to provide adequate wound care to prevent pressure ulcers, failed to maintain residents’ hygiene and to provide showers as required, and failed to provide residents with appropriate assistance with feeding, which led to severe weight loss in many cases. To conceal their provision of grossly substandard care, in some cases, defendants falsely documented in resident medical records that care and services had been provided to residents when it had not been. “An increasing number of older adults and persons with disabilities are residing in long-term care facilities. These residents are often particularly vulnerable to inadequate assessment and treatment of their needs,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Beginning almost 30 years ago, the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania filed some of the first False Claims Act complaints and reached some of the first settlements in the United States to focus on quality of care in the nursing home environment. Today’s complaint again serves notice to the nursing home industry that a failure to provide adequate nursing home care will not be tolerated. Public funds expended for nursing home residents must result in appropriate care, which is what the government pays for, and the law requires.” “The Justice Department is committed to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society, including elderly and infirm individuals who depend on nursing homes for safe and dignified skilled nursing care,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Grossly substandard care places nursing home residents at serious risk of harm and this suit sends a clear message that we will pursue healthcare providers who fail to meet their legal obligations to provide required care and who betray the trust of the residents they are meant to serve.” The complaint in intervention is the result of a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. This matter is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Degnan and Gerald B. Sullivan and Fraud Section attorneys Susan C. Lynch, Robbin O. Lee, and Samuel P. Robins. The case is captioned United States, et al., ex. rel. Compton v. HCR ManorCare, Inc., et al., No. 16-cv-0851 (E.D. Pa.). The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.


title: South L.A. Man Arrested on Federal Complaint Charging Him with Illegally Towing Government Vehicle Used During Immigration Arrest

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A South Los Angeles man and tow truck driver was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with stealing government property by illegally towing a vehicle used by law enforcement officers to conduct an immigration-related arrest last month. Bobby Nunez, 33, is charged with theft of government property. Nunez is expected to make his initial appearance this afternoon in United States District Court in Los Angeles. According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, Nunez on August 15 interfered with federal law enforcement officers in downtown Los Angeles who were arresting Tatiana Mafla-Martinez, 23, an illegal alien from Colombia residing in downtown Los Angeles. The officers used two government law enforcement vehicles to box in Martinez’s vehicle and prevent her from escaping. Both government vehicles had their emergency lights activated during this incident, which occurred at the exit of a luxury apartment complex’s parking structure. During the officers’ struggle to arrest Martinez, Nunez approached Martinez’s vehicle and began pressing the passenger side door of her vehicle on an officer, who then threatened Nunez with arrest. After being told the officers were conducting a federal investigation, Nunez swore at the officers and told them “Something was going to happen” to them. A second man then approached Martinez’s vehicle to interfere with the arrests. While officers addressed this man’s interference, Nunez got into his Dodge tow truck and towed one of the government vehicles that was boxing in Martinez’s vehicle. At the time of this interference, the government vehicle had its keys inside and a firearm locked in a safe inside it as well. Two days later, law enforcement observed Nunez’s tow truck parked in an assigned residential space at the same luxury apartment complex in downtown Los Angeles. A criminal complaint contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, Nunez would face a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Homeland Security Investigations is investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Neil P. Thakor of the General Crimes Section is prosecuting this case.


title: Springfield, Vermont Man Sentenced to 45 Months in Prison for Straw-Purchasing 19 Firearms and Robbing 3 Banks

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on August 29, 2025, Stephen Loewe, 43, of Springfield, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 45 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Loewe previously pleaded guilty to straw purchasing 19 firearms between December 2023 and May 2024, and admitted as part of his plea that he robbed the Claremont Savings Bank in Springfield on August 13, 2024, the M&T Bank in Springfield on August 13, 2024, and the M&T Bank in Putney, Vermont on August 14, 2024. According to court records, Loewe purchased the 19 firearms at a firearm store in New Hampshire, falsely stating that the firearms were being purchased for his own possession. Instead, Loewe provided the firearms to another person. 18 of the firearms were handguns that Loewe provided to his drug dealer in exchange for crack cocaine. At the time he gave him the firearms, Loewe knew his drug dealer was prohibited from possessing firearms due to the drug dealer’s criminal history. One of the firearms trafficked by Loewe was subsequently recovered during a search of a drug den on Reed Street in Springfield, Vermont. A second firearm trafficked by Loewe was recovered at the scene of the shooting of a police officer in Springfield, Massachusetts. Loewe was arrested on July 31, 2024 after stealing a vehicle and leading police officers on a chase. After he was released from state custody, Loewe proceeded to commit the three bank robberies. Loewe admitted after his arrest for the bank robberies that he used the money he obtained from the robberies to purchase crack cocaine. “The straw-purchasing of firearms and intentional provision of them to drug traffickers is an exceedingly serious crime,” stated Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher. “A key aspect of federal firearm background checks is to confirm the person purchasing the firearm is the intended recipient. Straw-purchasing intentionally circumvents this safeguard by allowing prohibited people to possess guns, and arming criminals with firearms that cannot be traced back to them as purchasers.” Acting U.S. Attorney Drescher commended the collaborative investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Vermont State Police, and the Springfield, Vermont Police Department. Assistance was also provided by the Chester Police Department, the Weathersfield Police Department, the Bellows Falls Police Department, and the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department in the response to the bank robberies. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corinne Smith and Jonathan Ophardt. Loewe was represented by Assistant Federal Defender Steven Barth.


title: Ecuadorian National Sentenced to 25 Years in Federal Prison for Recording His Sexual Abuse of Minor Victim

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ENRIQUE PAULO PUCHA-JIMENEZ, 34, a citizen of Ecuador last residing in Danbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 300 months of imprisonment for recording his sexual abuse of a minor girl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on multiple occasions between November 2020 and August 2023, Pucha-Jimenez sexually abused a minor girl, who was between the approximate ages of nine and 12, and used his cellphone to take photographs and videos of his sexual abuse of the victim. On August 16, 2023, Danbury Police arrested Pucha-Jimenez on state sexual assault and risk of injury offenses. Subsequent forensic analysis of Pucha-Jimenez’s cellphone revealed 576 images and 36 videos of child sex abuse material involving the minor victim. Pucha-Jimenez has been detained since his arrest. On August 1, 2024, he pleaded guilty in federal court to production of child pornography. The state charges against Pucha-Jimenez are pending. Pucha-Jimenez faces immigration proceedings when he completes his prison term. This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Danbury Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel E. Cummings with the assistance of the Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Danbury. 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 .