title: California Man Arrested and Charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Devin Ravine, a/k/a Derek Johnson, age 20, of Riverside, California, was arrested on Friday on charges of sexual exploitation of a child. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. According to a criminal complaint, from on or about March 30, 2025 through April 1, 2025, Ravine persuaded and induced a Rensselaer County minor to create child sexual abuse material, which the child then sent to Ravine over the Internet. The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “This case is the result of what I like to call ‘Operation It’s Not Your Fault’ – FBI agents visit schools all over the Northern District of New York to educate students about internet safety and sextortion. Our hope is to help students avoid these terrible situations, and also to encourage them to come forward if they believe they are a victim of a crime. Students may be embarrassed, ashamed, feeling that they’re at fault, afraid to tell their parents, and one of our messages is – no, it’s not your fault, and you should tell us if there are predators who have targeted you.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “This case truly exemplifies the strength and reach of the FBI. It should also put predators on notice, as it doesn’t matter where you’re committing these heinous crimes, we will use every resource we have to find you and ensure you can never hurt another child again.” Ravine made an initial appearance on Friday in the Central District of California and has a detention hearing there scheduled for tomorrow. He faces at least 15 years and up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a supervised release term of at least 5 years and up to life. Ravine may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim of his offense and forfeit any devices used in the offense. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Ravine would also have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. The FBI Albany Field Office is investigating this case with assistance from the FBI Riverside Field Office, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Rick Belliss and Mikayla Espinosa are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . Links to coverage of news conference: WRGB/CBS: https://cbs6albany.com/news/local/fbi-us-attorney-to-brief-on-new-case-child-online-safety-initiative-monday WTEN/ABC: https://www.news10.com/news/crime/california-man-accused-of-sexually-exploiting-capital-region-child/ WNYT/NBC: https://wnyt.com/top-stories/california-man-accused-of-sending-sexually-explicit-messages-with-rensselaer-county-girl/ WRVO/Public Radio: https://www.wrvo.org/2025-04-28/albany-u-s-attorney-wants-to-make-telecom-companies-monitor-texts-for-sexual-predators WAMC/NPR: https://www.wamc.org/news/2025-04-28/u-s-attorney-fbi-special-agent-in-charge-discuss-latest-efforts-on-childrens-online-safety-in-albany


title: Guatemalan National Responsible for Vehicle Crash Causing Six Deaths Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry Into the United States After Deportation

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – JOSE PAXTOR-OXLAJ , 45, of Guatemala, has pleaded guilty to illegally reentering after removal from the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. On September 17, 2024, a federal Grand Jury charged Paxtor-Oxlaj with illegal reentry after previous deportation. According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, on November 21, 2023, Paxtor-Oxlaj was the driver of a vehicle involved in an accident near Elk City, Oklahoma, in which his six passengers—including five children—died, and a seventh passenger was critically injured. An investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed Paxtor-Oxlaj was ordered to be removed by an Immigration Judge on June 29, 2010, and he had been removed from the United States to Guatemala on July 9, 2010. According to investigators, Paxtor-Oxlaj did not have permission to reenter the United States after his prior deportation. “Six individuals would be alive today, including five children, and another would not have been critically injured, if this defendant did not illegally reenter the United States after his deportation,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “His failure to comply with our immigration laws has resulted in horrific and tragic consequences which can never be undone. I applaud the federal and state law enforcement officials and prosecutors for their efforts with this case.” On March 21, 2025, Paxtor-Oxlaj pleaded guilty, and admitted he was knowingly in the United States without having obtained the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission into the United States. Sentencing will take place in federal court in approximately 60 to 90 days. In Beckham County District Court, Paxtor-Oxlaj was convicted of six counts of first-degree manslaughter and one count of causing accident with great bodily injury without a valid driver’s license in case number CF-2023-257. He was sentenced to serve four years in state prison. This case is the result of an investigation by the HSI, ICE, and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Hale and Elizabeth Joynes. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Iraqi Man Charged with Illegal Voting by an Alien

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Akeel Abdul Jamiel, age 45, formerly of South Glens Falls, New York, was charged on Friday with illegally voting in the 2020 election. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. According to an information filed in federal court, Jamiel, an Iraqi who was not a United Citizen, voted in the November 2020 election in Saratoga County, New York. The charge in the information is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “As alleged, Jamiel’s voting in the 2020 election was a callous and illegal act. We will continue to investigate and prosecute illegal schemes aimed at corrupting the election process.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Election security is and will continue to be one of the FBI’s highest national security priorities. Americans have a right to expect free and fair elections and the FBI is committed to working with our partners to seek justice for anyone trying to interfere with the democratic process.” HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan stated: “This defendant’s alleged crimes are an insult to the democratic process and demonstrate his blatant disregard for the sanctity of American constitutional rights. I commend HSI Albany and our law-enforcement partners for their success in this unified effort.” The charge filed against Jamiel carries a maximum term of 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) assisted in this investigation.


title: Missouri Felon Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for $822,000 Fraud, Gun Crimes

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey on Friday sentenced a convicted felon who possessed dozens of guns and committed an $822,000 fraud to 84 months in prison. Dennis Latour, now 41, hatched a scheme in June of 2022 to bilk aspiring investors in the cannabis industry. Latour falsely claimed to have made successful investments in the industry and invited two victims to piggyback on his investment. Latour used the fraudulently obtained money to fund his personal lifestyle and to pay for guns, vehicles, jet skis and other items. One victim lost about $713,000 and the other lost about $109,000. Latour was ordered Friday to repay the money. Latour, along with his former paramour Jennifer Keegan, also admitted the purchase and possession of dozens of firearms. Latour is a convicted felon who is barred from possessing firearms. They began in February of 2023, with Keegan filling out the required paperwork, despite knowing that many of the guns would be possessed and/or used by Latour. Their purchases included a Barrett .50-caliber rifle, other rifles, pistols and a shotgun. When the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) performed a court-approved search of the home the couple shared in Des Peres, Missouri on Sept. 26, 2023, they found 27 firearms in a “vault” room and two pistols in the couple’s bedroom. Latour pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of conspiracy to purchase one or more firearms for a convicted felon and 13 counts of wire fraud. Keegan pleaded guilty to one felony count of conspiracy to purchase one or more firearms for a convicted felon. Keegan, 51, was sentenced on April 16 to three years of probation. The ATF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Szczucinski and Justin Ladendorf prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Bridgeville Resident Pleads Guilty to Production of Material Depicting Child Sexual Abuse

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Bridgeville, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on April 25, 2025, to one count of production and attempted production of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Matthew Trax, 25, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on or about November 30, 2023, Trax employed, used, and enticed a 14-year-old female to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purposes of producing a visual depiction of such conduct, knowing that the visual depiction would be transported in and affect interstate commerce or created using a means and facility of interstate commerce. Specifically, Trax sent the minor nine images and one video of himself engaged in sexual intercourse with the minor, which Trax had recorded on his phone. Judge Hardy scheduled Trax’s sentencing for August 21, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant. Trax remains detained pending sentencing. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mt. Lebanon Police Department conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Trax. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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: Texas title company employee sent to prison for orchestrating $350,000 real estate wire fraud scheme

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 55-year-old McAllen resident has been ordered to prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Mayela Saby Cantu pleaded guilty Dec. 20, 2024. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has ordered Cantu to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $350,000 in restitution. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that detailed Cantu’s role in the scheme. The victim also reported the significant loss due to Cantu’s actions and asked the court for a sentence that would operate as a deterrent for others. In handing down the prison term, the court noted the complexity of the scheme and emphasized that Cantu’s role as an escrow officer allowed her to facilitate the scheme. At the time of her plea, Cantu admitted she knowingly participated in a scheme that used falsified lien payoff statements, fraudulent warranty deeds and deceptive emails to mislead lenders, title companies and property buyers. From November 2020 until her arrest, Cantu defrauded buyers and lenders in multiple property transactions while working at a McAllen title company. Using her position of trust, she facilitated closings backed by falsified documents. In one notable case, she directed others to create a fraudulent email address resembling that of a legitimate lienholder. Cantu then used the fake account to send false payoff amounts via interstate wires, leading a title company to improperly disburse more than $350,000. Cantu facilitated additional fraudulent property transactions, including arranging closing on properties that had already been sold and accepting undisclosed cash payments. By concealing the true nature of these deals, she caused significant financial harm to the affected parties. She was permitted to remain on bond pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. The FBI, McAllen Police Department and Texas Department of Insurance conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Garcia prosecuted the case.


title: Ocala Convicted Felon Sentenced To Nearly Six Years In Federal Prison For Possessing A Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Lewis Tinson, Jr. (30, Ocala) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Tinson entered a guilty plea on January 8, 2025. According to court records, on August 27, 2021, Tinson’s girlfriend called 911 because Tinson had threatened her with a gun. When deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office arrived, Tinson was outside the girlfriend’s home with firearms in his hands. Upon seeing the deputies, Tinson fled inside the residence and unsuccessfully tried to hide three loaded firearms in a clothes hamper. Tinson is a four-time convicted felon. Each of his prior felony convictions involve firearms—carjacking with a firearm, possession of a firearm by a delinquent, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and shooting at/within/into a vehicle. As a convicted felon, Tinson is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Three New Orleans Men Convicted for 2017 Edna Karr High School Double Homicide

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Correction: Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, especially the New Orleans Gang Task Force, the New Orleans Police Department, Sulphur Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera, David Haller and Sarah Dawkins are in charge of the prosecution . NEW ORLEANS – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael Simpson announced that TERRAN WILLIAMS, a/k/a “Funky” (“WILLIAMS”), TYRONE BOVIA, a/k/a “Sixx” (“BOVIA “), and JAVONTA DOLEMAN, a/k/a “Dutt” (“DOLEMAN “), all from New Orleans, were found guilty on April 21, 2025 after a two-week jury trial before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo. They were found guilty of various violations, including RICO conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, firearms conspiracy and Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering (VCAR) murder. All three defendants were members of the Byrd Gang, which operated primarily out of the former Magnolia Housing Development, but additionally had ties to the Westbank. Its members daily distributed drugs, including heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine and marijuana, and always possessed firearms. WILLIAMS, BOVIA and DOLEMAN participated in numerous drug trafficking activities and violent crimes and acted as gunmen for the Byrd Gang. On January 31, 2017, Lawrence Williams, IV, and Wynston Jackson, a/k/a “Ghost,” were shot and killed by the three defendants shortly after leaving an Edna Karr High School basketball game. Jackson was a member of the rival group, Ghost Gang, while Williams was an associate. Byrd Gang member, Briyan Love, attended the basketball game, and when she saw Jackson enter the auditorium, she communicated with Terran WILLIAMS and informed him that Jackson was at the game. WILLIAMS, BOVIA and DOLEMAN , and other Byrd Gang members and associates, drove across the river to Edna Karr School to kill rival Jackson. When Williams and Jackson left the basketball game and sat in a car in front of the school, WILLIAMS, BOVIA and DOLEMAN approached the car with two rifles and a handgun and unloaded a torrent of bullets. Jackson attempted to return fire with his nine-millimeter handgun but was shot and killed on the scene. Williams, who was also shot, later died at the hospital. TYRONE BOVIA was also convicted for his role in another shooting that he committed in May 2017 at the Bernmas Apartments, where M.I., another Ghost Gang member, resided and was the intended target. BOVIA’S companion and fellow Byrd Gang member, Terrence Augustine, was shot and killed during this incident by return fire. Byrd Gang member, James Alexander, has additionally pled guilty to this shooting. During the trial, evidence was presented that showed back-and-forth retaliatory shootings between the Byrd Gang and the Ghost Gang, much of which was fueled by social media posts, rap music and videos. Numerous individuals have been shot and killed on both sides, and many innocent bystanders have likewise been shot during these inner-city rivalries. During the investigation, dozens of firearms, most with large-capacity magazines, as well as hundreds of rounds of ammunition, have been recovered from Byrd Gang members, including from the three defendants. WILLIAMS, BOVIA and DOLEMAN all face a mandatory life sentence for the VCAR murders. Sentencing in this matter will be held before Judge Milazzo on July 30, 2025. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, especially the New Orleans Gang Task Force, and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth Privitera, David Haller and Sarah Dawkins are in charge of the prosecution. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts 12 on Drug Conspiracy and Firearm Charges

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia has charged 12 individuals in a 24-count indictment in connection with narcotics, firearms, and conspiracy offenses. These charges stem from an investigation targeting individuals engaged in the illegal possession and distribution of narcotics in Richland and Lexington County. During this investigation, agents seized multiple firearms, ammunition, and large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, crack cocaine, cocaine, and marijuana. The individuals charged include: William Larry Javis, 43, of Columbia Demetrius Tyare Glenn, 34, of Columbia Pearish Pierre Pretty, 41, of Columbia Issac Christopher Bates, 53, of Columbia Johnny Lee Dickerson, 44, of Columbia Quinton Lamar Anderson, 32, of West Columbia Miranda Ruth Garrett, 53, of Hopkins Darwin Tramaine Sims, 34, of Columbia Marsha Beth Gurwitch, 53, of Columbia Maynard Felder Bartlett, 39, of Lexington Douglas Steven Raley, 41, of West Columbia Billy Joe Davis, 42, of Gaston The defendants are each charged with offenses carrying a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of up to life in federal prison. The defendants appeared for arraignment last week. Ten defendants waived their right to a bond and United States Magistrate Judge Shiva V. Hodges ordered them detained pending trial. Douglas Steven Raley and Marsha Beth Gurwitch have detention hearings scheduled for tomorrow. The remaining defendants retain the right to ask for a detention hearing at a later date. This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, City of Columbia Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore is prosecuting the case. All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Sarasota Man Sentenced To Ten Years In Federal Prison For Attempted Enticement Of A Minor

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Javier Chavez (35, Sarasota) to 10 years in federal prison for attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity and attempted transfer of obscene matter to a minor. Chavez pleaded guilty in December 2024. According to court documents, beginning on May 15 and continuing through May 16, 2024, Chavez communicated with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing as both the mother of a 14-year-old girl and her 14-year-old daughter. After learning of the girl’s age, Chavez directly engaged in a sexually explicit conversation with the “girl” and sent explicit videos of himself. Chavez was apprehended by deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office when he arrived at a home with the intention of engaging in sexual activity with the girl. Chavez later admitted to deputies that his intentions with the girl were sexual. This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan. 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), 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: Glades County Man Sentenced To Five Years In Federal Prison For Possessing And Accessing With Intent To View Child Sexual Abuse Images

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell today sentenced Rodney Alan Hortman (59, Okeechobee) to five years in federal prison for possessing and accessing with intent to view images depicting the sexual abuse of children. Hortman was also sentenced to a life term of supervised release and ordered to register as a sex offender. Hortman entered a guilty plea on January 22, 2025. According to court documents, in December 2022, the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cybertip from an electronic service provider reporting that Hortman had uploaded files that depicted child sexual abuse material from his cellphone. On June 6, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Hortman’s residence and seized Hortman’s cellphones and computer tower. Hortman agreed to speak with law enforcement and admitted that there would be child sex abuse material on his electronic devices. The subsequent forensic examination of Hortman’s electronic devices revealed images of child sexual abuse material. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fort Myers Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, with assistance from the Glades County Sheriff’s Office and FDLE. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Yolande G. Viacava. This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.


title: Foreign National Indicted For Buying A Fraudulent Social Security Card And Possessing A Fake Green Card

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Carlos Alberto Urribarri Dominguez (34), a Venezuelan national, with knowingly buying a fraudulent Social Security card and possessing a fake U.S. Permanent Resident Card, commonly known as a “Green Card.” If convicted for the Social Security card offense, Urribarri Dominguez faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. The Greed Card offense carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. 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). An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol, the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General, and the Veterans Affairs Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam W. McCall.


title: Bryan Stirling to Serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. – Bryan P. Stirling has been appointed as the United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Mr. Stirling took the oath of office before U.S. Circuit Court Judge Julius Richardson in a private ceremony this afternoon at the U.S. District Courthouse, where he was joined by friends, family, and federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Mr. Stirling most recently served as director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections for more than a decade, where he has been the longest serving prison director in the country. He led a department of more than 4,000 employees who cared for 16,500 inmates in 21 prisons. Mr. Stirling worked to create a systemic reentry and training focus for all custody levels, which has led South Carolina to have the lowest recidivism rate in the country since 2021. Prior to joining the correctional system, Mr. Stirling served as Deputy Attorney General for nearly six years. He served Governor Nikki Haley as her Chief of Staff from October 2012 to September 2013, during which he oversaw management of the governor’s cabinet and the Office of Executive Policy and Programs. Mr. Stirling graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1991 and USC’s School of Law in 1996. As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Stirling will be responsible for overseeing federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States in the District of South Carolina. He will lead a dedicated team of 120 prosecutors and support professionals with offices located in Columbia, Charleston, Florence and Greenville. ###


title: Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 151 Months

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ABINGDON, Va. – A Big Stone Gap, Virginia man, who conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, was sentenced last week to 151 months in federal prison. James Eugene Gamble, 50, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. According to court documents, Gamble conspired with Eric Coffey, Daniel Hafemeister, Thomas Ray Houston, Jr., and others to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl in Southwest Virginia. Gamble served as a major supplier of methamphetamine in the Lee and Wise County, Virginia areas, selling over ten kilograms of methamphetamine between approximately October 2023 and March 2024. Gamble routinely made trips to North Carolina with co-conspirators to obtain several pounds of methamphetamine and up to a pound of fentanyl at a time from a drug supplier. On several of the trips, co-conspirator Thomas Houston, Jr. drove Gamble to North Carolina to conduct the drug transactions, and Gamble paid Houston $2,000 each trip to drive him. Gamble redistributed the drugs he purchased in North Carolina to individuals in southwest Virginia. Co-conspirator Thomas Houston, Jr. was sentenced to 72 months of imprisonment in February 2025. Acting U.S. Attorney Zachary T. Lee and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Southwest Drug Task Force, Wise County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lena Busscher prosecuted the case for the United States.


title: Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Machinegun

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to unlawful possession of a machinegun. James Thelwell-Mullen, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a machinegun before U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs who scheduled sentencing for July 29, 2025. In July 2024, Thelwell-Mullen was indicted by a federal grand jury. On or around April 28, 2023, Thelwell-Mullen unlawfully possessed a machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch” – a device designed to enable a Glock semi-automatic pistol to fire automatically. According to court documents, a machinegun conversion device, as well as two privately made firearms, ammunition, firearm magazines, other firearm accessories, and one plastic bag of fentanyl, were recovered during a search of Thelwell-Mullen’s Boston residence. Messages on Thelwell-Mullen’s phone indicated that he was also selling machinegun conversion devices. The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Criminal Division.


title: California Truck Driver Sentenced to Eleven Years in Prison for Trafficking $2.5 Million Worth of Cocaine

body_text: ROCKFORD — A California truck driver was sentenced today to eleven years in federal prison for trafficking $2.5 million worth of cocaine that was destined for Chicago. RONALD COLEMAN, 45, of Barstow, Calif., pleaded guilty earlier this year to one count of possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine. U.S. District Judge Iain D. Johnston imposed the sentence during a hearing in federal court in Rockford. Coleman admitted in a plea agreement that in April 2023 he was the driver of a semi-truck and trailer traveling through Whiteside County, Ill. on Interstate 88. Inside his semi-trailer, he knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute more than 91 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of $2.5 million. Coleman was transporting the cocaine to a warehouse in Chicago, where he was to exchange the drugs for cash and transport the money back to California. Inside his semi-truck, Coleman also possessed a firearm to protect himself, the cocaine, and the cash during the transport. Coleman expected to be paid for transporting the cocaine from California to Chicago. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Sheila G. Lyons, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The Illinois State Police provided assistance in the investigation. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert S. Ladd.


title: Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 37 Years in Prison for Child Exploitation Crimes

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Alex Kai Tick Chin, 40, of San Francisco, California, was sentenced today to 37 years in prison, to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, for production of child pornography, enticement of a minor, and committing a sex crime against a minor while a registered sex offender. A federal jury convicted Chin on August 22, 2024, after a three-day trial. Evidence at trial proved that from on or about December 12, 2020, through on or about February 14, 2021, Chin coerced a minor female residing within the Southern District of West Virginia to record and send him sexually explicit images of herself via the Snapchat multimedia instant messaging app. Chin threatened to harm himself if the minor female did not send him sexually explicit images. Chin exchanged messages with a second minor female during the same time period who also resided within the Southern District of West Virginia, engaging in sexual conversations and soliciting nude images from her as well. Chin also threatened to harm himself in conversations with the second minor female unless she complied with his demands. Chin sent photos and videos of himself to the second minor female, including an image of himself masturbating. Chin continued to communicate with both minor females until early March 2022, when he drove from California in a white panel van equipped with a mattress to the Southern District of West Virginia. There, he attempted unsuccessfully to meet both minor females in person. Chin was a registered sex offender at the time of these offenses, and has been since his felony conviction for possession of child pornography in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, on December 27, 2017. “The defendant was already a convicted sex offender when he targeted these two minor victims online. He groomed them, preyed upon their vulnerabilities, and coerced them into sending him pictures,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “He has shown a complete inability to take any responsibility for his own actions or demonstrate any remorse for his conduct, which was reprehensible in this case.” Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Rada Herrald and Courtney L. Finney prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . 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. 3:22-cr-87. ###


title: Repeat Felon who Fought Police Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Firearm Possession

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

body_text: NEWNAN, Ga. - Arthur Gene Young, a multi-convicted felon with a history of violence, has been sentenced to federal prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm while resisting police officers in a small west Georgia city. “Armed felons cannot be allowed to terrorize the citizens of our district,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “After Young was arrested with a firearm for the third time in two years, local law enforcement wisely sought federal assistance to ensure he would be removed from the community. We will continue to work with our partners at all levels to protect the public from gun violence and repeat violent offenders.” “The law-abiding citizens of this community are safer because of today’s sentence which will ensure the incarceration of a dangerous criminal and contribute to the restoration of order and peace to this area,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons. “This sentence sends a direct message to criminals that ATF and our local law enforcement partners will investigate violent criminals and protect citizens.” “The partnership of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies is imperative to help local communities stay safe,” said Bremen Police Department Lieutenant Joshua Newman. “The Bremen Police Department would like to thank all the agencies and law enforcement officers that were involved in this case.” According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges and other information presented in court: On May 2, 2023, less than a month after his release from state prison for other criminal conduct, Arthur Gene Young shoplifted from a pharmacy located in Bremen, Georgia. He returned to the pharmacy the following morning and argued with the store manager. Police officers responded and, upon learning of the earlier shoplifting incident, escorted Young from the store to arrest him. Young refused to obey the officers’ commands and shouted that he would not go back to prison as he fled the scene. As officers pursued Young through the center of town and towards a church preschool, Young exclaimed that he was armed and demanded to be left alone. As additional officers responded, Young crossed a highway, scaled a berm, and walked onto an active train track. There, he grabbed the wrist and arm of a deputy sheriff who attempted to detain him. Ultimately, Young tripped, giving officers an opportunity to place handcuffs around one of his wrists. But Young fought the officers and refused to comply as the officers attempted to fully cuff him. During the struggle, one of the officers noticed the grip of a loaded 7.65mm semiautomatic pistol in Young’s right pants pocket. The officer managed to secure the weapon before Young was finally handcuffed. As a multi-convicted felon, Young was legally prohibited from possessing firearms. Young’s decade-long criminal record included convictions for crimes of violence, such as attempted robbery by intimidation and terroristic threats, as well as other offenses. Additionally, at the time of his arrest following the incident at the Bremen pharmacy, Young was under indictment and on pretrial release in three cases brought in 2021 and 2022 charging him with attempted armed robbery, attempted robbery by intimidation, and two counts each of felon in possession of a firearm, aggravated assault, and simple assault. Arthur Gene Young, 34, of Bremen, Georgia, was sentenced on April 22, 2025, by Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr. to 14 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Young was convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on January 14, 2025, after he pleaded guilty in the middle of a jury trial. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Bremen Police Department. The Haralson County Sheriff’s Office, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and Georgia State Patrol provided valuable assistance. Assistant United States Attorneys Theodore S. Hertzberg and Amy M. Palumbo prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Syracuse Man Sentenced for Distribution, Transportation and Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Paul Mignacca, age 46, of Syracuse, was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison for distribution, transportation, and possession of child pornography. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig R. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. Between September 2023 and February 2024, Mignacca uploaded several videos of child sexual abuse material to a social media application group chat dedicated to sharing child pornography files, as well as to Mignacca’s private account on an Internet-based filesharing application. Law enforcement arrested Mignacca in April 2024 and seized his electronic devices. Digital forensic analysis revealed that Mignacca possessed more than 3,400 files constituting child pornography. United States Chief District Judge Brenda K. Sannes also ordered Mignacca to serve a 10-year term of post-incarceration supervised release, to pay a total of $60,000 in restitution to children identified from the child pornography he possessed, and to forfeit the electronic device he used to commit the offenses. Mignacca will also be required to register as a sex offender after his release from prison. The case was investigated by the FBI’s Albany Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, and the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case as a part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Robert Lee Taylor, 44, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute heroin. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 19, 2025, law enforcement officers obtained consent to search a Huntington residence and found approximately 104 grams of heroin, three digital scales, and plastic bags for packaging the heroin in a storage tote on the back deck of the residence. As part of his guilty plea, Taylor admitted that he possessed the seized heroin and that he intended to distribute it. Taylor further admitted to selling approximately 7 grams of heroin to a confidential informant for $491 on the back deck of the Huntington residence the day before the search. Officers executed a search warrant at Taylor’s residence in Huntington on March 19, 2025, and seized approximately $8,661. Taylor admitted that the seized cash was proceeds from the distribution of heroin. Taylor is scheduled to be sentenced on August 11, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a $1 million fine. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Violent Crime and Drug Task Force West. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Courtney L. Finney 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. 3:25-cr-74. ###


title: Ohio Men Receive Lengthy Prison Sentences for Trafficking Fentanyl and Methamphetamine, and other charges

body_text: AKRON, Ohio – Andrew Corbin, 36, and Calvin Roberts, 42, both of Akron, have been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy charges. U.S. District Court Judge John R. Adams sentenced Corbin to 15 years (180 months) in prison. Corbin pleaded guilty to conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine and to using his residence to conduct drug-related activities. Roberts was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison (235 months) by Judge Adams. Roberts pleaded guilty to conspiracy and distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine and for using his home to store the substances and conduct drug transactions. Additionally, Roberts pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was previously convicted of trafficking heroin in 2013 and 2020. According to court documents, from about April 1 to about Aug. 28, 2023, Roberts obtained distribution quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl from a local supplier. In turn, Roberts would sell drugs to his neighbor, Corbin, who lived only a short distance away on the same street. The two defendants regularly sold drugs out of their homes. Using a network of co-conspirators, they further distributed these drugs to customers in and around the Summit County area. During a search warrant execution of Roberts’s residence on Aug. 28, 2023, investigators seized a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol, ecstasy pills, a digital scale, an extended magazine, and two cellphones. He later admitted to selling fentanyl and methamphetamine out of his home for about $1,600-$1,900 per pound. On the same day, investigators executed a search warrant at Corbin’s residence and seized a Phoenix Arms 9mm pistol, ammunition, scales, drug paraphernalia, and several cellphones. During the investigation, Corbin admitted to using and selling drugs that he purchased from Roberts. Collectively, the seized drugs weighed in at approximately 17 ounces and were calculated to have a street value of more than $8,000. Other co-conspirators were also indicted in this case. Ernest Shropshire, 39, of Akron, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges and is scheduled to be sentenced May 22, 2025. Phillip August, 57, of Akron, pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges and is scheduled to be sentenced May 20, 2025. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph P. Dangelo for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: Hutchinson man sentenced for child pornography distribution

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 151 months in prison for distributing child exploitation sexual abuse materials. According to court documents, Zachary Charles Hiskey, 27, of Hutchinson pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography. In June 2021, Hiskey used his account on a messaging app called Kik to share videos depicting adult males engaged in sexually explicit activities with prepubescent children. Kik detected the videos and reported the account to law enforcement through a cyber tipline. This led to the discovery of other child exploitation sexual abuse materials connected to Hiskey’s email account and to IP logs at his home in Hutchinson. While executing a search warrant at Hiskey's home, investigators found an electronic device with an Internet browser thumbnail of recently viewed child exploitation sexual abuse materials. A forensic examination revealed the Kik account in question had been installed and then deleted on his cell phone. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart prosecuted the case. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Miami Return Preparer Agrees to Injunction and Disgorgement

component: Tax Division

body_text: The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida issued an injunction today against Miami tax return preparer Nia Daniel, which bars her from preparing tax returns for others, having any ownership stake in any tax preparation business, or assisting or training others in tax return preparation through at least Jan. 27, 2028. The court also ordered Daniel to disgorge $446,000 in ill-gotten gains she received from her return preparation business. Daniel agreed to both the injunction and ordered disgorgement. The complaint alleged that Daniel understated customers’ tax liability and claimed inflated refunds largely by: Falsifying or overstating business expenses claimed on a Schedule C; Claiming the Work Opportunity Tax Credit for clients who did not qualify for it; Falsely claiming other credits, such as the American Opportunity Credit and Residential Energy Credit; and Falsifying income and filing status to increase the Earned Income Tax Credit. According to the complaint, the IRS estimated a tax loss of more than $500,000 in 2023 alone from returns prepared by Daniel. The Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement. Taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant against unscrupulous tax preparers. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax return preparer and has launched a free directory of federal tax preparers. The IRS also offers 10 tips to avoid tax season fraud and ways safeguard personal information. In the past decade, the Department of Justice Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website . An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found on this page . If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.


title: Huntington Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun Crime

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Michael Vernon Pinson Jr., 30, of Huntington, was sentenced today to one year and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on February 20, 2024, law enforcement officers responding to reports of an unresponsive male in a vehicle in Huntington encountered Pinson in the vehicle’s driver’s seat. Officers searched the vehicle during the encounter and found a loaded Taurus model PT111 Millennium Pro 9mm pistol in the vehicle. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Pinson knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony conviction for unlawful wounding in Cabell County Circuit Court on February 16, 2016. Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 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. 3:24-cr-149. ###


title: Bucks County Attorney Sentenced to a Year and a Day in Prison in Connection With Multiple Fraud Schemes

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Alan Kane, 60, of Jamison, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Court Judge Michael M. Baylson to 12 months and a day in prison and three years of supervised release for his actions linked to multiple fraud schemes. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $160,072 and a $1,000 fine. In September, a federal jury convicted Kane, an attorney, on two counts of bankruptcy fraud, one count of filing a false claim in a bankruptcy proceeding, and one count of making a false statement to the FBI. Kane and two co-defendants were charged in a 12-count indictment in January 2024 that laid out three different fraud schemes: (1) a scheme to steal a house from a dead man’s family; (2) a scheme to defraud the City of Philadelphia out of property taxes that were due on the stolen house; and (3) a scheme to defraud co-defendant Jonathan Barger’s creditors through bankruptcy. In a suit filed by the family to get their house back, Kane represented the party who had stolen the house, Joseph Ruggiero [1] , and made repeated false statements supporting Ruggiero’s claim to good title, despite knowing that the deeds transferring the property away from the family were fraudulent. Kane also filed a false counterclaim against the family, claiming Barger’s company was entitled to more than $133,000 for work purportedly done to improve the house after it had been stolen. After claiming in the state court suit that Ruggiero had good title to the house, Kane represented Ruggiero before the Social Security Administration and represented that Ruggiero did not own the house because the deeds were fraudulent. This was done to ensure Ruggiero would still receive SSI benefits. Kane next filed a bankruptcy for Ruggiero, in which they claimed that Ruggiero had valid title to the house. The bankruptcy served to stay the family’s state court suit and prevent them from winning back the house. Kane then filed a false claim against Ruggiero in the bankruptcy, on behalf of Barger’s company, in an effort to steal some of the equity in the house for Barger in the event that Ruggiero lost the house to the family. Barger was implicated in all three schemes and pleaded guilty in June of last year to all counts with which he was charged. He is scheduled to be sentenced on May 12. “As officers of the court, attorneys have an ethical and professional obligation to uphold the law,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Instead, Alan Kane used his law license to help three clients commit federal crimes. Today’s sentence holds Kane responsible for his outrageous conduct and underscores the importance of respect for the rule of law.” “White-collar crimes may not involve physical violence, but they are far from victimless,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “Crimes like bankruptcy fraud undermine trust in our financial systems and harm individuals, businesses, and communities alike. The FBI, working alongside our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is firmly committed to protecting the integrity of our financial institutions and holding accountable those who manipulate, deceive, and defraud the public through complex and deceptive schemes.” The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Dubnoff and Special Assistant United States Attorney Hannah McCollum. [1] Mr. Ruggiero died in June 2020.


title: Nigerian National Sentenced to Prison for International Fraud Scheme that Defrauded Elderly U.S. Victims

component: Civil Division

body_text: A Nigerian national was sentenced on Friday to 97 months in prison for his role in a transnational inheritance fraud scheme. According to court documents, Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata, 36, was a member of a group of fraudsters that sent personalized letters to elderly victims in the United States over the course of several years. The letters falsely claimed that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who had died overseas years before. Ogbata and his co-conspirators told a series of lies to victims, including that, before they could receive their purported inheritance, they were required to send money for delivery fees, taxes, and other payments to avoid questioning from government authorities. Ogbata and his co-conspirators collected money victims sent in response to the fraudulent letters through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims, whom the defendants convinced to receive money and forward to the defendants or persons associated with them. Victims who sent money never received any purported inheritance funds. In pleading guilty, Ogbata admitted to defrauding over $6 million from more than 400 victims, many of whom were elderly or otherwise vulnerable. “The Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch will continue to pursue, prosecute, and bring to justice transnational criminals responsible for defrauding U.S. consumers, wherever they are located,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov M. Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This case is a testament to the critical role of international collaboration in tackling transnational crime. I want to thank our U.S. law enforcement partners, as well as those who assisted across the globe, including the Portuguese Judicial Police and Public Prosecution Service of Portugal, for their outstanding contributions to this case.” “The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable populations, to include the elderly,” said U.S. Attorney Hayden P. Byrne for the Southern District of Florida. “We will not allow transnational criminals to steal money from the public we serve. Individuals who defraud American consumers will be brought to justice, no matter where they are located.” “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) has a long history of protecting American citizens from these types of schemes and bringing those responsible to justice,” said Acting Postal Inspector in Charge Steven Hodges of the USPIS Miami Division. “Today’s sentencing is a testament to the dedicated partnership between the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, HSI and USPIS to protect our citizens from these scams.” “It’s inconceivable to imagine any human being robbing from those who’ve spent a lifetime working and building a life, and then are duped out of it all,” said Special Agent in Charge Fransisco B. Burrola of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Arizona. “Together, with our law enforcement partners, we will not tolerate this kind of behavior – we will bring justice to those who have wronged and stolen from so many people.” Senior Trial Attorney and Transnational Criminal Litigation Coordinator Phil Toomajian and Trial Attorneys Josh Rothman and Brianna Gardner of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch are prosecuting the case. USPIS and HSI investigated the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, Europol, and authorities from the UK, Spain, and Portugal all provided critical assistance. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This U.S. Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Elder fraud complaints may be filed with the FTC at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Department of Justice provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov .


title: Final men admit guilt in million-dollar stolen mail credit card fraud scheme

body_text: HOUSTON – The final two people in a large-scale mail theft and credit card fraud scheme have been convicted, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Bradley Kane Zarco, 39, and Travis Castaneda Qawasmeh, 28, both of Houston, admitted to obtaining stolen U.S. mail containing new credit cards and bank statements for intended account holders. They called financial institutions to activate the stolen credit cards, increased credit limits and changed information. The stolen credit cards were used to purchase goods, services, gift cards, cash and merchandise at retail stores. Over a six-month period, they fraudulently activated at least 120 stolen credit cards and caused approximately $1 million in losses to Chase Bank. Three others had also previously pleaded guilty to the same charges - Christopher McGee, 43, and Daniel Sanchez, 37, both of Houston, and Nigerian citizen Omokehinde Muyiwa Oyegoke-Tewogbade, 64, who illegally resided in Houston. U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen accepted the pleas and set sentencing for Aug. 11. The conspiracy charge carries a maximum five-year prison term and a potential fine of up to $1 million. McGee also admitted one count of aggravated identity theft which carries a mandatory two years in prison which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. Sanchez has already been sentenced. He was ordered to serve 41 months in prison in February. With the exception of Qawasmeh who was permitted to remain on bond, all others have been and will remain in custody. U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Lansden is prosecuting the case.


title: West Virginia Man Faces Federal Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Charges

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – A federal grand jury has indicted Donald Robert Wilt Edwards, Sr., 29, of West Virginia, for sexually exploiting a minor. The former Baltimore resident is charged with three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, three counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office, Police Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD), and Colonel Jack Chambers, West Virginia State Police. According to the indictment, on June 13, 2024 — while Edwards was still residing in Baltimore — Edwards persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced a minor male to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Edwards produced and transmitted a visual depiction of the conduct. Further, the indictment alleges Edwards distributed the visual depictions using an internet-based account and he possessed child sexual abuse material on a digital device. If convicted, Edwards faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison for each of the three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor; a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 20 years for each of the three counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material; and a maximum of 20 years for possession of child sexual abuse material. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc . Click the “Resources” tab on the left side of the page to learn about Internet safety education. U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the FBI, BPD, the West Virginia State Police, and West Virginia Parole and Probation Office for their work in the investigation. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Reema Sood and Paul E. Budlow who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit www.justice.gov/usao-md/project-safe-childhood and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Accountant Pleads Guilty to $8M Tax Fraud

body_text: A Colorado man pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States and tax evasion. According to court documents and statements made in court, Rodney Ermel owned and managed a Colorado-based accounting firm. Along with co-defendant Kenneth Bacon, Ermel provided accounting and tax preparation services for Joseph LaForte and his entities. Ermel conspired with LaForte, Bacon, and others to hide approximately $20 million in income. He did this through various fraudulent accounting practices, such as fabricating shareholder loans and “bad debt” deductions. Ermel also filed tax returns which he knew underreported taxable income by over $20 million between 2016 and 2018. Ermel’s fraud caused a loss to the United States of over $8 million. Ermel is the fourth defendant to plead guilty to criminal conduct related to this tax scheme. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 3. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney David Metcalf for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania made the announcement. The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Newcomer and John J. Boscia for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and Trial Attorney Ezra Spiro of the Justice Department’s Tax Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Illegal alien guilty of assaulting federal agent and fleeing scene in underwear

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – A 21-year-old Mexican citizen has pleaded guilty to assaulting a Border Patrol (BP) agent who was assisting him and inflicting bodily injury, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Marco Cupil-Hernandez, an illegal alien from Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, admitted he struck the agent’s body and face repeatedly while attempting to flee. On the evening of Jan. 23, law enforcement had arrested Cupil-Hernandez after he had waded across the Rio Grande River. A BP agent transported him to a local hospital for emergency care after Cupil-Hernandez complained of injuries to his knees. Medical personnel cleared him for release, though he walked with a limp. As the agent attempted to assist him into the vehicle, Cupil-Hernandez forcefully pushed him away and attempted to flee. A struggle ensued on the concrete. Each time the agent grasped an article of Cupil-Hernandez’s clothing, he removed it. Cupil-Hernandez then elbowed the agent’s face which caused him to lose his hold, at which time Cupil-Hernandez jumped to his feet and fled wearing only his underwear and shoes. Authorities took him into custody a short time later after discovering him hiding under the covered parking spaces of a nearby gym. “The defendant’s conduct, in brief, was quite revealing; he attacked a federal agent and barely escaped,” said Ganjei. “The naked truth here is if you assault a federal officer, you are going to federal prison.” U.S. District Judge John A. Kazen will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Cupil-Hernandez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Cupil-Hernandez has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: Florida Woman Sentenced to Federal Prison for Supervising Maryland Unemployment Insurance Scheme

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Tiia Woods, 47, of Jacksonville, Florida, to 74 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. The sentence is in connection with Woods’s role as an organizer of an unemployment insurance (UI) fraud scheme. Through the conspiracy, victims lost approximately $3,296,725. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Troy W. Springer, National Capital Region, U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office. According to the guilty plea, beginning in June 2020, and continuing through at least May 2021, Woods engaged in a conspiracy to defraud and obtain money through materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises in connection with the UI scheme. Woods obtained the personal identifiable information of real persons and used the information to submit false and fraudulent unemployment insurance claims to the Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL). Woods and her co-conspirators used UI benefits, which were designated to assist unemployed or underemployed people due to the COVID-19 national emergency, for their personal use. She instructed her co-conspirators Tyshawna Davis and Devante Smith via text message in furtherance of the conspiracy. Woods’s guidance included instructions on how to obtain benefits, expedite a claim, and how much Woods would keep for herself. Smith was previously sentenced to 54 months in prison for his role in the conspiracy. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act — a federal law enacted in March 2020 — provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act authorized increased unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits. UI benefits have historically been a state and federal program that provided monetary benefits to eligible workers. The CARES Act expanded states’ ability to provide UI benefits for many workers impacted by COVID-19, including self-employed workers or independent contractors, who would not normally be eligible for UI benefits. The District of Maryland Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud, including fraud relating to the CARES Act. The CARES Act was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus . Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DOL-OIG and FBI, along with Bank of America – Detection and Complex Investigations Fraud Rings and Analytics, for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Evelyn Lombardo Cusson and Harry M. Gruber who prosecuted the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Virginia Man Sentenced for Firearm and Ammunition Charges

body_text: BOSTON – A Virginia man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Ted Therrien, 54, of Newport News, Va., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to time served (356 days) plus two weeks in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. In November 2024, Therrien pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, on or around July 30, 2021, when boarding a commercial fishing vessel in Fairhaven, Mass., Therrien unlawfully possessed a Ruger .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol and at least nine rounds of Remington .40 caliber ammunition. While on board the fishing vessel, after an argument with fellow crew members, Therrien discharged the firearm into the air. The U.S. Coast Guard was called and removed him from the fishing vessel. Therrien is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition due to a prior felony conviction. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Steven Firth, Special Agent in Charge of Coast Guard Investigative Service, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service and the Fairhaven Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna Nuzum of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: 2 felons sentenced for illegal reentry into the country

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – Two foreign nationals have been ordered to federal prison for returning to the United States without authorization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Porfirio Martinez-Santos, 55, Mexico, pleaded guilty Dec. 17, 2024, while Juan Esteban Zelaya-Hernandez, 42, Honduras, admitted his guilt Jan. 31. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Martinez-Santos and Zelaya-Hernandez to serve 42 and 21 months in federal prison, respectively. At their hearings, the court heard additional evidence regarding both men’s criminal histories. Zelaya-Hernandez has two convictions from 2023 for possession of a firearm by a felon and illegal reentry. In handing down the sentences, Judge Crane noted Martinez-Santos had previously served a 37-month sentence for illegal reentry. Both are again expected to face removal proceedings following their prison terms. Law enforcement found Martinez-Santos near Cuevitas Oct. 4, 2024, while they discovered Zelaya-Hernandez near La Homa the following month. Both had claimed they had illegally entered the United States on the same day of their respective discoveries near Hidalgo. The investigation revealed Zelaya-Hernandez had been ordered removed in August 2024 after serving a federal prison sentence for two felonies. Martinez-Santos was removed in 2023. Both men have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Border Patrol conducted the investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Avery Benitez prosecuted the cases. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: Prior felon arrested for illegal re-entry

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Jhonser Rafael Coste-Morales, 38, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with illegal re-entry of a removed alien, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Testani, who is handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on May 26, 2024, a New York State Trooper in Painted Post, NY, arrested two individuals for possession of fentanyl. U.S. Border Patrol was contacted to assist in verifying foreign documents provided by the two individuals. Record checks determined that one of the individuals, Coste-Morales, was a citizen and national of the Dominican Republic and had been previously deported from the United States following an aggravated felony conviction. On April 14, 2025, Border Patrol agents received a call that Coste-Morales was going to be released from custody. Coste-Morales was subsequently arrested again and taken into custody. Coste-Morales legally entered the United States in April 2013 and became a Lawfully Admitted Permanent Resident in August 2017. In April 2022, he was convicted of a felony drug charge in Montour County, Pennsylvania, and in October 2023, he was deported back to the Dominican Republic. Coste-Morales made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Colleen D. Holland and was detained. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The complaint is a result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Juan Ramirez and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Kevin Sucher. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Alleged Purse Thief Charged with Robbery, Aggravated Identity Theft, and Wire Fraud

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Mario Bustamante Leiva, 49, a Chilean National who is in the U.S. illegally, was arrested on April 26, 2025, on a criminal complaint charging wire fraud, aggravated identity theft, and robbery in connection with three purse snatchings in the District and the unauthorized use of victim credit cards. The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). An initial appearance in U.S. District Court is pending. Bustamante Leiva appeared in Superior Court today on an unrelated fugitive warrant. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged an immigration detainer against him. According to court documents, on April 12, 2025, a victim reported to MPD that her purse was stolen from the back of her chair while she was dining at Nando’s restaurant, in the 800 block of F Street, NW. Law enforcement recovered video surveillance of the suspect who appeared to be acting in concert with a second individual (Suspect 2). An unauthorized transaction totaling more than $500 was made using the victim’s credit card. On April 17, 2025, a victim at the Westin Hotel, in the 900 block of 9th Street, NW, reported her purse had been stolen while it was hanging on the back of her chair, while she was having dinner. Two unauthorized transactions for more than $400 were made using the victim’s credit card. On April 20, 2025, a third victim, who was dining at the Capital Burger restaurant in the 1000 block of 7 th Street, NW, reported that her purse, which she had placed at her feet while dining, had gone missing. Law enforcement recovered video surveillance of the suspect, who made unauthorized transactions, totaling more than $200, using the victim’s credit card. The victim also lost cash and personal documents. “Thanks to the efforts of the Secret Service working in concert with the Metropolitan Police Department, this alleged thief was quickly identified, arrested, and, with the deft management of the Assistant US Attorney, charged,” said U.S. Attorney Martin. “He will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” “We began this investigation with only a grainy security video of a masked offender,” said U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office Special Agent in Charge, Matt McCool. “The subsequent arrests in this case are a testament to the extraordinary investigative work by the analysts and special agents of the Washington Field Office, the USSS Uniformed Division, and the Metropolitan Police Department. We also received valuable assistance from our partners at the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.” During the course of the investigation, law enforcement learned that on April 19, 2025, Bustamante Leiva had reported a robbery to Montgomery County (MD) Police, claiming a bag containing his belongings were stolen from him while he was asleep on a bench. On April 26, 2025, law enforcement from the U.S. Secret Service and MPD went to a location where Bustamante Leiva was staying, located him, and placed him under arrest. Following his arrest, law enforcement interviewed Bustamante Leiva in connection with the purse thefts. This case is being investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and MPD. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Helfand.


title: Saugus Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Drug Conspiracy Involving Tens of Thousands of Counterfeit Pills and Firearm Offense

body_text: BOSTON – A Saugus man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for a drug conspiracy involving tens of thousands of counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine, pills containing fentanyl and a firearm offense. Aaron Lenardis, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to 15 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release. In November 2024, Lenardis was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl; one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl; and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. In February 2023 , Lenardis was indicted along with co-conspirator Charles Bates. In August 2022, an investigation began into Bates after he ordered 50 kilograms of an orange binding agent commonly used to make counterfeit Adderall pills, which he was observed picking up at a UPS store in Boston. Bates brought the binding agent to Lenardis’s house in Saugus, where he and Lenardis used it to manufacture counterfeit pills using a pill press. Throughout September 2022 and October 2022, Bates exchanged text messages with drug customers and associates in which he spoke about pills that are “made to order,” described being physically present at the place where the pills were made—Lenardis’s house—and “watching the guy work so no corners have been cut.” Bates described the pill press being used for 20 hours at a time and producing 5,000 pills per hour. In total, the offense involved at least 136,000 counterfeit pills containing methamphetamine, equivalent to approximately 40 kilograms of such pills. After the pill press broke, Bates traveled to Pawtucket, R.I. to obtain a replacement. Bates and Lenardis were observed carrying the replacement pill press into Lenardis’ residence in Saugus. A search of Lenardis’ residence in Saugus on Oct. 25, 2022 resulted in the seizure of an industrial pill press; 14 firearms including a Glock outfitted to operate as a machinegun; at least 1.85 kilograms of pills; powder containing methamphetamine; at least 87.6 grams of pills and powder containing fentanyl and “M30” stamps commonly used to manufacture counterfeit pills. In November 2024 , Bates was sentenced to 10 years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Samuel R. Feldman and Charles Dell’Anno of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Mexican National Sentenced for Distribution of Fentanyl

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: TUCSON, Ariz. – Adrian Lopez-Aparicio, 40, of Mexico, was sentenced on April 24, 2025, by United States District Judge Scott H. Rash to 41 months in prison. Lopez-Aparicio previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. On October 3, 2024, Lopez-Aparicio was found in possession of 20,000 fentanyl pills in Tucson, Arizona, that he intended to sell and distribute to another person. Three weeks later, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment against Lopez-Aparicio for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, conspiring with others to distribute fentanyl, and illegal reentry of a removed alien. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Cavanaugh, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-24-07590-TUC-SHR RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-064_Lopez-Aparicio # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Operation Smoke and Mirrors Update: Jackson County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Trafficking Organization

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Mark Leslie Lively, 58, of Kenna, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. A federal jury convicted Lively on July 17, 2024, following a two-day trial. Evidence at trial proved that Lively participated in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that operated in the Charleston area from about November 2022 to in or about March 2023. Members of the DTO conspiracy commonly obtained their controlled substances on consignment, paying their suppliers with proceeds from distributing them to customers. On February 2, 2023, law enforcement officers watched Funderburk and Lively meet in an alley near Washington Street West in Charleston, where Funderburk provided approximately 138 grams of methamphetamine to Lively. As Lively drove away from the meeting place, a law enforcement officer conducted a traffic stop of Lively’s vehicle and requested the assistance of a police K-9 unit. The police K-9 alerted to the presence of controlled substances in the vehicle. The officer searched Lively’s vehicle and seized the methamphetamine hidden underneath the dashboard. The evidence at trial established that Lively intended to distribute the methamphetamine that he received from Funderburk. Lively has a long criminal history that now includes 34 criminal convictions, with at least eight of those prior convictions for felony offenses. “The defendant is a hardened criminal who has shown time and again that if he is on the streets, he is committing crimes,” said Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston. “After decades of failing to curb his lawlessness, he participated in a large-scale drug trafficking organization that caused untold harm to the community. Today’s sentence will spare the community further harm by this defendant for an extended period of time.” Lively and Funderburk are among 31 individuals convicted as a result of Operation Smoke and Mirrors, a major drug trafficking investigation that has yielded the largest methamphetamine seizure in West Virginia history. Law enforcement seized well over 400 pounds of methamphetamine as well as 40 pounds of cocaine, 3 pounds of fentanyl, 19 firearms and $935,000 in cash. Funderburk, 39, of Charleston, was sentenced on October 3, 2024, to 13 years and six months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute a quantity of cocaine, conspiracy to distribute a quantity of fentanyl, and for violating supervised release. Funderburk is among 30 of the defendants who pleaded guilty. Johnston made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), the West Virginia State Police, the West Virginia National Guard Counter Drug program, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston Police Department, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and the Raleigh County Sheriff's Office. MDENT 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 Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Jeremy B. Wolfe and Joshua Hanks prosecuted the case. The investigation was part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). The program was established in 1982 to conduct comprehensive, multilevel attacks on major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and is the keystone of the Department of Justice’s drug reduction strategy. OCDETF combines the resources and expertise of its member federal agencies in cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States. 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. 2:23-cr-31. ###