title: White Swan Woman Sentenced to Twenty-Five Years in Prison for Murder on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation

body_text: Yakima, Washington –United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Tahsheena Stacie Sam, 33, to 300 months in prison for Second Degree Murder in Indian Country. Judge Dimke also imposed 5 years of supervised release. According to documents and evidence presented at sentencing, on Christmas Day 2017, Destiny Lloyd, an enrolled member of Yakama Nation, went missing after being seen in a vehicle that night with friends. Four days later, Ms. Lloyd’s body was discovered face-down in a snowy canal ditch located within the boundaries of the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation. Ms. Lloyd was 23 years old. The Yakama Nation Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation began a thorough and lengthy investigation into Ms. Lloyd’s death. After extensive efforts that included collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses, law enforcement eventually discovered that Ms. Lloyd had been killed by Tahsheena Sam on the evening of December 25, 2017. That night, Ms. Lloyd, Sam and a group of several others were driving around the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation and consuming alcohol. At some point, the group learned that Ms. Lloyd had money on her – believed to be less than one-hundred dollars. A short time later, Sam assaulted Ms. Lloyd outside of the vehicle next to a snowy canal ditch and stole the money. Sam departed the vehicle with the others after the assault, leaving Ms. Lloyd behind. Sam then became concerned that Ms. Lloyd would report the assault, so she returned to the canal ditch armed with a wrench. Sam used a flashlight to follow Ms. Lloyd’s tracks in the snow. Upon locating Ms. Lloyd, Sam struck Ms. Lloyd in the head with the wrench and left her in the ditch to die. Initial findings on autopsy revealed that Ms. Lloyd’s cause of death was cerebral trauma due to a skull fracture. At the time, it was unknown if the skull fracture had been caused by Ms. Lloyd falling down an embankment and striking her head, or whether Ms. Lloyd’s skull fracture and subsequent death were caused by being struck with an object. Law enforcement thoroughly processed the crime scene at the canal following the discovery of Ms. Lloyd’s body, although they found very little forensic evidence there. Law enforcement also questioned potential witnesses throughout the investigation, learning that the individuals Ms. Lloyd was last seen with included Tasheena Sam, Waylon Jake Napyer, Shelaine Slakish, as well as another male, all enrolled members of the Yakama Nation. Several people believed to have information on what transpired, initially refused to cooperate with law enforcement. In February 2018, a witness provided text messages to law enforcement which led police to believe that Ms. Lloyd had been murdered. The FBI obtained search warrants for multiple digital devices and/or social media accounts. Law enforcement also reviewed thousands of documents and continued to press potential witnesses for information. As the investigation progressed, law enforcement determined that Waylon Jake Napyer was present when Ms. Lloyd was murdered, although evidence suggested that someone else had killed her. Because Mr. Napyer failed to notify authorities of the murder, in July 2022, he was indicted and charged with Misprision of a Felony. Once authorities determined that Sam had killed Ms. Lloyd by blunt force trauma to the head, Sam was charged with First Degree Murder and Felony Murder in a superseding indictment that included charging Napyer with Misprision of a Felony. On July 16, 2024, Napyer pled guilty to Misprision of a Felony. On October 22, 2024, United States Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Napyer to 36 months in prison, to be followed by 1 year of supervised release. On June 11, 2024, Sam plead guilty to an Information charging her with Second Degree Murder. On October 21, 2025, Judge Dimke sentenced Ms. Sam to 300 months in prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. MMIP AUSA Bree Black Horse, who handled the sentencing hearing, recommended a sentence of 300 months in prison, higher than the federal guidelines. AUSA Black Horse noted the brutal nature of the crime: “This murder was not a spontaneous or isolated act of violence; rather, the Defendant deliberately perpetrated a merciless killing motivated by greed and desire to conceal criminal conduct. The Defendant’s actions strike at the very core of community safety and demand a punishment that conveys the gravity of this offense.” “This was truly a horrific case that involved the death of a young woman in the prime of her life,” United States Attorney Pete Serrano said. “This kind of senseless violence simply has no place in our society. The Lloyd family has truly suffered so much pain due to Ms. Sam’s violent acts.” Mr. Serrano noted the difficulty investigating and prosecuting this case, saying, “I strongly encourage members of our community to come forward and cooperate with law enforcement so that families don’t have to wait years for justice to prevail. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department devoted countless hours to solving this tragic case so that Ms. Lloyd’s family could have some sense of justice. I also want to commend the six career Assistant United States Attorneys, in both Spokane and Yakima, who all contributed their time and effort, and never gave up in pursuing justice for Ms. Lloyd’s murder. This case truly demonstrates a team effort.” “In this shocking case, the defendant turned a holiday gathering nearly eight years ago into a tragic murder,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Ms. Sam stole money from someone she didn’t even know and abandoned the victim on the side of the road in the snow, then went on to return later and brutally murder her in an attempt to cover up her crime. Even though an investigation like this one may take years to come to a conclusion, the FBI and our partners will never stop pursuing justice for victims and their loved ones and communities. Combatting violent crime, including on tribal lands, is an important part of that work.” This case was investigated by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bree R. Black Horse and Ian Garriques. 1:22-cr-02076-MKD-2


title: White Swan Man Sentenced to Twelve Years in Prison for Attempted Sexual Abuse by Force or Threat on the Yakama Reservation

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Yakima, Washington –United States Attorney S. Peter Serrano announced that United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Jerry Slockish, 58, to 144 months in prison for Attempted Sexual Abuse by Force or Threat in Indian Country. The child victim was six years old at the time of the offense. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing, on June 4, 2019—the child victim’s sixth birthday—Slockish waited until he was alone with the child and told her that he wanted to give her a birthday present. After the child refused, Slockish forcibly grabbed the child and started touching her. The child told Slockish to stop and began to scream. Slockish covered the child’s mouth with his hand and touched the genitalia of the child over her clothing. After Slockish sexually assaulted the child, she attempted to leave the bedroom, but Slockish seized her and dragged her back into the bedroom. Slockish then told the child that he would give her “whoopings” and bruises on her eyes, face and legs if she told anyone about the touching. “Protecting children and our most vulnerable from sexual and physical abuse is a priority of this administration and my office.” Said United States Attorney Pete Serrano. “Successful prosecution depends on strong collaboration and partnership with our tribal partners, law enforcement, social services and child advocates. Together we can hold these heinous offenders accountable.” At sentencing, MMIP AUSA Bree Black Horse noted Slockish’s nearly 30-year history of perpetrating physical, emotional, and sexual violence against women and children as reflected in police reports and Child Protection Services records. In recommending a 12-year sentence, MMIP AUSA Black Horse stated the “sexual victimization of a child is among the most serious of criminal offenses because this type of crime inflicts immeasurable and lasting harm on the most vulnerable in our society. A 12-year sentence makes clear the justice system prioritizes the protection of vulnerable victims and assures the community that the justice system will respond with seriousness and proportionality to the sexual assault of a child.” "A child’s birthday should be a day of joy and hope for the year ahead," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "Instead, on her sixth birthday, this victim tragically suffered long-lasting harm from an adult who should have protected her. I hope this case serves as a reminder that, no matter how long it takes, the FBI is dedicated to seeking justice for our nation's most vulnerable citizens within tribal lands and beyond." This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners. The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Assistant United States Attorney Bree R. Black Horse. 1:24-cr-2049-MKD


title: Convicted Murderer Sentenced to Thirteen Years in Prison for Assault with Intent to Commit Murder on the Yakama Reservation

body_text: Yakima, Washington –United States Attorney S. Peter Serrano announced that United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastain sentenced Jordan Stevens, 35, to 162 months in prison for Assault with Intent to Commit Murder. According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing, on October 6, 2018, the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department received a report of shots fired at a residence in Toppenish, Washington. Through their investigation, law enforcement discovered that Stevens shot the victim in the chest for “ripping him off.” The victim’s friend transported him to the hospital where he received life-saving care and was discharged a few days later. Stevens is currently serving a life sentence for the 2019 murder of a Yakama Nation Tribal member. United States Attorney Pete Serrano emphasized, “The community must see that every act of serious violence carries its own consequence, and that the justice system will respond decisively to deter others from engaging in similar acts of rage or retaliation. This prosecution serves to protect the public by reinforcing the rule of law and underscoring that even those already in custody are subject to the same standards of accountability and respect for human life as anyone else.” At sentencing, MMIP AUSA Bree Black Horse acknowledged that Stevens was already serving a life sentence, but that this separate and distinct act of violence warrants its own meaningful punishment. “A maximum Guideline sentence of 162 months imprisonment is necessary to affirm that the Court and the law will not tolerate the use of firearms to resolve personal disputes, and that each act of violence—even by someone who is already serving a life term—carries independent moral and legal weight,” AUSA Black Horse argued to the Court. In seeking the 13-year sentence, AUSA Black Horse explained that penalty “reinforces the principle that serious acts of violence will not be excused or ignored, even when committed by someone already serving a lengthy or life term. A maximum Guideline sentence communicates to others—particularly those who might otherwise view incarceration as a shield against further accountability—that violence conduct will no go unpunished, regardless of a defendant’s existing term of imprisonment.” "Even though Mr. Stevens is already serving a life sentence for murder, he still must be held accountable for this violent crime," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "The FBI and our partners are committed to pursuing justice for each and every one of these violent acts on behalf of the victims and their communities." This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners. The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department. It was prosecuted by Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Assistant United States Attorney Bree R. Black Horse. 1:23-cr-2046-SAB


title: Aesculap Implant Systems Agrees to Pay $38.5M to Resolve  False Claims Act Allegations Related to Knee Implant Failures and Enters into a Non-Prosecution Agreement Related to the Introduction of Two Adulterated Medical Devices into Interstate Commerce

component: Civil Division

body_text: Medical device company Aesculap Implant Systems LLC (Aesculap), based in Center Valley, Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay $38.5 million to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act that the company sold knee replacement devices that it knew would fail prematurely at a higher than acceptable rate, resulting in false claims to Medicare and Medicaid. The settlement further resolves allegations that the company paid unlawful remuneration to a physician to induce him to use the knee implants. Additionally, Aesculap agreed to a non-prosecution agreement with the United States in connection with its distribution of two medical devices without the required clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Medical device failures — and their potential to harm patients — are of paramount concern to the Department of Justice,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department will hold accountable medical device companies that knowingly sell products prone to failure that present risks to patients and waste taxpayer dollars.” “Doctors who implant medical devices need complete and accurate information about those devices to ensure they choose the best and safest options for their patients,” said U.S. Attorney David Metcalf for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “A company that knows its product has a propensity to prematurely fail must not mislead doctors or government regulators or conceal material information about those known issues. Medicare and other federal programs should not be required to pay charges for devices that are unduly risky, and that may require painful and expensive surgeries to fix.” “Transparency in medical device marketing is essential to safeguarding patient care,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Undermining this process to increase profits is a serious violation of federal law that flouts the health and safety of patients. HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to uncover and dismantle illegal arrangements that exploit the Medicare system for financial gain at the expense of patients.” “Certain medical devices require FDA notification and clearance before distribution to the public,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ronald Dawkins of the FDA Metro Washington Field Office. “Distributing such medical devices without FDA clearance and in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act can put patients at risk. The FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) worked with the Justice Department and HHS-OIG to ensure a just resolution, and we commend the exceptional work done by the team.” The civil settlement announced today resolves allegations that, from July 30, 2010, to June 17, 2023, Aesculap sold the VEGA System® Knee System, a line of prosthetic implants used in knee replacement surgeries, while knowing that it would fail prematurely at a higher than acceptable rate and, therefore, was not reasonable and necessary for use during knee replacement surgeries. In such surgeries, physicians remove arthritic bone in the knee and implant a device, which is fixed in place with bone cement. The United States alleged that the Vega was prone to becoming loose from patient’s bone prematurely, often shortly after surgery. Patients experiencing loosening could have pain, instability, and difficulty walking, and such patients required a revision surgery to remove and replace the Vega implant. The United States alleged that Aesculap knew shortly after the Vega was released in the United States that bone cement did not properly adhere to the implant. Despite this knowledge, Aesculap sold the Vega to physicians and hospitals in the United States without disclosing this known problem with the device. The United States also alleged that Aesculap failed to take steps to record, track, or report adverse events for the Vega and did not take adequate steps to remediate the problem. As of April 2024, Aesculap stopped selling all of its knee replacement devices, including the Vega, in the United States. The settlement also resolves allegations that Aesculap knowingly and willfully made unlawful payments to an orthopedic surgeon located in Georgia who experienced problems with the Vega with the intent to induce him to use and recommend the Vega Knee System, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, 42 U.S.C. 1320a-7b(b). This remuneration took the form of consulting payments, free international travel, and entertainment, among other things. In addition to the civil settlement, Aesculap agreed to enter into a non-prosecution agreement related to the introduction of two medical devices into interstate commerce in violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) from March 2017 until August 2017. The two devices at issue are the ELAN-4 Air Drill, a high-speed surgical drill used for bone cutting, sawing, and drilling, and the JS Series SterilContainer S2, a reusable sterilization container for medical instruments. According to the non-prosecution agreement, Aesculap tasked an employee with shepherding both medical devices through the FDA clearance process, but the employee never submitted any documentation to FDA. He then forged multiple documents to reflect both devices were cleared by FDA to be marketed in the United States when FDA had not done so resulting in the illegal introduction of both devices into interstate commerce. The employee previously pleaded guilty to violating the FDCA and was sentenced to prison. The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by John Marien and Michael McGee, who served as third-party distributors for Aesculap. Under those provisions, private parties can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Marien & McGee v. Aesculap Inc., et al. , No. 5:19-cv-1618 (E.D. Pa.). Marien and McGee will receive a share totaling $4,475,000 in connection with the settlement. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section; the Civil Division’s Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch; and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania with assistance from HHS-OIG and FDA’s Office of the Chief Counsel and FDA-OCI. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The civil matter was handled by Senior Trial Counsel Nicholas C. Perros of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charlene K. Fullmer and Erin E. Lindgren of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The criminal matter was handled by Trial Attorneys Max J. Goldman and Bryson N. Gillard of the Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch. Except for the facts that Aesculap admitted as part of the non-prosecution agreement, the claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Mexican Citizen Sentenced to 120 Months in Prison for Attempting to Entice a Minor for Sex Online

body_text: Spokane, Washington – Earlier today, United States District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Timoteo Roque Roque to 120 months of imprisonment to be followed by a lifetime term of supervised release for the crime of Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor. According to information disclosed in court documents and proceedings, on July 28, 2024, an undercover (UC) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Officer (TFO) was participating in an undercover enticement operation in Chelan County with a goal of identifying those who were baiting children online for illegal sex. The UC ICAC TFO was online portraying a 13-year-old child and received communication from the defendant, Roque Roque. During the communications, Roque Roque affirmed that he was interested in having sexual contact with minors and agreed to pay $250 for 30 minutes of sex with the child at a local hotel; he also agreed to bring condoms for the meet. Roque Roque later sent the UC a text saying he was at the hotel, but he saw a police vehicle and he thought it was a trap. He left the hotel, but continued communicating with the UC, who was purporting to be a 13-year-old child. He returned to the hotel about six hours later, once again with the agreement to pay $250 for sex with the child. Upon arrest, Roque-Roque ultimately admitted he was communicating with who he believed to be a 13 year old and traveled to the hotel twice in order to have sex with the child. Roque Roque was illegally present in the United States at the time of this crime. He is a citizen and national of Mexico who was arrested and deported from the United States previously at San Luis, Arizona, on July 15, 2019. “Investigations and prosecutions like these remain a high priority for my office, we simply have to protect our children from predators.” U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano said. “Thanks to the excellent, collaborative investigative work by local and federal law enforcement, Mr. Roque Roque is now being held accountable for attempting to pay a local minor for sex while illegally present in the United States.” "This illegal alien represents the worst of the worst type of criminal who sought to conduct heinous abuse of a child, but fortunately in this case, the 'child' Roque Roque sought to harm was not real,” said HSI Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “It is deeply troubling to learn although he was removed in 2019, he was roaming our streets seeking victims. HSI is committed to holding those who pose the greatest risk to public safety accountable for their actions and protecting the vulnerable." 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 United States Attorney’s 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.projectsafechildhood.gov This case was investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations, Washington State Patrol, and the Seattle Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, with assistance from the Chelan County Prosecutor’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alison Gregoire.


title: Mt. Oliver Felon Sentenced to More Than Four Years in Prison for Possession of Firearm

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: This release was published following the 43-day government shutdown during which the sentencing occurred. PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh’s Mt. Oliver area pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and was sentenced to 51 months of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced. Kyreese Thomas, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of violating federal firearms law before United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon on October 6, 2025. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Thomas was one of two men who, on May 23, 2024, fired a gun at a residence in the Homestead neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Thomas used a stolen 9mm Ruger pistol with an obliterated serial number to shoot at the home, then attempted to flee the scene with his co-defendant by vehicle. Law enforcement officers were able to stop the vehicle and found Thomas in the front passenger seat with the Ruger under the seat. Gunshot residue was found on Thomas’s hand, and ballistic testing matched the firearm to spent shell casings found near the scene of the shooting. Thomas has two prior convictions for possessing a firearm as a prohibited person in Allegheny County and was on parole for one of those convictions, as well as a prior conviction involving possession of contraband while incarcerated, when he committed the instant offense. Judge Bissoon agreed to allow Thomas to proceed to sentencing on the same date as his guilty plea. Prior to imposing sentence, the Court noted the defendant’s extensive criminal history for his young age. Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Munhall and Homestead police departments; and Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Thomas.


title: Former Riverside School Paraeducator Pleads Guilty to 12 separate Counts of Child Exploitation Involving Multiple Minor Victims

body_text: Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced on October 15, 2025, that former Riverside School District employee Dallas Michael Shuler pled guilty to 12 felony counts pertaining to the online exploitation of children. As indicated in court pleadings and hearings, in May of 2024, the FBI Spokane Office was contacted due to a child sexual abuse material video which had been posted online. When questioned about the video, Mr. Shuler indicated he had been in contact with the minors depicted in the video and had requested they produce the sexually explicit material. Further investigation into Mr. Shuler’s electronic devices and online accounts showed Mr. Shuler had engaged in hands-on sexual abuse of at least three minor children and had filmed the abuse. He also engaged in online sexual exploitation of children with dozens of additional victims, many of whom were contacted and victimized through Snapchat. The charges pled to encompass sexual exploitation against 37 different minor children. United States Attorney S. Peter Serrano stated the following: “Abuse of any kind against a child is an egregious violation. My office is ready to aggressively prosecute those who exploit children in any way. Mr. Shuler’s conduct was a shocking breach of trust, particularly considering his position in an elementary school. I commend those who acted quickly in investigating and prosecuting this case. No child should experience what the children in this case unfortunately went through. I stand with our law enforcement partners in working to end the exploitation of children.” “As a school district employee, Mr. Shuler was entrusted with the children of this community, whom he held a responsibility to safeguard and guide as a role model," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "It was a horrifying betrayal of that trust to abuse his access to children by exploiting them both in person and online, including by filming graphic and explicit videos. Tragically, no prosecution can undo the harm these children suffered or fully erase its record from the Internet. Still, our case team, partner law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors hope that this case can help prevent harm to other vulnerable children by sending a warning to would-be predators that we will hold them accountable for their crimes.” This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice 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, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, as well as to identify and rescue victims. This case is being investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca R. Perez. Sentencing is currently scheduled for January 21, 2026. 2:24-CR-72-TOR


title: Coeur d’Alene Physician Found Guilty in Telemarketing Medicare Fraud Conspiracy

body_text: Yakima, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on September 29, 2025, a federal jury found Dr. David Antonio Becerril, age 69, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and formerly of Selah, Washington, guilty of sixteen counts of conspiracy, fraud, and false statements in connection with Dr. Becerril’s participation in a telemarketing health care fraud scheme. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian presided over the trial, which began on September 22, 2025. At sentencing, which is set for January 20, 2026, Dr. Becerril faces a maximum term of 20 years in prison. According to evidence presented at trial and court documents, between February 2018 and September 2019, Dr. Becerril, a licensed Washington physician, participated in a scheme and conspiracy to obtain millions of dollars by falsely billing Medicare for medically unnecessary genetic tests and durable medical equipment, including back, knee, shoulder, and ankle braces. The evidence at trial showed that Dr. Becerril signed false and fraudulent orders for genetic tests and braces for elderly Medicare beneficiaries that Dr. Becerril had never seen, spoken to, heard of, or had any contact with whatsoever, and which included deceased patients as well as elderly patients who had no limbs for the braces they were prescribed by Dr. Becerril. The evidence presented at trial also detailed the scheme and involvement of Real Time Physicians, LLC (Real Time) whose telemarketers contacted the elderly Medicare beneficiaries and obtained their personal information and beneficiary numbers. Dr. Becerril, using an internet portal provided by Real Time, certified false and fraudulent prescriptions for braces and genetic tests for the beneficiaries, signing prescriptions and other documents prepared by Real Time that contained false medical information and made it appear that he was treating the beneficiaries. Real Time then sold the phony prescriptions to genetic testing labs and durable medical equipment companies, who then billed Medicare, sharing the proceeds with Real Time. Real Time paid Dr. Becerril $20 for each phony prescription he falsely certified to be used to fraudulently bill Medicare. According to the evidence presented at trial, Medicare was billed over $3.2 million for fraudulent prescriptions signed by Dr. Becerril, who never once spoke to, treated, or interacted with a patient, and paid out more than $1.3 million before the fraud was uncovered. Dr. Becerril reviewed the Real Time prescriptions for, on average, 26 seconds before signing them and falsely attesting to their medical necessity, and that he never once declined to sign a Real Time prescription for Medicare beneficiaries with which he had no contact and had never heard of. Dr. Becerril was paid over $37,000 by Real Time for his false certifications as a medical doctor on hundreds of prescriptions for DME and genetic testing, which equated to being paid thousands of dollars per hour for his participation in the fraud scheme over approximately 19 months. In June 2022, the Department of Justice announced that Marc Sporn, 61, of Delray Beach, Florida, the former owner of Real Time and other similar companies, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy to fraudulently bill Medicare. “By participating in this telemedicine fraud scheme, Dr. Becerril placed his own personal financial gain before the legitimate medical needs of patients, violating the trust of Medicare enrollees and wasting valuable taxpayer dollars,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. McIntosh of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "HHS-OIG is proud to work alongside our federal law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable medical providers who defraud taxpayer-funded health care programs.” “Medicare fraud is fraud against the American taxpayer. This office will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who would attempt to line their own pockets by defrauding the federal healthcare programs relied upon by our senior citizens, our active-duty military, and our veterans,” stated U.S. Attorney Pete Serrano. “This fraud is especially egregious as it was perpetrated by a medical doctor betraying his oath to do no harm. I want to thank our law enforcement partners, in particular the phenomenal work done for years on this case by multiple special agents with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and without whom we would not have been able to bring Dr. Becerril to justice.” The case was investigated by Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney R. Pratten and Tyler Tornabene and Health Care Fraud Contractor Echo Fatsis. United States v. David A. Becerril, 1:23-CR-02029-SAB


title: Tri-Cities Urgent Care Clinic Agrees to Pay $2.8 Million to Resolve Claims of Overbilling for Diagnostic Tests

body_text: Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Health First Urgent Care, an urgent care clinic with locations in Richland and Pasco, Washington, has agreed to pay $2,807,729 to resolve claims that it fraudulently overbilled Medicare and Medicaid for diagnostic tests. According to the settlement agreement, a False Claims Act (FCA) claim arose from allegations that Health First Urgent Care fraudulently billed for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) respiratory and urinary tract infection panel testing. These panel tests were a predetermined group of medical tests used to test for multiple pathogens from a single sample obtained from a patient. The United States and State of Washington alleged that instead of billing for a single panel test, Health First Urgent Care improperly “unbundled” the panel test and billed for each individual test comprising the panel. This resulted in overbilling to Medicare and Medicaid programs. In addition, the State of Washington alleged that Health First Urgent Care improperly billed for panel tests that were more expensive and not medically necessary for individual patients, such as patients presenting with symptoms of Covid-19. “Ensuring that healthcare providers comply with the requirements of Medicare and Medicaid not only maintains the integrity of these programs, but it also safeguards patients and results in better healthcare outcomes,” said Mr. Serrano. “I would like to express our appreciation for our collaboration with the Washington Medicaid Fraud Control Division and the exception investigative work performed by HHS-OIG. We will continue to ensure that fraud, waste, and abuse does not permeate federal healthcare programs.” The settlement was the result of an investigation jointly conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office, the Washington State Attorney General’s Office and the Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Medicare and Medicaid exist to make sure families’ critical medical needs are met. It is vital that we protect the integrity of these programs,” Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown said. “This settlement will help ensure these funds are put to use as intended for Washingtonians.” “It is critical for providers to bill Medicare, Medicaid, and other taxpayer-funded health care programs lawfully and accurately. The submission of false laboratory testing claims diverts key resources away from those who rely on them, including the elderly and low-income families,” said Jeffrey C. McIntosh, Acting Special Agent in Charge with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to safeguard federal health care programs for the benefit of the American people.” The United States Attorney’s Office’s investigation and prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Jacob E. Brooks, and the Washington State Attorney General’s Office’s investigation and prosecution was handled by Assistant Attorney General Rachel Sterett.


title: Wenatchee Man Sentenced to Thirty Months Imprisonment for Aggravated Identity Theft and False Statements in Passport Application

body_text: Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on September 24, 2025, District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Brandon Wilkerson, of Wenatchee Washington, to thirty months in prison for aggravated identity theft and false statements on a passport application. As set out in court documents, in October 2021, Wilkerson attempted to get a passport in his name but was denied in January 2022 because he was subject to a pending state warrant of arrest for felony unlawful possession of a firearm under Washington state law. In March 2022, Wilkerson stole his brother’s identity and applied for a passport under his brother’s name which was subsequently approved unknowing of the fraud. Wilkerson then used the passport to travel to Brazil, where he married a Brazilian national under his brother’s name. Wilkerson subsequently applied for legal status for the Brazilian national, again falsely and fraudulently using his brother’s name. Wilkerson was Indicted for this offense on March 19, 2024 and later placed into custody after violating the terms of his pre-trial release for committing a new criminal offense. “Mr. Wilkerson knew that he could not get a valid passport in his own name because of his prior misconduct, so, under false pretenses, he fraudulently assumed the identity of his brother hoping the United States would not notice when he and his spouse tried to enter the United States,” said US Attorney Pete Serrano. “Mr. Wilkerson’s crime has serious consequences: the risks and dangers to our community of people entering the United States under false identities cannot be overstated. While this may seem like a Hollywood story, Catch Me if You Can, Mr. Wilkerson will not have a Hollywood ending thanks to the work from the men and women in our office and our partner law enforcement offices.” “The Diplomatic Security Service is committed to investigating and holding accountable those who attempt to fraudulently obtain U.S. passports,” said Jonathan Kazmar, Special Agent in Charge of the DSS San Francisco Field Office. “The U.S. passport is America’s premier identity document, and its integrity is critical to our national security. Criminals and foreign adversaries often seek to exploit the passport system to facilitate illegal activities, including terrorism and human trafficking. These crimes pose significant threats to the safety of our communities and the security of the homeland, and DSS remains steadfast in its mission to combat them.” This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley.


title: Mexican National Unlawfully Present In The United States Sentenced To 20 Years For Discharging A Firearm At Spokane Police During A Drug Trafficking Crime

body_text: Spokane, Washington – On September 18, 2025, United States Chief District Judge Stanley A. Bastain sentenced Israel Garcia, 36, to 20 years in federal prison after his guilty pleas to Discharge of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime and Possession with Intent to Distribute 400 Grams or More of Fentanyl. Garcia was ordered to pay over $6,000 in restitution to the Spokane Police Department and placed on a period of 5 years of supervised release should he again return to the United States after serving his sentence. According to information disclosed in court documents and proceedings, Garcia, a documented gang member living in the Yakima, Washington area, was convicted in 2015 of Assault on Federal Officers (15-CR-02068-SAB) related to a drug and firearm trafficking investigation. For that conduct, Judge Bastian sentenced him to 84 months in federal custody. Garcia was released in 2021 and deported to Mexico. Garcia returned unlawfully to the United States in 2022 and resumed his drug trafficking and escalated to distributing thousands of deadly fentanyl pills into the community. On October 16, 2022, Garcia traveled from Yakima to Spokane to deliver 10,000 fentanyl pills. When Spokane Police identified themselves and approached him to effectuate his arrest, Garcia got out of his vehicle and immediately opened fire on the officers, while attempting to flee to avoid arrest. The path of the bullets from Garcia were directed at multiple law enforcement officers; however, the bullets were also fired in direction of his vehicle, which still contained his male and female passengers and a minor child. Additionally, but for the angle of a car door window, which redirected one of Garcia’s rounds, a law enforcement officer would have been shot in the head. That officer nevertheless suffered injuries to his head and face. Officers returned fire, striking Garcia and ending the clear and present danger he presented to the officers and the community. The female passenger and minor child were terrified but otherwise reported to be physically unharmed. Because Garcia was under federal supervision for his prior conviction at the time of this incident, he was arrested for violation of his supervised release and later charged with the new offenses. Working in conjunction with the Spokane County Prosecutors Office, Garcia will be transferred to Spokane County to face state charges regarding the assault on the law enforcement officers. Pete Serrano, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, remarked on how dangerous Garcia’s conduct was: “We have zero tolerance for dangerous offenders like Garcia who pose an immediate threat to our community and our law enforcement partners. Garcia opened fire on the police in the streets of Spokane, attempting to strike several police officers. It is unconscionable that he engaged in this behavior after having just been released from prison for the same kind of violent conduct. This case highlights the importance of our partnerships between our state and federal partners and how closely we work with the Spokane County Prosecutors Office.” “Mr. Garcia was a menace to our community, both because of his fentanyl trafficking as well as his violent behavior,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division. “Prison is clearly the right place for him, and I am proud that DEA and our partners could facilitate his lengthy incarceration.” This case was investigated by the Spokane Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter and Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Cartier Giroux. 2:23CR00001-SAB-1


title: Madison County Man Sentenced for Production of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Richmond, Ky., man, Glen Long, Jr., 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell to 360 months in prison, for the production of child pornography. According to his plea agreement, on July 28, 2023, a victim’s mother went to law enforcement after she discovered that her minor child had been sending nude images to an unknown adult male via the internet in exchange for money for Roblox, a video game. Law enforcement obtained the victim’s cellphone, reviewed the explicit messages, and identified the adult male as Long. Long knew that the victim was 14 years old and lied about his own age, falsely telling the victim that he was 16 years old. When confronted by law enforcement, Long admitted that he used the minor victim to produce explicit visual depictions of child pornography. Under federal law, Long must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for life. Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Sheriff Mike Coyle, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the HSI and Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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.projectsafechildhood.gov. – END –


title: Clarkston Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Illegally Possessing Firearms

body_text: Clarkston, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that Loyal Otis Dickson, III, age 40, of Clarkston, Washington was sentenced on firearm and drug trafficking charges. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Dickson to 15 years in federal prison, to be followed by 5 years of supervised released. Based on court documents and argument presented through the pendency of the case, a search warrant was executed on Dickson’s residence on November 6, 2024 based on prior observations of distributions of drugs and possession of large amounts of methamphetamine. At the residence, law enforcement located in total approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine shards, along with multiple firearms, including the components of a AR-style semiautomatic rifle consistent with a “ghost gun” which lacked markings or a serial number. Dickson was initially arrested and then subsequently released on state charges. Following his federal indictment, local law enforcement in Clarkston attempted to contact Dickson. Dickson fled into Idaho and engaged in a short foot pursuit with officers before being arrested. United States Attorney Pete Serrano said fighting the drug epidemic is an important part of building a safe and strong foundation for Eastern Washington: “We are working tirelessly to combat the plague of controlled substances. We appreciate the work of our law enforcement partners who work to arrest and prosecute those, like Mr. Dickson, who are introducing these deadly substances into our communities.” "Loyal Dickson helped fuel the addiction crisis and violence that has devastated too many lives," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. "When meth traffickers arm themselves with illegal firearms and try to run from law enforcement, they put everyone in danger. This sentence underscores the FBI and our partners' commitment to keeping our communities safe." This case was investigated by the FBI and the Quad Cities Drug Task Force. The Quad Cities Drug Task Force is a multi-jurisdiction task force involving the numerous law enforcement agencies including the Lewiston Idaho Police Department, Clarkston Washington Police Department, and the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca R. Perez. 2:24-cr-167-TOR


title: Cranston Man Sentenced for Producing and Trafficking an “Astronomical” Quantity of Methamphetamine-Laced Pills

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Cranston man described in court documents as the overseer of a “serious, voluminous production operation” that produced “astronomical” quantities of pills containing methamphetamine, caffeine, and other mixtures disguised and marketed as Adderall was sentenced to federal prison on November 13, 2025, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Sambo Sok, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 120 months of incarceration and four years of supervised release. Sok pleaded guilty on June 17, 2025, to charges of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In August 2022, an investigation into Sok’s drug trafficking activities led to the execution of a court-authorized search of Sok’s residence, vehicle, and an outbuilding on his property. The search resulted in the DEA seizing multiple kilograms of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine, including approximately 25,000 pills. Sok also possessed a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. Additionally, federal law enforcement agents seized five pill presses and various items used in the production of drug-laced pills. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey A. Erickson. The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Providence District Office.


title: McKeesport Felon Pleads Guilty to Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

body_text: This release was published following the 43-day government shutdown during which the plea occurred. PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on October 2, 2025, to a charge of violating a federal firearms law, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced. Thomas Thornton, 48, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand to a one-count Indictment charging Thornton with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on December 19, 2024, Thornton discharged 10 rounds of ammunition from a stolen 9mm semi-automatic pistol into an occupied residence within the City of Pittsburgh. Officers with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police arrested Thornton within minutes of the shooting. Following the execution of a search warrant on Thornton’s vehicle, officers recovered the 9mm pistol Thornton used in the shooting. Thornton was previously convicted on federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses, and was also on federal supervised release at the time of the instant offense. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Judge Wiegand scheduled Thornton’s sentencing for February 4, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 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 of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States. The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thornton. 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: CVS Pharmacy Inc. Pays $18.2 Million to Resolve Alleged False Claims Act Violations

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: CVS Pharmacy Inc. has paid a total of $18,282,280 to the United States and the State of California to resolve allegations that the company violated the Federal False Claims Act and the California False Claims Act when it knowingly submitted claims for reimbursement for certain prescribed medications to California’s Medi-Cal program that were not supported by applicable diagnosis and documentation requirements, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced today. CVS is among the largest pharmacy chains in the United States, with more than 9,000 locations nationwide and more than 1,000 stores in California. CVS submits reimbursement claims for medications dispensed to beneficiaries of the Medi-Cal program—California’s Medicaid health care program administered by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Medi-Cal relies on both federal and state funding to provide health care to millions of Californians, including those with low incomes and disabilities. Medi-Cal utilizes a “formulary” list that designates restrictions for certain listed drugs, including restrictions pertaining to diagnoses and required documentation that must be confirmed by the pharmacy before the drug can be prescribed. Drugs listed on the Medi-Cal formulary are commonly referred to as “Code 1” drugs. Medi-Cal will reimburse certain Code 1 drugs only for approved diagnoses, taking into account criteria such as the drug’s safety, efficacy, misuse potential, and cost. Pharmacies such as CVS serve the critical gatekeeping function of confirming and certifying that these Code 1 drugs are dispensed for the approved diagnoses. CVS may bill for drugs prescribed outside of the approved diagnoses, but it must submit a request to DHCS that includes a justification for the nonapproved use. Today’s settlement resolves allegations that CVS failed to confirm and document the requisite diagnoses, and in some instances dispensed drugs for nonapproved diagnoses, then knowingly billed Medi-Cal for those prescriptions. “This settlement demonstrates our commitment to protect the integrity of this critically important federal-state program serving low-income and disabled citizens of this District,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “My office will continue working to ensure that pharmacies comply with important program regulations like those at issue here.” “Proper billing of federal health care programs is essential and underpins the reliability of our health care system. Oversight is key to ensuring that compliance failures are remedied,” said Acting Chief Counsel to the Inspector General Susan Gillin of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Although CVS entered into a health care fraud settlement with the United States, CVS did not agree to compliance-related oversight with HHS-OIG through a corporate integrity agreement.” This settlement includes the resolution of claims brought by a former CVS pharmacist under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the Federal False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery from that action. The qui tam case is captioned: U.S. , et al. ex rel. Zimniski v. CVS Health Corporation , no. 2:19-cv-1118 (E.D. Cal.). As part of the settlement announced today, the whistleblower will receive approximately $3.3 million of the recovery proceeds. This settlement is the result of a joint effort by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California and California’s Department of Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse, with assistance from HHS OIG and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Swann handled the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The claims resolved by this settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. Note: View the settlement agreement here: cvs_settlement_agreement_-_executed.pdf


title: Leader of White Supremacist Group Pleads Guilty to Soliciting Hate Crimes and Sending Instructions to Make Bombs and Ricin

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Georgian national Michail Chkhikvishvili, also known as “Mishka,” “Michael,” “Commander Butcher,” and “Butcher,” pleaded guilty to soliciting hate crimes and sending instructions to make bombs and ricin. Chkhikvishvili was a leader of Maniac Murder Cult, an international racially motivated violent extremist group. Chkhikvishvili recruited people to commit violent acts in furtherance of Maniac Murder Cult’s ideologies, including planning and soliciting a mass casualty attack in New York City. In May 2025, Chkhikvishvili was extradited from Moldova to the Eastern District of New York. “The outstanding investigative work in this case saved untold lives and underscores the crucial behind-the-scenes activity of our federal law enforcement agents,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Violent, nihilistic, racist groups like these are an ongoing threat to the American people – our vigilance will not waver as we protect our citizens.” “With today’s guilty plea, this defendant admits to a horrific plot targeting Jewish people and racial minorities and even planned to poison children with candy around the holidays,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The defendant was extradited from Moldova to face charges. This case shows once more that no matter where you are, if you try to harm our citizens the FBI and our partners will find you and bring you to justice.” “Chkhikvishvili’s monstrous plots and propaganda calling for racially motivated violence against civilians, including children, posed a grave threat to public safety,” said Assistant Attorney General John A. Eisenberg. “Unfortunately, his efforts on behalf of the aptly named Maniac Murder Cult in fact caused mayhem and death. We condemn his despicable ideology and will use every tool at our disposal to bring such predators to justice.” “The defendant has admitted his vile actions, including recruiting others to commit acts of violence against Jewish and racial minority children. His incitement of hate crimes resulted in real-world violence,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. “This prosecution shows that our Office will protect all communities from evildoers like the defendant from wherever they spew their hate." In June 2022, Chkhikvishvili traveled to Brooklyn, New York. Beginning as early as July 2022, Chkhikvishvili repeatedly encouraged others, primarily via the encrypted messaging application Telegram, to commit violent hate crimes and other acts of violence on behalf of Maniac Murder Cult. This included soliciting acts of mass violence in New York from an individual who, unbeknownst to Chkhikvishvili, was an undercover FBI employee (the UC). Since approximately September 2021, Chkhikvishvili has distributed a manifesto titled the “Hater’s Handbook” to Maniac Murder Cult members and others. The Hater’s Handbook encourages people to commit acts of mass violence. For example, the Hater’s Handbook encourages its readers to commit school shootings. Beginning in approximately November 2023, Chkhikvishvili solicited the UC to commit violent crimes, such as bombings and arsons, for the purpose of harming racial minorities, Jewish individuals and others. In November 2023, Chkhikvishvili began planning a mass casualty attack in New York City to take place on New Year’s Eve. The scheme involved having an individual dress up as Santa Claus and hand out candy laced with poison to racial minorities. In January, the scheme evolved and Chkhikvishvili specifically directed the UC to target the Jewish community, Jewish schools, and Jewish children in Brooklyn with poison. Chkhikvishvili sent detailed manuals about creating and mixing lethal poisons and gases, including ricin. Chkhikvishvili’s encouragement of violence have resulted in multiple attacks and killings around the world: In January 2025, a 17-year-old student killed one individual and injured another before dying by suicide inside Antioch High School in Nashville, Tennessee. The attacker livestreamed part of the attack. Prior to the attack, in an audio recording posted online and attributed to him, the attacker claimed he was taking action on behalf of Maniac Murder Cult and at least one other group. The attacker’s manifesto explicitly mentioned Chkhikvishvili. In August 2024, an individual livestreamed himself stabbing approximately five people outside of a mosque in Eskisehir, Turkey, wearing a tactical vest bearing Nazi symbols. A manifesto attributed to the attacker included explicit references to Chkhikvishvili and to violent statements made by him. Before the attack, the attacker also distributed a link to the Hater’s Handbook, authored by Chkhikvishvili, and other violent propaganda. Chkhikvishvili faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. The FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case. The task force consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the New York City Police Department, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as the Department of State, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and the government of Moldova for their crucial assistance in securing Chkhikvishvili’s arrest and extradition. The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Ellen H. Sise and Andrew D. Reich are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Paralegal Specialists Wayne Colon and Rebecca Roth.


title: Fentanyl Distributor Connected to 2 Overdose Deaths Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that DAQWON GRAHAM, also known as “Seagull” and “Energy,” 31, of Ansonia, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 130 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release, for a fentanyl trafficking offense. According to court documents and statements made in court, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force and Stamford Police Department identified Graham as a large-scale fentanyl distributor in and around Fairfield County. Investigators also connected Graham’s drug trafficking activities to an overdose death of a male victim in Branford in March 2023, and an overdose death of a female victim in Shelton in October 2024. In January and February 2025, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of fentanyl mixed with xylazine from Graham. Graham was arrested on February 26, 2025, in Stamford after investigators coordinated a purchase of a large quantity of fentanyl and found him in possession of approximately 400 grams of the drug. A subsequent search of his person revealed additional quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine. Graham has been detained since his arrest. On July 23, 2025, he pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Bridgeport High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force includes personnel from the DEA Bridgeport Resident Office, the Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, and Stratford Police Departments. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Clark.


title: Monroe County Man Sentenced To 262 Months In Prison On Child Pornography Charges

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Ivan Nicholas Baez, age 46, of Kunkletown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on October 23, 2025, to over 21 years in prison by United States District Judge Julia K. Munley on child pornography charges. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, in May 2024, the Pennsylvania State Police obtained a search warrant to seize and download the contents of Baez’s cell phone. The search of the phone revealed approximately 150 images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Some of the images were created on the cell phone and depicted Baez engaging in sexual acts with minors as young as approximately 10-years-old. Baez was a caretaker to one of the minors. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pennsylvania State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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.usdoj.gov/psc. This matter occurred on date indicated but not issued at that time due to the government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations. # # #


title: Honduran National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Honduran national residing in Fall River, Mass., was sentenced on Nov. 12, 2025 in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Denis Aguirre-Murillo, 40, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to four months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In September 2025, Aguirre-Murillo pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2025. Aguirre-Murillo has been deported from the United States to Honduras on three occasions, in July 2007, March 2016 and January 2021. Sometime after his January 2021 removal, Aguirre-Murillo unlawfully re-entered the United States at an unknown time and place. Immigration authorities became aware that Aguirre-Murillo was unlawfully present in the United States on May 4, 2024, when he was arrested under an alias in Fall River for charges that included intimidation and rape. The rape charge was later amended to an indecent assault and battery charge. Immigration authorities lodged a detainer for Aguirre-Murillo. However, on Feb. 19, 2025, Aguirre-Murillo was released from state custody without notification. He was later located and taken into immigration custody on May 29, 2025. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie A. Queenin of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Wayne County Man Sentenced To 210 Months In Prison For Attempted Production Of Child Pornography

body_text: SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Christopher Foster, age 31, a resident of Moscow, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on November 14, 2025, to over 17 years in prison by Senior United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion, for attempted production of child pornography. According to the United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, between December 23, 2022, and December 27, 2023, Foster communicated with a 12-year-old child and a 13-year-old child via X-Box, video calls, and various social media platforms. Over the course of a year, Foster directed the children to take and remit sexually explicit images of themselves in exchange for “V-Bucks,” an in-game currency utilized to purchase tokens in the video game Fortnite. On December 27, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Foster’s residence and electronic devices, including computers, cellular telephones, and a gaming device belonging to Foster were seized and analyzed. In total, thousands of images of child sexual abuse material, including images and videos of the 12-year-old child engaging in sexually explicit conduct were recovered from Foster’s devices. Foster admitted to communicating with the child victims and requesting sexually explicit images from them. Upon receiving the requested images and videos, he admitted to distributing the material on the dark web. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Philadelphia Division, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Wayne County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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.usdoj.gov/psc . # # #


title: Memphis Woman Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Federal Covid-19 Relief Programs of Over $500,000

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – A Memphis woman has pled guilty to defrauding two federal programs intended to help people survive the COVID-19 pandemic out of over half a million dollars. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the guilty plea today. Deashley Tabor , 37 , pled guilty on October 6, 2025 before Chief United States District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and to making false claims against the United States Government. According to information presented in court, Tabor and her co-conspirator defrauded the United States Government out of over $560,000 dollars by filing fraudulent applications for unemployment benefits in over 27 different states during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tabor and her co-conspirator also defrauded the federally funded Tennessee Emergency Cash Assistance (ECA) program of approximately $15,000 dollars by creating fake employment termination notices for themselves and others. The ECA program was intended to provide financial assistance to families that had been significantly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic because of lost employment. Tabor is scheduled to be sentenced on January 16, 2026. She faces up to 25 years in federal prison. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "Protection of the United States Treasury is a top priority for the Department of Justice, and our office is absolutely committed to bringing to justice those who would seek to take unfair advantage of critical government resources through fraud during the challenging and uncertain time of the COVID-19 pandemic." The case was investigated by the United States Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General and by the United States Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. The case was prosecuted on behalf of the government by Assistant United States Attorney Tony R. Arvin. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Inmate Sentenced To Five Years’ Imprisonment For Attempting To Distribute Drugs In A Federal Prison

body_text: SCRANTON, The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Julian Beavers, age 39, an inmate at United States Penitentiary- Canaan, was sentenced on November 14, 2025, to five years’ imprisonment by United States District Court Judge Malachy E. Mannion for attempting to provide fentanyl, marijuana and xylazine to other inmates. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, on April 13, 2023, while sorting incoming mail, correctional officers at USP Canaan, Waymart, Pennsylvania, intercepted a large manilla envelope containing papers soaked in fentanyl, marijuana and xylazine ultimately destined for Beavers. Investigation revealed that Beavers conspired with other individuals outside of the facility to have the drugs packaged and shipped into the prison for his own personal use and for distribution. Beavers was at USP Canaan serving a 130 month sentence imposed by a District Court Judge in the United States District Court in Buffalo, New York for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin and fentanyl. The 60 month sentence was imposed to run consecutive to his New York sentence. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jenny P. Roberts prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Fall River Man Charged With Distribution of Crack Cocaine

body_text: BOSTON – A Fall River man has been charged with drug distribution offenses involving cocaine base, more commonly known as crack cocaine. Antonio Calderon, 43, was charged with four counts of distribution of 28 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base. Calderon was arrested on Nov. 14, 2025 and was ordered detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston. According to the charging documents, Calderon is alleged to have sold over 28 grams of crack cocaine in the Fall River area on four separate occasions: June 17; June 24; July 16; and Sept. 18, 2025. According to the charging documents, Calderon has been arraigned for 31 charges dating back to 2000 and has 13 convictions, including for trafficking cocaine for which he was sentenced to 10-15 years in state prison. The charges of distribution of 28 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing cocaine base each provide for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Fall River Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Reynolds III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations 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 . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Mailing Threatening Communications to Jewish Institutions and Civil Rights Violations

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Clift Seferlis, 55, of Garrett Park, Maryland, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge Mark A. Kearney on 17 counts of mailing threatening communications and eight counts of obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs, arising from numerous threats sent to Jewish organizations and entities. Seferlis was charged with those offenses by information last month, following his arrest in June on a criminal complaint and warrant in connection with such threats. As presented in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, from at least March 2024 through at least June 2025, Seferlis used the United States mail to transmit at least 40 letters and at least two postcards to more than 25 Jewish organizations and entities located in multiple jurisdictions, including, but not limited to, synagogues, Jewish museums, Jewish community centers, Jewish schools, Jewish non-profit organizations, and a Jewish delicatessen. In many of these letters and postcards, Seferlis threatened to destroy physical buildings and/or to injure individuals. Specifically, Seferlis caused the U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) to deliver threatening communications to these institutions on or about the following dates: Jewish Institution 1 , a synagogue in Washington, D.C. (March 6, 2024; January 24, 2025) Jewish Institution 2 , an entity in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (April 4, 2024; July 29, 2024; January 18, 2025; March 5, 2025; May 7, 2025; May 9, 2025) Jewish Institution 3 , an entity in Fairfax, Virginia (January 18, 2025) Jewish Institution 4 , a synagogue in Gaithersburg, Maryland (February 3, 2025) Jewish Institution 5 , an entity in Fairfax, Virginia (February 7, 2025) Jewish Institution 6 , a synagogue in Hagerstown, Maryland (March 2025) Jewish Institution 7 , an entity in Rockville, Maryland (May 12, 2025) Jewish Institution 8 , an entity in Washington, D.C. (May 29, 2025; June 3, 2025) Jewish Institution 9 , an entity in Washington, D.C. (June 3, 2025) Jewish Institution 10 , a synagogue in Brookline, Massachusetts (June 3, 2025) Each communication listed above contained a threat to injure the occupants of the receiving institution. As court filings further detail, the defendant, by threat of force, intentionally obstructed and attempted to obstruct congregants and other attendees in the enjoyment of their free exercise of religious beliefs, by threatening to harm the occupants of: Jewish Institution 1 , a synagogue in Washington, D.C. (March 6, 2024; January 24, 2025) Jewish Institution 11 , a synagogue in Rockville, Maryland (January 25, 2025) Jewish Institution 12 , a synagogue in Falls Church, Virginia (January 31, 2025) Jewish Institution 13 , a synagogue in Gaithersburg, Maryland (February 3, 2025) Jewish Institution 14 , a synagogue in Washington, D.C. (February 10, 2025) Jewish Institution 15 , a synagogue in Hagerstown, Maryland (March 2025) Jewish Institution 16 , a synagogue in Brookline, Massachusetts (June 3, 2025) Further, the offenses against Jewish Institution 12, Jewish Institution 13, Jewish Institution 14, and Jewish Institution 15 included the threatened use of a dangerous weapon, fire, or explosives. Seferlis waived venue as to those institutions and synagogues not in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and agreed to be charged in this District. Seferlis is scheduled to be sentenced on March 16. He faces a maximum possible sentence of 169 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $5,650,000 fine. This case was investigated by FBI Philadelphia, with assistance from FBI Baltimore, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Montgomery County (Md.) Police Department, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland’s Greenbelt office. The Anti-Defamation League, Secure Community Network, and Delaware Valley Intelligence Center also provided assistance with this case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Dubnoff and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.


title: Baltimore Woman Sentenced For Money Laundering And Wire Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Lakeisha Parker, 33, of Baltimore, Maryland, to three years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, including six months of home detention, for her role in a large, multi-member money laundering conspiracy. Judge Maddox also ordered Parker to pay more than $8 million in restitution. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Acting Special Agent in Charge Evan Campanella, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Baltimore; Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) – Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge George Golliday, Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General (EPA-OIG). 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. It gives financial assistance including forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and other expenses. Established by the CARES Act, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) — administered through the Small Business Administration (SBA) — along with the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), helped businesses meet their financial obligations. An EIDL advance does not have to be repaid, and small businesses can receive an advance, even if they are not approved for an EIDL loan. The maximum advance amount is $10,000. On July 22, 2025, Parker pled guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. As part of her plea agreement, Parker admitted that beginning in 2019, and continuing into November 2023, she conspired with Adanegbe Gift Osenmwenkhae, Yahya Sowe, aka “Cash,” Gedeon Agbeyome, Victor Killen, Areal Harris, Bright Boateng, Faizou Gnora, Emily Gil Arias, Fatoumata Boiro, Lawrence Ogunsanwo, Martin Ogisi, Blondel Ndjouandjouaka, Kevin Colon, Lorena Perez Herrera, and others to launder proceeds of a large-scale wire fraud. The co-conspirators engaged in various financial transactions to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the wire-fraud proceeds, while carrying out the wire-fraud schemes. Parker also admitted to laundering money obtained from fraudulent loan applications for COVID-19 relief benefits from the EIDL program. Victims included government agencies, organizations, and companies, including an environmental trust, urban redevelopment program, medical center, transportation and logistics company, school district, college, and county government, among others. Parker personally laundered more than $1 million of fraud proceeds. According to the plea agreement, Parker created a limited liability company to serve as a shell entity, opening at least five bank accounts in its name, and then used it to receive and launder fraud proceeds. Parker also used and controlled several different encrypted electronic communication accounts to coordinate with co-conspirators. 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 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: justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the HSI-led Document and Benefit Fraud/Mid-Atlantic El Dorado Task Force, IRS-CI, and EPA-OIG for their assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Gruber, Bijon A. Mostoufi, and Jared M. Beim, who are prosecuting the federal case, and Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber, for her assistance.


title: Rapid City Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for  Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler sentenced a man from Rapid City, South Dakota, convicted of Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence. The sentencing took place on October 1, 2025. Patrick Mousseaux, 41, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. His interest in a firearm and ammunition was also forfeited. Mousseaux was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2024. He pleaded guilty to the charge on July 11, 2025. On April 9, 2024, Mousseaux learned the victim in this case was going to an address in Rapid City. Mousseaux was already at the address and armed with a gun. When the victim arrived, Mousseaux pointed the barrel of the gun at the victim, ordered him out of the vehicle, and demanded that he surrender the car. Mousseaux got into the driver’s seat and sped off, taking two other individuals with him and leaving the victim on the curb. The victim immediately reported the carjacking to the Rapid City Police Department. The next day, law enforcement located the stolen Nissan Rogue near the address from which it was stolen. Inside the vehicle, officers located one Ruger semi-automatic handgun with ammunition. The handgun matched the description of the gun used on the victim. Officers searched the residence where the vehicle was found and observed Mousseaux trying to jump from a window. He was apprehended and arrested at that time. Mousseaux is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of two state convictions for burglary in the third degree. 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. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case. Mousseaux was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Registered sex offender who cut off ankle bracelet and committed more sex crimes against children sentenced to 17 years in prison

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – A 29-year-old registered sex offender who sexually exploited more than a dozen teens after cutting off his electronic monitoring device and absconding from Department of Corrections Community Custody, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Seattle, to 17 years in prison announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Between February and April 2024 James “Jake” Harrison Newcomer sexually abused teens he met via various social media platforms. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge John H. Chun said, “these are heartbreaking crimes. The youngest victim was just 12 years old.” “This repeat offender is every parent’s nightmare – the dangerous stranger who enters your home via the internet and steals your child’s innocence,” said U.S. Attorney Floyd. “Having been convicted in state court of rape of a child, he had a chance to get treatment and turn his life around. Instead, he cut off his ankle monitor and preyed upon more than a dozen children for his sexual gratification. At least now he will be off the street.” According to records filed in the case, Newcomer was on state supervision following his 30-month prison sentence for two counts of rape of a child. As part of the supervision, Newcomer was on electronic monitoring with an ankle bracelet. On January 19, 2024, the ankle monitor lost connection and when corrections officers went to arrest Newcomer on January 25, 2024, he had left the residence and could not be located. Over the next three months, Newcomer posed as a teen-age boy and connected with various teen girls via social media such as Discord and Snapchat. He then arranged to meet them in person. In those meetings he gave girls drugs and alcohol and sexually assaulted them. The victims were from King, Kitsap, Snohomish, Lewis, Clark, Thurston, and Spokane Counties as well as Woodburn, Oregon. The victims ranged in age from 12 to 16. In court today prosecutors noted that Newcomer possessed multiple electronic devices that contained child sexual abuse material. Despite the best efforts of law enforcement, not all the children pictured in the images on the electronic devices have been identified. Family members of victims told the judge how Newcomer had profoundly damaged their children and the struggles they now have with healing and recovery. The crime, they said, impacted the entire family. “He manipulated, drugged and abused our child,” one father told the court. “Already a registered sex offender, Mr. Newcomer clearly didn’t learn his lesson from his previous sentence,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Right after removing his monitoring device and fleeing supervision, Mr. Newcomer quickly returned to exploiting children, luring and sexually assaulting multiple teen and pre-teen girls from across Washington and Oregon by impersonating a teen boy online. Thanks to the efforts of several federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, young people in the Pacific Northwest will be safer with Mr. Newcomer behind bars. We hope this lengthy sentence serves as a warning of the severe consequences child predators can face for their crimes.” Judge Chun ordered Newcomer to be on lifetime supervised release following the 17-year prison term. On August 8, 2025, Newcomer pleaded guilty to Travel with intent to engage in sexual acts with a minor and two counts of attempted enticement of a minor. Travel with intent to engage in sexual acts is punishable by up to 30 years in prison. Enticement of a minor is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Woodburn, Oregon Police Department, the Marion County District Attorney’s Office, the Auburn Police Department, the Snoqualmie Police Department, the Black Diamond Police Department, the Des Moines Police Department, the King County Sheriff’s Office, and the Kent Police Department, with the assistance of the Department of Corrections. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Cecelia Gregson. 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 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 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 .


title: Justice Department Files Complaint Challenging California Mask Ban and Identification Requirements for Federal Officers

body_text: WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against California, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Attorney General Robert Bonta challenging their unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers through the so-called “No Secret Police Act” and “No Vigilantes Act.” Not only are the laws illegal attempts to discriminate against and regulate the federal government, but, as alleged in the complaint, the laws threaten the safety of federal officers who have faced an unprecedent wave of harassment, doxxing, and even violence. Threatening officers with prosecution for simply protecting their identities and their families also chills the enforcement of federal law and compromises sensitive law enforcement operations. The danger is acute. "Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep Americans safe, and they do not deserve to be doxed or harassed simply for carrying out their duties," said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. "California’s anti-law enforcement policies discriminate against the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents. These laws cannot stand." "The Department of Justice will steadfastly protect the privacy and safety of law enforcement from unconstitutional state laws like California’s," said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. "Assaults against federal agents have exploded over the last few months, thanks in part to recklessness political rhetoric aiming to delegitimize our brave agents," said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli of the Central District of California. "Unconstitutional laws such as this one further endanger our brave men and women protecting our community. Our immigration enforcement will continue unabated and unhindered by unconstitutional state laws enacted by irresponsible politicians." On her first day in office, Attorney General Bondi instructed the Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal laws or impede lawful federal operations. Today’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal policies designed to thwart federal law enforcement across the country, including in New York, New Jersey, and Los Angeles, California.