title: Dominican National Sentenced to Three Years in prison for Fentanyl Trafficking Charges

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national, residing in Chelsea, Mass., was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for fentanyl trafficking. Junior Baez Sanchez, 32, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to three years in prison. Baez Sanchez is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In January 2025, Baez Sanchez pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing fentanyl and one count of failing to appear for court. Baez Sanchez distributed more than 40 grams of fentanyl in Chelsea on June 2, 2020 and in Malden on July 15, 2020. In March 2021, Baez Sanchez was indicted by a federal grand jury and was scheduled for trial in October 2022. Baez Sanchez failed to appear for court as required on Oct. 4, 2022—less than two weeks before trial—and the Court issued a warrant for his arrest. Approximately two years later, on Sept. 24, 2024, Baez Sanchez was arrested on the warrant after law enforcement stopped a vehicle driven by Baez Sanchez. At the time of his arrest, Baez Sanchez had 12 clear bags of fentanyl in his pocket. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. Special assistance was provided by the Chelsea Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: Dominican National Indicted for Fentanyl Distribution While on Supervised Release for Drug Trafficking Conviction

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Lawrence has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly distributing 1,000 fentanyl pills while on federal supervised release for a prior drug trafficking conviction involving heroin and cocaine. Wagner Ismael Mejia Sanchez, a/k/a “Jose F. Rosario,” a/k/a “Jose Majimbe,” 39, was indicted on one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Mejia Sanchez was previously arrested and charged by criminal complaint on April 1, 2025. In 2012, Mejia Sanchez was among 10 individuals charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in connection with a cocaine and heroin trafficking conspiracy. He subsequently pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and, in 2015, was sentenced to 39 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release. According to the charging documents, during an investigation into a drug trafficking organization in January 2025, Mejia Sanchez was allegedly identified as a drug supplier who provided fentanyl pills to a distributor and was also observed engaging in suspected hand-to-hand drug transactions. It is alleged that law enforcement subsequently arranged for a controlled purchase from Mejia Sanchez on Feb. 19, 2025 in Lawrence, during which he allegedly distributed approximately 1,000 fentanyl pills (with a net weight of 96.2 grams) while on federal supervised release. The charge of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of at least five and up to 20 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Because of the prior conviction, Mejia Sanchez may face a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least eight years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $8 million. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Annapurna Balakrishna of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting this case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood . The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Dominican National Charged with Distributing Hundreds of Fentanyl Pills

body_text: BOSTON – A Dominican national, living in Haverhill and Methuen, Mass., has been arrested and charged for allegedly conspiring to distribute approximately 600 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl. Jose Radhame Sanchez, 41, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Sanchez was arrested yesterday and following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston, was ordered detained pending a hearing scheduled for May 6, 2025. According to the charging documents, in April 2025, Sanchez allegedly sold a total of approximately 600 suspected fentanyl pills to a cooperating source. Specifically, on April 9, 2025, in Lawrence, Sanchez allegedly distributed approximately 200 suspected fentanyl pills pressed to resemble 30 milligram oxycodone pills. It is alleged that Sanchez had a minor child with him in the car during the transaction. On April 17, 2025, Sanchez allegedly distributed approximately 400 counterfeit oxycodone pills suspected to contain fentanyl at a restaurant in Methuen. It is further alleged that, in 2024, two suspected overdose victims were found in Sanchez’s Haverhill residence. On one occasion, in February 2024, law enforcement found a female who had overdosed at the residence. The female victim survived. It is alleged that, although Sanchez told law enforcement at the time in 2024 that he had found the victim “on the side of the road in his neighborhood and allowed her into his home” and “denied having knowledge that the female was a drug user,” recent phone records allegedly revealed that Sanchez had contacted the victim 171 times in less than a week in March 2025. On another occasion, in April 2024, a two-year-old child was found unresponsive and not breathing at Sanchez’s residence. According to court documents, the minor victim later tested positive for fentanyl and cocaine. Sanchez also allegedly tested positive for cocaine at the time. The minor victim survived. The charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Annapurna Balakrishna and Andrew Caffrey are prosecuting this case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood . The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Jury convicts conspirator involved in transporting aliens shot en route to Houston

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 21-year-old New Orleans, Louisiana, resident has been found guilty for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Mailon Almendares-Martinez, 21, New Orleans, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to transport aliens. The jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning the guilty verdict following a three-day trial. The jury heard how Almendares-Martinez conspired with others from Oct. 30 – Nov. 2, 2022, to transport aliens from the South Texas border to Houston. The jury heard testimony that Almendares-Martinez recruited friends and conspirators from New Orleans to carry out the scheme. Witnesses testified that Almendares-Martinez and others offered to pay them $1,000 to $2,000 per alien they transported. Evidence revealed he had directed them as to where to pick up the aliens through WhatsApp messages and phone calls. After picking up the aliens near the border, the conspirators headed back to Houston. En route, individuals believed to be a part of a rival alien smuggling and transporting organization had shot at them. Two of the aliens suffered gunshot wounds to the arm and leg. One was a native of Honduras who had recently crossed the Rio Grande River and entered the United States illegally. After the shooting, Almendares-Martinez told the co-conspirators to return to Houston and not seek medical attention for the two wounded aliens. Co-conspirators then brought the aliens to a motel in Houston Nov. 1, 2022. The next day, the illegal aliens had escaped. Law enforcement arrived at the scene and took four people in custody, to include Jonathan Melendez-Merino, Oscar Melendez-Sosa, Cristian Mencias-Padilla and Cesar Monge-Milla. The defense attempted to convince the jury Almendares-Martinez was not part of the conspiracy and someone else was using his WhatsApp account to communicate with co-conspirators. They did not believe those claims and found Almendares-Martinez guilty as charged. “This case demonstrates—like so many cases before it—that human smuggling is an inhumane, dangerous, and sometimes fatal business,” said Ganjei. “Those that smuggle human beings for profit deserve prosecution, and those that would willingly place themselves in a situation to be smuggled need to think twice. Stay home, stay safe.” U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt presided over trial and set sentencing for Aug. 11. At that time, Almendares-Martinez faces up to 10 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Previously released on bond, Almendares-Martinez was taken into custody following the verdict where he will remain pending that hearing. Seven others, all from New Orleans, Louisiana, previously pleaded guilty in the case - Melendez-Merino, 32, Melendez-Sosa, 22, Mencias-Padilla, 21, and Monge-Milla, 25, along with Yunior Sorto-Ramirez, 23, Bayron Pineda-Alvarado, and Alan Galvez-Baquedano, 22. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Day and Anthony Franklyn prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: Cumberland County Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Center Agrees to Pay $19.75 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: Camden, N.J. – Summit BHC New Jersey, LLC, d/b/a Seabrook, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility in Bridgeton, New Jersey, has agreed to pay $19.75 million to resolve allegations that it violated the federal False Claims Act, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced today. As alleged, Seabrook submitted claims to the Community Care Program of Veterans Health Administration (“VHA”) and New Jersey’s Medicaid program for short-term residential treatment and partial hospitalization care for which it was not properly licensed or contracted and misled State inspectors. The settlement resolves allegations relating to the care provided and billed by Seabrook, principally to the VHA Community Care Program. The United States alleged that, during the period from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024, Seabrook provided services for which it had no license; sought to conceal those improperly performed services from state inspectors; failed to employ a sufficient number of properly-credentialed caregivers; failed to employ a sufficient number of caregivers credentialed in treating patients with both mental health and addiction issues; provided the same care to veterans it provided to other patients, while claiming to be providing specialized care; and kept false, inconsistent, and inadequate records of the care provided to veterans and other patients. “Today’s resolution demonstrates once again this Office’s commitment to ensure that America’s veterans receive the care they deserve and for which the government has paid. Veterans and Medicaid recipients must receive care from fully qualified, licensed providers in facilities that meet state law in all respects. We stand ready to enforce these standards and protect the Americans who need this care.” - U.S. Attorney Alina Habba “This civil settlement reinforces the VA OIG’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of VA’s healthcare programs and preserving taxpayer funds,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Northeast Field Office. “Providers who participate in the VA Community Care Program must be licensed and follow state and federal law when billing the VA. The VA OIG will continue to work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate providers who fail to meet these standards in providing healthcare to our nation’s veterans.” “Our federal health care systems serve vulnerable populations, and by not providing the level of care they deserve that purpose is undermined,” stated Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to vigorously pursue those who exploit government health programs.” The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by a former Seabrook employee. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. In this matter, the relator is receiving at least approximately $3,555,137.28 as her share of the recovery in this case. Seabrook cooperated in the investigation and resolution of this matter, including by independently investigating the matter, implementing remedial measures, and disciplining responsible individuals. The resolution was the result of efforts by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the Offices of Inspectors General for the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Health and Human Services. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul W. Kaufman of the Health Care Fraud Unit in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. The case is captioned United States ex rel. Coulter and the State of New Jersey v. Seabrook House, Inc., et al., Civil Action No. 23-cv-00451 (D.N.J.). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. ### Counsel for Seabrook: Richard Westling, Epstein Becker Green, P.C. and Matthew Curley, Bass, Berry, & Sims, PLC Counsel for Relator Jennifer Coulter: Ross Begelman and Marc Orlow, Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks Kahn Wikstrom & Sinins, P.C. seabrook.agreement.pdf


title: Tigerton Man Sentenced for Shotgun Assault on a Postal Carrier

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Eastern

body_text: Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on April 30, 2025, Benjamin L. Joos (age 44) of Tigerton, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for firing a shotgun at a U.S. Postal Carrier while she was on duty, injuring her and damaging her vehicle. According to court records, the victim was delivering mail at approximately 3:00 p.m. on September 24, 2024, when she heard her passenger side window shatter and felt pain in her arms. She observed Joos holding a shotgun which was pointed at her. Joos was yelling “get away from my box” and “leave my mail alone.” The victim quickly left the area and notified law enforcement. By his own admission, Joos had consumed “4 to 5 whisky and cokes” prior to the incident. Hours later his blood alcohol level was determined to be 0.178 g/100ml, more than twice the legal limit for a presumption of intoxication. At the sentencing hearing, Senior U.S. District Court Judge William C. Griesbach noted Joos’s lack of criminal record, strong community engagement, and a positive work history. However, Judge Griesbach determined that the serious nature of the offense and the profound effect his actions had on the victim required a prison term. Following his 18-month prison sentence, Joos will serve 3 years on supervised release. He was also ordered to pay over $10,000 in restitution to the victim. This case was investigated by the Shawano County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble. # # # For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov 414-297-1700 Follow us on Twitter


title: Man Sentenced for Illegally Reentering the United States After Being Deported

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A man who illegally returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced today to more than two months in federal prison. Jose Solis-Alvarado, age 34, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Traer, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 10, 2025 guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported. At the guilty plea, Solis-Alvarado admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Solis-Alvarado was previously deported in 2010. On February 4, 2025, immigration officials learned Solis‑Alvarado had illegally returned to the United States and found him at the Benton County Jail following his arrest on state charges for operating while under the influence. Solis-Alvarado was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Solis-Alvarado was sentenced to 85 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a one-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Solis-Alvarado is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Adam J. Vander Stoep and was investigated by Enforcement and Removal Operations of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-CR-9. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Cherokee, Iowa, Man Pleads Guilty to  Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: Roger Strickland, age 62, from Cherokee, Iowa, pled guilty on April 25, 2025, to two counts of possession of child pornography in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa. Evidence at the plea hearing showed that from June 2022, through May 2023, Strickland received and possessed child pornography. Agents searched Strickland’s home on May 25, 2023, and seized several pieces of evidence. Agents asked to speak to whomever at the home was downloading child pornography and Strickland replied, “It’s me.” Then, while agents were awaiting results of the forensic analysis of Strickland’s electronic devices, law enforcement was again notified Strickland was receiving and possessing child pornography. Strickland admitted that between August 2023, through February 2024, Strickland received and possessed more child pornography despite knowing he was actively being investigated. In total, over 225 videos and 8,000 images of child pornography were discovered on his electronic devices. Strickland further admitted that the images and videos involved material portraying sadistic or masochistic conduct as well as prepubescent children, infants, and toddlers. 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 . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Strickland remains in custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing. On each count, Strickland faces a possible maximum sentence of not more than 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Cherokee Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is CR24-4067. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Former Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sexual Exploitation of Student

body_text: Samantha Meyer-Davis, 32, from Rutland, Iowa, pled guilty in federal court April 30, 2025, to sexual exploitation of a child. At the plea hearing, Meyer-Davis admitted that from May 2022, through November 2023, she was engaged in sexually exploiting a student as well as disseminating and exhibiting obscene materials to the victim. Meyer-Davis was a middle school teacher at the time of the incidents and met with school administrators on several occasions and denied any inappropriate relationship. Administrators reminded Meyer-Davis of her professional and ethical obligations to her students and encouraged her to cease and desist any inappropriate relationship with the student. When interviewed by law enforcement, Meyer-Davis continued to deny any inappropriate relationship until she was confronted with photographic evidence of her kissing the student who was in a state of undress. Evidence further showed that Meyer-Davis and the victim exchanged over 130 photographs, and over 60 videos related to and depicting child pornography, including materials that portrayed sadistic and masochistic conduct. 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 . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Meyer-Davis remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Meyer-Davis faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 30 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa Special Enforcement Operations Bureau, and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-3028. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Fort Hall Man Sentenced to 100 Months in Federal Prison for Fentanyl Distribution

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: POCATELLO – Creston Dale Kindness, 42, of Fort Hall, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today. According to court records, on January 21, 2024, officers observed Kindness driving at a high rate of speed. A lengthy pursuit followed, and the vehicle stopped when it became stuck in the snow. Officers arrested Kindness and took him to jail. At the jail, a sheriff’s deputy observed Kindness make a video call to a female friend. Kindness told the friend that he threw a bag with her name on it out of the car window during the pursuit. Kindness gave her the location and told her to go get the bag. Officers responded and found the bag. The bag contained a large amount of cash and 350 grams of fentanyl pills. Kindness pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on June 24, 2024. Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye also ordered Kindness to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bingham County Sheriff’s Office, the Bingham, Blackfoot, Shelley Investigation Unit, the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office, the Fort Hall Police Department, and the Idaho State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Haycock prosecuted the case. ###


title: Bucks County Man Pleads Guilty to Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Brian Zenszer, 44, of Warminster, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Court Judge Harvey Bartle III on one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Zenszer was charged by indictment in December of last year. As presented in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, on or about July 21, 2024, Zenszer knowingly distributed a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and, on or about November 6, 2024, possessed a Samsung cellular phone containing visual depictions of minors, including one or more prepubescent minors who had not attained 12 years of age, engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The charges arose from two CyberTips reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding two accounts on the Kik messaging app that had uploaded suspected files of child pornography. Investigators determined both accounts belonged to Zenszer. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29 and faces a maximum possible term of 40 years’ imprisonment and a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by 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 projectsafechildhood.gov . The case was investigated by the FBI and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Maureen McCartney.


title: Mason City Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child Pornography

body_text: Cleon Mitchell, Jr., 46, from Mason City, Iowa, pled guilty April 30, 2025, in federal court in Sioux City to possession of child pornography. At the plea hearing, Mitchell admitted that from August 2022, through April 2024, he used the Kik and Snapchat applications to receive and possess visual depictions of child pornography which involved a prepubescent minor or minor under the age of 12. Snapchat reported Mitchell’s account to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children who in turn reported the information to law enforcement. Law enforcement connected the account back to Mitchell and obtained a search warrant for his home and electronics. During the execution of the search warrant, Mitchell admitted he had received and possessed child pornography, and it would be located on his phone. Forensic analysis of his electronics showed that Mitchell possessed 30 videos and 50 images of child pornography including materials that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct as well as prepubescent children and toddlers. 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 . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Mitchell, Jr. remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Mitchell, Jr. faces a possible maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and at least five years of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Mason City Police Department and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-3038. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Owner of Kansas City Healthcare Company Sentenced for Bankruptcy Fraud

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Stillwell, Ks., man was sentenced in federal court on April 29, 2025, for bankruptcy fraud related to his healthcare company. William L. Said, 62, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 21 months in prison without parole. The court also ordered Said to pay $85,000 in restitution, which was paid at the time of sentencing. On Oct. 1, 2024, Said plead guilty to one count of bankruptcy fraud. Said admitted that he fraudulently transferred and concealed assets in a bankruptcy case. Said was the owner, president, and officer in charge of Restorative Brain Clinic, Inc., which provided Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation services. Restorative Brain Clinic, Inc. filed a voluntary bankruptcy case in July 2021. A debtor-in-possession account was established as part of the bankruptcy. Restorative Brain Clinic’s operating funds were stored in the debtor-in-possession account and Said was the only authorized person who had access to the account. In Sept. 2021, the United States Trustee for Region 13, which includes the Western District of Missouri, filed a motion to convert Restorative Brain Clinic’s bankruptcy to a Chapter 7 liquidation case based on gross mismanagement of the estate and a continuing loss or diminution of assets of the estate. On Oct. 14, 2021, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Dennis R. Dow presided over an evidentiary hearing on the conversion motion. At the conclusion of evidence, Judge Dow granted the motion to convert the case to a Chapter 7 bankruptcy and found there was mismanagement of assets, self-dealing, and inadequate corporate controls, among other issues. Judge Dow ordered the United States Trustee to appoint a Chapter 7 trustee to identify assets to pursue for unsecured creditors. The hearing concluded at 4:12 p.m. Minutes after the conversion hearing, where Said was displaced as the fiduciary of the bankruptcy estate and the Bankruptcy Court ordered that Said no longer had control over Restorative Brain Clinic’s assets, Said initiated several wire transfers of money from the debtor-in-possession account. At 4:16 p.m., Said wired $5,000 to his own bank account from the debtor-in-possession account. At 4:25 p.m., Said initiated a wire transfer for $12,400 from the debtor-in-possession account to the bank account of a shareholder in Restorative Brain Clinic. Said also wired $16,300 to a medical staffing company and attempted to wire $5,760 to Restorative Brain Clinic’s landlord. The debtor-in-possession account was frozen before the funds to pay the landlord left the account. Said also admitted to selling leased medical equipment. Restorative Brain Clinic leased medical equipment manufactured by AB Sciex, LLC in 2018. Said was also the owner of Cox Scientific, which sold medical equipment. In 2019, Cox Scientific agreed to sell AB Sciex medical equipment to a California company. Said sent an electronic invoice to the owner of the California company. The invoice contained a description of the equipment Said was selling along with an itemized list of the equipment’s components, which included a unique serial number for each component. The list of components Said sent to the California company were the same components leased by Restorative Brain Clinic. Said admitted that he scratched out and altered serial numbers on the AB Sciex equipment to conceal he was selling equipment through Cox Scientific that was being rented by Restorative Brain Clinic, Said. Then, Said used the altered serial numbers on the invoice to the California company. The California company paid $85,000 for the AB Sciex equipment that Said sold to them and which Said did not own. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley Cooper and Adam Miller. It was investigated by the FBI and the United States Trustee for Region 13.


title: BATON ROUGE MAN SENTENCING TO 57 MONTHS IN FEDERAL  PRISON FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

component: USAO - Louisiana, Middle

body_text: Acting United States Attorney April M. Leon announced that U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles sentenced James S. Burland, age 70, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to 57 months in federal prison following his conviction for possession of child pornography. Burland must serve five years of supervised release upon completing his term of imprisonment. The Court also ordered Burland to pay a $5,000 special assessment pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act and ordered him to register as a sex offender upon his release. In announcing the sentence, the Court described Burland’s possession of 565 images of child pornography, to include images that depicted prepubescent minors and minors under the age of 12, as serious and troubling conduct. According to admissions made during his plea, on November 11, 2022, Burland uploaded a file containing an image of child pornography to his internet-based cloud storage account. A subsequent investigation identified that between that date and April 9, 2024, Burland possessed at least 173 additional files containing images of child pornography in his internet-based cloud storage account and on some of his personal computers and storage devices. This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Attorney General, and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul L. Pugliese. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Mexican National and Convicted Felon Sentenced to Prison After  Attempting to Traffic Narcotics into Utah

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Gabriel Alexis Perez-Espinoza, 29, a Mexican national, and convicted felon living in the United States illegally, was sentenced today to 70 months’ imprisonment followed by three years’ supervised release after he was attempting to traffic a large amount of methamphetamine and heroin into the District of Utah. The sentence, imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Ted Stewart, comes after Perez-Espinoza pleaded guilty on January 16, 2025, to possession of heroin with intent to distribute. According to court documents and statements made at Perez-Espinoza’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on August 3, 2021, as part of an investigation, Utah County Sheriff deputies stopped a Ford F-150 near Spanish Fork Canyon, Utah, that Perez-Espinoza was driving. Subsequently, agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized approximately 4,446 grams of methamphetamine and 1,227.7 grams of heroin stored in a secret compartment attached to the underside of the vehicle. Perez-Espinoza was taken into custody. Leading up to Perez-Espinoza’s arrest, DEA agents, working in an undercover capacity, were in contact with him via cell phone and communicated about the purchase of large amounts of narcotics. Additionally, according to court documents, in 2020, Perez Espinoza was convicted for reentry of a previously removed alien and has been deported from the United States on six previous occasions between 2015 and 2020. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office works hand in hand with our law enforcement partners to reduce the scourge of dangerous narcotics and violence in our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Thanks to this collaborative effort, we were able to successfully seize lethal drugs from potentially being distributed in our communities and prosecute the responsible offender who was in the United States illegally.” “This is another example of DEA Special Agents working closely with our local and federal partners to ensure we get dangerous drugs being trafficked in Utah out of our neighborhoods,” said DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Pullen. “Our thanks and appreciation to the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Utah, for holding this defendant accountable for his actions.” The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Valuable assistance was provided by the Utah County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant United States Attorney Seth Nielsen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf .


title: Ukrainian Men Charged with Illegal Entry

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Mykhailo Ivanchyn, age 21, and Ihor Zelskyi, age 27, of the Ukraine, have been charged by criminal complaint with illegally entering the United States. On April 29, 2025, Ivanchyn and Zelskyi appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that they be held in custody pending their detention hearings. Ivanchyn’s detention hearing is scheduled for May 2, 2025. Zelskyi’s detention hearing is scheduled for May 5, 2025. According to court records, at approximately 12:30 a.m. on April 28, 2025, United States Border Patrol agents were alerted of at least two individuals wearing backpacks and walking south near the international border between the United States and Canada along the Sutton River in Franklin County, Vermont. Border Patrol agents responded and apprehended Ivanchyn and Zelskyi, who were wearing backpacks and water waders. Neither defendant had legal status in the United States or authorization to reside in the United States. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Ivanchyn and Zelskyi are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The defendants face up to 6 months’ imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the United States Border Patrol. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Cate. Ivanchyn is represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Barclay Johnson. Zelskyi is represented by Rick Bothfeld, Esq. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Paterson Man with Multiple Felony Convictions Admits to Illegally Possessing Firearms, Ammunition, Fentanyl, And Cocaine

body_text: NEWARK, N.J. – A Paterson, New Jersey man admitted to illegally possessing two firearms and ammunition, possessing fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, and distributing cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alina Habba. Lamont Baker, 33, of Paterson, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Claire C. Cecchi in Newark federal court to four counts of a Superseding Indictment charging him with one count of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon, one count of possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, and two counts of distribution of cocaine. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On September 14, 2022 and September 20, 2022, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of cocaine from Baker. On those dates, Baker traveled from his residence to a predetermined location to sell cocaine. On September 29, 2022, law enforcement searched Baker’s residence and car, and recovered two firearms (including one with a defaced serial number), ammunition (including hollow point rounds), fentanyl, and cocaine, along with several hundred dollars in U.S. currency and materials used to package, store, and transport drugs for distribution. In 2008, Baker was convicted for his participation in a robbery and in 2021, he was convicted of aggravated assault with a firearm. The count of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Each count of possession of fentanyl and cocaine with intent to distribute, and distribution of cocaine, carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for September 17, 2025. U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under the direction of Special Agent in Charge L.C. Cheeks Jr. for the investigation leading to the guilty plea. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Specht of the Special Prosecutions Division. ### Defense counsel: Christopher Adams, Newark, N.J. baker.indictment.pdf


title: Honduran and Guatemalan nationals sentenced for distributing methamphetamine

body_text: LAREDO, Texas – Two people from Central America have been sentenced for drug trafficking in the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Sanmy Elieser Gonzalez, 35, Honduras, and Iris Graciela Hernandez-Castaneda, 34, Guatemala, both pleaded guilty Aug. 25, 2022. U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana has now ordered Gonzalez to serve 60 months in federal prison, while Hernandez-Castaneda received a 70-month-sentence. Not U.S. citizens, both are expected to face removal proceedings following their imprisonment. The investigation revealed Gonzalez and Hernandez received loads of methamphetamine in the Houston area had been smuggled into the United States in the vicinity of Laredo. The narcotics would then be further distributed to others. The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation dubbed Operation Siete Pinguinos. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Sturgis prosecuted the case. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage .


title: School Official Pleads Guilty to 2.9M Scheme to Defraud Veterans’ Education Programs

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Virginia career services manager for a school offering job training programs to veterans pleaded guilty today for his role in a scheme to defraud the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of nearly $3 million. According to court documents, Jeffrey Williams, 37, of Alexandria, used false records to defraud the VA of millions of dollars from approximately July 2022 to May 2024. During that time, the defendant was a career services manager at an educational institution offering veterans educational programs in cyber that could be paid for by the VA. As part of the scheme, Williams created fraudulent employment offer letters, falsified certifications, and forged veterans’ signatures to make it appear as if veterans had attained the meaningful employment needed for the educational institution to receive tuition payments from the government. Williams caused the submission of hundreds of false documents to the VA, claiming approximately $2.9 million in fraudulent tuition payments for at least 189 veterans. Williams pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The VA Office of Inspector General is investigating the case. Trial Attorney Lauren Archer of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Harvey for the Eastern District of Virginia are prosecuting the case.


title: Dominican Man Sentenced for Being in the United States Illegally After Having Been Previously Removed by Immigration Officials

body_text: Rutland, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on April 29, 2025, Luis Edison Capellan-Ortiz, 49, of the Dominican Republic was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to time served. The defendant, who had been detained since his arrest on October 20, 2024, previously pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States after having been removed. According to court records, Capellan-Ortiz unlawfully entered the United States by walking across the United States-Canada border on October 20, 2024 in the area of Jay, Vermont, where United States Border Patrol agents encountered and arrested him. Border Patrol agents discovered that Capellan-Ortiz had previously been ordered removed by a United States Immigration Judge in May 2023. Capellan-Ortiz had been removed to the Dominican Republic that same month. Because Capellan-Ortiz had not obtained permission to re-enter the United States, his presence in the country was in violation of U.S. law. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the investigatory efforts of the U.S. Border Patrol. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. Gilman. Capellan-Ortiz was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Sara M. Puls.


title: Mexican citizen sentenced for illegally reentering the country for third time

body_text: BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 42-year-old man from Aldamas, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of illegal reentry into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Alfredo Balderas-Rivera pleaded guilty Aug. 29, 2024. U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered Balderas-Rivera to serve 50 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is again expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, Balderas-Rivera also admitted he violated his supervised release for his original offense of illegal reentry. In handing down the sentence, the court noted his prior criminal record and that there is no excuse or reasoning to enter the United States illegally. Balderas-Rivera has a conviction for illegal reentry. He was first removed in 2016 with a subsequent removal in 2018 and 2023. Authorities found Balderas-Rivera in Cameron County March 30, 2024. He had been in custody for allegedly committing fraud and assault bodily injury. Balderas-Rivera admitted he was a citizen of Mexico who had entered the United States illegally in March 2024. He had no immigration documents to be legally present or remain in the United States. Balderas-Rivera has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Coronado prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: Former Salem County Resident Admits Filing False Tax Returns

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – A former resident of Salem County admitted to filing false tax returns and causing a tax loss of approximately $590,000, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced. Michael DiPaolo, Jr., 47, of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel to an information charging him with one count of filing a false income tax return. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: From 2018 through 2022, DiPaolo was the manager of a restaurant in Salem County, New Jersey, and received income from the restaurant. DiPaolo received and failed to report more than $1,700,000 in income from 2018 through 2022. By failing to report the income, DiPaolo avoided approximately $590,000 in federal income taxes. The count of filing a false tax return is punishable by a maximum of 3 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross loss or gain, whichever is greatest. Sentencing is scheduled for September 3, 2025. U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, with the investigation leading to this guilty plea. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel A. Friedman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division. ### Defense counsel: Michael S. Adelman, Esq., Cherry Hill, New Jersey dipaolo.information.pdf


title: Real Estate Developer Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Prison for Embezzling Millions From the Failed Washington Federal Bank in Chicago

body_text: CHICAGO — A federal judge in Chicago has sentenced a real estate developer to more than six years in prison for participating in a conspiracy that embezzled millions of dollars from the failed Washington Federal Bank for Savings in Chicago. Washington Federal, which was based in Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood, was shut down in 2017 after the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency determined that the bank was insolvent and had at least $66 million in nonperforming loans. For more than a decade, developer MIROSLAW KREJZA was part of a conspiracy that embezzled millions of dollars in bank funds. The embezzled funds were disguised as purported real estate development loan disbursements to Krejza and others. The conspirators were not required to repay these purported loans, and they never did. A federal jury in 2023 convicted Krejza, 67, of Chicago, of conspiring to commit embezzlement and falsify bank records, and aiding and abetting embezzlement by bank employees. On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Kendall sentenced Krejza to six years and eight months in prison and ordered him to pay more than $2 million in restitution. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Vincent R. Zehme, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Region of the FDIC’s Office of Inspector General; Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI; Machelle L. Jindra, Special Agent-in-Charge of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Office of Inspector General in Chicago; Ramsey E. Covington, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in Chicago; Korey Brinkman, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Central Region of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General; Andrea Peacock, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General; Deborah Witzburg, City of Chicago Inspector General; and Kathryn B. Richards, Chicago Housing Authority Inspector General. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Trustee Program. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Petersen, Kristin Pinkston, and Jeffrey Snell, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Netols. The federal investigation into the collapse of Washington Federal led to criminal charges against 16 defendants, including the bank’s Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and other high-ranking employees, for conspiring to embezzle at least $31 million in bank funds. Krejza and three others were convicted after jury trials, while ten defendants pleaded guilty and two entered into deferred prosecution agreements. Much of the embezzled money was transferred to Chicago attorney ROBERT M. KOWALSKI, real estate developer MAREK MATCZUK, and other individuals outside the bank without all of the required documentation and often without any documentation whatsoever. A jury convicted Robert Kowalski on bankruptcy fraud, bank embezzlement, and tax charges, while Matczuk was convicted of conspiring to commit embezzlement and falsify bank records, as well as aiding and abetting embezzlement by bank employees. Judge Kendall last year sentenced Robert Kowalski to 25 years in federal prison and Matczuk to nearly 13 years . Robert Kowalski’s sister, JAN R. KOWALSKI, also an attorney, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to more than three years in prison for fraudulently enabling her brother to conceal more than $357,000 from creditors and the trustee in his bankruptcy case. Three former members of Washington Federal’s Board of Directors pleaded guilty to conspiring to falsify bank records to deceive the OCC. WILLIAM M. MAHON was sentenced to 18 months in prison; GEORGE F. KOZDEMBA was sentenced to a year in prison; and JANICE M. WESTON was sentenced to three months in prison.


title: Louisiana Man Sentenced to 97 Months in Prison for Traveling to New Jersey to Engage in Sexual Activity with Minor

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – A Louisiana man was sentenced today to 97 months in prison for traveling to New Jersey for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with a minor, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced. Spencer W. Caudle, 36, of Prairieville, Louisiana, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: In or around April 2023, Caudle began interacting on online social media applications with the then-14-year-old victim. Caudle’s communications with the victim were sexual in nature despite the victim informing Caudle of the victim’s minor status. Caudle even expressed nervousness about being on the show “To Catch a Predator,” but continued informing the victim of his desire to have sex with the victim. On May 26, 2023, Caudle drove from Louisiana to meet and have sex with the victim in Toms River, New Jersey the following day. On May 27, 2023, Caudle, in fact, committed sexual acts on the victim. Later that night, Caudle left New Jersey to drive back to Louisiana. Local law enforcement became aware of Caudle’s prohibited sexual activity with the victim and began an investigation. In June 2023, an undercover law enforcement officer assumed the victim’s online and cellular presence and communicated with Caudle. During these conversations, Caudle confirmed his prior sexual acts with the victim and expressed a desire for further sexual activity. While communicating with the undercover officer, Caudle made plans to return to New Jersey to commit additional sexual acts on the victim. On June 16, 2023, Caudle flew from Louisiana to New Jersey, and law enforcement arrested him upon his arrival at the Newark Liberty International Airport. U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel; the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer; and the Toms River Police Department, under the direction of Police Chief Peter Sundack, with the investigation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard G. Shephard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton. ###


title: President of Masonry Contractor Admits Conspiring to Bribe Amtrak Employee in Exchange for Millions of Dollars in Extra Work on 30th Street Station Project, Making a False Claim

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Mark Snedden, 69, of Munster, Indiana, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Court Judge Wendy Beetlestone to conspiracy to commit federal program bribery and making and presenting a false claim. The defendant was charged by information with those offenses last month. As presented in the information, on or about December 10, 2015, a masonry restoration contractor (the “Contractor”) was awarded a $58,473,000 contract by Amtrak to be the main contractor on a façade repair and restoration project at Amtrak’s 30th Street Station in Philadelphia. Federal funding supplied approximately 90 percent of the money Amtrak used to pay the Contractor for the repair and restoration of the 30th Street Station façade. The defendant was the sole owner and President of the Contractor with responsibility to provide executive oversight of the Vice Presidents of the Contractor and the Contractor’s performance on the 30th Street Station façade project. Donald Seefeldt, Lee Maniatis, and Khaled Dallo, each charged elsewhere, were Vice Presidents of the Contractor, with responsibility to supervise the Contractor’s performance on the 30th Street Station façade project. Amtrak Employee #1 was employed by Amtrak as the Project Manager on the repair and restoration project. In that capacity, Amtrak Employee #1 was responsible for communicating with the Contractor about the work being done on 30th Street Station. Amtrak Employee #1 was also responsible for reviewing the invoices, change orders, and requests for payment that the Contractor submitted to Amtrak. Amtrak Employee #1 had the power to approve or reject these invoices, change orders, and requests for payment. Although Amtrak Employee #1 did not have the singular authority to approve Amtrak payments to the Contractor, his approval was a critical step in that process. The contract between Amtrak and the Contractor prohibited Snedden and other Contractor officials from “offer[ing] to any Amtrak employee, agent, or representative any cash, gift, entertainment, commission, or kickback for the purpose of securing favorable treatment with regard to award or performance of any contract or agreement.” As detailed in the information and admitted to by the defendant, from in or about May 2016 through in or about November 2019, in Philadelphia, in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, the defendant conspired and agreed with others known and unknown to the United States Attorney, including Amtrak Employee #1, Lee Maniatis, Khaled Dallo, and Donald Seefeldt, to commit an offense against the United States, that is, to knowingly and corruptly give, offer, and agree to give, a thing of value to Amtrak Employee #1, intending to influence and reward Amtrak Employee #1 in connection with any business, transaction and series of transactions. Specifically, the information alleges, Donald Seefeldt, Lee Maniatis, Khaled Dallo, and others known to the United States Attorney, with Snedden’s knowledge and agreement, provided Amtrak Employee #1 with gifts and other things of value totaling approximately $323,686, including, among other things, paid vacations, jewelry, cash, dinners, entertainment, a dog, training for that dog, and transportation, to ensure that Amtrak Employee #1 used his power and influence to benefit the Contractor during the performance of the 30th Street Station Repair and Restoration Project. In return for these gifts and other things of value, Amtrak Employee #1 used his position at Amtrak to access internal agency information available only to Amtrak employees about the 30th Street Station Project and shared this internal information with the defendant and other officials with the Contractor. The information further alleges that Amtrak Employee #1 used his position at Amtrak to approve additional, more expensive changes to the 30th Street Station Repair and Restoration Project, thereby increasing the amount and value of the work to be performed by the Contractor. These additional expenses were reflected in a series of change orders or contract modifications. In total, Amtrak Employee #1 approved over $52 million of additional payments from Amtrak to the Contractor. Amtrak Employee #1 and officials with the Contractor falsely inflated the true costs of some of the work to be performed by the Contractor under these change orders, causing Amtrak to be substantially overbilled by over $2 million for the completion of the 30th Street Station Repair and Restoration Project. Snedden is scheduled to be sentenced on August 13 and faces a maximum possible term of 10 years’ imprisonment. The case was investigated by the FBI, the Amtrak Office of Inspector General, and the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jason Grenell.


title: School official pleads guilty in $2.9M Scheme to defraud veterans’ education programs

component: Criminal - Criminal Fraud Section

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The career services manager for a Virginia school offering job training programs to veterans pled guilty today to wire fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of nearly $3 million. According to court documents, Jeffrey Williams, 37, of Alexandria, used false records to defraud the VA of millions of dollars from approximately July 2022 to May 2024. During that time, the defendant was a career services manager at an educational institution offering veterans educational programs in cyber that could be paid for by the VA. As part of the scheme, Williams created fraudulent employment offer letters, falsified certifications, and forged veterans’ signatures to make it appear as if veterans had attained the meaningful employment needed for the educational institution to receive tuition payments from the government. Williams caused the submission of hundreds of false documents to the VA, claiming approximately $2.9 million in fraudulent tuition payments for at least 189 veterans. Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 17 and faces up to 20 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The VA Office of Inspector General is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Harvey for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Lauren Archer of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-122.


title: Wethersfield Woman Admits Role in Scheme that Defrauded Connecticut’s Medicaid Program of More Than $1.8 Million

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SUHAIL APONTE, 38, of Wethersfield, waived her right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to a health care fraud offense related to a Medicaid fraud scheme. The Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (CTMAP) is a Connecticut Department of Social Services-administered program that provides medical assistance to low income persons. CTMAP’s benefit packages, referred to as “HUSKY” or “Connecticut Medicaid,” are jointly funded by the State of Connecticut and the federal government. According to court documents and statements made in court, Aponte was the sole principal and registered agent of Minds Cornerstone LLC, dba Minds Cornerstone Behavior Therapy Services (“Minds Cornerstone”), an Autism Specialist Group, which was registered with the State of Connecticut in June 2021. Beginning in approximately November 2021, Aponte, who is not a licensed provider, was involved in a scheme in which she and a co-conspirator used Minds Cornerstone to defraud the Connecticut Medicaid Program by submitting fraudulent claims for applied behavior analysis (“ABA”) services to children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (“ASD”). The scheme involved billing for Medicaid for services purportedly rendered to patients when company payroll records indicate employees were not compensated for the associated services; direct supervision services purportedly provided by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (“BCBA”) of a behavioral technician, when the corresponding procedure code for behavioral technician services was not billed; services purportedly rendered to patients who were actually in an inpatient hospital; and services purportedly rendered when parents of patients and former employees of Minds Cornerstone confirmed those services did not occur. Between November 2021 and January 2025, Aponte and her co-conspirator submitted or caused to be submitted to Medicaid fraudulent claims that resulted in a loss of approximately $1,876,617 to the Connecticut Department of Social Services. From approximately May 2022 until November 2024, Aponte was also employed by the State of Connecticut in the Office of Policy and Management. Aponte pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years. As part of her plea, Aponte has agreed to the forfeiture of approximately $459,000 in funds seized from various bank accounts she controlled, as well as her interest in additional bank accounts and two parcels of land in Hartford. Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for July 30. Aponte has been released on a $100,000 bond since her arrest on January 16, 2025. This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG), and the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit of the Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, with the assistance of the Connecticut Department of Social Services. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang.


title: Hardin woman arraigned on charges for sex trafficking a minor

body_text: BILLINGS - A Hardin woman accused of sex trafficking a minor appeared today for arraignment, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. The defendant, Veronica Clarice Baker, 29, pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging her with one count of sex trafficking of a minor. If convicted of the crime charged in the indictment, Baker faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years, a maximum term of life, a $250,000 fine, and five years to lifetime supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Cavan presided. Baker was detained pending further proceedings. The indictment alleges that in or before August 2022, in Billings, the defendant knowingly recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, obtained, advertised, maintained, patronized, and solicited, by any means an individual, Jane Doe 1, knowing and in reckless disregard that Jane Doe 1 was under the age of 18, to engage in a commercial sex act. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . The charging document is merely an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. PACER case reference. 25-43. The progress of cases may be monitored through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. To establish a PACER account, which provides electronic access to review documents filed in a case, please visit http://www.pacer.gov/register.html . To access the District Court’s calendar, please visit https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl .


title: Eight-time illegal reentry felon imprisoned for unlawfully reentering U.S. again

body_text: HOUSTON – A 30-year-old Mexican citizen with a felony criminal history has been sentenced for illegally reentering the United States after eight previous removals, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Julio Cesar Corona-Corona pleaded guilty Oct. 7, 2024. U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal has now ordered Corona-Corona to serve 37 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to again face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard how Corona-Corona was arrested in 2022 for smuggling aliens after he fled from police in a vehicle carrying eight others, creating dangerous conditions for the vehicle occupants as well as the community. In handing down the sentence, Judge Rosenthal noted Corona-Corona’s motivation to come to the United States, be it for work or family residing here - is not unique. The court added that, despite prior court warnings not to do so, Corona-Corona was determined to unlawfully reenter the United States, as evidenced by his repeated encounters with immigration authorities. Corona-Corona also received a three-year-term of supervised released to commence after completion of his prison sentence as an added deterrent to unlawful reentry into the United States. Corona-Corona has felony convictions for illegal reentry as well as human smuggling. He was first removed from the United States Jan. 25, 2014, and returned illegally eight times between 2014 and April 2020. In fact, authorities had removed him six times alone between 2017-2018. Corona-Corona will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. “What those outside our country need to understand is that despite what they may have heard in the past, our immigration laws are being strictly enforced,” said Ganjei. “If somebody breaks our laws by sneaking across the border, they are going to be prosecuted, jailed, and then deported. The sooner that message spreads, the better it will be for everyone.” Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Wirsing prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: New Britain Man Sentenced to 7 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Cocaine While on Supervised Release

body_text: Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that AKEEM MANOO, 34, of New Britain, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 84 months of imprisonment, followed by four years of supervised release, for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine, and for committing the offense while on supervised release from a prior federal conviction. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 26, 2016, Manoo was sentenced in New Haven federal court to 120 months of imprisonment and five years of supervised release for his participation in a gang-related narcotics trafficking conspiracy. He was released from federal prison in November 2022. On May 11, 2023, Manoo was arrested after Hartford Police stopped his vehicle and found him in possession of nearly a half-kilogram of cocaine. Manoo pleaded guilty on October 30, 2024. Judge Oliver sentenced Manoo to 68 months of imprisonment for the cocaine distribution offense, and an additional 16 months of imprisonment for violating the conditions of his supervised release. This investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force and the Hartford Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe.


title: Baltimore Man Indicted on Federal Gun Charge Following Foot Chase in Southeast

body_text: WASHINGTON – Dion Zellars, 35, of Baltimore, Maryland, has been indicted on a federal firearms charge as part of the "Make D.C. Safe Again" initiative. The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). Make D.C. Safe Again is a public safety initiative led by U.S. Attorney Martin that is surging resources to reduce violent crime in the District of Columbia. This initiative was created to address gun violence in the District, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenders, and seek detention for federal firearms violators. Zellars is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon. According to court documents, on March 20, 2025, MPD officers assigned to the Metropolitan Police Department’s Crime Suppression Team recovered a firearm following a foot pursuit of a suspect in Southeast Washington. At approximately 4:25 p.m., officers patrolling in the 4200 block of Southern Avenue, Southeast observed a group of individuals. One individual, later identified as the defendant, separated himself from the group upon seeing the marked MPD patrol cruiser. Officers noted that the defendant appeared evasive and attempted to conceal himself behind a parked SUV. As officers approached to investigate, they observed the defendant looking back at them and pretending to speak on a phone. Officers then saw the defendant clutch an item in his waistband before suddenly fleeing on foot. Officers gave chase and during the pursuit, observed the defendant discard a black firearm into a backyard. The defendant was apprehended shortly thereafter in another backyard. The firearm was recovered and determined to be a Glock. The defendant is prohibited from possessing a firearm and ammunition due to prior felony convictions. This case is being investigated by the ATF Washington Field Office and the Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Lawrence Barclay is prosecuting this case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: FBI Agents Arrest San Antonio Man for Alleged Child Pornography Charges

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was arrested Tuesday in San Antonio on criminal charges related to his alleged possession of child pornography. According to court documents, Zaid Mashhour Haddad allegedly streamed child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from his computer to a TV mounted on the bedroom wall of his apartment. One of the videos that allegedly depicted child pornography was displayed on Haddad’s TV as the FBI executed a search warrant on his apartment. The video was allegedly being streamed from a link Haddad received through Telegram. Agents reviewed and documented the contents of the link, which allegedly contained 181 different videos. The complaint alleges that the investigation into Haddad’s activity showed Haddad received links containing CSAM from direct message threads on Telegram, which were stored in the Telegram application on his phone. Details in the complaint allege that the links often led to virtual Zoom meetings where CSAM would be live streamed using content from a separate file sharing application. Haddad is charged with one count of possession of child pornography and one count of knowingly accessing with intent to view any material that contained an image of child pornography. If convicted, Haddad faces up to 20 years in prison, lifetime supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, an additional restitution amount, and the requirement to register as a sex offender. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Honduran Citizen Indicted for Illegal Firearm Possession, Possession with Intent to Distribute Narcotics, and Possession of Firearm to Further Drug Trafficking Crime

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that JUAN JOSUE CUEVAR-ALVARADO (“CUEVAR-ALVARADO “), 20, a native of Honduras, was indicted in a three-count superseding indictment on April 24, 2025, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A) (Count 1), possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, in violation of 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D) (Count 2); and possession of a firearm, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i) (Count 3). According to the superseding indictment, on or about September 15, 2023, CUEVAR-ALVARADO, an alien present illegally in the United States, was found in possession of a .22 caliber revolver and a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, as well as a quantity of marijuana. As to Count 1, CUEVAR-ALVARADO faces up to 15 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. As to Count 2, he faces up to 5 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. As to Count 3, he faces a prison term of 5 years consecutive to any other prison term he receives, up to 3years of supervised release, and up to a fine of $250,000. Each count also carries a mandatory special assessment fee of $100. The defendant also faces deportation to his home country of Honduras after serving any prison sentence. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of United States Department of Homeland Security and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit are in charge of the prosecution. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). * * *


title: Former Homewood Finance Director Sentenced for Embezzling Nearly $950,000

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The former finance director for the City of Homewood has been sentenced for embezzling nearly $950,000 from Homewood’s coffers, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona. U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Robert Winston Burgett, 64, of Hueytown, to 37 months in prison. In October 2024, Burgett pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud. According to the information and plea agreement, Burgett worked for the City of Homewood as its finance director. Between at least May 2023 and about March 2024, Burgett used that position to embezzle almost $950,000 from City of Homewood bank accounts. Burgett concealed his conduct by first moving the City’s funds into a commercial bank account he controlled before transferring the funds into his personal account. Burgett also altered City bank account statements and made false journal entries in City accounting records. Burgett ultimately used the embezzled funds for personal purposes. The FBI and the Homewood Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. Assistant U.S. Attorney J.B. Ward prosecuted the case.


title: Lapwai Man Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Murder

body_text: COEUR D'ALENE – William Oliver Eyle, 21, of Lapwai, was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for second degree murder, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced today. According to court records, on May 12, 2023, Eyle murdered Elias Albert Spencer on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. There was no fight or disagreement between the two individuals. Eyle’s car broke down in front of Elias’ home and when Elias went to see what was going on, Eyle shot him five times. Elias’ family found his body on the sidewalk in front of the home. According to the statements from the sentencing, Eyle fled the area, destroyed evidence and remained a fugitive for months. He was finally located by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Marshals Service toward the end of November 2023. Eyle was 19 years at the time he murdered Elias. Eyle pleaded guilty to second degree murder on January 29, 2025. United States District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Eyle to serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Eyle’s mother, Jacinta Wheeler, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison on November 14, 2024, due to her failure to report the murder and her advice to Eyle to flee. “The murder of Elias Albert Spencer was a senseless act of violence.” Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott said. “My heart goes out to Elias’ family, whose strength and resolve during this tragedy has been inspiring. While this sentence cannot bring Elias back, hopefully it provides them some measure of closure, while also preventing future acts of violence by this defendant for a lengthy time.” “William Eyle’s actions profoundly impacted not only the victim’s family but the community’s sense of safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “While nothing will bring their loved one back, we hope the sentence provides some sense of justice to Elias Spencer’s family and friends. The FBI is committed to working with our partners to solve MMIP cases and ensure safety on reservations.” Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Nez Perce Tribal Police, which led to the charges. Assistants U.S. Attorneys Traci Whelan and Adam Johnson prosecuted the case. ###


title: .50 caliber straw purchaser convicted in relation to firearms destined for Mexico

body_text: HOUSTON - A federal jury has convicted a 49-year-old Houston man of making a false statement in the purchase of firearms and purchasing firearms knowing they were to be exported to Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. The jury deliberated for less than 20 minutes before finding John Castellano guilty following a three-day trial. On or about Dec. 16, 2019, Castellano lied to a federal firearms licensed dealer. He falsely claimed he was purchasing two Barrett .50 caliber rifles for himself, each valued at approximately $8,000 each. In reality, they were intended for others and ultimately destined for Mexico. The jury heard evidence that Castellano purchased the rifles with approximately $17,000 in cash from Jacinto Zuniga. Evidence revealed Castellano had picked up the firearms from a federal firearms licensed dealer with a friend and previously convicted felon. The jury also heard he was attempting to obtain additional Barrett .50 caliber rifles before authorities’ interdiction. Experts provided testimony regarding the regulations and various licensing requirements necessary for exporting firearms to Mexico. The jury also had the opportunity to view the Barrett .50-caliber rifles Castellano had straw purchased. The defense attempted to convince the jury that the accusations were false and that he was wrongfully accused. Castellano took the stand and told the jury the incriminating text messages between him and the codefendant were lies, and that he was just making up a fictional story. They did not believe those claims and found Castellano guilty as charged. U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein presided over the trial and set sentencing for July 25. At that time, Castellano faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Castellano was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing. Zuniga, 44, Houston, previously pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Department of State. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts are prosecuting the case.


title: Las Vegas Man Sentenced To Prison For Threatening Federal Judge And Anthrax Hoax

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today by Senior District Judge John A. Mendez to 18 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for mailing a threatening letter to a federal judge and conveying false information and hoax. “Threats of violence against a federal judge is a threat to our judicial system,” said United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners at the FBI and United States Marshals Service will not tolerate these types of criminal actions against a public servant. We will prosecute perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law.” “Unlawful threats of violence against public officials directly challenge the integrity of our democracy,” said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI. “Individuals must not live in fear of violence due to their identity, beliefs, or political affiliation. The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice in these matters.” According to court documents, on June 27, 2022, Hadari Stallworth mailed a letter to the United States District Court Clerk in Las Vegas, which was addressed to a United States District Court Judge for the District of Nevada. In the letter, Stallworth wrote that he would “have my people kill whatever you hold dearly first: pets, kids, grandkids, husband…” and that individuals under his control would “kidnap” and “to[r]ture” the District Judge. Stallworth mailed a subsequent letter, which was received on September 30, 2022, by the United States District Court Clerk. In that letter, Stallworth wrote “This is Anthrax. Now Die Traitors!” and placed a white powder intended to cause the recipients to believe that it contained anthrax. The threatening letter Stallworth wrote caused substantial disruption to the proceedings of the Office of the Clerk of the Court, including causing the office to be closed and individuals to be quarantined. Stallworth pleaded guilty to one count of mailing threatening communications and one count of false information and hoaxes. United States Attorney Chattah, FBI Special Agent in Charge Evans, and Marshal Gary Schofield for the United States Marshals Service (USMS) made the announcement. This case was a joint investigation by the FBI and USMS. Assistant United States Attorneys Edward Veronda and Melinda Brewer prosecuted the case. ###


title: El Salvadoran National Indicted For Firearm Possession

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpsonannounced that EDGAR YOVANI PEREZ-GUTIERREZ ("PEREZ-GUTIERREZ") , age 27, a native of El Salvador, was indicted on April 24, 2025, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(8). According to court documents, on or about April 10, 2025, PEREZ-GUTIERREZ , an individual unlawfully present in the United States, was found in possession of a Glock handgun. He was arrested by the New Orleans Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations officers, for violating immigration and federal gun control laws. If convicted, PEREZ-GUTIERREZ faces a maximum penalty of 15 years of imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpsonpraised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution. This case is part of Operation Take Back America [link], a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).