title: Memphis Man Indicted for Distributing Fentanyl Which Caused Death

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – Andrew Starks, 44 , has been arrested and charged with distributing fentanyl which caused the death of one victim. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the indictment today. “This indictment is the result of intentional and strategic collaboration between the Memphis Police Department and our federal partners. We remain committed to investigating and prosecuting those who distribute fentanyl and other illegal drugs that put lives at risk,” said Chief Cerelyn ‘CJ’ Davis, Memphis Police Department. On May 15, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Starks. The indictment alleges that on or about December 22, 2022, Starks distributed fentanyl that resulted in the death of one person. If convicted, Starks faces a term of federal imprisonment of not less than 20 years and not more than life. Additionally, Starks could be fined up to $1,000,000 and sentenced to a term of supervised release of at least three years after his time in custody. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Memphis Police Department’s Organized Crime Unit Heroin Opiate Response Team (HORT). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Wendy K. Cornejo. The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law. If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of the factors unique to the case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records (if any), the defendant’s role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. ### For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Indian National Pleads Guilty to Visa Fraud Conspiracy

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – An Indian national, residing in New York, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to staging armed robberies in furtherance of a visa fraud conspiracy. Rambhai Patel, 37, pleaded guilty to on one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for Aug. 20, 2025. In December 2023 , Patel was charged along with a co-conspirator. Beginning in March 2023, Patel and his alleged co-conspirator set up and carried out staged armed robberies of at least nine convenience/liquor stores and fast-food restaurants across the United States – including at least five in Massachusetts. The purpose of the staged robberies was to allow the store clerks to claim that they were victims of a violent crime on an application for U nonimmigrant status (U Visa). A U Visa is available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. During the staged robberies, the “robber” would threaten store clerks and/or owners with an apparent firearm before taking cash from the register and fleeing, while the interaction was captured on store surveillance video. The clerks and/or owners would then wait five or more minutes until the “robber” had escaped before calling police to report the “crime.” The “victims” paid Patel to participate in the scheme. One purported victim paid $20,000 to participate as a victim in one of the staged armed robberies. In turn, Patel paid the store owners for the use of their stores for the staged robbery. At least two purported victim co-conspirators submitted U Visa applications based on being victims of the staged armed robberies. Singh is scheduled to plead guilty on May 22, 2025. The charge of conspiracy to commit visa fraud provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. 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 Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of New York and the Western District of Washington; FBI’s New York and Seattle Field Offices; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Massachusetts State Police; Worcester County District Attorney’s Office; and the Hingham, Marshfield, Randolph, Weymouth, Worcester, Upper Darby, (Pa.), West Pittston (Pa.), Louisville, (Ky.) and Bean Station (Tenn.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Jessica L. Soto of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Montgomery County Felon Sentenced to 135 Months in Prison for Gun and Drug Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Joseph Mitchell, age 38, of Nelliston, New York, was sentenced today to 135 months in prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm as a previously convicted felon. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Field Division, made the announcement. United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “Montgomery County will be safer with this defendant off the streets. We will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute drug dealers and felons who possess firearms.” DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III stated: “As we often see, drugs and weapons go hand in hand. Today’s sentencing is a reminder that justice will be delivered to those who push illicit narcotics into our communities. The DEA remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners in protecting our communities and enhancing public safety.” Mitchell admitted to working with another person to distribute more than 350 grams of methamphetamine throughout August 2024. A search warrant executed at Mitchell’s home on September 5, 2024, led to the recovery of two rifles and one shotgun. As a result of his prior felony convictions for attempted robbery and narcotics possession, Mitchell could not lawfully possess firearms. United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino also ordered Mitchell to serve 5 years of supervised release and to forfeit the seized firearms. The DEA investigated the case with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted the case.


title: Troy Man Arraigned on Gun and Drug Charges

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Zyjee Lind, a/k/a “Fredo,” age 30, of Troy, New York, was arraigned today on an indictment charging him with possession of firearms as a previously convicted felon, possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. If convicted on all charges, Lind would face at least 5 years and up to life in prison, and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The FBI is investigating the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner is prosecuting.


title: Delta Airline Stowaway Sentenced to a Felony Conviction

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Wicliff Yves Fleurizard, 27, of Leander, Texas, was sentenced today on a felony conviction to time-served (approximately six months’ imprisonment), after he unlawfully boarded a Delta Airlines flight in 2024 and hid in a lavatory for a flight to Austin, Texas, from Salt Lake City International Airport. The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow, comes after Fleurizard pleaded guilty on March 11, 2025, to being a stowaway on an aircraft. Fleurizard was also sentenced to three years’ supervised release and ordered to pay a $5,000 fine. According to court documents and statements made at Fleurizard’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on March 17, 2024, he intentionally boarded Delta Airlines flight #1683 at Gate 2 of the Salt Lake City International Airport, which was destined for Austin, Texas. Fleurizard intended to board the aircraft without purchasing a ticket and he hid in the lavatory to avoid getting caught, but was confronted by flight crew. Prior to boarding, Fleurizard was captured on surveillance footage in the boarding area taking photos of multiple passengers’ personal information on his cell phone. He then used that information to obtain electronic boarding passes in their names and successfully boarded airplanes in both Austin and Salt Lake City. See prior release: T exas Man Admits to Stowaway Charge Onboard a Delta Airlines Fl ight. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message to would-be offenders that the District of Utah will not tolerate crimes committed in and around our vital airports,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Airport crimes will be prosecuted.” “Mr. Fleurizard’s actions were not only disruptive to passengers, it also compromised the safety and security for all on board,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The sentence holds him accountable for trespassing, theft, and fraud.” "This was a deliberate breach of security that put passengers and crew, at risk,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Brian Redd. “The security measures we have in place are to keep everyone safe and this reminds us that we must regularly work to strengthen those aviation security measures. I want to thank our officers and FBI task force detectives who responded to investigate this incident alongside our federal partners, and the flight crew whose attentiveness on board helped protect the safety of our traveling community.” The case was investigated jointly by an FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Bryan N. Reeves and Michael Kennedy of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.


title: Two Springfield Men Sentenced for Meth Conspiracy

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Two men from Springfield, Mo., were sentenced in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine in the Springfield area. Erik C. Foster, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, to 215 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Foster pleaded guilty on Dec. 16, 2024. Tilton Chase Tate, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes, to 146 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Tate pleaded guilty on October 15, 2024. Foster and Tate were charged, along with other individuals, in a 24-count superseding indictment on July 25, 2023, for their roles in a drug conspiracy that lasted from Dec. 2020 to Oct. 2022. Foster admitted to purchasing and delivering methamphetamine for other conspirators to distribute in Southwest Missouri. During the course of the conspiracy, law enforcement seized well over 50 grams of methamphetamine from members of the conspiracy. According to court records, on Sep. 10, 2022, officers with the Republic, Mo. Police Department located two plastic bags containing at least 844 grams of methamphetamine from inside a speaker during a traffic stop where Foster was the passenger. Foster told officers that he had picked up the methamphetamine in Joplin and was taking it to Springfield to deliver it to a co-conspirator for distribution. On Oct. 12, 2022, deputies with the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office seized a small plastic bag of what appeared to be black tar heroin, a backpack containing 70 grams of methamphetamine, and over $11,960 in cash from Foster during a traffic stop. During a post- Miranda interview, Foster told officers that he was taking the backpack to a co-conspirator for distribution and that he had made six or seven similar trips to deliver methamphetamine. Tate admitted to possessing and distributing methamphetamine to others as part of the conspiracy. On Oct. 19, 2021, during a traffic stop, a Springfield, Mo. Police Department (SPD) detective seized over 440 grams of methamphetamine from Tate. On April 14, 2022, while executing a search warrant for Tate’s residence, SPD officers located a Ruger LCP 380 handgun and a Stoeger Arms, STR 9C 9mm handgun, as well as miscellaneous pills and suspected methamphetamine. Later in April, during a post- Miranda interview, Tate admitted to purchasing the methamphetamine seized during the Oct. traffic stop from a co-conspirator. He estimated that he was selling a pound of methamphetamine each week. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Republic, Mo., Police Department, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department. Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force This case 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: KC Man Pleads Guilty to Bank Fraud in Stolen U.S. Treasury Check Scheme

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man pleaded guilty to bank fraud involving a scheme to alter and forge stolen United States Treasury checks. According to court documents, Jevon P. Crudup, Jr., 28, schemed to defraud financial institutions by passing stolen United States Treasury checks that had been altered and forged. The defendant deposited the altered and forged Treasury checks at ATMs using the bank accounts of other persons he met online. These persons provided the defendant with their account information including debit cards and PIN numbers because they believed Crudup would help them make money. Crudup would then use these individuals’ debit cards to withdraw funds from the account or the defendant would require these individuals to make cash withdrawals and electronic funds transfers to him using various online payment systems. On April 12, 2023, Crudup made an ATM deposit on a Treasury check worth $18,348.72 that had been altered and forged into the bank account of an individual he met online. Approximately one week after the deposit, the account holder withdrew $5,550 cash from his account and provided the defendant with $5,050. Over the next two months, proceeds from the altered and forged check were disbursed to Crudup in cash withdrawals and transfers via various online payment systems. In this manner, Crudup passed at least fifteen stolen and forged United States Treasury checks resulting in a loss in excess of $95,000. Crudup faces up to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentence of the defendant will be determined by the court based upon the advisory sentencing guidelines and other factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman. It was investigated by Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).


title: Three White Supremacists Sentenced to Prison for Racketeering Conspiracy; Two to Serve Life In Prison for Murder

body_text: On May 19, a federal judge sentenced three members of the Aryan Brotherhood prison gang who were convicted at trial of a racketeering (RICO) conspiracy that included multiple murders, drug trafficking, fraud, and robbery. Francis Clement, 58, was found guilty by a jury in February of RICO conspiracy and five separate counts of murder in aid of racketeering. Each of these murders was committed while Clement was in state prison. Clement was sentenced to life in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. The jury also found Kenneth Johnson, 63, guilty of RICO conspiracy and two counts of murder in aid of racketeering. Johnson was also sentenced to life in prison. A third defendant, John Stinson, 70, was found guilty of one count of RICO conspiracy. Stinson, who was already serving a lengthy prison sentence in the California state prison system, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between 2016 and 2023, Aryan Brotherhood members and associates engaged in racketeering activity, including murder, conspiracy to murder, fraud, robbery, and drug trafficking crimes. Johnson and Clement, who both held leadership roles in the gang, directed crimes committed by Aryan Brotherhood members both inside and outside of prison using cellphones that had been smuggled into prison. Because of his rank in the gang, Clement received a cut from the illegal drug sales and fraud schemes the Aryan Brotherhood committed. According to trial testimony, the Aryan Brotherhood regularly smuggled drugs, including methamphetamine, into prisons throughout the California prison system, which defendants and other gang members then sold to inmates. In October 2020, Johnson and Clement together ordered one murder during the execution of which another individual was also killed. Johnson and Clement also ordered another murder of an individual who was subsequently killed. It was further proven at trial that in February 2022, Clement ordered the murder of an individual and the following month, in March 2022, Clement ordered the murder of two more individuals. For each murder, the killings were ordered because defendants believed the victims either violated gang rules or owed the gang money. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Stinson was a high-ranking leader of the Aryan Brotherhood and had substantial authority over the enterprise, including sponsoring multiple individuals for membership, resolving disputes among members, and approving the murder of current and former members. During the investigation, Stinson used a contraband cellphone within his prison cell to conduct business on behalf of the Aryan Brotherhood. The jury heard some of these communications from Stinson through court-authorized wiretapped conversations. Evidence was presented that Stinson also engaged in drug trafficking, and that, given his position within the gang, he received a cut of illegal drug sales that took place in prison and out on the street. “The convicted defendants led a notorious prison gang that committed ruthless murders, widespread methamphetamine trafficking, and perpetuated a culture of mayhem, fear, and disorder within the prison system that bled into the outside world,” said Matthew Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Organized crime within the prison system, enabled by the use of contraband cellphones, endangers American neighborhoods by flooding streets with dangerous drugs. The Criminal Division will continue to pursue crime syndicates, like the Aryan Brotherhood and their facilitators, to ensure they go to prison and the harm they inflict on society ends once incarcerated.” “Today’s sentences are yet another blow to the leadership of a violent criminal enterprise run from inside California prisons and spanning multiple counties and states,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith for the Eastern District of California. “The Aryan Brotherhood has maintained its deadly influence over members, associates and others both inside and outside prison. We are committed to doing everything we can to stop these violent inmates from orchestrating their criminal activities from inside prison walls.” “These sentences send a clear message: the walls of a prison do not shield violent gang leaders from justice,” said Acting Director Daniel Driscoll of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “The Aryan Brotherhood’s leadership operated a brutal criminal enterprise from behind bars — ordering murders, trafficking drugs, and fueling violence in our communities. ATF remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent gangs wherever they operate and hold their leaders accountable, no matter where they try to hide.” The indictment in this case charged 11 defendants with RICO conspiracy and other crimes. There are five defendants awaiting trial and the three defendants have pleaded guilty. This case was the product of an extensive investigation by the ATF, with assistance from the Office of Correctional Safety (CDCR), U.S. Marshals Service, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Pomona Police Department, Torrance Police Department, San Diego Police Department, San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and Kern County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Stokman and James Conolly for the Eastern District of California are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Trial Attorney Jared Engelking of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit https://www.justice.gov/ocdetf .


title: KC Man Sentenced to 30 years for Fentanyl and Methamphetamine Conspiracy

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin and for possession of firearms in furtherance of that conspiracy. Codi J. Monteer, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge D. Greg Kays to 30 years in federal prison without parole. On Oct. 8, 2024, Monteer pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana; one count of maintaining a drug involved premises; one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of the drug conspiracy; and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. Monteer’s participation in the drug trafficking conspiracy lasted approximately one year and he was responsible for conspiring with others to distribute at least 124 kilograms of methamphetamine; 700 grams of fentanyl (powder and pills); and 1.58 kilograms of heroin. He was also in possession of several firearms used in furtherance of his drug trafficking. On one occasion, in March 2021, Monteer led members of the Kansas Highway Patrol on a high-speed pursuit that reached speeds of approximately 145 miles per hour. The pursuit did not conclude until two of the tires came off Monteer’s vehicle. During the pursuit, drugs were thrown from the vehicle. Monteer was an associate of Autumn Dicks, Ian Hazel, They Kelley, Marc Downs, and Jamison Hopson-Stephens. Those individuals have already been sentenced for their roles within the conspiracy. Monteer was also an associate of Davion Williams, Curtis Lewis, Daniel Anderson, and Aaron Dorsey in this conspiracy. Those individuals have all pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashleigh A. Ragner. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Mo. Police Department, FBI, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Kansas State Highway Patrol.


title: San Jose Executives Plead Guilty To Employment Tax Crimes

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN JOSE — Two California men pleaded guilty yesterday to not paying over employment taxes to the IRS. The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Lalo Valdez and Matthew Olson, both of Northern California, operated a San Jose-based health informatics and product development company that provided clinical care and technology services to clients in healthcare and academia. Valdez was the CEO and Olson the CFO. As such, both were responsible for the company’s operations, managed its internal books and records, signed checks on behalf of the company, and hired and fired employees. Both men also were responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the government each quarter. The timely payment of quarterly employment taxes is critical to the functioning of the U.S. government, because, for example, they are the primary source of funding for Social Security and Medicare. The federal income taxes that are withheld from employees’ wages also account for a significant portion of all federal income taxes collected each year. For every calendar quarter from the first quarter of 2017 through the second quarter of 2021, Valdez and Olson withheld these taxes from employees’ wages but did not pay them over to the IRS or report them on quarterly tax forms. Instead of paying over the taxes, Valdez and Olson used the company’s money to pay for country club memberships and season tickets to the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League. During this same period, Olson also was one of the owners and operators of a day spa located in Saratoga, Calif. There, Olson was responsible for collecting and paying Social Security, Medicare, and income taxes to the IRS. From the second quarter of 2017 through the fourth quarter of 2020, however, Olson collected but did not pay them over to the IRS or report them on quarterly tax forms. In total, Olson caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $2.1 million. Valdez caused a total tax loss to the IRS of nearly $1.5 million. Valdez and Olson are scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 20. Both men face a maximum penalty of five years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick D. Robbins, Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Oakland Field Office Linda Nguyen made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Green and Trial Attorney Mahana Weidler of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.


title: Guilty Verdicts for Maryland Members of a PCP and Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy Centered in D.C.

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WASHINGTON – Kenneth Watts, 57, of Upper Marlboro, Md., and James Kinard, 47, of Temple Hills, Md., were found guilty by a federal jury today for their roles in a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed large amounts of cocaine, fentanyl and PCP in the DMV. The conspiracy also used firearms to protect their narcotics and the proceeds from their trafficking operation. The verdicts were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Steven J. Jensen of the Washington Field Office, DEA Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration Washington Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department. The jury found both defendants guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of PCP. The jury also found defendant Kinard guilty of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Jia M. Cobb scheduled sentencing for August 7, 2025. Watts and Kinard each face a minimum-mandatory sentence of 10 years in federal prison. Watts has two prior felony drug convictions. Kinard has a prior 1995 conviction for second-degree murder while armed and a prior 2016 conviction assault with intent to commit robbery while armed and related offenses. Kinard was on supervised release during the investigation in this case. Three co-defendants pleaded guilty before the case went to trial on May 7. Melvin Grayson, 51, of District Heights, Maryland, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a detectable amount of cocaine, more than 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and more than one kilogram or more of PCP. Grayson faces a minimum-mandatory sentence of ten years. He has two prior felony drug convictions from 1993. Tyrone Ragland, 56, aka “Tech,” of the District, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram of PCP. Charles Cunningham, 58, of the District, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. According to their plea agreements, Ragland and Cunningham will be required to serve 15 years in prison. Cunningham has four prior felony drug convictions. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, officers with the Prince George’s County Police Department intercepted a package containing six kilos of PCP at a FedEx facility in Maryland. The officers set up a controlled delivery of the package and stopped defendant Kenneth Watts after he picked it up. In Watts’ cell phone, investigators found text messages linking Watts to the package and to co-defendant Melvin Grayson. Through controlled purchases and wiretaps, evidence showed that Grayson distributed PCP, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The investigation also showed that defendants Ragland, Cunningham, Kinard and others conspired with Grayson to distribute the narcotics. In search warrants conducted at various residences, agents recovered four firearms, more than 2.5 kilos of PCP, more than 100 grams of fentanyl, and approximately $50,000 in cash. This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office Cross Border Task Force and the DEA Washington Field Office, with assistance from MPD’s Violent Crime Suppression Division and the Prince George’s County Police Department. The Cross Border Task Force is a part of the FBI’S Safe Streets Initiative and targets the most egregious and violent street crews operating in the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the Baltimore/Washington High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. This investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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 www.justice.gov/OCDETF . The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nihar R. Mohanty and Iris Y. McCranie of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. 23cr007


title: Arizona Mechanic Sentenced to Prison, Must Repay $1.37 Million for Defrauding Missouri Customer, Others

body_text: ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Tuesday sentenced a purported auto mechanic from Arizona to 33 Months in Prison and ordered him to repay $1.37 million to his fraud victims. Beginning in November 2019, Andres “Manny” Lopez, 37, defrauded customers of his Arizona company, All Performance Tuning and Diesel Repair LLC, by accepting money for vehicles, vehicle upgrades and parts with no intention of performing the work or turning over the vehicles. He also damaged some customer vehicles and loaned vehicles to others without the owners’ consent. A Missouri victim who wanted to buy a vehicle for his mother wired Lopez $45,000 for a Toyota RAV4. Lopez falsely claimed that he’d bought the vehicle, and then provided a series of false excuses about why it was not being delivered. Lopez claimed delivery delays were due to product recalls and even impersonated the general manager of a Florida Toyota dealership in text messages to the client’s mother. After Lopez was indicted in October of 2023, he defrauded another victim out of approximately $567,892. Lopez used the money for personal expenses. In a letter to the court, one victim spoke of Lopez’s pattern: “Promise… then a reason why I cannot meet that promise… then a new promise… then repeat the string (for years).” Lopez pleaded guilty in February U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of wire fraud. “For years, Andres Lopez lied to customers to line his own pockets. The lies and manipulation continued even after he had been charged for the crime and released on bond,” said Special Agent in Charge Chris Crocker of the FBI St. Louis Division. “Today, Lopez earned every day of his prison sentence for victimizing people with his fraudulent business practices.” The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Wiseman is prosecuting case.


title: Alameda Man Sentenced To Four Years And Nine Months In Federal Prison For Unlawful Firearm And Ammunition Possession

body_text: OAKLAND – Adesola Kehinde was sentenced yesterday to 57 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon. U.S. District Judge Araceli Martínez-Olguín handed down the sentence. Kehinde, 38, of Alameda, was charged by complaint in January 2024 and by information in May 2024. On Dec. 16, 2024, Kehinde pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). According to the plea agreement, Kehinde admitted that on Jan. 9, 2024, officers with the Alameda Police Department detained him while he was seated in the driver’s seat of his car, which was parked outside of his apartment building. At the time, Kehinde was on parole after serving a state prison sentence for human trafficking of a minor, threats with intent to terrorize, and robbery. Officers searched Kehinde’s car and located a loaded Glock pistol with one round in the chamber and six rounds inside the magazine inserted into the pistol. Acting United States Attorney Patrick D. Robbins and FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani made the announcement. In addition to the prison term, Judge Martínez-Olguín also sentenced Kehinde to a three-year period of supervised release and ordered him to forfeit the firearm and ammunition he possessed. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonah Ross is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Amala James. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the Alameda Police Department.


title: Texas man found guilty of failing to register as a sex offender

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: GREAT FALLS – A Texas man who failed to register as a sex offender was found guilty by a federal judge today, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said. Following a bench trial, Tracy Allen Reilly, 60, was found guilty of failure to register as a sex offender. Reilly faces 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for October 1, 2025. Reilly will remain in custody pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that in 1995, Tracy Allen Reilly was convicted in Texas of aggravated sexual assault of a child and sentenced to 20 years in custody. He discharged from custody in 2014 and was instructed to register as a sexual offender for the duration of his life. In July 2018, Reilly was convicted of another felony in Texas for violating sex offender registration. After he was released from custody on that sentence, Reilly signed additional registration forms in 2022 and in June of 2023. Reilly moved to Montana sometime in the fall of 2023. Before he moved, he was informed he would be required to register as a sex offender in Montana. Once in Montana, Reilly camped on federal land around Homestake Lake in Jefferson County. In October 2023, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office contacted Reilly and advised him he was required to register as a sex offender. In November 2023, an officer with the U.S. Forest Service was patrolling the Homestake area and made contact with Reilly. The officer learned Reilly was a non-compliant sex offender, and when the officer again encountered Reilly in January 2024, he told Reilly he needed to register. Reilly never registered as a sex offender in Montana. On November 6, 2024, the Grand Jury returned an indictment charging Reilly with failure to register as a sex offender, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2250(a). Reilly was arrested in December 2024. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN . XXX


title: San Diego Man Charged with Smuggling Exotic Live Birds

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Ricardo Alonzo of San Diego appeared in federal court today to face charges that he smuggled 17 exotic birds into the United States from Mexico under the seat of his car. According to a complaint, Alonzo was the driver and registered owner of a vehicle that was intercepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Officers found four bags containing 10 Burrowing Parakeets, five Yellow-Crowned Amazon Parrots, and two Red-Lored Amazon Parrots underneath the rear seat. The two Red-Lored Amazon Parrot chicks did not survive; the surviving birds were transferred to a quarantine facility managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. “Trafficking exotic birds isn’t just illegal — it’s cruel and dangerous,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “These actions put the lives of helpless animals at risk and expose the public and other animals to serious diseases.” “This charge underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable wildlife and holding traffickers accountable for their crimes,” said Shawn Gibson, special agent in charge of HSI San Diego. “We are grateful to our dedicated law enforcement partners whose collaboration was instrumental in bringing this individual to justice.” According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Amazon parrots are native to Mexico, the West Indies, and northern South America, while Burrowing Parakeets are local to Chile and Argentina. All 30-some species of Amazon parrots, as well as the Burrowing Parakeets, are listed on either Appendix I or Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (“CITES”). The successful smuggling of undeclared Amazon parrots and Burrowing Parakeets into the U.S. means no quarantine period or process. This would be dangerous to the United States as birds can carry and spread Avian influenza (bird flu), psittacosis, and histoplasmosis. Bird flu is highly contagious and can cause flu like symptoms, respiratory illness, pneumonia and death in humans and other birds including birds in United States poultry farms. Quarantining animals entering the United States is intended to safeguard against this potential disease transmission. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker Gardner-Erickson. DEFENDANT Case Number 25mj2712-VET Ricardo Alonzo Age: 26 San Diego, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Importation Contrary to Law – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 545 Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine INVESTIGATING AGENCIES U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Homeland Security Investigations *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Birmingham Man Sentenced to More than Three Years in Prison for Robbery

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Birmingham man has been sentenced for his role in the robbery of a Hibbett Sports Distribution Center, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Mario Autwun Scott, 42, to 45 months in prison. In November 2024, Scott pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery and interference with commerce by threats or violence. Michael Anthony Pippens, 42, of Birmingham, Scott’s co-conspirator in the robbery, was previously sentenced to 30 months in prison. In January 2025, Pippens pleaded guilty to conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery. According to court documents, in October 2022, Scott robbed the Hibbett Sports Distribution Center in Shelby County, stealing two trailers full of sporting goods merchandise worth over $84,000. Prior to the robbery, Pippens provided a box truck to Scott so that he could transport the stolen goods. The FBI investigated the case along with the Alabaster Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Darius C. Greene and Lloyd C. Peeples prosecuted the case.


title: Tampa Man With A History Of Drug Trafficking Sentenced To Life Imprisonment For Distributing Fentanyl Resulting In The Death Of Two Victims

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung has sentenced Marquis Lamar McCullough (39, Tampa) to imprisonment for life for distributing fentanyl, the use of which resulted in the deaths of two victims. On February 13, 2025, a federal jury found McCullough guilty of two counts of distribution of fentanyl, the use of which resulted in the death of a person, and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The court sentenced McCullough to life imprisonment for each count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death, 30 years on the count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and ordered that the sentences be served consecutively to prison sentences McCullough is currently serving in the Florida Department of Corrections. According to court records and the evidence presented at trial, on April 22, 2021, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) deputies responded to the residence of K.K. to conduct a wellness check. They found K.K. dead when they entered his apartment and found two baggies with small quantities of fentanyl in the residence. Detectives reviewed K.K.’s cellphone and found communications with a woman who appeared to help K.K. purchase fentanyl the previous evening. During the investigation, detectives found the woman, who explained that K.K. could not get heroin from his usual source, so he asked her to buy some for him from her source. She arranged a meeting with McCullough, who was her supplier, and she purchased the fentanyl and provided it to K.K. The woman provided McCullough’s phone number to the detectives. On May 6, 2021, the son of N.M. found his father dead, lying in his bed, and called 911 to report the death. HCSO deputies and detectives responded to the residence, and inside N.M.’s wallet they found a baggie with a small amount of fentanyl. While reviewing calls and texts on N.M.’s phone, a detective determined that the last three calls placed by N.M. were to McCullough’s phone number, and the call and text history indicated that McCullough was N.M.’s supplier. Later that day, detectives planned to purchase fentanyl from McCullough, using N.M.’s cellphone to set up the meeting. When McCullough arrived at the meet location, he tried to call N.M., but when his calls went unanswered, McCullough fled the area. An arrest team pursued his vehicle and apprehended McCullough. The Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office investigated both deaths and determined that the use of fentanyl caused the deaths of K.K. and N.M. Before he committed these offenses, McCullough had been convicted in Hillsborough County, Florida, for trafficking in cocaine, and he served a prison sentence of 60 months. He was also convicted in state court in 2022 for trafficking in fentanyl and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, and he is currently serving a sentence of seven years in the Florida Department of Corrections for those crimes. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Sinacore and Ross Roberts.


title: Lexington Business Owner Sentenced for Failure to Pay Taxes

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Lexington business owner, Matthew Buresh, 65, was sentenced on Friday by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell to 24 months in prison, for two counts of failure to pay taxes. Buresh was the owner and President of CR Cable Construction Inc. (CR), a company operating in Lexington that installed underground utility lines. As the owner of the company, Buresh was required to remit trust fund taxes withheld from employee paychecks, such as individual income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes, as well as the matching amounts contributed by the employer, to the IRS on quarterly basis. These taxes are generally known as “employment taxes.” According to his plea agreement, between March 2018 and December 2022, Buresh knew that his company was required to make deposits of the employment taxes to the IRS on a periodic basis, but chose not to pay the employment taxes withheld from CR’s employees’ paychecks to the IRS. Buresh was notified of CR employment taxes due and owing, accounted for such taxes, had sufficient funds to pay them, but willfully chose not to pay a significant portion of those employment taxes from 2018 through 2022. At the same time, between 2017 and 2022, Buresh withdrew $2.9 million in cash from CR’s bank account to pay for business expenses, his wages, and his distributions. Under federal law, Buresh must serve 85 percent of his prison sentence. Upon his release from prison, he will be under the supervision of the U.S. Probation Office for three years. Buresh is also required to pay $805,787.82 in restitution. Paul McCaffrey, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Cincinnati Field Division, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the IRS. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Dunn-Pirio is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Latham Sex Offender Indicted for Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Nathaniel Drescher, age 41, of Latham, New York, was arraigned last Thursday on an indictment charging him with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and the commission of a felony offense against a minor by a registered sex offender. Drescher was ordered detained pending trial. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. According to the indictment, Drescher knowingly attempted to persuade, induce, and entice a child whom he believed to be 11 years old to engage in sexual activity. This conduct follows Drescher’s 2012 convictions in Johnson County, Texas, for online solicitation of a minor. The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. United States Attorney Sarcone stated: “This conduct, as alleged, was especially egregious because the defendant had committed a similar offense before in Texas. With our state and federal law enforcement partners, we will continue to ensure that sex offenders are prosecuted to the fullest extent to the law when they commit new crimes.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “This indictment proves crimes against our most vulnerable will be met with swift and decisive action. The FBI, together with our law enforcement partners, is committed to protecting children and bringing predators like Mr. Drescher to justice.” If convicted on all counts, Drescher faces at least 20 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. In addition, Drescher would have to continue to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. The FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is investigating the case, with assistance from the New York State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Allen J. Vickey is prosecuting the case as Part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Dunbarton man was sentenced in federal court for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces. Scott Currier, age 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott to 144 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release. Currier was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $38,000. In May 2024, Currier pleaded guilty to one count of possession of CSAM. “The defendant is a convicted sex offender who repeatedly exploited children,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “Thanks to the vigilant efforts and critical leads from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, law enforcement was able to identify the defendant and swiftly investigate his conduct. This office will relentlessly pursue and hold predators accountable, and we will use every tool at our disposal to protect children from exploitation and revictimization.” “Currier’s criminal history of aggravated felonious sexual assault makes his possession of hundreds of images of child sexual abuse material all the more troubling. Friday’s significant sentence takes a repeat sex offender off the streets and puts him into federal prison for over a decade while also offering restitution to identified victims of child sexual exploitation found in the materials he possessed,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol for Homeland Security Investigations New England. The defendant was identified through a CyberTip reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children based on internet activity that was traced to his residence. Based on that tip, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the defendant’s home that resulted in the seizure of a computer that was found to contain over 700 files of suspected CSAM. The defendant faced enhanced penalties in this matter due to a prior state conviction for aggravated felonious sexual assault. Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Dunbarton Police Department and the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasey Weiland 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc . ###


title: Two More Defendants Plead Guilty in Bank Fraud and Identity Theft Conspiracy

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Kani Bassie, age 36, of Brooklyn, New York, and Jermon Brooks, age 20, of Richmond, Virginia, pled guilty last week to their roles in a multi-million-dollar bank fraud conspiracy led by Oluwaseun Adekoya, age 39, a Nigerian citizen. United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement. Bassie and Brooks admitted that they were members of a conspiracy to defraud financial institutions all over the country by obtaining the personal identifying information (“PII”) of individuals and using lower-level “workers” to impersonate the identity-theft victims to conduct fraudulent banking transactions in their names. Bassie and Brooks supervised and oversaw lower-level coconspirators who withdrew hundreds of thousands of dollars from identity-theft victims in the Northern District of New York and all over the country. Bassie admitted to conspiring with alleged ringleader Adekoya to launder bank fraud proceeds in transactions designed to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the proceeds and to use bank fraud proceeds to reinvest in the ongoing conspiracy. Adekoya, the alleged ringleader of the conspiracy, faces trial beginning June 9, 2025 before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino on a second superseding indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, one count of money laundering conspiracy, and nine counts of aggravated identity theft. The charges against Adekoya in the second superseding indictment are merely accusations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. “And then there was one,” United States Attorney Sarcone said. “We look forward to trial. We appreciate the efforts of the FBI, and many other law enforcement partners across the country, in uncovering this scheme.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Tremaroli stated: “The FBI takes very seriously our responsibility to investigate and pursue those who commit fraud for personal gain. We will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who use illegal means and criminal behavior to take advantage of others.” The prosecution is the result of an ongoing investigation led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Albany Field Office, which began after the May 2022 arrest of David Daniyan, a/k/a “Bamikole Laniyan,” a/k/a “David Enfield,” a/k/a “Africa,” age 60, of Brooklyn, New York, Gaysha Kennedy, age 46, of Brooklyn, and Victor Barriera, age 64, of the Bronx, New York, by the Cohoes Police Department after the trio traveled to the Capital Region to commit bank fraud. According to documents previously filed in the case, the investigation has uncovered over $2 million in fraudulent transactions to date. Thirteen defendants have pled guilty and forfeited hundreds of thousands of dollars in proceeds, luxury apparel, and jewelry . At sentencing later this year, Bassie and Brooks face a maximum term of 30 years’ incarceration for the bank fraud conspiracy, Bassie faces a maximum term of 20 years’ incarceration for the money laundering conspiracy, and Bassie and Brooks face a mandatory consecutive term of 2 years’ incarceration for their convictions of aggravated identity theft. The defendants will be ordered to pay restitution and will also face a term of post-incarceration supervised release of up to 5 years. FBI Albany is investigating the case, with assistance from the FBI Field Offices in New York, Newark, Richmond and Resident Agencies in Westchester, New York; Brooklyn/Queens, New York; Garrett Mountain, New Jersey; and Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Additional assistance was provided by other law enforcement agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement & Removal Operations (New York Field Office & Albany sub-office); U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service (Buffalo Field Office & St. Albans Resident Office); U.S. Social Security Administration – Office of the Inspector General; New York law enforcement agencies including the New York State Police; Cohoes PD; Colonie PD; Elmira PD; Corning PD; Plattsburgh PD; Florida law enforcement agencies including the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Escambia County Sheriff’s Office; the Pennsylvania State Police; Alabama law enforcement agencies including the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Gasden PD, and Rainbow City PD; Georgia law enforcement agencies including the Georgia State Patrol, Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, and Morrow PD; Kansas law enforcement agencies including Lawrence PD and Overland Park PD; New Hampshire law enforcement agencies including Rochester PD, Manchester PD, and Amherst PD; the Delaware State Police; Maryland law enforcement agencies including the Maryland State Police, Harford County Sheriff’s Office and Baltimore County Sheriff’s Office; Wisconsin law enforcement agencies including Onalaska PD and Eau Claire PD; and Indiana law enforcement agencies including the Allen County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin S. Clark, Mathew M. Paulbeck, and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting this case.


title: East St. Louis woman sentenced to 11 years in prison for federal gun charge

body_text: EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A U.S. district judge sentenced an East St. Louis woman to 11 years’ imprisonment after she used a stolen firearm to threaten a victim. Cierra S. Whitley, 36, pleaded guilty in January to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. Following her term of imprisonment, she will serve three years of supervised release. According to court documents, the Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) investigated a double homicide that occurred in East St. Louis between Aug. 11-12, 2023. During that investigation, they seized a 9mm firearm that was used to kill both victims. During police interviews, Whitley admitted to possessing the firearm as a convicted felon and brandishing it to threaten one of the victims. “PSEG’s double homicide investigation led to Cierra Whitley’s conviction for possessing the stolen firearm that was used to murder two people,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Her 11-year sentence rightly punishes her for this violent crime and demonstrates our ongoing battle against criminals who endanger our communities.” "This 11-year sentence of a convicted felon found guilty once again of breaking the law is evidence of ISP's commitment to making communities safer," said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. "ISP Public Safety Enforcement Group special agents will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office to reduce and prevent crime, while holding those who break the law accountable." “A convicted felon in possession of a stolen firearm- and brazenly brandishing it- are a danger to the community. Such individuals and acts need to be dealt with swiftly,” said ATF Chicago Field Division Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Amon.” Through great partnerships with ISP and the United States Attorney’s Office Southern District of Illinois, Cierra Whitley and others like her who challenge the rule of law, will be held accountable for their actions.” Whitley was previously convicted of a felony and therefore unable to legally possess firearms. Illinois State Police led the investigation, with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ali Burns and Laura Reppert prosecuted the case.


title: Manchester Man Sentenced for Defrauding State and Federal Taxpayers of Nearly $300K in Pandemic Relief Funds

body_text: CONCORD – A Manchester man was sentenced for his involvement in a scheme to fraudulently obtain CARES Act funds from the United States government and the State of New York, Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces. Kyereem Sackey, age 25, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Landya McCafferty to 18 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. Sackey was also ordered to make restitution in the amount of $295,167. In January 2025, Sackey pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of bank fraud. “The defendant exploited a national crisis for personal gain,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack. “He stole nearly $300k in pandemic relief funds that were meant to support struggling families and small businesses. This office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who stole from the government during the pandemic and intentionally depleted the public fisc for personal profit.” "While the entire world was focused on dealing with a pandemic, Kyereem Sackey was selfishly focused on exploiting programs designed to help people struggling financially to instead enrich himself,” said Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. “With today’s sentence, Mr. Sackey has been held accountable for cheating taxpayers, and the FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify and bring to justice those who have committed similar crimes.” “Kyereem Sackey and his co-defendants engaged in a scheme to fraudulently obtain New York Department of Labor pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits and Small Business Administration Payroll Protection Program loans. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who seek to exploit these critical benefit programs,” said Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, Northeast Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. According to the court documents and statements made in court, Sackey used social media to conspire with others to file false and fraudulent unemployment insurance claims. Sackey filed unemployment insurance claims in the State of New York on behalf of a co-defendant, which he was not entitled to. When the money was deposited into the co-defendant’s bank account, a portion of the money was sent to Sackey and another co-defendant. Sackey and his co-defendants filed approximately $50,000 in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims. In addition to the claim made on behalf of his co-defendant, Sackey filed claims on behalf of a dozen individuals as well as himself resulting in more than $250,000 in fraudulent unemployment benefits to be paid by the State of New York. Sackey also used a co-defendant’s information to apply for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans using a false and fraudulent business that did not exist. Sackey provided the bank with false documents, including fabricated tax documents. Court records show that Sackey fraudulently applied for and obtained more than $30,000 in PPP loans. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Kennedy is prosecuting the case. ###


title: Maryland Man Charged With Possession of Unauthorized Access Devices, Aggravated Identity Theft, Passport Fraud, and Tampering With Witness

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt , Maryland – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment against Brendyn Andrew, 33, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, and Dominique Collins, 37, of Stafford, Virginia. In February 2025, a grand jury indicted Andrew for aggravated identity theft, supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits fraud, social security number misuse, and theft of government property. Andrew is now charged with additional criminal charges for possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices, aggravated identity theft, passport fraud, and tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant. Collins is named as a co-defendant for tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Charmeka Parker, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General (USDA-OIG) Northeast Region, and Special Agent in Charge David M. Richeson, U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) – Washington Field Office. According to the superseding indictment, in October 2022, with the intent to defraud, Andrew possessed 15 or more electronic benefit transfer cards. In February 2024, Andrew used someone else’s identification to apply for a U.S. passport. Then in March 2025, Andrew and Collins corruptly tampered with a Google electronic-mail account so that it could not be used in a court proceeding. If convicted, Andrew faces a mandatory minimum sentence of two years for aggravated identity theft, up to five years for supplemental nutrition assistance program benefits fraud, up to five years for misuse of a social security number, and up to 10 years for theft of government property. Additionally, Andrew is facing up to 10 years for possession of 15 or more unauthorized access devices and up to 15 years for passport fraud. Andrews and Collins both face up to 20 years for tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant. A federal district court judge determines sentences after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. An indictment or a superseding indictment are not findings of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment, or a superseding indictment, are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended USDA-OIG and DSS for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes thanked the Montgomery County Police Department for its investigative assistance and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kertisha Dixon who is prosecuting the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Salesman Who Defrauded Women and Older Adults Denied Bankruptcy Discharge

component: U.S. Trustee Program

body_text: The U.S. Trustee Program (USTP) recently obtained a judgment denying a bankruptcy discharge to a door-to-door salesman who concealed his business interests and lied in his bankruptcy case to evade his creditors, including women and older adults whom he defrauded. On April 18, the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon entered a default judgment denying a discharge to chapter 7 debtor Jason Gillis. Gillis — who sold vacuums, air filters, and related products — crafted fraudulent schemes generally targeting women he pursued as romantic partners and their elderly parents. In one such scheme, he solicited investments in his businesses but used the money primarily for personal expenses. His victims included a 79-year-old woman recovering from a stroke. In addition to running up debts using the identities of the woman and her daughter without their knowledge or consent, Gillis arranged for the older woman to take out a mortgage on her home, purportedly under duress. In total, he persuaded her to transfer more than $100,000 to a business bank account that he controlled, then diverted a significant amount of the funds to pay for personal expenses. Gillis also used some of those funds to lease a recreational vehicle valued at about $150,000 from another woman in her seventies, whose daughter he briefly dated. After taking possession of the RV, which he then lived in, Gillis stopped making lease payments and refused to disclose the vehicle’s location. Gillis filed a chapter 7 bankruptcy petition in August 2024 amid several lawsuits and judgments based on claims of breach of contract, fraud, and theft by deception. An investigation by the USTP’s Portland office revealed that to avoid collection efforts, Gillis concealed his interests in several businesses by transferring nominal ownership to victims while he retained full control and by forging signatures on forms filed with the Oregon Secretary of State. He also made several false statements in his bankruptcy case about his assets and financial affairs, including his multiple business interests; the transfers of nominal ownership; deposits to undisclosed financial accounts; and a wrongful death settlement related to his mother’s estate. Gillis did not respond to or defend against the USTP’s complaint to deny his bankruptcy discharge, leading to a default judgment in the USTP’s favor. As a result, Gillis remains personally liable for his debts — including more than $1.7 million in unsecured debts listed in his bankruptcy schedules — and creditors may continue collections on claims against him. “Bankruptcy is not a safe haven for fraudsters,” said Acting U.S. Trustee Jonas V. Anderson for Region 18, which includes the District of Oregon. “The U.S. Trustee Program, as the watchdog of the bankruptcy system, is committed to rooting out deceptive schemes that harm innocent victims.” One of the USTP’s core functions is to combat bankruptcy fraud and abuse through civil enforcement actions against debtors who engage in fraud or otherwise abuse the bankruptcy system. When circumstances warrant, the USTP takes action to deny those debtors a discharge. Generally, under the Bankruptcy Code, debtors are not entitled to a discharge if they conceal property with intent to hinder, delay or defraud a creditor or an officer of the bankruptcy estate, such as the private trustee administering the estate. The Code also prevents a discharge if the debtor knowingly and fraudulently made a false oath or account in or in connection with the bankruptcy case. The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 89 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust .


title: New Orleans Resident Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Possession and Receipt of Online Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced today that STEPHEN BADON (“BADON ”) , age 35, of New Orleans, was sentenced on May 13, 2025, to 120 months imprisonment, followed by 25 years of supervised release, by U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey, after previously pleading guilty to receipt of child pornography, and distribution of child pornography, both in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252(a)(2) and (b)(1). Additionally, BADON was ordered to pay $86,500 in restitution to numerous victims, as well as a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to court documents, the case against BADON stemmed from an online Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). On August 2, 2023, FBI special agents executed a federal search warrant at BADON’s New Orleans home. FBI agents seized four electronic devices from BADON’s residence and subsequently located over 88,000 files of CSAM material throughout the four devices. BADON was subsequently arrested by the FBI. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot of the Narcotics Unit.


title: Man Sentenced to More Than Ten Years in Prison for Possessing Multiple Firearms While Trafficking Fentanyl in Chicago Suburbs

component: USAO - Illinois, Northern

body_text: CHICAGO — A federal judge has sentenced a man to more than a decade in prison for possessing multiple guns, including a semiautomatic rifle, while trafficking fentanyl and other narcotics in the Chicago suburbs. A jury last year found OMARI ANDREWS, JR. guilty of possessing an AR-15 style firearm and three handguns while trafficking fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana in Mt. Prospect, Ill., in 2023. Andrews also pleaded guilty prior to trial to distributing fentanyl and heroin in Westmont, Ill., Villa Park, Ill., Des Plaines, Ill., and Hillside, Ill., in late 2022 and early 2023. Andrews, 26, of Mt. Prospect, Ill., has been detained in federal custody since his arrest in 2023. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Edmond E. Chang sentenced Andrews to ten years and three months in federal prison. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations in Chicago. The Skokie, Ill. and Evanston, Ill. Police Departments provided valuable assistance. “The defendant possessed a small arsenal of guns and ammunition in his apartment to protect his drug trafficking activity,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Alejandro G. Ortega argued in the government’s sentencing memorandum. “Drugs, and especially fentanyl, are a scourge to the public health and to law enforcement across the country, and a stain on the community.” Holding firearm and drug offenders accountable through federal prosecution is a centerpiece of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). In the Northern District of Illinois, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners have deployed the PSN program to attack a broad range of violent crime issues facing the district, particularly firearm offenses.


title: South Bend Man Sentenced to 210 Months in Prison

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

body_text: SOUTH BEND – Lawrence Powell, 44 years old, of South Bend, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to possessing with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay. Powell was sentenced to 210 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, in July 2022, a search warrant executed on Powell’s house resulted in the recovery of more than 800 grams of methamphetamine and 3 loaded guns. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration including the DEA North Central Laboratory. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joel Gabrielse. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Correction Officers Charged With Years-Long Healthcare Fraud Scheme Following Use Of Force Incidents On Rikers Island

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Jocelyn E. Strauber, the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”); and Lucy Lang, the Inspector General for the State of New York, announced today the unsealing of three Indictments charging one current and two former correction officers employed by the New York City Department of Correction (“DOC”) at Rikers Island with healthcare fraud, mail fraud, and false statements related to healthcare matters. TODD FAUSTIN, JOVANNY CONCEPCION, and STEVEN MURPHY were arrested earlier today and presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger. Their cases are assigned to U.S. District Judges Loretta A. Preska and Lewis J. Liman. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said: “As alleged, the defendants defrauded New Yorkers by making hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent workers compensation claims. Today’s arrests demonstrate this Office’s continuing commitment to protecting New Yorkers from corruption at Rikers Island.” DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said: “New York City’s workers’ compensation system is a vital resource for City employees injured on the job. These three current and former Department of Correction officers, as charged, defrauded that system of almost $1 million in total, through false claims about physical injuries. To reduce the risk of future fraud, DOI recommends reforms to the DOC and the New York City Law Department’s policies and procedures, set forth in a report issued today. I thank the Law Department for referring concerns about workers’ compensation claims to DOI, and for its assistance in this investigation. I also thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and our other law enforcement partners for their continuing commitment to protect City funds.” New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang said: “Public trust in government requires that law enforcement acts with the utmost integrity. Lying about an ongoing injury to get workers’ compensation benefits while engaging in strenuous employment and activities, as alleged here, is an affront to the honest workers whom the system is built to protect. With thanks in this case to our partnership with the Southern District of New York and the NYC Department of Investigation, we will continue to seek accountability for anyone who undermines New Yorkers’ trust by defrauding the workers’ compensation system.” As alleged in the Indictments: 1 The New York State Worker’s Compensation Board (the “Board”) administers New York State’s no-fault workers’ compensation system, which guarantees medical care and cash benefits to people who are injured at work, including DOC employees. Payments by the Board made to DOC employees are paid from the New York City Treasury. For years, FAUSTIN, a current DOC employee, and CONCEPCION and MURPHY, who were both formally employed by DOC, were DOC correction officers assigned to work at Rikers Island. During that time period, each defendant engaged in a years-long scheme to falsely claim that they were injured while on duty at Rikers Island during incidents with incarcerated individuals requiring the use of force. To effectuate this scheme, each defendant made false statements to the Board, their own physicians, and independent medical examiners claiming these fake injuries. In total, FAUSTIN received $469,705.39 in benefits to which he was not entitled; CONCEPCION received $232,427.97; and MURPHY received $294,037.83. * * * CONCEPCION, 33, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of healthcare fraud and one count of mail fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of making false statements related to health care matters, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. MURPHY, 31, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of healthcare fraud and one count of mail fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of making false statements related to health care matters, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. FAUSTIN, 43, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of healthcare fraud and one count of mail fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of making false statements related to health care matters, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of DOI, the New York State Office of Inspector General, and the Special Agents and Task Force Officers assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Mr. Clayton also thanked the New York City Police Department’s Internal Affairs Bureau and New York State Police for its cooperation and assistance. The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights Unit in the Criminal Division and the Public Corruption Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaiya Arroyo, Frank Balsamello, and Alexie Rothman are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. u.s._v._concepcion_indictment.pdf u.s._v._faustin_indictment.pdf u.s._v._murphy_indictment.pdf 1 As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictments and the description of the Indictments set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Stockton Man Sentenced on Firearm Charge

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ricardo Sanchez, 32, of Stockton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb to four years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. According to court documents, on Aug. 20, 2023, law enforcement officers contacted Sanchez and found him to be in possession of a Springfield Armory Hellcat 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. Sanchez is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to multiple prior felony convictions, including conspiracy to commit a crime and inflicting injury on a spouse/cohabitant or fellow parent. This case was the product of an investigation by the Sacramento Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitnee Goins prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison for Role in Smuggling and Labor Trafficking Scheme, Illegally Reentering U.S.

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that APOLINAR FRANCISCO PAREDES ESPINOZA, also known as “Pancho,” 58, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Hartford, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 40 months of imprisonment, for illegally reentering the U.S. and his involvement in a scheme to smuggle aliens into the U.S., harbor them at Hartford area residences, force them to work, and threaten to harm them in various ways if they failed to pay exorbitant fees, interest, and other living expenses. According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in September 2022, the FBI and Hartford Police interviewed several Mexican nationals who disclosed that they were smuggled from Mexico into the U.S. and transported to Hartford. The investigation revealed that victims typically arranged with Maria Del Carmen Sanchez Potrero and others in Connecticut and Mexico to cross the border into the U.S. in exchange for a fee of between $15,000 and $20,000 that each would need to pay once they were in the U.S. In most cases, the victims were required to turn over a property deed as collateral before leaving Mexico. They were then smuggled across the border and transported to Hartford area residences, including Sanchez’s and Paredes’ residence on Madison Street in Hartford, often at a substantial risk of bodily injury or death. After the victims arrived in Connecticut, they were told that they would have to pay approximately $30,000, with interest, and that they would have to pay Sanchez and her co-coconspirators for rent, food, gas and utilities. Sanchez, Paredes, and their co-conspirators created false documents for the victims, including Permanent Residence cards and Social Security cards, and helped the victims find employment in the Hartford area. In addition to their own jobs, some victims were required to perform housework and yardwork, or to assist Paredes in his job responsibilities, without compensation and without having their debt reduced. Victims were rarely provided with an accounting of their debt. If victims failed to make regular payments, or in amounts that Sanchez, Paredes, and their co-conspirators expected, they were sometimes threatened, including with threats to harm family members in Mexico, to take property in Mexico that had been secured as collateral, to reveal victims’ immigration status to U.S. authorities, and to raise their interest payments. To date, investigators have identified 19 victims of this scheme. Multiple victims were minors, and at least two were smuggled into the U.S. unaccompanied by a relative or legal guardian. In November 2014, Paredes was encountered in the U.S. and removed the same day via foot at Hildago, Texas. He illegally reentered the U.S. and, in December 2018, was arrested by East Hartford Police and charged with various motor vehicle offenses. He was again removed to Mexico in February 2019, and subsequently illegally reentered the U.S. Paredes has been detained since his arrest on March 1, 2023. On November 22, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to encourage and induce, bring in, transport, and harbor aliens, and to illegal reentry of a removed alien. Sanchez and her daughter, Porfiria Maribel Ramos Sanchez, previously pleaded guilty to related charges. On April 11, 2025, Sanchez was sentenced to 51 months of imprisonment, and on March 7, 2025, Ramos was sentenced to 36 months of imprisonment. Judge Dooley ordered Paredes to pay, jointly and severally with his codefendants, restitution of $574,608. Paredes, Sanchez, and Ramos face immigration proceedings when they complete their prison terms. This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel Krull and Shan Patel.


title: Linwood, N.C. Man Charged and Arrested For Threatening To Kill Federal Agents Appears In Court

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Johnathan Trent Thomas, 27, of Linwood, North Carolina, appeared in federal court today on charges of making threats of violence against federal law enforcement officers, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Thomas was arrested Friday, May 16, and remains in custody pending a detention hearing. Cardell T. Morant, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in North Carolina and South Carolina, joins U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement. According to allegations in the criminal complaint and the affidavit unsealed today in court, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at approximately 12:00 p.m., a caller, later identified as Thomas, contacted the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) and threatened to kill Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and CMPD officers if immigration enforcement actions did not stop. During a second telephone call with a CMPD officer, Thomas allegedly warned that he was coming to Charlotte with armor piercing ammunition, night vision devices, and body armor to kill law enforcement officers and threatened to “shoot them all” if he observed anyone making arrests. Thomas allegedly was referencing arrests made previously by ICE federal agents on Albemarle Road in Charlotte. The affidavit further alleges that Thomas stated that if a police officer pointed a gun at him, he was just going to open fire. Thomas also allegedly said that he would “Swiss cheese” the officers if they were doing the same thing they did before, meaning making arrests. Thomas allegedly made additional threats to law enforcement, including that he had Tannerite (an explosive) all around his house if the police came, and referenced April 29, 2024, which is the date that four law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in Charlotte, warning that he “could do a whole lot better than that.” The filed affidavit also alleges that Thomas has an extensive history of threatening law enforcement, to include the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office and CMPD, and on previous occasions had followed CMPD officers in marked patrol cars while they were attempting to fulfill their official duties. On Friday, HSI agents also executed a search warrant at Thomas’s residence, where they seized three rifles and a handgun. Thomas is charged with threatening to assault or murder federal law enforcement officers which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended HSI for the investigation of the case and thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Middle District of North Carolina, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, the Waxhaw Police Department, and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department for their assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Kelly of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Brothers Arrested for Drug Conspiracy and Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – Two brothers from Lynn were arrested on May 15, 2025 in connection with an investigation into drug conspiracy and firearm offenses. Meliek Bennett, 29, and his brother Maurice Bennett, 38, both of Lynn, were charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. Meliek Bennett was also charged with possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to the charging documents, Maurice Bennett was identified as an alleged member of the Bloods street gang in Lynn with prior convictions for carrying firearms and violent crimes. During the investigation, numerous text messages between Maurice and his brother Meliek were intercepted, wherein they allegedly coordinated the distribution of drugs including cocaine, prescription medication, counterfeit pills and marijuana. The brothers allegedly discussed sharing drug customers, sharing drug supplies, paying Meliek’s drug debts and making a trip to New Hampshire to sell controlled substances together. In September 2024, a recorded conversation was obtained where Meliek allegedly described intending to use a silenced pistol to shoot up the residence of a drug supplier and potentially murder the drug supplier to whom he owed a drug debt - after the supplier had beaten up Meliek. Shortly thereafter, a search warrant was executed at Meliek Bennett’s residence in Lynn, where fentanyl tablets, oxycodone, gabapentin and marijuana, as well as a .22 caliber pistol with a threaded barrel and ammunition were discovered. The charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1,000,000. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a sentence of at least five years in prison, consecutive to the sentence for the drug crime. 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 Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Boston made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Lynn Police and Massachusetts Department of Corrections. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip A. Mallard and David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Terrebonne Parish Man Sentenced for Violating Federal Controlled Substances Act, Federal Gun Control Act, and Money Laundering

component: Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JON VERDIN (“VERDIN”), age 29, of Terrebonne Parish, La., was sentenced on May 14, 2025. by United States District Judge Sarah S. Vance, after previously pleading guilty to possessing over a kilogram of fentanyl and four firearms, in addition to money laundering. As to the charge of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, VERDIN was sentenced to 200 months imprisonment, 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. As to the charges of felon in possession of firearms and engaging in monetary transactions derived from a specified unlawful activity, VERDIN was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee on each count. All sentenced are to run concurrently with each other. According to court records, on February 2, 2022, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at VERDIN’s home and recovered over a kilogram of fentanyl and four firearms. VERDIN admitted he possessed the fentanyl with intent to distribute. He also admitted that he possessed the firearms knowing he had prior felony convictions that prohibited him from possessing a firearm. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that on March 20, 2021, VERDIN used proceeds from a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to purchase a Lincoln MKZ for $28,000, an act of money laundering. This prosecution is part of an extensive investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). OCDETF is a joint federal, state, and local cooperative approach to combat drug trafficking and is the nation’s primary tool for disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations, targeting national and regional level drug trafficking organizations and coordinating the necessary law enforcement entities and resources to disrupt or dismantle the targeted criminal organization and seize their assets. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office, Houma Police Department, St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, St. John Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit. * * *