title: Carl’s Cab Operators Charged in $4.2 Million Medicaid Fraud and Kickback Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging Joseph Carl, age 55, of Saratoga County, New York, and Randolph Ekstrom, a/k/a “Randy,” age 48, of Saratoga County, New York, with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud and conspiracy to pay health care kickbacks in connection with Medicaid transportation services. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz, and New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. “The superseding indictment alleges a sustained scheme to exploit the Medicaid program through false claims, inflated billing, and unlawful kickbacks,” said First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “If proven, this conduct reflects a deliberate effort to convert a taxpayer-funded health care program into a source of illicit profit, including by paying recipients with cash to facilitate fraudulent claims. My office will hold accountable those who corrupt public programs and divert public funds away from legitimate health care services and the patients who depend on them.” “These allegations describe deceptive actions—billing for services not rendered and bribing beneficiaries—that divert essential financial resources from the Medicaid program and the legitimate medical care it is meant to provide,” stated Naomi D. Gruchacz, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that individuals suspected of abusing federal health care programs are investigated and, when appropriate, brought to justice." “As alleged in the superseding indictment, Mr. Carl and Mr. Ekstrom stole over $4 million from critical Medicaid funds” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli. “Americans expect government funds to be used as intended, and this investigation proves the FBI will work with our Healthcare Fraud Task Force partners to leverage any resource necessary to investigate and hold accountable anyone looking to take advantage of our systems and line their own pockets at the expense of hardworking Americans.” According to the superseding indictment, between approximately January 2020 and March 2025, the defendants operated and were associated with Carl’s Cab, a Medicaid-enrolled transportation provider. Medicaid is a federal and state health care program that reimburses providers for medically necessary services, including non-emergency transportation to medical appointments. The superseding indictment alleges that the defendants engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicaid by submitting and causing the submission of claims for transportation services that were not provided, not medically necessary, or improperly inflated. The alleged fraudulent billing included claims for “ghost rides,” claims for trips in which Medicaid recipients were not transported or not seen by medical providers, and claims that improperly increased reimbursement by treating group transportation as multiple individual trips. The superseding indictment further alleges that the defendants paid cash and controlled substances to Medicaid recipients to induce them to use Carl’s Cab as their transportation provider. These payments were intended to generate additional Medicaid reimbursements and to sustain the fraudulent billing scheme. During the course of the investigation, law enforcement recovered photographs depicting large amounts of U.S. currency prepared for distribution in furtherance of the alleged kickback scheme. As alleged, the defendants caused the submission of false and fraudulent claims through the New York State Department of Health, which processed Medicaid reimbursements through systems located in Rensselaer County and transmitted payments through interstate wire communications. The alleged conduct resulted in the fraudulent receipt of at least $4,296,374.02 in Medicaid funds. Carl and Ekstrom are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and health care fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. Carl and Ekstrom are also charged with conspiracy to pay health care kickbacks, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a term of supervised release of up to three years. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. As alleged in the superseding indictment, on August 17, 2023, Carl prepared cash payments to Medicaid recipients and messaged an acquaintance, “I’m stuffing envelopes!!!! $23,500!!!” and attached an unredacted version of the following photograph showing money used for bribes. In addition, the superseding indictment alleges that on November 2, 2023, Carl prepared cash payments to Medicaid recipients and messaged an acquaintance, “Getting ready to stuff. $27,000 in envelopes for the junkies” and attached an unredacted version of the following photograph showing money used for the bribes: Carl and Ekstrom were arraigned yesterday in Albany, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Paul J. Evangelista, and were released pending trial scheduled for a date to be determined before United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi. The charges in the superseding indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Northern District of New York worked with the Department’s Health Care Fraud Unit of the Fraud Division, together with the FBI, HHS-OIG, and the New York State Comptroller’s Office, with additional assistance from the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin S. Clark and Adam J. Katz are prosecuting the case.


title: Dominican National Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANEL DEL CARMEN ZAPATA POLANCO, also known as Anel Polanco, Anel Zapata Delcarme, and Anel Zapata, 42, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with illegally reentering the United States after being deported. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in February 2006, Zapata, under the name Anel Zapata Delcarme, was convicted in New York County Criminal Court of possession of a forged instrument third degree. He was sentenced to time served for the offense. In January 2016, Zapata, again under the name Anel Zapata Delcarme, was convicted in the U.S. District Court of the District of New Jersey of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. He was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment for the offense. On September 19, 2017, Zapata was removed to the Dominican Republic. It is further alleged that Zapata illegally reentered the U.S. On February 11, 2026, Zapata, under the name Anel Zapata, was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court in New Haven of drug and firearm offenses and sentenced to 10 years of incarceration, execution suspended after three years. On February 24, 2026, Zapata was convicted in Connecticut Superior Court in Middletown of firearm possession and threatening offenses and sentenced to six years of incarceration, execution suspended after two years. Zapata was arrested after he was released from state prison today. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert A. Richardson in Hartford and was ordered detained. If convicted of the charge of unlawful reentry, Zapata faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This matter is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Oregon Man Sentenced to 17 Years for Distribution of Drugs Resulting in Death

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: Kai Packer Sold Fake Pills that Contained Fentanyl and Methamphetamine MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced that Kai Livingston Packer, 25, of Eugene, Oregon, was sentenced to 204 months in prison for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and the unlawful use of a means of identification. “This case has lessons for two groups of people,” said U.S. Attorney VerHey. “For people who use illegal drugs the lesson is that fentanyl has flooded the illegal drug market and is being added to just about everything your dealer sells. Even experienced drug users are fatally overdosing because they just don’t know they are taking this lethal drug. Don’t take that risk. The other lesson is for drug dealers: We know you are killing people by lacing your products with fentanyl. When we catch you -- and we will -- you will be shocked at how old you will be before you ever see the outside of a prison cell.” In February 2023, a young man in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan ingested pills he had ordered online and died of fentanyl poisoning. A review of that man’s phone led investigators to Kai Packer. Kai Packer operated various online storefronts that sold drugs on the Snapchat and Telegram applications. He sold pills that he claimed were oxycodone or Adderall, but when undercover law enforcement officers ordered pills, the advertised oxycodone was actually fentanyl and the alleged Adderall was methamphetamine. To distance himself from the drug dealing, Packer accepted payment via CashApp using an alias, specifically, the name of a person whose identity had been stolen. Packer engaged in this activity from his home in Oregon as well as from a previous residence in Las Vegas, Nevada. “The scourge of fentanyl has plagued communities across Michigan and taken too many of our friends and neighbors too soon,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent In Charge Jared Murphey. “HSI remains steadfast in our commitment to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations and hold offenders accountable under the law.” “Fentanyl continues to be the greatest drug threats facing our nation, claiming lives at an alarming rate. This sentence sends a clear message that those who profit from distributing this poison will be held responsible for the harm they cause.” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph O. Dixon. “The DEA and our law enforcement partners will continue working tirelessly to remove fentanyl from our streets and protect American families from its deadly impact.” “The Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office would like the community to know that we and the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Team (Tri-DENT) will follow these investigations wherever they may lead us,” said Chippewa County Sheriff Mike Bitnar. “We also thank our federal law enforcement partners for their cooperation here and express our sincere condolences to the family of the victim.” This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Michigan State Police, the Chippewa County (Michigan) Sheriff, the Tri-county Drug Enforcement Team (of the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan), the Las Vegas (Nevada) Metropolitan Police Department, and the Clackamas County (Oregon) Sheriff. The extensive law enforcement cooperation shown here comes as a result of Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. For more on the risk posed by counterfeit pills, see: https://www.dea.gov/onepill .


title: Minneapolis Man Sentenced for Aiding and Abetting Violent Carjacking

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS – On June 16, 2026, a Minneapolis man was sentenced to 90 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to aiding and abetting a violent carjacking that resulted in serious bodily injury to one of the victims, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen. According to court documents, on August 24, 2024, Havion Eddie Amaru Holmes, 24, and another male approached a parked vehicle occupied by a woman and a man in Minneapolis. The two men approached the vehicle, one on the driver’s side and the other on the passenger’s side, each armed with a handgun. Both victims were pulled from the vehicle, and the other male pointed his firearm at them. Both victims were struck with a firearm, the man in the neck and in the back, and the woman twice in the head and then in the nose. Holmes and the other man then entered the vehicle and drove away. Minutes later, law enforcement spotted the vehicle and attempted to pull it over, but Holmes and the other man fled, leading officers on a high-speed pursuit through a residential area before crashing into another car. Both men fled the scene on foot. Officers apprehended Holmes shortly afterward, discovering a tool and screwdriver on his person. The two handguns used in the carjacking were located nearby, in Holmes’ flight path the crash site which were described as the handguns used during the carjacking. This case is the result of an investigation by the Minneapolis Police Department and the FBI. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeanne Semivan is prosecuting the case.


title: Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Firearm and Narcotics Violations

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months of incarceration, to be followed by six years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal firearm and narcotics laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan imposed the sentence on Jamar Perminter, 26. According to information presented to the Court, on July 31, 2025, law enforcement executed search warrants of Perminter’s person, residence, and two vehicles, and recovered a loaded and chambered pistol, a firearm magazine, and 9mm ammunition. In addition, law enforcement recovered dozens of bricks of fentanyl/heroin, a digital scale, multiple cell phones, and approximately $84,000 in United States currency. Perminter previously had been convicted in federal court of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and heroin. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Stowe Township Police Department, McKees Rocks Police Department, and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Perminter. 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: Detroit Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug and Gun Crimes

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Torriano Arzareus Johnson, 34, of Detroit, Michigan, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine base, also known as “crack,” and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 11, 2026, Johnson was a passenger in a vehicle when it was pulled over by law enforcement officers in Huntington. As part of his guilty plea, Johnson admitted that once the vehicle stopped, he fled from the vehicle with a backpack that he threw over a fence as he ran from officers. Johnson further admitted that officers captured him and found in his pant leg approximately 29 grams of crack in a bag and $3,000 he obtained from selling drugs. Officers executed a search warrant for the backpack and found it contained a loaded Glock 43x 9mm pistol. Johnson admitted that he possessed the firearm to protect himself, the drugs, and the cash. Johnson is scheduled to be sentenced on October 13, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute crack, a mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1,250,000. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-41. ###


title: Algerian man arrested, extradited to the United States for his role in black market fraud conspiracy that targeted thousands of victims

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Abdellah Belmili, a/k/a Dila Belmili, a/k/a SPOX, 26, a citizen of Algeria, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. “This defendant thought that he could get away with defrauding thousands of victims out of hundreds of thousands of dollars by using fake names and hiding behind a keyboard to steal bank account and credit card numbers,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “This arrest makes clear that, regardless of where you operate, our law enforcement partners will find you – and when they do, you will face the full consequences of your actions.” “Cybercriminals often believe they can hide behind usernames and encrypted platforms. This arrest proves otherwise,” said Brendan Dunford, Acting Special Agent-in- Charge of the FBI Buffalo Field Office. “The FBI identified the individual behind this alleged cyber fraud scheme, followed the evidence across international borders, secured his extradition, and brought him to the United States to face justice. According to the criminal complaint, in September 2020, FBI Buffalo became aware of a nefarious online marketplace www.market0day.com , run by an administrator using the name “SPOX,” a cyber actor known for creating “phishing kits” that have been used to compromise major U.S. financial institutions. SPOX was later identified as Belmili. Between September and November 2020, Belmili advertised the marketplace and facilitated some of the customer support for the marketplace on his personal Telegram channel @SpoxCoder. Cyber actors typically open marketplaces on the internet to facilitate the anonymous selling and purchasing of illicit goods and services, operating similarly to Amazon or eBay. However, unlike legitimate websites, these websites sell illegally acquired online banking information, stolen credit card information, victim computer login information, malware tools, and other nefarious goods and services, requiring all transactions to be paid for through the use of bitcoins. In December 2020, investigators conducted controlled purchases from www.market0day.com : Investigators purchased a JP Morgan Chase phishing kit, which was successfully downloaded after purchase. Investigators successfully purchased a Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), which typically includes a mail server’s IP Address, username (email), and password, allowing the purchaser to access the user’s email messages. Investigators also purchased a Cpanel, which allows website owners to manage and publish on their websites. Compromised cpanel access would allow the purchaser to access and alter the compromised website. The cpanel was never sent to investigators. In late December 2020, after several customers complained that they had not received their purchases from www.market0day.com , Belmili replied that he was no longer the administrator, and instead had opened up a new marketplace – www.spoxy.us , advertising the new marketplace as a “new store for bulk sms.” “Bulk sms” typically refers to sending phishing or other fraudulent messages via text message. During the course of the conspiracy, Belmili is accused of defrauding multiple institutions, including American Express, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, and Wells Fargo, as well as financial institutions in the United Kingdom. Between January 2020 and January 2023, approximately $900,000 was deposited into an account controlled by Belmili. The investigation has also identified approximately 5,600 U.S. and international victims. Belmili made an initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and was detained. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles M. Kruly. The complaint is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance with securing the arrest and June 18 extradition from Spain of Belmili to the United States. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. # # # #


title: Nicaraguan national admits to forcible sexual assault of minor on cruise ship

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON - A 47-year-old man who was a fugitive for two decades has entered a guilty plea to sexual abuse of a 15-year-old female, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck. In 2003, Elias Luis Herrera worked on a cruise ship that had departed Galveston along with fellow crewman – Edgerton Phillip Medford. In the early morning hours of July 17, the victim was walking near a pool when both men grabbed her arms, forced her down and held her on a deck chair so she could not escape. The men removed their uniforms and took turns sexually assaulting her while the minor victim screamed throughout the attack. A federal grand jury returned the indictment in 2004. While on a subsequent cruise, Herrera fled from arrest in Cozumel, Mexico, and later traveled to Costa Rica. He remained a fugitive for over 20 years before his arrest in Costa Rica and subsequent extradition to the United States in October 2025. U.S. District Judge Sim Lake accepted the plea and set sentencing for Sept. 18. At that time, Herrera faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. Medford was extradited in 2007 and later pleaded guilty. He was removed to St. Vincent and the Grenadines following his sentence. FBI - Texas City Resident Agency conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Laurence Goldman and Kimberly Ann Bulger Leo prosecuted the case. U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica provided significant assistance in securing the extradition from Costa Rica with support of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. The United States extends its gratitude to the Government of Costa Rica, Office of the Attorney General of the Republic of Costa Rica’s Office of Technical Assistance and International Relations and its prosecutorial and law enforcement authorities for making the extradition possible.


title: Owasso Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempted Bank Robbery

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – JERRY RAY BROWN , 48, of Owasso, has been sentenced to serve 66 months in federal prison for attempted bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public records, on March 28, 2025, Brown entered the First National Bank in Choctaw, Oklahoma, approached a teller window, and demanded access to the bank’s vault. The employee behind the counter was an off-duty police officer working security at the bank. The officer drew his firearm and confronted Brown, who raised his hands and fled the bank. Following an investigation, Brown was arrested on April 24, 2025. On May 20, 2025, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Brown with attempted bank robbery. Brown pleaded guilty on November 4, 2025, and admitted that he intentionally attempted to take money or property from the bank by means of intimidation. At a sentencing hearing on June 18, 2026, U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Brown to serve 66 months in federal prison. In announcing the sentence, Judge DeGiusti noted that Brown’s prior 51-month federal sentence for multiple bank robberies in 2020 had not deterred him from engaging in similar conduct. Public records show Brown was convicted of two bank robberies in the Northern District of Oklahoma in Case No. 20-CR-240. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office with assistance from Oklahoma City Police Department and Choctaw Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Gridley and Drew Davis and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Laney Ellis prosecuted the case. SAUSA Ellis is an attorney with the City of Oklahoma City who is assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of a partnership to enhance federal efforts to address and reduce violent crime within Oklahoma City. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: D.C. Man Pleads Guilty to Armed Robbery of Postal Worker in Mail Theft Scheme Spanning the Region

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON — Ibrahim De La Cruz, 26, of the District, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with the armed robbery of a U.S. Postal Service maintenance worker from whom he took postal master keys that he used to steal high volumes of mail from luxury apartment buildings across the District, Northern Virginia, and Maryland, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “The armed robbery of a federal employee is an attack on the integrity of our public institutions and the safety of those who serve this community,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “After stealing USPS master keys, De La Cruz used those keys to gain unauthorized access to mailboxes throughout the region, stealing mail, packages, and financial information belonging to residents. His conduct was calculated, far‑reaching, and deeply harmful to victims whose mail he targeted. Today’s plea ensures he will be held fully accountable for the damage he inflicted on residents throughout the District and beyond.” De La Cruz, aka “Black Migo,” pleaded guilty before Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan to one count of robbery of mail, money, or other property of the United States. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. Judge Sooknanan scheduled sentencing for December 8. According to court documents, on Aug. 10, 2024, De La Cruz approached a U.S. Postal Service employee who was performing maintenance on a USPS collection box in Northwest Washington and demanded the employee’s USPS Arrow Keys. The employee complied, and De La Cruz fled with the keys. Using the stolen keys, De La Cruz carried out a series of high-volume mail thefts from residential buildings across the region. Investigators tied him to the crimes through surveillance footage, Instagram posts, and cell phone tracking. His targets included locations on the 1400 block of R Street NW; the outdoor mail area of 17 th Street NW; and mailboxes located at 2419 Ontario Road NW De La Cruz also used a credit card stolen from the mail to make purchases for his own benefit. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Army Criminal Investigation Division. The matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Akhtar. Surveillance cameras captured images of De La Cruz with stolen mail on several occasions.


title: Repeat Felon Sentenced to 140 Months for Possession of a Firearm

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Mobile man was sentenced today to 140 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents, Roderick Gerard Reed, 22, has prior felony convictions for Robbery 3rd, Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, and Attempt to Distribute a Controlled Substance. On February 5, 2025, officers with MPD observed a vehicle on Dauphin Island Parkway with illegal tint. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop and Reed fled from police exceeding 50 mph in a 25-mph zone, ultimately crashing. Fortunately, no one was injured. Reed was taken into custody, and officers located a loaded Glock firearm and one pound of marijuana inside the vehicle. A second loaded magazine was found in the center console. After the period of incarceration, Reed will have three years of supervised release, during which he will be subject to drug testing and other restrictions. U.S. Attorney Sean Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms along with the Mobile Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tandice H. Blackwood prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.


title: Jacksonville Man Sentenced to More Than 21 Years in Federal Prison for Drug and Gun Offenses

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Charles Curtis Williams (47, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jordan E. Pratt to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Williams pleaded guilty on February 27, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, Williams sold drugs, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine to an undercover detective on seven different occasions in 2025. Subsequently, Williams was stopped and apprehended by law enforcement on his way to another drug transaction. After Williams was arrested, law enforcement located bags of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl in his car. Federal agents executed a search warrant at Williams’s residence and seized a loaded firearm with an additional magazine, oxycodone pills, bags of crack cocaine and cocaine, fentanyl packaged for individual sale, and drug trafficking paraphernalia, including a ledger with drug sales information, baggies, a beaker, and scales. Due to his criminal history, Williams was classified and sentenced as an armed career criminal under federal law. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kelli Swaney.


title: Seymour Electrician Charged with Embezzling $200k from Employer

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ALBANY- Clyde Shane Hatton, 47, of Seymour Indiana, has been charged with one count of wire fraud. According to court documents, from October 2004 through February 2022, Hatton was employed in various electrician-related roles by Victim Company A, a corporation that designs, manufactures, and distributes engines and vehicle parts. As part of his employment, Hatton was issued an employee credit card for business-related expenses. Beginning in October 2020, Hatton carried out a scheme to defraud his employer by purchasing wire and other equipment with no intention of using the items for work duties. Instead, he sold the wire to a scrap yard and kept the proceeds for his personal use. Hatton concealed the scheme by submitting receipts and falsely claiming the purchases were legitimate business expenses. In total, Hatton embezzled approximately $202,173.51 from his employer and sold fraudulently obtained wire to the scrap yard 107 times. The FBI Indianapolis Field Office investigated this case. Hatton has agreed to plead guilty, and a federal district court judge will enter his change of plea at a later date. U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Wood, who is prosecuting this case. ###


title: California Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for his Role in Illegal Firearms Purchases

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

body_text: CLEVELAND – A previously convicted felon from California has been sentenced to prison for traveling about 2,500 miles across the country to convince a 67-year old woman he met through online dating to purchase assault-style pistols on his behalf. Chariece Chew, 32, of Hayward, was sentenced to 15 years in prison by U.S. District Judge J. Philip Calabrese after he was found guilty by a jury in August 2025 of the following offenses: Two Counts of Straw Purchasing of Firearms Two Counts of Felon in Possession of Firearms; previous convictions include Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine in 2019 In 2024 Chew was active on an online dating app where he met a 67-year-old woman from Ohio. After conversing through the app, he took a Greyhound bus from California to Ohio to meet with her. During his visit, he asked her to help him purchase four AK-style pistols for his purported “security company.” The woman purchased two Micro Draco 7.62 caliber pistols at a Cleveland-area firearms dealer. She later went to a second location in Parma to purchase a Micro Draco and a Mini Draco, 7.62 caliber pistols for Chew. After Chew acquired the firearms from the woman, he returned to California on a Greyhound bus. One of the firearms acquired by Chew in Ohio was later recovered in Modesto, California. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Scott Zarzycki , and Brenna Fasko for the Northern District of Ohio.


title: North Andover Man Charged with Armed Robbery of Danvers CVS Pharmacy

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A North Andover man was charged on June 17, 2026 in federal court in Boston in connection with the May 2026 armed robbery of a CVS Pharmacy in Danvers, Mass., where the defendant allegedly robbed the store of various prescription drugs at gunpoint. Gareth Francis, 45, has been charged with one count of robbery interfering with interstate commerce, commonly known as Hobbs Act robbery and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Francis is currently held in pretrial custody on state charges in Salem District Court. Francis will make his initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date. According to the charging document, on May 11, 2026, minutes before 8:00 PM, Francis allegedly entered the store wearing a ski mask and carrying a black plastic bag and a firearm and walked over to a door to the pharmacy area, which was locked. It is alleged that he turned and pointed his gun at a pharmacy technician standing at the register before climbing over the counter. Francis allegedly then made it to a back counter in the pharmacy, telling another pharmacist to “open the [narcotics] safe now or I’ll shoot you” as he pointed a gun at her. Over the next few minutes, the pharmacists retrieved various bottles and boxes of prescription drugs at Francis’s demand and placed them into his bag. It is alleged that Francis again demanded the pharmacist open the safe, telling her that she had “30 seconds” or he was “gonna shoot [her].” After a cellphone alarm was heard going off, Francis allegedly told the pharmacist that she was “lucky,” and he left the pharmacy. An officer arrived outside the store and saw Francis run out the rear entrance through which he had entered. It is alleged that the officer ordered Francis to stop, but Francis kept running as the officer chased him on foot. The officer eventually caught up to Francis, tackling him to the ground in the middle of the street, where a physical struggle ensued. While on the ground, the officer saw Francis holding a silver firearm in his hand, which he was allegedly attempting to raise toward the officer. The officer was eventually able to disarm Francis and maintain control over him until additional officers arrived to assist, at which time Francis was placed under arrest. A loaded 9mm firearm, multiple magazines of ammunition, and a bag containing the stolen drugs were recovered from the scene. According to the charging document, Francis has prior federal convictions for providing false information in connection with firearms purchases and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge of Hobbs Act robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Danvers Police Department, Massachusetts State Police and the Essex County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Potapchuk of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Tallahassee Man Indicted for Firearm Possession by a Convicted Felon

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – David B. Davis, 43, of Tallahassee, Florida, has been indicted in federal court for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charge. Davis appeared in federal court for his arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Charles A. Stampelos in Tallahassee, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. before District Court Judge Robert L. Hinkle in Tallahassee, Florida. If convicted, Davis faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment. The case is being jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: FBI Arrests Two More Men in Washington and Missouri in Connection with Planned Attack on Government Officials at White House UFC event

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Two more men have been arrested by the FBI since Friday in a fast-moving FBI investigation of a plot to attack the June 14 Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event at the White House. William Lee Spartacus Falkner was arrested midday Friday, June 19. Falkner is charged by criminal complaint in the Western District of Washington with conspiracy to commit murder. He appeared in U.S. District Court in Tacoma at 2:00 pacific time today. Jordan W. Rincker, 28, of St. Joseph, Missouri, was arrested Sunday, June 21. Rincker is charged by criminal complaint in the Western District of Missouri with conspiracy to commit murder. He appeared in U.S. District Court in Kansas City at 2:00 central time today. “Law enforcement continues to do what it does — move to disrupt and hold accountable those allegedly plotting to do harm on the White House Grounds on June 14,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Each and every day, the FBI and their federal, state and local law enforcement partners, along with U.S. Attorneys offices across the country, safeguard American communities and our nation’s security.” “These arrests are the latest result of the FBI, teaming up with our great partners, to identify and apprehend those who allegedly wanted to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event — a threat this FBI and our partners prevented,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “In just over a week we have executed a multi-state operation that could not have been possible without our Justice Department prosecutors, the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, Secret Service, and our state and local law enforcement partners to once again stop a potentially deadly plot before alleged criminals could act. This collective resolve demonstrates to anyone who threatens the lives of American citizens — this FBI and our partners will find you no matter where you hide, and you will face justice.” “These latest arrests reflect the rapid progress of our investigation into the alleged plot targeting the UFC event at the White House — an apparent attempt to destabilize the U.S. government,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security (NSD) John A. Eisenberg. “NSD will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that all individuals who sought to carry out this potential attack are identified and brought to justice.” “I commend the work of the FBI for their effective investigative work on what was clearly a plot to murder members of the federal government at the highest levels,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd for the Western District of Washington. “This was a geographically wide-ranging conspiracy, and the investigation has required round-the-clock coordination to identify and arrest those responsible. Here in the Pacific Northwest, the FBI and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office moved swiftly and carefully to ensure any threat to the public was neutralized.” “This case demonstrates the effectiveness of our law enforcement partners and U.S. Attorneys working together to prevent violence before it can take place,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price for the Western District of Missouri. “We will continue taking decisive action against those who seek to endanger national security and threaten the safety of Americans. By staying proactive, we will disrupt their operations, break apart their networks, and hold those responsible accountable under the law.” William Falkner According to the detailed complaint filed in the Western District of Washington, law enforcement first learned of the plot to attack the UFC White House event when the parents of a co-conspirator in Ohio, Tycen C. Proper, alerted police to their son’s purchase of weapons and concerning online activities. As investigators reviewed cell data and online communications, they identified a number of coconspirators including Falkner. The communications indicate that Falkner has experience with drones, both manufacturing and piloting them. In the communications, he discussed loading explosives on the drones and how to configure and fly them for maximum destructive impact. The plan apparently called for the drones to attack the event on one side to force those in attendance to try to exit from the other side of the event where they could be shot by coconspirators with sniper rifles and other weapons. Falkner and another had been discussing their “Work trip” prior to the scheduled UFC fight. After the arrests of some of the co-conspirators, Falkner and others communicated that the “work trip” was cancelled. One of those arrested in this case said the goal of the conspirators was to cause enough chaos to bring about the overthrow of the U.S. government. Conspiracy to commit murder is punishable by up to life in prison. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Wynne for the Western District of Washington is prosecuting the case, working closely with the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. Jordan Rincker In the criminal complaint filed in the Western District of Missouri, it is alleged that Rincker accepted $1,200 in cash from co-conspirator, Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, to disperse payment to other co-conspirators involved in the UFC event attack plot. The complaint alleges that with this money Rincker sent Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of Calimesa, California, $100 through CashApp, for gas to drive from California to Washington, D.C., to pick up the “drone operator” for the attack. Both Alvarez and Roa were arrested and charged last week for their involvement in the plot to kill government officials during the UFC event at the White House. Rincker allegedly communicated with co-conspirators on an encrypted messaging application. According to court documents, Rincker also gave a 12-gague pump action shotgun to Alvarez during an in-person meeting in Omaha. During this meeting, Alvarez gave Rincker a ballistic plate, face shield, 3D printer, 3D printing filament, night vision goggles, binoculars, a “wire checker,” and a minicomputer. Alvarez allegedly gave Rincker the 3D printer to make drones. The complaint also states Rincker “traded” the 12-gauge pump action shot gun with an ammunition-filled bandolier. While executing a search warrant of Rincker’s home and storage unit, investigators found: FN Reflex 9mm pistol with a magazine and loose 9mm rounds; FMK AR1 eXtreme multi-caliber rifle; A Remington 597 .22 LR caliber rifle; 3D printed Glock-style pistol with 3D-printed magazine and 3D-printed ammunition; Gas mask with cartridge; Night vision goggles; Multiple electronic devices; 3D printer (Ender brand) 3D printer and filament; 3D printed gun parts; Shield; Strike Face Level III ballistic plate; Plate carrier with plates inside; Thermal imaging scope; A mini-Mac computer; and Muzi Works off grid mesh network (a network that uses rugged, pre-built and specific devices to send secure text messages and share locations without cellular service or the internet; it relies on long-range, low-power radio frequencies, like 900MHz LoRa, to hop messages between devices, creating a decentralized communication grid owned by its users). The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen Brackett, Trey Alford, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Chlarson for the Western District of Missouri are prosecuting the case, working closely with the Department of Justice’s National Security Division. The charges contained in a complaint are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Broker and Three Traders Plead Guilty to Multi-Year Insider Trading Scheme

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, John Lowe and Richard Ringel pleaded guilty to securities fraud for their involvement in a multi-year insider trading scheme. Co-defendants David Cooper, a broker registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and Randy Grewal pleaded guilty to securities fraud on September 22, 2025 and April 30, 2026, respectively. The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Taryn A. Merkl. When sentenced, the defendants each face a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Pete Gizas, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York); and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division (USPIS), announced the guilty pleas. “For years, the defendants brazenly exploited their access to inside information to gain an unfair advantage over the investing public,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Insider trading destroys the public’s faith in the fairness and integrity of our markets. This Office is committed to protecting market integrity and rooting out bad actors, and it will continue to hold accountable those who engage in insider trading.” Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, New York Regional Office, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. “By admitting they conspired to steal confidential information from investment banks and trade ahead of multiple secondary stock offerings, these defendants have acknowledged a years-long scheme that corrupted the markets for their own gain and generated more than a million dollars in illicit profit,” stated HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Gizas. “Insider trading erodes public confidence in our financial system, harms everyday investors who play by the rules, and sends a dangerous message that the wealthy and well connected can tilt the playing field in their favor. HSI New York, through meticulous financial analysis, a range of investigative techniques, and close coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, will continue working alongside our law enforcement and regulatory partners to uncover complex financial crimes and ensure those who abuse access to sensitive information are held to account.” “These individuals used their access to confidential information not available to the trading public to devise a scheme for their financial gain, profiting from MNPI. Let me be clear, it does not matter the type of scheme, postal inspectors will remain dedicated to exposing and bringing to justice anyone utilizing the U.S. mail to further criminal activity,” stated USPIS Inspector in Charge Larco-Ward. As detailed in the indictment and other court filings, between approximately January 2018 and May 2024, the defendants conspired to obtain material non-public information (MNPI) about upcoming secondary stock offerings and to trade on that MNPI in advance of those offerings. The defendants illegally obtained MNPI from numerous sources, including through Cooper and another employee of a broker-dealer (Broker-Dealer), who had obtained MNPI from investment banks involved in and underwriting the secondary stock offerings. The MNPI included specific deal information such as the identity of the public company issuing the secondary offering; the timing of the deal; the structure of the deal; and the price at which the company would offer its stock in the upcoming offering. Employees of the Broker-Dealer breached their duty of confidentiality to their employer by improperly disclosing the MNPI to Lowe, Ringel and others with knowledge that they intended to use the information to execute short sales in advance of the public announcement of the secondary offerings. Employees of the Broker-Dealer shared the MNPI to induce their customers, including Lowe and Ringel, to commit to buy shares in the offerings so that the Broker-Dealer would receive compensation from the underwriters. Lowe, in turn, passed MNPI to Grewal. Lowe, Ringel and Grewal illegally profited more than $1 million from trading based on MNPI. Evidence obtained from judicially authorized wiretaps revealed that in connection with numerous secondary offerings between approximately January 2023 and May 2023, Cooper and another employee of the Broker-Dealer (Co-Conspirator #1) obtained MNPI from investment firms that were underwriting the secondary offerings and provided MNPI to Lowe, Ringel and others, with knowledge that Lowe, Ringel and others intended to trade securities in advance of secondary offerings based on the MNPI. Those secondary offerings included the companies Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSSE), Revelation Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: REVB) and Tivic Health Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVC). Fraudulent Trading on MNPI in the CSSE Secondary Offering On or about March 30, 2023, Cooper obtained MNPI about the timing and pricing of the CSSE offering from the sole managing underwriter for the deal and shared that information with Ringel, who traded in CSSE in advance of the offering using the information, and with Co-Conspirator #1, who gave the inside information to Lowe. Lowe traded based on the MNPI and tipped Grewal, who also traded using the MNPI. Fraudulent Trading on MNPI in the REVB Secondary Offering Between February 6, 2023 and February 8, 2023, Lowe obtained MNPI about the timing of the REVB offering from a representative of the sole underwriter on the deal and passed it to Grewal, who traded in REVB using the information. Between February 7, 2023 and February 9, 2023, Ringel traded REVB based on MNPI that Cooper received from another representative of the sole underwriter on the deal. Fraudulent Trading on MNPI in the TIVC Secondary Offering On or about February 6, 2023, Cooper called a representative of the sole managing underwriter for the TIVC offering. The next day, Co-Conspirator #1 communicated to Lowe that TIVC intended to offer shares of its stock in a secondary offering. After learning this information, Lowe traded in TIVC and passed the MNPI he received from Co-Conspirator #1 to Grewal, who then also traded in TIVC. Between February 6, 2023 and February 8, 2023, Ringel and Cooper spoke over the telephone numerous times and Cooper executed a number of short sales in TIVC. In particular, on February 8, 2023 (after Co-Conspirator shared MNPI about the TIVC deal with Lowe), Cooper spoke with Co-Conspirator #1 and then with Ringel. Approximately six minutes after Ringel and Cooper spoke, Ringel executed additional short sales in TIVC. * * * * * The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Business and Securities Fraud Section and the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica K. Weigel, Adam R. Toporovsky and Sophia M. Suarez are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Laura Mansour. Assistant United States Attorney Laura Mantell of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section is handling forfeiture matters. The Defendants : JOHN LOWE (also known as “Clams”) Age: 63 Sayville, New York RICHARD RINGEL Age: 56 Boca Raton, Florida Co-Defendants Who Previously Pleaded Guilty : DAVID COOPER Age: 40 Larchmont, New York RANDY GREWAL Age: 55 Anthem, Arizona E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 25-CR-10 (DG)


title: Mesa Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison for Fentanyl Overdose Death

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Edgar Giovany Baca-Anaya, 27, of Mesa, Arizona, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Susan M. Brnovich to 120 months in prison, followed by 96 months of supervised release. Baca-Anaya previously pleaded guilty to Distribution of Fentanyl and admitted that the distribution resulted in the death of another person. On June 23, 2019, in Mesa, Arizona, a man was found deceased in his apartment from an apparent drug overdose. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death was fentanyl toxicity. Through their investigation, law enforcement agents learned that the victim contacted Baca-Anaya through Facebook Messenger and obtained fentanyl from him shortly before overdosing. Fentanyl is a man-made opioid 50 times more potent than heroin. Just two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a potentially deadly dose. Counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, appearing nearly identical to other prescription pills, are often sold through social media or other illegitimate sources. Legitimate pharmaceutical pills cannot be bought through social media. The only safe medications are ones prescribed directly to you by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. For additional information and resources, including a Caregivers Fact Sheet, visit DEA.gov/onepill . The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Forsyth (N. Dist. Ga.), Brandon M. Brown, and William H. Bryan, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-22-01041-PHX-SMB RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-100_Baca-Anaya # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Club Miami Owner Pleads Guilty to Selling Methamphetamine and Cocaine Inside Nashville Nightclub

body_text: NASHVILLE – Rimon Salim, 38, owner and operator of Club Miami, an after-hours nightclub in Nashville, pleaded guilty today to distributing methamphetamine and cocaine from inside the club, announced United States Attorney Braden H. Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee. "Ramon Salim’s nightclub became a marketplace for methamphetamine and cocaine," said United States Attorney Braden H. Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee. "Business owners who illegally profit from the distribution of dangerous narcotics contribute to the serious problem that devastates families and communities across Tennessee. Today's guilty plea reflects our commitment to holding drug traffickers accountable, regardless of where they operate." According to court documents, Salim owned and operated Club Miami, a weekend after-hours nightclub that remained open from approximately 2 a.m. until 6 a.m. Between February and March 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation used confidential informants equipped with audio and video recording devices to document drug trafficking inside the club. "This guilty plea is the result of collaborative local, state, and federal law enforcement efforts to rid our communities of highly addictive and extremely dangerous drugs," said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. "The FBI is committed to dismantling the drug networks that threaten our neighborhoods and will continue to target and bring to justice those who engage in these crimes." On February 23, 2025, Salim sold approximately 27.69 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Laboratory testing later confirmed the methamphetamine was approximately 94 percent pure. On March 9, 2025, Salim sold approximately 55 grams of cocaine to a confidential informant, weighing the drugs on a scale inside the club's bathroom before completing the transaction. In both instances, the controlled substances were recovered by law enforcement and subsequently analyzed by the Drug Enforcement Administration laboratory, which confirmed their identity and weight. “The ATF works collaboratively with our law enforcement partners day and night to swiftly remove individuals who distribute narcotics in our streets, participate in organized crime, and show total disregard for human life in our communities,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Nashville Field Division SAC Jamey VanVliet. “The ATF’s primary mission is to combat violent crime, and we will work tirelessly with our partners to keep the communities that we serve safe.” Salim pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, one involving methamphetamine and one involving cocaine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 21, 2026. Salim faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation; the Tennessee Highway Patrol; the Tennessee Department of Revenue; and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Criminal Chief Ahmed A. Safeeullah and Assistant United States Attorney Cooper R. Byers are prosecuting the case. Charges against any co-defendant are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Contractor Sentenced for Multi-Year Half-Million Dollar Tax Fraud

body_text: BOSTON – The owner of a construction company doing business in Berkshire County was sentenced today in federal court in Springfield, Mass. for a multi-year income tax fraud scheme. Dennis Condron, 76, of Cheshire, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni to a year of probation and a $40,000 fine. Condron was also ordered to pay over $200,000 in restitution. The government recommended six months in prison. In February 2026 , Condron pleaded guilty to four counts of tax fraud. Over a three-year period, in addition to depositing customer payments to his company, D Condron Construction, Condron hid over half a million dollars in customer checks by cashing them and diverting them to his personal accounts. When Condron had his taxes prepared, he did not tell his preparer about the customer checks he was cashing and diverting – resulting in his tax returns underreporting the gross receipts of the business by hundreds of thousands of dollars. As a result, Condron kept hundreds of thousands of dollars that he should have paid in federal and state income taxes. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Caroline Merck of the Springfield Branch Office prosecuted the case.


title: Plymouth Man Convicted of PPP Fraud

body_text: BOSTON – A Plymouth man has been found guilty by a federal jury of wire fraud for submitting fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications on behalf of business entities he owned and controlled. Joseph Kerrissey III, 49, was convicted on June 18, 2026 of three counts of wire fraud relating to three fraudulent PPP loans submitted between July 2020 and April 2021. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for Sept. 16, 2026. Kerrissey was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in April 2024 and later indicted by a federal grand jury. Evidence presented at trial established that, between 2020 and 2021, Kerrissey submitted multiple fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of companies he owned and controlled. The applications falsely stated that Kerrissey had not been convicted of a felony involving fraud within the previous five years and that he was not serving a term of probation for such a conviction, when in fact he was on probation stemming from prior fraud-related felony convictions. The applications also contained false claims regarding payroll expenses and business income and were supported by fabricated tax returns. As a result of the scheme, Kerrissey obtained over $43,000 in PPP loan proceeds to which he was not entitled. Evidence further showed that after receiving the funds, Kerrissey transferred substantial portions of the money from business accounts into his personal bank account and subsequently directed much of those funds into personal brokerage and investment accounts. The fraudulent loan applications were submitted to multiple PPP lenders and caused interstate wire transmissions in furtherance of the scheme. The charges of wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. On March 26, 2026 , United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621). On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division . The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Jason Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Sullivan and Sandra Gonzalez Sanchez of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.


title: IT Group Agrees to Repay $7 Million in CARES Act Funding

component: Office of the Inspector General

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – A civil settlement was unsealed showing that a group of IT companies agreed to pay $7 million after receiving funding from the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program for which they were ineligible, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. In 2020, Congress enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, commonly known as the “CARES Act.” Qualifying businesses were authorized to obtain a forgivable disaster loan to preserve jobs in industries impacted by COVID-19. When the CARES Act was amended, applicants were allowed to seek a second round of disaster relief funding, with eligibility limited to small businesses with 300 or fewer employees. Under the Federal False Claims Act, private individuals act as qui tam, “whistleblowers,” and may bring lawsuits against entities that have committed fraud against the government. A qui tam Civil Complaint was filed by GNGH2, Inc. in December 2024, alleging that Speridian Technologies LLC, BenefitAlign, LLC, Xelleration LLC, TrueCoverage LLC, Business Advantage Consulting Inc., and Helix Business Solutions LLC (Speridian Group) violated the False Claims Act. The principal locations for the businesses are Washington, New Mexico, California, and Tennessee. Court documents show that the Speridian Group allegedly employed more than 300 people and provides various IT and internet-based services globally. The Speridian Group companies each sought a second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans under the CARES Act in 2021 and 2022. Collectively, the companies within Speridian Group received $4,896,758.73 in loans processed by BOK Financial, located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After receiving the funds, they applied for and received forgiveness for each loan. In the Settlement Agreement, the Speridian Group admitted that they were members of a single corporate group for purposes of determining PPP loan eligibility and exceeded the 300-employee threshold. As a result, they received a second PPP loan that was forgiven, even though they were not eligible. To resolve the civil claims against it, the Speridian Group agreed to pay the United States $7,000,000, of which $5,101,881.63 is restitution. After the restitution is paid to the Small Business Administration, the United States will pay GNGH2, Inc. $700,000 as its statutory share under the False Claims Act for bringing the suit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Cooper represented the Northern District of Oklahoma, and the Small Business Administration’s Office of General Counsel assisted in the litigation of this case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud .


title: Randolph Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and  Firearm Crimes

body_text: BOSTON – A Randolph man pleaded guilty on June 15, 2026 in federal court in Boston to cocaine trafficking and firearm charges, following a series of arrests targeting gangs in the Brockton and Randolph areas. London Cohen, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy scheduled sentencing for Sept. 29, 2026. Cohen was charged in February 2026 along with seven co-conspirators. Cohen was arrested on Dec. 17, 2025, after authorities executed search warrants at numerous residences and stash houses associated with the Brockton-based Harvard Street Gang and their Randolph-based affiliates. During a search of Cohen’s residence three handguns and ammunition were located in a bathroom trash can. Elsewhere in Cohen’s residence, controlled substances including cocaine, fentanyl, MDMA and marijuana were recovered. In the basement living room, there were various items commonly used in large-scale drug trafficking, such as a kilogram press device, a respirator mask, digital scales, plastic bags and bottles of cutting powder. The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, supervised release for at least three years and a fine of up to $1 million. The charge of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to life in prison, consecutive to any other term of imprisonment, supervised release for up to five years and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, Boston Division; the Abington, Acushnet, Ashland, Boston, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Chelsea, East Bridgewater, Medford, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Stoughton, Taunton and West Bridgewater Police Departments; Plymouth and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Departments; Massachusetts Department of Correction; and the Plymouth, Norfolk and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Cutshall and Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.


title: Previously Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Continuing to Commit Child Sexual Abuse Offenses

body_text: TOLEDO, Ohio – A previously convicted sex offender from Williams County was sentenced to federal prison for committing offenses that involved sexual abuse of children while he was out on parole for a separate offense. James McGregor, 39, of Montpelier, Ohio, was sentenced to 240 months (20 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey J. Helmick, after pleading guilty in February to Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography, or Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM). He was also ordered to serve 20 years of supervised release after imprisonment. After imprisonment, he is required to register as a sex offender. According to the indictment, from about January through December 2024, McGregor knowingly received and distributed visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. During the investigation, agents seized two cellphones which were found to contain CSAM. This investigation was led by the FBI Toledo Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Sara Al-Sorghali for the Northern District Ohio led the prosecution. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country and 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, visit justice.gov/PSC . To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org , or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


title: Boston Gang Member Sentenced to Over Seven Years in Prison for Illegal Possession of Firearms and Ammunition

body_text: BOSTON – A self-admitted member of the Bailey Street gang in Boston was sentenced today in deferral court in Boston for illegal possession of five firearms and ammunition. Kenneth Bigby-Williams, 30, of Hyde Park, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to 90 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In March 2026 , Bigby-Williams pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Bigby-Williams was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025. On Aug. 7, 2025, five firearms, approximately 73 rounds of various caliber ammunition, along with numerous high-capacity magazines and other firearms accessories were seized during a series of search warrants. Due to a prior conviction in 2019 for possession of a firearm without a permit in Suffolk Superior Court, Bigby-Williams is prohibited from possessing firearms. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Dawley of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: Second Missouri Man Charged in Plot to Kill Government Officials During Ultimate Fighting Championship White House Event

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A St. Joseph, Mo., man was charged in an alleged plot to attack and kill government officials and others attending the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event held at the White House on June 14, 2026. Jordan Rincker, 28, was charged in a one-count criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit murder. He made his first appearance in federal court today after his arrest on June 21, 2026. “This case demonstrates the effectiveness of our law enforcement partners and U.S. Attorneys working together to prevent violence before it can take place,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price for the Western District of Missouri. “We will continue taking decisive action against those who seek to endanger national security and threaten the safety of Americans. By staying proactive, we will disrupt their operations, break apart their networks, and hold those responsible accountable under the law.” According to the complaint, Rincker accepted $1,200 in cash from co-conspirator, Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Neb., to disperse payment to other co-conspirators involved in the UFC event attack plot. The complaint alleges that with this money Rincker sent Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of Calimesa, Calif., $100 through CashApp, for gas to drive from California to Washington, D.C. to pick up the “drone operator” for the attack. Both Alvarez and Roa were arrested and charged last week for their involvement in the plot to kill government officials during the UFC event at the White House. Rincker allegedly communicated with co-conspirators on an encrypted messaging application. According to court documents, Rincker also gave a 12-gague pump action shotgun to Alvarez during an in-person meeting in Omaha. During this meeting, Alvarez gave Rincker a ballistic plate, face shield, 3D printer, 3D printing filament, night vision goggles, binoculars, a “wire checker,” and a minicomputer. Alvarez allegedly gave Rincker the 3D printer to make drones. The complaint also states Rincker “traded” the 12-gauge pump action shot gun with an ammunition-filled bandolier. While executing a search warrant of Rincker’s home and storage unit, investigators found: FN Reflex 9mm pistol with a magazine and loose 9mm rounds FMK AR1 eXtreme multi-caliber rifle A Remington 597 .22 LR caliber rifle 3D printed Glock-style pistol with 3D-printed magazine and 3D-printed ammunition Gas mask with cartridge Night vision goggles Multiple electronic devices 3D printer (Ender brand) 3D printer (Creality brand) 3D filament 3D printed gun parts Shield Strike Face Level III ballistic plate Plate carrier with plates inside Thermal imaging scope Muzi Works off grid mesh network A mini-Mac computer The charges contained in this complaint or any others are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen Brackett, Trey Alford, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Chlarson. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Activity in the U.S. Attorney's Office

body_text: Assault Kevin Jacob Dupri Eagle , 27, of Fort Washakie, Wyoming, was sentenced to 23 months’ imprisonment with four years of supervised release to follow for assault by strangulation. According to court documents, the Wind River Police Department was called to the defendant’s house on Dec. 10, 2025, for a reported domestic assault. When they arrived, the victim stated that Eagle had struck them with closed fists and choked them to the point of unconsciousness. The victim was treated for injuries at the hospital. The defendant admitted to drinking earlier in the day and getting into an argument that resulted in him choking the victim. The Wind River Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kerry J. Jacobson prosecuted the case. Eagle was indicted on Jan. 13 and pleaded guilty on March 24. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence on June 12 in Cheyenne. Case No. 26-00007 Firearm Offenses David Leroy Young , 67, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 46 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. This sentence was imposed consecutively to a seven-month sentence for a supervised release violation. According to court documents, on Dec. 15, 2025, Casper police pulled the defendant over for a traffic violation. Officers learned Young had an outstanding warrant. During a subsequent search, officers seized $846 in cash, 13.8 grams of methamphetamine and a Glock 9 mm handgun and ammunition. Young has prior felony convictions, including a federal conviction for felon in possession of a firearm which prohibits him from possessing a firearm. The Casper Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Naiman prosecuted the case. Young waived indictment and pleaded guilty on March 13. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on June 11 in Cheyenne. Case No. 26-CR-00022


title: Queens Jewelry Store Owner Sentenced to Prison for Fencing Jewelry Stolen from Mall Stores and Kiosks Across the U.S.

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that SALIM SAKAL, 55, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 24 months of imprisonment and three years of supervised release for buying and selling jewelry stolen from mall-based stores and kiosks across the country. According to court documents and statements made in court, between May 2023 and April 2024, an organized jewelry theft ring of Colombian nationals burglarized jewelry stores and kiosks in malls in Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, and Virginia. The total losses from the burglaries exceed $4.4 million. Members of the conspiracy also cased additional jewelry stores and kiosks in Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Delaware. Sakal was the co-owner of Ramoun Jewelry, located in Corona, New York, which sold jewelry and gold to retail customers. The business also purchased jewelry and gold from third parties. Sakal conspired with members of the organized jewelry theft ring to receive, store, and sell jewelry stolen from seven burglaries between August 2023 and April 2024. Sakal paid his co-conspirators cash for the stolen merchandise for a fraction of the actual retail amount, and then sold it to others, including those he knew would melt down the gold. Ramoun did not have a valid second-hand dealer license required under the laws and regulations of New York City, and he did not maintain required records, including the identifying information of the sellers, a description of the items purchased, and the date and time of the purchase. To date, none of the stolen jewelry has been recovered by law enforcement. Judge Dooley ordered Sakal to pay restitution of $2,471,457, jointly and severally with others convicted in this case. On January 27, 2026, Sakal pleaded guilty to conspiracy to sell and receive stolen goods. Sakal, who is released on a $1 million bond, is required to report to prison on October 5. This investigation has been conducted by the FBI New Haven’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force with the assistance of the Milford (Conn.) Police Department, the Hamilton Township (N.J.) Police Division, the Delaware State Police, the Henrico County (Va.) Police Division, the New York State Police, the New York Police Department, the Pensacola (Fla.) Police Department, the Paterson (N.J.) Police Department, the Mentor (Ohio) Police Department, the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Police Department, the Greece (N.Y.) Police Department, and the Lombard (Ill.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David T. Huang. U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, and FBI Field Offices in New York, Dallas, Miami, and Tampa for their assistance. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement toward identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.


title: Former NYPD Officer Sentenced To 90 Months In Prison For Bribery, Narcotics, And Firearms Offenses

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that ANDREW NGUYEN, a former officer in the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), was sentenced to 90 months in prison for conspiring to solicit and receive bribes, conspiring to distribute narcotics, and possessing a firearm in connection with the conspiracy to distribute narcotics, in connection with his role as an NYPD officer. NGUYEN previously pled guilty on January 29, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres, who imposed today’s sentence. “Andrew Nguyen repeatedly abused his position of public trust by soliciting and accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribe payments,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “In exchange, he helped the leader of a drug trafficking organization, including by transporting kilograms of dangerous drugs, providing armed protection, and using an NYPD police car and equipment to conduct and document a fake car stop and seizure. In short, Nguyen endangered the very community that he swore an oath to protect. The greatest police department in the world does not accept corruption in its ranks, and this Office was proud to partner with them to root it out. Today’s sentencing sends a message from the NYPD and the DOJ: corruption has no place in the world’s greatest police force.” According to the Indictment, plea agreement, and statements made in court: For approximately three years, between at least in or about 2020 and at least in or about November 2023, NGUYEN used his position as a police officer in the NYPD to solicit and accept tens of thousands of dollars in bribe payments in exchange for assisting another individual (“CC-1”) with the operation of CC-1’s drug trafficking enterprise. For example, NGUYEN transported drugs, including approximately eight kilograms of cocaine, for CC-1 while NGUYEN was armed with a firearm, including NGUYEN’s NYPD-authorized off-duty firearm, which NGUYEN planned to use to protect CC-1 if violence occurred. While transporting those drugs, NGUYEN also carried his NYPD credentials and an NYPD parking placard, which NGUYEN planned to use to evade arrest in the event he was pulled over by other members of the NYPD. Overall, NGUYEN, who was at all relevant times an officer in the NYPD, accepted more than $30,000 in bribe payments from CC-1 (and solicited tens of thousands of dollars in additional bribes) in connection with NGUYEN’s participation in CC-1’s drug trafficking enterprise. * * * In addition to his prison term, NGUYEN, 41, of Harriman, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the NYPD’s Internal Affairs Bureau. The case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit and Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. King and Jonathan E. Rebold are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Huntington Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Role in Huntington-Area Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Geon Lavell Henderson, also known as “Money,” 53, of Huntington, was sentenced today to 12 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl. Henderson admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Huntington area. According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 9, 2025, Henderson sold approximately 110 grams of methamphetamine and 1.9 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in Huntington in exchange for $800. As part of his guilty plea, Henderson admitted that he conducted the transaction, that he arranged it beforehand, and that it took place at his residence. Henderson further admitted to arranging the sale of approximately 111 grams of methamphetamine for $900 and of approximately 55 grams of methamphetamine for $400 on April 17, 2025. Another individual sold the methamphetamine during both transactions, each time to a confidential informant at a residence in Huntington. Henderson is among 10 defendants indicted on charges alleging they participated in the DTO while it operated from in or about January 2025 to in or about August 2025. Five defendants pleaded guilty, including Henderson. The indictment against the other defendants remains pending. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Cabell County Sheriff's Office, the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, and the Huntington Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorneys Courtney L. Finney and Joseph F. Adams prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-154. ###


title: U.S.–Israeli Citizen Extradited from Norway Is Arraigned in Orlando on Indictment Alleging Threats to Jewish Community Institutions

body_text: Orlando, FL — Michael Ron David Kadar, 27, a dual citizen of the United States and Israel, was arraigned today on an indictment from the Middle District of Florida charging him with hate crimes and obstruction of the free exercise of religion committed against Jewish institutions throughout Florida, including schools and community centers. In addition, Kadar faces charges in the District of Columbia for threats made against the Israeli Embassy and the Anti-Defamation League Washington, D.C. offices and in the Middle District of Georgia for cyberstalking and conveying false information to police dispatch regarding an alleged hostage situation at a residence in Athens, Georgia. “Targeting individuals, groups, or institutions for their religious beliefs is contradictory to the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and against the law,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “The crimes alleged in this indictment caused undue trepidation and threats of harm to the Jewish community in our district and will not be tolerated.” “The alleged crimes stand out for their cruelty and for the harm they caused to the Jewish community,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “When technology is exploited to terrorize houses of worship and community centers, it is an attack on religious liberty and public safety. We will never lose sight of the families, staff, and first responders who were forced to live with these threats.” “The FBI takes all threats seriously and will always utilize the full extent of our resources to restore safety and security,” said Special Agent in Charge Rodney E. Crawford of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “This indictment demonstrates that commitment and our promise to work together with our partners to protect the civil rights of all Americans.” An investigation into numerous threats made to individuals and organizations in the United States led to the identification and arrest of Kadar in Ashkelon, Israel, and the instant indictment. The indictment from the Middle District of Florida charges that in early 2017, Kadar made multiple calls relaying bomb and active shooter threats to numerous Jewish Community Centers throughout Florida, including to preschool programs operated at those facilities. Additionally, the indictment charges Kadar with attempting to obstruct the free exercise of religion at the Jewish Community Centers when he made those threats. Many of the calls resulted in the temporary closure and evacuation or lockdown of the targeted facilities and required law enforcement and emergency personnel to respond to and clear the area, although no actual explosives were found. Kadar arrived in the United States on June 18 following extradition from Norway, where he had been detained at the request of the United States. He traveled to Norway after serving a sentence in Israel for related conduct. The hate crime charges each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, the bomb threats charges each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and the interstate threats charges carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison. If convicted, Kadar could also be subject to court-ordered restitution. This case was investigated by the FBI Tampa Field Office, FBI Washington Field Office, and FBI Atlanta Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kara M. Wick and Diane Hu for the Middle District of Florida, Trial Attorney Jared Hosid of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach for the Middle District of Georgia and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erik Kenerson for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the cases with assistance from the Criminal Section of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in this case. The Department of Justice also acknowledges and appreciates the assistance of Norwegian authorities. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.