title: Serial Cyberstalker Who Terrorized Women for 16 Years Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Plymouth, Mass. man has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for cyberstalking more than a dozen Massachusetts women over a 16-year period. Beginning as early as 2008 and continuing into 2024, the defendant engaged in elaborate online harassment campaigns that targeted and tormented women he knew personally – including two who were minors when the conduct began. Among other things, the defendant hacked into victims’ personal accounts and used over 60 accounts across nearly 30 platforms to relentlessly impersonate, intimidate and abuse them – sharing thousands of fake sexually explicit images of the victims along with their personal information and urging others to contact, shame and sextort them. James Florence Jr., 37, was sentenced on July 23, 2025, by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns to nine years in prison and 10 years of supervised release. In April 2025 , Florence pleaded guilty to seven counts of cyberstalking and one count of possession of child pornography. Florence was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in September 2024 and has remained in custody since. “This was not internet trolling. It was psychological torture – sustained, targeted, and deeply personal. For 16 years, this defendant tormented more than a dozen women who considered him a friend, a loved one or an ally and, at the stroke of a key, inflicted lasting harm that changed the way many of these women move through the world. And he did it all while hiding, cowardly, behind a keyboard. Now, he’ll face the consequences of that cruelty behind bars for the better part of the next decade,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “The courage of the victims in this case is extraordinary and it’s their strength that made justice possible here. Our office will continue to do everything in our power to unmask and hold predators like this accountable.” “James Florence Jr. is a serial cyber stalker who led a double life, weaponizing modern technology to debase, destroy and traumatize more than a dozen women, many of whom were family and close friends, for over a decade. What he did was sickening, demented, and cruel, and he’ll now pay for it with his freedom,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Cyberstalking is a serious crime, and you can be sure the FBI will work to unmask and bring to justice anyone who uses today’s technology in such a despicable way.” According to court filings , Florence targeted women he knew personally as well as acquaintances – stealing photos from their online accounts and digitally altering the images to make the victims appear nude or engaged in sexual acts. Florence would then post the doctored images publicly alongside the victims’ names, home addresses and other identifying details. For nearly all seven victims, Florence’s cyberstalking campaigns included: Creating “imposter” social media accounts designed to appear as if they were operated by the victims themselves; Posting sexually explicit, AI-generated or photoshopped images of victims, often tagging the victims’ real accounts to maximize exposure; Publishing victims’ personal information, including driver’s license photos, home addresses and professional affiliations, with messages urging others to humiliate and expose them; Using hacked and compromised personal accounts to surveil victims and gain access to additional private content; Attempting to sell doctored nude images of one victim online; and Setting up notifications to monitor any changes to victims’ online biographies. Florence often prompted strangers to contact the victims directly – with some unknown senders demanding that the victims produce real sexually explicit content under threat of distributing the doctored images to friends, family and professional contacts. For one of the victims, Florence used the name, image and other personal identifying information to program at least three AI-driven chatbots to interact with strangers across multiple platforms in sexually explicit conversations and disclose how to contact or find the victim. For another victim, he created a false online persona describing her sexual preferences, fabricated stories about sex toys and equipment in her home and posted her home address inviting strangers to contact her for sex. Florence also designed a collage of digitally altered images depicting one victim nude, which he posted to a website alongside her full personal information, encouraging viewers to “Post & Share Her Everywhere. Make The Whore Famous.” Many of Florence’s victims continue to receive harassing and threatening messages from unknown individuals who encountered the content he created and distributed online. Additionally, the following items were uncovered during a search of Florence’s residence in Plymouth in September 2024: Dozens of pairs of women’s underwear and socks stolen from his victims; A custom phone case featuring the image of one of the victims; At least 11 digital wallpapers of his victims stored on his phone; At least one photo of a victim taken when she was a minor; and 62 images and four videos of child sexual abuse material, depicting minor female victims between the ages of approximately eight and 15 years old. Florence used his expertise to employ several techniques to hide his online identity and criminal activities. According to court filings, Florence was an Information Technology professional who had worked for 10 years at MIT Lincoln Laboratory and had a DoD “Secret” clearance. With this knowledge, he employed a variety of tactics to evade law enforcement – via VPN services, anonymous overseas “revenge porn” websites and encrypted foreign email providers that do not respond to U.S. legal process or retain identifying records. If you or someone you know is a victim of cyberstalking, please visit: Office for Victims of Crime | What can I do if I am a victim of stalking? U.S. Attorney Foley and FBI SAC Docks made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Norfolk and Plymouth Police Departments and the Plymouth Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator and a member of the Major Crimes Unit, is prosecuting the case.


title: Honduran National Sentenced to 24 Months for Illegal Re-Entry of Removed Alien; Sentence Enhanced Due to Prior Felony Conviction

component: USAO - Louisiana, Eastern

body_text: NEW ORLEANS , LOUISIANA – CESAR A. LOBO-RAMOS (“ , LOBO-RAMOS”) age 38, a native of Honduras, was sentenced on July 22, 2025, for illegal re-entry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a), announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson. U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long sentenced him to 24 months in federal prison. According to court documents, LOBO-RAMOS re-entered the United States after being previously deported on April 10, 2018. LOBO-RAMOS came to the attention of Immigration and Customs Enforcement after he was arrested by the Kenner Police Department on November 2, 2023 for resisting arrest and obstruction of police. He faced an enhanced statutory maximum sentence of 20 years due to a Sexual Battery conviction in Jefferson Parish in 2010. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Carter K.D. Guice, Jr. of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Two New Orleans Men Plead Guilty to Multiple Drug and Gun Offenses

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that HENRY MITCHELL (“MITCHELL”) , age 35, and JAYLAN WASHINGTON (“WASHINGTON”) , age 30, both residents of New Orleans, were sentenced on July 22, 2025, by United States District Judge Greg G. Guidry pursuant to their pleas of guilty to federal drug and gun charges. Listed below are the charges to which each Defendant pled guilty, and the sentence received: CHARGE DEFENDANT SENTENCE Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute marihuana, Fentanyl, tapentadol and tramadol (21 U.S.C. § 846) MITCHELL 151 months, 3 years of supervised release Possession With Intent to Distribute marihuana, Fentanyl, tapentadol and tramadol (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) & (b)(1)(C)) MITCHELL 151 months, 3 years of supervised release Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) MITCHELL 151 months, 3 years of supervised release Possession of a Machine Gun (18 U.S.C. § Section 922(o)) MITCHELL 120 months, 3 years of supervised release Possession of a Machine Gun (18 U.S.C. § 922(o)) MITCHELL 120 months, 3 years of supervised release Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute marihuana, Fentanyl, tapentadol and tramadol (21 U.S.C. § 846) WASHINGTON 120 months, 3 years of supervised release Possession with Intent to Distribute marihuana, and tapentadol (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C) WASHINGTON 120 months, 3 years of supervised release Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)) WASHINGTON 120 months, 3 years of supervised release Possession of a Machine Gun (18 U.S.C. § 922(o)) WASHINGTON 120 months, 3 years of supervised release All sentences were ordered to run concurrently with each other. Judge Guidry also ordered MITCHELL to pay $500.00 in mandatory special assessment fees and ordered WASHINGTON to pay $400 in mandatory special assessment fees. Court documents reflect that MITCHELL and WASHINGTON were openly selling various controlled substance in the Plum Orchard Neighborhood of New Orleans. Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crime Task Force Officers (TFO) observed this activity after receiving multiple citizen complaints. The TFOs notified New Orleans Police Department Officers who surrounded the area and arrested MITCHELL and WASHINGTON. A search of their vehicles revealed both controlled substances and firearms. Officers also recovered “Glock switches” that convert semiautomatic weapons into fully automatic ones. These switches are considered machineguns under federal law. Additionally, both MITCHELL and WASHINGTON have several prior felony convictions including ones for violation of drug and firearm laws. 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. The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crime Task Force, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Miller of the Narcotics Unit is assigned the prosecution.


title: Former Commissioner of Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation and Co-Conspirator Convicted in Bribery Scheme

component: USAO - Virgin Islands

body_text: St. Thomas, USVI — Acting U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced today that former Commissioner of Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation Calvert White, 49, of St. Thomas, and Benjamin Hendricks, 62, also of St. Thomas, were convicted of Honest Services Wire Fraud and Federal Programs Bribery following a four day jury trial. “No one is above the law,” said Acting United States Attorney Adam Sleeper. “Today’s convictions show that even high-ranking government officials will be held accountable for engaging in criminal misconduct. Our community deserves better.” “Public corruption erodes the very fabric of our society. The community deserves honesty and integrity from public officials,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Devin Kowalski. “The FBI follows the facts no matter where they lead. Our mission is simple but powerful: to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution of the United States. Every person in the Virgin Islands is included in that promise. I want to thank our dedicated FBI agents and personnel here in the Virgin Islands who worked relentlessly on this investigation as well as our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office and the Public Integrity Section. We encourage anyone with information on federal crimes to contact us at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at Tips.FBI.Gov. Tipsters may remain anonymous.” According to evidence admitted at trial, White solicited and accepted a bribe from a then-government contractor, David Whitaker, through Hendricks, who acted as an intermediary. The scheme began in at least December 2023 and continued until the defendants were approached in June 2024. In exchange for the bribe paid by Whitaker, White agreed to assist Whitaker in obtaining a contract budgeted for $1.6 million with SP&R. White, amongst other acts, provided confidential bid information to Whitaker and took official action to encourage the awarding of the contract to Whitaker. Hendricks served as a middleman for the payments and facilitated the bribery scheme. The offense of Honest Services Wire Fraud carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and the offense of Federal Programs Bribery carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI San Juan Field Office, St. Thomas Resident Agency investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Alexandre Dempsey and Lina Peng of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Conley for the District of the Virgin Islands are prosecuting the case.


title: Jury Convicts Chicago Woman of Straw Purchasing and False Statements During Purchase of Firearm

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A woman who purchased several firearms for prohibited persons was convicted by a jury yesterday after a 4-day trial in federal court in Sioux City. Cedrinique Coleman, 32, from Chicago, Illinois, was convicted of four counts of false statement and representation during a firearm purchase and two counts of purchasing a firearm for another for prohibited purposes commonly known as “straw purchasing;” she was acquitted of two counts of false statement and representation during a firearm purchase. The verdict was returned following about four hours of jury deliberations. The evidence at trial showed that between April 2020, and July 2023, Coleman purchased seven firearms. Ms. Coleman came to the attention of law enforcement when the firearms began showing up at crime scenes both in Iowa, and out of state. Two Glock 19 handguns were converted to machineguns: one recovered in possession of a prohibited person in Chicago, the other was used in the shooting of a police officer in Minneapolis. A Glock 22 handgun was reported stolen by Coleman. Evidence at trial showed that this is a common tactic used in straw purchasing cases to distance the purchaser from the gun in case it is ever tied to a crime. The other handgun was found in possession of Coleman’s boyfriend on February 21, 2024, when law enforcement executed a search warrant at Coleman’s apartment. Coleman’s boyfriend is prohibited from possessing firearms because he is an illegal drug user and domestic abuser. Coleman was aware of his prohibition because she was the victim of his domestic abuse conviction stemming from 2020. Coleman’s boyfriend was also out on bond for an indictment for attempted murder out of Blackhawk County. Despite this, Coleman continued to purchase firearms for her boyfriend. Photos and text messages recovered from Coleman’s cell phone showed she was in communication with her boyfriend before and during the purchase of several of the firearms. Evidence showed Coleman bought the guns at the request or demand of her boyfriend. 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. Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Coleman remains free on bond previously set pending sentencing. Coleman faces a possible maximum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and not more than three years of supervised release following any imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Iowa Division of Narcotic Enforcement, Cedar Rapids Police Department, and Mason City Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin C. Fletcher and Kraig R. Hamit. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 24-3038. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than Five Years on Gun Charge

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

body_text: BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A convicted felon has been sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm equipped with a machinegun conversion device, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona. U.S. District Court Judge R. David Proctor sentenced Jua’Ques Antonio Mitchell, 28, of Birmingham, to 70 months in prison. In April, Mitchell pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to the plea agreement, while conducting routine patrol on May 17, 2024, officers with the Birmingham Police Department observed several individuals sitting on top of a vehicle openly rolling what appeared to be a marijuana blunt. Mitchell was in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. During the encounter, officers recovered a Glock 23 .40 caliber pistol equipped with a machine gun-conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock switch,” and a loaded Glock magazine. The firearm had been reported stolen in Bessemer, Alabama on October 15, 2023. Mitchell was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant for a probation violation related to a 2021 attempted murder conviction in Jefferson County, Alabama. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin A. Keown, Sr. prosecuted the case.


title: Sallisaw High School Coach Pleads Guilty To Receiving Child Sexual Exploitation Material

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Joshua Lee Bolin, age 26, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to a Superseding Indictment of one count of Receipt of Certain Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, punishable by five to twenty years in prison and a $250,000.00 fine. The Superseding Indictment alleged that beginning in January 2024 and continuing until June 28, 2024, Bolin received visual depictions of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The charge arose from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sallisaw Police Department. The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Bolin was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessie K. Pippin and Emily Wittlinger represented the United States.


title: Mobile Woman Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Tax Fraud

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – Carrie Mae Jones of Mobile, Alabama, was sentenced to serve two years in federal prison for filing fraudulent tax returns. According to court documents, Jones operated Agee’s Outreach Tax Service and Royalty Queen Tax Service in Mobile where she acted as a “ghost preparer” of at least 34 false or fraudulent tax returns between 2019 and 2022. Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced Jones to two years’ imprisonment and ordered her to pay $419,452 in restitution. At the conclusion of her sentence, Jones will serve one year of supervised release. “Carrie Jones represents many of the unethical tax preparers we advise filers to avoid by doing research on the business before using their services,” said Demetrius Hardeman, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office. “Not signing tax returns is just one of several indicators that someone is dealing with a ghost preparer. The sentencing of Jones sends a message that unethical return preparers will be held accountable for their criminal activity.” U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kasee Heisterhagen prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.


title: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: FORT WAYNE – Yesterday, Tracy Nicholson, Jr., 22 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after pleading guilty to distributing fentanyl, announced Acting United States Attorney M. Scott Proctor. Nicholson was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release. According to documents in the case, Nicholson distributed more than 40 grams of fentanyl in July of 2024. He coordinated the delivery of about 500 fentanyl pills to law enforcement. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Allen County Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Teresa Ashcraft.


title: California Man Sentenced to Nearly 22 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiring to Distribute Fentanyl and Methamphetamine in the Sioux Falls Area

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a man from Lancaster, California, who had been convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, including methamphetamine and fentanyl. The sentencing took place on July 21, 2025. Clarence Williams, a/k/a “CJ,” 34, was sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Williams was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances by a federal grand jury in September 2024. He pleaded guilty on March 5, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine. Williams is from Lancaster, California, and came to Sioux Falls to sell methamphetamine and fentanyl. Williams sourced the drugs from California, and worked with others from California and South Dakota to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Sioux Falls area using vehicles and the postal system. Throughout the investigation, law enforcement seized approximately 2 kilograms of fentanyl pills/powder through intercepted parcels and search warrants at a residence in Sioux Falls. The group also trafficked multiple pounds of methamphetamine. Throuhgout his involvement in the conspiracy, Williams also possessed firearms, three of which were seized by law enforcement during the investigation. In total, the group trafficked approximately 3 kilograms of fentanyl in pill and powder form and over 20 pounds of methamphetamine. “This case is yet another example of the tremendous collaboration taking place between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug trafficking organizations in South Dakota,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. “Williams will rightfully spend the next two decades of his life in federal prison for callously exploiting drug addictions for his own financial gain.” “Those attempting to harm members of our South Dakota communities by pushing poisons like fentanyl and methamphetamine should take note of this sentencing,” Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Omaha Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Rafael Mattei said. “Our agents leave no stone unturned as they work to locate and arrest the drug trafficking criminals who look to profit by inflicting pain and suffering on others. These attempts won’t fly in South Dakota. You will be brought to justice and you will serve time.” This case was investigated by the DEA, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case. Williams was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Furniture Manufacturer Grosfillex, Inc. Agrees to Pay $4.9 Million to Resolve Allegations That It Evaded Customs Duties on Imports From China

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced today that Grosfillex, Inc., a French company that manufactures and imports outdoor furniture, and whose North American headquarters is in Robesonia, Berks County, Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay $4.9 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and other statutes by evading antidumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) on items made of extruded aluminum originating from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The U.S. Department of Commerce assesses, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects, antidumping and countervailing duties to level the playing field for domestic producers. Antidumping duties protect against foreign companies “dumping” products on U.S. markets at prices below cost, while countervailing duties offset foreign government subsidies. The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Grosfillex knowingly submitted, and caused to be submitted, false customs forms to CBP claiming that certain furniture parts made of extruded aluminum were not subject to AD/CVD. For a subset of such parts, the United States alleged that Grosfillex attempted to camouflage the aluminum extrusions by packaging the parts as sham furniture “kits.” In addition, for a different subset of such parts, Grosfillex knowingly failed to correct customs forms it had submitted previously, even after learning that the forms falsely stated to CBP that certain extruded aluminum parts were not subject to AD/CVD. “This settlement should serve as a warning that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania will use every tool available to combat fraud in international trade,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “We will pursue those who seek an unfair advantage in U.S. markets by attempting to evade paying the customs, duties, or tariffs on foreign imports meant to level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers.” “The investigation into Grosfillex, Inc. highlights our relentless dedication to enforcing our nation’s trade laws and protecting the integrity of our economy. By uncovering and dismantling intricate schemes to defraud the government, we ensure that all businesses operate on a fair and level playing field,” said Edward V. Owens, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia. “The successful settlement of this case is a testament to the outstanding collaboration between HSI, CBP and the U.S. Department of Justice. We remain vigilant in our efforts to identify and hold accountable those who attempt to exploit our trade system for their benefit.” The settlement also resolves a lawsuit originally brought by Edward Wisner, a former Grosfillex employee, filed under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The civil lawsuit was filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and is captioned United States ex rel. Wisner v. Grosfillex, Inc. , No. 20-cv-511. As part of the resolution, Mr. Wisner will receive approximately $963,000. He is represented in this matter by attorney David J. Caputo of Youman & Caputo LLC in Philadelphia. The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, with investigative assistance from CBP and HSI. The matter is being handled in the U.S. Attorney’s Office by Assistant United States Attorney Mark J. Sherer. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Coventry Man Admits to Exploitation and Child Pornography Charges

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Coventry man has admitted that, while on pre-trial release on a child pornography charge, he exploited a minor while producing and distributing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Scott P. Hickey, 46, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to charges of possession and access with intent to view child pornography, exploitation of a minor, distribution of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. According to information presented to the court, in June 2019, Hickey was charged by way of indictment with possession and access with intent to view child pornography after law enforcement discovered 164 images of CSAM on his cellphone. In 2023, while awaiting trial in that matter, Hickey exploited a minor female multiple times while live streaming and/or recording sexually explicit activity. Hickey was arrested on July 27, 2023. A forensic audit of his cellphone revealed at least 572 images of CSAM. Hickey is scheduled to be sentenced on October 23, 2025. The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr. The matters were investigated by FBI agents assigned to field offices in Providence, RI, and Washington, DC. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc To report suspected online child sexual exploitation and/or abuse, call the Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or visit the NCMEC CyberTipline® at https://report.cybertip.org/ ###


title: Guatemalan National Admits to Illegal Reentry Into The United States

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Guatemalan national deported from the United States in November 2024 has pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States six months after his deportation, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Rigoberto Cano Perez, 28, was removed from the United States by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on November 20, 2024, having been convicted in Rhode Island state court in December 2023 on charges of simple assault and/or battery and disorderly conduct. On May 12, 2025, Immigration Officers learned through an automated biometric fingerprint match of fingerprints entered into the National Crime Information Center that Perez was arrested in Rhode Island the day before for violating a domestic no contact order and on a domestic disorderly conduct charge. Perez is scheduled to be sentenced on August 28, 2025. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Taylor A. Dean and Peter I. Roklan. The matter was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: New York Man Indicted in Multi-Million Dollar Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A federal grand jury in Rhode Island returned a seven-count indictment alleging that a New York resident participated in a fraud and money laundering scheme that defrauded a Rhode Island law firm and other businesses of more than eight million dollars, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. The indictment charges Tushal Rathod, 45, of Baldwinsville, NY, with wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud (two counts), aggravated identity theft, money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, concealment of money laundering, and engaging in transactions with proceeds of criminal activity. The indictment alleges that Rathod worked with individuals that he met online to receive fraudulent proceeds and launder those funds through businesses and financial accounts, some of which he created, keeping an approximate 10% cut for himself. The fraud scheme involved business email compromise, account takeover, and counterfeit checks. Among the victims of the fraud and money laundering conspiracy detailed in the indictment are a Rhode Island law firm who was defrauded of more than $163,200; a California credit union that was defrauded of approximately $8,000,000; and an Information Technology company of $154,900. As reflected in the indictment it is alleged that: Rathod opened business bank accounts at multiple financial institutions to receive fraudulent proceeds and recruited others to do the same. Rathod monitored the activity in those accounts and communicated account information to other members of the conspiracy. Rathod created and provided false documents to financial institutions to gain access to funds deposited into the receiving accounts, which he withdrew and transferred in a manner designed to conceal the nature, source, location, ownership, or control over the funds. Rathod converted some of the fraudulent proceeds into Bitcoin. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sandra R. Hebert. The matter was investigated by the FBI. ### indictment.pdf


title: Attorney Who Made False Statements to Corrections Officers at a Federal Detention Center Enters Deferred Prosecution Agreement and Surrenders His Law License

body_text: PROVIDENCE – A Connecticut attorney who made false statements to Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center officers while gaining admittance to the facility to visit with clients has entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement and agreed to surrender his license to practice law, announced Rhode Island Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. An Information filed in federal court in Rhode Island charges Attorney Jonathan J, Einhorn, 75, of New Haven, with willfully and knowingly making a materially false, fictitious, and fraudulent statement and representation in a matter within the jurisdiction of the executive branch of the Government of the United States. In the Deferred Prosecution Agreement filed in this matter, Einhorn admits that there is sufficient evidence to convict him of violating federal law as described in the Information. He also agrees to surrender his license to practice law and not to seek to renew his license for a period of ten years. According to an Agreed Statement of Facts filed in this matter, on May 21, 2023, Einhorn visited with several clients detained at the Wyatt Detention Center. As he entered the facility, he signed and dated a document certifying that he was aware that it is unlawful to bring weapons or contraband of any type into the facility and/or to pass the same to any detainee. A Wyatt Correctional Officer stationed in the lobby asked, “Are you gonna be passing anything to the detainees today?” Einhorn responded, “No, not today.” According to the Statement of Facts, the Wyatt’s Professional Standards Unit (“PSU”) observed Einhorn pass paperwork to at least two of the detainees he met. PSU seized the paperwork from one of the detainees and found that eight pages were discolored and highly stained. The paperwork was sent to an FBI Laboratory for testing and was shown to be contaminated with synthetic cannabinoids (schedule I controlled substances). According to the Deferred Prosecution Agreement, if Einhorn fulfills all the requirements of the Deferred Prosecution Agreement, the United States Attorney’s Office will file a dismissal of the Information after eighteen months. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr. The matter was investigated by the Wyatt Detention Center’s Professional Standards Unit and the FBI. ### einhorn_information.pdf agreed_statement_of_facts.pdf deferred_prosecution_agreement.pdf


title: MEXICAN MEN CHARGED WITH IMMIGRATION-RELATED CRIMES FOLLOWING SEARCH WARRANTS IN NAVARRE

body_text: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA –Crescencio Diaz-Diaz, 36, and Marcelo Perez-Santiz, 33, both of the country of Mexico, have been charged in federal court with illegal reentry of a removed alien. Diaz-Diaz has additionally been charged with possession and use of fraudulent employment authorization documents. The charges were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Court documents allege that Crescencio Diaz-Diaz reentered the United States illegally after being previously deported in 2020. He was encountered by federal agents during the execution of federal criminal search warrants at a Navarre business, Emerald Coast Lawns, and an adjacent residence yesterday. During the search, agents seized a fraudulent permanent resident card (sometimes referred to as a “green card”) and social security card bearing Diaz-Diaz’s name and/or photograph but another person’s identifying information, which Diaz-Diaz allegedly admitted he presented to Emerald Coast Lawns in order to gain employment. Separate court documents allege that Marcelo Perez-Santiz reentered the United States illegally after being previously deported on three separate occasions in 2012 and had been found at the business address for Emerald Coast Lawns back in February. Perez-Santiz was arrested yesterday on a criminal complaint and had an initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho. The penalty for illegally reentering the United States after deportation is a maximum of two years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The cases are being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Florida Highway Patrol, United States Marshals Service and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). A criminal complaint is merely an allegation by a sworn affiant 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 due process, to include a fair trial, during which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. 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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Middle District Of Florida Prosecutors Charge More Than 150 Individuals With Immigration-Related Offenses During The Third Quarter Of 2025

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, FL – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces today that federal prosecutors have charged 154 defendants with immigration and immigration-related offenses during the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, ending June 30, 2025. The majority of the defendants (146) have been charged with illegally reentering the United States. During the same time period, 123 defendants pleaded guilty, and 96 defendants were sentenced for illegal reentry or other immigration-related offenses. “Enforcement of our country’s immigration laws is one of the top priorities of the United States Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “We, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to work to investigate and prosecute aliens who enter or remain in the United States in violation of our laws, and any individuals that help them do so.” Q3 FY 2025 Highlights U.S. v. Ana Juanita Andrade-Reyes Ana Juanita Andrade-Reyes, a Honduran national illegally present in United States, was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit tax fraud. The court also ordered Andrade-Reyes to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $2,084,182 and entered a money judgment against Andrade-Reyes in the amount of $664,588, representing the proceeds of the wire fraud. According to court documents, Andrade-Reyes established a shell company that obtained a workers’ compensation insurance policy to cover a minimal payroll for a few purported employees. Andrade-Reyes then “rented” the workers’ compensation insurance to work crews who had obtained subcontracts with construction contractors on projects, sent the contractors a certificate of insurance as “proof” that the work crews had insurance, and falsely represented that the work crews worked for the shell company. As part of the scheme, Andrade-Reyes facilitated the employment of undocumented illegal workers and avoided payroll taxes, resulting in a loss to the government of $2,084,182. U.S. v. Pedro Antunez-Galarza According to court documents, Pedro Antunez-Galarza, a Mexican citizen, was removed from the United States in 2018 after he was convicted of an aggravated felony and served a prison sentence. He illegally reentered the United States, and when law enforcement found him in the Middle District of Florida in July 2024, he unlawfully possessed a firearm, ammunition, and false permanent resident and Social Security cards. For these offenses and for violating his supervised release, he was sentenced to a total of four years and eight months in federal prison. U.S. v. Hubert Richard Crew In May 2025, Hubert Richard Crew, a Jamaican national, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for illegal reentry into the United States by an alien. According to court documents, Crew, after serving a prison sentence for multiple felony offenses, was removed from the United States multiple times—most recently in 2016. He illegally reentered the United States again and was found in the Middle District of Florida in November 2024. U.S. v. Angel Antonio Trochez-Cruz Angel Antonio Trochez-Cruz was sentenced to six years in federal prison for illegal reentering the United States. According to court records, Trochez-Cruz, a native and citizen of Honduras, was removed from the United States in 2014 after serving a state prison sentence for robbery. Federal immigration authorities found him in the Middle District of Florida in December 2023 after he was arrested on a state charge for unlawful sexual activity—a crime for which he received a sentence of 24 months in prison. The court ordered the federal sentence to run consecutive to the term of imprisonment imposed in the state case. U.S. v. Juan Leon David Vazquez Juan Leon David Vazquez, a Colombian national, was sentenced to 3 years and 10 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. According to court documents, Vazquez shot and injured a man during an argument. Before fleeing the scene, he told the victim that he would kill him if he called the police. Despite the threat, the victim called 911 and reported the shooting. Law enforcement, after determining that Vazquez was the shooter and arresting him, searched the Vazquez’s residence and located the firearm.


title: Shiprock Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Deadly Drunk Driving Crash

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for causing a deadly drunk driving crash on the Navajo Nation reservation that resulted in two deaths and serious injuries. According to court documents, on December 1, 2023, Brian Gonnie , 45, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol on Highway 64 in Shiprock, New Mexico. He was traveling at approximately 86 mph in a 35-mph zone when he crossed into the oncoming lane and struck another vehicle head-on. The crash claimed the lives of Gonnie ’s passenger and the driver of the other vehicle. A passenger in the struck vehicle sustained life-altering injuries, including multiple fractures and required extensive surgery. Gonnie ’s blood alcohol concentration was measured at .267%, with numerous empty alcohol containers found in his vehicle. During an interview with FBI agents, Gonnie admitted to drinking and driving the night of the crash. Gonnie subsequently pled to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of assault. Upon his release, Gonnie will be subject to up to three years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. This case was investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.


title: Alexandria man pleads guilty to defrauding pandemic relief programs of nearly $1.5M

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A former Air Force dentist pled guilty yesterday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud relating to his applications for and receipt of pandemic relief funds to which he was not entitled. According to court documents, from April 2020 through December 2021, Muhammad Adil Quraish, 35, of Alexandria, conspired with at least four co-conspirators to submit materially false applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). PPP was a COVID-19 relief program intended to provide loans backed by the Small Business Administration to certain businesses, nonprofit organizations, and others to help them remain afloat during the pandemic. The purpose of the EIDL program was to enable small businesses to meet financial obligations and operating expenses during the pandemic. After learning of the PPP and EIDL programs, Quraish discussed applying for EIDL and PPP loans with co-conspirators with intentionally inflated and falsified payroll information to receive loans that the businesses were not entitled to receive. Quraish inflated the numbers of employees each entity claimed as well as quarterly and annual payroll figures for several entities. Quraish created falsified payroll records and falsified IRS tax forms, and falsely certified or caused to be falsely certified that such forms had been filed with the IRS. Quraish and his co-conspirators personally profited $1,471,599 from the fraud conspiracy. Quraish used the fraud proceeds to invest in cryptocurrency, among other things. Quraish is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 22 and faces up to five years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Brig. Gen. Amy Bumgarner, Commander of the Office of Special Investigations for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force; Christopher Dillard, Special Agent in Charge for the Department of Defense, Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service’s Mid-Atlantic Field Office (DCIS), Kareem A. Carter, IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Washington D.C. Field Office; and Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after U.S. District Judge Rossie D. Alston Jr. accepted the plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary H. Ray is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-185.


title: Castle Rock Woman Charged for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that a grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging Lori Ann Kimball, age 52, of Castle Rock, with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and 23 counts of money laundering. According to the superseding indictment, individuals other than Kimball built fake online relationships with victims to gain their trust and convinced them to send money to Kimball in the form of wire transfers, checks, or cash. Despite being warned by law enforcement about the nature of her conduct, Kimball continued to carry out illegal financial transactions, including transferring over $3.4 million she received from victims between January 2023 and February 2025 to cryptocurrency accounts in her own name, before eventually transferring her cryptocurrency holdings to digital wallets belonging to overseas individuals. Kimball also provided false information to banks and cryptocurrency exchanges to conceal and disguise her activity. During her involvement in this conspiracy, Kimball utilized at least 20 bank accounts and at least 9 cryptocurrency accounts. The superseding indictment further alleges that on multiple occasions, Kimball knowingly conducted financial transactions involving more than $10,000 in proceeds from mail and wire fraud. It also alleges that, to conceal and disguise the illegally obtained funds, Kimball used a variety of methods, which included moving money via cashier’s checks and cash between bank and cryptocurrency accounts, structuring cash deposits to avoid scrutiny, withdrawing funds from accounts under investigation, opening new cryptocurrency accounts as others were flagged, splitting transactions across platforms to evade limits, and requesting multiple smaller cashier’s checks instead of a single large one. The charges contained in the superseding indictment are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Craig Fansler. Case Number: 1:25-cr-00054-CNS


title: PANAMA CITY MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO TRAFFICKING 10 POUNDS OF METHAMPHETAMINE

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Calvin Eugene Williams, 35, of Panama City, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court today to two counts: possession with the distribute fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of a mixture containing methamphetamine. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the excellent work of our state and federal law enforcement partners, this drug trafficker has been taken off our streets and he won’t be able to continue flooding our communities with this poison. My office remains committed to fulfilling the promise of President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America by aggressively targeting the drug traffickers who have victimized our communities for far too long.” Court documents reflect that Williams was arrested on April 19, 2024, by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office after being stopped with six-ounces of methamphetamine and approximately 95 pressed-pills containing fentanyl. Williams subsequently bonded out of jail and was stopped on March 11, 2025, by the Florida Highway Patrol on I-10. During the traffic stop, FHP troopers developed probable cause to search the vehicle and found a firearm and approximately 10 pounds (4450.1 grams) of 97% pure methamphetamine hydrochloride. Williams had two cellphones which contained evidence of his drug-trafficking. Williams faces up to life imprisonment. The case involved an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Highway Patrol, and the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain. Sentencing is scheduled for October 6, 2025, at 9:30 am at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). 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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Schenectady Man Sentenced to 96 Months for Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Terence Butler, age 36, of Schenectady, New York, was sentenced yesterday to 96 months in prison for conspiring to distribute controlled substances and money laundering. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Michael McCarthy, Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. Butler previously admitted to directing multiple people to meet up with a drug distributer in Beverly Hills, California, to obtain drugs to ship back to various Schenectady addresses. On January 4, 2023, investigators seized a package containing 1.65 kilograms of cocaine that Butler had shipped from California to Schenectady. On August 3, 2023, investigators seized another Schenectady-bound package containing approximately 10,000 fentanyl pills and 5,000 methamphetamine pills before it could be delivered in Schenectady. Butler also admitted to having two people funnel $35,000 in drug proceeds back to his supplier over a three-week period in December 2022 and January 2023. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Terence Butler brought a significant amount of lethal drugs into the Capital District. Now he will be serving a significant amount of prison time for his crimes. Every day, with our law enforcement partners, we work to intercept drugs bound for the Northern District of New York, and to investigate and prosecute those would seek to bring this poison into our communities.” HSI Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy stated: “Terence Butler orchestrated a bold and dangerous operation, trafficking highly lethal drugs, including fentanyl, into the northeast from across the nation. He has now been held accountable for his reckless disregard for public safety. I commend HSI Newark’s Opioid Border Enforcement Security Task Force and our dedicated law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to protecting the community and prioritizing the public’s wellbeing above all else.” United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 4-year-term of supervised release and ordered the forfeiture of $77,427 in drug proceeds. HSI investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted. This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF .


title: Little Water Man Charged with Assault for 2024 Incident

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Little Water man has been charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury following an incident in 2024. According to court documents, on July 29, 2024, Anthony Sandoval , 40, an enrolled member of the Navajo nation, assaulted the victim with a rifle and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury. Sandoval is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Sandoval will remain in third party custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Sandoval faces up to 10 years in prison. U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case. View the Indictment (Sandoval).pdf An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: GEORGIA WOMAN SENTENCED FOR INTRODUCING METHAMPHETAMINE INTO A FEDERAL PRISON

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Tanita Ellis, 46, of Fitzgerald, Georgia was sentenced to 15 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to possessing methamphetamine in prison. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “The defendant clearly didn’t learn her lesson after being convicted of peddling this poison on our streets, and she attempted to continue her criminal conduct in prison. Thanks to the diligent work of our correctional staff at this Federal Correctional Institute, she was stopped from sneaking these drugs into the prison, and now she’ll face an extended sentence. My office will continue to work closely with our federal partners to keep our prison facilities safe and free of illegal contraband.” According to court records, the defendant was returning from a visit with family members when she was searched by corrections officers. A 2.5-inch-long shard of methamphetamine was located on her person. “The FBI is committed to working with the correctional staff at FCI Tallahassee to aggressively pursue inmates who introduce and possess contraband in the facility,” said Jason Carley, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jacksonville Division. “This sentencing should serve as a stark warning to all inmates that possessing drugs in prison, whether for personal use or for distribution, is not worth the added prison time.” The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the FBI and the Bureau of Prisons Special Investigative Services Unit. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric W. Welch. 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 for the Northern District of Florida, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Greenville Man Sentenced Following Armed Standoff with Police

body_text: WILMINGTON, N.C. – Jonas Michael Fucito, 32, a convicted felon, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison and three years of supervised release, following a violent armed standoff with law enforcement that resulted in the shooting of a Greenville Police Department officer. “The defendant shot a police officer, put a child in harm’s way, and caused havoc in his neighborhood,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar. “We will simply not tolerate violence against law enforcement. This sentence reflects our commitment to holding accountable those who seek to cause violence and ensuring the safety of the brave men and women who wear the badge.” “This senseless attack highlights the many dangers our brave men and women in law enforcement face every day,” said Special Agent in Charge Alicia Jones. “Attacks on law enforcement cannot be tolerated, and ATF will continue to use every resource available to target those who threaten our partners and endanger our communities.” According to court documents and other information presented in court, on April 2, 2024, officers responded to the scene of a domestic disturbance at Fucito’s residence after a victim reported being assaulted by Fucito. Upon the officers’ arrival, Fucito barricaded himself and his child inside the apartment. As officers attempted to make contact, Fucito fired a shotgun through the front door, striking an officer in the forearm. As a convicted felon, Fucito was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition. Despite this, a loaded 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition were later recovered from his apartment. Officers also found a spent shell casing in the bedroom closet. The incident led to a five-hour standoff, during which Fucito made threats to shoot anyone who approached the door. Negotiations were attempted but ultimately failed, and officers entered the apartment through the back door and took Fucito into custody. The child was recovered safely and unharmed. Daniel P. Bubar, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Greenville Police Department and the ATF investigated the case and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Foxx and Phil Aubart prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:24-CR-00077.


title: Monmouth County Man Admits to Armed Bank Robbery

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – A Monmouth County man admitted to armed bank robbery, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced. Jeffrey L. Kniffin, 51, of Wall Township, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi on July 22, 2025, to a one-count Information charging him with armed bank robbery. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: On October 23, 2024, Kniffin entered a bank in Wall Township, New Jersey armed with a loaded handgun, approached a bank teller, and demanded cash from the teller. After demanding the money, Kniffin removed the handgun from his pocket and displayed it towards the teller. During his interaction with the teller, Kniffin instructed multiple times, “Don’t do anything stupid.” Kniffin received approximately $27,072 in cash from the teller and then fled the bank. He was apprehended and arrested by law enforcement several minutes later. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement recovered from Kniffin and his immediate surroundings a loaded firearm and more than $25,000 in cash. The count of armed bank robbery carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for November 24, 2025. U.S. Attorney Habba credited task force officers with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the charges. She also thanked the Wall Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief Sean O’Halloran, and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, for their assistance in the investigation. The government is represented by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Garelick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton. ### Defense counsel: John M. Holliday, Esq. kniffin.information.pdf


title: Germantown Man Sentenced to Five Years of Federal Imprisonment for Arson

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Richard Sniezak , 21 , to 60 months in federal prison for arson. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. According to information presented in court, in April 2024, the Germantown Police and Fire Department began investigating a series of vandalisms and arsons within the city of Germantown, TN. Sniezak was identified as a suspect through a confidential informant and past encounters with the Germantown Fire Department. On April 5, 2024, Sniezak shattered several windows with a glass-breaking device at 1325 Wolf Park Drive, Suite 101 (Wolf River Surgery Center) and ignited a fire in one of the business' offices. During the early morning hours of April 14, 2024, Sniezak shattered an exterior glass door at 1374 Cordova Cove, entered the office building, and shattered additional glass doors to gain access to different areas. Sniezak then ignited fires on the ground and second-story floors, which ultimately burned a hole through the second-story floor. In April 2025, Sniezak pled guilty to arson. On July 23, 2025, United States District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Sniezak to 60 months of federal imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was investigated by special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and investigators with the Germantown Police and Fire Department. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Musselwhite prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. ### For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.


title: Oklahoma City Man to Serve More than a Decade in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – ANTHONY MICHAEL GRIMM , 42, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 121 months in federal prison for possession of, and access with intent to view, child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public records, in May 2024, agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) discovered Grimm had distributed multiple videos depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to an individual in Michigan. HSI executed a search warrant of Grimm’s apartment and confiscated Grimm’s cell phone where numerous images and videos depicting CSAM were found. On January 7, 2025, a federal Grand Jury charged Grimm with possession of, and access with intent to view, child pornography. Grimm pleaded guilty on March 31, 2025, and admitted he knowingly accessed a cell phone that contained images depicting CSAM. At the sentencing hearing on July 23, 2025, U.S. District Judge Bernard M. Jones sentenced Grimm to serve 121 months in federal prison, followed by ten years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Jones noted the need to deter Grimm and to protect the public from future crimes of Grimm. This case is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Edgmon prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC 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 PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Illegal Possession of Stolen Firearms, Including Sawed-Off Shotgun, Lands Mustang Felon in Federal Prison for More Than Seven Years

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – MICHAEL LOWELL BONJOUR , 39, of Mustang, has been sentenced to serve 87 months in federal prison for illegal possession of firearms after previous felony conviction, possession of stolen firearms, and possession of an unregistered firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public record, Bonjour was arrested on state charges by officers with the El Reno Police Department in March 2024 when he was discovered to be in possession of a stolen firearm. Six months later, in September 2024, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department arrested him after he was stopped driving a stolen vehicle and found to be in possession of three stolen firearms – including a sawed-off shotgun. Prior to these arrests, Bonjour had been convicted of multiple felonies, including convictions in Canadian County District Court for bringing contraband into a jail/penal institution in case number CF-2023-232; possession of a stolen vehicle in case number CF-2023-298; and stalking in case number CF-2023-325, as well as a total of four misdemeanor convictions for violations of a protective order. On November 6, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Bonjour with being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of stolen firearms, and possession of an unregistered firearm. On February 28, 2025, Bonjour pleaded guilty and admitted he knowingly possessed stolen firearms despite his previous felony convictions, and further admitted that one of the firearms was not properly registered to him despite its modified barrel. At a sentencing hearing on July 18, 2025, U.S. District Judge Scott L. Palk sentenced Bonjour to serve 87 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing the sentence, the Court noted the need to deter additional criminal conduct and to protect the public. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Edmond Police Department, the Oklahoma City Police Department, and the El Reno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle M. Connolly prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program to reduce violent crime. This case is also part of “Operation 922,” the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of PSN, which prioritizes prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. For more information about PSN, please visit https://justice.gov/psn and https://justice.gov/usao-wdok . Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Former Mexican Mafia Member Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Dealing Cocaine

component: USAO - Texas, Western

body_text: MIDLAND, Texas – A former ranking member of the Texas Mexican Mafia was sentenced in federal court in Midland to 180 months in prison for six counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. According to court documents, Paul Lujan, 42, of Odessa, was a well-known gang member who had been the subject of several Odessa Police Department investigations over the years. Beginning in October 2024, Lujan sold cocaine on six different occasions as part of a controlled-purchase operation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). After the sixth transaction, on Dec. 23, 2024, Lujan was pulled over, denied the officer’s request to search his truck, and refused numerous requests to exit his vehicle. Lujan was ultimately detained and a K9 conducted an open-air sniff search, alerting to the presence of narcotics inside the truck. Inside the vehicle, the officer located marijuana and a syringe containing a clear liquid substance. A passenger in Lujan’s vehicle was found to have cocaine in his waistband. Lujan was arrested during the Dec. 23 traffic stop and indicted by a federal grand jury for six counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine on Jan. 22. He pleaded guilty to all six charges on March 31. At the sentencing hearing on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge David Counts granted the United States’ motion for an upward departure from Lujan’s guideline range, noting Lujan’s extremely violent criminal history. Following his 15 years in federal prison, Lujan will serve a six-year term of supervised release. “This successful outcome was possible because we and our partners were able to prove that Lujan not only committed half a dozen federal drug trafficking offenses in just two months but also had a significant history of violence for which he had yet to be held properly accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. “Thanks to the partnership from various law enforcement resources at the local, state, and federal levels, this violent criminal is finally being held accountable. A violent, career criminal who had operated with near impunity for years will have to spend the next decade and a half in a federal prison.” “This is a perfect example of how drug trafficking and violence are evil bed fellows,” said Special Agent in Charge Omar Arellano for the DEA El Paso Division. “One of DEA’s strategic priorities is to reduce violent crime fueled by drug trafficking. We thank our state and local partners who helped us do exactly that in this case.” The DEA, Odessa Police Department, Midland Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Sloane and Kevin Cayton prosecuted the case. ###


title: Utah Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud Schemes

component: Tax Division

body_text: A Utah man was sentenced yesterday to 108 months in prison for wire fraud, impersonating a federal officer, aggravated identity theft, and making a false statement. The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: from 2018 through 2020, Santiago Garcia Gutierrez (Garcia), of Salt Lake City, defrauded a single victim out of more than $2.8 million by falsely representing that he was a confidential informant with the Department of Homeland Security. He also falsely represented that he could acquire, at discounted prices, exotic cars, planes, and vessels that had been seized by the U.S. government through forfeiture. Garcia falsely induced the victim to use him as an intermediary to receive the money that the victim believed was then being used to purchase what turned out to be non-existent luxury assets. To convince his victim the scheme was legitimate, Garcia contacted the victim on numerous occasions via text message from multiple phone numbers, falsely claiming to be a confidential government informant, federal agent and, at times, Garcia’s own attorney. In addition, from 2019 through 2024, Garcia defrauded eight additional victims across the country. To execute these other frauds, Garcia falsely induced victims to invest money into federal oil wells in which he had an ownership interest, promising large returns on investment. The victims never realized any profits, however, because Garcia diverted the investment funds for his own benefit. To effectuate these schemes and lend them legitimacy, Garcia again assumed the identity of his attorney. In total, Garcia defrauded these victims of more than $900,000. Finally, Garcia did not pay royalties to the federal government on the sale of oil extracted from the wells, despite knowing that he had a duty to do so. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Howard C. Nielson Jr. for the District of Utah ordered Garcia to pay $3,795,930.60 in restitution to the victims of his crimes, and to forfeit $2,853,789.27. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah, and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office and the EPA investigated the case. Senior Litigation Counsel Richard M. Rolwing and former Trial Attorney Erika Suhr of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.


title: Patio Furniture Company Grosfillex Inc. to Pay $4.9 Million to Resolve Allegations it Evaded Duties on Extruded Aluminum from the PRC

component: Civil Division

body_text: The Justice Department announced today that Grosfillex Inc. (Grosfillex), a patio furniture company located in Pennsylvania, has agreed to pay $4.9 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and other statutes by evading antidumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) on items made of extruded aluminum originating from the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The Department of Commerce assesses, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects, antidumping and countervailing duties (AD/CVD) to level the playing field for domestic producers. Antidumping duties protect against foreign companies “dumping” products on U.S. markets at prices below cost, while countervailing duties offset foreign government subsidies. The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Grosfillex knowingly submitted, and caused to be submitted, false customs forms to CBP claiming that certain furniture parts made of extruded aluminum were not subject to AD/CVD. For a subset of such parts, the United States alleged that Grosfillex attempted to camouflage the aluminum extrusions by packaging the parts as sham furniture “kits.” In addition, for a different subset of such parts, Grosfillex knowingly failed to correct customs forms it had submitted previously, even after learning that the forms falsely stated to CBP that certain extruded aluminum parts were not subject to AD/CVD. “Antidumping and countervailing duties protect American companies from unfair subsidies and trade practices that harm domestic industries,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates that the Justice Department will continue to actively pursue those who knowingly fail to pay customs duties.” “This settlement should serve as a warning that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania will use every tool available to combat fraud in international trade,” said U.S. Attorney David Metcalf for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. “We will pursue those who seek an unfair advantage in U.S. markets by attempting to evade paying the customs, duties, or tariffs on foreign imports meant to level the playing field for U.S. manufacturers.” “The investigation into Grosfillex Inc. highlights our relentless dedication to enforcing our nation's trade laws and protecting the integrity of our economy. By uncovering and dismantling intricate schemes to defraud the government, we ensure that all businesses operate on a fair and level playing field,” said Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) at the Philadelphia office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “The successful settlement of this case is a testament to the outstanding collaboration between HSI, CBP and the U.S. Department of Justice. We remain vigilant in our efforts to identify and hold accountable those who attempt to exploit our trade system for their benefit.” The allegations resolved by this settlement arose from a whistleblower lawsuit filed under the False Claims Act by Edward Wisner, a former employee of Grosfillex. Under the False Claims Act, private citizens can sue on behalf of the government and share in any recovery. Wisner will receive a $962,662.74 share of today’s settlement. The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, with assistance from CBP. Trial Attorney Nelson Wagner in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Sherer for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania handled the matter. The pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating fraud, waste, and abuse. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential customs fraud can be reported to CBP at www.help.cbp.gov/s/tip. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. Note : Read the Settlement here .


title: Roswell Man Sentenced for Threatening Former FBI Director Christopher Wray

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ATLANTA – John Woodbury, 35, of Roswell, GA, has been sentenced to seventeen months in prison after pleading guilty to transmitting threats to injure then-FBI Director Christopher Wray. “My office has zero tolerance for threats against law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Threatening to harm public servants who enforce our criminal laws weakens the foundation of our society and will be punished accordingly.” “The functioning of our democracy requires that our country’s public servants be able to do their jobs without fearing for their lives,” said FBI Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Paul Brown. “The sentencing of John Woodbury is yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to holding those accountable who threaten public officials. According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On June 7, 2023, Woodbury posted a message on 4chan.org that threatened violence against then-FBI Director Wray. In his message, Woodbury posted Director Wray’s purported home address and wrote: “Let’s show them what a fucking ‘Nazi’ . . . looks like. . . . It’s time to burn these mother fuckers down and hang them from trees. Hit them where it fucking hurts. Hit Chris at his home. Make his family fear stepping one foot outside their god damn door.” Earlier today, United States District Judge Sarah E. Geraghty sentenced Woodbury to seventeen months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Woodbury was convicted of transmitting a threat in interstate commerce, after he pleaded guilty on April 18, 2025. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: FLORIDA MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF MACHINE GUNS AND ASSAULTING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

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

body_text: TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – John Caleb Allen, 26, of Bristol, Florida, has been charged by federal criminal complaint for assault of a federal law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and illegal possession of a machine gun. The charges were announced today by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. Court documents allege that, on July 24, 2025, agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives with the assistance of the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, were executing a federal search warrant at the subject’s residence when Allen opened fire on law enforcement. After firing multiple rounds at the agents, Allen was arrested without the agents discharging their weapons. Agents suffered minor, non-critical injuries as a result of the assault. Allen is scheduled for arraignment before United States Magistrate Judge Martin A. Fitzpatrick today, at 3:00 pm at the Federal Courthouse in Tallahassee, Florida. If convicted, Allen faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment on the assault of a federal law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon count, a minimum of ten years up to life imprisonment on the discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence count, and up to ten years’ imprisonment on the illegal possession of a machinegun count. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney James McCain is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America ( https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline ) a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). A criminal complaint is merely an allegation by a sworn affiant 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 due process, to include a fair trial, during which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. 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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html .


title: Three Pennsylvania Residents Sentenced to Prison for Narcotics Trafficking

body_text: JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Three residents of Pennsylvania have been sentenced in federal court on their convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of crack cocaine, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, and/or methamphetamine, with one of the defendants also being sentenced for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The sentences imposed by United States District Judge Marilyn J. Horan were: Defendant Age Residence Sentence Azheem Ellis 49 Philadelphia, Pa. 96 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release James Dotson 47 Johnstown, Pa. 180 months in prison, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release Sandra Box 59 East Conemaugh, Pa. 33 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release According to information presented to the Court, from in and around April 2019 to in and around July 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Ellis conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, and quantities of heroin, cocaine, and crack. During this same timeframe, Dotson conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 500 grams or more of a mixture of methamphetamine, 28 grams or more of a mixture of crack, 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl, and quantities of heroin and cocaine. Additionally, in and around June 2021, Dotson—who had been previously convicted of a felony—unlawfully possessed a firearm. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Further, from in and around February 2021 to in and around April 2021, Box conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute quantities of heroin and crack. The defendants were intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that they distributed to others, with Ellis and Dotson as two of the main targets of the wiretap investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of the defendants. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.


title: Indianapolis felon sentenced to 175 months’ imprisonment for machine gun possession and mail theft scheme

component: USAO - Illinois, Southern

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS – A district judge sentenced an Indianapolis felon to spend nearly 15 years in federal prison after he was found in possession of a machine gun and altered checks stolen from the mail valued at more than $1.2 million. In April 2024, a jury convicted Derrick Barbour, 28, of Indianapolis, also known as Derrick Barbour, Jr., on one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, one count of possession of a machinegun, one count of keys or locks stolen or reproduced, one count of unlawful possession of stolen mail and one count of bank fraud. He was ordered to pay $3,203 in restitution to two victims. “In a unique combination of violent weaponry and financial crimes, this defendant posed a serious threat to public safety,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Not only did he illegally possess a machine gun and other firearms as a felon, but he orchestrated a scheme using stolen arrow keys to steal more than $1 million in checks from unsuspecting victims.” According to court documents, police officers located a stolen vehicle at a gas station in the early morning hours on Feb. 10, 2023, in Marion County, Indiana. Barbour was the only occupant and was in possession of a Glock 9mm handgun fully loaded with 50 rounds of ammunition and equipped with a machinegun conversion device, or “switch”, making it a fully automatic weapon. Law enforcement also recovered a Glock 17 with drum magazine, a stolen Glock 20 10mm handgun and several magazines. In addition to firearms, police located two envelopes containing hundreds of checks stolen from the U.S. Postal Service. Agents with the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General identified two arrow keys, which are used by authorized mail carriers to open blue collection boxes, in Barbour’s vehicle. “This sentencing represents the hard work and dedication by USPS OIG Special Agents working with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, ATF, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring charges on this significant mail theft investigation,” said Special Agent in Charge Dennus Bishop, U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Central Area Field Office. “The OIG, along with our law enforcement partners, remains committed to safeguarding the U.S. Mail and ensuring the accountability and integrity of U.S. Postal Service employees.” USPS-OIG agents also found additional stolen checks and money orders valued at more than $1.2 million. Several of the checks had been altered to change the payee’s name to be payable to the defendant. He had deposited one of the checks into his bank account. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Fischer with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois handled the prosecution.


title: Maryland Man Sentenced in Connection With Pet-Selling Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – Judge Theodore D. Chuang sentenced Anomah Ndonwi, 32, of Chillum, Maryland, to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with David Richeson, Special Agent in Charge, Washington Field Office, U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). Beginning in at least September 2019, and continuing through at least December 2022, Ndonwi conspired with others to devise a scheme to obtain money through materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises. The scheme involved various non-delivery schemes, including victims throughout the United States who responded to internet websites offering the sale of pets such as dogs and horses. After exchanging messages with the supposed seller of the pet, victims paid using a wire transfer or electronic-app transfer. Following the payments, victims never received the pet they paid for nor a refund. Another scheme involved the non-delivery of agricultural goods, such as meat products. Victims, often from foreign countries and representing foreign businesses, responded to an alleged sale offer, and paid for goods using an interstate or international wire communication. After payment, the victims never received the ordered products nor a refund from the supposed seller. Ndonwi opened U.S. bank accounts to receive the proceeds from these schemes using fraudulent identifications. In total, Ndonwi opened at least 14 bank accounts, primarily in Maryland, using alias names. Ndonwi opened at least 12 of the accounts with fraudulent passports purportedly from the Republic of Cameroon. These fraudulent passports showed Ndonwi’s picture but listed an alias name. Through this scheme, Ndonwi received at least $930,105 in proceeds from the wire-fraud conspiracy which affected 10 or more victims. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DSS for its work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Coreen Mao and Dawn Williams who are prosecuting the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #