title: Serial Armed Robber Sentenced to Over 26 Years Imprisonment for String of Commercial Armed Robberies

body_text: STATESBORO, GA: A Waynesboro resident was sentenced to federal prison for 10 commercial armed robberies that he committed in Bulloch, Burke, Chatham, Emanuel, Glascock, Jenkins, and Ware Counties. Cordell Cobb , 24, of Waynesboro, was sentenced to 318 months in prison after pleading guilty to ten counts of Interference With Commerce by Robbery and two counts of Brandishing a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall also ordered Cobb to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term and to pay $12,081 in restitution to the various victimized businesses. There is no parole in the federal system. As described in court documents and testimony, on ten different occasions from January 2023 through June 2023, Cobb entered commercial establishments throughout the Southern District of Georgia and brandished weapons before demanding money. Employees in all ten locations provided United States currency to Cobb to avoid physical harm and Cobb left the locations with his ill-gotten proceeds. Following an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Chatham County Police Department (CCPD), Glascock County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO), Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), Jenkins County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO), Waycross Police Department (WPD), Burke County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), and Emanuel County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO), Cobb was apprehended and ultimately admitted to committing all ten robberies. “This sentencing reflects the serious consequences of violent crime and the strength of coordinated law enforcement” said GBI Director Chris Hosey. “Communities across Georgia are safer today because of the tireless work of our local, state, and federal partner agencies in bringing this armed robber to justice.” "We applaud the collaborative efforts of all law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation. Together, we have sent a strong message that armed robbery will not be tolerated, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible are held accountable," said Thomas Crawford, ATF Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). This investigation took place under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer. The case was being investigated by the ATF, GBI, CCPD, GCSO, JCSO, WPD, BCSO, ECSO and prosecuted for the United States by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley R. Thompson and Henry W. Syms, Jr.


title: Boston Gang Member Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison for Drug Conspiracies

body_text: BOSTON – A member of the violent Boston-based gang, H-Block, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for drug conspiracy charges. Avery Lewis, a/k/a “Wave,” 33, of Dorchester was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun to 46 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In January 2025 , Lewis pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Lewis was one of 10 H-Block gang members and associates charged in August 2024 following a multi-year investigation that began in 2021 in response to an uptick in gang-related drug trafficking, shootings and violence. Over 500 grams of cocaine, cocaine base (crack cocaine) and fentanyl, as well as over 20,000 doses of drug-laced paper were seized during the investigation. According to the charging documents, the H-Block street gang is one of the most feared and influential city-wide gangs in Boston. Originally formed in the 1980s as the Humboldt Raiders in the Roxbury section of Boston, the gang re-emerged in the 2000s as H-Block. Current members of H-Block have a history of violent confrontation with law enforcement, including an incident in 2015 when a member shot a Boston Police officer at point blank range without warning or provocation. Lewis was a long-time H-Block gang member and daily street-level dealer with a regular roster of customers. Over the course of the investigation, Lewis sold cocaine to an undercover officer on several occasions and coordinated other drug trafficking criminal activities with H-Block gang members. On April 5, 2023, Lewis was arrested with approximately 250 grams of cocaine in his vehicle. In addition, in March 2024, Lewis was involved in an altercation with a Boston Police Department officer, leading to the officer being struck by a bullet fired by a concealed gun in Lewis’s possession resulting in state charges. Lewis was sentenced to seven to nine years in state prison in that matter. According to court records, Lewis’ criminal history includes a 2017 cocaine conviction for possessing 86 bags of cocaine inside his apartment as well as a 2013 conviction for unlawfully possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Lewis is the first defendant to be sentenced in the case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Randy Maloney, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service, Boston Field Office; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement. The investigation was supported by the Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office; Massachusetts Department of Corrections; and the Braintree, Quincy, Randolph and Watertown Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit and Jeremy Franker of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section are prosecuting the cases. The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF . The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: New York Man Sentenced in Rhode Island for Bank Fraud

component: USAO - Rhode Island

body_text: PROVIDENCE A Bronx, NY, man who participated in a conspiracy that intended to defraud banks in at least ten states of approximately $143,000 was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom. Paul Keenan, 54, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 24 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release. Keenan, charged and arrested in this matter in August 2024, pleaded guilty in February to a charge of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. According to court documents, Keenan, working alongside other members of a conspiracy, to facilitate their scheme, recruited and organized individuals and obtained their photographs and personal identifying information (PII). Keenan and his co-conspirators used the information to create fraudulent IDs that contained their own photographs and the PII of some of the recruits. Keenan and others then obtained the PII of at least 28 victim individuals, including their names, dates of birth, addresses, Social Security numbers, and bank account information. They also obtained information of at least 20 business entities, including business names and banking information. The information collected was used to create fraudulent IDs and checks. Members of the conspiracy then traveled with recruits to banks in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and at least eight other states to cash bogus checks. Through the scheme, Keenan and others attempted to defraud banks of a total of approximately $143,000, successfully defrauding twenty-two banks of a total of approximately $93,200. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christine Lowell with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorney Sandra Hebert. The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the East Providence Police Department, with the assistance of the Portsmouth Police Department. ###


title: Remote Patient Monitoring Company Settles False Claims Act Lawsuit for $1.29 Million

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: ATLANTA - Health Wealth Safe, Inc. and Dr. Subodh Agrawal have paid $1.29 million to settle allegations that they knowingly caused false claims to be presented to Medicare. “Knowingly billing Medicare for services that do not meet Medicare’s requirements is a fraud against taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Our office will continue to enforce the False Claims Act to recover government payments that result from such misconduct.” “Healthcare professionals have a sworn duty to prioritize patient health and to ensure all services billed to the federal government are fully compliant with program requirements,” said Kelly Blackmon, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to safeguard the integrity of the Medicare program.” The investigation began when former employees of Health Wealth Safe, Inc. (“Health Wealth”) filed a whistleblower lawsuit under the False Claims Act referred to as a qui tam suit. The False Claims Act is a federal law that imposes civil liability on any person who submits false claims to the federal government or its contractors. The law imposes treble damages and civil penalties on those who submit false claims. Under the law, whistleblowers (also called “relators”) who bring fraud to the government’s attention share in any recovery obtained by the government. The United States alleged that, at the direction of owner Dr. Subodh Agrawal, Health Wealth caused claims to be presented to Medicare for remote physiologic monitoring (RPM) services that were not reimbursable. RPM involves the use of non-face-to-face technology to monitor and analyze a patient’s physiological metrics, such as oxygen saturation, blood pressure, weight, and blood-sugar or blood-oxygen levels. For monitoring services to be covered by Medicare, the monitoring devices must automatically report readings to the monitoring company without further human intervention. The United States alleged that Health Wealth knowingly billed for RPM services even though it failed to provide patients with devices that met these requirements between September 2019 and January 2021. The settlement resolved the underlying lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, United States ex rel. Chavous v. Health Wealth Safe, Inc. , No. 1:22-cv-02553. The relator will receive $238,650 from the settlement in this matter, plus attorney’s fees. This case was investigated by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General. The civil settlement was reached by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony DeCinque. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. 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: Former Massachusetts Resident Living in California Pleads Guilty to PPP Fraud

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A Los Angeles man who formerly resided in Randolph, Mass. has pleaded guilty to submitting fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications on behalf of multiple companies he owns and controls. Rindal Pierre-Canel, 30, pleaded guilty on June 24, 2025 to three counts of wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for Oct. 1, 2025. The defendant was arrested and charged in January 2025. Between March 2021 and May 2021, Pierre-Canel submitted three fraudulent applications seeking and receiving over $50,000 in PPP funds. Two of the applications were submitted in Pierre-Canel’s own name and the third application was submitted using the stolen personal identifying information of a victim. The submissions included false representations about the existence and income of businesses and included false tax documents in support of these false representations. Pierre-Canel used the funds he received from the fraudulent PPP loan applications on personal expenses, including flights to California and purchases of designer clothing. The charges of wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Labor and the Cambridge and Hermosa Beach (Calif.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case. The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at: Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud .


title: North Stonington Woman Sentenced to 6 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Crystal Meth

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JILL MULLIGAN, 45, of North Stonington, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 72 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for trafficking crystal meth. According to court documents and statements made in court, in April and May 2023, the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force made three controlled purchases of crystal meth from Mulligan. Mulligan was arrested on May 4, 2023. At the time of her arrest, searches of Mulligan’s North Stonington residence and her vehicle revealed approximately 390 grams of crystal meth, and quantities of crack cocaine, LSD, and prescription pills. On November 1, 2023, Mulligan pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. She has been detained since March 12, 2025, when her bond was revoked. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reed Durham.


title: Final Millbourne Borough Official Sentenced to Nearly Two Years in Prison for Election Fraud Offenses

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that MD Munsur Ali, 48, of Millbourne, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 21 months in prison, one year of supervised release, and a $2,500 special assessment by United States District Judge Harvey Bartle III for election fraud offenses. In February of this year, the defendant and co-conspirators MD Nurul Hasan, 48, and MD Rafikul Islam, 52, also of Millbourne, were charged in a 33-count indictment with conspiracy to commit voter fraud, giving false information in registering to vote, and fraudulent voter registration, arising from their scheme, ultimately unsuccessful, to steal Millbourne Borough’s 2021 mayoral election for Hasan. Ali, a member of the Millbourne Borough Council, pleaded guilty in April to all 25 charges against him — one count of conspiracy, 12 counts of giving false information in registering to vote, and 12 counts of fraudulent voter registration. Hasan, the vice president of the Millbourne Borough Council, pleaded guilty in April to all 33 charges against him — one count of conspiracy, 16 counts of giving false information in registering to vote, and 16 counts of fraudulent voter registration. Islam, a former member of the Millbourne Borough Council, pleaded guilty in April to all seven charges against him — one count of conspiracy, three counts of giving false information in registering to vote, and three counts of fraudulent voter registration. Hasan and Islam were sentenced by Judge Bartle last week: Hasan to 36 months’ imprisonment and Islam to 12 months and one day in prison As set forth in court filings, in 2021, Millbourne held elections for mayor, three seats on its borough council, and tax collector. Defendant Hasan entered the majority party’s primary election for mayor. The primary election was held on May 20, 2021, and Hasan was defeated in the primary by a vote count of approximately 138 to 120. In the same primary, Ali was one of three majority party candidates for borough council to advance to the general election, while Islam lost his bid for reelection to the council. After the primary, Hasan decided that he would run as a write-in candidate for mayor in the general election, which was scheduled for November 2, 2021. Ali and Islam agreed to support Hasan in his write-in campaign. As detailed in court documents and admitted by the defendants, in or about 2021, defendants Hasan, Ali, and Islam conspired and agreed with one another, and other persons known and unknown to the U.S. Attorney, to steal the 2021 general election for Mayor of Millbourne for defendant Hasan through a multi-step process, which included: (a) obtaining personal identification information of non-Millbourne residents, such as their names, addresses, and dates of birth; (b) using the personal identifying information to access the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s online voter registration (PAOVR) website and change the voter registration addresses for those non-Millbourne residents to locations within Millbourne; (c) using the PAOVR website to request that mail-in or absentee ballots for those non-Millbourne residents be sent to addresses accessible by one or more of the defendants; (d) retrieving the ballots from the Millbourne mailboxes; (e) impersonating the voters and fraudulently casting write-in votes for defendant Hasan to be mayor; (f) enclosing the fraudulently completed ballots in envelopes and forging the voters' signatures on the envelopes; and (g) submitting the ballots in their envelopes to the Delaware County Board of Elections. The defendants admitted that, to further this conspiracy, they contacted friends and acquaintances whom Hasan and Ali knew did not live in Millbourne, told these non-Millbourne residents that Hasan was running for mayor in Millbourne, asked if they could register the non-Millbourne residents to vote in Millbourne, and then cast mail-in ballots for Hasan to be mayor. Hasan and Ali persuaded many of their non-Millbourne friends and acquaintances to provide them with personal identification information so that defendants Hasan and Ali could register them to vote in Millbourne. During many of these conversations, Hasan and Ali told their non-Millbourne friends and acquaintances that they would not get in trouble, as long as they did not vote in another election in November 2021. Hasan and Ali also conspired and agreed to use personal identifying information for other non-Millbourne residents, which the two defendants had obtained from other sources, such as Hasan’s business, to register those nonresidents as Millbourne voters without the knowledge of those non-residents. Hasan personally did almost all of the fraudulent voter registrations himself, using a computer at his place of business to access the PAOVR website and change the voting addresses for non-Millbourne residents to locations within Millbourne. Every time that Hasan accessed the PAOVR website to change a voter registration address, he provided an email address for the voter. Many times, Hasan provided one of four email addresses that he used and accessed. To divert suspicion from himself, however, Hasan sometimes provided email addresses belonging to other people, who knowingly and willfully permitted Hasan to use their email addresses to cover up Hasan’s actions. One of those people was Islam, who allowed Hasan to use two of Islam’s email addresses when Hasan fraudulently changed the voter registration addresses for six individuals. Islam also permitted Hasan to use two of Islam’s email addresses when requesting mail-in ballots for five non-Millbourne residents. In total, the defendants conspired to falsely register nearly three dozen non-Millbourne residents as Millbourne voters and cast ballots for those non-Millbourne residents in the 2021 general election for mayor of Millbourne Borough. Hasan went on to lose the election by a vote of approximately 165 to 138. “These defendants sabotaged the democratic will of their fellow citizens in deciding Millbourne’s next mayor,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Public trust in the electoral process is critical, and my office is committed to ensuring that our elections remain free and fair. As this case shows, should we find instances of fraud, we won’t hesitate to prosecute those responsible.” “The electoral process is a pillar of our democracy, so when public officials undermine this system through fraud, they don't only break the law — they compromise the trust built between this process and the American people,” said Wayne A. Jacobs, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Philadelphia. “The FBI remains unwavering in our commitment to protecting the integrity of elections and ensuring those who break these laws are held accountable.” “Free and fair elections are the bedrock principle that defines American democracy. I appreciate the partnership between my office, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring these criminals to justice,” said Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer. The case was investigated by the FBI and the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark B. Dubnoff.


title: NUWAY Alliance Agrees to Pay $18,500,000 Settlement in Medicaid Kickbacks Scheme, False Claims Act Violations

component: USAO - Minnesota

body_text: MINNEAPOLIS –Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson announced today that NUWAY Alliance, Inc. has agreed to pay the United States $18,500,000 for submitting fraudulent claims to Medicaid in violation of the False Claim Act. NUWAY Alliance provided intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment, among other services, for substance use disorder to thousands of clients suffering from addiction each year in Minnesota. Between January 2019 through February 2025, NUWAY compensated Medicaid patients for seeking IOP treatment—which is reimbursable by Medicaid—in violation of federal anti-kickback statute and resulting in false claims. NUWAY also submitted false claims to Medicaid for IOP services they had not provided as they involved double-billing the same period of time as distinct billable units. In total, since at least 2018, NUWAY defrauded the federal government and state of Minnesota of millions of dollars. “The submission of false claims for federally funded government contracts will not be tolerated. Protecting taxpayer dollars from fraud and abuse is one of our top priorities at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Joseph H. Thompson. “This settlement should serve as further proof that we will aggressively investigate Medicaid fraud whenever it occurs and will hold all companies to account.” “Our enforcement agency is dedicated to protecting the integrity of federal health care programs including Medicaid and to ensure taxpayer money is used as intended to serve vulnerable populations,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who manipulate taxpayer-funded health programs to boost their profits.” As part of the settlement, NUWAY Alliance entered into a 5-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with HHS-OIG. The Corporate Integrity Agreement requires that NUWAY maintain a compliance program designed to foster adherence to federal health care program requirements and thereby protect the programs. The CIA also requires NUWAY to engage an independent organization to review claims they submit to Medicaid to ensure they comply with applicable requirements. The matter was handled by the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota, the Department of Health and Human Service’s Office of the Inspector General, the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Division, and the Office of the Inspector General at the Minnesota Department of Human Services. The claims resolved by these settlements are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability or wrongdoing.


title: 15-Year Prison Sentence for Deadly Drug Deal that Killed Two People

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WASHINGTON – Jevaughn Mark, 33, of Washington D.C., was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 180 months in federal prison for running a prolific drug delivery service in the metropolitan area and included the December 2023 sale of fentanyl he sold as “ketamine” that resulted in the deaths of two men, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Mark, aka “Ledo,” pleaded guilty March 14, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Tanya S. Chutkan to conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, and to felon in possession of a firearm. As part of the plea agreement, Mark accepted responsibility for causing the deaths of Brandon Román and Robert Barletta. In addition to the 15-year prison sentence, Judge Chutkan ordered Mark to serve five years of supervised release. “This defendant peddled poisonous drugs, marketed as ketamine but containing fentanyl, to unsuspecting people and, when challenged by multiple customers, he disregarded the alarms they sounded and continued to sell the same product,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This blatant disregard for human life – in the name of profit – is unconscionable. This office is here to protect every member of our community. If you are a danger to the public and selling fentanyl, we will take every legal measure to neutralize the threat.” “The drug market is characterized by the illegal availability of polydrug mixtures, many of which have lethal amounts of fentanyl. Criminals like Jevaughn Mark pose a deadly threat by selling drugs with fentanyl, which users unknowingly consume, often leading to their deaths,” commented DEA Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian. “Illegal drug distribution affects the very foundations of our families and communities, so every time we take criminals like Mark off the streets, lives are saved. I want to express my gratitude to the DEA teams, USAO-DC litigators, and our local and state partners for their hard work in investigating, arresting, and confiscating illegal drugs from this individual who was involved in violent activities.” According to court documents, from at least January 2021, until the time of their arrests in March 2024, Mark along with his brother, Angelo, sold dangerous drugs throughout the metropolitan area – often hand delivering the narcotics himself – for at least three years. He developed a “menu” of drugs that he texted to his clients. On the menu, Mark listed “raw pure” cocaine and regular cocaine. Mark added “ketamine” to the menu in November 2023. On Dec. 26, 2023, Mark sold 3.5 grams of “raw” cocaine and three grams of “ketamine” to Brandon Román. Recovered text messages indicate it was the first time Mark made a sale of “ketamine” to Román. However, the “ketamine” Mark sold to his client contained no actual ketamine; instead, it consisted of fentanyl, xylazine, and caffeine. Román and his friend, Robert Barletta, were found unresponsive the next day. The DEA tested the leftover “ketamine” found at the scene and confirmed it to be fentanyl, xylazine, and caffeine. Investigators recovered text messages that led them directly to Mark. Between Jan 10, 2024, and Mar. 13, 2024, undercover officers from MPD and DEA made six controlled purchases of approximately 127 grams of fentanyl and 18 grams of cocaine Each time the undercover officer asked to purchase ketamine. Each time Mark provided fentanyl. After obtaining an indictment in March 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Mark’s primary residence and recovered one unloaded handgun, one loaded handgun that was reported stolen out of Virginia, cocaine, fentanyl, other drugs, and $38,914 in cash. This case was investigated by the DEA’s Washington Division and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Iris McCranie and Dan Seidel of the Violent Crime and Narcotics Trafficking (VCNT) section. 24cr143


title: Colorado Springs Man Sentenced to 141 Months in Federal Prison for Armed Robberies of Brinks Employees

component: USAO - Colorado

body_text: DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Jahlique Rahmir Dorsey, 25, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, was sentenced to 141 months in federal prison for robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. According to the plea agreement, on September 26, 2023, Dorsey and a co-defendant robbed an employee of Brinks U.S. who was servicing ATMs at a Wells Fargo bank in Colorado Springs. The victim said two males approached him on foot, each pointing a firearm at him. They took his bag and service weapon before fleeing in an SUV. The bag contained only rubber bands because Dorsey and his co-defendant robbed the victim before he had serviced the ATM. The plea agreement further states that on October 2, 2023, Dorsey and the same co-defendant robbed another Brinks employee who was servicing an ATM at a Wells Fargo bank in Aurora, Colorado. The victim was in the process of removing money from an ATM and refilling the cash supply. Dorsey and his co-defendant approached the victim on foot and pointed firearms at him. One of the defendants punched the victim in the mouth during a physical altercation and stole his service weapon and the Brinks bag, which contained cash. “Mr. Dorsey’s brazen, violent conduct put the victims of his robberies and other members of our community in real danger,” said United States Attorney Peter McNeilly. “Reducing violent crime throughout Colorado is one of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s top priorities.” “The FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force is making a real impact on violent crime by operating as a unified team. Working in close partnership with law enforcement agencies across the Front Range—including in Aurora, Castle Rock, and Colorado Springs—our task force is identifying violent offenders and bringing them to justice,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “If you rob an armored car or bank, expect a fast, coordinated response—we don't let crimes like that go unanswered.” United States District Judge Nina Y. Wang sentenced the defendant on June 16, 2025. The co-defendant in this case will be sentenced on July 30, 2025. This case was investigated by the FBI Rocky Mountain Safe Streets Task Force. Special Assistant United States Attorney Leah Perczak handled the prosecution. Case number: 23-cr-484-NYW


title: Gettysburg Man Pleads Guilty To Mail Theft Charges

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Harry Hartman, age 54, a resident of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on June 24, 2025, before United States District Judge Keli M. Neary to mail theft. According to Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, in February 2023, the mail delivery room at Gettysburg College began receiving complaints that packages marked as “delivered” or “out for delivery” were not received. Later that year, the delivery room reported the issues to the United States Postal Service – Office of Inspector General (USPIS OIG). The issues quieted down during the summer months; however, they ramped back up in or around mid-October. At his guilty plea hearing, Hartman admitted to the following: In early 2024, the United States Postal Service and United States Postal Inspection Service reviewed approximately 50–75 tracking numbers for packages that were scanned as “delivered” at the Gettysburg Post Office but did not arrive at Gettysburg College for delivery. Subsequently, in August, surveillance was conducted at the Gettysburg Post Office, which resulted in Hartman being identified and observed taking packages from a bin destined for Gettysburg College. Upon being identified as a suspect for stealing mail from the Gettysburg Post Office, agents from the OIG and USPIS interviewed Hartman. During the interview, Hartman admitted that, since approximately March 2024, he stole approximately 1-2 mail packages “on occasion” and resold the contents on eBay. Hartman also consented to a search of his car and residence. At his residence, Hartman surrendered a large carboard box full of items that he had stolen from the Gettysburg Post Office but not yet sold. The case was investigated by the United States Postal Service, Office of Inspector General and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Wesley (“Wes”) Mishoe is prosecuting the case. The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, a fine, and the imposition of a special assessment. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by a court after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. # # #


title: Elkton Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Production and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore , Maryland – U.S. District Judge Ellen Lipton Hollander sentenced Mark Rice, 38, of Elkton, Maryland, to 30 years in federal prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for producing and distributing child sexual abuse material. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Baltimore, and Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP). Rice previously pled guilty to one count of producing child sexual abuse material, one count of distributing child sexual abuse material, and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material. These charges stem from Rice sexually abusing two minors in his care while using social media to distribute and solicit child sexual abuse material. According to his plea agreement, Rice used his position of authority to sexually abuse a minor — beginning when she was less than 3 years old — as he created photographic evidence of the abuse. He also exploited a second minor through surreptitious photography. Rice actively participated in online communities dedicated to trading child sexual abuse material. He used platforms such as Reddit, Telegram, and Kik to distribute images of his victims and obtain material depicting other children. “Rice is a dangerous predator who is now behind bars for a long time where he can’t harm any more children,” Hayes said. “This sentence reflects the gravity of exploiting the most vulnerable members of our communities. We’re committed to working with our law-enforcement partners to aggressively prosecute those who sexually abuse children and participate in networks that perpetuate such exploitation.” “This sentencing is a powerful reminder that those who exploit and abuse children will be relentlessly pursued and held accountable,” McCarthy said. “There is no place in society for predators who create and distribute child sexual abuse material. These crimes shatter lives, and HSI will never waver in our mission to bring justice to victims by targeting those who commit these horrific acts. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure the strongest possible consequences under the law.” In April 2023, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a CyberTip from Reddit regarding the transmission of child sexual abuse material. Authorities traced the tip to an IP address associated with Rice’s Elkton residence. During an MSP interview, Rice denied the accusation but was observed deleting photos from his phone. When Rice showed officers his phone, investigators spotted child sexual abuse material in a thumbnail image. Through a deeper search, authorities uncovered additional material in his recently deleted folder. Then HSI discovered more than 600 child sexual abuse material images across Rice’s devices. Investigators also found that Rice used a public Reddit community to connect with people that he traded child sexual abuse material with using encrypted messaging platforms. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc . Click the “Resources” tab on the left side of the page to learn about Internet safety education. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI and MSP for their investigative efforts and NCMEC for its valuable assistance in the case. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Gordin who prosecuted the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach . # # #


title: Witness Charged For Lying Under Oath At Trial

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton; the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Michael Alfonso; and the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging ASHANTI WASHINGTON, a/k/a “Shani Boni,” with perjury at a federal criminal trial and obstruction of justice. These charges relate to WASHINGTON’s repeated false testimony at the March 2025 trial of United States v. Kevin Perez , in which Perez was on trial for racketeering and violent crimes. WASHINGTON was arrested on the evening of June 24, 2025, and presented yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara C. Moses. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels. “As alleged, Ashanti Washington swore an oath to tell the truth in federal court and repeatedly lied and attempted to obstruct a New York federal criminal trial,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Truth under oath is central to our system of justice. Those who break this duty will face consequences.” “As alleged, Washington’s false testimony under oath obstructed justice and undermined the integrity of our legal system,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Michael Alfonso. “Her deception led to her arrest, and she now faces federal charges.” “As alleged, Ashanti Washington knowingly lied under oath to protect a violent gang member during a federal trial,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “This wasn’t just simple dishonesty—this was a calculated attack on the integrity of our judicial system. I thank the NYPD investigators, HSI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work to hold accountable anyone who tries to obstruct justice.” As alleged in the Indictment and public court filings: [1] On March 10, 2025, trial in the matter of United States v. Kevin Perez , 23 Cr. 99 (LJL), commenced in which Perez was tried on charges of racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and possession, use, brandish, and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to the attempted murder in aid of racketeering. On March 20, 2025, the jury returned guilty verdicts as to racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, and the firearm discharge count, and returned a not guilty verdict with respect to the murder. Perez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, with sentencing currently scheduled for July 16, 2025. On March 17 and 18, 2025, Washington testified at Perez’s trial as a witness during the defense case and repeatedly lied while under oath. Washington’s false testimony concerned: Her denying knowing about or touching the gun Perez used in the charged murder, Her denying knowledge of a particular gang hand sign and a gang member’s membership in that gang, And her claim that the victim in the charged murder had verbally threatened her and Perez before Perez shot and killed the victim. As alleged in the Indictment, these statements were false. Indeed, while WASHINGTON testified that she did not know about or touch the gun that Perez used in the charged murder, subsequent investigation revealed that WASHINGTON’s DNA was found on multiple parts of that gun. * * * WASHINGTON, 23, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with three counts of perjury at a federal criminal trial, each of which carries a maximum term of five years in prison, and one count of obstruction of justice, which carries a maximum term of 10 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. Clayton praised the work of the Special Agents from the HSI Violent Gangs Task Force of the NYPD. He added that the investigation is ongoing. This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent & Organized Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Herman, Patrick Moroney, and Ni Qian are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. u.s._v._washington_indictment.pdf [1] As the introductory phase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Second Owner of Fuel Truck Supply Company Incarcerated for Bid Rigging, Market Allocation, and Wire Fraud Conspiracies

component: Antitrust Division

body_text: The owner of a fuel truck supply company, Kris Bird, 62, was sentenced today in Boise, Idaho, to three months in prison and a $24,000 fine for his role in schemes to rig bids, allocate territories, and commit wire fraud over an eight-year period. Further, Bird was ordered to forfeit to the federal government $1,542,387 as proceeds of his wire fraud offenses. The conspiracies Bird participated in related to contracts to provide fuel trucks that assist the U.S. Forest Service’s efforts to battle wildfires in Idaho and the mountain west. Bird pleaded guilty in March 2025 — two weeks before his trial was set to begin — to the seven-count indictment. The plea followed an investigation that involved evidence from a judicially authorized wiretap and led to charges against two executives in December 2023. Earlier this month on June 5, Bird’s co-defendant, Ike Tomlinson, 61, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and a $20,000 fine for his leadership role in the criminal conduct. “Mr. Bird stole taxpayer funds allocated for critical wildfire-fighting efforts protecting the American people to line his own pockets,” said Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Trump Antitrust Division’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force and its law enforcement partners will continue the fight to ensure that the fraudulent use of taxpayer money results in incarceration.” “Today’s sentencing underscores the FBI’s commitment to protecting the integrity of our markets,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “Antitrust violations are not just corporate misconduct, they’re federal crimes that distort competition, drive up costs for consumers and erode public trust. We will continue to work with our law enforcement and regulatory partners to hold accountable those who rig the system for personal gain.” “Bid rigging is not a victimless crime. It cheats taxpayers and the honest contractors who play by the rules,” said Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Jason Suffredini of the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Inspector General (OIG). “GSA OIG and our partners remain committed to pursuing those who engage in procurement fraud.” According to court documents, the co-conspirators coordinated their bids to inflate prices and to determine who would have priority to receive business from the U.S. Forest Service and other federal agencies in the event of a wildfire in a specific geographic area. The co-conspirators further coordinated to exclude and punish potential competitors to further maintain the success of their conspiracy. During the conspiracies, from March 2015 to March 2023, Bird annually submitted false SAM certifications to the federal government covering up his bid-rigging conspiracy and committing wire fraud. The Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho, FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Boise Resident Agency, and General Services Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant Chief Christopher J. Carlberg and Trial Attorneys Elena A. Goldstein, Daniel B. Twomey, and Matthew Chou of the Antitrust Division's San Francisco Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean M. Mazorol for the District of Idaho have been prosecuting the case. In addition to today’s criminal sentence, in May 2025, the United States, on behalf of the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, entered into a civil settlement with Kris Bird and other related entities and individuals who agreed to pay $781,186 to resolve civil claims after admitting to allegations that they obtained government contracts through bid-rigging and the submission of false SAM Certifications, as well as wrongly obtained a Paycheck Protection Program loan. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General investigated the civil case. Assistant United States Attorney Robert B. Firpo and Civil Chief James Schaefer are handling the case. In November 2019, the Justice Department created the Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF), a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government—federal, state and local. To learn more about the PCSF, or to report information on bid rigging, price fixing, market allocation and other anticompetitive conduct related to government spending, go to www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force . Anyone with information in connection with this investigation can contact the PCSF at the link listed above.


title: Illegal alien sentenced to 60 months for illegally reentering the United States

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON – A 33-year-old Honduran national who resided in Houston has been sentenced for illegally entering the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Denis Hernandez-Cruz pleaded guilty April 11. U.S. District Judge Charles R. Eskridge has now ordered Hernandez-Cruz to serve 60 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that Hernandez-Cruz needed a substantial sentence to deter him from illegally reentering again. Hernandez-Cruz has felony convictions for illegal reentry as well as two convictions for burglary of a habitation. He has three prior removals from the United States, most recently in April 2020. He will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Franklyn prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood .


title: Houston personal injury lawyer pleads guilty to defrauding clients

body_text: HOUSTON – A former attorney has entered a guilty plea for conspiring to commit mail fraud and filing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei. Clyde J. Moore admitted to defrauding clients out of millions of dollars in personal injury settlement funds. Between 2012 and 2021, Moore and others at his firm, including Mark Broussard misled clients about medical expenses and diverted money for personal use. Moore ran the scheme through his firm, Clyde J. Moore Attorney at Law P.C. To carry out the fraud, Moore and others inflated medical costs and falsely told injured clients the firm had paid certain providers more than it actually had. As a result, clients received a reduced share of their settlements. Moore funneled the skimmed funds from the firm’s trust account into personal expenses. He used the money to buy two Ferrari sports cars, pay private school tuition for his children and fund an investment account. Moore also shared stolen funds with Broussard and other members of the firm who helped carry out the scheme. Losses from the fraud totaled approximately $2.4 million. As part of his plea, Moore will pay restitution to the IRS of over $500,000, representing taxes owed from years of false tax returns that intentionally understated his income. In addition, he has agreed to compensate his clients for the fraud in an amount the court will determine at a later date. U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks will impose sentencing Sept. 8. At that time, Moore faces a maximum five-year possible prison term for the conspiracy and up to three years for tax fraud. Both convictions also carry a potential $250,000 fine. Broussard had previously pleaded guilty to the same charges and is also pending sentencing. IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Johnson is prosecuting this case.


title: Federal Prison Inmates Sentenced for the Death of Fellow Inmate

body_text: DENVER – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Jonathan Guillory, 45, and Anthony Bell, 44, both federal inmates, were sentenced for their roles in the death of a fellow inmate at the U.S. Penitentiary-High in Florence, Colorado. According to the plea agreements, on December 6, 2021, a violent altercation occurred inside a cell involving Guillory and the victim. During the confrontation, Guillory repeatedly stabbed the victim with a homemade weapon, including a fatal wound to the base of the throat. While the assault unfolded, Bell exited the cell and deliberately held the door shut, preventing the victim from escaping or receiving assistance. Guillory was sentenced to 88 months for voluntary manslaughter and Bell was sentenced to 27 months for involuntary manslaughter. “This case underscores our unwavering commitment to safety within the federal prison system,” said United States Attorney Peter McNeilly. “Acts of violence, even behind bars, will be met with serious consequences. These defendants now face significant additional time to reflect on the gravity of their actions and the reach of the law.” “The FBI does not give felons a free pass to commit crimes because they are already serving federal time,” said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. “Violence behind bars – whether committed against prison staff or fellow inmates – brings consequences, as this case demonstrates.” United States District Judge Regina M. Rodriguez sentenced Bell on June 12, 2025, and sentenced Guillory on June 18, 2025. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution was handled by the Violent Crime and Immigration Enforcement Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Case Number: 1:23-cr-00391-RMR


title: Members of Violent ‘21st and Vietnam’ Crew Sentenced for Fentanyl Trafficking, Shooting

body_text: WASHINGTON – Jamiek Bassil, 32, and Charles Manson, 34, of the District of Columbia, were sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 135 months in prison and 175 months, respectively, for their roles in the violent 21 st and Vietnam drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed fentanyl, crack cocaine, and other drugs in Northeast Washington, D.C., and elsewhere, and, in Manson’s case, for a March 2024 shooting near 19 th and I Streets NE. The sentences were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Bassil, aka “Onion,” pleaded guilty on March 21, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. In addition to the 135-month prison term, Judge Beryl A. Howell ordered Bassil to serve five years of supervised release. Manson, aka “Cheese,” pleaded guilty on March 21, 2025, to multiple counts: conspiracy to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and assault with a dangerous weapon. In addition to the 170-month prison term, Judge Howell ordered Manson to serve five years of supervised release. According to court documents, Bassil and Manson were members of the “21 st and Vietnam” crew, which controlled an open-air drug market and distributed narcotics in the area of the 2100 block of Maryland Avenue, NE. Bassil repeatedly sold significant quantities of fentanyl – as much as roughly 80 grams at a time -- to undercover law enforcement between January and March 2024. Manson sold narcotics directly to customers and was captured on surveillance video engaging in hand-to-hand drug transactions. During the conspiracy, Manson also participated in multiple controlled drug sales to law enforcement. In a March 7, 2024, Manson was the gunman in a shooting. Manson was with several co-conspirators adjacent to an apartment building on the 1900 block of I Street that was the base of the conspiracy’s operations. A person walked by with their dog. Members of the crew had a verbal altercation with the dogwalker. Manson then went into the crew’s stash house in the apartment building. A crew member handed Manson a ski mask. Manson exited the apartment building wearing the mask and armed with a gun. Manson fired several rounds in the direction of the dogwalker. Neither the dogwalker nor the dog were hit. On May 15, 2024, investigators arrested Manson at his residence on the 1900 block of I Street, NE. Law enforcement recovered a Glock 17 pistol loaded with 22 rounds of 9mm ammunition. They also recovered a handgun magazine, a box of ammunition, about 50 grams of fentanyl analogue, about 13.88 grams of cocaine, and assorted drug paraphernalia. This investigation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. 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. This investigation was a multi-agency effort between the Violent Crime Investigations Team of the Violent Crime Suppression Division of the Metropolitan Police Department, the FBI Washington Field Office’s Cross-Border Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Washington Division, the District of Columbia National Guard Counter Drug Program, and the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrea Duvall and Solomon Eppel of the Violent Crime Reduction and Narcotics Trafficking Section. 24cr226


title: Former Police Officer Sentenced to Prison and 20 Years of Supervised Release for Possessing Child Pornography

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Samuel Joseph Weimer, 46, of Show Low, Arizona, was sentenced on June 24, 2025, by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa, to 42 months in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release. Weimer previously pleaded guilty to Possessing Child Pornography. Between August and November of 2022, Weimer used a social media chat room to contact an individual he believed to be a father living in Pennsylvania who was willing to provide his 11-year-old daughter for sex. Weimer sent two images and one video of child pornography to this individual. In an interview with law enforcement, Weimer admitted to possessing and sending the pornographic files. At the time of the offense, Weimer was employed as a police officer with the Show Low Police Department. “Police officers swear an oath to uphold the law and protect our citizens” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “This makes Mr. Weimer’s possession of child pornography even more appalling. Child pornography humiliates and degrades our most vulnerable members of society and will never be tolerated.” "The conduct of this former police officer was beyond shocking and a gross betrayal of public trust,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke. “When someone in a position of authority commits such a revolting crime, the damage extends beyond the youthful victims— it shakes the very foundation of our communities’ trust. No matter their badge or title, the FBI will always aggressively pursue cases like this one.” This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . The FBI’s Phoenix Field Office conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution. CASE NUMBER: CR-24-08089-PCT-DJH RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-100_Weimer # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Columbian National Indicted, Accused of Assaulting Officer

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A man from Columbia was indicted Wednesday and accused of assaulting an officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Yefferson Josue Pinzon Suarez, 31, was indicted by a grand jury in U.S. District Court in St. Louis with one felony count of assaulting a federal employee. In March, an immigration judge ordered Pinzon Suarez removed from the country, according to a motion to have Pinzon Suarez held in jail until trial. On June 20, he was picked up from the St. Louis County Jail, where he was serving a sentence. After being taken to the Robert A. Young Federal Building in downtown St. Louis, Pinzon Suarez refused to cooperate during fingerprinting. Pinzon Suarez bit a deportation officer’s forearm and hit him in the chest, the motion says. Pinzon Suarez had been living in Maryland Heights. A charge set forth in an indictment is merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement’s Department of Homeland Security investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lang is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.


title: Federal Felon Who Sold Fentanyl and Heroin Causing Two Marion Overdose Deaths Convicted by Jury

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: A convicted federal felon who sold fentanyl and heroin that resulted in two overdose deaths in 2023 was convicted by a jury on June 25, 2025, after a three-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids. Cody Kinzie Dittmar, age 34, originally from Dubuque, Iowa, but who was living Cedar Rapids, Iowa, at the time of the crimes, was convicted of distributing and conspiring to distribute heroin and fentanyl, resulting in two deaths. The verdict was returned yesterday afternoon following about two hours of jury deliberations. Court records show that Dittmar was sentenced to 64 months in federal prison for a 2017 conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The evidence at trial showed that Dittmar was released to federal supervised release on that conviction in June 2023. Dittmar immediately began selling heroin and fentanyl with his girlfriend, then wife, Alysha (Gould) Dittmar. On July 1, 2023, the Dittmars sold a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, and xylazine to a customer in Marion, Iowa. The customer and his wife used the drugs shortly thereafter. Both then died of overdoses. The Dittmars continued to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Cedar Rapids area until July 2024. Alysha Dittmar previously pled guilty to distribution of heroin and fentanyl resulting in the two deaths. Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Dittmar remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Dittmar faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment on each count and a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment, $2,000,000 in fines, and a lifetime of supervised release following any imprisonment. The case was investigated by the Marion Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force consisting of the DEA; the Linn County Sheriff's Office; the Cedar Rapids Police Department; the Marion Police Department; and the Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Nagin and Dan Chatham. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25‑CR‑00001‑CJW‑MAR. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Former Bullard High School Teacher Charged with Federal Child Exploitation Offenses

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO , Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today against Ray Anthony Waller, 37, of Fresno, charging him with sexual exploitation of a child, receipt of child sexual abuse images, and sending obscene material to a minor, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced. According to court documents, between mid-November 2024 and mid-February 2025, Waller communicated with a minor by sending text, voice, and iMessages designed to have the minor create and transmit to Waller images of the victim engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Waller sent obscene images of himself to the victim and convinced the victim to reciprocate with images of the victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Waller is currently detained pending trial. A detention hearing to determine his federal custody status has been scheduled for June 30, 2025. Waller has also been charged in Fresno County Superior Court with crimes relating to this conduct. This case is the product of an investigation by the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, specifically the Fresno Police Department, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa is prosecuting the case. If convicted of the sexual exploitation of a minor offense, Waller faces a prison term of between 15 and 30 years and a fine up to $250,000. If convicted for receipt of child sexual abuse images, he faces a prison term of between 5 and 20 years and fine up to $250,000. If convicted for transmitting obscene material to a minor, he faces a prison term of up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.


title: Bennington Man Sentenced to 50 Months for Possessing Bomb

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on June 24, 2025, Tyler Hayes, 43, of Bennington, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joseph LaPlante to a term of 50 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Hayes was previously convicted by a jury on February 13, 2025, of unlawfully possessing an unregistered bomb and possessing a bomb as an unlawful drug user after a 5-day trial. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, a bomb was discovered in Hayes’s former Bennington residence days after he abandoned the property in February of 2023. The property manager contacted law enforcement, who defused the bomb. Witnesses at trial described how Hayes had been discussing and constructing bombs for months, and had offered to trade a bomb for fentanyl. Other witnesses described Hayes making admissions after the bomb was discovered, including that he was “on the run” after a bomb had been found at his residence. An explosives expert from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives testified that, although the homemade bomb was rudimentary and simplistic (constructed from a combination of a pipe bomb and flammable liquids stored in plastic water bottles), it was nonetheless capable of causing substantial destruction and injury had it been detonated. The jury convicted Hayes of possessing an unregistered destructive device, in violation of the National Firearms Act (“NFA”), and of possessing a destructive device while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, in violation of the Gun Control Act (“GCA”). Hayes faced up to 10 years in prison on the NFA violation, and up to 15 years on the GCA violation. Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Vermont State Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, and the Bennington Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corinne Smith and Nicole Cate. Hayes was represented by James Valente, Esq., and Chandler Matson, Esq. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN .


title: Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Reentry

body_text: BOSTON – A Mexican national unlawfully residing in New Bedford has pleaded guilty to one count of illegally reentering the United States after deportation. Bernardo Lorenzo-Guatemala, 38, pleaded guilty on June 24, 2025 to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. He was arrested and charged by criminal complaint in May 2025. Lorenzo-Guatemala was deported from the United States on June 4, 2019. Sometime after his removal, Lorenzo-Guatemala unlawfully reentered the United States. immigration officials became aware of Lorenzo-Guatemala’s unlawful presence in the United States following his arrest on July 2, 2024 for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license. The charge of unlawful reentry of a deported alien provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.


title: Sun Prairie Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Illegally Possessing Firearms

component: USAO - Wisconsin, Western

body_text: MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Javaris Nunn, 33, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was sentenced June 24, 2025, by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 30 months in prison for possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. Nunn pleaded guilty to this charge on March 26, 2025. On December 28, 2023, Nunn was a rear passenger in a vehicle that was stopped because it did not have a license plate. Next to Nunn, officers found a backpack containing an unloaded Glock 42 .380 caliber handgun and a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P .45 caliber handgun with the serial number scratched off. While Nunn denied knowledge of the handguns, the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory found evidence of Nunn’s DNA on both guns. Nunn has prior felony convictions for theft from a person, felon in possession of a firearm, and robbery. As a convicted felon, Nunn cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition. At sentencing, Judge Peterson said that he was considering not only Nunn’s traumatic past and positive characteristics, but also his significant criminal history and the severity of the offense. Judge Peterson noted that Nunn carrying firearms was a recipe for disaster. Judge Peterson imposed the sentence to run concurrently with a state revocation sentence and ordered that Nunn serve three years of supervised release. The charge against Nunn was the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consisting of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies representing the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.


title: Final Member Sentenced in Tennessee Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Marijuana Trafficking Ring

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Jackson, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Caricus Hendrix, 38 , of Bolivar, Tennessee to 25 years in federal prison for his role in an organized drug trafficking scheme that spanned the state of Tennessee. Interim United States Attorney Joseph C. Murphy, Jr. announced the sentence today. According to evidence presented in court, in July 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bolivar Police Department began an investigation into the illegal distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana by members and associates of the rap label “FFG” in the Western District of Tennessee. By using controlled purchases of narcotics, search warrants, wiretaps, and other investigative tactics, agents determined Hendrix and others were responsible for transporting and distributing fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana throughout the state of Tennessee, especially the Western District of Tennessee. During the investigation, agents seized approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine, 3.5 pounds of fentanyl, 4.5 pounds of marijuana, and 13 firearms. On October 22, 2024, Hendrix pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. On May 16, 2025, United States District Court Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Hendrix to 25 years in federal prison and ordered Hendrix to serve five years of supervised release upon completion of the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. "This investigation represents the strength of federal and local partnerships in taking down complex drug trafficking organizations that poison our communities. The Bolivar Police Department remains committed to working alongside our federal partners to protect the citizens of our community from dangerous drugs and violent crime. This case demonstrates what is possible when agencies unite toward a common goal.", said Bolivar Police Department Chief Michael Jones. The following co-conspirators have already pled guilty and have been sentenced: Shannon Wilder , 28, of Jackson, TN: 130 months and a five-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Eula Morris , 56, of Bolivar, TN: 87 months and a five-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Jarrett Wilson , 27, of Henderson, TN: 144 months and a five-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Joshua Fields , 29, of Lexington, TN: 204 months and a five-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Sheneka Waller , 37, of Bolivar, TN: 12 months and one day and a five-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Myreon Woods , 42, of Bolivar, TN: 120 months and a three-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Montrez Brown , 29, of Bolivar, TN: 42 months and a three-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana. Charmaine Beauregard , 42, of Bolivar, TN: 15 months and a three-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana. Cordarvin McNeal , 36, of Bolivar, TN: 120 months and a five-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Danielle Boyd , 37, of Bolivar, TN: 12 months and one day and a three-year period of supervised release maintaining a drug premises. Jaylen Sain , 29, of Bolivar, TN: 50 months and a three-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana and aiding and abetting the possession with the intent to distribute marijuana. Shumarcus Cross , 40, of Bolivar, TN: 27 months and a three-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute marijuana. Cameron Mickens , 26, of Henderson, TN: 100 months and a three-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Alfredia Atkins , 54, of Bolivar, TN: 36 months and a three-year period of supervised release for maintaining a drug premises. Tavares Atkins , 47, of Selmer, TN: 36 months and a three-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Shalonda Bills , 36, of Bolivar, TN: 30 months and a three-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl. Curtis Brown , 33, of Selmer, TN: 60 months and a three-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Michael Douglas , 32, of Lexington, TN: 130 months and a three-year period of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Correy Brown , 41, of Bolivar, TN: 5 years of probation through the State of Tennessee. This investigation was conducted as 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. The case was investigated by the FBI Jackson Resident Agency, Bolivar Police Department, Jackson Police Department, Lexington Police Department, Chester County Sheriff’s Department, McNairy County Sheriff’s Department, the Selmer Police Department, and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant United States Attorney Christie Hopper 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: Utah Man Indicted after Allegedly Shooting a Stolen Semi-Automatic Pistol at Two Victims in Salt Lake City

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury returned and indictment charging a restricted person with multiple firearm crimes after he allegedly possessed a stolen semi-automatic pistol and shot at two victims in Salt Lake City. Hiram Bokadrik, 29, of Salt Lake County, Utah, was charged by complaint on June 11, 2025. According to court documents, on June 7, 2025 at approximately 4:18 p.m., officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department responded to a call of “shots fired” at a residence in Salt Lake City. Upon arrival, officers met with two individuals who reported a male suspect, later identified as Bokadrik, had fired a single round at them when confronted about trespassing on their property. During this time, officers recovered an expended 9mm casing from the scene. Additional officers quickly located Bokadrik, who fled from the officers on foot, but was subsequently located in a construction area hiding underneath a tarp. On construction materials, officers also recovered a loaded Glock 43X and a hat described to be worn by Bokadrik at the time of the crime. Additionally, the investigation revealed the firearm, which was manufactured outside the state of Utah, was stolen during a vehicle burglary at a nearby residence at approximately 12:00 a.m. on the same day. Bokadrik is prohibited from possessing, purchasing, transferring, or owning firearms or ammunition under both state and federal law. Bokadrik is charged with being a restricted person in possession of a stolen firearm and ammunition, and possession of a stolen firearm. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for June 26, 2025, at 2:15 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated by an FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department, Robbery and Violent Crimes Unit. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant United States Attorney Victoria K. McFarland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Nigerian national arrested in multimillion-dollar email and money laundering scam

body_text: HOUSTON – A 33-year-old Houston man has been taken into custody for his role in a large-scale business email compromise and money laundering scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Authorities have arrested Edikan Adiakpan who is expected to make his initial appearance at 2 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray. A federal grand jury in Houston returned a three-count indictment June 11 charging Adiakpan with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy and illegal money transmission. The indictment alleges that in 2021, Adiakpan and co-conspirators carried out a business email compromise scheme targeting companies in at least eight states, including a California research group focused on developing treatments for U.S. veterans. Victims received “spoofed” emails that appeared to come from known suppliers and creditors, according to the charges. They were allegedly tricked into sending payments to bank accounts the fraudsters controlled instead of the actual suppliers. The charges further allege the conspirators laundered the funds by quickly transferring the money between multiple bank accounts they controlled. They then allegedly converted the funds into cashier’s’ checks. Adiakpan allegedly cashed the checks and kept a percentage as a fee. Another Nigerian citizen, Ayobami Omoniyi, 26, was previously charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud as part of the same scheme and is awaiting sentencing before U.S District Judge Andrew S. Hanen. If convicted, Adiakpan faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy charges and up to five years for the illegal money transmitting. Each conviction carries a possible $250,000 maximum fine. FBI – Houston and its Bryan Resident Agency and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and Christine Lu are prosecuting the case. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 100 Months in Prison for Laundering $5.4 million

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – Today, a Mexican national was sentenced to 100 months in prison for his role in arranging for the collection of drug proceeds in the United States and the repatriation of the proceeds, or their equivalent value, to Mexico as part of a money laundering conspiracy. According to court documents, Jose Manuel Martinez Gomez, a/k/a Meño, served as a “money broker” in an organization that aided the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) by collecting, laundering, and repatriating drug proceeds generated in the United States to the cartel in Mexico. Martinez personally arranged for the laundering of $5,462,289 that was proceeds of drug trafficking crimes. Martinez used a network of co-conspirators to pick up those drug proceeds all over the United States. After money was delivered in the United States, Mr. Martinez provided instructions for the transfer of those funds via cryptocurrency, including providing a cryptocurrency wallet address, or a bank account. Martinez worked for “commissions,” or a percentage of the money laundered successfully. As a direct result of the money laundering contracts brokered by Martinez, DEA Lexington and its domestic partners seized a staggering quantity of drugs, including approximately 3 kilograms of fentanyl, 52.77 kilograms of cocaine, 7,078.63 kilograms of unconverted methamphetamine in the form of charcoal lumps, 170 gallons of unconverted methamphetamine in the form of coconut oil, 140 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 15 gallons of liquid methamphetamine. DEA also seized $1,352,160 in bulk U.S. currency. “The successful prosecution of Martinez disrupted the flow of vital drug proceeds back to CJNG, and removed substantial quantities of dangerous drugs from American communities,” said Acting United States Attorney Paul McCaffrey. “While the fight against cartel-sourced drug trafficking is far from over, today’s result is a step in the right direction, and is a testament to our law enforcement partners’ collaboration and constant commitment to justice.” “Jose Manuel Martinez Gomez helped Mexican drug traffickers to wash their ill-gotten gains from the sale of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl in U.S. neighborhoods and communities,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This prosecution should serve as a warning of the Department of Justice’s focus on holding to account anyone who seeks to help launder cartel’s money and underpins a system that delivers dangerous drugs that destroy our neighborhoods and communities.” “The Drug Enforcement Administration will continue to use every tool at our disposal to disrupt the flow of drugs across our borders and the flow of money back to Mexico by cartel operatives and bring these individuals to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Division. “I want to thank all of our law enforcement partners in this case and commend them for their dedication to public safety.” On March 7, Martinez pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy and concealment money laundering. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Lexington Resident Office investigated the case, working closely with the Detroit Field Division and Rocky Mountain Field Division, and assisted by DEA offices in Mexico, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Birmingham, Chicago, Cincinnati, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Louisville, Baltimore, Des Moines, Milwaukee, Portland, Columbia, and Rapid City, as well as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Division. Deputy Criminal Chief Todd Bradbury of the Eastern District of Kentucky and Trial Attorney Elizabeth R. Rabe of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section prosecuted this case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods. – END –


title: West Haven Man Charged with Child Exploitation Offenses

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced that CARLOS INESTI, 29, of West Haven, was arrested today on a federal criminal complaint charging him with child exploitation offenses. As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in April 2025, the FBI arrested an individual in Utah for possession of child pornography. Analysis of a cell phone seized during the investigation revealed videos involving an adult male, subsequently determined to be Inesti, engaging in sexually explicit conduct with a toddler-aged girl. The investigation revealed that Inesti had recorded the videos and shared them through the Telegram application. Inesti appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria E. Garcia in New Haven and was released on a $100,000 bond into home detention with location monitoring. He is prohibited from accessing the internet and having any contact with minors. The complaint charges Inesti with sexual exploitation of children, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 year, and with distribution of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years. U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s New Haven and Salt Lake City Field Offices, with the assistance of the West Haven Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel M. Krull. This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood Initiative, which is aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . To report cases of child exploitation, please visit www.cybertipline.com .


title: Canadian National Extradited For Mailing Fraudulent Prize Notices

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS — A Canadian national accused of operating fraudulent prize notice schemes was extradited to the United States and made his initial appearance in Las Vegas federal court on June 18, the Department of Justice and U.S. Postal Inspection Service announced today. Patrick Fraser, 44, of Alberta, Canada, will face federal charges of conspiracy and mail fraud. Fraser was arrested on June 14, 2023, by Canadian authorities pursuant to a U.S. extradition request and was surrendered to the United States this month. A detention hearing was held on June 23, and Fraser was ordered detained pending trial. According to the indictment, the defendant conspired with others to operate fraud schemes through which he mailed fraudulent prize notifications to individuals in the United States and in other countries. The prize notifications falsely represented that the victims had been specifically chosen to receive a large cash prize, typically over $1 million, and would receive the prize upon payment of a small free. Many of the victims were elderly and vulnerable. “The Justice Department is committed to prosecuting and pursuing those who perpetrate fraud schemes targeting America’s seniors,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “I thank Canada for assisting in extraditing this individual to face charges here in the United States. The Justice Department and U.S. law enforcement partners will continue to work closely with law enforcement partners across the globe to bring to justice criminals who attempt to defraud U.S. victims from outside the United States.” “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with the Consumer Protection Branch and our law enforcement partners in the United States and the world to identify and pursue transnational criminals who prey on older Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Through our Elder Justice Initiative, Assistant U.S. Attorneys and professional staff are combating elder financial exploitation and fraud. This extradition is another example of the outstanding collaboration between federal law enforcement and international partners.” “Postal inspectors protect the vulnerable. If you use fake prize offers to scam others, we’ll find you—and you will be held accountable,” said Eric Shen, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge. Fraser is charged in a nine-count indictment filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Las Vegas. If convicted, Fraser faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison per count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Senior Trial Attorney Ann Entwistle and Trial Attorney Charles B. Dunn of the Justice Department’s Consumer Protection Branch and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case. USPIS investigated the case. The Justice Department is grateful to the Vancouver Police Department, as well as the Department of Justice Canada's International Assistance Group, who provided assistance through official requests. The Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division accomplished the extradition of Fraser from Canada. The Justice Department continues to investigate and bring charges in other similar matters. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has experienced financial fraud, experienced professionals are standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Justice Department hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, can provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting, connect callers directly with appropriate agencies, and provide resources and referrals, on a case-by-case basis. Reporting is the first step. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. The hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. English, Spanish, and other languages are available. More information about the department’s efforts to help American seniors is available at its Elder Justice Initiative webpage. For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . Consumer complaints may be filed with the FTC at www.reportfraud.ftc.gov/ or at 877-FTC-HELP. The Justice Department provides a variety of resources relating to elder fraud victimization through its Office for Victims of Crime, which can be reached at www.ovc.gov . For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its fraud enforcement efforts, visit www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch . ###