title: South Bend Felon Sentenced to a Decade in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery of Noblesville Bank

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- Terry Reed, 66, of South Bend, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to bank robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. According to court documents, on June 12, 2023, at 10:08 a.m., Reed entered the Chase Bank located at 198 Logan Street in Noblesville, Indiana, brandishing a long-barreled revolver. Reed demanded cash and fled with $3,796 cash. A Westfield Police Department detective located Reed’s vehicle a short time after the robbery and engaged in a vehicle pursuit, during which time Reed drove recklessly, including leaving the roadway, until the pursuing officer lost sight of the vehicle. On June 16, 2023, Reed was located by Mishawaka Police Department officers in South Bend, Indiana in the same vehicle he fled from the robbery in. Reed fled from the police on foot and tossed several items as he ran, including the .38 caliber Colt revolver he used during the bank robbery. Reed is a convicted felon, with prior felonies for armed robbery in Fulton County, Georgia and St. Joseph County, Indiana, as well as aggravated battery in Cook County, Illinois. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Indianapolis investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon. “This violent criminal didn’t just rob a bank of customer deposits, he robbed everyone inside the bank of their sense security and peace,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Gun crimes have a negative impact on our entire community, and the sentence imposed today demonstrates that this conduct will simply not be tolerated. The people of Noblesville and South Bend are safer with this defendant off our streets, thanks to the hard work of the FBI, the Westfield and Mishawaka police departments, and our federal prosecutors.” “The quick response by our law enforcement partners helped prevent this dangerous offender from causing further harm,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “Armed robberies endanger bank employees, customers, responding officers, and everyone in the surrounding community. This sentence demonstrates that individuals who commit violent crimes and illegally possess firearms will be held accountable. The FBI is proud to work alongside our federal, state, and local partners to protect our communities and bring violent offenders to justice.” U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Pam Domash, who prosecuted this case. ###


title: Prichard Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms as a Convicted Felon and Assaulting Homeland Security Task Force Officers

component: USAO - Alabama, Southern

body_text: MOBILE, AL – A Prichard man was sentenced to 46 months in prison for illegally possessing multiple firearms as a convicted felon and assaulting law enforcement officers and members of the Homeland Security Task Force. According to court documents, Delando Travon Perkins, 25, was arrested by members of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) at a residence on Cheha Drive in Prichard on February 13, 2026. Agents were attempting to take Perkins into custody on an outstanding arrest warrant for narcotics offenses. The agents were wearing vests and uniforms that clearly identified them as law enforcement. As agents approached the residence, they saw Perkins standing on a four-wheeler parked in the street on Cheha Drive. Perkins was wearing an “ESPN” chain, which is frequently worn by members of a Prichard-based street gang. Agents observed Perkins walking back and forth between the residence and the four-wheeler. When agents approached Perkins to arrest him, he attempted to flee on foot. Agents pursued Perkins and apprehended him just north of Cheha Drive after he attempted to discard the “ESPN” chain and his cell phone. Agents secured Perkins in a police vehicle and began searching the residence and surrounding area. On the four-wheeler where Perkins had been standing, agents found a loaded .38-caliber revolver and a loaded 9mm pistol. On the front porch of the residence, agents found two additional loaded 9mm pistols. Inside the residence, agents found a .223-caliber rifle that had been modified to fire .50 BEO-caliber ammunition, small amounts of cocaine and marijuana, precursors used to manufacture crack cocaine, multiple pistol and rifle magazines, 79 rounds of ammunition in various calibers, and items bearing Perkins’s name. While Perkins was detained in a patrol vehicle, he attempted to kick out the vehicle’s window partition and slipped his handcuffs from behind his back to the front of his body, creating a safety concern. Agents opened the rear door of the vehicle, and a Mobile County Sheriff’s Office deputy grabbed Perkins’s handcuffs. Perkins immediately lunged toward the deputy and bit him on his left hand, drawing blood and causing a painful injury. Perkins continued kicking at agents and bit a second deputy on the right hand. Agents re-secured Perkins’s handcuffs and placed him back in the vehicle, where he continued challenging agents to “fight” him. An FBI DNA analyst compared a buccal swab taken from Perkins with swabs taken from each of the five firearms seized by agents. The analyst found very strong support for including Perkins as a contributor to the DNA profiles obtained from the firearms. Perkins had previously been convicted of a felony drug offense in 2022, rendering his possession of firearms illegal under federal law. In addition to the 46-month prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Kristi K. DuBose ordered Perkins to serve three years of supervised release following his release from prison. During supervised release, Perkins will be subject to drug testing and treatment. The court did not impose a fine but ordered Perkins to pay $200 in special assessments. Perkins’s firearms and ammunition were administratively forfeited to the United States. U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Roller and George May prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Mobile comprises agents and officers from, among others, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.


title: Former Rock Hill Teacher Indicted for Possession and Distribution of Child Sexual Abuse Material

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a five-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Douglas Melvin MacAlpine, 38, of York, for possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material. The indictment alleges that Douglas MacAlpine used the Kik social media application at least four times to distribute files containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to other Kik users in the fall of 2024. Subsequent state and federal search warrants revealed MacAlpine’s cell phone and Kik accounts contained hundreds of CSAM files. The indictment further alleges that MacAlpine possessed CSAM material in March 2025. MacAlpine faces a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, special assessments of up to $40,000, and lifetime supervision. He also faces sex offender registry requirements, if convicted. MacAlpine is currently detained pending trial. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and the York County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Matthews is prosecuting the case. All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ### * The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child.


title: Former Washoe County Employee Indicted for Embezzling Federal Grant Funding

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: RENO – The former Chief of the Washoe County Department of Alternative Sentencing is scheduled to make his initial appearance in court today for allegedly embezzling over $55,000 in federal grant award funds. "Public service is a public trust, and violating that trust for personal enrichment degrades the integrity of our civic institutions,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “The Department of Justice, alongside our federal and local law enforcement partners, remains deeply committed to rooting out public corruption through our Public Corruption Strike Force and ensuring that federal tax dollars are used for their intended public benefit, not to line the pockets of government officials." “The U.S. Secret Service was founded to protect our nation’s financial system, and we’re dedicated to continuing that honorable, important work as part of our agency’s dual mission,” said Special Agent in Charge Karon Ransom for the United States Secret Service Las Vegas Field Office. “The theft of federal funds will not be tolerated and we’re proud of the work done by our special agents to investigate this serious crime. We’re grateful to our partner agencies that worked tirelessly with us on this case so that justice can be served and a critical message can be sent: if you steal from the federal government, you will be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” According to allegations contained in the indictment, the Department of Alternative Sentencing received approximately $1.3 million in grant funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component of the Justice Department. As alleged, from November 2024 to December 2024, Justin Roper embezzled $55,593.52 of federal grant funds. Roper is charged with one count of federal program theft. If convicted at trial, Roper faces the maximum statutory penalty of up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The United States Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Skyler Pearson is prosecuting the case. This case is part of the District of Nevada’s Public Corruption Strike Force. The Strike Force is within the Office’s Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys with extensive public corruption experience handle cases of allegations of criminal misconduct. This specialized unit will focus on the investigation and prosecution of all federal crimes affecting government integrity, including bribery of public officials at all levels of government, election crimes, and other related offenses. This endeavor is a collaborative effort with federal, state, and local agencies across the Silver State. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Felon Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Massive Collection of Child Sexual Abuse Material Distributed Over Peer-to-Peer Network

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A convicted felon was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 84 months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release for making available for download a large collection of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on a peer-to-peer network. The government recommended 102 months’ imprisonment. "Today’s sentence delivers a clear and unequivocal message: those who exploit, trade, and profit from the abuse of children will be held fully accountable under the law,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “The digital exploitation of children is not a victimless crime. Every single file represents a real child who suffered unimaginable trauma, and every view perpetuates that harm. Our office, alongside our dedicated partners in law enforcement, remains unwavering in our commitment to tracking down online predators, rescuing victims, and removing these horrific materials from our communities. We want to thank the investigators and analysts whose tireless digital forensics work made this prosecution possible. We will continue to use every resource at our disposal to protect the most vulnerable among us." “Child exploitation is a heinous crime that we investigate with unwavering resolve, as every video and image perpetuates the suffering of innocent children, and we will not stand for the exploitation of our youth,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “The FBI, alongside our law enforcement partners, remain fiercely committed to combating child sexual exploitation and safeguarding vulnerable children from further harm.” According to court documents, on March 25, 2023, Nicholas Fabio made available for download by other users of a peer-to-peer network, more than 700 files of child sexual abuse material and distributed over 50 of those CSAM files. Additionally, he possessed over 600 images of CSAM depicting sadistic or masochistic depictions of violence of children, as young as infants. Furthermore, Fabio admitted that he possessed a semi-automatic Glock 19 and approximately 494 9mm Luger cartridges after having previously been convicted of a felony, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine in Clark County, Nevada. Fabio pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. In addition to imprisonment, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Fabio will be required to register as a sex offender and keep the registration current. This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant United States Attorney Afroza Yeasmin prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . To report an online child sexual exploitation offense, call 911 or go NCMEC’s CyberTipline at report.cybertip.org . ###


title: Two Charged After Alleged Meth Delivery Attempt During Prison Visitation at FCI Hazelton

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A South Carolina woman and an inmate at federal Corrections Institution (FCI) Hazelton have been indicted on prison contraband charges involving methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. “Crimes inside our federal prisons will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. “Introducing contraband to our prisons not only perpetuates addiction during what should be rehabilitation, it also threatens the safety of those who work inside.” Shaquana Gary, 40, of Greenville, South Carolina, was indicted on one count of providing a prohibited object to a prison inmate. Robert Polk, 47, an inmate at FCI Hazelton, was indicted on one count of possession of a prohibited object by an inmate. According to the indictment, Gary attempted to deliver methamphetamine to Polk during visitation at the prison. “Every attempt to introduce contraband into a Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility is a direct threat to the safety of our employees and the secure operation of our institutions,” said BOP Director William K. Marshall III. “We will continue our strong partnerships with our law enforcement partners to detect, investigate, and prosecute those who seek to undermine our mission.” "Contraband inside a prison is not a victimless crime. It fuels violence, addiction, and danger for everyone, including the employees who work there. The FBI and our partners stand committed to protecting all Americans regardless of whether they're in public or behind a prison fence," said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. Gary and Polk each face up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons investigated. An indictment is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Firearms Trafficker Who Traded Stolen Guns for Drugs and Cash Sentenced to Prison

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – A Harrison County, West Virginia man was sentenced today for selling controlled substances and for his role in a firearms trafficking scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Paul Oliver Dennison, 45, of Lumberport, West Virginia, was sentenced to 121 months in prison for firearms and drug violations. Beginning in spring 2024, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department and Bridgeport Police Department received more than 20 reports of firearms and valuables stolen from unlocked vehicles. Investigators identified two suspects and learned the stolen firearms were being traded to Dennison for narcotics or cash. A search warrant executed at his residence, outbuildings, and vehicles resulted in the recovery of a stolen pistol, a suitcase containing multiple firearms, ammunition, and a suspected homemade silencer, as well as user quantities of marijuana, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other drugs. In a separate case, Dennison was selling fentanyl and methamphetamine from his home. On several occasions, Dennison sold between 40 to160 grams of fentanyl and nearly 14 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office; and the Bridgeport Police Department investigated. Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.


title: Oklahoma Man Sentenced for Threatening to Shoot, Kill, Gun Down Federal Agents

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – While death threats against federal agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continue to rise, a Skiatook man was sentenced today after a federal jury found him guilty of posting on X threatening to shoot, kill, and gun down agents. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Logan Christopher Murfin, 26, to 21 months imprisonment, followed by two years of supervised release. In April 2026, Murfin was found guilty on ten counts. Five of the counts were for Threatening to Assault and Murder Federal Law Enforcement Officers with Intent to Impede, Intimidate, Interfere, and Retaliate; and five counts of Interstate Communication with a Threat to Injure. According to evidence presented at trial, agents with Homeland Security Investigations received an intelligence report in October 2025 flagging threatening posts made on the social media account X, about “gunning down” and shooting ICE agents. The threats were posted under the username “Azulenq.” Agents obtained search warrants to identify the user making these public online posts. The data collected from the search warrants was presented to the jury, which identified the X account user Azulenq as Murfin. The investigation showed that Murfin was posting threatening messages from his home in Skiatook. Murfin was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2025. After being arrested and mirandized, Murfin spoke with agents and stated he was angry and “pissed off” at ICE agents and admitted to making the posts on the X account. The jury heard a recording of the interview at trial. When two agents from Homeland Security testified, they explained to the jury how serious the agency is taking the threats due to threats to agents increasing more than 1,000%. Some of the threatening posts were made on the official U.S. Homeland Security account on X, which has more than three million followers. When Murfin was making posts in September, an agent explained to the jury that a sniper opened fire on an ICE facility in Dallas, Texas. Exhibits presented to the jury showed that Murfin's posts were in response to other users' posts about ICE agents' activities in the community, including arrests and enforcement of federal law. Public posts made by Murfin: October 18, 2025: Need too start shooting these “just following orders” pigs. Ice agents are reenacting ww2 nazi germany and its not acceptable. Only good ice terrorist is buried 6 feet under. October 17, 2025: Every ICE agent needs shot between the eyes “just following orders” isn’t acceptable and they already exposed they are human garbage. October 17, 2025: Every ice gestapo needs too be shot. 2nd amendment right too carry everyone should stay armed and when these terrorists come by just kill them. They don’t deserve too live after “just following orders” we aren’t reliving ww2 germany. They don’t want due process so show em September 28, 2025: Nah but we as US citizens should be gunning down these domestic terrorists. All ice gestapo can not use the “just following orders” excuse. If you’re complicit in this act you’ve gotta be executed for this act. September 28, 2025: ice gestapo agents need to either be executed publicy. “just following orders” is not a valid excuse in modern days Court documents show that death threats to federal agents as of January 2026 have increased 8,000%, and assault threats have increased by 1,300%. Murfin will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Kelly, Stephen Scaife, and Christopher J. Nassar prosecuted the case.


title: St. Lawrence County Man Sentenced for Distribution of Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: ALBANY, NEW YORK – Defendant Michael St. Denny, age 37, of Lisbon, New York, was sentenced on July 24, 2026 by United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino to 120 months in federal prison to be followed by a term of fifteen years of supervised release. The announcement was made by First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone Homeland Security Investigations Buffalo (HSI). The sentence stems from his conviction of distribution of child pornography. St. Denny previously admitted to distributing child pornography to other individuals between July 2024 and January 2025 using the social media application KIK. A search warrant conducted on defendant’s residence on January 14, 2025, revealed he was in possession of 220 videos and 421 images of child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “This sentence reflects the gravity of this defendant’s crimes. As established through his guilty plea, Mr. St. Denny distributed child pornography over several months and a search of his residence uncovered hundreds of images of child sexual exploitation material. He will now serve 10 years in federal prison, followed by strict supervision upon his release. I commend our partners at HSI for their unwavering efforts throughout this investigation.” HSI Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone said, “Michael St. Denny’s crimes represent a depraved exploitation of innocent children, and this sentence reflects the gravity of the harm he caused by trading in the suffering of the most vulnerable. HSI Massena will pursue these offenders with unwavering resolve and relentless determination, using every lawful tool available to protect our communities and bring predators to justice.” This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Paul DerOhannesian handled the prosecution.


title: Griffin Grifter Sentenced to Federal Prison for Dogfighting

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: NEWNAN, Ga. - Norman Dixson, a convicted drug dealer who fraudulently obtained federal pandemic relief money to fund his lifestyle, was sentenced to two years in federal prison for promoting dogfighting. “Dixson exploited federal relief programs while breeding, training, and abusing dogs in horrific conditions for his barbaric entertainment and monetary gain,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Dogfighting has no place in civilized society. Depraved individuals who abuse animals for profit should take notice: we will aggressively prosecute these offenses and ensure the perpetrators are sent to prison.” “Norman Dixson was sentenced to federal prison for his vile acts of animal cruelty, the killing of animals, and his involvement in brutal dog-fighting operations. Dixson also defrauded the Indiana Department of Workforce Development by fraudulently filing for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits he knew he was not entitled to receive, stealing taxpayer-funded relief intended for people in genuine need,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor. “We will continue to work relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the unemployment insurance system and aggressively pursue those who seek to exploit, loot, and abuse these critical public benefit programs.” “Dogfighting is grossly inhuman and it is against the law,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk. “USDA OIG remains resolute to bring those who commit this gruesome crime to justice. Let this prison sentence be a warning that violations of animal welfare laws will not be tolerated. It is unconscionable that this criminal supported himself by fraudulently exploiting a public relief program. I commend acting Special Agent in Charge Nathan Unger for his investigative work.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Dogfighting is an extreme form of animal cruelty. Dogs forced into dogfighting are often kept on short, heavy chains in squalid conditions. Dog fights often last hours, with dogs suffering puncture wounds, lacerations, blood loss, and broken bones. Injured dogs do not receive professional medical care because the injuries would quickly expose dogfighting rings. Instead, the dogs must suffer through bootleg “treatment” from criminals. Losing dogs and those that refuse to fight are often brutally executed. Videos and photographs obtained from Dixson’s Facebook and iCloud accounts showed that, since at least 2018, Dixson bred dogs for the purpose of dogfighting. He used treadmills and other devices to condition them to fight from birth, and he marketed puppies on Facebook for dogfighting. Dixson’s dogs spent much of their lives on heavy chains and in makeshift pens or overcrowded crates, surrounded by waste. Dixson recorded numerous dog fights in which his dogs were seriously injured, and he captured video of dead and dying dogs, some hanging by their necks from leashes, suggesting that they had been strangled to death. While promoting dogfighting ventures, Dixson relied on fraudulently obtained taxpayer money to support his lifestyle. He exploited relief programs designed to help struggling citizens and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic to receive more than $170,000 in Paycheck Protection Program and Unemployment Insurance funds, lying to state and federal government agencies in the process. On August 7, 2026, Norman Dixson, 35, of Griffin, Georgia, was sentenced to two years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, he was ordered to pay restitution of $171,069. As part of his sentence, Dixson was barred from possessing dogs for the entire term of supervised release. Dixson was convicted of one count of sponsoring and exhibiting a dog in an animal fighting venture after pleading guilty on April 30, 2026. This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General and U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Samir Kaushal and former Assistant United States Attorney Alex R. Sistla prosecuted the case. 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: Atlanta Man Convicted of Laundering Over $2.7 Million Stolen from Victims of Online Fraud

body_text: ATLANTA - Following an eight-day trial, a federal jury convicted Babajide Adesayo of laundering over $2.7 million obtained from victims of romance fraud and other types of online scams. “Adesayo was a key member of a complex, transnational network that preyed upon elderly victims and siphoned their retirement savings overseas, mainly to China, Hong Kong, and Nigeria, to make recovery impossible,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “As a prolific money launderer, Adesayo facilitated the theft of nearly $3 million from victims and continued even after he was indicted, arrested, and released on bond. Now behind bars awaiting a significant sentence, this incorrigible swindler will face the full consequences of his actions.” “Adesayo helped steal millions from vulnerable victims, including elderly people who lost their hard-earned savings. He then moved that money overseas to hide it from those he had defrauded. Even after his indictment, he continued laundering stolen funds,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Today’s conviction sends a clear message: the FBI will relentlessly pursue those who prey on vulnerable victims and profit from fraud.” “Adesayo’s conviction demonstrates that those who help transnational fraud networks move stolen money will be held accountable,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “This case involved vulnerable victims, including seniors, who were deceived out of their life savings through online fraud schemes. HSI, alongside our federal, state, and local partners, will continue to target the financial facilitators who enable these crimes and attempt to move illicit proceeds beyond the reach of law enforcement.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: Between April 2020 and September 2021, fraudsters engaged unwitting, elderly victims online and corresponded with them as friends, business associates, or even romantic partners. After developing relationships with the victims, the online fraudsters made pleas to the victims for help, falsely claiming that they needed equipment for their businesses, were imprisoned, or were suffering from injuries or illnesses. The fraudsters directed most victims to send hundreds of thousands of dollars, including the victims’ retirement savings and other hard-earned income, to the business accounts of Adesayo’s co-defendant, Nigerian national Efemena Igbe. As soon as Igbe received funds from the victims, he immediately sent most of the money to Adesayo and tried to hide the fraudulent transactions by falsely notating that the money was intended for the purchase of cars from Adesayo’s automotive business. When Adesayo received the money, he immediately sent most of it to overseas accounts in China, Hong Kong, Nigeria, and other countries. Over a period of 17 months, Adesayo received and moved over $2.7 million in victim funds. Following his June 2024 arrest, Adesayo was released on bond without being required to pay bail. While under indictment and awaiting trial, Adesayo persisted in laundering money. Victims sent funds either directly to Adesayo’s business accounts or to the accounts of others who subsequently transferred the funds to Adesayo. Adesayo then withdrew those funds, sending them to himself or to other accounts, nearly as soon as he received them. After this new criminal conduct was discovered, a federal magistrate judge revoked Adesayo’s bond. Adesayo has been held in federal custody since March 2, 2026. On August 6, 2026, a federal jury convicted Babajide Adesayo, 41, of Douglasville, Georgia, of all charges against him, including two counts of conspiracy to commit money laundering and sixteen counts of transactional money laundering. Sentencing is scheduled for November 20, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., before United States District Judge Mark H. Cohen. Adesayo faces up to 20 years of imprisonment on each of the conspiracy counts, up to 10 years of imprisonment on the transactional money laundering counts, and a consecutive sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment for committing offenses while on release. In determining the actual sentence, the Court will consider the United States Sentencing Guidelines, which are not binding but provide appropriate sentencing ranges for most offenders. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Substantial assistance was provided by the U.S. Secret Service, the Concord (New Hampshire) Police Department, DeSoto County (Mississippi) Sheriff’s Office, and New York City Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Bethany L. Rupert, Sara Lim, and Kelly Connors are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is part of the Department of Justice Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force. The Strike Force focuses on investigating and prosecuting defendants associated with foreign-based fraud schemes that disproportionately affect American seniors. These include romance scams, phone scams, mass-mailing fraud schemes, and tech-support fraud schemes. For further information on these scams, see https://www.justice.gov/elderjustice/senior-scam-alert . 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: Masked Gunman who Robbed Leon County Z Mart Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges

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

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – Laquinton Harris, 36, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to Hobbs Act Robbery, Brandishing a Firearm during a Crime of Violence, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case exemplifies the outstanding investigative work performed by our state and federal law enforcement partners, who swiftly identified and caught this defendant despite his efforts to conceal his identity during his violent crime. This successful prosecution delivers a clear message: the safety of our community is not negotiable, and my office will aggressively prosecute these cases to keep violent offenders, like this defendant, off our streets and behind bars where they belong.” Court records showed a masked gunman robbed the Z Mart convenience store at 4015 Fred George Road on January 30, 2026, during which the gunman discharged his firearm into the floor: During the investigation of the armed robbery, Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputies found an apparent bullet strike on the wooden flooring and a spent .22 caliber shell casing. On April 2, 2026, ATF executed a federal search warrant at the defendant’s residence and found a .22 caliber rifle, which ballistic testing showed matched the shell casing found in the Z Mart. They also found distinctive clothing that matched clothing worn by the robber. Distinctive ripped pants worn by the robber, found in the defendant’s home Gloves worn by the robber, found in the defendant’s home The defendant’s DNA was found on both the pants and gloves recovered during the search warrant. The defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 7 years in prison, which must be consecutive to his sentence for the robbery, and a maximum of up to life imprisonment, up to 5 years of supervised release, and up to a $750,000 fine. The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain. Sentencing is scheduled for October 19, 2026, at 2:00 pm, in the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor. 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. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Jackson County Men Plead Guilty to Federal Drug Trafficking Charges

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – Adolph Sutton, Jr., 65, of Malone, Florida, and Michael Peak, 56, of Bascom, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and two counts of distributing 50 grams or more methamphetamine. The pleas were announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “ Operation Take Back America continues to deliver on the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche that the Department of Justice will devote its full might toward eradicating the scourge of drug trafficking and violent crime from our streets. My office remains committed to keeping drug-peddling criminals, like these defendants, off our streets and behind federal bars to ensure the citizens of the Northern District of Florida can live in the safe, drug-free communities they deserve.” Court documents reflect that on two occasions, Sutton and Peak sold methamphetamine to law enforcement as part of an undercover operation. On May 6, 2025, the defendants sold 223 grams of methamphetamine to law enforcement. On May 29, 2025, an additional 438 grams of methamphetamine were sold to law enforcement. Both defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment on each of the three counts. The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Etherton and Eric Welch are prosecuting the case. Sentencing is scheduled for September 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark Walker. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access available public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Democratic Republic of Congo Man Indicted for Wire Fraud and Bank Fraud

component: USAO - North Dakota

body_text: FARGO – United States Attorney Nicholas W. Chase announced that Nicolas Mondani Oleko, age 32, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, appeared in federal court today in the District of North Dakota for an arraignment on an Indictment returned by a grand jury. The Indictment charges one count of Wire Fraud and one count of Bank Fraud and alleges that, while residing in the District of North Dakota, Oleko participated in, and aided and abetted, a business email compromise scheme that defrauded an auction business of $113,050. The charges and allegations contained in the charging documents are merely accusations. The Indictment in this case is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The United States Attorney’s Office urges all public and private entities to exercise vigilance to prevent business email compromise fraud. Entities are encouraged to establish strict payment protocols for large transactions and verify changes to vendor bank and routing information with trusted sources outside the chain of email communication. On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Greenley. # # # # # #


title: Thomaston Resident Sentenced for Border Patrol Assault

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Thomaston resident was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for assaulting a U.S. Border Patrol agent engaged in his official duties. Chief U.S. District Judge Lance E. Walker sentenced Olivia Wilkins , 24, to nine months in prison. Wilkins pleaded guilty in March 2026. According to court records, in August 2025, a United States Border Patrol agent responded to a one-vehicle crash in Washington, Maine. As law enforcement conducted a roadside investigation, Wilkins came upon the scene in an automobile and parked close to officers. Wilkins voiced concerns regarding Border Patrol’s presence in the area, but was permitted to move the vehicle further back from the crash to continue observing law enforcement. As the Border Patrol agent took an individual on scene into custody and began moving the individual to a nearby Border Patrol vehicle, Wilkins quickly accelerated toward the agent, who pulled the individual off the roadside away from the oncoming vehicle. Wilkins stopped the vehicle without striking either the agent or the individual in custody before swerving back into the lane of travel and fleeing the scene. Maine State Police troopers were able to arrest Wilkins a short distance away. In imposing sentence, Chief Judge Walker noted that one of the law enforcement officers on the scene had understandably drawn his service weapon and pointed it at Wilkins when Wilkins drove toward the Border Patrol agent. The judge told Wilkins that she was very lucky that the officer had not fired his weapon in response. The FBI investigated the case. #


title: Celina Pharmacy Owner/Two Pharmacies Agree to Pay $450,000 & Receive Ban on Handling Controlled Substances

component: U.S. Attorneys (USAO)

body_text: NASHVILLE – Thomas K. Weir, 65, of Celina, Tennessee, and two Celina pharmacies he majority-owned, Oakley Pharmacy, Inc. (doing business as Dale Hollow Pharmacy) and Xpress Pharmacy of Clay County LLC, have entered a consent judgment and permanent injunction resolving the United States’ civil claims under the Controlled Substances Act and the False Claims Act, U.S. Attorney Braden H. Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee announced today. “Pharmacies occupy a position of trust, and the controlled substances laws exist to keep dangerous drugs out of the wrong hands,” said U.S. Attorney Braden H. Boucek. “This judgment takes these defendants out of the controlled substances business for years to come and directs every dollar recovered toward the restitution owed to Medicare. Our office will continue using every criminal and civil tool available to protect Tennessee communities and the federal health care programs taxpayer’s fund.” U.S. District Judge Aleta A. Trauger entered the order on Aug. 3, 2026, in United States v. Oakley Pharmacy, Inc., et al., Case No. 2:19-cv-00009 (M.D. Tenn.). Under the judgment, Weir, Dale Hollow, and Xpress must pay the United States $450,000. The defendants’ initial payment of $70,000 is due today, seven days after entry of the order, and the remaining $380,000 is due within 45 days of the order’s entry. The payments will be credited in full toward the $1,419,974 in criminal restitution Weir was separately ordered to pay in his parallel criminal case, including $1,071,499 owed to the Medicare program and $348,475 owed to TennCare. The civil settlement amount was based on the defendants’ financial condition, as reflected in sworn financial disclosures. The judgment also bars Weir, Dale Hollow, and Xpress from administering, dispensing, distributing, or possessing with the intent to distribute any controlled substance through March 1, 2040. It also prohibits the defendants from applying for or seeking renewal of a Drug Enforcement Administration registration, whether on their own behalf or on behalf of any other entity, until at least that date. In addition, the defendants agreed to cooperate fully with the United States’ investigation of individuals and entities not released by the agreement. The United States filed the civil action on Feb. 7, 2019, alleging that the defendants knowingly dispensed controlled substances without valid prescriptions and knowingly and intentionally distributed and dispensed controlled substances outside the usual course of professional pharmacy practice. The complaint further alleged that the defendants routinely dispensed controlled substances despite warning signs of diversion and abuse, including unusually high dosages of oxycodone and other opioids, dangerous combinations of controlled substances, and patients traveling long distances to obtain and fill prescriptions. The United States also alleged that the pharmacies falsely billed Medicare for prescriptions that were not medically necessary or otherwise eligible for reimbursement. Weir previously pleaded guilty in the related criminal case, United States v. Weir, Case No. 2:21-CR-00008 (M.D. Tenn.), to conspiracy to distribute and dispense controlled substances, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute. On June 18, 2026, Judge Trauger sentenced Weir to 24 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay $1,419,974 in restitution to Medicare and TennCare. Upon receipt of the civil settlement payments, the parties will jointly dismiss the civil action. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Bowden McIntyre for the Middle District of Tennessee represented the United States. #####


title: Thirteen Jacksonville Gang Members and Associates Indicted for Racketeering and Drug Trafficking Conspiracy, Murder-For-Hire, and Retaliation Against a Witness

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the unsealing of an indictment charging 13 individuals—all alleged members and associates of the Slime gang—with crimes including racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking conspiracy, murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and retaliating against a witness. Slime was primarily active in the Northside and Oceanway neighborhoods of the greater Jacksonville area. If convicted, the penalties range from 20 years up to life in federal prison. Some of the defendants face the death penalty for murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder for hire, and/or use of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime resulting in death. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit certain assets, which are alleged to be traceable to proceeds of the offense. According to the indictment, the Slime organization has existed under various names, including Pearl World, BB4L (Block Burners for Life), K4T (Killers for Telly), and finally, Slime World. At all times relevant to the indictment, Slime was led by Brian Gregory Brightman and generated income through drug trafficking. Slime used violence and intimidation to establish the group’s dominance in the greater Jacksonville area, to protect its territory, to encroach on rivals’ territory and trap houses, and to maintain its drug trafficking operation. The violence and intimidation included assaults, shootings, attempted murders, and murder. The indictment alleges that, from approximately 2019 and continuing until August 5, 2026, the defendants conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances including marijuana, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine, and maintained multiple trap houses to distribute the same, often arming themselves with firearms to protect their controlled substances and territory. Additionally, the indictment alleges that in August 2021, Brightman, Raymond Cash, and Devin McFadden solicited the murder of a rival gang member. On October 13, 2022, Brightman solicited a Slime member and a Slime associate to murder a different rival gang member. Between November 30, 2022, and continuing through December 1, 2022, Brightman transported approximately 70 pounds of marijuana from California to Florida. On December 19, 2022, Brightman directed an individual to go to one of the trap houses under the ruse that he would be facilitating a drug deal. When the individual arrived at the home with others, Cash and Gary Harris robbed them of marijuana at gunpoint. On January 29, 2024, it is alleged that Brightman and another Slime member assaulted a lower-level drug dealer and user to enforce a debt owed to Slime. On a different occasion, Blake Baker entered the home of a drug dealer and Slime associate, threatened her with a firearm, and assaulted her domestic partner to enforce a drug debt owed to Slime. On December 11, 2024, Devonne Rivers and Terrance Williams shot and attempted to kill another individual, in part, to intimidate any rival groups and gangs on behalf of Slime. Further, Andre Drinks solicited a physical attack on an individual that Drinks perceived to be proving evidence against Slime, causing injury to that individual. Members of Slime are also charged in several substantive counts with committing violence to intimidate rivals and get revenge against opposing groups. It is alleged that beginning on an unknown date no later than on November 27, 2023, and continuing through December 2023, Brightman and Jacob Goodman conspired to commit, and did commit, the murder-for-hire of D.S.S. on November 29, 2023. It is further alleged that Brightman, Rivers, and Tarvares Watson Jr. conspired to commit and did commit the murder of A.B. and T.W. on or about April 7, 2024. In addition to the individuals named above, Roderick Leon, Rashawn Rankin, and Da’Veon Smith have also been charged in the indictment. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office, the Nassau County Sherriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area are investigating the case with valuable assistance from the State Attorney’s Office for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Florida National Guard Counter Drug Program, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Florida Highway Patrol, the Baker County Sheriff’s Office, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Neptune Beach Police Department, the Jacksonville Beach Police Department, and the Green Cove Springs Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Lasry and Kelli A. Swaney for the Middle District of Florida are 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.


title: Middle District of Florida Agencies Receive $3.5 Million to Improve Safety

body_text: Tampa, FL ―The Bureau of Justice Assistance, a component under the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, awarded almost $290 million to support state, local, and tribal governments in criminal justice activities to keep American communities safe. More than $3.5 million of this amount has been awarded to law enforcement agencies throughout the Middle District of Florida. The awards, provided through the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, represent the nation’s leading source of federal justice funding to state and local jurisdictions, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. For more than 20 years, the JAG program has provided critical funding to support law enforcement’s ability to protect the communities they serve, supporting critical needs such as personnel, equipment and supplies, technology, training, information systems for criminal justice or civil proceedings, and other operational priorities. JAG funding also supports a wide range of programs that strengthen crime prevention efforts and enhance the effectiveness of prosecutors, courts, corrections agencies, and services for crime victims and witnesses. “Our local, state, and tribal law enforcement partners stand on the front lines every day to combat crime and keep our citizens safe,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “These awards will assist them as they carry out their mission to improve public safety throughout our district.” In addition to foundational uses of JAG funds, specific areas of emphasis were included to the JAG funding opportunities highlighting and encouraging state and local jurisdictions to join federal law enforcement in addressing the most pressing public safety challenges. For Fiscal Year 2025, these areas of emphasis included combatting violent crime, immigration enforcement, safe communities, and safe houses of worship. BJA awarded more than $199 million in state JAG funding across 56 awards and more than $90 million in local JAG funding across 895 awards. Examples of initiatives supported by these grants include: Providing specialized training to strengthen the prevention, detection, and response to human trafficking and to enhance proactive crime‑reduction efforts through improved officer readiness and increased patrol capacity. Enhancing local crime‑fighting efforts by integrating innovative technology, training, and equipment, and using comprehensive crime‑data analysis to guide decision‑making, measure performance, and strengthen strategies addressing violent crime and other public safety issues. Strengthening enforcement efforts by supporting investigations related to gang activity and narcotics through targeted operations carried out by specialized units. Improving officer safety and readiness by replacing outdated ballistic helmets with modern protective equipment used during high‑risk incidents, tactical operations, active threat responses, warrant service, civil disturbances, and other dangerous calls for service. All recipients for both state and local JAG awards can be found here . About the Office of Justice Programs The Office of Justice Programs provides federal leadership, grants, training, technical assistance, and other resources to improve the nation's capacity to prevent and reduce crime; promote fair and impartial administration of justice; assist victims; and uphold the rule of law. More information about OJP and its program offices – the Bureau of Justice Assistance, Bureau of Justice Statistics, National Institute of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering and Tracking or SMART Office – can be found at ojp.gov.


title: Multiple Men Charged in Connection With Cross-Country Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – Three men are facing a superseding indictment in connection with a drug conspiracy that spanned from California to Maryland. Samir Footman, 38, of Halethorpe, Maryland; Kenny Guyton, 44, of Glen Burnie, Maryland; and Marcus McDaniel, 45, of Stockton, California, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Footman is also charged with firearm trafficking and felon in possession of a firearm. The co-conspirators possessed with the intent to distribute nearly six kilograms of pure crystal methamphetamine and approximately 10 kilograms of methamphetamine pills. Additionally, Footman sold a firearm as part of his role in the conspiracy. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division; Postal Inspector in Charge Damon E. Wood, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) – Washington Division; and Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP). According to public filings, in September 2025, ATF agents began investigating Footman, a suspected narcotics dealer in the Annapolis area. Throughout the investigation, the ATF used confidential informants (CIs) and undercover agents (UCs) to conduct multiple controlled narcotics purchases from Footman. Investigators later identified Guyton as Footman’s narcotics supplier. During the undercover operation, UCs purchased quantities of cocaine and fentanyl, along with more than 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine pills and approximately 450 grams of crystal methamphetamine from Footman and Guyton. Footman also sold a Glock 19X 9mm pistol to a recipient knowing or having reason to believe that the possession of the firearm by the recipient would constitute a felony. On April 24, 2026, investigators executed search and arrest warrants at residences associated with Footman and Guyton. Investigators seized a firearm, ammunition, pill press, and approximately 2.7 kilograms of additional methamphetamine pills. Law enforcement also recovered Guyton’s cell phone. In Guyton’s cell phone, investigators located a message exchange between Guyton and a contact saved as “Blindman.” Guyton sent this individual a Maryland address, to which the individual wrote, “Money order or cashier’s check.” Investigators also located a United States Postal Service (USPS) tracking number connected to a package in the phone. Inside the package, law enforcement uncovered approximately 5.3 kilograms of pure methamphetamine. Since law enforcement recognized the company brand of the shipping materials, investigators obtained transaction information from the California-based location of the company. Additionally, investigators obtained footage of the transaction depicting McDaniel buying the shipping materials. Upon further review of Guyton’s cell phone revealed a second USPS tracking number that Guyton sent to “Blindman.” Investigators located the second parcel which contained a cashier’s check in the amount of $6,700 payable from Guyton to McDaniel. The payment was in exchange for the crystal methamphetamine shipment. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. If convicted, Footman, Guyton, and McDaniel, each face a minimum of 10 years and maximum of life in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF, DEA, USPIS, and MSP for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney James G. O’Donohue III who is prosecuting the federal 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 . # # # Agency Quotes Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland “Law enforcement collaboration is a powerful tool that we leverage to keep Marylanders safe. This indictment showcases our commitment to teaming with our partners to relentlessly pursue justice against individuals who fuel criminal activity in our communities,” Hayes said. “No matter where you are, if you’re involved in trafficking drugs and/or firearms in Maryland, we will find and prosecute you.” Charles Doerrer, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Baltimore “This investigation shows how hard ATF agents, with our federal partners, work to purse justice,” Doerrer said. “Mr. Footman and his associates flooded our streets with dangerous drugs and firearms, and ATF will work tirelessly to hold him accountable.” Christopher C. Goumenis, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Washington Division “Our foremost priority is to eradicate violent crime and protect American lives in the communities we serve. DEA Washington Division wants to ensure our communities are safe for all citizens to flourish and feel secure in their everyday activities,” Goumenis said. “This indictment underscores our dedication to rigorous law enforcement efforts and working closely with local and federal agencies to dismantle the criminal networks that jeopardize public safety.” Damon E. Wood, Postal Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Washington Division “On the 251st anniversary of the US Postal Inspection Service, the success of this investigation reaffirms our commitment along with our law enforcement partners, to ensure the sanctity of the US Mail and rid our communities of poisonous substances and illegal firearms,” Wood said. Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent, Maryland State Police “Our continued partnership between local, state, and federal law-enforcement agencies is critical to disrupting illegal gun and drug trafficking operations,” Jackson said. “We are committed to combining our resources, sharing intelligence, and holding others accountable to keep Marylanders safe.”


title: Former Employee of Maryland State Contractor Pleads Guilty to Unemployment Benefits Fraud Charges

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A former Maryland Department of Labor (MD-DOL) insider pled guilty in federal court to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges. Katrina McCant, 41, of Baltimore, pled guilty to charges in connection with a scheme to fraudulently obtain unemployment insurance (UI) claim benefits during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito, U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General, (DOL-OIG), and Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office. According to her guilty plea, beginning in January 2021, and continuing until December 2021, McCant used her position as a contractor for Company #1 to advance the scheme. Company #1 provided support services to MD-DOL. While working for the MD-DOL, McCant enriched herself by fraudulently obtaining UI benefits. McCant used her insider access to MD-DOL data and databases to upload and approve documents submitted in support of UI claims. Some of the claims she initiated herself while others she took over by changing the claimant’s email address and name to her own. In furthering the scheme, she removed holds on UI claims, certified weeks, and engaged in other actions to facilitate fraudulent UI benefit payments. As part of the scheme, McCant changed the names of the claimants to facilitate the direct deposit of funds into her financial accounts. She also used the personal identifiable information (PII) of multiple real people, who were aggravated identity theft victims, to make changes to UI claims in the MD-DOL system. Additionally, McCant used her insider access to MD-DOL data and databases to upload and approve certain documents submitted in support of UI claims. McCant also used her access to remove fraud holds on UI claims, certify weeks, and engage in other actions to facilitate the payment of fraudulent UI benefits for other individuals. These individuals paid McCant a one-time fee, often through PayPal, to fraudulently approve or facilitate fraudulent claims. McCant’s fee varied depending on the size of the claim, as she received amounts that ranged from approximately $500 to $8,000 per claim. As part of the plea, McCant agreed to pay restitution to the Maryland Department of Labor of at least $550,000. McCant also agreed to a forfeiture of at least $550,000. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus. Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form . U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the DOL-OIG and FBI for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared W. Murphy and Harry Gruber who are prosecuting this federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud . # # #


title: Veloxis Pharmaceuticals Agrees to Pay $46 Million to Resolve Criminal and Civil Liability for Kickback Scheme

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – Veloxis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Veloxis), a drug manufacturer based in Cary, N.C., has agreed to pay over $46 million to resolve criminal and civil allegations that it paid kickbacks to induce prescriptions and purchases of Envarsus XR (Envarsus), the company’s kidney transplant immunosuppression drug. As part of the government’s resolution with Veloxis, the company entered into a three-year deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in connection with a criminal information filed today in the District of Massachusetts charging Veloxis with conspiracy to commit violations of the federal Anti-Kickback Statute by paying for, among other things, lavish meals, alcohol and luxury resort stays, to induce health care professionals to recommend or prescribe Envarsus. As part of the DPA, Veloxis has agreed to pay a criminal penalty of $10.04 million. Today’s resolution also includes a civil settlement to resolve allegations that Veloxis caused the submission of false claims to federal health care programs by paying kickbacks to hospital personnel and specialty pharmacies, in violation of the False Claims Act. Veloxis has agreed to pay $34.45 million to the United States and certain States as part of the civil settlement. In addition, Veloxis has agreed to pay a $1.55 million civil penalty to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to resolve allegations that Veloxis knowingly failed to report to CMS certain payments to physicians under the Open Payments Program (a/k/a the “Sunshine Act”). This is the largest Sunshine Act recovery since the law was passed in 2010. “Attempting to improperly influence medical decision-making for financial gain is dangerous, yet it is exactly what Veloxis was doing. Instead of prioritizing patient safety, they were prioritizing profits,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Treatment decisions need to be based on what’s best for the patient, not what’s best for the drug manufacturer’s bottom line, or what lavish meal or resort stay they can offer. We remain committed to protecting the integrity of taxpayer-funded health care programs. Drug manufacturers should know that the federal government will use all available enforcement mechanisms to stop the payment of illegal health care kickbacks.” “Today’s resolution should serve as a warning to any healthcare company that tries to improperly influence the decisions of healthcare providers,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Kickbacks can erode medical decision making, result in unnecessary prescriptions of branded drugs, and waste federal healthcare funds.” “Today’s settlement resolves allegations that Veloxis operated with a principal focus on sales, providing kickbacks in the form of luxury resort stays, lavish meals, and payments to induce health care professionals to recommend and prescribe its kidney transplant immunosuppression drug,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “It’s harmful when pharmaceutical companies prioritize profits over patients. Just know that the FBI and our partners are committed to fighting health care offenses, one case at a time, and seeing perpetrators held accountable.” “Kickbacks that distort medical decision making put patients at risk and undermine trust in our health care system,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG). “Veloxis used lavish perks and concealed payments to push its drug, and today’s resolution makes clear that this conduct will not be tolerated. HHS OIG will continue working with our law enforcement partners to protect patients, uphold the integrity of federal health care programs, and hold companies accountable when they violate the law.” Veloxis’s Criminal Liability for Conspiring to Pay Kickbacks According to court documents filed in the District of Massachusetts, from approximately October 2016 to June 2023, Veloxis and its employees engaged in a scheme to pay kickbacks to transplant health care professionals (HCPs) to induce them to prescribe, order, or recommend prescribing or ordering Envarsus for kidney transplant recipients. These kickbacks took several forms. Veloxis provided improper remuneration to transplant HCPs in the form of lavish meals, expensive resort stays and personal gifts and also made large payments to HCPs under the guise of consulting agreements, often for purported consulting work that was not actually performed. In many of these instances, Veloxis employees submitted falsified company expense reports to conceal their illegal conduct (and to avoid Sunshine Act reporting requirements). Veloxis admitted that it intended the improper remuneration it provided to HCPs to induce prescriptions/orders of Envarsus and thereby increase the company’s net profits. Veloxis’s Civil Liability for False Claims to Federal Health Care Programs In addition, the resolution announced today resolves allegations that Veloxis violated the False Claims Act by knowingly causing the submission of claims to Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE for Envarsus prescriptions written by HCPs or filled by pharmacies to which Veloxis had knowingly and willfully paid kickbacks. In connection with the civil settlement agreement, Veloxis admitted that, in addition to providing improper remuneration to HCPs and concealing the kickbacks by falsifying company expense reports, Veloxis failed to properly report the remuneration under CMS’s Open Payments Program. Veloxis admitted that because its reports to CMS were based on falsified company expense reports, Veloxis underreported, or failed to report, the true amounts of its payments or transfers of value to physicians. Veloxis also admitted that from 2017 to 2023, it paid kickbacks to specialty pharmacies in the form of per-patient and per-month payments to induce the pharmacies to begin or continue purchasing Envarsus instead of competitor drugs, including a cheaper generic drug. Veloxis admitted that it disguised the unlawful purpose of these payments by falsely describing them in written contracts as being for “enhanced services” such as data collection or adherence services. In fact, Veloxis admitted that it paid the pharmacies regardless of whether they provided any data and without confirming whether any adherence services were actually provided. Under the civil settlement agreement, Veloxis will pay $21,211,251 to the United States to resolve the False Claims Act allegations and an additional $13,238,749 to certain States for claims settled by those States’ Medicaid programs. Veloxis also agreed to pay a civil penalty of $1,550,000 to resolve allegations that it knowingly failed to report the amounts of its payments to physicians under CMS’s Open Payments Program. In connection with the civil settlement, Veloxis entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with HHS-OIG. The CIA requires, among other things, that Veloxis implement a compliance program to identify and address Anti-Kickback Statute-related risks and retain an independent compliance expert to review the effectiveness of its compliance program. Veloxis cooperated with the government’s investigation. The claims resolved in today’s settlement include certain claims that were brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Toulsor1, Inc. v. Veloxis Pharmaceuticals A/S, et al. , No. 1:20-cv-11575 (D. Mass.). U.S. Attorney Foley; AAG Shumate; FBI SAC Docks; HHS-OIG Acting Deputy IG Bennett; Christopher Silvestro, Special Agent in Charge of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Northeast Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri, Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General; Derek M. Holt, Special Agent in Charge of the Office of Personnel Management, Office of Inspector General; and Justin Page, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. The case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven T. Sharobem and Lindsey E. Weinstein of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher R. Looney and Leslie A. Wright of the Criminal Division, along with Assistant Director Christopher Terranova in the Department of Justice’s Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section.


title: CFO of Boston-Area Spinal Device Company Sentenced to Four Months in Prison for Kickback Scheme

body_text: BOSTON – The Chief Financial Officer of SpineFrontier, Inc., a spinal implant company, formerly based in Malden, Mass., has been sentenced for a kickback scheme to bribe surgeons to use company products in exchange for sham consulting fees. Aditya Humad, 41, of Cambridge, Mass., was sentenced on Aug. 6, 2026 by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to four months in prison, to be followed by one year of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $9,500 fine. In May 2026 , Humad pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the anti-kickback statute. Humad was charged in September 2021 along with Dr. Kingsley R. Chin, SpineFrontier’s Founder, President and CEO. Humad conspired to pay and direct the payment of over $540,000 in bribes to surgeons in the form of sham consulting fees for work they did not perform. Humad conspired to bribe surgeons to use SpineFrontier’s products, and in turn, SpineFrontier received millions of dollars in revenue from surgeries the surgeons performed. “This sentence is the culmination of years of dogged pursuit of SpineFrontier, its executives, Aditya Humad and Kingsley Chin, and multiple bribe-taking doctors. Aditya Humad now stands convicted and sentenced for conspiracy to pay bribes to physicians to induce them to use products in complicated spine surgeries,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “In criminal and civil proceedings, we have recovered more than $4 million from these executives, their companies and the physicians who took their bribes. Let these resolutions serve as notice that no matter how long it takes, and how sophisticated the scheme, we will crack down on health care fraud offenses.” “This corporate scheme sought to corruptly influence surgeons by paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to induce the use of SpineFrontier’s medical devices in surgeries,” said Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG). “Humad’s actions undermined critical safeguards designed to protect patients and the integrity of taxpayer funded health care programs. HHS OIG, working closely with our law enforcement partners, will continue to hold accountable individuals and executives who engage in such illegal schemes.” “As the Chief Financial Officer of SpineFrontier, Inc., Aditya Humad conspired to bribe surgeons to use his company’s products – and paid them more than a half million dollars in sham consulting fees for work they did not perform – in an effort to boost the company’s bottom line,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “Kickback schemes like this not only violate federal law, but they erode the public’s trust in our health care system. That’s why the FBI, and our partners, will continue to ensure individuals who put their company’s profits ahead of patient care are brought to justice.” “This sentencing sends a clear message that the VA Office of Inspector General will work diligently to ensure that individuals who conspire to pay kickbacks to influence medical decisions are held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri of the VA OIG’s Northeast Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office and federal law enforcement partners for their collaboration and exceptional work in pursuing justice in this case.” Humad conspired with SpineFrontier to enter into contracts with surgeons, agreeing to pay the surgeons between $250 and $1,000 per hour for purported consulting for SpineFrontier. In reality, however, Humad directed SpineFrontier to pay the surgeons for using SpineFrontier’s products. Although the surgeon-consulting program was purportedly directed at gathering technical feedback about SpineFrontier’s products, Humad used the bribes they paid pursuant to that program to induce surgeons to use SpineFrontier’s products in surgeries that were paid for by federal health care programs such as Medicare, Medicaid and the Veterans Health Administration. Additionally, the surgeons frequently spent only a small fraction of their reported time, if any, performing actual consulting. Humad previously agreed to pay a fine pursuant to a civil settlement agreement, including a fixed amount totaling more than $150,000 (including interest) and potential additional contingency payments based upon his annual income. In May 2025 , Chin pleaded guilty to making false statements to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. He was subsequently sentenced in August 2025 by Judge Talwani to one year of supervised release with the first six months to be served in home confinement. Chin was also ordered to pay a fine of $9,500 in addition to $40,000 he personally agreed to pay as part of a related civil settlement and $855,000 that his wholly-owned company agreed to pay as part of the same settlement. In related criminal prosecutions, in August 2020 , surgeon Jason Montone, D.O, 50, of Lawson, Miss., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and obstruction. Medical device distributor John Balzer, 48, of Lenexa, Kan., pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and one count of witness tampering. Montone and Balzer are scheduled to be sentenced in September 2026. In related civil enforcement, in March 2020 , five doctors agreed to pay civil settlements to resolve allegations of accepting sham consulting fees in violation of the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute: Dr. F. Paul DeGenova agreed to pay $486,985; Dr. Michael Murray agreed to pay $330,668; Dr. Joseph Shehadi agreed to pay $323,419; Dr. Agha Khan agreed to pay $310,843; and Dr. John Atwater agreed to pay $105,149. In April 2020 , Dr. John Carlson agreed to pay $1.75 million dollars to resolve the same allegations. U.S. Attorney Foley; Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Special Agent in Charge Christopher Algieri, Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, Northeast Field Office; and Justin Page, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abraham R. George, Christopher R. Looney and Mackenzie A. Queenin prosecuted the case.


title: USAO-KS files denaturalization case against man ordered deported then used a false identity to become a U.S. citizen

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: WICHITA, KAN. — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas announced filing a denaturalization action against a man born in India who allegedly became a United States citizen under a false identity. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, a naturalized U.S. citizen’s citizenship may be revoked, and certificate of naturalization canceled, if the naturalization was illegally procured or procured by concealment of a material fact or by willful misrepresentation. On August 7, 2026, the United States of America filed a civil action in the District of Kansas against Harinder Singh, a.k.a. Harinder Singh Sanghera a.k.a. Rushpal Singh of Olathe to revoke his naturalized U.S. citizenship. The U.S. government alleges Singh procured his naturalization unlawfully, and that he willfully misrepresented and concealed material facts in applying to naturalize. When the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) initially encountered the defendant in 1991 at JFK International Airport, he identified himself as Rushpal Singh. In August 1995, an immigration judge ordered him to be deported, a decision which was subsequently upheld by the Board of Immigration Appeals. The government has no record Singh ever left the U.S. pursuant to his exclusion and deportation order. In June1996, Singh filed an application with INS for an immigration benefit under the name Harinder Singh. He also changed his date of birth, date of entry into the U.S., and the factual basis for his claim. INS granted the application. In October 2000, the INS approved Singh’s application for adjustment of status to a lawful permanent resident under the identity Harinder Singh. Eight years later he naturalized under the identity and immigration history of Harinder Singh. He did not disclose his prior immigration history under a different name. The U.S. government brings this civil action to revoke and set aside the order admitting the defendant’s citizenship and to cancel his certificate of naturalization. Since Jan. 20, 2025, the Justice Department has filed approximately 123 civil denaturalization complaints, the most in recorded history. The claims made in the complaints are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. ###


title: Jury convicts Army veteran of embellishing health issues to defraud the VA

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: TOPEKA, KAN.– A federal jury convicted a U.S. Army veteran of defrauding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of over $170,000 in caregiver benefit payments that he was not entitled to receive. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. According to court documents, James Bradford, 49, of Junction City was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to defraud the government and one count of theft of public money, property, or records. The VA operates the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). PCAFC provides monthly payments to individuals, typically family members, who care for qualified veterans and service members. The program is intended to compensate caregivers who spend substantial amounts of time providing care since that can limit their ability to work. Between August 2014 and July 2023, Bradford and his caregiver knowingly provided false and fraudulent statements concerning the level of care Mr. Bradford required from his caregiver. Bradford and his caregiver reported he was unable to provide himself basic care such as medication management, organizing financial affairs, and transportation which required his caregiver to do on his behalf. However, from May 2016 until approximately 2025, Bradford worked for the federal government. He was employed by U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) as a project manager in Topeka. His work duties included overseeing multi-million-dollar contracts between GSA and vendors. “Safeguarding benefits for veterans is a priority, and our investigators work diligently to ensure that VA’s programs are not exploited for financial gain by fraudulent actors,” said Special Agent in Charge Gregory Billingsley with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Central Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners who remain committed to hold accountable those who would defraud VA’s programs and services.” “Fraud against a program designed to provide essential care to veterans is unacceptable,” said Special Agent in Charge Jorge Richardson of the U.S. General Services Administration Office of Inspector General Midwest Investigations Division. “We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to stop fraud and ensure federal programs operate with integrity.” The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Office of Inspector General (VA-OIG) and U.S. General Services Administration – Office of Inspector General (GSA-OIG) are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara Walton and Lindsey Debenham are prosecuting the case. ###


title: Georgia Man Charged with Threatening to Kill Husband of Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard

component: USAO - Hawaii

body_text: HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Nolan Ezra Goldklang, 23, of Sandy Springs, Georgia, was charged by criminal complaint on August 5, 2026, with sending an interstate communication containing a threat to kill the husband of Tulsi Gabbard, the former Director of National Intelligence. Goldklang was arrested on August 7, 2026 on Oahu, and had his initial appearance on August 10, 2026, in the District of Hawaii. According to court records, on or about July 21, 2026, using a computer in or near Kapolei, Hawaii, Goldklang posted threatening statements directed at Ms. Gabbard’s husband on the social media platform “X.” Goldklang posted that he was “going to murder” Ms. Gabbard’s husband when he returned to Oahu and was going to “slam his bloody face on the pavement until his skull cracks.” Goldklang’s family reported the post to law enforcement and informed investigators that Goldklang was obsessed and infatuated with Gabbard. His family also reported that Goldklang had experienced mental health issues and had previously escaped from a mental institution where he had been involuntarily committed. His family believed Goldklang may have traveled from the mainland to Hawaii to meet with Gabbard. If convicted, Goldklang faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, plus a term of supervised release. The charge in the criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines. The FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Randolph J. St. Clair is prosecuting the case.


title: Lancaster County Man Pleads Guilty in Connection With Massive Investment Fraud Scheme

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Daryl F. Heller, 56, of Lititz, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge Catherine Henry to securities fraud. The defendant was charged by indictment in August of last year, arising from a fraudulent investment scheme that resulted in investor losses of approximately $402 million in unpaid principal. As detailed in court filings, Heller controlled and was the majority owner of several companies based in Lancaster, Pa., including Paramount Management Group, LLC (“Paramount”), which purchased, installed, operated, maintained, and processed transactions for automatic teller machines (“ATMs”) and cryptocurrency teller machines (“BTMs”) in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and throughout the country. Heller also controlled and was the majority owner of Heller Capital Group LLC (“HCG”) and Prestige Investment Group, LLC (“Prestige”). Further, Prestige was the majority owner of four companies, collectively, the “Prestige Management Companies.” The Prestige Management Companies, in turn, managed the operations of more than two dozen companies, collectively, the “Prestige and WF Velocity ATM Funds.” As further detailed in court filings and admitted to by the defendant, from about January 2017 to December 2024, Heller solicited, and caused others to solicit, approximately $770 million from investors in the Prestige and WF Velocity ATM Funds, based on materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations, and promises, including that the money they invested would be used by Paramount to purchase and operate ATMs and BTMs on behalf of the investors, and that investors would receive monthly payments for a period of approximately six to seven years, and those monthly payments made to investors would be funded through the operation of the ATMs and BTMs that the investors purportedly purchased from Paramount. A substantial amount of the funds obtained from the Prestige and WF Velocity ATM Fund investors was not used by Paramount to purchase ATMs and BTMs as promised, but used instead to pay the monthly payments owed to earlier investors in the Prestige and WF Velocity ATM Funds, other ATM and BTM investors, Heller’s personal expenses, and business debts incurred by Paramount and other companies that the defendant owned and controlled. In addition, thousands of the ATMs and BTMs that were purportedly purchased by Paramount on behalf of the Prestige and WF Velocity ATM Fund investors either did not exist or were not in operation and, thus, were not capable of generating any revenues. To carry out and conceal the scheme, Heller created false and fraudulent records, which grossly misrepresented the number of ATMs and BTMs in Paramount’s network and grossly overstated the revenues being generated by those ATMs and BTMs. Those documents were used to satisfy existing investors, solicit new investors, and deceive others by falsely representing that investor money was being used to purchase ATMs and BTMs and that the kiosks were generating sufficient revenues to make investor payments. In or about April 2024, Heller caused Paramount to stop making monthly payments to investors after the Prestige and WF Velocity ATM Funds stopped providing substantial amounts of new investor money to Paramount. Investors have not received any payments since April 2024, despite Heller’s promises from April 2024 to December 2024 to make payments to and buy out the investors. Paramount went out of business in or about December 2024, and investors in the Prestige and WF Velocity ATM Funds have unpaid principal amounts totaling approximately $402 million. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1 and faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $5 million fine. Restitution in an amount to be determined by the Court also shall be ordered. Forfeiture of all proceeds from the offense, in an amount to be determined by the Court, also may be ordered. This case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Francis A. Weber and J. Andrew Jenemann. The Lancaster County Police Department, Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office, East Hempfield Township Police Department, and Pequea Township Police Department provided investigative assistance. The Securities and Exchange Commission filed parallel charges against Heller last September, which are pending.