title: Orlando Pharmacy and Pharmacist Agree to Pay $50,000 to Settle Controlled Substances Act Violations

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Orlando, FL – Plaza Pharmacy, LLC and Paul Ezeobinwa have agreed to pay the United States $50,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the Controlled Substances Act by improperly distributing schedule V drugs and committing multiple recordkeeping violations. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. The settlement relates to a DEA investigation of Plaza Pharmacy. According to the settlement agreement, between December 22, 2021, and March 21, 2024, Plaza Pharmacy and Mr. Ezeobinwa failed to properly identify a total of 104 fraudulent prescriptions with 193 refills, resulting in the dispensing a controlled substance without a valid prescription. As explained in the settlement agreement, on March 21, 2024, the DEA conducted an on-site investigation of Plaza Pharmacy and discovered dozens of record-keeping violations of the Controlled Substances Act. Plaza Pharmacy surrendered its DEA license for cause on May 2, 2024, and ceased operating in September 2025. “Pharmacies and pharmacists serve everyone in our communities and carry an obligation to track and properly report the dispensing of controlled substances,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “This settlement highlights our commitment to enforcing the Controlled Substances Act to protect our citizens.” “Our Diversion investigators will continue to pursue and investigate those who abuse the system and poison our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, Tampa Field Division. “DEA will not stop until anyone who violates the CSA has been brought to justice.” This settlement resulted from a coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The civil settlement was reached by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Bloor. The settlement resolves the United States’ claims. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.


title: New Jersey Man Sentenced for Robbery of a Postal Letter Carrier

body_text: Tampa, Florida– Tajmir Wyles (32, New Jersey) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber to three years in federal prison for robbery of a postal mail carrier and receipt, possession or concealment of stolen property of the United States. This sentence was ordered to run consecutively with a Dallas, Texas state sentence of eight years prison for obstruction, possession of a controlled substance, and fraudulent possession of identification information of 50 or more individuals. Wyles pleaded guilty in the federal case on December 4, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, on May 15, 2023, Wyles robbed a postal letter carrier of his master keys while he was delivering mail at a community mailbox inside the Whittier Center shopping center on E. Busch Boulevard, in Tampa, Florida. Following a physical altercation over the keys, Wyles successfully fled the scene with the keys. In July 2023, Wyles was arrested in Dallas, Texas, where he was found with a binder of approximately 120 checks, with multiple different check owners. Many of the checks were reported stolen from the Tampa Bay area, where the postal keys worked, after the robbery. In addition, Wyles was in possession of the postal master keys that had been taken during the robbery on May 15, 2023. This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Tampa, Florida, and Fort Worth, Texas, the Tampa Police Department, and the Dallas Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ilyssa M. Spergel.


title: Hope Hull Woman Sentenced for False Testimony During Federal Court Proceeding

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: Today, United States Attorney Thomas Govan announced the sentencing of Cindy Coffman Jacques, 59, of Hope Hull, Alabama, following her conviction for perjury. According to court records and her plea agreement, the case stems from a domestic disturbance reported on July 13, 2025, at a residence in Tallassee, Alabama. When law enforcement officers responded to a 911 call, the victim reported that Jacques’s son, Raymond David Jacques III, who was serving a term of federal probation, had assaulted her. Raymond Jacques was arrested at the scene. His arrest and new criminal conduct triggered federal probation‑revocation proceedings. On July 28, 2025, during those proceedings, Cindy Jacques testified under oath. Evidence later established that she knowingly made materially false statements when she denied instructing a witness on what to say in an effort to have the charges against her son dismissed. A recorded conversation between Jacques and the victim on July 16, 2025, directly contradicted her sworn testimony. “Our justice system depends upon truthful testimony under oath,” said United States Attorney Govan. “Those who deliberately lie in federal court to influence the outcome of a case must be held accountable. A felony conviction carries significant and lasting consequences and affirms our commitment to protecting the integrity of judicial proceedings.” On July 8, 2026, a United States District Judge sentenced Cindy Jacques to two years of probation. As special conditions of her probation, the court ordered Jacques to serve four consecutive weekends in jail, followed by five months of home detention with location monitoring at her own expense. Previously, on September 14, 2025, Raymond Jacques received a 48-month prison sentence, followed by five years of supervised release, for violating the conditions of his previous terms of supervised release. The Tallassee Police Department and the United States Probation Office for the Middle District of Alabama investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Geer, III prosecuted the case.


title: Sudbury CPA Sentenced for Conspiracy to Defraud the IRS and Pandemic Relief Fraud

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – The owner of a Sudbury accounting firm and a real estate company was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for paying an executive more than $1.6 million in compensation and fringe benefits under the table, and to making a fraudulent application for more than $179,000 in pandemic relief through a multi-year scheme. Charles D. Katz, 64, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to two months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. In November 2025 , Katz was charged and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and two counts of loan fraud. Katz and Stephen Hochberg, who served as the Director of Corporate Services at Katz’s accounting firm and as Chief Operating Officer at Katz’s real estate firm, agreed that Katz would pay Hochberg off the books so that Hochberg would have tax-free income and so that Katz’s firms, CD Katz LLC and Gebsco Realty Corporation, would have lower employment taxes. Over time, Katz paid Hochberg’s family, provided rent-free housing to Hochberg’s ex-wife, paid college tuition for Hochberg’s children, and paid personal expenses that Hochberg and his ex-wife charged on corporate credit cards. All told, Katz paid Hochberg at least $1,668,487 in unreported income and avoided taxes of at least $835,105. In 2020, Katz and Hochberg fraudulently applied for Paycheck Protection Program loans for both of Katz’s firms and obtained $179,900, which Katz used in part to fund the under-the-table compensation he paid Hochberg. Katz and Hochberg’s tax scheme allowed Hochberg to avoid paying Court-ordered restitution to victims of his prior crimes in United States v. Stephen Hochberg , No. 08-cr-10126-NMG. As part of Katz’ sentence, he agreed to pay $333,697.40 in restitution to Hochberg’s prior victims, in addition to restitution of $751,683.62 to the IRS; $83,422 to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue; and $179,500 to the Small Business Administration. In April 2026 , Judge Sorokin sentenced Hochberg to 24 months in prison, to be followed by three years supervised release and $2,888,288 in restitution. On March 26, 2026 , United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621). On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division . The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol E. Head, Chief of the Asset Recovery Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Richland Man Who Used Online Platforms to Solicit Minor Girls Indicted by Eastern Washington Grand Jury on 15 Counts of Child Exploitation Offenses

component: USAO - Washington, Eastern

body_text: Spokane, Washington – First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on July 8, 2026, Otoniel Parraga, a 22-year-old Richland man, was indicted by a federal grand jury with 15 separate criminal offenses surrounding his use of online platforms to solicit multiple minor victims. Parraga was initially charged on April 27, 2026, in Benton County Superior Court Case Number 26-1-00358-03, with one count of Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor, one count of Rape of Child in the Third Degree and one count of Communication with a Minor for Immoral Purposes. The federal indictment now charges Parraga with seven counts of Sex Trafficking of Children, seven counts of Online Enticement and Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor, and one count of Production of Child Pornography. This case continues to be investigated by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations and the Southeast Regional Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Should a member of the public have information to provide to law enforcement regarding this case, such information should be directed to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office at 509-727-8788. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 4:26-CR-6029-MKD


title: Hometown Hero Detective Edgar Salazar Recognized by The Department of Justice

body_text: Spokane, Washington — First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on July 9, 2026, the Department of Justice and United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington recognized Detective Edgar Salazar as its 2026 Hometown Hero. Detective Salazar has been a law enforcement officer with the Moses Lake Police Department for 11 years, where he has served with distinction. For the last approximately 5 years, he has performed exceptional work on the MLPD Street Crimes Unit with an emphasis on community safety investigations, to include very significant drug trafficking and firearms offenses. He also served as a Task Force Officer with the Drug Enforcement Administration and MLPD’s lead firearms instructor. Detective Salazar also takes pride in his role as a peer support counselor for his fellow police officers. Prior to joining MLPD, Detective Salazar was a Police Officer for the Western Shoshone Department of Safety in Elko, Nevada. Prior to his domestic law enforcement experience, he was a Marine for 6 years, honorably serving the United States in 2 combat tours in Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the first day of Beyond Wonderful, a three-day EDM musical festival at the Gorge Amphitheater in George, Washington on June 17, 2023, five officers, working undercover at the concert, found themselves in the midst of a terrifying scenario. A gunman, 26-year-old James Kelly, was assaulting his girlfriend in the campground area of the event space. When two bystanders attempted in to intervene (Brandy Escamilla, age 29, and Josilyn Ruiz, age 26), Kelly indiscriminately opened fire in the campground, killing the two good Samaritans and wounding at least three others. Kelly then took his girlfriend hostage, dragging her into a nearby field where he continued to violently assault her. Despite being in undercover assignments without ballistic vests, standard police equipment, or their usual firearms, and armed only with small backup pistols, the officers exhibited unmatched bravery amid the chaos and panic that ensued from the very large crowd. They navigated approximately 150 yards of open grassy terrain, advancing towards the gunman who was actively firing in their direction. Their swift and decisive action allowed them to close in on the suspect to about 65 yards. Detective Salazar then took a crucial shot with his pistol, successfully incapacitating the gunman. Thanks to the fearless and skilled response of these officers and the exceptional shot by Detective Salazar, the threat was ended, Kelly was apprehended, and immediate aid was provided to the victims. There is no question that without Detective Salazar’s heroic actions, more lives would have been lost. First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano said, “Our office is honored to recognize Detective Salazar as the 2026 Hometown Hero for his bravery, sacrifice and exemplary service to our community on behalf of the Department of Justice.” "The Moses Lake Police Department is extremely proud of the professionalism and dedication to service displayed by Officer Salazar and all the officers that responded to this horrific event, something they will remember for the rest of their lives. As we celebrate Officer Salazar today, we also remember there are families that are missing their loved ones and will surely grieve for the rest of their lives as well. I would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for recognizing Officer Salazar today."


title: Virginia Beach woman pleads guilty for making graphic threats of violence toward a federal elected official

component: USAO - Virginia, Eastern

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach woman pled guilty today to threatening a federal official. According to court documents, from May 21, 2025, to May 23, 2025, Jeannie Harris Blassingham, 69, in a series of voicemail messages made threats to an elected official and the official’s staff. In the profanity-laced statements, Blassingham threatened physical violence and stated that the official could “expect to be confronted by people who think” the official “needs to die right now.” Blassingham is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 15 and faces up to six years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The U.S. Capitol Police investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton D. LaForge is prosecuting the case. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-60.


title: Virginia Beach fentanyl trafficker sentenced to 10 years in prison

body_text: NORFOLK, Va. – A Virginia Beach man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. According to court documents, from at least Oct. 28, 2022, to Jan. 27, 2023, Ryan Dale Anderson, 40, was part of a drug-trafficking conspiracy operating in Hampton Roads, Florida, and California. On Oct. 28 and Nov. 2 of 2022, undercover law enforcement conducted controlled purchases of a total of 1,004 purported Percocet pills containing fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl that were supplied by Anderson. During a third controlled transaction on Dec. 6, 2022, Anderson sold 101 fentanyl pills to an undercover detective in Virginia Beach. On Jan. 27, 2023, Anderson contacted the undercover detective and agreed to meet to sell 1,000 fentanyl pills. Anderson arrived at the meeting location and was subsequently taken into custody. Law enforcement seized 1,020 fentanyl pills from the vehicle in which Anderson arrived. Investigators searched Anderson’s Virginia Beach residence and his storage unit in Chesapeake. They recovered, among other things, a total of 1,684 fentanyl pills, 12 LSD tabs, 10 Adderall pills, three Xanax pills, 10.8 pounds of marijuana, $12,992.50, digital scales, and packaging material. Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C., and the Virginia Beach Police Department investigated this case with assistance from, the Virginia State Police, Naval Criminal Investigative Services, and the McIntosh County Sheriff Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Cheney prosecuted the case. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-61.


title: Illegal alien from Mexico sentenced to over two years in prison after using a stolen identity to vote in U.S. elections

body_text: ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An illegal alien from Mexico was sentenced yesterday to two years and nine months in prison for aggravated identity theft and making false statements in a passport application. According to court documents, Jose Maria Hernandez Bautista, 43, previously was deported from the United States in 2007 and twice in 2011. Following his most recent removal, Hernandez Bautista unlawfully re-entered the United States and by March 2013 began using the identity of a U.S. citizen. Hernandez Bautista used the victim’s identity to obtain driver licenses in Alabama in 2013 and North Carolina in 2015. In 2013 and again in 2015 Hernandez Bautista used the victim’s identity to obtain replacement Social Security cards. On April 14, 2016, Hernandez Bautista used the victim’s personal identifying information along with a photo of himself to apply for and obtain a United States passport. In 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2024, Hernandez Bautista used the victim’s identity to apply for and receive Virginia identification cards or driver’s licenses. In an application dated May 16, 2016, Hernandez Bautista registered to vote in the victim’s name. Hernandez Bautista then used that fraudulent voter registration to vote in the 2016 and 2020 federal elections. In 2019, Hernandez Bautista took out a line of credit in the victim’s name to purchase a vehicle. Between 2016 and 2021, he received at least seven traffic tickets in Virginia and Maryland, all under the victim’s name. Homeland Security Investigations - Washington, D.C., and the Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General investigated this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Bolzman prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-27.


title: Armed Maryland mail thief sentenced to prison

body_text: RICHMOND, Va. – A Maryland man was sentenced to a year and 10 months in prison for mail theft and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. According to court documents, on Jan. 22, 2023, Jose Arnulfo Reyes, 27, of Oxon Hill, and another individual drove Reyes’ girlfriend’s car to the Fairfax Station Post Office, where they robbed a blue U.S. Postal Box. Law enforcement witnessed the theft and attempted to stop the vehicle, but Reyes fled at a high rate of speed before eventually crashing into a chain link fence. Reyes and his co-conspirator fled on foot. Law enforcement recovered numerous items from the car, including a loaded handgun and U.S. Postal Service arrow key, a master key used to access a variety of mail repositories, including blue collection boxes, outdoor parcel lockers, and apartment mailbox panels in a given area. They also recovered more than thirty pieces of stolen U.S. Postal Service first-class mail, five stolen soft mail packages, and an iPhone belonging to Reyes and connected to his iCloud account that was using a GPS application to provide directions to the Fairfax Station Postal Office. As a previously convicted felon, Reyes cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Cole Enmon prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-99.


title: Illegal alien sentenced for gun possession in the Eastern District of Texas

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

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas –An illegal alien has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms possession in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Freddie Castillo, 36, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 9, 2026. According to information presented in court, on August 2, 2025, Castillo, a national of Belize illegally living in Houston was stopped by law enforcement in Trinity County. During the stop, Castillo provided the officer with a Belize passport, Belize driver’s license, and Belize consular identification card and informed the officer that he was in the United States on an expired visa. Castillo admitted to possessing a shotgun and rifle which were in the vehicle. Further investigation revealed Castillo was issued a visa in 2000, which expired in 2010, and he had not applied for permission to extend the visa or remain in the United States. 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. This case was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Department of Homeland Security. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston. ##


title: Illegal alien indicted in the Eastern District of Texas and charged with the kidnapping of a child from Louisiana

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: PLANO, Texas – A Honduran national illegally living in Princeton has been charged with federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas related to the kidnapping of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Osman Daniel Vasquez-Mejia, 18, was named in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with kidnapping, transportation of a minor, and improper entry by an alien. If convicted, Vasquez-Mejia faces life in federal prison. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. This case is being investigated by the Allen Police Department, FBI, and the Collin County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Anderson. A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Angelina County felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violation

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas –A Lufkin convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Preston Allen, 59, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 9, 2026. According to information presented in court, in February 2025, Allen was found in possession of multiple firearms while law enforcement officers attempted to serve a warrant at his Lufkin home. Further investigation revealed Allen was a convicted felon, having been previously found guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child in 2003 in Angelina County. As a convicted felon, Allen is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. 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. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter. ##


title: Indian National Illegally in U.S. Sentenced to 23 Months in Prison for Gun Possession

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Harshpreet Singh, 25, an Indian national illegally in the U.S., was sentenced today to 23 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge Catherine Henry for possession of a firearm by an alien illegally or unlawfully in the United States. The defendant was charged by indictment in October of last year and pleaded guilty in March. As detailed in court filings, on August 28, 2024, at approximately 1:17 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police troopers and Bethel Township Police Department officers responded to a Bethel, Pennsylvania, residence for a report of a shooting incident relating to a home invasion. At the same time, Berks County police dispatch advised officers of a call for a gunshot victim at a gas station less than half a mile away from the residence. Officers found A.S., charged elsewhere, inside of a vehicle at the gas pumps with a gunshot wound to the torso, with the defendant and a co-defendant also in the vehicle. After A.S. was transported to the hospital for treatment, police officers canvassed the area around the gas station and discovered two firearms in a gravel lot across the street: a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 12 live rounds of ammunition; and a privately manufactured firearm bearing no serial number, loaded with 17 live rounds of 9mm ammunition. Another firearm, a Glock .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, loaded with 13 live rounds of ammunition, was located in the yard of the residence that had reported the home invasion. Forensic testing on the three guns subsequently found a DNA profile consistent with a mixture of four contributors, with Harshpreet Singh included as a potential contributor to this mixture profile. 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 case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania State Police, and the Bethel Township (Berks County) Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rosalynda M. Michetti.


title: Seminole County Marijuana Farm Employees Indicted On Federal Charges Relating To Illegal Foreign Pesticides

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Eastern

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced the unsealing of a federal indictment against two employees of a state-registered Seminole County marijuana farm on charges relating to illegal foreign pesticides. The Indictment charges Jin Zhao Chi, a/k/a/ a Chi LU, a/k/a A Chi, age 44, with one count of Conspiracy to Smuggle Goods into the United States, one count of Smuggling Goods into the United States, and one count of Unlawful Distribution and Sale of Pesticides—Misdemeanor. The Indictment also charges Dian Lin Jiang, a/k/a Dianlin Jiang, age 65, with one count of Unlawful Distribution and Sale of Pesticides—Misdemeanor. The Indictment alleges that while employed at the marijuana growing operation: On February 25, 2025, and continuing to on or about March 19, 2025, Chi willfully and knowingly conspired to import unregistered and misbranded pesticides from Hong Kong into the United States, knowing that the importation was contrary to law; On February 25, 2025, and continuing to on or about March 19, 2025, Chi fraudulently and knowingly imported merchandise contrary to law, to wit, unregistered and misbranded pesticides, and did receive, conceal, buy, sell, and in any manner facilitate the transportation, concealment, and sale of such merchandise after importation, knowing it to have been brought into the United States contrary to law; Beginning in or about June 2022, and continuing to in or about February 2025, Chi knowingly distributed, sold, offered for sale, held for distribution, held for sale, held for shipment, shipped, delivered for shipment, released for shipment, and received, delivered, and offered to deliver an unregistered pesticide; and Beginning on or about April 27, 2022, and continuing to on or about May 8, 2023, Jiang distributed, sold, offered for sale, held for distribution, held for sale, held for shipment, shipped, delivered for shipment, released for shipment, and received, delivered, and offered to deliver an unregistered pesticide. The charges arose from a joint investigation led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and Homeland Security Investigations. A grand jury Indictment does not constitute evidence of guilt. A grand jury Indictment is a method of bringing formal charges against the defendant. All defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and may not be found guilty unless evidence establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Assistant U.S. Attorney T. Cameron McEwen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.


title: Pittsburg County Resident Sentenced For Illegally Possessing Firearm And Ammunition

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Russell Jeremy Doctor, age 37, of Longtown, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 13 months in prison for one count of Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition. The charge arose from an investigation by the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police, the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. On October 15, 2025, Doctor pleaded guilty to the charge in federal district court. According to investigators, on May 4, 2025, Doctor knowingly possessed a semi-automatic rifle and eight rounds of ammunition after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year imprisonment. 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 Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. On August 10, 2026, Doctor will self-report to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Muzljakovich represented the United States.


title: Pittsburg County Resident Sentenced For Failing To Register As A Sex Offender

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Sammy Monroe Ebarb, Jr., age 41, of Longtown, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for one count of Failure to Register as Sex Offender. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force and the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office. On October 8, 2025, Ebarb pleaded guilty to the charge in federal district court. According to investigators, Ebarb was convicted of First Degree Rape in the District Court of Latimer County, Oklahoma, on May 20, 2003, and was required to register as a sex offender, and that from November 2024 to February 2025, Ebarb failed to register and update his registration despite entering, leaving, or residing in Indian country, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Ebarb will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Morgan Muzljakovich represented the United States.


title: Muskogee Resident Pleads Guilty To Failure To Register As Sex Offender

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Steven Ray Quigley, a/k/a Steven Woods, age 38, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, entered a guilty plea to one count of Failure to Register as Sex Offender, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. The Indictment alleged that Quigley was convicted by the State of Oklahoma of Lewd or Indecent Acts to Child Under 16 in Mayes County on October 11, 2012, and was required to register as a sex offender, and that from May 2022 until May 22, 2026, Quigley failed to register and update his registration despite entering, leaving, or residing in Indian country, within the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The charge arose from an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force. The Honorable Gerald L. Jackson, Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, accepted the plea and ordered the completion of a presentence investigation report. A U.S. District Court Judge will determine the sentence to be imposed after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Quigley will remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Morgan Muzljakovich and Sarah McAmis represented the United States.


title: Moore Resident Sentenced For Burglary In Indian Country

body_text: MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Nariah Demournay Jones, age 23, of Moore, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 10 months in prison for one count of Burglary in the Second Degree in Indian Country. The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Seminole Nation Lighthorse Police, and the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. On March 18, 2026, Jones pleaded guilty to the charge in federal district court. According to investigators, on April 2, 2024, Jones and two co-defendants, Demontrae Davion Rogers, 20, of Wewoka, Oklahoma, and Damarion Hiawatha Nichols, 21, of Moore, Oklahoma, forcibly entered a detached residential garage in Wewoka intending to commit a felony. Once inside, Rogers and Nichols held four individuals at gunpoint and proceeded to strike one with their weapons, causing lacerations and abrasions to the victim. On April 1, 2026, Rogers was sentenced to 21 months in prison for one count of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country, to be served consecutively to 84 months in prison for one count of Use, Carry, and Brandish of a Firearm During and in Relation to a Crime of Violence. Rogers was also sentenced to 12 months in prison for Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, to be served concurrently to the assault charge. On March 5, 2026, Nichols was sentenced to 46 months in prison for four counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country. The crime occurred in Seminole County, within the boundaries of the Seminole Nation Reservation, in the Eastern District of Oklahoma. The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Jones will self-report on August 10, 2026, to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan E. Soverly and Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States.


title: Farmington Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Supplying Fatal Fentanyl Dose

component: USAO - Missouri, Eastern

body_text: CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Thursday sentenced a Farmington, Missouri man to 10 years in prison for supplying fentanyl to a friend shortly before the man’s overdose death. Judge Limbaugh also ordered James B. Link’s sentence to run consecutive to any sentence he receives for 10 pending cases in state court. On June 14, 2025, Link exchanged messages with the victim about fentanyl pills. Link’s vehicle was spotted leaving the victim’s home shortly before the death. The next day, investigators interviewed Link, who admitted delivering blue and yellow pills containing fentanyl to the victim shortly before he died. Investigators found those same blue and yellow pills in Link’s house. Link, now 32, pleaded guilty in April in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to one count of distribution of fentanyl. The Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Office, the Mineral Area Drug Task Force and the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Shelton prosecuted the case.


title: Mexican illegal alien charged after smashing into  and seriously injuring two motorcyclists

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT – A native and citizen of Mexico has been charged for illegally re-entering the United States after having been previously removed, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Acting Chief Patrol Agent Javier Geronimo, Jr., U.S. Border Patrol, Detroit Sector. “Illegal aliens continue to break American laws and threaten American lives. The only sure way to prevent these crimes is to keep them out of our country,” said U.S. Attorney Gorgon. "This case underscores the critical importance of our mission to secure the border and protect our communities," said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Javier Geronimo, Jr., U.S. Border Patrol, Detroit Sector. "The illegal re-entry of this alien, Jose Manuel Cazarez-Pulido, not only violated our laws but also led to a tragic incident where two individuals were critically injured. We are committed to working closely with our law enforcement partners, like the Waterford Police Department and the U.S. Attorney's Office, to ensure that those who illegally re-enter the United States and endanger our citizens are held accountable. This effort is a direct reflection of our dedication to Operation Take Back America, as we strive to repel illegal immigration and safeguard our communities from criminal activity." The government charged Jose Manuel Cazarez-Pulido, 33. Cazarez-Pulido appeared in federal court in Detroit yesterday where he was temporarily detained pending a detention hearing. According to court records, on or about July 1, 2026, Cazarez-Pulido was arrested by Border Patrol Agents near Waterford, Michigan, after a call for assistance from Waterford Police Department to help identifying a subject in their custody. According to police reports, Cazarez-Pulido ran a red light smashing into a motorcycle carrying a female, age 71 and a male, age 64. Cazarez-Pulido was the sole driver of the Chrysler Town and Country van that struck the motorcycle at the intersection of N. Hospital Road and Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. The two victims were critically injured. Following the accident, Waterford Police searched Cazarez-Pulido’s vehicle and found an open Budweiser beer bottle on the passenger floorboard. According to the officers on the scene, Cazarez-Pulido did not appear intoxicated. Cazarez-Pulido was issued a citation for Open Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle, Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident and Disobey Red Traffic Signal. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A complaint is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent. It is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Ponchatoula Woman Charged With Theft from an Organization Receiving Federal Funds

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle announced today a bill of information charging RACHEL CRAWFORD , a/k/a “Rachel Davenport,” a/k/a “Rachel Monjure,” a/k/a “Rachel Haygood,” age 47, of Ponchatoula, with Theft from an Organization Receiving Federal Funds, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 666(a)(1)(A). CRAWFORD was charged on July 8, 2026. 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 the bill of information, CRAWFORD was the Chief Financial Officer of an organization that received federal funds. Beginning on or about May 14, 2021, and continuing until on or about May 8, 2025, CRAWFORD withdrew cash from the organization’s checking account for personal use and made unauthorized purchases using the organization’s credit card. In each of the one-year periods beginning May 14, 2021, May 14, 2022, May 14, 2023, May 14, 2024, and May 14, 2025, CRAWFORD embezzled at least $5,000. If convicted, CRAWFORD faces up to ten (10) years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release for up to three (3) years, and a fine of up to $250,000. A mandatory $100 special assessment fee is also applicable. U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that a bill of information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – Office of Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Maria M. Carboni of the Public Integrity Unit is in charge of the prosecution. * * *


title: Pike County Woman Sentenced to 45 Years for Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material of Toddler Victims

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. – A Kimper, Ky., woman, Pamela Denise Sargent, 45, was sentenced on Thursday to 45 years by U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell for two counts of production of child pornography. According to Sargent’s plea agreement, on or before December 30, 2023, through June 4, 2024, Sargent produced child pornography with two toddler victims. Specifically, Sargent filmed herself engaging in sexual activity with the minor victims and filmed child sexual abuse material with each other. Sargent then uploaded the videos and used the internet to distribute them to an individual in Missouri. “The conduct in this case represents a profound betrayal of one of society’s most basic duties — to protect its children,” said Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Our office will zealously pursue anyone who exploits or endangers children, and we will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to bring offenders to justice. This prosecution underscores our unwavering resolve to safeguard the most vulnerable members of our community.” Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Dennis M. Fetting, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security; Phillip J. Burnett, Jr., Commissioner of the Kentucky State Police; and Sheriff Mike Coyle, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by HSI, KSP, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Man Serving Federal Prison Sentence Charged with Theft of Forfeited Cryptocurrency

body_text: LEXINGTON, Ky. — Rossen G. Iossifov, 53, a former Bulgarian national, made an initial appearance in federal court in the Eastern District of Kentucky yesterday on charges of the destruction or removal of property to prevent seizure, aiding and abetting, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges stem from Iossifov’s alleged role in the unauthorized withdrawal and transfer of approximately $290,000 in cryptocurrency that had been seized and forfeited by the United States. “Having been convicted of a widespread online auction fraud scheme targeting U.S. victims, Iossifov is now charged with moving cryptocurrency that he obtained from that crime, in violation of a court’s forfeiture order,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Defendants who flout lawfully entered orders and portions of their criminal sentences in prior federal cases will be charged with such obstructive conduct. The Department of Justice will take all steps to ensure that justice is served for victims of complex financial crimes.” “Iossifov’s alleged efforts to evade a lawful forfeiture order and obscure the movement of criminal proceeds represent a direct affront to the authority of the federal courts,” said Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Such conduct, if proven, reflects a calculated attempt to undermine the rule of law and to compromise the rights of victims who have already suffered significant financial harm. Our office remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the integrity of judicial orders and ensuring that individuals who engage in sophisticated schemes to obstruct justice are held fully accountable.” “Iossifov’s deliberate attempt to remove and launder lawfully seized funds is a direct challenge to our justice system and a blatant disregard to his victims’ rights,” said Robert Holman, the Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Louisville Field Office. “We are committed to ensuring that victims of online fraud receive justice, and that individuals who attempt to circumvent lawful court orders are held accountable.” At the time of the alleged offenses, Iossifov was serving a sentence of 111 months in prison after being convicted of conspiracy to commit a Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) offense and conspiracy to commit money laundering. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Iossifov and his co-conspirators participated in a criminal conspiracy involving online auction fraud that victimized at least 900 Americans. Romania-based members of the conspiracy posted false advertisements to popular online auction and sales websites — such as craigslist and eBay — for high-cost goods (typically vehicles) that did not actually exist. Once victims were convinced to send payment, the defendants engaged in a complicated money laundering scheme wherein domestic associates would accept victim funds, convert these funds to cryptocurrency, and transfer the funds to foreign-based money launderers, including Iossifov. Evidence submitted during trial and his sentencing hearing revealed that Iossifov laundered nearly $5 million in cryptocurrency in a period of less than three years. As part of Iossifov’s sentence, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky imposed a forfeiture money judgment against Iossifov as part of his sentence and then ordered Iossifov to forfeit cryptocurrency held in an account registered to Iossifov at the Kraken cryptocurrency exchange, worth approximately $290,000, which had been restrained as part of the criminal investigation. According to the indictment related to the post-conviction activity, between approximately January and December 2024, Iossifov allegedly conspired with others to conduct interstate and foreign financial transactions in order to remove the $290,000 in cryptocurrency from the Kraken account and prevent and impair the United States’ lawful authority to take the contents of the Kraken account into its custody and control. Iossifov then allegedly conspired with others to transfer the illegal proceeds through multiple cryptocurrency exchanges and illicit mixing services, ultimately converting it to fiat currency at a foreign bank account. The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Secret Service. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant support. CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds. This case is being prosecuted by Senior Counsel Vasantha Rao of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn M. Dieruf of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Dover Man Sentenced to 147 Months for Gun, Drug Charges

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – A Dover man was sentenced to 147 months in prison for drug dealing and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Hall imposed the sentence. According to court documents, Kyle Scott, 38, was released from state prison on a prior drug conviction in early 2021. Two years later, law enforcement received information that Scott was again dealing drugs. Law enforcement began an investigation that included multiple drug purchases from Scott at the Dover home that he shared with his parents and minor daughter. In January 2024, law enforcement executed a warrant to search the home and discovered 307 grams of fentanyl and 757 grams of methamphetamine, as well as three loaded firearms, in Scott’s basement bedroom. Scott ultimately pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 grams or more of Fentanyl and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. This is Scott’s fourth conviction for drug dealing. “Fentanyl kills,” stated U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace. “But Kyle Scott did not let that stop him from peddling the deadly substance to people in the throes of addiction. This armed, career drug dealer will now be spending more than ten years in federal prison. That is a just sentence, and we thank our dedicated law enforcement partners at the DEA and DSP for taking yet another dangerous drug dealer off the streets.” “Scott’s sentence sends a powerful message; justice will prevail against those who threaten our communities,” stated DEA Philadelphia Field Division Special Agent in Charge Thomas Hodnett. “This victory is a testament to the commitment and collaboration between DEA and the Delaware State Police.” The Drug Enforcement Administration and Delaware State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Thurstlic-O’Neill prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 24-cr-00036.


title: Guilty Plea Unsealed for Former DC Public Schools Administrator Involved in Bribery Scheme

body_text: WASHINGTON – Tracy Hatton, 60, of the District of Columbia, a former administrative officer at McKinley Technology High School, pleaded guilty to bribery in connection with a scheme that caused a loss to the District of Columbia government of more than $40,000, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. The plea was unsealed today in U.S. District Court. According to court documents, Hatton was an administrative officer for McKinley, a unit of the District of Columbia Public Schools, and was responsible for managing the school's supply budget, selecting and awarding vendor contracts, and approving invoices for payment. Beginning in or about October 2020 and continuing until about September 2023, Hatton accepted cash bribes from a contractor identified in court papers as Contractor 1, the owner of an approved D.C. Supply Schedule vendor, in exchange for using her official position to benefit that vendor. In exchange for the bribes, Hatton issued purchase orders to the contractor and approved payment for goods that were never delivered to McKinley, including fraudulent invoices for inflated and under-delivered orders. Hatton also directed the contractor to fraudulently charge her government-issued purchase card for supplies that were never provided. On some occasions, Hatton accepted additional cash payments from the contractor that did not derive from fraudulently obtained DCPS funds, in exchange for steering additional business to the contractor. In total, Hatton personally profited by at least $30,000. Because the payments to Hatton were made in cash, the total loss to D.C. Public Schools is difficult to identify. Hatton pleaded guilty to bribery on Nov. 10, 2025. Sentencing is set for Nov. 5, 2026. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher R. Howland of the Fraud, Public Corruption, and Civil Rights Section. The matter was investigated by the FBI Washington Field Office and the D.C. Office of the Inspector General. 25crXX


title: D.C. Resident Sentenced for Possessing a Machine Gun

body_text: WASHINGTON – Kelvin Leon, 27, a resident of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 22 months in prison in connection with possessing a machine gun that he fired out the window of his Southeast Washington apartment, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Leon pleaded guilty on March 26, 2026, before Judge Amir H. Ali to one count of possession of a machine gun and one count of endangerment with a firearm. After serving his 22-month prison sentence, Leon will be deported to Venezuela. According to court papers, on July 24, 2025, members of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Violent Crime Suppression Division responded to a residence at 2400 Marion Barry Ave. in Southeast Washington after an anonymous tipster reported that a man had fired a gun out of an apartment window. Officers executed a search warrant and recovered a privately manufactured pistol, bearing no serial number and untraceable by law enforcement. The semiautomatic firearm was fitted with a device that allowed it to fire continuously with a single pull of the trigger, converting it into a machine gun. Leon later told investigators that he fired the weapon out of the window after an argument with two men over scooters in front of the apartment building. Leon stated that he had purchased the firearm about three weeks earlier and the conversion device about a week after that, and that he learned to install the device from online videos. The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Office. The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole. Officers recovered a privately manufactured pistol fitted with a device that allowed it to fire continuously with a single pull of the trigger, converting it into a machine gun. 26cr42


title: Canadian Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking More Than 850 Kilograms of Cocaine and Meth from U.S. into Canada

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A Canadian national was sentenced today to 240 months in federal prison for leading a criminal organization that – during a roughly one-month span – trafficked from the United States into Canada hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine worth up to $17 million. Guramrit Sidhu, 63, of Brampton, Ontario, Canada, was sentenced by United States District Judge John A. Kronstadt. Sidhu pleaded guilty on March 26 to one count of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. He has been in federal custody since October 2024. According to his plea agreement, from September 2020 to February 2023, Sidhu led an organization responsible for trafficking drugs from the U.S. into Canada for distribution. From September 13, 2022, to October 24, 2022, Sidhu orchestrated the distribution of eight separate drug loads, totaling approximately 523 kilograms (1,153 pounds) of methamphetamine and 347 kilograms (765 pounds) of cocaine, which law enforcement seized. These drug loads had an estimated wholesale value of approximately $15 million to $17 million. After buying the bulk quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine in the U.S., Sidhu arranged for the narcotics’ transportation into Canada via long-haul semi-trucks for further distribution. Sidhu provided telephone numbers and serial numbers on bills of currency for couriers to use as a “token” for identification purposes during the delivery and transportation of the cocaine and methamphetamine. Sidhu and co-conspirators then retrieved the cocaine and methamphetamine from locations within Canada for further distribution. Sidhu is the eighth defendant to plead guilty in this matter. Several other defendants have pleaded guilty to criminal charges in this case and have been sentenced to federal prison terms ranging from 27 months to 108 months. The FBI, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (LA IMPACT), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, United States Customs and Border Protection, and law enforcement authorities in Mexico investigated this matter. Significant assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Canadian authorities to secure the arrest and October 2024 extradition of Sidhu. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. 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. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Larocque of the Transnational Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.


title: Two New Jersey Men Sentenced for Fentanyl Analogue Distribution in Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

component: Criminal Division

body_text: Two New Jersey men were sentenced this week for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that imported fentanyl analogues from China and distributed them in pill form throughout Northern New Jersey.Nine individuals have been charged and convicted for their roles in this drug trafficking organization. In total, they imported over a metric ton of fentanyl-related substances and other drugs into the United States and sent hundreds of thousands of dollars to China using wire transfers and Bitcoin to pay for the drugs. Thus far, five individuals have been sentenced to a total of 685 months in prison. On July 7, Sean Tighe, 50, of North Haledon, New Jersey, was sentenced to 151 months in prison. Tighe previously pleaded guilty to distributing fentanyl analogue pills and participating in a money laundering conspiracy. Tighe admitted that from approximately March 2014 to September 2020, he conspired to distribute over nine kilograms of furanyl fentanyl and nine kilograms of 4-fluoroisobutyryl fentanyl, synthetic cathinones (also known as bath salts), including ethylone; and ketamine. In addition, from March 2014 to May 2019, Tighe conspired to launder funds, including five wire payments from the United States to China to purchase controlled substances and/or controlled substance analogues. On July 8, Juan Rodriguez, 51, of Irvington, New Jersey, was sentenced to 60 months in prison. Rodriguez previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl analogues. During the conspiracy, Rodriguez obtained opioid pills from Sean Tighe and distributed them in Northern New Jersey. Other members of the drug trafficking organization placed orders with a source in China and imported kilogram quantities of various controlled substances and controlled substance analogues to the United States. The drugs arrived through commercial package delivery services and air freight from China and were transported to Newark, New Jersey, where co-conspirators pressed the fentanyl analogue powder into fake prescription pills. The drugs were sold in bulk and pill form directly to consumers and other downstream distributors. Other members of the conspiracy included Thomas Padovano, 52, of Newark, New Jersey, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 234 months in prison; William Panzera, 53, of North Haledon, New Jersey, who was convicted by a jury and sentenced to 144 months in prison; and Michael Action, 51, of Bloomfield, New Jersey, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 96 months in prison. Four other co-conspirators have pleaded guilty in the case and are awaiting sentencing.Bartholomew Padovano is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29. Sentencing dates for the other co-conspirators have not been yet been scheduled. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) made the announcement. The HSI Newark Field Office the investigation, with assistance from HSI in Philadelphia, the FBI Newark Field Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Newark Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New Jersey, New York and Kentucky, the Newark Police Department and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Stephen Sola, Chief of the Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Hasapidis-Sferra for the District of New Jersey. Financial Investigator Kathryn Montemorra of MNF supported the investigation. The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section's (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations. MNF’s Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit investigates and prosecutes sophisticated money laundering schemes involving financial facilitators, gatekeepers, and other individuals and entities laundering criminal proceeds, and litigates complex civil forfeiture cases to recover assets on behalf of victims. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement 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.


title: Michigan Tax Preparers Indicted For Conspiring to Defraud the United States and Preparing False Tax Returns

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: A federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Michigan returned an indictment today charging three tax preparers with conspiring to defraud the United States and preparing false tax returns over a three-year period. According to court documents and statements made in court, Jamar Harten, of Shelby Township, Tabitha Scott, of Davisburg, and Tyree Monroe Jr., of Detroit provided tax preparation services for Michigan-based clients at Harten’s tax preparation business, First Class Tax and Consulting. For the year 2022, Harten, Scott, and Monroe allegedly prepared or assisted in the preparation of fraudulent tax returns for clients. These tax returns allegedly contained fraudulent tax deductions and tax credits, which reduced the amount of taxable income reported by the clients and generated refunds the clients were not entitled to receive. According to the indictment, the clients did not provide Harten, Scott, and Monroe any information indicating they were eligible to claim the false deductions or credits. Harten and Scott allegedly provided prepared fraudulent tax returns for clients in 2021 and 2023 as well. Harten, Scott and Monroe are each charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and multiple counts of assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. If convicted, all three face up to five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States, as well as three years in prison for each count of helping to file false tax returns for clients. Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Christopher P. O’Donnell and Joseph D. G. Castro of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case. 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. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


component: Criminal - Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section

body_text: Rossen G. Iossifov, 53, a Bulgarian national, made an initial appearance in federal court in the Eastern District of Kentucky yesterday on charges of the destruction or removal of property to prevent seizure, aiding and abetting, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges stem from Iossifov’s alleged role in the unauthorized withdrawal and transfer of approximately $290,000 in cryptocurrency that had been seized and forfeited by the United States. “Having been convicted of a widespread online auction fraud scheme targeting U.S. victims, Iossifov is now charged with moving cryptocurrency that he obtained from that crime, in violation of a court’s forfeiture order,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Defendants who flout lawfully entered orders and portions of their criminal sentences in prior federal cases will be charged with such obstructive conduct. The Department of Justice will take all steps to ensure that justice is served for victims of complex financial crimes.” “Iossifov’s alleged efforts to evade a lawful forfeiture order and obscure the movement of criminal proceeds represent a direct affront to the authority of the federal courts,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Parman for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Such conduct, if proven, reflects a calculated attempt to undermine the rule of law and to compromise the rights of victims who have already suffered significant financial harm. Our office remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting the integrity of judicial orders and ensuring that individuals who engage in sophisticated schemes to obstruct justice are held fully accountable.” “Iossifov’s deliberate attempt to remove and launder lawfully seized funds is a direct challenge to our justice system and a blatant disregard to his victims’ rights,” said the Special Agent in Charge Robert Holman of the U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Louisville Field Office. “We are committed to ensuring that victims of online fraud receive justice, and that individuals who attempt to circumvent lawful court orders are held accountable.” According to court documents, in January 2024, Iossifov allegedly conspired to remove $290,000 in cryptocurrency that had been ordered forfeited to the United States after Iossifov’s 2021 conviction in the Eastern District of Kentucky. In the instant case, Iossifov is alleged to have conspired to transfer the forfeited cryptocurrency through multiple cryptocurrency exchanges and illicit mixing services, avoiding the United States obtaining possession of the funds. At the time of the alleged offenses, Iossifov was serving a sentence of 111 months in prison for his 2021 conviction, during which he participated in a fraud scheme that victimized Americans. Evidence submitted at trial and his sentencing in the previous case revealed that Iossifov had laundered nearly $5 million in cryptocurrency in a period of less than three years. Iossifov had been ordered to pay $2,642,297.43 in restitution to victims of the earlier scheme and to forfeit the cryptocurrency that is the subject of the instant offense. Iossifov is charged with removal of property to prevent seizure and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison. The investigation was conducted by the USSS. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant support. CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds. This case is being prosecuted by Senior Counsel Vasantha Rao of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn M. Dieruf for the Eastern District of Kentucky. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Justice Department Sues Maryland Over Sanctuary Policies

component: Civil Division

body_text: Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Maryland and Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown over the State’s sanctuary policies that interfere with the federal government’s enforcement of its immigration laws. “Federal immigration officers merely enforce the laws that our Nation’s elected representatives in Congress passed, reflecting the will of We the People,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “When sanctuary jurisdictions enact laws to shield illegal aliens from federal law enforcement, it is not merely federal law that is violated, but the voices of everyday American voters silenced. Today’s suit proves that this Department will never stand for such lawless action from blue state leaders.” “The American people are ultimately the ones who suffer when states pass these irresponsible sanctuary policies,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will always defend the Constitution and the rule of law, and it does so today by challenging Maryland’s efforts to thwart federal immigration enforcement.” Not only are the sanctuary policies illegal under federal law, but, as alleged in the complaint, Maryland’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration authorities has already had negative operational consequences for federal immigration law enforcement, with facilities refusing to facilitate transferring illegal aliens to federal custody even when presented with a routine detainer. The State’s and City’s intentional efforts to obstruct federal law enforcement put citizens at risk and are preempted under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Acting Attorney General Blanche has instructed the Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal laws or impede lawful federal operations. Today’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of 20 other lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal policies designed to thwart federal law enforcement across the country, including in Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, and New York.


title: Justice Department Announces End to Illegal DEI Admissions Practices at Jersey City College Prep School

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: This week the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and the Jersey City Board of Education (the “District”) entered a voluntary settlement agreement to end race and national origin discrimination in student admissions at Dr. Ronald E. McNair Academic High School, a college prep magnet school with a competitive admissions process. The settlement agreement resolves the Department’s investigation under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. “Quota systems that define students by their race or national origin have been illegal since the 1970s,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Federal law requires that all students, regardless of their race or national origin, be allowed to compete for admission to the best schools in their district — and this Department of Justice will ensure they have equal opportunity to do so.” The Department’s investigation determined that McNair admitted students under a quota system that set aside a certain number of seats in four categories: “Black,” “White,” “Hispanic,” or “Other.” Applicants were divided into these categories based on their self-identification. After offering admission to an equal number of students in each category, McNair filled the remaining class seats without regard to race or national origin. Under the settlement agreement, the District will overhaul its admissions process to end the practice of reserving a certain number of seats for students based on race or national origin. The District will no longer provide any preference or benefit to a McNair applicant based on his or her race or national origin. Before the next admissions cycle — which will be for the 2027-2028 school year — the District will adopt an admissions policy that complies with these prohibitions and train staff on nondiscriminatory admissions. In addition, the District will submit status reports to the Department on McNair’s admissions process. The settlement agreement will be in effect until Aug. 15, 2029, unless the Department and the District agree otherwise. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division is available at www.justice.gov/crt , and more information about the Civil Rights Division’s Educational Opportunities Section’s work to combat discrimination is available at www.justice.gov/crt/educational-opportunities-section . Members of the public may report possible civil rights violations at www.civilrights.justice.gov .


title: Florida Ransomware Negotiator Who Extorted and Attacked  Multiple U.S. Victims Sentenced to Prison

body_text: Angelo Martino, 41, of Land O’Lakes, Florida, formerly employed as a ransomware negotiator, was sentenced today to 70 months for his role in conspiring with Blackcat/ALPHV (BlackCat) actors to extort multiple victims, as well as conspiring with other former cybersecurity professionals to attack additional victims in 2023. “Angelo Martino’s victims shared heartbreaking accounts of how their businesses were nearly destroyed, while the people they hired to help them instead betrayed them to ransomware gangs,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s sentence accounts for the harm Martino caused and demonstrates that the Department of Justice can and will identify and prosecute cybercriminals to the fullest extent of the law.” “He was hired to help victims in a moment of crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Instead, Martino betrayed them, fed their confidential negotiating positions to ransomware criminals, and helped squeeze them for more money. This case sends a clear message: we will pursue the hackers who deploy ransomware, the insiders who enable them, and the money they steal from American victims. Thanks to the outstanding work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, Martino is going to federal prison, and more than $10 million in criminal proceeds has been seized.” “Angelo Martino sold out the very victims he was hired to represent, handing their confidential negotiating positions to BlackCat actors to drive up ransoms and enrich himself,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBI Cyber Division. “Today's sentence demonstrates that the FBI will pursue not just the criminals who deploy ransomware, but the insiders who enable them. Working with our partners, the FBI will find those who betray that trust and hold them accountable.” According to court documents, Martino abused his role at a U.S.-based cyber incident response company and conspired with the operators of the BlackCat ransomware variant beginning in April 2023 to extort five different ransomware victims. Specifically, Martino was paid by BlackCat attackers to provide confidential information about the negotiating position and strategy of his employer’s clients and enable the ransomware actors to maximize the ransoms paid by the victims. Additionally, Martino conspired with former cybersecurity professionals Kevin Martin, age 36, of Texas, who was hired as Martino’s coworker after the conspiracy began, and Ryan Goldberg, age 41, of Georgia, who was employed by a separate incident response company, to successfully deploy BlackCat ransomware against additional victims located throughout the United States between April 2023 and November 2023. After successfully extorting one victim for approximately $1.2 million in Bitcoin, the men split their share of the ransom three ways and laundered the funds through various means. Martino plead guilty on April 14 to a one-count information charging him with conspiring to interfere with interstate commerce through extortion. On May 1 Martin and Goldberg were sentenced to 48 months in prison by Judge K. Michael Moore in the Southern District of Florida. To date, law enforcement has seized $10 million of assets from Martino, including digital currency, vehicles, a food truck, and a luxury fishing boat that Martino obtained through the scheme. A hearing to determine the amount of restitution to be ordered against Martino is set for Sept. 17. Today’s announcement follows the Justice Department’s prior actions in December 2023 to disrupt BlackCat ransomware, during which the FBI developed a decryption tool that allowed FBI field offices across the country and law enforcement partners around the world to offer hundreds of victims the capability of restoring their systems, saving victims approximately $99 million in ransom payments. At that time, the FBI also seized several websites operated by the BlackCat ransomware actors. The FBI’s Miami field office is leading the investigation, with assistance provided by the U.S. Secret Service. Trial Attorneys Christen Gallagher and Jorge Gonzalez of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Haggerty and Quinshawna Landon for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mitchell Hyman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle N. Croke for the Southern District of Florida are handling asset forfeiture and restitution. Significant assistance in this investigation was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer for the Middle District of Florida and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx P. Calderón of the Southern District of Florida. CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds. This action is part of Operation Riptide, an ongoing FBI campaign targeting the criminal actors, infrastructure, and financial networks behind cybercrime, cyber-enabled crime, and fraud against the American people. Last year, Americans reported over $20 billion in losses to cybercrime, a 26 percent single-year increase. Operation Riptide is the FBI's sustained enforcement response to that threat. If you are a victim of ransomware, contact your local FBI field office or file a report at ic3.gov. If you have information about ALPHV/BlackCat, their affiliates or activities, you may be eligible for a reward through Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards program or Rewards for Justice program . Information can also be submitted through the following Tor-based tip line (Tor browser required): he5dybnt7sr6cm32xt77pazmtm65flqy6irivtflruqfc5ep7eiodiad.onion.


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts 8 Men in Conspiracies Related to Plot to Attack UFC Freedom 250 Event at White House, Kill Government Officials

component: National Security Division (NSD)

body_text: A total of eight defendants now face federal charges related to the alleged plot to carry out an attack to kill government officials and others attending the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event held at the White House on June 14. All eight men were charged together in a two-count indictment returned in Columbus today. The indictment stems from an initial investigation and criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of Ohio against Tycen C. Proper 19, of Danville, Ohio. Proper and four others charged federally by criminal complaint in Missouri, Nebraska and California were arrested the weekend of the UFC event. Two more defendants were charged by criminal complaint and arrested by the FBI approximately one week later in Washington and Missouri. This week, an eighth defendant, Chandler D. Scaggs, 21, of Chapmanville, West Virginia, was taken into custody in West Virginia. Scaggs was allegedly assigned to be one of the snipers in the plotted attack. An affidavit details that Scaggs was to be picked up by Proper to travel to Washington, D.C. Scaggs and others lost contact with Proper upon Proper’s arrest, but Scaggs allegedly indicated to the group that he was still willing to participate in the attack and made new plans for another coconspirator to pick him up to travel to the UFC Freedom 250 event. A full list of those charged in the indictment includes: Name Also Known As Age City of Residence Abraham H. Alvarez Shepherd 31 Omaha, Nebraska Daniel K. Eskridge Fulcrum 32 Hamilton, Missouri William L. S. Falkner Pepsi 21 Belfair, Washington Tycen J. Proper Prox 19 Danville, Ohio Jordan W. Rincker Shriveled Shlong 28 St. Joseph, Missouri Bryan O. Roa Noble 25 Calimesa, California Chandler D. Scaggs Viper of the S.O.G. 21 Chapmanville, West Virginia Michael A. Thomas Whiskey Six 32 Pinon Hills, California The indictment charges all eight men in two conspiracies: conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory and to murder a federal government official. The indictment replaces the initial charges filed in criminal complaints in various Districts across the country. According to the indictment, starting in May 2026, the defendants conspired to provide material support and resources to terrorists in the form of money, firearms, ammunition, body armor, explosives, drones, medical equipment, communication equipment, personnel and other services. The eight men allegedly participated in online chat groups and forums on Signal, SimpleX, Discord, TikTok and Instagram. Throughout these communications, they allegedly developed plans for attacks, recruited members and encouraged each other to prepare for attacks, including the attack on UFC Freedom 250. The indictment details that, as part of their conspiracy, the defendants created a tier system to classify participants. Tier one conspirators allegedly committed to put themselves “in harms [sic] way, break the law, and potentially go into hiding.” Besides amassing weapons, ammunition, tactical gear and other supplies, the defendants also allegedly engaged in marksmanship and combat training, agreed on targets for the UFC Freedom 250 event and created operational plans to commit the attack and escape after the attack. Count two of the indictment charges a second conspiracy, namely, conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory and to murder a federal government official. As part of this conspiracy, the defendants allegedly planned to murder the President of the United States, Vice President of the United States, other federal officials, the Prime Minister of Israel, Elon Musk and “other high value targets” at UFC Freedom 250. Conspiring to provide material support to terrorists is punishable by up to 15 years of imprisonment. Conspiring to commit murder carries a potential penalty of up to life in prison. U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio, Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice National Security Division John A. Eisenberg, Acting Assistant Director Coult Markovsky of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, FBI Cincinnati Division Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Jason Rees, Knox County Sheriff Daniel J. Weckesser, Danville Police Chief Monte L. Vance and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the indictment. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Nebraska, Western District of Missouri, Central District of California and Western District of Washington, as well as law enforcement partners in those jurisdictions, investigated and charged the previous related criminal complaints. Assistant United States Attorneys Damoun Delaviz and David J. Twombly and Department of Justice National Security Trial Attorney James Donnelly are representing the United States in this case. An indictment merely contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Co-Conspirators Sentenced to 3 Years and Over 11 Years in Prison for Defrauding Thousands of Investors

body_text: A Nevada man and a Canadian and British national were sentenced today to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release, and 136 months in prison and three years of supervised release, respectively, for participating in a scheme to defraud thousands of investors of tens of millions of dollars between 2018 and 2022. According to court documents, Neil Suresh Chandran, 54, a foreign national residing in Nevada and California, created companies that he falsely claimed were about to be purchased by a consortium of billionaires at extraordinary valuations. Chandran and others solicited more than $45 million from over 10,000 investors based on these false representations. Bryan Lee, 60, of Las Vegas, was the nominee owner and sole officer of ViMarket, a company controlled by Chandran, which received millions in investor funds. Lee knew the funds came from individual investors and knew that the representations made to those investors were false. Nonetheless, Chandran and Lee used investor funds for their own personal benefit, purchasing luxury cars and real estate. “Neil Chandran and Bryan Lee deceived thousands of investors, exploited their trust, and stole their money,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Those who deceive investors, lie, and steal will be investigated and prosecuted. These two fraudsters deserve the sentence imposed. Their victims suffered because of their greed.” “Schemes to defraud individual investors like the one carried out by Bryan Lee and Neil Suresh Chandran are personal crimes that have devastating consequences to the victims’ lives that last long after the crime is committed, and the money is spent,” said U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods for the District of Nebraska. “It takes a particularly cold and calculating criminal to perpetrate these schemes and to continue to lie to victims to keep the scheme alive. Individuals who defraud victims in Nebraska and elsewhere will be held accountable under federal law.” “Chandran and Lee treated investor funds as their own personal piggy bank, using the money to purchase multiple houses and dozens of luxury vehicles,” said Assistant Director in Charge Darren Cox of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Their sentences reflect the commitment of the agents and prosecutors who fought for justice for the thousands of investors whom the defendants swindled out of millions.” In April 2026, Chandran pleaded guilty to mail fraud and Lee pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud. The FBI investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Adam L.D. Stempel, Anna Forgie, and Tian Huang of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section; Chelsea Rooney and Adrienne Rosen of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Kleine for the District of Nebraska prosecuted the case.