title: Theodore Bland of Stowe, Vermont Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Murdering Two Men During and in Relation to Drug Trafficking

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: BURLINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on September 14, 2026, Theodore Bland, 31, of Stowe, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge William K. Sessions III to two consecutive sentences of life imprisonment after his guilty plea to causing the deaths of two men while carrying and using a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking, and concurrent sentences of imprisonment for various federal drug and firearm charges. Judge Sessions also required Bland to pay restitution of $12,504.92 to the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services. According to court records, on the morning of October 12, 2023, Bland walked into the back bedroom of a mobile home in Lowell, Vermont and murdered two men by shooting them. Bland murdered the men so that he could obtain cocaine base and fentanyl that he knew that they had in their possession to further his own drug distribution conspiracy. Bland shot the men in broad daylight, in the presence of numerous witnesses, and in the hours and days that followed, bragged to others about the way he had killed the men. Bland also used the drugs and weapons that he had obtained from the killings to persuade a number of people to assist him in moving the men’s bodies to a wooded area in Eden, Vermont, and attempting to conceal the murders. Bland also traded one of the firearms he stole from one of the victims to a drug supplier in exchange for quantities of cocaine base and fentanyl that Bland intended to distribute. At the time of the murders, Bland was on state conditions of release for a March 17, 2023 armed assault in South Burlington, Vermont. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Vermont State Police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Morristown Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Ophardt added: “Theodore Bland committed two depraved, violent murders to secure greater illicit profits in the drug trade. This case is a chilling reminder of the extreme danger posed by the combination of drug trafficking and firearms. I am grateful to the family and friends of the victims who spoke at today’s sentencing hearing. Their words were powerful reminders of the true toll of Bland’s crimes. As they made clear, two consecutive life sentences will never erase the harm and pain caused by Bland’s violence.” “Mr. Bland was responsible for trafficking deadly narcotics on the streets in Vermont,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albany Field Office. “His decision to escalate to cold-blooded murder has landed him in federal prison for the rest of his life. This case and subsequent sentence illustrates the FBI’s unwavering commitment to working with our Department of Justice colleagues and our partners at every level of law enforcement to leverage our resources and ensure that criminals who terrorize our communities through vicious acts of violence and the sale of dangerous drugs and weapons are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” “This crime shocked Vermont in its callousness and left the families of two young men with a grief that will never end,” said Major Ashley Barnes, commander of the Vermont State Police Criminal Division. “We extend our sincere thanks to our law-enforcement partners at the federal, state and local level who joined together to locate the victims, identify the perpetrator, and ensure he faced justice.” The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason M. Turner and Dana E. Hill. Bland was represented by David C. Sleigh, Esq., Bren E. Newton, Esq., Bruce D. Koffsky, Esq., and Francis L. O’Reilly, Esq. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.


title: Whiterocks Man Sentenced to Prison for Possessing a Firearm and Ammunition as a Previously Convicted Felon

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A previously convicted felon was sentenced to 36 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release after he possessed a firearm and ammunition as a restricted person. The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Ted Stewart, comes after Nathaniel Jonas Accawanna, 38, of Whiterocks, Utah, pleaded guilty on June 3, 2026, to felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. According to court documents and statements made at Accawanna’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on May 30, 2025, law enforcement responded to a “shots fired” report in the Whiterocks area of the Uintah and Ouray Reservation. Upon arrival, law enforcement observed Accawanna struggling with and manipulating a firearm with a partially obliterated serial number. Law enforcement ordered him to stop, but Accawanna did not comply and fled. He threw the firearm away from himself and law enforcement pursued Accawanna who was ultimately arrested. Law enforcement recovered a jammed firearm, magazine, and ammunition from the scene. Accawanna has a violent criminal history that includes multiple felony convictions. United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case was investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Vernal Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorney Sam Pead of The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities .


title: United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia Joins DOJ Fraud Division, SBA, and SBA OIG in Surge Takedown Exceeding $245 Million in COVID-era Loan Fraud

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Moore Capito announced a guilty plea today as part of a nationwide enforcement action led by the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Small Business Administration, and the SBA Office of Inspector General targeting fraud in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The Southern District of West Virginia was a key participant in this surge effort. From June 12 to September 1, 2026, federal prosecutors across the country facilitated fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants, including approximately 80 newly charged defendants, reaching approximately $245 million dollars in intended loss to American taxpayers. “The whole-of-government crackdown on fraud is delivering decisive results, and the SBA surge demonstrates that our commitment is only strengthening,” Capito said. “Our office has secured 33 criminal convictions for COVID-19 fraud and more than $5.1 million in restitution. We will continue to root out pandemic-era fraud wherever it exists, hold every offender accountable, and bring those responsible to justice.” “Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns — not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications — but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” “This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast every day—standing shoulder to shoulder with our partners—to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.” “Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.” “Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.” Capito announced that Nicholas Kind, 30, of Charleston, pleaded guilty on August 3, 2026, to theft of public money, property, or records. According to court documents and statements made in court, on March 1, 2021, a PPP loan application was submitted on Kind’s behalf. As part of his guilty plea, Kind admitted that the PPP loan application falsely stated that he had a business, that it was eligible for PPP funds, and that his gross income was $106,000 for the 2019 tax year. On March 2, 2021, the PPP loan application was approved and $20,000 in loan proceeds was deposited in Kind’s personal bank account. Kind admitted that he knew there was no legitimate reason for him to receive the $20,000 in PPP loan proceeds, and that he converted the money for his personal use. Kind is scheduled to be sentenced on November 17, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Kind also owes $20,000 in restitution. This case was investigated by the West Virginia State Police, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Inspector General (NASA OIG). “We are proud to be part of this collaboration with the Department of Justice, SBA OIG, and our law enforcement partners,” said Robert Steinau, Senior Official at the NASA Office of Inspector General. “This summer surge underscores our unwavering commitment to tracking down the bad actors who exploited vital COVID-19 relief programs for personal gain. Holding these fraudsters accountable is paramount; every stolen PPP loan represents taxpayer money taken directly from the honest Americans it was meant to help.” NASA OIG is an active member of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force. The PRAC was established to promote transparency and facilitate coordinated oversight of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response. The PRAC’s 20 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending, including spending via the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This case was also supported by the PRAC’s Pandemic Analytics Center of Excellence, which applies the latest advances in analytic and forensic technologies to help OIGs and law enforcement pursue data-driven pandemic relief fraud investigations. On April 7, 2026, 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. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-81. ###


title: Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Methamphetamine That Caused Fatal Overdose of 15-Year-Old

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Tony Eldon Lee Jr., 40, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine resulting in death. According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 19, 2025, Lee sold approximately 1.8 grams of methamphetamine to the 15-year-old son of his girlfriend, with whom he resided in Huntington, in exchange for $30. As part of his guilty plea, Lee admitted that he conducted the transaction after exchanging text messages with the teen, identified as “B.M.” Lee further admitted that B.M. died as a result of methamphetamine intoxication shortly after he ingested the methamphetamine that Lee sold to him, and that the methamphetamine was an independently sufficient cause of B.M.’s death. Lee is scheduled to be sentenced on February 1, 2027, and faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years and up to life in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. “A child lost their life because of this defendant’s actions. Those who flood our communities with illicit drugs show no regard for the lives they impact, devastate, and — tragically, in this case — destroy,” said United States Attorney Moore Capito. “I commend the Huntington Police Department for their exemplary work in ensuring this defendant was brought to justice. We must remain steadfast and unrelenting in our efforts to remove from our communities those who inflict harm through drug trafficking.” “This heartbreaking case highlights the devastating impact that illicit drugs have on our children,” said Huntington Police Chief Phil Watkins. “Our officers are dedicated to holding dealers accountable for the lives they destroy. I am grateful for the tireless work of our detectives and to the U.S. Attorney's Office for their partnership in securing this conviction.” United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph F. Adams and Stephanie Taylor are prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-65. ###


title: Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Crime

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Nigel Jamille Coats, 22, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to distribution of quantities of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on November 13, 2025, Coats sold approximately 22 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant in exchange for $1,200 in Huntington. As part of his guilty plea, Coats admitted to the transaction and further admitted to selling approximately 18.12 grams of fentanyl on November 6, 2025, and approximately 18.12 grams of fentanyl on December 31, 2025, each time to a confidential informant in exchange for $1,200. On January 6, 2026, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Coats’ Huntington residence and seized approximately 18 grams of fentanyl. Coats also admitted to arranging the sale of approximately 21.57 grams of fentanyl by co-defendant Wesley Tramaine Cornish to a confidential informant in exchange for $1,200 on December 16, 2025. Coats is scheduled to be sentenced on January 11, 2027, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Cornish, 22, of Huntington, pleaded guilty on August 31, 2026, to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of fentanyl and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 19, 2027. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Huntington Police Department, and the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorneys Sarah N. Hudson and Joseph F. Adams are prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-22. ###


title: U.S. Attorney Seeks Forfeiture Of $61 Million In Cryptocurrency From The Iranian Military’s Black-Market Oil Sales

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: Deputy United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Sean S. Buckley, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI, James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced the filing of a civil forfeiture Complaint against approximately $61 million in cryptocurrency as the proceeds of black-market sales of sanctioned Iranian crude oil and petroleum products, intended to finance the Government of Iran and Iranian military components, including Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (“IRGC”), a designated terrorist organization. “Today’s action demonstrates our determination to deprive the Government of Iran and its terrorist proxies of the illegal money they rely on to threaten the lives and safety of the citizens of the United States and elsewhere,” said Deputy U.S. Attorney Sean S. Buckley. “The Government of Iran relies on black-market sales of sanctioned crude oil to fund its military and foster terrorism in the Middle East and around the world, along with other malign efforts to develop a nuclear program and ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear payloads. As alleged in the complaint filed today, the Government of Iran used a network of cryptocurrency actors in China and elsewhere to launder more than $1.5 billion in illicit oil money intended to benefit the Iranian military and the terror-designated IRGC. Today we are seizing and seeking to forfeit more than $61 million of the Government of Iran’s money, which otherwise would have promoted hostile military action and terrorist attacks against the U.S. and our allies.” “Today’s complaint demonstrates the FBI’s ability to follow the money, root out illicit schemes, and halt the stream of cryptocurrency to any government attempting to evade sanctions or committing terrorist activities,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “By cutting off funds raised by the black-market sale of crude oil, the Iranian military and terrorists are weakened. The FBI will not relent in its resolve to drain the funds from dangerous foreign actors.” According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:(1) Two Chinese companies, Blessed Trust and Hexa Whale, used trading accounts at the UAE-based cryptocurrency exchange Binance to launder the proceeds of black-market sales of Iranian oil, funneling the illicit funds to the Government of Iran, its agents, and/or its proxies, where they were used to finance terrorist and other activities of the Iranian government. Though Blessed Trust represents itself to financial services and cryptocurrency services providers as a wealth management or virtual asset custodial services firm, in fact it received and transferred the proceeds of sales of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products and provided “on-ramp” services to convert fiat currency into cryptocurrency, including through the use of U.S.-based cryptocurrency issuers. Hexa Whale similarly holds itself out as a commodities brokering company, but in fact provided similar services as Blessed Trust, working in concert with Blessed Trust and its affiliates. Blessed Trust and Hexa Whale’s clients include companies in China’s petroleum and petroleum products sector. A series of interrelated unhosted cryptocurrency addresses, termed the “Entity A” addresses, have received and distributed more than approximately $1.5 billion of proceeds of the illicit sale of Iranian oil. Entity A has funneled Iranian oil money to IRGC-related money services businesses, IRGC-related cryptocurrency addresses, and an Iranian cryptocurrency exchange. These transfers of Iranian oil proceeds were facilitated in large part by Blessed Trust, Hexa Whale, and individuals associated with those entities, through transactions and cryptocurrency addresses designed and executed to obfuscate the nature, source, and ownership of the funds involved. Blessed Trust and Hexa Whale have also used the U.S. financial system to send or receive tens of millions of dollars as part of this scheme. * * * Mr. Buckley praised the outstanding work of the FBI New York Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. Mr. Buckley also thanked the Counterterrorism Section and the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Money Laundering, Narcotics, and Forfeiture Section of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division for their assistance and support for the investigation and today’s forfeiture action. This case is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit and National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Brumwell, Jane Chong, David Markewitz, and Juliana N. Murray are in charge of the prosecution. A civil forfeiture complaint is merely an allegation that money or property was involved in or represents the proceeds of a crime. These allegations are not proven until a court awards a judgment in favor of the United States. ^ As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Former CEO Charged With Fraud

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging WANJA OBERHOF, a founder and the former CEO of a wellness startup, the Healing Company, with defrauding an investor in his venture. OBERHOF was presented today before Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang. “Investors are entitled to know that their money will be used for the purposes they were promised, not siphoned off to fund an executive’s personal expenses,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “As alleged, Wanja Oberhof convinced an investor to provide millions of dollars for a specific business purpose, then diverted much of that money for his own benefit and doctored records to conceal what he had done.” “Oberhof allegedly defrauded at least one victim of over two million dollars and operated under the guise of running a wellness company,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “The FBI and its partners will continue to pursue investigations into dishonest individuals to prevent the furtherance of any such schemes.” According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:(1) The Healing Company was a start-up venture that, among other things, sought to acquire interests in health and wellness companies. As described further below, WANJA OBERHOF, the defendant, was a co-founder and then CEO of The Healing Company and made misrepresentations to an investor in The Healing Company in order to obtain investor money, and subsequently misappropriated investor funds. In particular, OBERHOF tricked a businessman (“Victim-1”) into investing $2.5 million in an affiliate of The Healing Company based on the false promise that Victim-1’s funds would be used in substantial part to pay off debt that was encumbering a valuable asset held by The Healing Company. Rather than using the investor’s money as promised, OBERHOF misappropriated the vast majority through various money transfers for OBERHOF’s personal benefit. For example, OBERHOF transferred, or caused to be transferred: (a) approximately $25,000 of Victim-1’s money to pay for OBERHOF’s rent at his luxury penthouse apartment in Manhattan (which cost nearly $20,000 per month in rent); (b) over $57,000 of Victim-1’s money to repay a personal loan; and (c) ultimately, over $1.8 million of Victim-1’s money to a foreign bank account controlled by OBERHOF. In an attempt to hide the fraud from Victim-1, OBERHOF shared with Victim-1 and others doctored records relating to the use of Victim-1’s investment that, had OBERHOF not manipulated them, would have revealed OBERHOF’s misappropriation and the fraud on Victim-1. * * * OBERHOF, a German national, is charged with one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding work of the FBI. This case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Micah F. Fergenson is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ^ As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the descriptions of the Complaint constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Two New Yorkers, Who Are Chinese Nationals, Plead Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy Involving the Interstate Transportation of Stolen Used Cooking Oil

body_text: DES MOINES, Iowa – Two New York men who are Chinese Nationals have pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and money laundering. As alleged in the Indictment , 19 Defendants were charged with charges involving the theft of used cooking oil, which can be refined into biodiesel fuel and re-sold. Defendants drove trucks to restaurants and stole and attempted to steal used cooking oil from oil collection tanks located at restaurants throughout Iowa, Tennessee, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, Illinois, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kentucky. Defendants then collected the stolen used cooking oil to warehouses throughout the United States including: Nevada and Ankeny, Iowa; Lewisburg, Tennessee; Dora, Alabama; and Tipp City, Ohio; Decatur, Illinois Defendants subsequently sold the stolen used cooking oil, which was transported across state lines, and proceeds were laundered. On September 9, 2026, Tianzhu Chen, 33, of Flushing, New York, and a Chinese National, pleaded guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy and Money Laundering and Yong Chen, 33, of Brooklyn, New York and a Chinese National, pleaded guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy. Sentencing is set for January 29, 2027. Each offense carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the United States sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Trial for the remainder of the defendants is scheduled to begin on April 12, 2027. United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Central Iowa Gang Task Force of the FBI Des Moines Resident Agency of the Omaha Field Office is investigating this case, with assistance from the: Polk County Sheriff’s Office; Story County Sheriff’s Office; Des Moines Police Department; West Des Moines Police Department; Iowa Department of Public Safety; Iowa Department of Transportation; Tennessee Bureau of Investigations; Gahanna, Ohio Police Department; Cullman, Alabama Police Department; Springfield, Illinois, Police Department; 18th Judicial District Drug Task Force in Tennessee; FBI Dayton Resident Agency of the Cincinnati Field Office; FBI Lexington Resident Agency of the Springfield Field Office; FBI Oklahoma City Field Office; FBI New York City Field Office; FBI Birmingham Field Office; FBI Amarillo Resident Agency of the Dallas Field Office; FBI Language Services; and the Environmental Protection Agency.


title: Ames Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Child

body_text: DES MOINES, Iowa – An Ames man was sentenced on September 11, 2026, to 27 years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child. According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Luke Stephen Crouse, 35, met a minor in an online chatroom and coerced that minor over a period of months into sending him sexually explicit photos and videos. Crouse also sent the minor sexually explicit photos and videos of himself. Crouse has two prior child exploitation convictions for nearly identical conduct in online chatrooms with persons he believed to be minors who were undercover agents posing as 14-year-old girls. After completing his term of imprisonment, Crouse will be required to serve a 10‑year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. In April 2025, Crouse was convicted of six counts of attempted indecent liberties with child under age 15, one count of production of child pornography, and two counts of proposing a sex act via a communication system to a minor less than age 15, in the Virgina Circuit Court for Rockbridge County, which was ordered to be served consecutively to the federal sentence. United States Attorney David C. Waterman of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. The Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigation-Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Child Exploitation Task Force investigated the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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 information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the resources tab.


title: Significant federal prison sentence handed down for drug-related charges

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: SAVANNAH, Georgia: A Georgia man has been sentenced to prison following a drug-related plea agreement. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge R. Stan Baker and announced by Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Kurtis Narada Jones , 46, of Riceboro, Georgia, was sentenced to 120 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 248 grams of MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents and testimony, investigators with Homeland Security Investigations, acting in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Investigation Service, conducted a search of Jones’s residence where large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA were discovered. Additionally, evidence of narcotics distribution was also present in the defendant’s bedroom, including pill presses, narcotics cutting agents, digital scales, plastic bags, and a vacuum sealer. “The agencies involved in this investigation should be commended for their roles in identifying this drug trafficking operation that endangered our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “Let this message be clear: Those who traffic narcotics in our communities will be identified, prosecuted and brought to justice.” Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Postal Investigation Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Liberty County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation of this case. “Drug trafficking organizations exploit every opportunity to push dangerous narcotics into our communities, and this sentence demonstrates the serious consequences awaiting those who do,” said Ellen Johnson, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI is proud to work alongside our federal, state, and local partners to identify, investigate, and dismantle criminal networks that threaten public safety.” “The sentencing demonstrates the commitment by Postal Inspectors and our law enforcement partners to dismantle criminal enterprises trying to utilize the mail system for illegal activities,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division. “We are committed to hold individuals accountable for poisoning communities with dangerous drugs.” This case was prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Bondura and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren C. Olsen.


title: Woman Sentenced in Cross-Border Identity Theft and Immigration Fraud Scheme

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Kassandra Sanchez was sentenced in federal court today to 12 and a half months in prison for aiding and abetting her boyfriend in stealing the identity of her brother to commit a variety of federal crimes in the United States. This included smuggling an alien through the San Ysidro Port of Entry and fraudulently obtaining public benefits such as Medi-Cal and CalFresh. U.S. District Judge Barry T. Moskowitz ordered Sanchez to pay $8,690.69 in restitution to J.D.S., Medi-Cal, and the California Department of Social Services. According to the indictment, Luis Enrique Villegas Brownell, a Mexican citizen without legal status in the United States, and Sanchez, a U.S. citizen, conspired to steal identification documents belonging to Sanchez’s brother, identified in court records as J.D.S. Villegas then used those documents to falsely pose as a U.S. citizen and apply for entry into the United States. Once in the United States, Villegas and Sanchez went to the California DMV and provided false information under penalty of perjury to obtain a state ID card in the name of J.D.S. but bearing Villegas’s photo and thumbprint. He and Sanchez then used the fraudulent ID to impersonate J.D.S. and cross the border unlawfully for more than a year. They crossed together into the United States from Mexico more than 50 times in a 17-month period, often with Sanchez driving to the port of entry and presenting the fraudulent ID to border officers. Port-of-entry video shows Sanchez lying to officers about Villegas’s birthplace and concealing his true identity. According to the United States’ sentencing memorandum, during a border crossing on May 21, 2025, Sanchez falsely the told a border officer that her front seat passenger, Villegas, does not really talk and offered to show the officer his U.S. birth certificate to prove he was born in the United States. Moments later, Sanchez handed her cell phone to the officer displaying an image of J.D.S.’s birth certificate. Still shot from the port-of-entry video on May 21, 2025 of Sanchez showing an image of J.D.S.’s U.S. birth certificate on her cell phone to the border officer Sanchez committed the offense while on supervised release for a prior federal conviction in the Southern District of California relating to an arrest for smuggling methamphetamine into the United States. According to the United States’ sentencing memorandum, the port-of-entry video from the May 21, 2025 crossing captured Sanchez admitting to the border officer that she knew she had been on probation for more than a year. She described her mindset regarding her probation as “chill.” According to court documents, the real J.D.S. applied for entry to the United States at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in April 2025 but was unable to cross due to the theft of his identity. During that encounter, J.D.S. reported to border officers that his sister, Sanchez, asked for his identity documents to smuggle her Mexican boyfriend into the United States. When he declined, she took them without his consent. According to court records, J.D.S. has lost work and money as a result of the offense and now has a felony alien smuggling arrest committed by Villegas associated with his name. “The defendants thought a stolen identity was a ticket to a new life. Turns out it was a ticket to prison,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “Identity theft and benefits fraud are serious crimes that undermine public trust and victimize innocent people, including U.S. citizens whose documents are misused,” said Kevin Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Diego. “This case demonstrates our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who abuse identity documents and benefits systems for personal gain.” Villegas pleaded guilty to charges of false personation, false claim to U.S. citizenship, and aggravated identity theft in 25-cr-3286-BTM-1. Villegas is scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Barry T. Moskowitz for sentencing on October 1, 2026. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick C. Swan. DEFENDANT Case Number : 25-cr-3286-BTM-2 Kassandra Sanchez Age: 24 San Diego, California SUMMARY OF CHARGE False Personation in Immigration Matter – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 1546(a) and 2 Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Homeland Security Investigations U.S. Customs and Border Protection


title: Man Living Illegally in the U.S. Sentenced for  Assaulting a Federal Officer

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Roberto Galeana-Guatemala, a Mexican national who was previously deported and living illegally in the U.S., was sentenced in federal court Friday to 33 months in prison for driving his vehicle into federal law enforcement officers and seriously injuring one officer while they attempted to arrest him. The defendant pleaded guilty on June 18, 2026, to Assaulting a Federal Officer and Deported Alien Found in the United States. According to his plea agreement, Galeana-Guatemala admitted that he used his automobile to seriously injure a Task Force Officer when they attempted to arrest him for being found in the United States after previously being deported on February 6, 2024. According to the court records, at about 4:25 a.m. on November 12, 2025, federal agents from the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) attempted to execute a court-authorized federal arrest warrant for Galeana-Guatemala outside an apartment complex in National City. Agents had positioned their vehicles in front of Galeana-Guatemala’s vehicle and identified themselves as police before Galeana-Guatemala attempted to flee in his car. Law enforcement agents, wearing patches and insignia identifying themselves as law enforcement, pursued his car on foot while verbally shouting “Stop!” and “Police” at Galeana-Guatemala. Galeana-Guatemala attempted to maneuver his vehicle around the law enforcement vehicles but stopped approximately one foot away from the front bumper of one of the blocking vehicles. According to the complaint, agents approached the driver side window and shouted, “Police, don't move!” multiple times. Galeana-Guatemala momentarily paused before accelerating towards them, forcing them to scatter to avoid being hit. Galeana-Guatemala steered his vehicle directly toward three agents, hitting one who was thrown onto the street and underneath adjacent parked vehicles. The agent was hospitalized with serious bodily injuries, including a fracture to his sternum. After Galeana-Guatemala struck the agent, he continued to flee, hitting another law enforcement vehicle in the process. When the defendant was found by law enforcement later in the day, he attempted to run away on foot but was apprehended. “Our law enforcement agents and officers have our backs every day,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “We will hold accountable through federal prosecution anyone who puts them in harm’s way.” “Law enforcement works every day to protect our communities and uphold the laws of our country. Violence and targeted attacks against those who serve will not be tolerated. We will continue to investigate and pursue justice against all criminal organizations and individuals who assault or attempt to harm to any law enforcement official.” said Kevin Murphy, Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations. “The sentencing of Roberto Galeana-Guatemala to 33 months of federal custody sends a clear message that attacks against law enforcement are unacceptable and have significant consequences.” This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Van Demark and former Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Lauricella. DEFENDANT Case Number 25cr4733-CAB Roberto Carlos Galeana-Guatemala Age: 21 Mexico SUMMARY OF CHARGES Assault on a Federal Officer – Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 111 (a)(1) and (b) Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine Deported Alien Found in the United States – Title 8, U.S.C., Section 1326 Maximum penalty: Two years in prison and $250,000 fine INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Homeland Security Investigations – Marine Task Force U.S. Border Patrol U.S. Customs and Border Protection – Air and Marine Operations


title: Man Extradited from Peru Pleads Guilty to Laundering More than $72 Million in Drug Proceeds

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Frank Mahonri Cruz-Marentes, a Mexican national who was extradited to the United States from Peru in November 2025, pleaded guilty this morning to laundering more than $72 million in drug proceeds between January 2019 and April 2021. According to court records, Cruz-Marentes secured contracts with drug trafficking organizations in Mexico to pick up drug proceeds in cities throughout the United States, including Baltimore, Detroit, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston, Denver, Chicago, New York, and numerous others. Once he received a contract, Cruz-Marentes communicated with an Imperial Valley-based network of couriers and bank account holders using burner phones and code phrases to coordinate bulk cash deposits into fictitious funnel business bank accounts. The couriers travelled from San Diego to cities throughout the country to receive the bulk cash after using photographs and codes to verify the meeting details. The bulk cash was typically concealed in trash bags, duffel bags, or shoe boxes. After the illicit cash proceeds were deposited into the fictitious funnel bank accounts, the monies were wired to personal bank accounts in Mexico where the money was then dispersed to the drug trafficking organizations. Cruz-Marentes is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel on December 18, 2026. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Blanca Quintero and Keith D. Ellison. DEFENDANT Case Number 20cr2682-GPC Frank Mahonri Cruz-Marentes Age: 37 Sinaloa, Mexico SUMMARY OF CHARGE Money Laundering Conspiracy – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1956(h) Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved. INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Homeland Security Investigations Drug Enforcement Administration, Narcotics Task Force Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations San Diego Sheriff’s Department This case was investigated and prosecuted by the California Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Former U.S. Navy Sailors Plead Guilty to Selling Fentanyl-Laden Pills to Servicemembers Assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Former sailors Bailey A. Szramowski and Johnnese H. Poomaihealani pleaded guilty in federal court this morning to selling counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to active-duty U.S. Navy servicemembers stationed in San Diego, including during deployments. According to court records, Szramowski provided an active-duty U.S. Navy servicemember assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln with 10 purported oxycodone pills in December 2022. The victim, identified in court records by his initials, A.N., overdosed and died of acute fentanyl intoxication in January 2023. Despite knowing of A.N.’s death, Szramowski sold three more purported oxycodone pills to another sailor, identified as C.L., just 10 days later. After that sailor was taken to the hospital for a suspected overdose from which he recovered, Szramowski and Poomaihealani called C.L. and instructed C.L. to tell law enforcement he received the pills from A.N. and not Szramowski. Szramowski and Poomaihealani are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ruth Bermudez Montenegro on December 11, 2026. Special agents and task force officers with HSI San Diego’s Fentanyl Abatement and Suppression Team (FAST) led this investigation. HSI San Diego’s FAST is a multiagency task force comprising state, local, and federal partners and was first established in August 2022 focusing on the disruption and dismantlement of criminal organizations that smuggle and distribute fentanyl within San Diego County. HSI’s FAST targets fentanyl smuggling and distribution networks to counter the rising overdose rate and decrease the availability and accessibility of fentanyl. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith D. Ellison. DEFENDANTS Case Number 20cr2682-GPC Bailey A. Szramowski Age: 29 Hawaii Johnnese H. Poomaihealani Age: 25 Hawaii SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances – Title 21, U.S.C., Sections 841(a)(1) and 846 Maximum penalties: Szramowski: A minimum of five years in prison up to 40 years, and $5,000,000 fine Poomaihealani: Twenty years in prison and $1 million fine INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Homeland Security Investigations Naval Criminal Investigative Service California Department of Justice This case was investigated and prosecuted by the California Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).


title: Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempted Online Coercion and Enticement of a Minor

component: USAO - South Carolina

body_text: CHARLESTON, S.C. — Robert W. Nazzaro, 70, of Charleston, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for attempted online coercion and enticement of a minor. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that in July and August of 2023, Nazzaro identified two purported minors on Craigslist and began chatting with them. Those purported minors, identified online as a 13-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl, were undercover law enforcement officers. Nazzaro acknowledged each of the purported minors’ ages and had sexually explicit conversations with them through email and text messages. He explained sexual concepts and discussed sexual preferences, asked for explicit photographs of each of the minors, and discussed the potential of meeting in the future. Nazzaro sent nude photographs to each purported minor as well as numerous links to pornography. While engaged in this conduct, Nazzaro was a registered sex offender stemming from an April 2023 state conviction for sexual exploitation of a minor and dissemination of obscene material to a minor. United States District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks sentenced Robert W. Nazzaro to 120 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a life term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Charleston County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force with assistance from the Charleston Police Department and Mount Pleasant Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dean H. Secor prosecuted the case. ###


title: DOJ’s Fraud Division, SBA, and SBA OIG Target $245M in COVID Loan Fraud Enforcement Activity as State Partnerships Continue Expanding

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: Today, the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division along with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the SBA Office of Inspector General, as part of a Heartland Fraud Surge announced the results of Operation No Doze, a surge of criminal enforcement actions targeting fraud in SBA’s small business COVID-era loan programs. During the summer surge between June 12 and Sept. 1, SBA-OIG and federal prosecutors in the Fraud Division and across over 40 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, with assistance from various partners, obtained felony charges against nearly 80 fraud defendants responsible for approximately $100 million dollars in intended loss to the United States. These charges target a range of individuals who allegedly exploited COVID-era SBA loan programs at the height of the pandemic. Beyond newly charged defendants, as part of Operation No Doze, approximately 43 defendants pleaded guilty to SBA-related COVID fraud, reaching approximately $44 million in intended loss. And approximately 40 defendants were sentenced for SBA-related COVID fraud, reaching nearly $100 million in intended loss. Together, this targeted surge resulted in fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants and involved approximately $245 million dollars in intended loss to American taxpayers. Operation No Doze is a direct result of President Donald J. Trump’s creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division at the DOJ, the first new division in the DOJ in twenty years. “Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns—not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications— but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” “This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast every day—standing shoulder‑to‑shoulder with our partners—to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.” “Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.” “Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.” “We are proud to stand with our federal and state partners in rooting out criminal activity of all kinds, especially defrauding the public,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. “Fraud is not a victimless crime. Every dollar stolen is a dollar taken from hardworking taxpayers or from someone who depends on the programs those dollars are meant to support. In Missouri, we will continue working at every level to hold fraudsters accountable and protect those they seek to exploit.” Federal and State Partners Participating in Operation No Doze U.S. Attorney Partners: Central District of California, District of Kansas, District of Idaho, District of Maryland, District of Massachusetts, District of Montana, District of New Mexico, District of Oregon, District of Rhode Island, Eastern District of California, Eastern District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern District of New York, Eastern District of Texas, Eastern District of Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, Middle District of Florida, Middle District of Louisiana, Northern District of California, Northern District of Florida, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Indiana, Northern District of Iowa, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Texas, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of Alabama, Southern District of California, Southern District of Florida, Southern District of Indiana, Southern District of Ohio, Southern District of West Virginia, Western District of Kentucky, Western District of Michigan, Western District of Missouri, Western District of New York, Western District of North Carolina, Western District of Oklahoma, Western District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Tennessee, Western District of Texas, Western District of Washington. Federal and State Investigative Partners: Amtrak, Office of Inspector General; City of Jacksonville, Office of Inspector General; Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General; Export-Import Bank of the United States; FBI; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General; Federal Housing Administration; Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Office of Inspector General; HSI; Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; National Science Foundation, Office of Inspector General; Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General; Social Security Administration; Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Secret Service; Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General; West Virginia State Police; Tampa Police Department. Heartland Fraud Partnership Summit: In tandem with the results of Operation No Doze, the Fraud Division announced three new federal-state cooperation agreements with the Missouri Secretary of State, Nebraska Treasurer, and Kansas Treasurer to strengthen ongoing fraud enforcement efforts. On September 14, 2026, over twenty-five federal and state officials gathered for the Heartland Partnership Fraud Summit in Kansas City, Missouri, including representatives from 6 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, 3 State Attorneys General Offices, 3 State Financial Offices, 3 Secretaries of State, 3 federal law enforcement partners, and 2 Members of Congress. Federal and State Partners at the 2026 Heartland Fraud Partnership Summit U.S. Attorney Partners: U.S. Attorneys Office Partners (In-Person Attendance): U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri Matthew Price U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Thomas Albus U.S. Attorney for District of Nebraska Lesley Woods U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Leif Olson U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa David Waterman U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas Ryan Kriegshauser State Partners: Iowa: Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate Kansas: Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab Nebraska: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, Nebraska Auditor Mike Foley, Nebraska Treasurer Joey Spellerberg Missouri: Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, and Missouri Department of Social Services Jessica Bax United States Congressional Representation: Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO) These partnerships and actions demonstrate how state and federal partners can work together to strengthen fraud detection, share information, and accelerate enforcement efforts nationwide. The Department encourages every state across the country to partner with the Fraud Division on similar efforts. Notable Cases (Intended Loss Figures) 1.) United States v. Jamie Gray (Indictment) – $55,931,875 – Western District of Missouri Jamie Gray is charged with wire fraud and money laundering. According to the indictment, Gray submitted Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications claiming to own dozens of businesses that were operating before the COVID-19 pandemic. In every instance but one, the businesses Gray allegedly claimed to own were not in operation on or before February 15, 2020 (eligibility deadline). The only claimed business that actually existed was “Fur Lives Matter,” a Texas company that allegedly had no knowledge of Gray. The indictment alleges that Gray’s representations regarding ownership, employees, gross revenue, and business operations were entirely fabricated. Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney for the Western District of Missouri. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Eggert for the Western District of Missouri. 2.) United States v. Adrian Pupo Perez et al. (Indictment) – $2,400,000 – Northern District of Iowa On July 9, 2026, a grand jury in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, charged Adrian Rafael Pupo Perez and Helen Yaima Leyva Santiesteban with 47 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. Beginning in July 2020, Pupo Perez, Leyva Santiesteban, and more than 100 other individuals originally from Cuba allegedly sought fraudulent PPP loans and EIDLs by falsely claiming they were self-employed, among other allegedly false representations. The co-conspirators allegedly submitted approximately 470 fraudulent PPP loan applications in the names of more than 100 individuals across the United States. They allegedly fraudulently sought more than $4.5 million in PPP funds, with approximately $2.4 million disbursed. Pupo Perez and Leyva Santiesteban are fugitives at this time. Prosecuted by District Fraud Counsel Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek for the Northern District of Iowa. 3. United States v. Pu Wang and Rui Li (Indictment) – $102,397 – Northern District of Indiana Pu Wang and Rui Li are charged with fraudulently obtaining federal grant funds for their company, Vibronix, by falsely representing that the company had no Chinese affiliates and by certifying that the funded work was performed in the United States when most of the work was allegedly performed in China. In addition to allegedly defrauding the Small Business Innovation Research federal grant program, Wang also allegedly certified in PPP loan applications that all covered employees had their primary residence in the United States. Wang was himself a covered employee and, according to the allegations, lived in China during the relevant period. Wang further allegedly certified that none of Vibronix’s board members were residents of the People’s Republic of China. Public SEC filings identified Wang as a Vibronix board member who was known to live in China at the time of the application for federal funds. According to the indictment, Wang had received an award in 2014 sponsored by the PRC to encourage Chinese citizens who study in the United States to return to China. Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sohn for the Northern District of Indiana. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Lupa Northern District of Indiana. 4. United States v. Eve Zou (Information) – $319,800 – Western District of Texas Eve Zou is charged with making false and fraudulent representations to the U.S. Small Business Administration to obtain EIDL funds and grants purportedly for legitimate business purposes. At the time of the charged offense, Zou was an employee of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, a state agency designed to protect children, the elderly, and adults in Texas with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The information alleges that Zou instead used EIDL proceeds for personal benefit, including the purchase of real estate in Austin, Texas and investments in brokerage accounts. Zou also allegedly made multiple false statements in the applications, including using her daughter’s identity without her daughter’s knowledge or permission, falsely claiming to have 50 employees, and falsely claiming lost rental income. Zou allegedly obtained three SBA loans totaling $319,800. Zou has agreed to plead guilty to the charges against her. Zou also agreed to forfeiture of all assets purchased with the fraud proceeds, which have grown in value. As a result, the government intends to recoup more than Zou stole. Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandy Gann for the Western District of Texas. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Chung for the Western District of Texas. 5. United States v. Melissa Fireside (Indictment) — $1,573,350 – District of Oregon Melissa Fireside, a former Clackamas County Commissioner, allegedly attempted to fraudulently obtain approximately $1.6 million in PPP and EIDL funds associated with her claimed businesses. The State of Oregon has charged Fireside with eight felony counts — including first-degree forgery, first-degree aggravated theft, computer crimes, and identity theft. Fireside was charged in the District of Oregon with two counts of wire fraud. According to prosecutors, Fireside submitted an EIDL application using the identity of another person, G.F., without G.F.’s authorization. Fireside was alleged to be G.F.’s caregiver and manager of G.F.’s finances. Fireside allegedly also submitted a fraudulent PPP application supported by fabricated tax documents and bank records, falsely represented that the business was operating and had employees and substantial revenues, and then diverted the loan proceeds for her personal use. Fireside is believed to have fled the country and remains an international fugitive subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice in connection with the federal charges. Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey A. Barrow for the District of Oregon. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Meyers for the District of Oregon. 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, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Las Cruces Man Sentenced for Pioneer Bank Robbery

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for robbing a Pioneer Bank branch in August 2025 and fleeing with more than $3,500. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, on August 4, 2025, Jacob Ezekiel Martinez , 32, entered Pioneer Bank on University Avenue in Las Cruces wearing dark clothing and a mask partially covering his face. Martinez approached a teller and handed her a handwritten note threatening violence if his demands were not followed. The teller gave Martinez $3,513 in cash, and he left the bank with the money. Las Cruces Police Department investigators identified Martinez from bank surveillance footage, including a distinctive tattoo on his right hand that matched photographs from a previous booking. The following morning, law enforcement found Martinez in the back seat of a vehicle parked outside a Las Cruces residence and arrested him. Martinez , who had shaved his head since the robbery, had arrived at the residence the previous night and told others there that he had $3,500 in cash. Martinez pleaded guilty to bank robbery. Upon his release from prison, he will be subject to three years of supervised release. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today. The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Las Cruces Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Grant B. Gardner prosecuted the case.


title: Las Cruces Man Sentenced for Attempted Bank Robbery

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for attempting to rob a local bank while armed with a hatchet. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records, on February 26, 2026, Zachary Michael Clay , 42, entered First New Mexico Bank in Deming, New Mexico, with a hatchet around his waist and handed a teller a handwritten note demanding large bills. The teller told Clay to wait and walked away under the pretense of retrieving money while another employee called 911. While waiting, Clay approached a second teller and handed over the same note. When the teller told him that he was already being assisted, Clay displayed the hatchet that was on his waist. Clay then entered the office of the bank’s assistant vice president and asked whether there was money in the office—and again brandished the hatchet. Shortly afterwards, Clay heard the approaching sirens and left the bank without obtaining any money. Luna County Sheriff’s Office deputies immediately arrested him as he exited the bank. Clay pleaded guilty to attempted bank robbery. Upon his release from prison, he will be subject to three years of supervised release. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today. The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Luna County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Grant B. Gardner prosecuted the case.


title: Farmington Man Charged with Four Alleged Sexual Assaults

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington man has been indicted in connection with four alleged sexual assaults that occurred over a one-year period. According to court documents, in July 2025, September 2025, April 2026 and on August 17, 2026, Running Bear Hosteen , 43, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, engaged in a sex act with Jane Doe by the use of force. Hosteen is charged with four counts of aggravated sexual abuse and will remain on conditions of release pending trial which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Hosteen faces up to life in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Burkhead Neal is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Dulce Man Charged as Habitual Domestic Violence Offender

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Dulce man with three prior domestic violence convictions is facing federal charges after allegedly attacking a woman. According to court documents, on March 22, 2026, Rode Lyle Enjady , 47, an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, assaulted Jane Doe at a residence in Dulce, New Mexico, striking her in the face, strangling her with his forearm and preventing her from leaving. The victim sustained a swollen and blackened eye, a forehead contusion, multiple bruises, and a bite mark on her shoulder. Jane Doe was eventually able to escape from the residence without shoes and called police for help. Enjady has three prior convictions for domestic violence offenses and is charged with assault by strangulation and domestic assault by a habitual offender. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, Enjady faces up to 10 years in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: District of New Mexico Joins DOJ Fraud Division, SBA, and SBA OIG in Surge Takedown Exceeding $245 Million in COVID-era Loan Fraud

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico today announced the sentencing of Scott A. Spiro as part of a nationwide enforcement action led by the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the SBA Office of Inspector General targeting fraud in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Spiro was sentenced to 36 months in prison and ordered to pay $679,690 in restitution for obtaining more than half a million dollars in fraudulent COVID-19 pandemic loans. The District of New Mexico was a key participant in the nationwide surge effort. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court documents, between April 2020 and December 2021, Spiro , 64, devised and carried out a scheme to defraud the federal government and federally insured financial institutions by submitting fraudulent PPP and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications under the CARES Act. As part of the scheme, Spiro created several shell companies that were not legitimate businesses, had no employees, and paid no wages, including Scott A. Spiro JD, LLC, Pacifica Law Clinic, LLC, Spiro Enterprises of NM, LLC, Pacifica Funding Corporation, and Accounting Advisors. Using these entities, Spiro submitted multiple fraudulent loan and loan forgiveness applications to lenders and the SBA. He admitted to making material misrepresentations about the companies’ establishment dates, number of employees, payroll expenses, revenues and monthly wages, and to submitting falsified IRS forms, payroll records, bank statements and New Mexico Secretary of State filings to support the applications. As a result of these misrepresentations, Spiro obtained $679,690 in PPP and EIDL funds and used the fraudulently obtained funds for personal expenses and debts and the purchase of residential properties in Alamogordo and Ruidoso, New Mexico. “Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns—not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications— but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” “This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast every day—standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners—to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.” “Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.” “Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.” Spiro pleaded guilty to three counts of wire fraud, three counts of making false statements to a financial institution and two counts of money laundering. Upon his release from prison, Spiro will be subject to five years of supervised release and must serve 100 hours of community service. IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this case with assistance from the SBA. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is 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. There is no parole in the federal system.


title: Five Prominent Black Axe Members Extradited for Conspiring to Engage in Internet Scams and Money Laundering

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: TRENTON, N.J. – Five members of the Cape Town Zone of the Neo Black Movement of Africa, also known as “Black Axe,” who were extradited from South Africa to the United States on wire fraud and money laundering charges, will have their initial appearances and arraignments today at 1:00 pm before U.S. District Judge Michael A. Shipp in Trenton federal court, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. Perry Osagiede, aka “Lord Sutan Abubakar de 1st,” aka “Rob Nicolella,” aka “Alan Salomon,” 57; Franklyn Edosa Osagiede, aka, “Lord Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela,” aka, “Edosa Franklyn Osagiede,” aka “Dave Hewitt,” aka, “Bruce Dupont,” 42; Osariemen Eric Clement, aka, “Lord Adekunle Ajasi,” aka, “Aiden Wilson,” 40; Collins Owhofasa Otughwor, aka, “Lord Jesse Makoko,” aka, “Philip Coughlan,” 42; and Musa Mudashiru, aka “Lord Oba Akenzua,” 38; all originally from Nigeria, are charged by superseding indictment with wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy, spanning from 2011 to 2021. Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede, and Clement are also charged with wire fraud, and Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede, and Otughwor are also charged with aggravated identity theft. “The alleged members of Black Axe believed that operating behind electronic devices thousands of miles away would place them beyond the reach of American justice. They were wrong. This extradition demonstrates that our Office, together with our law enforcement partners in the United States and abroad, will relentlessly pursue transnational criminal organizations that victimize Americans, no matter where they operate and hide.” - U.S. Robert Frazer "Black Axe is a notoriously violent transnational criminal organization that also happens to dabble in romance scams to make money,” said FBI Newark Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy. “The ability of FBI Newark and our partner agencies to reach into South Africa illustrates our resolve to hold accountable any and every type of fraudster who preys on innocent victims here in the United States. We also want to use this investigation as a message to victims: please call us if you have been scammed and help us stop these predators from continuing their vicious criminal activity." “This case reflects the result of a years-long effort by the U.S. Secret Service and our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and bring to justice those who allegedly preyed on victims through sophisticated online fraud and money laundering schemes,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Marech of the U.S. Secret Service’s Newark Field Office. “This case demonstrates the power of cooperation and sends a clear message that the Secret Service and our partners will pursue those who target U.S. victims wherever they operate, anywhere in the world.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: Perry Osagiede, Franklyn Osagiede, Clement, Otughwor, and Mudashiru (the “Black Axe defendants”) were all leaders of the Neo Black Movement of Africa, also known as “Black Axe,” an organization headquartered in Benin City, Nigeria that operates in various countries. Black Axe is organized into regional chapters known as “zones,” and the defendants were all leaders within the Cape Town Zone in South Africa. Perry Osagiede founded the Cape Town Zone of Black Axe and worked as its zonal head. The Black Axe defendants and other members of Black Axe took part in, and openly discussed, fraud schemes amongst their membership. From at least 2011 through 2021, the Black Axe defendants and other conspirators worked together from Cape Town to engage in widespread internet fraud involving romance scams and advance fee schemes. Many of these fraudulent narratives involved claims that an individual was traveling to South Africa for work and needed money or other items of value following a series of unfortunate and unforeseen events, often involving a construction site or problems with a crane. The conspirators used social media websites, online dating websites, and voice over internet protocol phone numbers to find and talk with victims in the United States, while using a number of aliases. The conspirators’ romance scam victims believed they were in romantic relationships with the person using the alias and, when requested, the victims sent money and items of value overseas, including to South Africa. Sometimes, when victims expressed hesitation in sending money, the conspirators used manipulative tactics to coerce the payments, including by threatening to distribute personally sensitive photographs of the victim. The conspirators used the bank accounts of victims and individuals with United States-based financial accounts to transfer the money to South Africa. On certain occasions, the conspirators convinced victims to open financial accounts in the United States that the conspirators would then be permitted to use themselves. In addition to laundering money derived from romance scams and advance fee schemes, the conspirators also worked to launder money from business email compromises. In addition to their aliases, the conspirators used business entities to conceal and disguise the illegal nature of the funds. The wire fraud conspiracy and wire fraud charges each carry a maximum term of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. The money laundering conspiracy charge carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greatest. The aggravated identity theft charges carry a mandatory term of two years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed on a defendant. The Black Axe defendants were arrested in South Africa in 2021 at the request of the United States and extradited to the United States on September 11, 2026. Anyone who believes they may be a victim may visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-nj/blackaxe for information about the case, including a questionnaire for victims to fill out and submit. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark; and under the direction of Law Enforcement Attaché Mark F. Grimm at the FBI Law Enforcement Attaché Office at the United States Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa; special agents of the U.S. Secret Service, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Craig Marech in Newark and under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Todd Bratz of the U.S. Secret Service Criminal Investigative Division; and the U.S. Secret Service Pretoria Resident Office, with the investigation leading to the charges. He also thanked the South African Directorate of Priority Crime Investigations (HAWKS), the South African Police Service, the South African National Prosecuting Authority & Asset Forfeiture Unit, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development for the Republic of South Africa, and Interpol for their assistance in this case. U.S. Attorney Frazer thanked officials in South Africa for their assistance. He also thanked special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Assistant Law Enforcement Attaché Ian A. Hallenius; and deputy U.S. marshals of the U.S. Marshal Service, under the direction of U.S. Marshal Nicholas Ricigliano, for organizing, coordinating, and conducting the foreign transfer of custody flight that brought the Black Axe defendants to the United States for prosecution. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard G. Shephard of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the arrests of the Black Axe defendants and their extradition to the United States. The charges and allegations contained in the superseding indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ###


title: U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey Inducted into West Virginia Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey has been named a West Virginia Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame recipient for 2026. U.S. Attorney Harvey was selected because of his contributions to Clubs in the Eastern Panhandle and his previous work with the West Virginia First Foundation, which has awarded grant funding to Clubs across the state. He served on the Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle’s Board of Directors from 2012–2016, assisting the chapter in its work with children across the region. “I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. “Thousands of children benefit from the services the Boys & Girls Club provides every year. They are making a true difference, shaping future generations in the Mountain State.” The West Virginia Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame is in its fifth year, honoring Board Members and Alumni who have made an impact on Clubs across West Virginia. Recipients from the Eastern Panhandle include Board Members U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey, Gail Shade, and Andy DiMagno; Alumni Vicky Bullett; and Alumni Pat Murphy, who founded and volunteered with the photography program for more than 50 years. Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a national nonprofit that delivers evidence-informed programs supporting academic success, character and leadership development, health and well-being, and workforce readiness. The organization operates through a network of more than 5,500 local Clubs reaching more than 4 million young people annually. Clubs nationwide offer after-school and summer programs for youth ages 6–18 and also support community engagement and college scholarships. The ceremony was held in Morgantown, West Virginia, on September 10, 2026.


title: Defendant pleads guilty after forensic genealogy exposes 1988 murder of newborn at Sheppard AFB

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: WICHITA FALLS, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that on Sept. 9, Tammy Sue Kerns, 58, pleaded guilty to second degree murder for killing her newborn son on or about Aug. 4, 1988, at the U.S. Air Force Regional Hospital at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. Kerns was charged via Information with unlawfully killing a newborn male infant with malice aforethought on Sept. 1. “Forensic genealogy shattered the silence surrounding this crime and revealed the truth the defendant hid for nearly forty years: she deliberately and maliciously murdered her newborn baby,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This plea is a direct result of relentless investigative work and scientific advances that allowed us to identify both parents and bring justice to an infant who was denied his first breath. Time will never shield those who commit violent crimes. I am extremely grateful to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the forensic specialists for their diligence and extraordinary work in the case.” “A case is never just a file on a shelf—it’s a promise. Decades may pass, but we do not walk away, we do not forget, and we will never stop fighting to find the truth and seek justice,” said Mr. John Fine, Chief, Cold Case Team, Air Force Office of Special Investigations. “When the AFOSI Cold Case Team was established in 2015, one of its first priorities was reopening the 1988 investigation into the murder of an infant at Sheppard Air Force Base. Our commitment to securing justice for the victim remained absolute. Through outstanding persistence, paired with advanced forensics and investigative genealogy, the team was ultimately able to resolve the case. We are deeply grateful to base leadership, local and federal law enforcement partners, the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for working alongside us to bring about this resolution.” “Although this tragic loss occurred nearly four decades ago, the passage of time has not diminished our commitment to the truth,” said Deputy Commander of the 82nd Training Wing, Col. Joseph Wierenga. “On behalf of Sheppard Air Force Base, we are proud partners in this effort and hope these long-awaited answers bring a meaningful sense of closure and healing to our installation and our community. We extend our profound gratitude to the Air Force Office of Special Investigations Cold Case Team, whose relentless determination and use of modern forensic science were instrumental in solving this case, as well as our sincere appreciation to U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould and the dedicated prosecutors of the Northern District of Texas for their tireless work.” According to court documents, on or about Aug. 4, 1988, a deceased full‑term infant was found in a laundry bin at Ponds Laundry in Wichita Falls, Texas, wrapped in linens from the Air Force Regional Hospital at Sheppard Air Force Base. At the time of discovery, all known pregnant patients and newborns at the hospital and on the base were accounted for. An autopsy conducted on Aug. 5, 1988, determined that the full-term male infant had no morphologic abnormalities. The report indicated there was evidence of live birth and the toxicology screen returned negative for all substances. The cause of death was ruled hypovolemia and anemia. With no suspects identified, the investigation was eventually closed. Forensic Genealogy Breakthrough The case was revived decades later through advanced forensic genealogical methods. In 2015, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations reopened the investigation and conducted new interviews. In 2017, the U.S. Air Force pathology unit located genetic material from the deceased infant and sent it to the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory to build a familial Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, profile. In May 2022, forensic DNA laboratory and technology company Othram, Inc. performed laboratory testing of tissue samples from 1988 using advanced DNA sequencing and conducted forensic genetic genealogy research to identify biological relatives. This work led to a major breakthrough in 2023, identifying M.R. as the potential father of the infant. M.R. was interviewed on Dec. 10, 2024, and later confirmed as the biological father through DNA comparison. “No child should be forgotten, no matter how much time has passed,” said Othram CEO David Mittelman. “We are honored to have supported AFOSI with the DNA testing that helped uncover the truth in this case.” Identification of the Mother AFOSI Cold Case Unit analyzed personnel rosters from Andrews Air Force Base and Sheppard Air Force Base covering 1987–1988. Through this roster analysis, investigators determined there was only one female service member stationed at Andrews the same time as M.R. during the likely conception period and reassigned to Sheppard at the time of birth: Tammy Sue Kerns. On May 20, 2025, AFOSI conducted a non‑custodial interview with Kerns where she admitted she was the infant’s mother. She confirmed to investigators she concealed her pregnancy and never sought medical care. In plea papers, Kerns admitted she went into labor while working a night shift at the hospital, hid herself in the x-ray room so that no one would see her and locked the doors to prevent others from entering. Kerns gave birth during the shift and once she delivered Infant Male Doe, she placed her hand over his mouth until he stopped crying and/or breathing. Kerns then severed the umbilical cord from Infant Male Doe and the placenta and wrapped the cord around his body. Kerns then wrapped Infant Male Doe in hospital linens and placed the deceased infant in the laundry bin, cleaned up the room and returned to her shift. At the conclusion of the interview, Kerns voluntarily provided her DNA which confirmed she was the mother of Infant Male Doe. Pursuant to the plea agreement, Kerns faces a minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison, a fine up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release up to five years. Otherwise, this charge carries a sentence of up to life in federal prison. Her sentencing hearing is set for Jan. 8, 2027, before Chief U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor. The Air Force Office of Special Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allyson Monte from the Fort Worth Division is prosecuting the case. ###