title: Two Individuals Sentenced for Staged Automobile Accident Conspiracy

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ADONTE TURNER (“ A. TURNER ”), age 28, of New Orleans; and TIFFANY TURNER (“ T. TURNER ”), age 55, also of New Orleans, were sentenced on July 17, 2026 for Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, announced the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. According to court documents, on November 13, 2017, A. TURNER , and T. TURNER were passengers in a vehicle that intentionally struck a tractor-trailer in the area of Interstate 10 near Paris Road in New Orleans. A. TURNER , and T. TURNER made false police reports, filed fraudulent lawsuits, lied during deposition testimony, and sought unnecessary medical treatment in furtherance of their fraud. U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance sentenced both A. TURNER and T. TURNER to eighteen (18) months of probation. A mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00 will also be imposed. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Louisiana State Police, and the Metropolitan Crime Commission with this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maria Carboni, of the Public Integrity Unit; Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Rivera, Deputy Chief of the Financial Crimes Unit; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian M. Klebba, Acting Criminal Chief and Supervisor of the Financial Crimes Unit. 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. * * *


title: Houma Man Indicted for Violating Federal Controlled Substances and Gun Control Acts

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – On July 16, 2026, a federal grand jury indicted NICKY PARFAIT (“PARFAIT”) ,age 37, a resident of Houma, Louisiana, for violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act and the Federal Gun Control Act, announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle. According to court documents, PARFAIT was indicted for possession with intent to distribute fifty (50) grams or more of methamphetamine and forty (40) grams or more of fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A) and 841(b)(1)(B); being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 924(a)(8) and 924(e)(1); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i). If convicted of the possession with intent to distribute count, PARFAIT faces a minimum term of imprisonment of ten (10) years, a maximum term of imprisonment of life, a fine of up to $10,000,000.00, at least five (5) years of supervised release following any term of imprisonment and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For the felon in possession count, PARFAIT faces a minimum term of imprisonment of fifteen (15) years, a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.00. For the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime count, PARFAIT faces a minimum term of imprisonment of five (5) years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, to run consecutive to any other sentence imposed. U.S. Attorney Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely a charging document and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney André Jones of the Narcotics Unit. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities. * * *


title: Mendota Man Faces Life in Prison After Federal Jury Finds Him Guilty of Violent Attacks in Aid of MS-13

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: After an 11-day trial, a federal jury today convicted Oscar Armando Orellana Guevara, 28, of Mendota, of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise and attempted murder for his ongoing involvement in MS-13, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. For nearly a decade, members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS‑13) gang terrorized Mendota through violence, extortion, drug trafficking, and enforcement of gang rules. A federal grand jury ultimately charged multiple members, including Orellana, with conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise aimed at protecting MS‑13 territory, enhancing its reputation, disciplining members, and raising money for the gang. Attempted Murder of JBH According to court documents and testimony during the trial, on Aug. 28, 2020, Orellana and other MS-13 members were at a river near Mendota, when they heard music coming from another spot. They discovered the individual playing the music was JBH, whom they targeted because he because he was related to a government informant who was cooperating with law enforcement against MS-13. Unable to retaliate against the cooperator, who was in prison, the group attacked JBH instead. Upon arriving at the scene, Orellana yelled out “I’m from the Mara and today is your last day to live” and then chased JBH across the river into an orchard. There, he forced the victim to his knees before stabbing him 10 times. JBH was treated at a hospital for multiple stab wounds, including chest wounds that nearly punctured a lung and eviscerating wounds that penetrated his abdominal cavity and damaged his intestines. Racketeering Conspiracy In addition to the attempted murder of JBH, court documents and trial testimony showed that Orellana participated in the MS-13 enterprise for years, including by selling drugs, extorting people, patrolling for rival gang members, and participating in plans to murder others. On Aug. 12, 2018, Orellana participated in the stabbing of a rival Bulldog gang member. While riding in an SUV, Guevara and others spotted IR near a convenience store, confronted him, chased him, and stabbed him before fleeing. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation with assistance from the Mendota Police Department, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Veneman-Hughes, Ross Pearson, and Justin Gilio are prosecuting the case Another defendant in the case, Martin Leiva-Leiva, remains set for trial on racketeering conspiracy and six counts of capital murder on June 7, 2027. Orellana is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill on Nov. 5, 2026. Orellana faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Sacramento is composed of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.


title: Investigations into Cryptocurrency Scams Result in Seizure of More Than $25 Million

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, together with the U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office announced today that multiple investigations conducted by its Cyber Fraud Task Force have resulted in the seizure of more than $25 million in cryptocurrency tied to international fraud schemes targeting residents of the United States and Canada. The seizures represent part of the more than $800 million recovered through the Scam Center Strike Force, launched in 2025 by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “This $25 million seizure is a direct result of the Scam Center Strike Force I launched in November 2025, and it demonstrates the power of aggressively targeting these international fraud networks,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Our investigators cut through complex laundering schemes, protected victims, and shut down criminal pipelines. We will continue to identify these actors, dismantle their operations, and bring them to justice.” On July 21, 2026, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia filed five civil forfeiture complaints in U.S. District Court seeking forfeiture of more than $25 million in cryptocurrency recovered during separate fraud investigations conducted by Secret Service Washington Field Office agents. As part of these investigations, agents identified multiple laundering networks and confirmed thousands of victims worldwide who were misled into believing they were making legitimate cryptocurrency investments. “This seizure is the result of months of tireless work by Washington Field Office investigators, who are among the best in the world at tracking down cyber criminals and tracing their illicit transactions,” said Special Agent in Charge Tara McLeese of the U.S. Secret Service Washington Field Office. “These investigations are far from over and we encourage anyone who thinks they may be a victim of these scams, or similar cryptocurrency crimes, to contact us. I want to thank the Special Agents and Investigative Analysts who continue to work on these cases and symbolize the dual mission of the Secret Service every day.” The complete list of investigations is as follows: • Investigation 1: In late 2024, Canadian authorities alerted Secret Service agents to a large network of virtual currency wallet addresses suspected of transferring illicit proceeds. Investigators froze the identified addresses and traced more than 270 suspected victim transactions involving fraudulent investment platforms. The civil forfeiture complaint seeks approximately $10,400,913. • Investigation 2: A private sector partner alerted the U.S. Secret Service’s Cyber Fraud Task Force to multiple suspicious transactions. Investigators determined that more than 200 victims had been defrauded through online romance schemes. The illicit proceeds had been laundered through hundreds of intermediary addresses and commingled with funds from other victims. The civil forfeiture complaint seeks approximately $12,086,914. • Investigation 3: In May 2026, a victim in the National Capital Region reported a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme. After the victim attempted to withdraw funds, the perpetrators cut off contact. Investigators traced the victim’s investments across multiple cryptocurrency addresses. The civil forfeiture complaint seeks approximately $1,230,900. • Investigation 4: In March 2026, another victim in the National Capital Region transferred millions of dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency to what they believed was a legitimate investment account. Investigators identified a second victim linked to the same fraudulent platform. A portion of the funds was traced to six cryptocurrency addresses and subsequently frozen. The civil forfeiture complaint seeks approximately $2,392,231. • Investigation 5: The victim of an unrelated fraud was contacted by scammers claiming to have recovered previously stolen funds. The victim was persuaded to pay a fee in order to retrieve the money and made a series of transactions to the new scammers. Investigators have traced some of these transactions and continue working to recover additional funds. The civil forfeiture complaint seeks approximately $285,000. These five investigations are ongoing and Secret Service investigators continue to work to identify the suspects behind these scamming networks and will work with our law enforcement partners to hold them accountable. In each of these five cases, launderers were predominantly located in Southeast Asia, with IP addresses located in China, Malaysia, and Cambodia. These funds are the latest in the more than $800 million recovered as part of the Scam Center Strike Force Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen P. Seifert for the District of Columbia directs the Strike Force, in consultation with Associate Counsel Richard Goldberg of the Department’s Criminal Division. These matters are handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Blaylock from the District of Columbia and Jehiel Baer from the Western District of Washington. Individuals who believe they may be victims of cryptocurrency fraud are encouraged to contact their local U.S. Secret Service field office at www.secretservice.gov/contact and submit a report through www.ic3.gov . ##


title: Convicted Felon Sentenced for Possessing Loaded Firearm with Extended Magazines After Fleeing Traffic Stop

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

body_text: WASHINGTON — Robert D'Angelo Poteat, 40, a previously convicted felon residing in the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 33 months in prison in connection with illegally possessing a loaded firearm and high-capacity magazines that were recovered after he fled from a police traffic stop, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Poteat pleaded guilty on April 22, 2026, before Judge Timothy J. Kelly to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. In addition to the 33-month prison sentence, Judge Kelly ordered Poteat to serve three years of supervised release. According to court papers, at about 12:35 a.m. on Dec. 22, 2025, Metropolitan Police Department officers stopped a pickup truck that Poteat was driving in the 2400 block of 14th Street, NW for a lane violation. An officer saw a firearm with an extended magazine in plain view on the passenger side floorboard and called for backup. As additional officers arrived and one opened the driver's side door, Poteat sped off at a high rate of speed. Officers later identified Poteat from department records as the driver who fled. About two hours later, officers found the truck parked in the 800 block of Princeton Place NW with Poteat unconscious in the driver's seat. Officers called MPD's Emergency Response Team, which established contact with Poteat and ordered him out of the vehicle. Poteat exited with a cross-body satchel and a firearm tucked into his waistband. Officers recovered a loaded .40-caliber Glock 23 with an extended, 29-round magazine from his waistband, and a 50-round drum magazine and a 15-round magazine from the satchel. Poteat was previously convicted in D.C. Superior Court of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in two separate cases, including a 2015 case in which he was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by 18 months of supervised probation. The Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives – Washington Field Office investigated the case. This case was prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Travis Wolf and Lauren Ibanez. Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators. Officers recovered a loaded .40-caliber Glock 23 with an extended, 29-round magazine. 26cr8


title: Arizona Man Sentenced in D.C. to 100 Months for Distributing Child Pornography

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: WASHINGTON – Christopher Murphy, 37, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 100 months in prison in connection with distributing child sexual abuse materials, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. Murphy pleaded guilty on March 16, 2026, before Judge Royce C. Lamberth to one count of distribution of child pornography. In addition to the 100-month prison sentence, Judge Lamberth ordered Murphy to serve 10 years of supervised release. Murphy will also be required to register as a sex offender. According to court papers, on various occasions, Murphy used two encrypted messaging applications – Signal and Telegram – to distribute and receive child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), including materials involving extremely young children. In addition to his receipt and distribution of CSAM, Murphy was a member of several Signal groups that were primarily used for the sharing of CSAM. Murphy also hosted and attended Zoom video meetings to connect with other “pedos” and view and exchange CSAM. In chat messages recovered by law enforcement, Murphy talked about building his “collection” of child pornography, ultimately possessing thousands of images and videos on his devices, all of which were discovered following his arrest. This case was investigated by FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard Kelley. This case was brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Childhood initiative. In February 2006, the Attorney General created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorney's Offices, 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 identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov . 25cr231 Follow us on X , Instagram , and YouTube Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc


title: Two Men Charged with $52 million COVID-19 Tax Credit Fraud Conspiracy

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A California man was arrested yesterday after a grand jury sitting in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania returned an indictment charging him with conspiracy, mail fraud and money laundering. According to the indictment, Christopher Slater was part of a multi-state conspiracy to defraud the United States of more than $52.7 million by filing hundreds of false tax returns claiming Paid Sick and Family Leave Credit (SFLC) and Employee Retention Credit (ERC) credits. Congress authorized the SFLC tax credit to reimburse businesses for wages paid to employees who were on sick or family leave and could not work because of COVID-19. Congress authorized the ERC to incentivize businesses to keep employees on their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This indictment alleges that Christopher Slater orchestrated a multi-state fraud scheme that sought more than $50 million in taxpayer-funded pandemic relief funds,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “This brazen fraud is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The Fraud Division will continue to hold anyone accountable who steals from American taxpayers and abuses programs intended to provide relief during a national crisis.” Slater allegedly conspired with others to recruit business owners, use their information to file false tax returns and then launder the proceeds of the fraud. In total, Slater allegedly caused at least 290 false tax returns to be filed for 35 businesses claiming over $52.7 million in COVID-19 tax credits, of which the IRS paid out over $32.2 million. The indictment also charged Mark Keagel, of York, Pennsylvania, with money laundering, conspiracy and theft of government property. Keagel owned two defunct businesses whose information he allegedly passed on to one of Slater’s co-conspirators. According to the indictment, Slater’s associates filed false tax returns on behalf of Keagel’s businesses. In response, the IRS mailed approximately $3.6 million in fraudulent Treasury checks to Keagel, who then allegedly laundered those proceeds. If convicted, Slater faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison for each of the seven mail fraud and mail fraud conspiracy counts. Slater and Keagel also face a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison for each of the money laundering and money laundering conspiracy counts. Keagel faces a sentence of up to ten years in prison for each count of theft of government property. Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller of the Middle District of Pennsylvania the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant Deputy Chief Ezra Spiro of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Ravi Romel Sharma of the Middle District of Pennsylvania are 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. 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.


title: Ohio Man Sentenced to 108 Months in Prison for Creating and Distributing Videos Depicting Monkey Torture and Mutilation

component: Energy and Natural Resources Division

body_text: An Ohio man was sentenced to prison today in connection with his involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys. Nicholas T. Dryden, of Cincinnati, was sentenced to 108 months in prison and three years of supervised release for creating so-called “animal crush videos,” and for conspiring to create and distribute animal crush videos. According to court documents, in 2023 Dryden paid a minor residing in Indonesia to create videos of monkeys being tortured and abused. Dryden sold the resulting videos through various online groups which he administered to numerous other individuals. According to statements of facts signed by Dryden, the videos in question included depictions of baby and adolescent monkeys being tortured in a multitude of ways, including having their genitals burned and cut off. “The conduct perpetrated by these defendants was reprehensible,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “Congress has said clearly that this conduct has no place in our society, and the Department of Justice stands ready to prosecute those who engaged in these heinous practices to the fullest extent of the law.” “Dryden, who resided in Cincinnati, paid a minor on the other side of the world to film the torture and abuse of monkeys and then sold those videos to others,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio. “This sadistic and obscene conduct is unacceptable in any civilized society and Dryden will rightfully spend time in prison for his actions.” “This was an extraordinarily disturbing and heinous case of animal cruelty,” said Assistant Director Doug Ault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement. “Orchestrating the deliberate torture and murder of baby primates is unconscionable. Our agents worked tirelessly to support the pursuit of justice. Today’s sentencing reflects our unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable and sends a clear warning to anyone who would commit such acts: we will find you, and you will be held accountable.” The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case. Senior Trial Attorney Adam C. Cullman of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section is prosecuting the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Oakley for the Southern District of Ohio also helped prosecute the case.


title: Notorious Fugitive Arrested in Connection with $547 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: A foreign national was arrested yesterday on criminal charges related to his orchestration of a scheme to defraud Medicare over half a billion dollars for unnecessary genetic testing. Khalid Satary, 54, was charged by indictment in 2019 in the Eastern District of Louisiana as part of one of the largest health care fraud schemes ever charged by the Department of Justice . According to the indictment and court documents, from 2016 to 2019, Satary owned and operated several diagnostic testing laboratories throughout the United States that billed Medicare for expensive and medically unnecessary genetic tests. Satary allegedly conspired with dozens of patient recruiters, telemarketing call centers, and telemedicine companies to utilize deceptive marketing campaigns and illegal kickbacks and bribes to generate cancer genetic test samples that reimbursed between $10,000 to $20,000 per sample. Through his laboratories, Satary billed Medicare for over $547 million. He also allegedly paid millions of dollars in illegal kickbacks and bribes to doctors and patient recruiters. In connection with the indictment, the government seized 16 bank accounts and restrained real estate from Satary. “This defendant allegedly orchestrated a massive fraud scheme that preyed on thousands of elderly patients, deceiving them into undergoing expensive, medically unnecessary tests and fraudulently billing the government for more than half a billion dollars,” said Acting Attorney General Blanche. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our partners at the FBI, this defendant was brought back from overseas to face justice in the United States. Our message to fraudsters is clear: If you steal from American taxpayers and exploit vulnerable patients, we will find and prosecute you, no matter where you are.” “This defendant is alleged to have engaged in a massive fraud scheme that preyed on elderly patients, duped them into taking expensive and unnecessary genetic tests, and billed the United States more than half a billion dollars,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “As today’s arrest shows, there is no safe haven for fraudsters who seek to exploit vulnerable Americans or our Nation’s critical health care programs.” “The arrest of Khalid Ahmed Satary and return to the U.S. is the third Most Wanted Fraudster capture from this FBI and our partners in just 5 weeks – continuing the historic run of success for this new initiative,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Satary was indicted in 2019 on charges on Health Care Fraud Conspiracy, allegedly stealing $547 million from 2016-2019 by fraudulently billing Medicare for expensive and medically unnecessary genetic tests, using deceptive marketing campaigns, illegal kickbacks, and bribes. This is another subject who exploited a program dedicated to helping our most vulnerable and instead stole for himself. Satary has been on the run since 2022, but we got him thanks to great work and coordination from the interagency and our overseas partners. This is just the latest example showing President Trump’s and Vice President Vance’s White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud will not be deterred in our mission to track down each and every fraudster who allegedly steals from American taxpayers. And it’s yet another high value target returned from overseas by this FBI - the 27th such transfer since June.” “Medicare fraud targets vulnerable populations and defrauds taxpayers out of millions of dollars,” said United States Attorney David I. Courcelle for the Eastern District of Louisiana. “In this case, the defendant allegedly targeted elderly, disabled and other vulnerable consumers, nationwide, luring them into a fraudulent scheme that generated massive taxpayer losses. Compounding these allegations, it is also alleged that the defendant failed to appear at a court hearing by fleeing the country. Mr. Satary’s eventual apprehension demonstrates the Department of Justice’s unflagging commitment to protect taxpayers’ monies and prosecute those who violate the public trust.” “HHS-OIG’s investigation of this case uncovered an alleged scheme that exploited vulnerable Medicare beneficiaries through medically unnecessary genetic testing and caused hundreds of millions of dollars in losses to federal health programs. This fugitive’s capture is an important step toward accountability,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of HHS-OIG. “We appreciate the coordinated efforts that resulted in his arrest abroad and return to the United States. HHS OIG will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure individuals who engage in health care fraud are held accountable, no matter how long they attempt to evade justice.” Following indictment, Satary was released on bond, over the government’s objection, with a condition not to work in the health care field. While on bond, Satary allegedly conspired with Houston-based laboratories in Texas to continue submitting fraudulent genetic testing claims to Medicare. In December 2022, a federal arrest warrant was issued for Satary in the Eastern District of Louisiana. Satary failed to appear for a court hearing and is alleged to have subsequently fled the country. On July 20, 2026, he was apprehended by regional partners in the Middle East and was found to be in possession of a fake Mexican passport under a fake name, depicted below. He was subsequently transferred into U.S. custody. Khalid Satary after being apprehended in July 2026 (left), and the fake Mexican passport in his possession (right) Khalid Satary’s arrival at Washington Dulles International Airport. Satary made his initial appearance today in the Eastern District of Virginia. He is charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive illegal health care kickbacks and bribes, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, 10 years in prison for the counts of health care fraud and conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and five years in prison for the count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to pay and receive kickbacks On June 4, the FBI announced the creation of the Most Wanted Fraudsters List . The list included Herb Kimble, a fugitive in a $1.2 billion telemedicine and durable medical equipment scheme, who, on June 8—just four days later—was apprehended in the Philippines and was soon after charged as part of the 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown . On June 23, Satary was added to the Most Wanted Fraudsters List, and he was apprehended less than a month later, despite being on the run for over three years. The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case. The Department thanks its government partners—including U.S. Customs and Border Protection International Operations— in the Middle East for their cooperation in the apprehension of this health care fraud fugitive. Assistant Chief Justin M. Woodard and Trial Attorney Andrew Tamayo of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Thor Pogozelski for the Southern District of Florida. 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 . The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit .


title: Justice Department Announces $400 Million Settlement to Provide for Healthcare Costs of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

body_text: The Justice Department announced its authorization of the settlement of a lawsuit brought by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) for contract support costs owed under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA). ANTHC was formed in the 1990s to provide health services throughout the state of Alaska. Among other things, ANTHC operates the non-primary care functions of the Alaska Native Medical Center, which is one of the largest tribally run hospitals in our Nation. “Congress directed, and the Supreme Court clarified, that Indian tribes should be reimbursed by HHS for qualifying administrative costs when administering their own healthcare programs,” said Acting Attorney General Blanche. “Our $400M settlement with ANTHC provides the consortium with support and autonomy for the healthcare services they provide to American Indians and Alaska Natives.” “This settlement reflects our commitment to resolving litigation fairly and ensuring that federal resources are appropriately directed toward serving Native communities,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “We are pleased to have reached an authorized agreement that benefits American Indian and Alaska Native communities and remains consistent with the legal framework established by Congress.” Through a compact with the federal government under ISDEAA, ANTHC is responsible for administering certain healthcare programs that the federal government otherwise would administer for the benefit of American Indians and Alaska Natives in Alaska. In 2021, ANTHC filed litigation claiming the government had failed to pay certain contract support costs owed under ISDEAA and the compact. Specifically, ANTHC claimed the government owed contract support costs on revenue that ANTHC had collected from third-party payers, such as Medicare and private insurers, while administering the federal healthcare programs. While the litigation was pending, in 2024, the Supreme Court decided in a similar case, Becerra v. San Carlos Apache Tribe , that Title I of ISDEAA requires the federal government to pay contract support costs on revenue from third-party payers when the relevant ISDEAA contract requires the revenue to be used for the healthcare program. Following that landmark decision, the Justice Department engaged in extensive negotiations with ANTHC to reach a fair resolution of ANTHC’s litigation and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche made an official visit to the state in July 2026.


title: Justice Department Secures Agreement with South Carolina to Protect the Rights of Military and Overseas Voters in South Carolina Special Primary Election and Runoff

component: Civil Rights Division

body_text: The Justice Department today announced an agreement between the Department and the State of South Carolina through the South Carolina State Election Commission and its Executive Director to help ensure that military service members, their family members, and U.S. citizens living overseas have an opportunity to participate fully in the upcoming special federal primary election and a runoff primary election, if necessary. “This agreement reflects the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting the right to vote for members of our armed forces deployed around the world, their families, and U.S. citizens overseas, and ensuring that these voters are afforded a meaningful opportunity to vote in all federal elections,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “South Carolina officials worked with the department immediately to find a resolution to safeguard voting rights for the state’s military and overseas voters in the upcoming primary election and potential runoff.” Due to the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, the special primary election to replace the late Sen. Graham as the Republican nominee for the 2026 General Election must occur on Aug. 11, 2026 and any runoff primary election, if necessary, must occur on Aug. 25, 2026. The agreement is necessary to provide a remedy for a potential violation of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA). The agreement provides that for the Aug. 11, 2026 special primary election, South Carolina will send UOCAVA ballots by Aug. 1, 2026 to all eligible UOCAVA voters who have made a standing request for UOCAVA ballots for all elections through December 2027. Ballots will include information indicating that UOCAVA voters can return ballots securely by electronic transmission, and all ballots must be returned by Aug. 11, 2026, at 7:00 pm eastern daylight time, whether by electronic transmission, express mail, or post. Each ballot also includes instant runoff voting, so that UOCAVA voters can select a candidate for a runoff election, if necessary, on Aug. 25, 2026. The agreement requires that by July 24, 2026, South Carolina contact all eligible UOCAVA voters who did not make a standing request to let them know about the special election deadlines and offer to send ballots by electronic mail if they would like to participate. The agreement also requires that South Carolina publicize the deadlines about the special primary and runoff elections and the information in the agreement to potential South Carolina UOCAVA voters, including the availability of the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot to participate in those elections. More information about UOCAVA and other federal voting rights laws is available on the Department of Justice website at www.justice.gov/crt/uniformed-and-overseas-citizens-absentee-voting-act .


title: Justice Department Releases $25M in Law Enforcement Grants and Resources

component: Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)

body_text: The Justice Department announced that the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) has just released $25 million in new grant Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs) to support law enforcement. Today’s NOFOs are in addition to the nearly $700 million in NOFOs the COPS Office released last month in June. The recently released NOFOs include the Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program and other grant programs that: Produce products and resources to advance crime fighting, support common sense policing efforts, and uplift the image of the law enforcement profession; Provide technical assistance resources to help law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve in identifying and implementing improvements through training, consultation, peer-based learning, analysis, and assessments; and Establish new and support existing accreditation bodies in states or territories to increase the number of accredited law enforcement agencies nationwide. “The Department of Justice is investing in strategies that reduce crime, hold offenders accountable, and give law enforcement the tools they need to do their jobs,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. “These additional funding programs are another example of our commitment to safer neighborhoods, smarter strategies, and stronger partnerships across the country.” Safer Outcomes: Enhancing Crisis Response Training for Law Enforcement Program supports agency-wide deescalation training, including train-the-trainer and overtime costs, while partnering with academies, academic institutions, and POST commissions to institutionalize best-practice training nationwide. Up to $13 million will be available. Community Policing Development (CPD) Law Enforcement Products and Resources supports the development of products and resources that provide guidance on promising practices; develop and test innovative strategies; build knowledge about effective practices and outcomes; and support new, creative approaches to preventing crime and promoting safe communities and a positive image of policing. Products and resources must specifically be designed for national distribution and offer creative ideas to uplift the image of the law enforcement profession, advance crime fighting, or support common sense policing efforts. Up to $6 million will be available. High priority areas include the following topics: Detecting and Investigating Human Trafficking Gang Violence Enforcement and Investigations Immigration and Border Security Investigating and Interrupting Child Exploitation Investigating and Interrupting Cybercrime Investigating and Interrupting Opioids and Drug Markets Officer Recruitment, Hiring, and Retention Preventing and Investigating Domestic Terrorism Unmanned Aerial Systems and Drones Vagrancy and Squatting Violent Crime Enforcement and Investigations The Collaborative Reform Initiative (CRI) offers a suite of services designed to highlight best practices of law enforcement agencies and the many ways they protect Americans, enhance officer safety and wellness, build agencies’ capacity for self-improvement and effectiveness, and promote community policing practices nationwide. CRI consists of programs meant to complement one another that range in time and complexity. This year's Collaborative Reform program has two funding opportunities. The first funding opportunity has two subcategories: Collaborative Reform Technical Assistance Center (CRI-TAC) and Critical Response (CR). The second funding opportunity is invitational and only open to applicants that receive an invitation to apply. Up to $4.2 million will be available. Community Policing Development (CPD) Accreditation Program is seeking to establish new and support existing accreditation bodies in states or territories throughout the United States. Funding will focus on activities such as providing technical assistance to agencies, defraying or underwriting accreditation costs for local agencies, improving customer service and marketing, and developing user-friendly policy templates. Up to $2.5 million will be available. The COPS Office is the component of the U.S. Department of Justice responsible for advancing the practice of community policing and the Administration’s priority of Making America Safe Again by supporting the nation’s state, local, territorial and Tribal law enforcement agencies through information and grant resources. For more information on COPS Office NOFOs, please visit https://cops.usdoj.gov/grants .


title: Justice Department Announces Monitoring of Polling Sites in Three Arizona Counties

body_text: Today, the Department of Justice is monitoring polling sites in three Arizona counties for the state’s primary election to ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law. The Department, through the Civil Rights Division, enforces federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all eligible citizens to access the ballot. The Department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities across the country. “The Department of Justice today continues to monitor elections consistently and in a uniform fashion nationwide, ensuring our elections are safe and secure,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice department’s Civil Rights Division. “Transparent election processes and election monitoring are critical tools for safeguarding our elections and ensuring public trust in the integrity of our elections. We appreciate Arizona’s cooperation in these important procedural safeguards.” “Our democracy depends on free and fair elections,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona. “My office is pleased to be leading efforts to ensure election integrity for Arizona voters. Today’s monitoring effort is a critical piece of that.” The Department is currently monitoring polls in Maricopa, Apache, and Pima counties with DOJ staff from the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section and Arizona’s U.S. Attorney’s Office. This initiative is aimed at promoting transparency and an open flow of communication between poll observers and election monitors. Election officials in these three counties issued letters to DOJ personnel — giving them credentials to observe vote-casting procedures at various poll sites. Such communication ensures both election security and appropriate access to the franchise for all Americans. The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces various federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Civil Rights Acts. From now and up to Election Day on Nov. 3, 2026, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available to receive questions and complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws. If you would like to request election monitoring in a particular jurisdiction, please contact the Voting Section at VEM@usdoj.gov, and the Civil Rights Division will determine whether monitoring is warranted.


title: Florida Businessman Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion

body_text: A Florida man pleaded guilty yesterday to evading taxes on millions in income that he earned from business ventures that sold internet access to American servicemembers and contractors stationed abroad. According to court documents and statements made in court, between 2013 and 2018, Joseph Stewart, of Miami, earned more than $4.5 million in dividends from his 50% ownership in a business that sold internet access to American servicemembers and contractors stationed on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan. Between 2013 and 2018, Stewart also earned income from his 50% ownership of a separate business that sold internet access to soldiers stationed on Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Despite earning this income, Stewart stopped filing timely tax returns with the IRS once he began receiving significant dividends from his business in 2013. In April 2016, despite having not filed tax returns or paid taxes since 2013, Stewart filed a false affidavit with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) attaching unfiled copies of federal tax returns while falsely attesting they were filed. After Stewart received letters from the IRS in 2019, he hired a tax attorney and return preparers and falsely informed them that over $3.8 million in dividends he received between 2013 and 2018 were nontaxable loans. Stewart also falsely stated that he did not know the other shareholders of the business. As a result of these false statements, the tax professionals drafted tax returns for Stewart for 2013 through 2020 that underreported his income and taxes due. Stewart filed these false returns with the IRS, except for a 2013 tax return, which reported that Stewart owed approximately $155,720 in taxes. In total, Stewart willfully failed to report around $4.62 million in income and caused a total tax loss to the United States of approximately $1.57 million. Stewart pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. He is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Ezra Spiro and Likhitha Butchireddygari of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Springfield Man Sentenced For Hatchet Attack in National Park

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: HARRISONBURG, Va. – A Springfield, Virginia man, convicted by a jury back in March of assaulting his then-girlfriend with a hatchet while camping in Shenandoah National Park, was sentenced today to 78 months in federal prison. Soufiane Bougria, 31, was convicted of two counts of felony assault in the territorial jurisdiction of the United States (Shenandoah National Park) following a jury trial in March. "This office will seek maximum accountability against violent offenders and those who violate our laws in the National Forst adn other Federal land," First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said. "I applaud the outstanding work of the National Forest Service and trial team for their commitment to justice in this case." According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on the night of August 24, 2025, Bougria and his then-girlfriend (B.A.) were camping at the Mathews Arm Campground in Shenandoah National Park. Three different park visitors testified that they witnessed a heated and violent argument between Bougria and B.A. in the late-night hours of August 24. These witnesses, from two different campsites, heard screaming, slamming, crying, choking, and what sounded to them like a gunshot. One of the witnesses saw the defendant physically grabbing B.A. These witnesses described hearing a male voice say, “I don’t care, I’ll do the max sentence” and a female voice say, “I can’t believe you would threaten me with murder.” All three witnesses independently called 911 to report the violent encounter. National Park Service Rangers responded to the area near Mathews Arm Campground that night. On their way to the campground, Park Rangers encountered two of the witnesses at a nearby overlook. While speaking with the witnesses, a car matching the description of the defendant’s vehicle drove past the overlook. Officers pursued the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. When officers approached the vehicle, they observed Bougria driving and visibly intoxicated. He was shirtless, barefoot, and smelled of alcohol. In addition, B.A. was sitting in the passenger seat crying and screaming. She was holding a piece of clothing around her right arm in an effort to stop the bleeding from a gaping laceration on her right arm and wrist. As officers looked around the car, they saw blood and fatty tissue. They also observed that the windshield of the car was shattered, and both the hood and windshield had large, dirty footprints on them. When questioned by officers, the defendant told them B.A.’s arm was accidentally cut with an axe. Emergency medical personnel arrived at the overlook and transported B.A. to the nearest hospital. Treating physicians determined she needed a higher level of care based on the seriousness of her injuries and transported her to Winchester Medical Center where she underwent emergency surgery. In the early morning hours of August 25, 2025, National Park Service Rangers returned to the Mathews Arm campsite where Bougria and B.A. were camping. There, they found a hatchet with blood spatter on the handle, blood throughout the campsite, pepper spray, shoes, and other personal belongings strewn around the campsite. First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci U.S. made the announcement. The National Park Service is investigating the case. Assistant Unite States Attorney Sally J. Sullivan and Special Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Browne are prosecuting the case for the United States.


title: Honduran Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Witness Tampering

body_text: CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – An illegal alien from Honduras pled guilty to witness tampering after threatening the victim in a sexual exploitation case charged earlier this year in the Western District of Virginia. Dania Orellana-Gamez, 20, was arrested earlier this year on a criminal complaint. Orellana-Gamez is the girlfriend of Bryan Sixto Arias-Chicas, who was charged in October 2025 with the May 2025 sexual exploitation of a 16-year-old Albemarle County, Virginia girl. Arias-Chicas is accused of getting the girl, Minor Victim 1 (MV1), so intoxicated that she could not walk and repeatedly having sex with her, as well as taking photos and videos of himself have sex with MV1. Gustavo Quintero was charged in January 2026 with the repeated sexual exploitation of MV1 in the months following the May 2025 sexual assault. In addition to sexual exploitation charges, Quintero has also been charged with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer . Arias-Chicas pled guilty earlier this month . According to court documents, in February 2026, Orellana-Gamez contacted MV1 via Facebook Messenger and began harassing and threatening her. Orellana-Gamez told MV1 it was in her best interest to “keep quiet” and threatened to “upload all those videos and put your name on them,” referring to the videos that Arias-Chicas had recorded of the sexual assault of MV1. Orellana-Gamez also threatened to post the videos “everywhere.” MV1 reported the contact to law enforcement and felt Orellana was attempting to scare her into not testifying in court. First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Scheff Sally Sullivan are prosecuting the case.


title: Danville Man Pleads Guilty to Enticement of Multiple Minors, Extortive Threats

body_text: LYNCHBURG, Va. – A Danville man, who sexually exploited minor females using social media, and in some cases threatened the minors with the distribution of their nude images to their friends, family, and churches, pled guilty to federal child exploitation and threat charges. Jesus Diaz, 25, pled guilty to one count of making extortive threats to injure the reputation of another and four counts of enticement of a minor. “The US Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia will aggressively target and prosecute online predators who coerce and exploit our children,” First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci said. “I commend DHS Homeland Security Investigations, the City of Danville Police Department, U.S Postal Inspection Service, Customs and Border Patrol, the Idaho Office of Attorney General, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for their assistance bringing this defendant to justice.” “Diaz repeatedly exploited and extorted children he met online, using fear to force them into producing explicit material. This heartbreaking cycle has become increasingly common as children spend more time online. Following today’s guilty plea, Diaz faces substantial federal prison time for his crimes,” said HSI Washington, D.C. Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf. “This case was made possible by the courage of the victims who came forward and shared their experiences, providing the evidence needed to hold Diaz accountable. We want parents and children to know that if they have been victimized by someone like Diaz, they are not alone and help is available.” According to court documents, between July 2019 and November 2021, Diaz used social media platforms to entice Minor 1 (M1) to send him nude and sexually explicit photos and videos of herself. At the time, M1 was approximately 13 to 14 years old. After years of having no contact with M1, Diaz contacted her on February 28, 2024, via social media. Diaz sent M1 nude and sexually explicit images and videos, along with other non-nude images, that M1 had sent to Diaz years before and demanded that M1 add him as a friend on another social media platform “or else I start sending these out.” Diaz then started a countdown: “25” “20” “15.” M1 added Diaz on the social media platform as demanded. From February 2024 through April 2024, Diaz repeatedly contacted M1. Diaz told M1 he was in love with her, despite having never met her. He threatened to expose M1 to her high school, her family, her ex-boyfriend, and her church. Diaz accused M1 of “playing with [his] strings” and blamed her for “hurting [him] like this.” He also sought more nude and sexually explicit images. For weeks, Diaz created new accounts and continued to contact M1, despite her blocking him on social media. Diaz sent her multiple friend requests, direct messages threatening to send her nude images to her ex-boyfriend or her best friend and left a comment on a social media post she made. M1 reported the threats to state authorities in Idaho, who quickly worked to identify Diaz as a suspect. Subsequent investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations, revealed a pattern of similar behavior. Between August 2022 and April 2024, Diaz used social media platforms to entice Minor 2 (M2) to take nude and sexually explicit photos and to record nude and sexually explicit videos of herself. Diaz also called M2 using FaceTime and recorded M2. M2 periodically felt uncomfortable and blocked Diaz on social media. In order to contact M2, Diaz created different social media accounts using names M2 did not recognize. In 2024, following an extended period of no contact, Diaz messaged M2 from a social media account she did not recognize and sent M2 a video of herself showering and threatened to send it to her high school if she didn’t answer him. Diaz demanded a new shower video every day for the next six months. M2 pleaded with Diaz to not publish her images. Ultimately, she agreed to send Diaz one final video, which she sent in April 2024. M2 then blocked Diaz and cut off contact with him. During the relevant period, M2 was between 15 and 17 years old. Between May 2024 and October 2024, Diaz used social media platforms to entice Minor 3 (M3) to take nude and sexually explicit photos and to record nude and sexually explicit videos of herself. Diaz also called M3 using FaceTime and recorded M3. At the time, M3 was 15 years old. Between August 2024 and November 2024, Diaz used social media platforms to entice Minor 4 (M4) to take nude and sexually explicit photos and to record nude and sexually explicit videos of herself. When M4 expressed discomfort, Diaz threatened to leak M4’s pictures. Ultimately, M4 blocked Diaz when she believed it was safe to do so. At the time, M4 was 16 and 17 years old. First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. is investigating the case, with assistance from the Homeland Security Investigations Albuquerque, NM office, which played a key role in the apprehension of Diaz. Valuable investigative support was also provided by the Idaho Office of the Attorney General, Criminal Division; the City of Danville Police Department; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the United States Postal Inspection Service; and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Brett is prosecuting the case. The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/ .


title: El Paso Customs and Border Protection Officer Indicted, Arrested for Deprivation of Rights and Providing False Statements

body_text: EL PASO, Texas – A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer made his initial appearance in federal court after he was indicted and subsequently arrested for charges related to his alleged false reporting of details involving excessive use of force, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. According to court documents, while acting under color of law as a federal law enforcement officer on August 22, 2021, Jesus Espinosa, 52, of El Paso, is alleged to have used unreasonable force, including a chokehold, to detain an individual, resulting in bodily injury. Additionally, an indictment alleges Espinosa knowingly and willfully made materially false, fictitious and fraudulent statements and representations in his answers to his supervisor’s questions regarding the incident. Allegedly, Espinosa claimed that the individual he detained was aggressive and non-compliant, which initially caused an erroneous official report of assault on a federal officer rather than a true report detailing excessive use of force. Espinosa was indicted July 15 and arrested July 17. He is charged with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law and one count of false statement to a U.S. government agency. The defendant made his initial court appearance on July 17 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert F. Castaneda of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison for the deprivation of rights charge and up to five years in prison for the false statement. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The FBI, Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General, and Customs and Border Protection Office of Professional Responsibility are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Wisniewski is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Buffalo man pleads guilty to burning down the old Pink

component: USAO - New York, Western

body_text: BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that John W. Burns, 42, of Buffalo, NY, pleaded guilty to arson of a building used in interstate commerce before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In the early morning hours of June 17, 2024, the Buffalo Fire Department (BFD) responded to the scene of a fire at 223 Allen Street, a restaurant/bar known as The Old Pink. The building was engulfed in flames and was ultimately destroyed. Subsequent investigation by the Buffalo Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire had been set deliberately. Investigators recovered a blue propane plumbers torch from the rear of the building. Video evidence showed an individual in the rear of the building near the origin of the fire. The individual couldn’t be identified but appeared to be wearing a dark colored jacket with some sort of emblem on the left arm and green and white sneakers. The video evidence also shows that prior to the start of the fire, the individual brought two white garbage bags to the back of the building and was looking through the garbage totes. The individual is then seen walking away from the area of origin and a short time later, a visible fire can be seen. Subsequent investigation determined that Burns was at the Old Pink earlier in the evening and had a confrontation with an individual formerly contracted to work security for The Old Pink. The former security officer told law enforcement that he had confronted Burns after a female patron complained that Burns had touched her inappropriately. Burns was asked to leave but refused. A fight ensued and Burns stated: “I’ll be back (expletive), I’ll burn that (expletive) down, ain’t nobody going to have a job.” Investigators reviewed the security footage of the fight at The Old Pink with the owner of the Essex St. Pub, a restaurant located at 530 Rhode Island Street in Buffalo. The owner identified Burns as the individual who had the confrontation with the former security guard. The owner recognized Burns because he previously employed him at the Essex St. Pub. Investigators also reviewed the security footage with two associates of Burns, both of whom identified him as the individual walking away from The Old Pink shortly after the fire began. Law enforcement interviewed one of the associates, who provided text messages that he received from Burns in the early morning hours of June 17, 2024. After describing what appeared to be the fight at The Old Pink, Burns stated, “Guerrilla mode on” and “Guerrilla BuffL9 is a go.” The conversation continued: Burns: Bail me out if I don’t call you at noon. Therz a fund. Time Stamp Mon, June 17 at 5:57 a.m. Associate: You’re killing me bro trying to sleep Associate: What is going on Burns: Nothing. Made my bed. Gonna defend it to the death at this point Associate: See that is the problem and I have no idea what you’re talking about. You don’t give me any details you just say things. what are you talking about? What bed what are you doing? What happened? Burns: Call or signal. Text bad Burns: Whatever they probably a footage Burns: Really though I can’t just say all the things that will later be investigated here Burns: I’m going to the er…. In the early morning hours of August 13, 2024, at 6:03 a.m., Burns was observed on video setting a fire in the parking lot of the Essex St. Pub, which was quickly extinguished by fire department members. Buffalo Fire Marshals determined that the origin of the fire was a pile of books that had been placed near the owner’s personal vehicle. The owner told fire investigators that he received a text message the previous night indicating that Burns had been denied entry to the pub due to disruptive behavior. The owner identified Burns on video as the person carrying a pile of books in his arms towards the rear parking lot, lighting the books on fire, and then leaving the area. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard P. Antoine. The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent-in-Charge; Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney Michael J. Keane; Buffalo Fire Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel J. Pizarro; and Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields. Sentencing is scheduled for October 27, 2026, before Judge Arcara. # # # #


title: Temporary Restraining Order Granted Against Lee’s Summit Man for Allegedly Defrauding Millions of Dollars from Investors

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A temporary restraining order has been granted against a Lee’s Summit man, alleging that he operated an ongoing investment scheme that defrauded millions of dollars from victims. According to the motion and accompanying court documents, Trevor Uhls, 29, operated a Ponzi scheme that fraudulently obtained more than $2.1 million from individual investors through false and misleading representations. Investor funds were allegedly misappropriated for Uhls’ personal benefit, resulting in substantial financial losses to his victims. This is one of many federal fraud cases pursued under the leadership of President Donald Trump and through the establishment of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. According to court documents, Uhls’ fraudulent activity involved promissory note contracts guaranteeing investors a 10–15% return on their principal investment after 30, 60, or 90 days. Investors could elect to leave their funds invested and receive monthly interest payments. The average investor received only a few interest payments, if any. In addition, multiple investors have been unable to recover any of their principal investment or accrued interest. The allegations contained in this motion are simply accusations, and not evidence of civil or criminal liability. Evidence supporting the allegations must be presented to a federal trial judge, whose duty it is to determine the government’s entitlement to relief. An injunction hearing is scheduled for Aug. 3, 2026. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Constance and is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI). National Fraud Enforcement Division 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


title: Republic Man Sentenced for Firearms Offense

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Republic, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Phillip Brad Curtis, 52, who has prior felony convictions for robbery, domestic assault, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of a firearm, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 110 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. According to court documents, deputies with the Barry County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a property near Aurora, Mo., for a report that Curtis was trespassing. Deputies contacted Curtis, who had multiple active felony warrants for his arrest. During the encounter, Curtis threatened to kill the responding deputies, announced he had a gun, and exhibited a firearm at the window during a stand-off that lasted approximately eight hours. Curtis was ultimately taken into custody without incident, and a firearm was recovered from inside a dog-food bag inside the residence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Barry County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office. Operation Take Back America This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Springfield, Massachusetts Man Found Guilty by Jury of Drug and Gun Offenses Involving Juveniles

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: BURLINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont announced that on July 15, 2026, following a six-day jury trial in United States District Court in Burlington, Rockylane Lewis, 36, of Springfield, Massachusetts was convicted of conspiring to distribute cocaine base (crack), fentanyl, and oxycodone, conspiring to use juveniles to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl, four counts of using juveniles on specific dates to distribute cocaine base and fentanyl, and conspiring to use firearms in relation to, or possess firearms in furtherance of the drug conspiracy. Prior to opening statements in the trial, Lewis also pled guilty to three counts of distributing cocaine base and fentanyl on specific dates in 2023, while his co-defendant Takar Watson, 42, of Springfield, Massachusetts, pled guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine. Lewis, who was arrested in June 2023, and Watson, who was arrested in September 2025, remain in the custody of the United States Marshals Service pending post-trial proceedings. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Lewis, Watson, and other co-conspirators conspired to distribute oxycodone in Massachusetts, and then used proceeds from those drug sales to fund the purchase of drugs to be distributed in Vermont. Lewis and others agreed that juveniles would be taught to sell drugs and would distribute drugs on behalf of the conspiracy in Vermont. Between December 2022 and June 2023, law enforcement conducted fourteen controlled purchases of cocaine base and fentanyl from Lewis and others associated with the drug conspiracy in the Rutland, Vermont area. In three of those controlled purchases, Lewis sold fentanyl or cocaine base to a law enforcement confidential informant. In eight of the controlled purchases, five juveniles between the ages of 15 and 17, distributed controlled substances to the law enforcement confidential informant. Social media and text messaging presented during the trial showed Lewis communicating with the juveniles regarding the distribution of controlled substances. The evidence at trial also showed that the members of the conspiracy agreed to use firearms in relation to, or possess firearms in furtherance of the drug conspiracy. Lewis was arrested in Rutland, Vermont on the afternoon of June 21, 2023. Later that evening a 15-year-old co-conspirator was detained by law enforcement in possession of a 9mm pistol and approximately seven grams of cocaine base. Based on the jury’s verdict, Lewis faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years’ imprisonment and a potential maximum sentence of life. Takar Watson’s plea agreement includes an agreed sentence, subject to approval by the Court, of 48 months, with a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years. The ultimate sentence for both Lewis and Watson will be determined by the Court with reference to the Sentencing Guidelines and statutory sentencing factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), the Rutland City Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives (“ATF”), the Vermont State Police Vermont Drug Task Force (“VDTF”), and the Bennington County Sheriff’s Office. Ophardt added: “Lewis manipulated and armed children to peddle poisons for profit throughout Rutland. I am extremely proud of the law enforcement efforts to uncover the extent of Lewis and Watson’s illicit activities, and grateful for the hard work of the trial team in obtaining these convictions. We will be advocating for a lengthy sentence for Lewis, whose callous conduct warrants significant punishment.” “Trafficking drugs in our community is bad enough, but endangering the lives and futures of children for profit is simply egregious. Now, a jury has found Lewis guilty and he’s facing serious prison time. HSI is working every day with our law enforcement partners to improve public safety in Vermont. Tackling drug trafficking is an important part of our strategy and this verdict marks a significant achievement towards our goals,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Grimming. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Turner and Michelle Arra. Rockylane Lewis was represented by Karen Shingler, Esq. and Takar Watson was represented by Matthew Anderson, Esq.


title: Belizean Man Sentenced to 14 Months For Lying About Immigration Status While Attempting to Purchase Firearm

body_text: RUTLAND – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on July 14, 2026, Reginald Adam Velasquez, age 34, a citizen of Belize, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 14 months’ imprisonment. Velasquez previously pleaded guilty to lying in connection with the attempted purchase of a firearm. According to court records, Velasquez illegally entered the United States in 2022. After his illegal entry, Velasquez was paroled into the United States, but in early 2025, Velasquez failed to comply with the terms of his parole and his immigration proceedings were terminated. Approximately nine months later, in late 2025, Velasquez attempted to purchase a firearm from a federal firearms licensee in Vermont. During the attempted purchase, Velasquez filled out an ATF Form 4473 on which he knowingly lied about his immigration status. After Velasquez was arrested, additional investigation revealed that, during the Summer and Fall of 2025, Velasquez was engaged in drug dealing in Vermont, including trading a firearm for drugs. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Border Patrol, and Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Flynn. Velasquez was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Emily Kenyon. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Illegal Alien from Mexico and Two Utah Residents Charged with Drug Crimes after Law Enforcement Seized Approximately 20,000 Fentanyl Pills

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging an illegal alien from Sinaloa, Mexico, and two Weber County, Utah, residents with drug crimes after law enforcement located and seized a large quantity of blue M30 fentanyl pills during two separate seizures following an alleged drug transaction in Tooele County, Utah. Luis Angel Camacho-Soto, 26, found illegally in Tooele, Utah; Fabiola Garcia, 34, of Ogden, Utah; and Joseph Anthony Gomez, 37, of Ogden, Utah, were originally charged by complaint on June 30, 2026. According to court documents, on June 25, 2026, during an investigation, law enforcement observed an alleged drug transaction after a Ford stopped at a gas station in Tooele and a woman, later identified as Garcia, approached a semi-truck. After the alleged transaction, Garcia got back into the passenger side of the vehicle and the driver of the Ford, later identified as Gomez, drove to a nearby hotel. Law enforcement detained both Garcia and Gomez. Tooele City Police Department responded with a K9 unit and conducted a sniff around the Ford, and a K-9 alerted positive for the presence of narcotics. During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement located and seized approximately 10,000 small blue pills marked “M30,” which field-tested positive for fentanyl. The pills were located in a large plastic bag inside a black fanny pack that appeared to be the same fanny pack Garcia had after she approached the semi-truck. The suspected fentanyl pills weighed approximately 1,170 grams. Concurrently, law enforcement detained Camacho from the semi-truck and a K-9 alerted positive to the presence of narcotics within the semi-truck. Law enforcement seized approximately 10,000 small blue pills marked “M30,” which field-tested positive for fentanyl and weighed more than 400 grams. According to court documents, Camacho is not a citizen of the United States. Camacho-Soto is charged with distribution of fentanyl, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Garcia and Gomez are charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. A four-day jury trial is scheduled for September 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in courtroom 7.3 before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City. United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement. The case is being investigated jointly by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Metro Narcotics Task Force (MNTF), and the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI). Special assistance was provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Tooele City Police Department. Special Assistant United States Attorney Ian K. Ross for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Leaders, Members, And Associates Of BB7 Trinitarios Charged In 15-Count Indictment For Five Murders

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Assistant Director in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, Westchester County District Attorney, Susan Cacace, Bronx District Attorney, Darcel D. Clarke, Bergen County Prosecutor, Mark Musella, and Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, Terrance Raynor, announced today the unsealing of a 15-count Indictment charging 11 defendants (the “BB7 Defendants”) with racketeering conspiracy in connection with their membership in or association with the “Bad Boys” (“BB7”) set of the Trinitarios street gang, as well as with a spate of other BB7-related violent crimes committed between September 2023 and September 2025—including five murders and multiple assaults and armed robberies. A 12 th defendant, JAROL LEDESMA, a/k/a “El Nueve,” a/k/a “Lil Nueve,” was charged with Hobbs Act robbery and interstate stalking offenses in connection with the gunpoint robbery of a prominent international music artist, which was allegedly carried out with members and associates of BB7 in June 2025. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern. “As alleged, the BB7 Trinitarios, operating from their historical headquarters in the Bronx, terrorized communities in New York City, Westchester, and northern New Jersey, night after night,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “This indictment reflects a broad-based effort by SDNY and our dedicated federal and local partners to stop the violence and bring relief to affected communities across the tri-state area. Collectively, we are committed to holding gang leaders and their deadly associates accountable for their truly brutal conduct. This is what our New York families want us to do—and we applaud the FBI, the Westchester County Police Department, the New York City Police Department, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for their efforts to bring justice and safety to the streets of the New York metropolitan area.” “Members of the BB7 criminal organization allegedly carried out a campaign of violence that left victims and families suffering unimaginable loss,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “Today's outcome sends a clear message: this type of violence will never be tolerated in New York. The FBI New York Safe Streets Task Force remains steadfast in our mission to dismantle violent gangs, protect the American public, and deliver justice for the victims.” “These defendants, members of the Trinitarios gang, took part in a wave of violence and crime that claimed multiple lives and terrorized neighborhoods,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “This takedown is the result of the NYPD’s precision policing strategy and our relentless work targeting dangerous gangs and guns. I thank our NYPD investigators and law enforcement partners for their commitment to dismantling these groups and making our streets safer.” “Dismantling this network of organized violent criminals would hardly have been possible without one of the most extensive interagency partnerships in Westchester’s recent history,” said Westchester County DA Susan Cacace. “I am proud of the significant role my office played in identifying and apprehending the individuals who murdered Ariela Mejia-Polanco last year in an act of unconscionable violence. Either the highways of this county belong to the criminal gangs, or they belong to the public; through these charges, we are reaffirming that the rights of the law-abiding public will always come first. We can never allow our streets to be overtaken by organized criminal activity, and I thank all of our interagency partners for working in tandem to ensure this remains a durable promise.” “I commend the outstanding work of the members of my office, the Southern District of New York, the New York City Police Department, and the FBI,” said Bronx DA Darcel D. Clarke. “Their close collaboration resulted in the federal indictment of these defendants and demonstrates the power of coordinated law enforcement. By holding violent offenders accountable, we are helping make our neighborhoods safer. To the families of the three men who lost their lives in these Bronx cases—Frankelis Tavarez, Adam Waldropt, and Gabriel Alvarez—I hope you find some measure of comfort in knowing that local and federal law enforcement are working together tirelessly to seek justice for your loved ones. My office remains committed to pursuing justice with integrity while protecting our communities from violent crime.” “Organized street gangs are not just a local problem,” said Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella. “They are a regional public safety threat. When criminals are willing to cross state lines to destroy lives, our response must be equally coordinated, equally determined, and completely relentless. I am proud to say that in this case, cooperation among agencies and a dogged commitment by all involved brought us to this moment.” “The scope of work that was done by police and prosecutors to bring down this criminal enterprise is nothing short of outstanding,” said Westchester County Department of Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor. “I would like to commend the detectives from our General Investigations Unit, Forensic Investigations Unit, and our Real Time Crime Center—and all of our law enforcement partners—for their exemplary work. Inter-agency collaboration and technology were the keys to a successful conclusion in this particular homicide investigation.” As alleged in the Indictment and other documents filed in federal court:(1) From at least in or about September 2023 through September 2025, the BB7 Defendants, and others known and unknown, were members and associates of BB7, a “set” of the Trinitarios street and prison gang. Members and associates of BB7 engaged in, among other activities, acts involving murder, assault, robbery, carjacking, narcotics trafficking, and wire fraud in and around the greater metropolitan area of New York City, including the Bronx and northern New Jersey. In addition to racketeering conspiracy, the Indictment charges all of the BB7 Defendants with additional offenses, including: On or about March 30, 2024, in the Bronx, SOSA and MANON murdered Frankelis Tavarez. From on or about June 27, 2025, through on or about June 28, 2025, several of the defendants, including MARTHA, MERCEDES MARTE, PERALTA GOMEZ, PEÑA, and LEDESMA, used, among other means, a GPS tracker to stalk several victims by car from Massachusetts through Westchester County, the Bronx, and Manhattan to a hotel parking lot in the vicinity of Fort Lee, New Jersey. There, while brandishing multiple firearms, they robbed a prominent international music artist in the middle of a U.S. tour of, among other things, high-value jewelry. On or about July 28, 2025, PLACENCIA, MERCEDES MARTE, PERALTA GOMEZ, CARBUCCIA, and PEÑA organized, planned, and carried out a retaliatory shooting targeting rival gang members in the vicinity of Paterson, New Jersey. On or about July 28, 2025, at a car meet in the Bronx, MARTINEZ murdered Gabriel Alvarez and Adam Waldropt. On or about August 2, 2025, in the vicinity of Newark, New Jersey, SOSA, PLACENCIA, MERCEDES MARTE, PERALTA GOMEZ, ABAD RIVAS, CARBUCCIA, and PEÑA murdered Alvis Perez Liriano. On or about August 16, 2025, in the Bronx, MARTHA, MERCEDES MARTE, and CARBUCCIA planned, directed, and conducted an attempted armed robbery, during which CARBUCCIA and other members and associates of BB7 used firearms to shoot and seriously injure two victims. On or about August 17, 2025, in the vicinity of Mount Vernon, New York, MARTHA, MERCEDES MARTE, PERALTA GOMEZ, ABAD RIVAS, CARBUCCIA, and PORTES GUABA, together with other members and associates of BB7, attempted to commit an armed carjacking of a black Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG SUV driven by Ariela Mejia-Polanco north from upper Manhattan through the Bronx into Westchester, where they shot and killed Mejia-Polanco during a high-speed pursuit on the Cross County Parkway. * * * A chart containing the names, charges, and minimum and maximum penalties for the defendants is set forth below. The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI. He also thanked the NYPD, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Paterson Police Department, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carmi Schickler, John Sarlitto, and Christopher Morel are in charge of the prosecution. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Ly and Patrick Moroney of the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit investigated the March 2024 murder of Frankelis Tavarez. The charges in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. CHARGE DEFENDANTS MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM PENALTIES Count One Racketeering Conspiracy Title 18, United States Code, Section 1962(d) CHELDRID SOSA ERICK PLACENCIA JUSTIN MARTHA MICHAEL MERCEDES MARTE JOSE PERALTA GOMEZ MANUEL ABAD RIVAS WILFREN CARBUCCIA JEILIN PORTES GUABA JAVIER PEÑA ANGEL MANON DARWIN MARTINEZ Maximum: life in prison Count Two Murder in Aid of Racketeering Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1959(a)(1), and 2 CHELDRID SOSA ANGEL MANON Maximum: life in prison or death Minimum: life in prison Count Three Interstate Stalking Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2261A(1), 2261(b)(3), and 2 JUSTIN MARTHA MICHAEL MERCEDES MARTE JOSE PERALTA GOMEZ JAVIER PEÑA JAROL LEDESMA Maximum: 10 years in prison Count Four Interstate Stalking Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2261A(2), 2261(b)(3), and 2 JUSTIN MARTHA MICHAEL MERCEDES MARTE JOSE PERALTA GOMEZ JAVIER PEÑA JAROL LEDESMA Maximum: 10 years in prison Count Five Hobbs Act Robbery Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1951, and 2 JUSTIN MARTHA MICHAEL MERCEDES MARTE JOSE PERALTA GOMEZ JAVIER PEÑA JAROL LEDESMA Maximum: 20 years in prison Count Six Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951 JUSTIN MARTHA MICHAEL MERCEDES MARTE JOSE PERALTA GOMEZ JAVIER PEÑA JAROL LEDESMA Maximum: 20 years in prison Count Seven Firearm Use, Carrying, and Possession Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and (ii), and 2 JUSTIN MARTHA MICHAEL MERCEDES MARTE JOSE PERALTA GOMEZ JAVIER PEÑA JAROL LEDESMA Maximum: life in prison Minimum: seven years in prison, which must be consecutive to any other term imposed. Count Eight Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1959(a)(5), and 2 ERICK PLACENCIA MICHAEL MERCEDES MARTE JOSE PERALTA GOMEZ WILFREN CARBUCCIA JAVIER PEÑA Maximum: 10 years in prison Count Nine Murder in Aid of Racketeering Title 18, United States Code, Section 1959(a)(1) DARWIN MARTINEZ Maximum: life in prison or death Minimum: life in prison Count Ten Murder in Aid of Racketeering Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1959(a)(1), and 2 DARWIN MARTINEZ Maximum: life in prison or death Minimum: life in prison Count Eleven Murder in Aid of Racketeering Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1959(a)(1), and 2 CHELDRID SOSA ERICK PLACENCIA MICHAEL MERCEDES MARTE JOSE PERALTA GOMEZ MANUEL ABAD RIVAS WILFREN CARBUCCIA JAVIER PEÑA Maximum: life in prison or death Minimum: life in prison Count Twelve Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Aid of Racketeering Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1959(a)(3), and 2 JUSTIN MARTHA MICHAEL MERCEDES MARTE WILFREN CARBUCCIA Maximum: 20 years in prison Count Thirteen Firearm Use, Carrying, and Possession Title 18, United States Code, Sections 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), and (iii), and 2 JUSTIN MARTHA MICHAEL MERCEDES MARTE WILFREN CARBUCCIA Maximum: life in prison Minimum: 10 years in prison, which must be consecutive to any other term imposed. Count Fourteen Murder in Aid of Racketeering Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1959(a)(1), and 2 JUSTIN MARTHA MICHAEL MERCEDES MARTE JOSE PERALTA GOMEZ MANUEL ABAD RIVAS WILFREN CARBUCCIA JEILIN PORTES GUABA Maximum: life in prison or death Minimum: life in prison Count Fifteen Attempted Carjacking Resulting in Death Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2119(3), and 2 JUSTIN MARTHA MICHAEL MERCEDES MARTE JOSE PERALTA GOMEZ MANUEL ABAD RIVAS WILFREN CARBUCCIA JEILIN PORTES GUABA Maximum: life in prison or death ^ As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: Augusta man sentenced to federal prison for possessing child pornography

body_text: AUGUSTA, Georgia: An Augusta man has been sentenced to more than 12 years in prison in federal court after pleading guilty to possessing child pornography. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall and announced by Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. Martin Lindner , 52, of Augusta, was sentenced to 151 months in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release after pleading guilty to Receipt of Child Pornography. Lindner was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $66,500. There is no parole in the federal system. Court documents and testimony show that in February 2025, Lindner received child pornography, including videos and images, depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Using his home computer, Lindner would receive the material via a peer-to-peer file sharing software. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of crimes that exploit and victimize children,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “Protecting children from predators is one of our highest priorities and we will work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who engage in these reprehensible offenses.” “The receipt of child pornography not only harms the young victims portrayed in those images, but it also fuels a heinous market,” said Matthew Ploskunak, Supervisory Senior Special Agent for the Augusta office of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute individuals who commit heinous crimes against minors.” This case was investigated by the FBI, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara M. Lyons.