title: Western District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office Joins DOJ Fraud Division in Surge Takedown Exceeding $245 Million in COVID-era Loan Fraud

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: SAN ANTONIO – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas today announced its role in a nationwide enforcement action led by the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Small Business Administration, and the SBA Office of Inspector General targeting fraud in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The Western District of Texas was a key participant in this surge effort. From June 12 to Sept. 1, federal prosecutors across the country facilitated fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants, including approximately 80 newly charged defendants, reaching approximately $245 million dollars in intended loss to American taxpayers. “Six years after our first PPP fraud case was charged in Austin, we are still finding fraudsters and holding them accountable for their greed-driven schemes that undermined a federal program and stole from American taxpayers in the midst of the chaos that was the COVID-19 pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “This surge, led by the National Fraud Enforcement Division, highlights our commitment to protecting the integrity of our government programs and ensuring no one gets away with defrauding the public.” “Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns—not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications— but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” “This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast every day—standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners—to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore conﬁdence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.” “Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.” “Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.” In the Western District of Texas, U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons announced that two defendants pleaded guilty in two separate PPP-related fraud cases involving approximately a combined $1.2 million in alleged losses. According to court documents, Arun Mago was an accountant in Austin and a known money launderer. Mago laundered $150,000 in cash represented by an undercover agent to be the proceeds of cocaine distribution. In addition to his money laundering activities, he also engaged in repeated loan fraud during the pandemic, applying for and receiving several fraudulent PPP loans for several business entities totaling $905,264. Mago pleaded guilty in July. IRS-CI investigated the case. In a separate case, Eve Zou, an employee of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, made false and fraudulent promises and representations to the Small Business Administration (SBA) to obtain Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and grants that were purportedly for legitimate business purposes, but, in truth and fact, the loan proceeds were used by Zou for her own personal use and benefit, including the purchase of real estate and for investment in brokerage accounts. Zou also made multiple false statements in those loans, including using her daughter’s identity without her daughter’s knowledge or permission, falsely claiming to have 50 employees, and falsely claiming lost rental income. She fraudulently obtained three SBA loans, for a combined total of $319,800. Zou also pleaded guilty. IRS-CI investigated the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal beneﬁt programs. An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Pittsburgh Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Trafficking of Cocaine, Fentanyl, and Other Narcotics

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 48 months of supervised release, on his conviction for possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of fluorofentanyl, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 500 grams or more of cocaine, and a quantity of crack cocaine, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Anthony Johnson, 37. According to information presented to the Court, in the spring of 2022, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General opened a drug investigation into Anthony Johnson. The investigation established that Johnson resided in Pittsburgh and stored distribution quantities of controlled substances within a stash house located in Verona, Pennsylvania. On May 10, 2022, authorities executed a search warrant upon Johnson’s stash house, where they seized $57,239, drug packaging material, and controlled substances. A forensic scientist weighed and analyzed the controlled substances, and determined that the substances included 21 grams of a fluorofentanyl and fentanyl mixture, 100 grams of fentanyl, 544 grams of cocaine, and 14 grams of cocaine base in the form commonly known as crack. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the Drug Enforcement Administration for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Johnson.


title: Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to Seven and a Half Years in Prison for Narcotics and Firearm Convictions

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 90 months of imprisonment on his convictions for possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing fentanyl and heroin, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV imposed the sentence on Darion Ethridge, 26, on September 14, 2026. According to information presented to the Court, on June 24, 2021, state and local law enforcement conducted a drug suppression detail in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, after authorities received information that a male operating a black Jeep Cherokee with tinted windows would be bringing 10 bricks of heroin to a hotel. Upon the arrival and parking of the vehicle, a detective positioned his car with lights and siren activated behind the Jeep and exited his vehicle, identifying himself as police and directing the driver to exit. The driver reacted by starting his vehicle, reversing the Jeep into the detective’s vehicle, and driving through the parking lot until law enforcement boxed in the Jeep. At that point, the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot, with officers pursuing and arresting the driver. A search incident to arrest resulted in the seizure of approximately $3,952. From the vehicle, authorities seized 991 bags of a fentanyl and heroin mixture, a loaded .40 caliber handgun which was determined to have been reported stolen, and a medical marijuana card and Pennsylvania Department of Corrections card both bearing Ethridge’s name. Ethridge had previously been convicted of four felonies in the Court of Common Pleas in Allegheny County. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the government. United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Monroeville Police Department and Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Ethridge.


title: Butler County Man Charged with Receiving a Firearm and Ammunition With Intent to Commit Terrorism on Behalf of ISIS

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Jonathan Hunter Kramer, 21, a resident of Valencia, Pennsylvania, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with receiving a firearm and ammunition, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that the firearm and ammunition would be used to commit a felony or a Federal crime of terrorism, including providing, attempting to provide, and conspiring to provide material support or resources to a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) interdicted Kramer this weekend as he returned to a hotel in possession of three 30-round capacity rifle magazines and five boxes of rifle ammunition. The FBI then executed search warrants, seized a semiautomatic rifle and ammunition from his hotel room, and arrested him. “As Americans observed the 25th anniversary of 9/11, our law enforcement partners were working to protect our country from the continued threat of terrorism,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Their outstanding work thwarted this alleged attack before innocent lives could be lost. The Department of Justice will relentlessly pursue anyone who seeks to terrorize the American people and bring them to justice.” “As alleged in the complaint, Jonathan’s Kramer’s words and actions during recent months have been profoundly concerning,” said United States Attorney Troy Rivetti. “We commend our partners at the FBI and other law enforcement agencies for the speed and precision with which they intervened and detained Kramer when it became clear that he was moving forward with his radical ideology and posed an increased, clear threat to our community. We will continue standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our law enforcement partners at all levels to preserve the safety of our community from individuals seeking to inflict harm on behalf of Foreign Terrorist Organizations.” “FBI Pittsburgh and our local, state, and federal partners continue to face an elevated threat environment across the region from a variety of terrorism actors,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “An extremely alarming threat to our community exists when an individual reportedly pledges allegiance to a foreign terrorist organization, seeks to turn that ideology into action, and makes final preparations for an attack. FBI Pittsburgh and our partners will continue to move swiftly and decisively to counter any individual’s mobilization to violence in the name of a Foreign Terrorist Organization to ensure the safety of our community.” According to the affidavit filed in support of the complaint, Kramer has been known to the FBI since an earlier investigation in 2023, which resulted in Kramer, then a minor, being charged and adjudicated delinquent by Pennsylvania state authorities for his role in a plot to commit a mass casualty incident and for possessing child sexual abuse material. On March 19, 2026, following Kramer’s release from a Pennsylvania juvenile detention facility, an anonymous individual made an online tip to the FBI reporting a return to troubling behavior by Kramer, including, among other activities, the defendant’s ordering of “mysterious” packages and “talking to his friends from before” his juvenile adjudication. Subsequent investigation confirmed that Kramer had been using the online persona of “Hamza Al Rashid” who claimed affiliation with ISIS, offered to share explosive manuals with others, and expressed his intent to prepare for his “mission” and that he was just missing a “weapon.” On September 12, 2026, the FBI observed Kramer quickly depart his residence while carrying a bag, and travel via rideshare to a retail store, where he purchased a disposable phone. After exiting the store, he met an individual in the parking lot and acquired a long black bag from the trunk of a vehicle. Kramer then traveled to a hotel in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, where he paid cash to book a room. Witnesses from both the store and hotel noted Kramer’s bag making a metallic clicking sound when he placed it down. After checking into his room, Kramer traveled to a sporting goods store and was observed by the FBI at the gun counter. Upon returning to the hotel’s parking lot, FBI agents approached Kramer while he carried two bags containing the contents of his purchase from the sporting goods store. Kramer agreed to speak with the agents and placed the bags on the ground. The FBI then executed federal search warrants upon Kramer’s person, hotel room, and residence. Agents seized a semiautomatic rifle, five rifle magazines (two loaded and the other three each offering a 30-round capacity), a rifle bipod and scope, a total of 190 rounds of rifle ammunition, an entrenchment tool, a prayer rug, pepper spray, and approximately 30 knives, along with a handwritten note stating “DoNt look For me[.] IDK what I did buT I cant live In constant Fear[.]” Read the full affidavit in support of the criminal complaint here . “This FBI continues to move more effectively than we ever have stopping terrorists before they harm the American people,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The subject in this case was allegedly plotting a violent attack in support of ISIS – engaging with ISIS propaganda online, building attack concepts, and repeatedly expressing extremist rhetoric – all while acquiring weapons believed to be in preparation of the attack. He has been charged with Receipt of a Firearm Knowing or Having Reasonable Cause to Believe that Such Firearm Will Be Used to Commit a Federal Crime of Terrorism. Once again, results like these are exactly why we made changes to this FBI and the way it runs – to save lives before would-be criminals can act. It’s why this FBI has disrupted 1,097 terrorists, 20% more the last 18 months before the Trump administration started – as well as executing 42% more Foreign Terrorist Organization-related arrests and dismantling 96% more FTOs. Outstanding job by FBI Pittsburgh and our partners.” “Kramer was taken into custody just as he appeared to be preparing for a mass shooting that could have taken many lives, having already secured a rifle and approximately 190 rounds of ammunition for what he called his ‘mission,’” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Eisenberg. “His apparent ISIS inspiration and escalation toward violence show how close this country came to a devastating attack. This arrest prevented what could have been a horrific tragedy.” The United States has requested detention of the defendant and that he be held without bond pending trial, asserting that he is a danger to the community. During his initial appearance on September 14, 2026, Kramer waived a detention hearing but requested a preliminary examination hearing on the complaint, which is scheduled for September 16, 2026. Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna of the Western District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorneys Andrew Briggs and Matthew Hracho of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division are prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from numerous state and local counterparts, conducted the investigation leading to the criminal complaint. A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Oklahoma City Man Receives Statutory Maximum Sentence for Illegally Possessing Ammunition Connected to Shooting of Unarmed Man

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – TY LAMONT NELSON , JR. , 30, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 180 months in federal prison, the statutory maximum, for unlawful possession of ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. According to public records, on July 2, 2024, officers with the Midwest City Police Department responded to a shooting at a residence. A woman at the home told police that Nelson had come to the residence and forced his way inside her bedroom. He then retrieved a rifle from a bag underneath the bed, assembled and loaded it, and shot an unarmed man four times at close range. Nelson then left the residence with the firearm. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital where he underwent emergency life-saving surgery. Officers recovered spent shell casings from inside the residence that were consistent with the type of ammunition commonly used by the rifle Nelson was reported to have possessed. At the time of the shooting, Nelson was subject to a protective order in Oklahoma County District Court case number PO-2023-1563 and was thus prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. On August 20, 2024, a federal grand jury charged Nelson with being a prohibited person in possession of ammunition. Nelson pleaded guilty on February 5, 2025, and admitted that he knowingly possessed ammunition that had crossed state lines while subject to a protective order. At a sentencing hearing on September 8, 2026, U.S. District Judge Jodi W. Dishman sentenced Nelson to serve the maximum sentence, 180 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing her sentence, Judge Dishman found that Nelson’s actions on the morning of July 2, 2024, were premeditated and committed with malice aforethought. In sentencing Nelson, Judge Dishman noted that this was Nelson’s third domestic-related shooting incident, and that out of all the firearm and ammunition possession cases she has seen, she viewed this case differently in light of the violence, cruelty, and impact on the victims. This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Midwest City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Drew E. Davis and Mary E. Walters prosecuted the case. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative to reduce violent crime through coordinated federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partnerships. PSN is a key component of Operation Take Back America (OTBA), the Department’s nationwide effort to combat violent crime and other threats to public safety. This case is also part of “Operation 922” and “Shots Fired.” “Operation 922” is the Western District of Oklahoma’s implementation of OTBA that prioritizes the prosecution of federal crimes connected to domestic violence. “Shots Fired” targets federal cases involving individuals who discharge firearms as part of their criminal activity, including drive-by shootings and incidents in which shots are fired during robberies, domestic disputes, or other criminal conduct. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: Licking, Mo. Man Pleads Guilty to Child Sexual Exploitation, Meth Trafficking and Firearms Charges

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Licking, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday for the sexual exploitation of a minor as well as illegally possessing methamphetamine and firearms. John P. Weaver, 44, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Megan Blair Benton to using a minor victim to produce child pornography and receiving and distributing child pornography from Jan. 22 to Feb. 5, 2024. Weaver admitted to possessing more than 20 photos and videos depicting child pornography of the minor victim. Weaver also pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms on Feb. 29, 2024. Weaver admitted to possessing over 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and two Hi-Point pistols. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Weaver has two prior convictions for possessing a controlled substance as well as prior felony convictions for stealing a motor vehicle, burglary, stealing, and resisting arrest by creating a substantial risk of serious injury or death to any person. Under federal statutes, Weaver is subject to a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years maximum in federal prison without parole for his conviction for sexual exploitation of children. He is also facing a minimum of 10 years on his conviction for possession with intent to distribute and a minimum of five years for his conviction for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, which must run consecutively to any other sentence. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pulaski County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, the Springfield, Missouri Police Department, and the Texas County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office. Project Safe Childhood This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."


title: Conscientious Objector Who Faked Vietnam Combat and Medals Pleads Guilty to Defrauding VA

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo. man, who defrauded the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by claiming false combat service and medals, pleaded guilty in federal court. James Lyon, 80, pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining $124,262 in disability‑related payments from the VA. In connection with his guilty plea, Lyon admitted to repeatedly lying about his military service, including falsely claiming he earned prestigious combat decorations and submitting fraudulent documents to the VA. This plea 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. “Veterans’ benefits represent a sacred national promise that is rooted in our gratitude to the men and women who have sacrificed and served our country,” said R. Matthew Price, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. “When individuals fraudulently obtain these benefits for their own personal gain, they undermine the integrity of these vital programs and divert resources from the veterans who earned them and need them most. That is unacceptable. We will continue to vigorously prosecute those who seek to defraud programs intended to honor and support our nation’s veterans.” “Engaging in stolen valor—whether it involves stealing a veteran’s identity or making false claims about military service and awards—not only undermines the sacrifices made by those who have genuinely served but also dishonors the veterans who have rightfully earned their benefits,” said Inspector General Cheryl L. Mason, Department of Veterans Affairs. “At VA OIG, we are deeply committed to holding these individuals accountable and will work closely with our partners at the Department of Justice to ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Protecting the honor and benefits of veterans remains a top priority for us.” Lyon admitted that although he refused Marine Corps training in 1966 as a conscientious objector, he falsely claimed he had completed three separate periods of Marine Corps service, including combat during the Vietnam War. Lyon also admitted to falsely claiming high‑level combat awards, including the Bronze Star and Silver Star, despite never having served in combat. Lyon further admitted to lying to the VA about being diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Lyon used fabricated medical records to seek disability compensation based on that false diagnosis. By lying about his service, claiming unearned combat decorations, and submitting false medical paperwork, Lyon received more than $124,000 to which he was not entitled. Under federal statutes, Lyon is subject to a sentence of up to ten years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James Kirkpatrick and was investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. 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, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Grand Haven Man Gets Prison for Internet Threats

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: Defendant threatened to use chemical weapons against ICE agents GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Christopher Ray Plyler, 43, of Grand Haven, Michigan was sentenced to 12 months in prison for communicating an interstate threat, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 875(c). During sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou said, “As an American, you have an absolute right to speak out, but there’s a line you can’t cross,” and “threats will not be tolerated.” Between November 2025 and January 2026, Plyler posted a dozen threatening comments in response to YouTube videos about civil unrest in Minneapolis. In one message, Plyler discussed using chemical gas to attack Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Federal agents found that Plyler used Google to search for instructions on making hazardous chemical gases. He had also searched for the home address of a former Secretary of Homeland Security. In May 2026, Plyler pled guilty to posting a message that read, “Let them come I’m ready to kill ICE Nazis and make them pay with their lives the war is on.” U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey said, “Threatening federal officers for doing their job will not be tolerated in this district. Our immigration laws were enacted by our representatives in Congress and they will be enforced. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been given this job, and it is unreasonable for anyone to direct their anger towards them for doing it. Nobody gets to veto federal law by making threats against these officers, and anyone who tries will be prosecuted by my office.” “There is a clear line between expressing an opinion and threatening to kill federal law enforcement officers. Crossing that line has consequences,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office . “I am grateful for the outstanding work of our FBI Grand Rapids Resident Agency Joint Terrorism Task Force and the United States Secret Service. Their diligence, coordination, and commitment helped disrupt a potential threat before it could be carried out.” “Today’s sentence underscores that threatening government officials is a serious federal crime with significant consequences,” said David Dobb, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service’s Grand Rapids Resident Office. “The U.S. Secret Service will continue to work with our partners to investigate threats, support successful prosecutions, and ensure those who target public officials are held accountable.” The case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Secret Service.


title: The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan Joins the DOJ’s Fraud Division, SBA and the SBA OIG in COVID-Era Loan Takedown Exceeding $245 Million in Fraud

body_text: Joint national takedown: 40 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, along with 20 federal and state investigative agencies, participate in two-month enforcement surge GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Cynoda Jonelle Sparkling, 35, of Lansing, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with defrauding three different federally funded COVID relief programs. Sparkling is scheduled to be sentenced on November 30, 2026, and faces a minimum of two years and up to 20 years in prison. From June 12 to September 1, federal prosecutors across the country facilitated fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants, including approximately 80 newly charged defendants, reaching approximately $245 million dollars in intended loss to American taxpayers. The case was part of a nationwide enforcement action led by the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Small Business Administration, and the SBA Office of Inspector General targeting fraud in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The Western District of Michigan was a key participant in this surge effort. Sparkling defrauded various COVID-era relief programs by stealing or attempting to steal $124,995 from the Paycheck Protection Program, $17,000 from the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program, and $262,248 from several different states’ unemployment insurance programs. She applied for the loans in her own name and in the names of third parties using stolen identities. U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey said, “Every federal district in America is prosecuting people like Sparkling, who saw an opportunity to defraud the taxpayers when the government rolled out COVID-era relief programs. Sparkling will now face the consequences of her fraudulent conduct, and so will others that engaged in similar fraud. I want our message to be clear: if you are thinking of trying to defraud a federal program, you had better think again because you will not like what happens to you.” “Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns—not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications— but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast every day—standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners—to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.” “Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.” Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Investigator General are investigating this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Stiffler is prosecuting it. 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: Twin Lake Woman Sentenced for Disaster Fraud

body_text: Claimed beach house in Florida was her primary residence to steal emergency funds meant for persons displaced by Hurricane Ian. GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Toni M. Fisher, 61, of Twin Lake, MI was sentenced to 6 months in prison after a jury convicted her of Major Disaster Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1040. During sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou said, this kind of crime “harms every taxpayer, but specifically those who have lost their primary home.” In September 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall on the Florida coast, causing significant property damage and displacing thousands of year-round residents. Fisher, a landlord with numerous rental properties in Muskegon County, filed a fraudulent application for disaster benefits from FEMA in which she claimed her vacation home in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, was her primary residence. In fact, she was living at her lakeside home in Twin Lake, Michigan, when the hurricane struck. As a result of the fraud, she received nearly $50,000 in cash, including money that was to be used for rent and emergency living expenses. Fisher called FEMA repeatedly from Michigan to check on the status of her application. She falsely claimed she had missed a housing inspection in Fort Myers Beach because she was “out of town at [her] second residency” since her home was destroyed. Fisher was actually at home in Twin Lake and had just returned from a vacation in Aruba with $13,500 in cash on her person the day before she filed the application for FEMA assistance. When Fisher was interviewed by federal agents, she denied claiming the beach house was her primary residence, and falsely suggested that she lived more than half of each year in Fort Myers Beach. She testified at trial, and repeated the same claims. Bank, airline, and casino records admitted at trial, however, established that she was a “snowbird” who only spent the winters in Florida. U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey said, “The FEMA program is an example of how generous Americans are when disaster strikes, and we try to get financial help to our neighbors quickly. But the availability of this money also attracts people who are willing to lie about being a victim in order to make an easy buck. Toni Fisher revealed herself to be one of those people, and today she paid the price for it. The public should know we are keeping a close eye on government program fraud and will not hesitate to bring serious criminal charges when we find it.” The case was investigated by Special Agent Justin Efthemiou of the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General (DHS-OIG) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nils Kessler and Julia Rugg.


title: Abbeville Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Production of Child Pornography; Broussard Man Sentenced to Over 8 Years for Possession of Child Pornography

component: Defending Childhood

body_text: LAFAYETTE – On September 10, 2026, United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks sentenced Christopher Michael Ahlers , 54, of Abbeville, to 360 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty on May 11, 2026, to Production of Child Pornography. On the same day, Judge Hicks also sentenced Shannon David Miller , 52, of Broussard, to 97 months in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, after pleading guilty on May 13, 2026, to Possession of Child Pornography. “Partnering with state and federal law enforcement to investigate and prosecute child sex predators is one of this Office’s most sacred and core missions,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “There is sadly no undoing the harm that this vile conduct causes, and the cases we prosecute unfortunately reach as far as minor children’s homes and schools, with people they trust preying upon them. But the case against Mr. Ahlers shows the same thing as other recent cases we’ve prosecuted against teachers, parents, and pastors: we will never relent in our effort to remove these predators from our society, and we will find them no matter where they are.” Ahlers According to court documents, the investigation into Ahlers began on May 31, 2025, when deputies with the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office (VPSO) were contacted by Ahlers’s wife, who had discovered a concealed recording device in the ceiling of a bathroom inside their residence. The device contained multiple recordings of her two minor children. Ahlers was arrested on June 4, 2025, on related state charges. After being released on bond, evidence showed Ahlers attempted to hide additional evidence by asking an acquaintance to hold an external hard drive for him. Instead, the acquaintance turned the device over to law enforcement at which time investigators discovered approximately 90 illicit videos involving one of Ahlers’s minor stepchildren. Investigators determined that Ahlers had retained these recordings for several years. Miller According to court documents, Miller became known to federal authorities in October 2025 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) issued a cybertip regarding the possible possession and distribution of illegal child‑exploitation material linked to a Google account. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) identified Miller as the user associated with the uploads. Investigators reviewed two videos referenced in the cybertip and discovered they contained illicit content. Agents then obtained a search warrant for Miller’s residence at which time multiple digital devices were seized. Forensic examiners identified more than 1,000 graphic videos involving prepubescent children. Miller admitted he had been accessing illegal content for approximately 20 years and possessed roughly 100 gigabytes of illicit video files stored on several devices. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement. HSI, LBI, and VPSO conducted the investigations. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Bordelon with assistance from Legal Assistant Tanya Broussard. This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. Learn more at https://www.justice.gov/psc/about-project-safe-childhood. You may find a copy of this press releases (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer, under Case Numbers 6:25 cr 00255 (Ahlers) and 6:25 cr 00317 (Miller). ### CONTACT: Public Affairs: USALAW-News@usdoj.gov United States Attorney’s Office: www.justice.gov/usao-wdla X: @USAO_WDLA Facebook: USAO_WDLA (337) 262-6704


title: Illinois Man Charged with Transporting Minor Across State Lines for Illegal Sexual Activity

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Paducah, KY – An indictment was returned by the grand jury in Bowling Green, Kentucky, on September 10, 2026, charging an Erie, Illinois, man with child exploitation offenses, including transportation of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and online enticement of a minor. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Sheriff Ryan Norman of the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement. According to a previously filed federal criminal complaint, on August 3, 2026, Kenon Bradford, 26, of Erie, Illinois, drove from his residence approximately 7 hours to Paducah, where he picked up a minor victim. Bradford then transported the minor victim back to Illinois with the purpose of engaging in illegal sexual activity. On August 4, 2026, Bradford and the minor victim were located near Peoria, Illinois. Bradford was taken into custody and acknowledged engaging in sexual communications over Snapchat with the minor victim between July 29, 2026, and the date he picked the victim up. Bradford is currently in state custody and will make his initial appearance at a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, Bradford faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. This case is being investigated by the FBI Paducah Resident Agency and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . ###


title: St. Albans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Jeremy Lee Camp, 46, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl. According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 4, 2025, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Camp’s residence and seized 428 grams of methamphetamine and 16 grams of fentanyl. As part of his guilty plea, Camp admitted that he possessed the seized controlled substances and intended to distribute them. Camp further admitted that he also distributed a total of 21 grams of fentanyl to a confidential informant over five separate transactions between February 27, 2025, and March 25, 2025, in St. Albans. Camp is scheduled to be sentenced on February 1, 2027, and faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department, and the South Charleston Police Department. United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Amy L. McLaughlin is prosecuting the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:25-cr-170. ###


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office announces convictions in 2 Dayton felon firearms cases

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: DAYTON, Ohio – Two men charged with illegally possessing firearms as previously convicted felons pleaded guilty in federal court here. Kaylon Bradley, 34, pleaded guilty today before Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose. Bradley was arrested in late March during operations conducted by the Ohio Investigative Unit, Dayton Police Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Initiative between the City of Dayton and the State of Ohio. On March 27, investigators observed Bradley at Salem Beverage and Market on Salem Avenue in Dayton. A pistol grip and magazine baseplate were visible in Bradley’s pants pocket as he entered the liquor store. The store had “no firearms” signage, which made it a crime under state law for Bradley to enter the business with a weapon. Officers stopped Bradley and recovered a loaded 9mm pistol. Bradley has prior felony convictions of burglary, possession of heroin, weapons under disability and failure to comply causing serious physical harm. He was also on federal supervised release at the time of his most recent crime after being convicted as a co-defendant in a 2025 narcotics case. Yesterday, Jason Smith, 46, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Newman. According to his court documents, Dayton police officers encountered Smith on April 15 and, when asked if he had a firearm on him, the defendant fled on foot. Smith was apprehended and officers discovered a loaded 9mm pistol. Smith has prior felony convictions of robbery, felonious assault with a deadly weapon and trafficking in drugs. Possessing a firearm or ammunition as a previously convicted felon is a federal crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing. Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Dayton Police Chief Eric Henderson and officials with the Ohio State Highway Patrol and Ohio Investigative Unit announced the guilty pleas. Deputy Criminal Chief Brent G. Tabacchi and Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth L. McCormick and Erica D. Lunderman are representing the United States in these cases. # # #


title: Southern District of Ohio joins DOJ Fraud Division, SBA & SBA OIG in surge takedown exceeding $245 million in COVID-era loan fraud

body_text: COLUMBUS, Ohio – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio today announced a conviction as part of a nationwide enforcement action led by the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Small Business Administration, and the SBA Office of Inspector General targeting fraud in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). From June 12 to September 1, federal prosecutors across the country facilitated fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants, including approximately 80 newly charged defendants, reaching approximately $245 million dollars in intended loss to American taxpayers. “The case we are announcing today as part of this nationwide surge is now the second pandemic loan relief fraud case that we have announced this summer,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Our district, in conjunction with the National Fraud Enforcement Division and our federal and state investigative partners, remains resolute in its determination to fight all forms of taxpayer-funded fraud.” “Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns—not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications— but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” “This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast every day—standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners—to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.” “Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.” “Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.” In the Southern District of Ohio, U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II announced that a defendant pleaded guilty to PPP-related fraud involving approximately $440,000 in losses. Pierre-Maurice D. Harris, 36, of Columbus, was stopped by the TSA on his way to Miami, Florida, and found to be in possession of $25,000 and seven debit cards in other peoples’ names. Agents identified Ohio PUA fraud, California PUA fraud, PPP fraud, and EIDL fraud connected to the stolen identities. Harris pleaded guilty in July to conspiring to commit mail fraud and wire fraud (up to 20 years in prison), aggravated identity theft (mandatory addition of two years in prison) and money laundering (up to 20 years in prison). This case was investigated by IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. In June, the Southern District of Ohio announced charges against four defendants in a conspiracy scheme to defraud the government out of more than $1.4 million in COVID-19 relief funds. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. # # #


title: Two Robinhood Employees Charged With Fraud

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced today the unsealing of Complaints charging HEFU CHAI and HUAISONG XIANG, a/k/a “Jerry Xiang,” with commodities fraud and wire fraud arising from a scheme to misappropriate confidential business information from their employer, Robinhood Markets, Inc. (“Robinhood”), and use that information to trade perpetual futures on Hyperliquid, a decentralized derivatives exchange. CHAI will be presented today in the Northern District of California. XIANG will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang. “Misappropriating confidential information to trade in the derivatives markets for personal benefit is illegal,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “That is exactly what we allege Hefu Chai and Huaisong Xiang have done. Today’s charges make clear that corporate insiders cannot evade the securities and commodities laws by trading based on misappropriated information in derivatives like perpetual futures, tokenized securities, or other similar financial instruments.” “Hefu Chai and Huaisong Xiang are charged with commodities fraud and wire fraud for allegedly exploiting confidential business information taken from their employer to trade perpetual futures,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “These charges make clear the FBI with its partners will act when individuals access sensitive business information for their own benefit.” According to the Complaints unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:(1) CHAI and XIANG were employed as engineers at Robinhood. In connection with their roles at Robinhood, CHAI and XIANG had access to nonpublic information regarding whether and when Robinhood would support additional cryptocurrencies for trading on Robinhood Crypto, a Robinhood subsidiary that operates a digital asset trading platform. Hyperliquid markets itself as a decentralized exchange for trading a wide range of derivative products, including cryptocurrencies and derivatives tied to other underlying assets. Investors on Hyperliquid can purchase, among other things, perpetual futures (“perpetuals”). Perpetuals are derivative products that allow investors to take positions on the price movements of an underlying asset, whether a cryptocurrency or another asset, without owning the asset itself. Unlike traditional futures contracts, Hyperliquid’s perpetuals do not expire and can be maintained indefinitely. To keep a position open, however, traders must make or receive periodic funding payments, which align the perpetual’s price with the spot price of the underlying asset. A trader can settle the perpetual at any time and realize their gain or loss. Between 2025 and 2026, CHAI and XIANG repeatedly bought perpetual futures linked to cryptocurrency tokens on Hyperliquid in advance of Robinhood’s public announcements that the underlying cryptocurrency tokens would be listed on Robinhood Crypto. On each occasion, CHAI and XIANG possessed material nonpublic information that Robinhood would list the cryptocurrency token on Robinhood Crypto, and CHAI and XIANG traded on that information in breach of the duties that CHAI and XIANG owed to Robinhood to maintain the confidentiality of this information. CHAI and XIANG each profited more than $50,000 from their illicit trading. * * * CHAI, 36, of Menlo Park, California, and XIANG, 30, of Jersey City, New Jersey, are charged with one count of violating the Commodity Exchange Act, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. McDonald further thanked Robinhood for its cooperation with the investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra N. Rothman is in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Complaints are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ^ As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaints and the description of the Complaints set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.


title: Bronx Man Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison For Sexually Assaulting Two Minors And Production And Possession Of Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, announced today that JILDO ARMANDO MARIN was sentenced to 25 years in prison by U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl for his sexual exploitation of two minor victims and possession of child sexual abuse material. MARIN previously pled guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of possession of child pornography. “Today’s sentence reflects the Office’s unwavering commitment to protect children and prosecute those who prey on them,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “Our Office has held Jildo Armando Marin accountable for the profound and lasting harm he inflicted on these children. For nearly a decade, Marin sexually abused two minor victims, who were his own family members. He abused these children, and, when confronted with possible exposure, threatened his victims and forced them to maintain their silence. He compounded that abuse by creating and possessing a horrific collection of images and videos depicting the abuse of one of his victims, as well as showing the exploitation of other children. Marin will now deservedly spend lengthy time in prison.” According to documents filed in this case and statements made in public court proceedings: Beginning when Minor Victim-1, a female member of the defendant’s family, was approximately seven or eight years old and continuing until approximately January 2025, when Minor Victim-1 was approximately 13, MARIN sexually assaulted Minor Victim-1 on multiple occasions in the Bronx, New York, and during trips to Honduras. MARIN would lock the door, remove Minor Victim-1’s clothing, and photograph and record the abuse using his cellphone. MARIN touched Minor Victim-1’s vagina and buttocks with his hands, digitally penetrated her, and anally penetrated her with his penis on multiple occasions, including while she slept. In December 2024, MARIN used his cellphone to photograph Minor Victim-1’s genitals, and he subsequently transported that cellphone, and the images on it, out of the state of New York when he traveled abroad. MARIN also repeatedly sexually assaulted a second minor victim, Minor Victim-2, a male member of the defendant’s family, over the course of approximately 10 years, beginning when Minor Victim-2 was approximately eight years old and continuing until Minor Victim-2 was approximately 18. On at least one occasion, MARIN checked whether Minor Victim-2 was asleep, carried him to another room, and anally penetrated him with his penis. When Minor Victim-2 attempted to disclose the abuse, MARIN told him that Child Protective Services could remove him from his home and that his mother could get in trouble. On June 13, 2025, MARIN was stopped for a customs inspection at John F. Kennedy International Airport upon his return from an international trip. A search of his cellphone revealed sexually explicit images of Minor Victim-1. A subsequent forensic examination of MARIN’s cellphone revealed at least 85 sexually explicit images and videos of minors, including images depicting prepubescent children as young as approximately five years old subjected to sadistic sexual acts. * * * In addition to the prison term, MARIN, 34, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to a 10-year term of supervised release. Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding work of Homeland Security Investigations. This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Zabel is in charge of the prosecution.


title: Nigerian Man Previously Ordered Removed from U.S. Convicted of Unlawfully Possessing Firearm

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: INDIANAPOLIS- A federal jury has found Djamalou Ousseini, 56, of Niger, guilty of unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Ousseini was indicted on December 17, 2025. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, records maintained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) show that Ousseini, a citizen of Niger, illegally entered the United States in 2000 using a false passport under the name “Abdou Dijbo.” An immigration judge ordered him removed from the United States on April 29, 2008. Ousseini was eventually released from immigration custody in 2008 and was under an Order of Supervision, wherein he was required to check in with immigration officials regularly. Ousseini was never granted lawful status in the United States and never obtained legitimate travel documents, though he was repeatedly instructed to do so. Ousseini stopped communicating with immigration officials in 2022. On November 5, 2025, at approximately 8:00 a.m., FBI Special Agents and ICE officers arrived at Ousseini’s Indianapolis residence to arrest him on his removal order. When Ousseini answered the door, investigators immediately observed a Smith & Wesson SW40VE .40‑caliber handgun in a holster on his hip. The firearm was loaded with multiple live rounds. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated the case. U.S. District Judge James P. Hanlon presided over the trial and will sentence Ousseini at a later date. U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked the prosecution team—Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey L. Massa, Paralegal Specialist Sarah Helbig, and Systems Manager Kathy Wells—for their work on the case. ###


title: Twelve People Charged in $10 Million Home Daycare Fraud Schemes

component: USAO - California, Southern

body_text: SAN DIEGO – Twelve people are facing federal fraud charges after an investigation revealed that more than $10 million intended to help low-income families pay for childcare was instead funneled to bogus daycare providers. In a coordinated takedown early Thursday morning, more than 250 federal, state and local law enforcement officials arrested all 12 defendants and executed 12 search warrants at homes in San Diego purported to be used as daycare facilities. “These charges underscore a simple truth: anyone who steals from programs meant to support children will face swift and uncompromising accountability, said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Fraud against these programs is an attack on vulnerable families, and law enforcement will continue to dismantle schemes that exploit them. I want to thank the prosecutors and agents in the Southern District of California whose relentless work exposed this scheme and ensured that those responsible are being held accountable.” “Today is a bad day for home daycare fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, “These are the first charges alleging this type of fraud since the formation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. These fraudsters may have criminally gamed the system before. But today, the game is over.” “Programs that help families access childcare are intended to support children and working parents, not to enrich fraudsters,” said Homeland Security Investigations Assistant Director Michael Krol. “HSI is proud to stand with our federal, state, and local partners to identify and disrupt schemes that steal taxpayer-funded benefits from the communities they are meant to serve. These arrests reflect our commitment to protecting public programs, safeguarding children, and holding accountable those who exploit systems designed to help vulnerable families.” “Today’s takedown exposes a sprawling fraud scheme that siphoned more than $10 million from programs designed to help low-income families who depend on subsidized childcare. By following the money, IRS Criminal Investigation uncovered patterns of deceit that revealed twelve ghost daycare operations billing for children who were never present. This was not a victimless crime. It deprived working parents of critical support and eroded trust in programs meant to protect the most vulnerable in our communities. We remain steadfast in our commitment to safeguarding federal funds and ensuring that those who exploit public programs for personal gain are held fully accountable,” said IRS Criminal Investigation Chief Jarod Koopman. “Shameless attempts to steal taxpayer‑funded childcare funds for personal gain endanger support for some of our nation’s most vulnerable children,” said Special Agent in Charge Robb R. Breeden of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working alongside our law enforcement partners, HHS‑OIG will continue to pursue these schemes relentlessly to protect these funds and the families who depend on them.” The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides federal funding to California to help low-income families pay for childcare. In San Diego County, the County of San Diego, Child Development Associates (CDA), and the YMCA administer childcare subsidy programs. When CDA or the YMCA determines that a family qualifies for subsidized childcare, the organizations pay the eligible childcare provider directly after the provider submits required monthly attendance records documenting the care provided. The records must be signed by both the provider and parent under penalty of perjury and include the dates and times children are in care. California law also requires licensed childcare providers to be present and ensure that children are supervised at all times, except for limited temporary absences when a qualified substitute is present. While the 12 federal complaints are unrelated, the scheme was essentially the same: Defendants obtained a California license to operate a home childcare facility and registered with Child Development Associates (CDA) and the YMCA to provide subsidized childcare to eligible families. To receive government-funded payments, the defendants were required to submit monthly attendance records accurately documenting the dates and times they provided care to each child. Instead, the defendants knowingly submitted false attendance records claiming they provided childcare on dates and at times when they did not. They also falsely certified, under penalty of perjury, that the information was true and correct. CDA and the YMCA relied on those fraudulent records and issued payments with federal funds intended to pay for childcare actually provided to low-income families. The complaints describe how surveillance recordings of the defendants’ licensed facilities conflicted with what the defendants claimed in their attendance records. For example, Abdulrahman Ayman Alawad submitted attendance records claiming to have provided childcare to 23 children in March 2026 and 25 children April 2026, and that he provided childcare every day of those two months. But surveillance recordings covering 57 days of those months showed children entering or exiting Alawad’s facility on just one day—coincidentally, the day a state inspector showed up for an unannounced inspection, when children and Alawad himself arrived at the facility after the inspector arrived. Additionally, Alawad and several other defendants submitted attendance records claiming to have provided childcare at their homes when border crossing records shows they were not even in the United States. For example, according to a complaint charging Turkiya Mamdouh Alawad, border crossing records show that she departed the United States on or about on January 1, 2024, and returned to the United States around January 30, 2024. Despite not being in the United States, Alawad submitted attendance records to CDA and YMCA for the month of January 2024 and afterwards received eight direct deposits from CDA and YMCA that totaled $14,970.00 in February 2024. It’s a lucrative scam, the complaints indicate. Each defendant brought in between $538,000 and $1.2 million during various time periods that range from months to years. According to the complaints, Alawad received over $300,000 in payments from San Diego County, CDA, and YMCA in 2025 alone, and several defendants have each received over $1 million in payments in the course of their respective schemes. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric R. Olah, with prior assistance from Deputy Assistant Attorney General Siddharth Dadhich (National Fraud Enforcement Division) Assistant U.S. Attorney Oleksandra Johnson, Trial Attorney Sarah Fix (Antitrust Division). DEFENDANTS Fosiya Mohamoud 26-mj-05074 Age: 50 City of Residence: El Cajon, CA Abdulrahman Alawad 26-mj-05174 Age: 25 City of Residence: El Cajon, CA Zetun Abdi 26-mj-05184 Age: 43 City of Residence: San Diego, CA Ikramullah Mohmmand 26-mj-05185 Age: 25 City of Residence: El Cajon, CA Khetam Haouash 26-mj-05187 Age: 37 City of Residence: El Cajon, CA Khatera Hashimi 26-mj-05188 Age: 39 City of Residence: El Cajon, CA Mariam Khamis 26-mj-05189 Age: 42 City of Residence: San Diego, CA Mohamad Alawad 26-mj-05190 Age: 29 City of Residence: San Diego, CA Mazin Alawad 26-mj-05191 Age: 22 City of Residence: San Diego, CA Turkiya Alawad 26-mj-05194 Age: 63 City of Residence: San Diego, CA Zaryab Daudzai 26-mj-05195 Age: 25 City of Residence: El Cajon, CA Cezar Yaqoob 26-mj-05215 Age: 36 City of Residence: El Cajon, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Wire Fraud – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1343 Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine *Money Laundering – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1957 Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $500,000 fine *While defendants are charged with wire fraud, not all are charged with money laundering. INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Homeland Security Investigations IRS-Criminal Investigation Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General San Diego County Sheriff’s Office El Cajon Police Department *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This investigation 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 San Diego comprises agents and officers from FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals, Department of Defense, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Interpol, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. 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: Marion Man Pleads Guilty to Murdering S.C. EMS Worker

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

body_text: FLORENCE, S.C. — Jaremy Alexander Smith, 35, of Marion, has pleaded guilty to the 2024 kidnapping, carjacking, and murder of a Florence County EMS worker. Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that on March 13, 2024, Smith entered the home of Phonesia Machado-Fore in Marion where he kidnapped her and took her to a remote location near Nichols. Once there, Smith executed Machado-Fore behind an abandoned house while she was bound and blindfolded. Smith then drove Machado-Fore’s car back to her residence where he stole several firearms that he later sold. Smith then drove the stolen car to New Mexico, where he killed New Mexico State Police (NMSP) Officer Justin Hare on March 15, 2024. In April 2025, Smith was sentenced to life in prison in the District of New Mexico for killing the NMSP Officer. “The senseless murders of Ms. Machado-Fore and NMSP Officer Hare were shocking and heartbreaking,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Now, thanks to a multi-state law enforcement investigation, Smith faces accountability for these two heinous acts. We offer our continued condolences to both families as they heal and remember their loved ones.” “The defendant’s violent and horrific attacks on two first responders sent shockwaves throughout South Carolina and New Mexico,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Anish Shukla. “While his acceptance of responsibility cannot bring back Ms. Machado‑Fore or Officer Hare, we truly hope their families and friends can start healing knowing that the defendant is being held fully accountable for his despicable actions.” Smith faces a mandatory penalty of life in federal prison. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and a term of supervision to follow imprisonment. United States District Judge Joseph Dawson III accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Smith after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Everett McMillian and Christopher Lietzow are prosecuting the case with support from DOJ’s Capital Case Section Trial Attorneys Barry Disney, Julie Adams and Aria Merle. ###


title: Lexington Man Sentenced to More than 18 years in Federal Prison for Drug Distribution

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — Demetrius Tyare Glenn, 36, of Lexington, has been sentenced to more than 18 years in federal prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy. Evidence gathered during the investigation showed that, beginning in 2023, members of a drug-trafficking organization distributed large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana throughout the Columbia and Lexington County areas. Investigators identified Glenn as a key source of supply and determined he used four locations to store and distribute narcotics. The investigation further revealed that Glenn manufactured counterfeit pills using a pill press machine. On Oct. 24, 2024, law enforcement executed search warrants at three of Glenn’s stash houses. Officers recovered approximately 1,423.69 grams of methamphetamine, 57.4 grams of fentanyl, 189.7 grams of cocaine, 150 grams of MDMA, 56 grams of marijuana, more than $14,000 in cash, money counters, two loaded firearms, ammunition, digital scales, packaging materials, and other drug paraphernalia. Glenn was also held responsible for an additional 9,000 grams of cocaine, 1,130 grams of methamphetamine, and 170 grams of fentanyl attributed to him over the course of the investigation. Glenn has prior convictions for assault and battery 1st degree and possession of marijuana. Because of his prior convictions, he was prohibited by law from possessing firearms and ammunition. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis sentenced Glenn to 220 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by a five-year term of court-ordered supervision. There is no parole in the federal system. 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. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the City of Columbia Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariyana Gore prosecuted the case. ###


title: Florida Man Indicted for Defrauding Columbia HBCU of $3M in Football Stadium Scheme

body_text: COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal grand jury in Columbia returned a four-count indictment, presented by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, charging Lamonica “Monti” Valrie, 66, of Hollywood, Florida, for wire fraud and money laundering in a scheme that defrauded Allen University (AU), the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church (AU’s parent organization), and other victims of over $6 million. The indictment alleges that Valrie devised a scheme to defraud Allen University and the AME Church through his business entity “50 Plus 1 L.L.C.” In August 2023, Valrie partnered with AU and promised to build a football stadium at no cost to AU. Valrie did not have sufficient funding sources to develop, construct, or build a stadium. In January 2024, he secured an amendment to the agreement obligating AU to pay him up to $3 million to expedite the construction of the stadium and to provide a playable field by the start of the 2024 football season. The agreement explicitly required Valrie to use the expedite fee to advance the project. Valrie secured a $500,000 lump sum from AU, plus $70,000 per month from AU to expedite the construction of the stadium. The indictment further alleges that Valrie defrauded the AME Church of approximately $154,000 in other stadium related funds. No stadium was ever built. Instead, Valrie spent the funds on personal luxury purchases including exotic supercars, jewelry, luxury goods, a Yacht charter, and a high-end rental home in south Florida. Valrie faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. He was arrested in Florida and made an initial appearance in federal court in the Southern District of Florida. He will have a future court appearance in the District of South Carolina. The case was investigated by FBI Columbia Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney T. DeWayne Pearson is prosecuting the case. All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Las Vegas Felon Sentenced to Over Five Years in Prison for Unlawful Possession of Firearm and Ammunition

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A felon who has prior convictions was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 65 months in prison to be followed by a three-year term of supervised release for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. The government requested a sentence of 65 months imprisonment. “Keeping illegal firearms out of our neighborhoods and holding repeat offenders accountable is a top priority for our office,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. "When individuals with prior felony convictions choose to violate federal law by possessing firearms and ammunition, they pose a direct threat to public safety. We will continue to work tirelessly alongside our local and federal law enforcement partners to enforce these critical gun safety laws, remove dangerous weapons from our streets, and protect the families of Nevada." According to court documents, on April 21, 2022, Christian Demarco Thomas was driving a stolen vehicle. During a vehicle stop, law enforcement observed a firearm with a loaded magazine and another magazine on Thomas. He possessed a loaded .45 caliber firearm containing an extended magazine, a fully loaded Glock 13 magazine, and hollow-point cartridges and other ammunition. Thomas has been previously convicted of battery with use of a deadly weapon and attempted battery with substantial bodily harm, both in Clark County, Nevada. He is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm, magazines, and ammunition. Thomas pleaded guilty to one count of felon in possession of a firearm and one count of felon in possession of ammunition. The ATF investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Afroza Yeasmin prosecuted the case. ###


title: The Northern District of West Virginia joins DOJ Fraud Division, SBA, and SBA OIG in Surge Takedown Exceeding $245 Million in COVID-era Loan Fraud; Two Morgantown Business Owners Part of National Fraud Takedown

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: Joint national takedown: 40 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, along with 20 federal and state investigative agencies, participate in two-month enforcement surge MORGANTOWN, WEST VIRGIINA – The Northern District of West Virginia, today, announced the sentencing and plea agreement as part of a nationwide enforcement action led by the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Small Business Administration, and the SBA Office of Inspector General targeting fraud in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The Northern District of West Virginia was a key participant in this surge effort. From June 12 to September 1, federal prosecutors across the country facilitated fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants, including approximately 80 newly charged defendants, reaching approximately $245 million dollars in intended loss to American taxpayers. “These defendants deliberately stole from programs funded by American taxpayers and intended to support legitimate small businesses,” said United States Attorney Matthew Harvey . “ Our office will aggressively pursue those who misuse federal funds and will hold accountable anyone who attempts to defraud the United States.” “Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns—not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications— but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” “This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast every day—standing shoulder-to-shoulder with our partners—to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.” “Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.” “Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.” James Baldwin, II, owner of Select Decks, a business in Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to 30 days in federal prison and ordered to pay $1,007,223 in restitution. Baldwin, 46, applied for and received several Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans during the COVID-19 pandemic, both for his deck building business, Select Decks, and for three other businesses that were not in operation before the pandemic. Baldwin falsified documents for the loan application to obtain $738,230 in PPP loans from multiple banks and then obtained forgiveness for the loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). Baldwin also failed to pay $258,993 in payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. Beginning in tax year 2016, Baldwin issued pay stubs and W‑2 forms to his employees reflecting that employment taxes had been withheld. However, investigators determined that Baldwin failed to file required IRS Forms 941 or W‑3 for Select Decks and did not remit any of the withheld taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. In a separate case, Kurt Ly, owner and operator of Vin Phat, Inc., in Morgantown, West Virginia, has admitted to a scheme to defraud federal pandemic relief programs designed to support small businesses during the COVID‑19 crisis. According to investigators, Ly, 69, of Morgantown, obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, used the funds for impermissible expenses, and then obtained forgiveness from the SBA by falsely certifying to the SBA that the money was used for permissible business expenses. In addition to the PPP loans, Ly received an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) loan of $146,600 in August 2020 after certifying that the funds would be used solely as working capital for Vin Phat. Instead, investigators found that Ly used the money for large personal expenditures, including a $15,000 payment for a vehicle, multiple cryptocurrency investments, and transfers to his personal bank account. The PPP program was created under the CARES Act to help small businesses maintain payroll and cover essential expenses during the public health emergency. Applicants were required to provide accurate payroll documentation, verify their identities, and certify that loan proceeds would be used only for permissible business purposes. In addition, borrowers seeking loan forgiveness were required to certify—under penalty of perjury—that PPP funds were spent on allowable expenses such as payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. The Baldwin case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer T. Conklin. The Ly case was investigated by the Federal Reserve Bureau - Office of Inspective General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer T. Conklin and Eleanor F. Hurney. 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: Santa Rosa County Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiring with Others to Share Obscene Child Sexual Abuse Material Online

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: Pensacola, Florida – Christopher M. Mayer, 32, of Navarre, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute, receive, and possess visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and one count of receipt of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the guilty plea. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our excellent state and federal law enforcement partners remain ever-vigilant in the fight against sexual predators peddling child sexual abuse material online, and I deeply appreciate their excellent investigative work that supported the successful prosecution of this defendant by my office. Keeping our kids safe from these sick individuals demands aggressive prosecutions and severe punishments, and that is exactly what my office will continue to pursue in these cases.” Court records reveal the defendant communicated with others via online social media platforms regarding the sexual exploitation of minors. This led to law enforcement executing a search warrant for his electronics at his residence earlier this year. Law enforcement seized over two dozen terabytes data from the defendant’s electronic devices, which revealed the defendant in possession of multiple cellular telephones as well as a computer tower full of child pornography and computer-generated streaming videos of child sexual abuse. The defendant was found to be online discussing these illicit images and sharing them with others. Mayer will be sentenced in federal court before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II in Pensacola, Florida, on December 3, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Mayer faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, on each of the counts. Mayer would also be required to register as a sexual offender and forfeit all the electronic devices utilized to commit the crimes. The case was jointly investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Thomas S.P. Geeker. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Gainesville Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Production and Distribution of Child Pornography Charges

body_text: Gainesville, Florida – Trinity Joy Johnson, 26, of Gainesville, pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of sexual exploitation of children producing child pornography, fifteen counts of distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the outstanding investigative work by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations, my office was able to aggressively prosecute this defendant to ensure she is held fully accountable for her disgusting crimes victimizing an innocent child.” Court documents reflect that the defendant used her cell phone to take sexually explicit photographs of a toddler that she was supposed to be taking care of. The defendant then shared those photos, and other files of child pornography, online with strangers while discussing sexually explicit topics. A search of the defendant’s phone revealed over 100 files that depicted child sex abuse material. As to each count of production of child pornography, Johnson faces a minimum term of fifteen years’ imprisonment and a maximum term of thirty years’ imprisonment. As to each count for distribution of child pornography, Johnson faces a minimum term of five years’ imprisonment and a maximum term of twenty years’ imprisonment. As to the sole count of possession of child pornography, Johnson faces a maximum term of twenty years’ imprisonment. Sentencing is scheduled for November 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., at the United States Courthouse in Gainesville, Florida before Chief United States District Court Judge Allen C. Winsor. The case was investigated by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Adam Hapner is prosecuting the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .