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

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: 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). FBI agents 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 25 th 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.” “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 than the last 18 months before the Trump administration started — as well as executing 42% more Foreign Terrorist Organization-related arrests and dismantling 96% more FTO’s. 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.” “As alleged in the complaint, Jonathan’s Kramer’s words and actions during recent months have been profoundly concerning,” said U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti for the Western District of Pennsylvania. “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 communities 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 Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office. “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, his 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 Sept. 12, 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 on 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 . Kramer made his initial appearance on Sept. 14. 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. Assistant U.S. 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 the case. The FBI, with assistance from numerous state and local counterparts, conducted the investigation. A criminal complaint is an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.


title: Western District of Washington joins DOJ Fraud Division, SBA and SBA-OIG in Surge Takedown exceeding $245 million in COVID-era Loan Fraud

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle –The Western District of Washington today announced the plea and sentencing in two cases 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 Western District of Washington 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. “Every dollar that went to fraud is a dollar that was not available to help our small businesses who struggled to stay afloat during the pandemic,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. “Our office will prioritize holding fraudsters accountable for the harm they cause in our communities.” “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 Washington First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd highlighted that two defendants pleaded guilty to PPP-related fraud involving approximately $1.3 million in alleged losses. In July, Rahim Kassamali was sentenced to a year and a day in prison for fraudulently obtaining nearly $1.2 million in PPP and Economic Injury Disaster Loans for four companies. Kassamali created fake tax documents and submitted a dozen false loan applications. He paid no payroll but instead used the money for stock purchases and living expenses. Tyler Lee Berens pleaded guilty in July to fraudulently applying for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance benefits in 19 states and collecting $148,206. Berens also applied for $17,500 in a PPP loan but was not successful in this fraud. He is scheduled for sentencing October 5, 2026. The Kassamali case was investigated by the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Grace Zoller. The Berens case was investigated by the FBI, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA-OIG) and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG). The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica M. Ly. Ms. Ly is an attorney with the Social Security Administration specially designated to prosecute fraud cases in federal court. 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: Seattle man who recruited and armed juveniles for a string of marijuana dispensary robberies sentenced to 17-years in prison

body_text: Seattle – A 26-year-old Seattle man was sentenced late Friday September 11 th , in U.S. District Cout in Seattle to 17 years in prison for armed bank robbery, robbery, and conspiracy to commit robbery, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Michael Keylon Miller-Jimerson pleaded guilty in February 2026 to a leadership role in a series of violent marijuana dispensary robberies and bank robberies between December 2021 and June 2022. In one of the marijuana shop robberies a worker was killed when he was shot by one of the juveniles that Miller-Jimerson was working with. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Lauren King said, “You and others went on a violent crime spree, terrorizing the community for your own personal gain. You used juveniles… to commit the most dangerous part of the offenses. And you didn’t stop after a man lost his life. A lengthy sentence is needed to protect the community.” “This defendant recruited juveniles to do his dirty work, perhaps in the mistaken belief that it would insulate him from criminal responsibility – clearly it did not,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “His actions caused terror for store clerks and bank tellers and cost one young man his life. A 17-year federal sentence is needed to protect the public and hold him accountable.” “For almost six months, Miller-Jimerson and his armed co-conspirators stormed through businesses around the Puget Sound region," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "By recruiting vulnerable children, arming them, and training them to commit dangerous crimes, Miller-Jimerson and another adult co-conspirator sought to minimize their own criminal liability while they shared in the proceeds, including tens of thousands of dollars of stolen cash. This conduct was epitomized on March 19, 2022, when Miller-Jimerson waited in a vehicle outside as an employee of a marijuana dispensary in Tacoma, Washington lay dying, shot by a 15-year-old co-conspirator during a robbery gone wrong. This sentencing sends a clear message: adults who exploit juveniles to act on their behalf will be targeted for federal prosecution. Together with our partners, FBI Seattle will continue to combat violent crime in its many forms.” According to records filed in the case, On December 24, 2021, Miller-Jimerson, Shannon Hartfield, and Danesxy Ortega robbed Greenworks and Greenfire marijuana dispensaries in Seattle, Washington. Miller-Jimerson was the getaway driver for these armed, take-over style robberies. A series of other marijuana dispensary robberies followed with Miller-Jimerson and Hartfield picking targets, recruiting juvenile robbers, and acting as the getaway drivers. On January 21, 2022, they robbed Zips Dispensary in Tacoma, on March 11, Miller-Jimerson provided a firearm to a juvenile for the robbery of Lucid Cannabis in Auburn and the West Seattle Dispensary. On March 19, Miller-Jimerson had armed juveniles rob the Bakeree dispensary in Seattle. One of the juveniles fired a shot in the air in that robbery. Miller-Jimerson traveled with the robbery crew to Tacoma where the juveniles robbed World of Weed. Miller-Jimerson waited outside as the getaway driver. An employee of the World of Weed was shot and killed during the robbery. Following that shooting, Miller-Jimerson switched from robbing dispensaries to robbing banks. In June 2022, Miller-Jimerson and his coconspirator Hartfield sent juveniles into a Seattle Chase Bank branch. They were unsuccessful in robbing that bank, so they went to the Salal Credit Union, brandished guns and forced employees to unlock safes. The final robbery in the string was June 17, 2022, of a Chase branch again in Seattle. Coconspirator Shannon Hartfield was convicted in May 2026 of 17 federal felonies from the bank robbery scheme. In asking for a 17-year-sentence Assistant United States Attorney Kristine Foerster wrote to the court, “Miller-Jimerson and others went on a violent crime spree, robbing multiple marijuana dispensaries and banks throughout the end of 2021 and the first half of 2022. Miller-Jimerson and Shannon Hartfield used juveniles to commit many of their crimes, finding the juveniles easy to control and believing that the juveniles would face lower penalties. During each robbery, Miller-Jimerson knew that his accomplices were armed with firearms and that they intended to use them. He knew that the juveniles and young adults he sent in to commit these robberies would brandish the guns, threatening the victims while demanding money. And even after a man lost his life during one of these robberies, Miller-Jimerson didn’t stop.” Miller-Jimerson’s federal time will run concurrently with the 15-year sentence he received in Pierce County Superior Court. Judge King imposed five years of supervised release to follow prison and ended her sentencing hearing addressing the victims: “The defendants not only stole marijuana and the victims’ tip money, but they also left victims with lasting emotional consequences. Many of these individuals continue to cope with fear, anxiety, and the disruption to their lives caused by the defendants. The impact of these crimes is likely to remain with the victims for years to come… But I want to emphasize that it’s very meaningful to the Court that various victims have shared their experiences with the victim witness coordinator, spoke with law enforcement about the crimes, and summoned the courage necessary to testify at trial…. By taking these actions, the victims have helped ensure that these kinds of crimes are prevented from happening to others, not just at the hands of the various defendants who have been prosecuted in state and federal courts for these crimes with the help of victim statements, but also in the form of deterring other would-be offenders from engaging in these types of crimes.” The case was investigated by the FBI with significant assistance from Seattle Police Department, Tacoma Police Department, Tukwila Police Department, Kent Police Department, King County Sherriff’s Office, and Auburn Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United Stats Attorney’s Kristine Foerster and Amanda McDowell.


title: Washington County Man Pleads Guilty in CARES Act Fraud

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ABINGDON, Va. – A Washington County, Virginia man, who conspired with others to file false claims for pandemic unemployment benefits authorized by the CARES Act, pled guilty today. The CARES Act is a federal law, enacted in March of 2020, that was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Richard David Michael Bland, 62, pled guilty today to one count of conspiring to defraud the United States and commit an offense against the United States by filing fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment benefits as authorized by federal law. According to court documents, from July 2020 through May 2021 Bland, along with co-conspirators Martha Sue Buffy Davis and Robert Walter Neely, and others, conspired to file false and fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment benefits. To perpetuate the scheme, Bland, along with other members of the conspiracy, invented non-existent businesses for the purpose of listing them on their applications for benefits with the Virginia Employment Commission. Bland worked with Davis to file an application claiming to be employed at “Bland’s Odd’s and Ends,” a business law enforcement determined did not exist. Bland subsequently recertified, or conspired to have recertified, his employment at the nonexistent business more than 75 times. Bland, along with co-defendants Davis, Neely, and Jessie Miller, are scheduled for sentencing in December 2026 and January 2027. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Labor, and the Virginia Employment Commission investigated the case. First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Stone and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Virginia Office of the Attorney General Senior Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, are prosecuting the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Bookkeeper of Local Business Admits to Wire and Mail Fraud Charges

body_text: ABINGDON, Va. – The bookkeeper for a Bristol, Virginia-based business pled guilty today to a pair of federal fraud charges for stealing more than $200,000 to pay her bills and buy more than 400 items from Amazon. Angela Sue Conley, 60, pleaded guilty today to one count of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud. According to court documents, Conley worked as the bookkeeper for a Bristol, Virginia-based business (Company A) for more than 40 years until she was terminated in February 2025. As Company A’s bookkeeper, Conley was responsible for, among other duties, Company A’s payroll. As such, Conley had access to bank accounts and was issued a company credit card. Beginning in January 2020 and continuing through February 2025, Conley devised a scheme to personally enrich herself through fraud by obtaining funds that belonged to Company A. Conley used her authority as bookkeeper to send wire transfers of funds from Company A’s bank account to Conley’s personal Capital One credit card account, her personal checking account, and to make hundreds of purchases from Amazon. These 474 items included high heel shoes, pool covers, and earrings. All of the items were delivered via the U.S. Postal Service or commercial interstate carrier. Conley sent 38 payments totaling $139,246 from Company A’s bank account to her personal credit card account without authorization. In addition, Conley transferred funds from Company A’s bank account to Verizon, BVU Authority, and the Virginia Department of Taxation as payment for Conley’s personal bills. All these payments were made without authorization. In all, between January 2020 and February 2025, Conley caused $205,889 in fraudulent transactions to be made. First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Stone is prosecuting the case


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

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: WASHINGTON – Today, the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division along with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the SBA Office of Inspector General, as part of a Heartland Fraud Surge announced the results of Operation No Doze, a surge of criminal enforcement actions targeting fraud in SBA’s small business COVID-era loan programs. During the summer surge between June 12 and Sept. 1, SBA-OIG and federal prosecutors in the Fraud Division and across over 40 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, with assistance from various partners, obtained felony charges against nearly 80 fraud defendants responsible for approximately $100 million dollars in intended loss to the United States. These charges target a range of individuals who allegedly exploited COVID-era SBA loan programs at the height of the pandemic. Beyond newly charged defendants, as part of Operation No Doze, approximately 43 defendants pleaded guilty to SBA-related COVID fraud, reaching approximately $44 million in intended loss. And approximately 40 defendants were sentenced for SBA-related COVID fraud, reaching nearly $100 million in intended loss. Together, this targeted surge resulted in fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants and involved approximately $245 million dollars in intended loss to American taxpayers. Operation No Doze is a direct result of President Donald J. Trump’s creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division at the DOJ, the first new division in the DOJ in twenty years. “Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns—not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications— but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” “This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast every day—standing shoulder‑to‑shoulder with our partners—to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.” “Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.” “Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.” “We are proud to stand with our federal and state partners in rooting out criminal activity of all kinds, especially defrauding the public,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. “Fraud is not a victimless crime. Every dollar stolen is a dollar taken from hardworking taxpayers or from someone who depends on the programs those dollars are meant to support. In Missouri, we will continue working at every level to hold fraudsters accountable and protect those they seek to exploit.” Federal and State Partners Participating in Operation No Doze U.S. Attorney Partners: Central District of California, District of Kansas, District of Idaho, District of Maryland, District of Massachusetts, District of Montana, District of New Mexico, District of Oregon, District of Rhode Island, Eastern District of California, Eastern District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Eastern District of Michigan, Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern District of New York, Eastern District of Texas, Eastern District of Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, Middle District of Florida, Middle District of Louisiana, Northern District of California, Northern District of Florida, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Indiana, Northern District of Iowa, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Texas, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of Alabama, Southern District of California, Southern District of Florida, Southern District of Indiana, Southern District of Ohio, Southern District of West Virginia, Western District of Kentucky, Western District of Michigan, Western District of Missouri, Western District of New York, Western District of North Carolina, Western District of Oklahoma, Western District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Tennessee, Western District of Texas, Western District of Washington. Federal and State Investigative Partners: Amtrak, Office of Inspector General; City of Jacksonville, Office of Inspector General; Department of Homeland Security, Office of Inspector General; Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General; Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General; Export-Import Bank of the United States; FBI; Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General; Federal Housing Finance Agency, Office of Inspector General; Federal Housing Administration; Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, Office of Inspector General; HSI; Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation; National Science Foundation, Office of Inspector General; Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General; Social Security Administration; Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration; U.S. Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General; U.S. Secret Service; Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General; West Virginia State Police; Tampa Police Department. Heartland Fraud Partnership Summit: In tandem with the results of Operation No Doze, the Fraud Division announced three new federal-state cooperation agreements with the Missouri Secretary of State, Nebraska Treasurer, and Kansas Treasurer to strengthen ongoing fraud enforcement efforts. On September 14, 2026, over twenty-five federal and state officials gathered for the Heartland Partnership Fraud Summit in Kansas City, Missouri, including representatives from 6 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, 3 State Attorneys General Offices, 3 State Financial Offices, 3 Secretaries of State, 3 federal law enforcement partners, and 2 Members of Congress. Federal and State Partners at the 2026 Heartland Fraud Partnership Summit U.S. Attorney Partners: U.S. Attorneys Office Partners (In-Person Attendance): U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri Matthew Price U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri Thomas Albus U.S. Attorney for District of Nebraska Lesley Woods U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Leif Olson U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa David Waterman U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas Ryan Kriegshauser State Partners: Iowa: Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate Kansas: Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach, Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab Nebraska: Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, Nebraska Auditor Mike Foley, Nebraska Treasurer Joey Spellerberg Missouri: Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, Missouri State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, and Missouri Department of Social Services Jessica Bax United States Congressional Representation: Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO) These partnerships and actions demonstrate how state and federal partners can work together to strengthen fraud detection, share information, and accelerate enforcement efforts nationwide. The Department encourages every state across the country to partner with the Fraud Division on similar efforts. Fraud Division & SBA’s Operation “No Doze” Summer Surge View a dynamic map of the Fraud Division & SBA’s Operation “No Doze” Summer Surge here. Notable Cases (Intended Loss Figures) 1.) United States v. Jamie Gray (Indictment) – $55,931,875 – Western District of Missouri Jamie Gray is charged with wire fraud and money laundering. According to the indictment, Gray submitted Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications claiming to own dozens of businesses that were operating before the COVID-19 pandemic. In every instance but one, the businesses Gray allegedly claimed to own were not in operation on or before February 15, 2020 (eligibility deadline). The only claimed business that actually existed was “Fur Lives Matter,” a Texas company that allegedly had no knowledge of Gray. The indictment alleges that Gray’s representations regarding ownership, employees, gross revenue, and business operations were entirely fabricated. Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney for the Western District of Missouri. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Eggert for the Western District of Missouri. 2.) United States v. Adrian Pupo Perez et al. (Indictment) – $2,400,000 – Northern District of Iowa On July 9, 2026, a grand jury in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, charged Adrian Rafael Pupo Perez and Helen Yaima Leyva Santiesteban with 47 counts of wire fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy. Beginning in July 2020, Pupo Perez, Leyva Santiesteban, and more than 100 other individuals originally from Cuba allegedly sought fraudulent PPP loans and EIDLs by falsely claiming they were self-employed, among other allegedly false representations. The co-conspirators allegedly submitted approximately 470 fraudulent PPP loan applications in the names of more than 100 individuals across the United States. They allegedly fraudulently sought more than $4.5 million in PPP funds, with approximately $2.4 million disbursed. Pupo Perez and Leyva Santiesteban are fugitives at this time. Prosecuted by District Fraud Counsel Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy L. Vavricek for the Northern District of Iowa. 3.) United States v. Pu Wang and Rui Li (Indictment) – $102,397 – Northern District of Indiana Pu Wang and Rui Li are charged with fraudulently obtaining federal grant funds for their company, Vibronix, by falsely representing that the company had no Chinese affiliates and by certifying that the funded work was performed in the United States when most of the work was allegedly performed in China. In addition to allegedly defrauding the Small Business Innovation Research federal grant program, Wang also allegedly certified in PPP loan applications that all covered employees had their primary residence in the United States. Wang was himself a covered employee and, according to the allegations, lived in China during the relevant period. Wang further allegedly certified that none of Vibronix’s board members were residents of the People’s Republic of China. Public SEC filings identified Wang as a Vibronix board member who was known to live in China at the time of the application for federal funds. According to the indictment, Wang had received an award in 2014 sponsored by the PRC to encourage Chinese citizens who study in the United States to return to China. Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francis Sohn for the Northern District of Indiana. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Lupa Northern District of Indiana. 4.) United States v. Eve Zou (Information) – $319,800 – Western District of Texas Eve Zou is charged with making false and fraudulent representations to the U.S. Small Business Administration to obtain EIDL funds and grants purportedly for legitimate business purposes. At the time of the charged offense, Zou was an employee of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, a state agency designed to protect children, the elderly, and adults in Texas with disabilities from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The information alleges that Zou instead used EIDL proceeds for personal benefit, including the purchase of real estate in Austin, Texas and investments in brokerage accounts. Zou also allegedly made multiple false statements in the applications, including using her daughter’s identity without her daughter’s knowledge or permission, falsely claiming to have 50 employees, and falsely claiming lost rental income. Zou allegedly obtained three SBA loans totaling $319,800. Zou has agreed to plead guilty to the charges against her. Zou also agreed to forfeiture of all assets purchased with the fraud proceeds, which have grown in value. As a result, the government intends to recoup more than Zou stole. Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandy Gann for the Western District of Texas. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Chung for the Western District of Texas. 5.) United States v. Melissa Fireside (Indictment) — $1,573,350 – District of Oregon Melissa Fireside, a former Clackamas County Commissioner, allegedly attempted to fraudulently obtain approximately $1.6 million in PPP and EIDL funds associated with her claimed businesses. The State of Oregon has charged Fireside with eight felony counts — including first-degree forgery, first-degree aggravated theft, computer crimes, and identity theft. Fireside was charged in the District of Oregon with two counts of wire fraud. According to prosecutors, Fireside submitted an EIDL application using the identity of another person, G.F., without G.F.’s authorization. Fireside was alleged to be G.F.’s caregiver and manager of G.F.’s finances. Fireside allegedly also submitted a fraudulent PPP application supported by fabricated tax documents and bank records, falsely represented that the business was operating and had employees and substantial revenues, and then diverted the loan proceeds for her personal use. Fireside is believed to have fled the country and remains an international fugitive subject to an INTERPOL Red Notice in connection with the federal charges. Prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey A. Barrow for the District of Oregon. District Fraud Counsel AOR: Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Meyers for the District of Oregon. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. An indictment, information, or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ### OAG/NFED 26-1052 If you have questions, please use the contacts in the message or call the Office of Public Affairs at 202-514-2007.


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

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania today announced the conviction of two defendants as part of a nationwide enforcement action led by the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the SBA Office of Inspector General targeting fraud in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). 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. “Small Business Administration-related fraud harms not only U.S. taxpayers, but the many small businesses and owners who play by the rules and are legitimately entitled to these funds,” said United States Attorney Troy Rivetti. “As demonstrated by this nationwide enforcement surge, this type of fraudulent activity was prevalent and is still being uncovered and prosecuted years after the COVID-19 pandemic. Our office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that this extremely serious criminal conduct continues to be prosecuted to the fullest extent in our district.” “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.” In the Western District of Pennsylvania, United States Attorney Rivetti announced that two defendants have been convicted—one by jury trial—for PPP-related fraud during the takedown period, involving a total of nearly $1 million in alleged losses. On July 8, 2026, April Jones-Munnerlyn, 51, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, with the help of a co-conspirator, Jones-Munnerlyn caused the filing of false employment tax returns for her business and a business owned by her husband. The returns falsely reported that the businesses paid wages to employees when they did not, and that the businesses were accordingly entitled to the employee retention credit, even though they were not. As a result, the defendant received more than $400,000 in fraudulently obtained refunds. Jones-Munnerlyn also caused the submission of a false and fraudulent PPP loan application on behalf of her business, in response to which she received $20,833 to which she was not actually entitled. The defendant faces a sentence of up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine, or both, and agreed-upon restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of $411,731.18 and to the SBA of $20,833. The IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Jones-Munnerlyn. On August 28, 2026, Jason Youngdahl, 44, of Brockway, Pennsylvania, was convicted on all charges—two counts of wire fraud, two counts of money laundering, and one count of theft of government money—by a federal jury in the Western District of Pennsylvania pertaining to his pandemic fraud. The evidence presented during the two-day trial established that Youngdahl fraudulently obtained more than $540,000 from the United States SBA in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), which were funds intended to provide small businesses with relief from the COVID-19 pandemic. Youngdahl fraudulently obtained loan funds on five different occasions, each time representing that he would use the money for the small business he operated when, in fact, he planned to and did use the funds for personal purchases, including a personal vehicle and residence. The defendant faces a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and United States Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Youngdahl. “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.” 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: Hermitage Felon Pleads Guilty to Unlawful Possession of Firearm

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Western

body_text: PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of possessing a firearm after a felony conviction, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. Marryon Hopson Savage, 28, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge William S. Stickman IV. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on January 15, 2025, Hopson Savage possessed a firearm after previously having been convicted of a felony. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Judge Stickman scheduled sentencing for January 26, 2027. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant. Assistant United States Attorney Craig W. Haller is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States. The Hermitage Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Hopson Savage.


title: Western District of Oklahoma Joins DOJ Fraud Division, SBA, and SBA OIG in Surge Takedown Exceeding $245 Million in COVID-Era Loan Fraud

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: 40 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, along with 20 federal and state investigative agencies, participate in two-month enforcement surge OKLAHOMA CITY – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma today announced charges against five defendants 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 Western District of Oklahoma 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. “Those who exploited pandemic relief programs stole resources intended for legitimate businesses struggling to keep their doors open,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “The cases brought in the Western District of Oklahoma demonstrate that fraud committed years ago will not simply be forgotten. Our office will continue to follow the evidence, pursue those who abused these programs, and seek justice on behalf of the American taxpayers who funded them.” “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 Oklahoma, the following defendants have been charged: Leroy Sha-Ron Thompson, Jr., 34, of Georgia; Emily Witty, 31, of Texas; and Mark Parnell, 32, of Texas: From March 2021 through January 2022, Thompson, Witty, and Parnell conspired with each other and others to submit fraudulent PPP loan applications supported by false documents, including bank statements and tax records. In total, the defendants assisted in creating more than 100 fraudulent PPP loan applications. All three defendants pleaded guilty in June 2026 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and face up to 30 years in federal prison and fines of up to $1,000,000.00 at sentencing. Olabode Nurudeen Jimoh, 54, of Yukon, Oklahoma: Beginning in April 2020, Jimoh submitted fraudulent applications for one EIDL and five PPP loans by making false statements about his businesses’ income, payroll, and number of employees, and falsely certifying that the proceeds would be used for authorized business purposes. As a result, Jimoh fraudulently obtained $484,266 in EIDL and PPP loan proceeds, which he instead used for personal expenses. Jimoh pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $484,266 in restitution. Kingsley Tazinya, 40, of Oklahoma City: In May 2020, Tazinya submitted a fraudulent PPP loan application to MidFirst Bank in which he falsely claimed his business had 13 employees and an average monthly payroll of more than $99,000. Based on the fraudulent application, Tazinya obtained approximately $249,600 in PPP loan proceeds that were transferred to a bank account he controlled. Tazinya pleaded guilty to bank fraud and was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $564,500 in restitution. Assistant U.S. Attorneys D.H. Dilbeck, Danielle London, and Jackson D. Eldridge are prosecuting the cases. As part of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force, this investigation was conducted by Manager Steve Hanson. The PRAC promotes transparency and supports oversight of the funds provided by the CARES Act, other emergency coronavirus-related spending bills, and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The PRAC and its member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, including in spending in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. This case was also supported by the PRAC’s advanced data analytics center , which applies the latest advances in analytic and forensic technologies to help OIGs and law enforcement pursue data-driven pandemic relief fraud investigations. On April 7, 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: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of North Carolina Joins DOJ Fraud Division, SBA, and SBA OIG in Surge Takedown Exceeding $245 Million in COVID-era Loan Fraud

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina today announced criminal prosecutions as part of a nationwide enforcement action led by the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the SBA Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG) 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 point of pandemic relief funds was to keep businesses afloat and people employed during the COVID pandemic,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “As you can see from this extraordinary coordination among law enforcement agencies to identify and hold these fraudsters accountable, we will stop at nothing to protect taxpayer dollars.” “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 Western North Carolina, U.S. Attorney Ferguson announced that the following defendants have pleaded guilty or have been sentenced for PPP and other pandemic-related fraud: U.S. vs. Robert Dailey – Dailey, 54, of Charlotte and a former resident of Fort Mill, South Carolina, has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering for defrauding the SBA and SBA-approved lenders of more than $4.6 million in PPP and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) funds. From 2020 to 2023, Dailey submitted materially false and fraudulent loan applications on behalf of himself and other businesses. Dailey owned and controlled RemeDy Financial Services, LLC (RemeDy Financial), as well as Roma Capital LLC (Roma Capital). Roma Capital served as an agent and consultant to assist clients in obtaining relief funds. As part of the scheme, Dailey obtained almost $2 million in fraudulently obtained relief funds by submitting PPP and EIDL loan applications and supporting documentation for RemeDy Financial and other businesses that he had a personal association with that contained materially false statements and misrepresentations. In addition, Dailey received loan preparation fees for submitting fraudulent PPP loan and EIDL applications and supporting documents on behalf of other clients. This resulted in at least $2.7 million in fraudulently obtained relief funds to be disbursed to Dailey’s clients. U.S. v. Glynn Hubbard, Jr. – Hubbard, Jr., 49, of Charlotte, was sentenced to 30 months in prison and three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to wire fraud and money laundering for obtaining more than $1.2 million in fraudulent COVID-19 relief funds for himself and his customers. From March to August 2020, Hubbard, Jr. submitted fraudulent PPP and EIDL loan applications to the SBA and SBA-approved lenders, seeking to obtain relief funds for himself and for his customers’ businesses. To obtain the relief funds, Hubbard, Jr. falsified the loan applications and supporting documentation by including false financial information, fake employment data, and fraudulent tax returns. Of the $1.2 million in relief funds disbursed as a result of the scheme, Hubbard, Jr. received more than $570,000 for himself, and over $660,000 was disbursed to his customers. Hubbard, Jr. promoted the fraudulent scheme through personal referrals and in social media posts where he advertised that he was a PPP loan/EIDL consultant. Hubbard, Jr. received improper loan preparer fees for his consulting services totaling more than $150,000. U.S. vs. Marquise Highsmith and Tatiana Vazquez - A couple formerly living in Midland, N.C., has been sentenced to prison for stealing millions of dollars in COVID-19 relief funds by defrauding the SBA and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) after pleading guilty to wire fraud conspiracy affecting a financial institution and conspiracy to defraud the government. Marquise Highsmith, 42, was sentenced to 27 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release and was ordered to pay $2,329,497.94 in restitution. Tatiana Vazquez, 39, was ordered to serve 18 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release and to pay $1,379,425.28 in restitution. From May 2020 to January 2022, Highsmith and Vazquez submitted multiple fraudulent applications to financial institutions and to the SBA to obtain PPP and EIDL loans for several purported businesses that they or other co-conspirators controlled. These applications contained fraudulent information related to the businesses’ tax filings, number of employees, and other fabricated financial information. As a result, Highsmith and Vazquez personally received hundreds of thousands of dollars in relief funds. After receiving the funds, the defendants filed loan forgiveness applications that also contained misrepresentations, and as a result some of the loans were subsequently forgiven. In addition, from July 2022 to February 2023, Highsmith and Vazquez engaged in a separate but related conspiracy to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 relief funds through other federal programs administered by the IRS, including the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) program and the Sick Leave and Family Leave Credit (SFLC) program. The defendants and their coconspirators defrauded the IRS by preparing and filing fraudulent forms that falsely millions of dollars in tax credits and other corresponding tax refunds. As a result, the defendants and their coconspirators improperly received more than $1 million in relief funds. (Ryan/Bozin) U.S. vs. Richard Metz – Metz, 59, of Charlotte, was ordered to pay $520,832 in restitution and sentenced to 14 months of probation with 12 months to be served in home detention, after pleading guilty to wire fraud for fraudulently obtaining $520,832 in pandemic relief funds. According to court records, in August 2021, Metz submitted a PPP loan application that contained materially false and fraudulent representations regarding his purported business’s revenues and other information. Metz obtained $20,832 in PPP funds as a result of the fraudulent application. In addition, in September 2020, Metz and another individual submitted a fraudulent EIDL loan application for another company that contained fraudulent information. Based on the false financial information and fraudulent loan application, Metz obtained $500,000 in EIDL funds. In making the announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson credited the agencies that investigated the cases, including the SBA, SBA-OIG, IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caryn Finley, William Bozin, Daniel Ryan, and Graham Billings. 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: The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri Joins DOJ’s Fraud Division, SBA and SBA OIG in COVID-Era Loan Takedown Targeting $245 Million in COVID Loan Fraud Nationwide

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri has filed charges, secured pleas and sentences, and obtained civil judgments against 15 defendants, involving more than $60 million in actual or intended losses, with restitution nearing $800,000, as part of a nationwide enforcement action led by the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the SBA Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), targeting fraud in the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The Western District of Missouri was a key participant in this surge effort. From June 12 to September 1, 2026, SBA-OIG and federal prosecutors in the Fraud Division and across over 40 U.S. Attorney’s Offices, with assistance from various partners, obtained felony charges against nearly 80 fraud defendants responsible for approximately $100 million dollars in intended loss to the United States. These charges target a range of individuals who allegedly exploited COVID-era SBA loan programs at the height of the pandemic. Beyond newly charged defendants, as part of Operation No Doze, approximately 43 defendants pleaded guilty to SBA-related COVID fraud, reaching approximately $44 million in intended loss. And approximately 40 defendants were sentenced for SBA-related COVID fraud, reaching nearly $100 million in intended loss. Together, this targeted surge resulted in fraud enforcement actions spanning over 160 criminal defendants and involved approximately $245 million dollars in intended loss to American taxpayers. Operation No Doze is a direct result of President Donald J. Trump’s creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division at the DOJ, the first new division in the DOJ in twenty years. “For the past two and a half months, we have been engaged in an all-out effort to combat fraudsters and scammers who steal from hardworking American taxpayers. These fraudsters harm individuals, families, businesses, and communities that rely on these programs,” said R. Matthew Price, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. “Today’s announcement exemplifies what it means to stand united on the front lines of this fight. Working alongside our partners as one team, we will bring criminals to justice and return funds to the hands of the people who need and deserve them.” “Pandemic loan relief was meant to keep American small businesses alive during government lockdowns—not line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The defendants charged during our summer surge allegedly fabricated businesses, submitted false payroll and revenue claims, stole identities, and concealed foreign ties on their applications— but they will now be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” “This summer surge shows what is possible when dedicated public servants across the country work together with a single purpose,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “Our mission is clear: protect taxpayer funds, safeguard the integrity of federal relief programs, and deliver justice to those who exploited them. We will remain steadfast every day—standing shoulder‑to‑shoulder with our partners—to identify fraud, pursue those responsible, and restore confidence in the programs meant to help American small businesses thrive.” “Today’s announcement represents the largest-ever action against perpetrators of SBA fraud, with 870,000 suspended borrowers tied to $39 billion in suspected fraudulent PPP and COVID EIDL activity. In partnership with Vice President Vance and the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, we’re putting fraudsters on notice: the federal government will no longer turn a blind eye to those who stole from taxpayers and exploited programs designed to sustain small businesses during the pandemic,” said SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler. “With demand letters going out to suspected fraudsters, we’re also sending a clear message that they must repay their debts or face Treasury collections and possible federal law enforcement. Under this Administration, the free ride is over. We are restoring accountability, recovering taxpayer dollars, and protecting SBA programs for the legitimate small businesses they were created to serve.” “Operation No Doze brings a focused and coordinated approach to pursuing fraud in SBA’s pandemic relief programs,” said SBA Inspector General William Kirk. “By concentrating our investigative resources and working closely with SBA and our law enforcement partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify fraud, recover taxpayer funds, and hold accountable those who exploited programs created to help small businesses in a time of extraordinary need. This initiative makes clear that the passage of time does not diminish our commitment to accountability.” “We are proud to stand with our federal and state partners in rooting out criminal activity of all kinds, especially defrauding the public,” said Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe. “Fraud is not a victimless crime. Every dollar stolen is a dollar taken from hardworking taxpayers or from someone who depends on the programs those dollars are meant to support. In Missouri, we will continue working at every level to hold fraudsters accountable and protect those they seek to exploit.” The following cases in the Western District of Missouri involved defendants who targeted government programs, attempting to divert funds intended to help Americans in need: Jaylen Bates, of Cass County Missouri. According to court records, while charged with felony distribution of a controlled substance, Bates fraudulently obtained $41,666 in SBA-PPP money, claiming to operate two businesses that did not exist. Jeffrey Christopher Benton, of Taney County, Missouri. Benton fraudulently obtained $125,308 in SBA-PPP money, according to court records. He claimed the money for a business that did not exist and spent funds on personal expenses. DeZhon Byrd, of Jackson County, Missouri. Byrd is alleged to have fraudulently obtained $20,832 in SBA-PPP money and claimed the funds for a business that did not exist. He spent the money on personal expenses. Brandon A. Garrett, of Jackson County, Missouri . Garrett fraudulently obtained $48,000 in SBA-PPP money, claiming the money was for two businesses that did not exist, court records show. D’Mario Gray, of Jackson County, Missouri. Gray allegedly set up a “foundation” in his name, with the sole purpose of obtaining $48,750 in SBA-PPP money by fraudulently claiming his foundation had been adversely impacted by COVID-19. The money went to personal expenses, including trips to Miami and Houston. Jamie William Gray, of Dade County, Missouri. Gray allegedly claimed to operate 19 separate businesses, including businesses focused on the pet industry. In total, Gray sought to fraudulently obtain $55,931.875.00 in SBA-PPP funds by filing 29 PPP and EIDL loans on the 19 businesses claiming that they were in operation prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. In every instance but one, none of the businesses claimed to be owned by Mr. Gray were in operation or existed. Gray effectively stole this company’s identity. Gray received $820,000 in SBA-PPP money because of the fraudulent activity. Matthew and Shasta Head of Texas County, Missou ri allegedly claimed to run an outdoor service company, and grossly overinflated the number of employees they had. The Heads received $2,462.871 in fraudulent SBA-PPP funds. Dylan Gregory Neely, of Jasper County, Missouri created two businesses which paid no taxes, according to court documents. Neely listed employees who never worked for him, and the social security numbers that he listed were not associated with the people he listed as employees. Neely fraudulently obtained $399,308.93 in SBA-PPP funds. Sydney R. Washington, of Jackson County, Missouri fraudulently obtained $13,538 in PPP money, and the loan was later forgiven by the SBA, according to court documents. Justin Williams, of Jackson County, Missouri, is alleged to have fraudulently obtained $20,832 in SBA PPP money. Gregory Burns, of Jackson County, Missouri, allegedly admitted to working with two other people to fraudulently obtain $487,600 in SBA-PPP loans. Burns used his portion of the money to pay for personal expenses. Waylen Leslie, of Buchanan County, Missouri, admitted to fraudulently obtaining $471,100 in SBA-PPP loans. Leslie allegedly used the money to purchase crypto currency and other personal items. Aviance Shepard, of Jackon County, Missouri and Shawneasha Watson, of Jackson County, Missouri were sentenced and ordered to pay more than $20,000 each in restitution for fraudulent SBA-PPP loans. A settlement was reached with William Patrick Vogt and By the Blade, LLC . The defendants agreed to pay the sum of nearly $750,000 for fraudulently obtaining an SBA-PPP loan. Vogt applied for and received the PPP Loan and later applied for and received full forgiveness of the PPP Loan despite knowing that he was ineligible for the loan because he had previously pleaded guilty to a federal offense of felony tax fraud in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. Operation Show-Me the Money To expand the state of Missouri’s collective ability to identify, investigate, and prosecute fraud, the Western District of Missouri, alongside Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe, Attorney General Catherine Hanaway, Secretary of State Denny Hoskins, and State Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick, announced the launch of Operation Show-Me the Money . This unprecedented collaborative effort between the State of Missouri and the Department of Justice will focus on protecting taxpayer dollars by prosecuting individuals and entities that defraud state benefit programs. The focus of the initiative will be on state programs that distribute the $11.5 billion in federal funds Missouri receives to individuals and entities entitled under the law. The goal of Operation Show-Me the Money is to ensure taxpayer dollars reach the people and programs they were intended to support, while staying out of the hands of fraudsters. 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. 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: Abbott Agrees to Pay Over $384 Million to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Related to Powder Infant Formula and Nutritional Therapy Products

component: USAO - Michigan, Western

body_text: GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced that Abbott Laboratories (Abbott), an Illinois-based health care company that manufactures and sells infant formula and nutritional therapy products, has agreed to pay $384,999,040 to resolve allegations that it caused false claims to be submitted to federal and state programs arising from its failure to manufacture certain powder infant formula and nutritional therapy products at its Sturgis, Michigan and Casa Grande, Arizona facilities in compliance with federal and state statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2022. The U.S. Department of Agriculture funds and regulates the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides nutritional support—including infant formula—to eligible participants. More than half of all infant formula purchased in the United States is paid for with USDA funds through WIC. State Medicaid Programs also cover and pay for certain infant formula. On November 13, 2025, the United States filed its Complaint in Intervention alleging that Abbott caused WIC programs to purchase powder infant formula manufactured at the Sturgis facility despite the products’ failure to meet statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements. The Complaint alleged that Abbott knowingly manufactured infant formula purchased with taxpayer dollars in an environment that put the products at unacceptable risk of microorganism contamination. As described in the Complaint, Abbott failed to maintain its manufacturing equipment, failed to control the presence of water that fostered microorganism growth, and promoted a culture of concealment that systematically failed to identify, document, investigate, and prevent potential contamination. “When someone supplies the government with food that is meant to be given to our infant children, we demand that it meet or exceed every federal nutrition and safety requirement,” said United States Attorney Timothy VerHey. “This case demonstrates that anyone who fails this standard will pay a high price.” Under the civil settlement agreement, Abbott will pay $348,700,868 to the United States to resolve the False Claims Act allegations and an additional $36,298,172 to certain States for claims settled by their State Medicaid and WIC programs. The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions, which allow private individuals to bring suit on behalf of the United States for false claims submitted to federal programs and to share in any recovery. The qui tam action, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan, is captioned United States, et al., ex rel. Scott Millard, et al., v. Abbott Laboratories , No. 1:22-cv-994 (W.D. Mich.). The resolution was the product of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan, and USDA’s Office of Inspector General. This year, the Trump Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s False Claims Act enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. False Claims Act matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s False Claims work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The matter was handled by Civil Fraud Section Trial Attorneys Asha Natarajan and Erin Colleran of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Whitney Schnurr and Jacob Carlton of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.


title: Two Indicted in Webster Parish Scheme for False Voter Registration and Alien Voting

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: SHREVEPORT – On September 9, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Bridget Johnson , 53, of Cotton Valley, with Fraudulent Voter Registration and Voting by an Alien, and Michael Wedderburn , 52, of Jamaica, with Voting by an Alien. If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and Wedderburn faces a maximum penalty of one year, along with additional financial penalties. “Protecting the integrity of Louisiana’s elections—and our national elections—is essential to protecting our constitutional republic,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “The right to vote is sacred. When individuals undermine that process through fraud or abuse, they threaten the public’s confidence in a fair and lawful election system. Our Office will continue to safeguard the sanctity of the vote and hold accountable those who violate our laws.” According to court documents, Johnson was a resident of Webster Parish and a candidate in the 2024 election for mayor of Cotton Valley. Wedderburn is a non‑citizen alien in the United States and was ineligible to vote in Louisiana elections. On July 14, 2024, Johnson allegedly completed and electronically submitted a Louisiana voter registration application in Wedderburn’s name, falsely stating that he was a United States citizen. The indictment also alleges that Wedderburn went on to vote illegally in the November 5, 2024, election for a federal office, and in the Cotton Valley mayoral race. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case with assistance from the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth D. Reeg and Alexandra Porubsky with assistance from Legal Assistant Ginger Green. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. You may find a copy of this press release (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. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is currently pending assignment. ### 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: WDKY Joins DOJ Fraud Division, SBA, and SBA OIG in Surge Takedown Exceeding $245 Million in COVID-era Loan Fraud

body_text: Louisville, KY – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky today announced an indictment, guilty plea, and a sentencing 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 Western District of Kentucky 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. United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Americans expect and demand their federal programs assist needy recipients rather than line the pockets of fraudsters. We are charged with being good stewards of Americans’ tax dollars. Our office will never sit idly on the sidelines while fraudsters steal from our citizens. We will aggressively investigate and prosecute those fraudsters undermining the viability of important federal programs.” “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 Kentucky, U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner announced that four defendants have been charged with, pleaded guilty to, or were sentenced for PPP-related fraud involving approximately $1.3 million in alleged losses. According to the indictment, charging documents, and/or court records: According to court documents, on July 15, 2026, Travis Brackens , 46, was sentenced to 7 years and 10 months incarceration and ordered to pay $592,048.05 in restitution for engaging in a scheme to fraudulently obtain Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, by making fraudulent statements on the applications, either in his own name, through entities he created, or by using stolen identities. Brackens also conspired with Elizabeth Wester and Reginald Turner to file fraudulent PPP applications in their names, to which they were not entitled. Brackens was compensated for filing the loans in the names of Wester and Turner by keeping a portion of the loan proceeds for himself. Each application was fraudulent in that it was for a business that did not exist or over inflated minimal business activity. As a result, Brackens and others obtained PPP loan proceeds to which they were not entitled. This case was investigated by TIGTA and IRS CI. According to court documents, on September 1, 2026, John N. Kohnen III , 46, pleaded guilty to charges related to filing a fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application and a fraudulent application for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan, resulting in the theft of almost $100,000. According to the Information, between March 30, 2020, and May 5, 2021, Kohnen used the entity Metro Mechanical LLC, d/b/a Ridgetop Mechanical Contractors, a Kentucky Limited Liability Company, to file the applications. In the EIDL application, Kohnen exaggerated the number of employees, gross revenue, and cost of goods sold. In the PPP application, he exaggerated the number of employees and average monthly payroll expenses. The total maximum potential penalties are not more than 90 years’ incarceration, not more than a $3,000,000 fine, or both, and not more than 5 years of supervised release. This case is being investigated by FBI and USPIS. On August 12, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment, which charges two individuals, Brandon Curry , 41, and Tamala Curry , 43, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud, and charges Brandon Curry with money laundering, all related to fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 financial assistance program funds. According to the Indictment, between March 20 and September 2021, Brandon Curry and Tamala Curry filed at least four fraudulent Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications and two fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, resulting in the theft of approximately $700,000. Brandon Curry and Tamala Curry used the entities Curry Electric, C&C Systems, and C&C Network Systems, to file the applications. They submitted the applications for COVID-19 relief funds in the names of all three entities, using different EINs and/or social security numbers, giving the appearance that they were all independent entities, when they were all related and did not operate independently of one another. In the EIDL applications, Brandon Curry and Tamala Curry falsely exaggerated the number of employees, gross revenue, and cost of goods sold. In the PPP application, they exaggerated the number of employees and average monthly payroll expenses. The total maximum potential penalties for Brandon Curry are not more than 190 years’ incarceration, not more than a $6,250,000 fine, or both, and not more than 5 years of supervised release. The total maximum potential penalties for Tamala Curry are not more than 180 years’ incarceration, not more than a $6,000,000 fine, or both, and not more than 5 years of supervised release. This case is being investigated by Department of Homeland Security-OIG, FBI, and USPIS. These Western District of Kentucky cases were investigated by the FBI Louisville Field Office, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) Great Lakes Field Division, the United States Postal Inspection Service Pittsburgh Division, and the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, Covid Fraud Unit. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. 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: Months-Long, ATF-Led Operation in Louisville Results in Dozens of Indictments with Significant Firearms and Narcotics Seizures

component: USAO - Kentucky, Western

body_text: Louisville, KY – Following an approximately two-month-long, ATF-led operation involving multiple state and federal agencies, dozens of defendants were recently arrested on federal and state charges. In addition, significant amounts of narcotics and numbers of firearms were seized and taken off the streets of Louisville. U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Gerina D. Whethers, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Chief Paul L. Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department, and U.S. Marshal Gary B. Burman of the of the U.S. Marshal Service for the Western District of Kentucky made the announcement. This summer, Louisville ATF led a violent crime reduction initiative in Louisville. The Louisville ATF-led operation was in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky, the Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Louisville DEA Field Division, the Louisville United States Marshal Service for the Western District of Kentucky, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, the Kentucky State Police, the Jeffersontown Police Department, the Shively Police Department, the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections and the Oldham County Department of Corrections. The initiative focused on targeting gun traffickers who are selling guns to gang members and violent criminals and who also dispose of weapons used in violent crimes. The initiative also focused on drug traffickers working in neighborhoods with high violent crime rates. This summer initiative was wildly successful. The initiative resulted in 43 federal indictments and 10 state indictments. Nearly 50 defendants were arrested as part of this initiative. Collectively, the defendants charged have well over 200 prior felony convictions, including multiple prior homicide convictions. Many of the charged defendants also have gang affiliations. The initiative seized 160 firearms from Louisville’s streets, including 42 machine-gun conversion devices which serve to convert a semi-automatic handgun into a machine-gun. This initiative also seized 10 kilograms of illegal drugs, primarily including significant amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Tragically, fentanyl and methamphetamine lead to death and destruction of individual lives and destroy communities. “The amount of effort and coordination it took to plan and execute this violent crime reduction initiative cannot be understated. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Louisville ATF for leading what was an incredibly successful violent crime reduction initiative. I also want to express a special thanks to Chief Paul Humphrey and the men and women of the Louisville Metro Police Department who willingly and effectively collaborated with ATF and our other federal law enforcement partners. I also want to voice my appreciation to Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney Gerina Whethers and her prosecutors. We have such a strong partnership with Ms. Whethers’ office and that partnership is making Louisville a safer city. Simply put, the level of coordination and mutual respect between federal and local law enforcement in Louisville is unprecedented and it is paying significant dividends in reducing Louisville’s violent crime.” said U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner. “We have more work to do but, as this initiative shows, we are willing to think outside the box and put in the long hours to make this community safe.” ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes stated, “I am proud of the men and women of ATF’s Louisville Field Division and our federal and local law enforcement partners for all they accomplished in such a short period of time. By targeting individuals responsible for driving the violence in our communities, we are sending a clear message that those who threaten our neighborhoods will be held accountable. This operation is an example of what can be accomplished when we all work together for a common goal.” “Drugs don't simply represent a public health or quality-of-life concern; illegal drug markets create environments where violence takes root,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott. “We know there is no single operation, arrest, or seizure that will solve every problem, but every successful joint effort sends an important message: our communities are not going to be abandoned, and those who profit from drugs and violence will face a coordinated response.” LMPD Chief Paul L. Humphrey stated, “An operation of this magnitude required months of preparation, relentless investigative work, and incredible coordination with our local and federal partners. Together, we identified and arrested dozens of criminals and took dangerous drugs and guns used in crimes off our streets. This is what effective collaboration looks like, and it makes our entire community safer.” This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###