title: Sex Offender Living in Mayes and Tulsa Counties Sentenced for Failing to Register

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Northern

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – A man required to register as a sex offender was sentenced today for knowingly failing to register that he was living in Mayes and Tulsa Counties, announced U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar. U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced James Robert Hurley, aka Daniel Gomes, 25, for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. Hurley was ordered to serve 21 months' imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. Upon release, he will be required to register as a sex offender. According to court documents, Hurley was convicted in 2021 for soliciting sexually explicit images from a 12-year-old. As a result, Hurley was sentenced in tribal court to a three-year suspended sentence and ordered to register as a sex offender. Three months after receiving his sex offense conviction, Hurley was charged in state court for obstruction and public intoxication, and the tribal court filed a motion to revoke his suspended sentence. Hurley failed to appear in both cases, and warrants were issued for his arrest. He was eventually detained, and the tribal court revoked his suspended sentence and ordered Hurley to serve three years' imprisonment. After being released from prison, Hurley knowingly failed to register as a sex offender. Court documents show that after being released from prison, Hurley married his spouse, claiming his name as Hurley. However, Hurley was born “Daniel Gomes” and has never legally changed his name. Hurley’s criminal history under the name “Gomes” includes convictions for third-degree burglary, carrying a weapon unlawfully, unauthorized use of a vehicle, second-degree burglary, obstructing an officer, and public intoxication in Oklahoma and joyriding in Tennessee. His spouse was granted an annulment because Hurley made false representations and deceived her. Hurley is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and he will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michele Hulgaard prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, local, and tribal resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC .


title: Indian Citizen in the United States on Student Visa Sentenced for Defrauding a Vietnam Veteran

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – An Indian Citizen residing in the United States on a student visa was sentenced today after a jury convicted him of conspiring to defraud a Vietnam Veteran in April 2026, announced U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar. U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Venkateswara Chagamreddy, 37, living in San Antonio, Texas, to 30 months’ imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. Chagamreddy was also ordered to pay $99,496 in restitution and is expected to face removal proceedings following his sentence. “Elder fraud schemes are despicable, calculated attacks that prey on some of the most vulnerable and trusting members of our community. In this case, an Indian national in the United States on a student visa used fear to deceive and extort a Vietnam veteran who served our country,” said U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar. “Because the victim came forward, and thanks to law enforcement’s coordinated, swift response and the efforts of AUSAs Charles Greenough and Augustus Forster, Chagamreddy was brought to justice. Our office remains committed to protecting older Americans from predatory fraud and ensuring foreign scammers who take advantage of their country’s immigration system are held fully accountable for their crimes.” In August 2025, the elderly victim called a phone number that he believed was Microsoft support. While speaking with “Microsoft,” the victim was told that criminal activity had been detected on his computer and that information would be turned over to the federal government. Someone then contacted the victim and identified themselves as a federal officer, providing a false badge number. The fake federal officer told the victim that his identity had been stolen and provided to criminals, which resulted in him being “investigated,” and that his identity was used to commit federal crimes. The elderly victim was transferred to the “Treasury Department” and told he needed to transfer his money into gold and that an “officer” would pick it up the following day. The elderly victim complied and provided photos of the gold. When the fake officer arrived, the victim handed over the package. A few days later, the fake federal officer contacted the victim again and demanded more funds. The victim contacted a family member, who explained that he was being scammed and contacted the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office. With the victim's cooperation, deputies scheduled another pickup. When Chagamreddy arrived at the victim’s home at the scheduled time and date, he was arrested. Evidence presented to the jury showed that he had $500 in cash, a cell phone, and 23 ounces of gold in the vehicle. An agent testified about the messaging found on Chagamreddy’s phone. The exhibits shown to the jury clearly show he worked with another individual to defraud numerous victims within 48 hours. The agent testified that Chagamreddy flew from Austin to North Carolina, where he picked up gold from an 87-year-old woman. Trial evidence showed that after delivering the gold to a different co-conspirator, Chagamreddy sent a photo of a dollar bill with “29 oz rec 3000 paid” written on it. The messages indicate that the following day, Chagamreddy drove from Austin, Texas, to Andale, Kansas, starting at 1:21 am. Throughout the drive, Chagamreddy would provide status updates, including screenshots of his location and fuel levels, to the co-conspirator. Upon arrival, Chagamreddy booked a hotel room to rest for a few hours and then drove to the destination he had been directed to. The co-conspirator described the 75-year-old woman from whom Chagamreddy would be picking up gold. Chagamreddy then sent the co-conspirator a photo of a sealed box with a message that read, “23 Oz.” After completing that trip, the agent testified that the messaging showed that Chagamreddy then drove to Delaware County, Oklahoma. The co-conspirator described the 79-year-old that he would be getting gold from and provided a photo of the victim, who was visibly wearing a Vietnam veteran shirt. The agent explained that the victim lived alone on a rural road and that Chagamreddy was actively providing photos, showing that he was lost. After finding the location, Chagamreddy provided one photo confirming that he arrived and was detained shortly after by Delaware County Sheriff’s deputies. In 2025, the Department of Justice reported to Congress that it took more than 280 enforcement actions against more than 600 defendants, many of whom were in the United States illegally or were extradited to be prosecuted. Collectively, the defendants attempted to steal, or stole, over $2.3 billion from more than one million Americans. The Department pursued more than 40 types of elder fraud. Investment fraud ranked number one, with more than $1.8 billion in losses, followed by fraudulent tech support at $982 million. The Elder Justice Initiative website provides several scenarios and red flags to help educate yourself and loved ones about the types of abuse, including financial exploitation. Chagamreddy will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Greenough and Augustus Forster prosecuted the case. To find help or report elder abuse, you can contact the National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311) 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, Monday – Friday. Elder Justice Neighborhood Resources for Oklahoma are available here .


title: Honduran National Sentenced for Possessing Firearm While Unlawfully in the United States

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – A Honduran national was sentenced in federal court after he unlawfully possessed a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Nassar. U.S. District Judge John D. Russell sentenced Osman Andres Figueroa Enamorado, 31, for Alien Unlawfully in the United States in Possession of a Firearm. Figueroa Enamorado was ordered to serve 10 months’ imprisonment, followed by one year of supervised release. Upon release, he is expected to face removal proceedings. According to court documents, Figueroa Enamorado was pulled over in September 2025 at the Tulsa International Airport for driving the wrong way. When officers stopped the vehicle, Figueroa Enamorado did not have a valid driver’s license or auto insurance. During the traffic stop, Figueroa Enamorado kept moving his hands around after being asked to stop and was removed from the vehicle. Officers asked Figueroa Enamorado if he had any weapons, and he claimed he did not. Officers found a loaded firearm in Figueroa Enamorado pants. In March 2024, court documents show that U.S. Customs and Border Protection found Figueroa Enamorado unlawfully present in the United States. He was issued a Notice to Appear and failed to appear. Figueroa Enamorado will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa Airport Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Flynn prosecuted the case.


title: Batesville Woman Sentenced for Possessing Homemade Bombs, including One Found on Her Ex's Vehicle

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

body_text: Oxford, MS – A Batesville woman was sentenced today to more than six years in federal prison for possessing one or more homemade bombs on separate occasions. According to court documents, Christina Willis, 29, previously pled guilty to possession of the bombs, or destructive devices, one of which Willis placed on the vehicle of her ex-boyfriend in June 2025. Senior U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Willis to 78 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release. Willis was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following sentencing. U.S. Attorney Scott Leary made the announcement and stated, “We live in a wonderful country but it’s still a dangerous world, as confirmed by this case. When bombs are being produced an all-hands-on-deck response is required, which is what happened in this case. Federal, state and local law enforcement worked closely together in this coordinated investigation. The ATF and FBI working with the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, the Panola County Sheriff’s Office, the Yalobusha County Sheriff’s Office, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Tupelo Police Department-this is what a successful investigation looks like. Well done.” “ATF is dedicated to preventing and reducing violent crime involving the criminal use of explosives,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “The collaborative effort of federal and local law enforcement, led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, secured a sentence today that sends a message that ATF will continue to investigate and perfect charges against those who use explosives. ATF will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities and neighborhoods and hold accountable those who threaten our safety.” Assistant United States Attorney Robert Mims prosecuted this case.


title: Woman Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Fraudulently Writing Opioid Prescriptions

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: CHICAGO — A woman has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for using information stolen from physicians to fraudulently write opioid prescriptions. AMANI IBRAHIM fraudulently caused prescriptions for oxycodone, hydrocodone, and other controlled substances to be issued under the names of real medical providers and often in the names of nominal patients, neither of whom knew the prescriptions were being written. Ibrahim or others involved in the scheme would then pick up the prescriptions at Chicago-area pharmacies and work to distribute the drugs on the streets. Ibrahim was not a licensed physician and could not lawfully prescribe medications. From 2022 to 2025, Ibrahim was responsible for the unlawful distribution of 149,152 dosage units of oxycodone, 41,853 dosage units of hydrocodone, 30,517 dosage units of alprazolam, 22,625 dosage units of promethazine-codeine syrup, and 6,990 dosage units of amphetamine. Ibrahim also financially benefited from the scheme, resulting in the forfeiture of $200,800 in illicit proceeds that was seized from her residence. Ibrahim, 48, of Palos Hills, Ill., pleaded guilty earlier this year to a federal drug conspiracy charge. On Sept. 4, 2026, U.S. District Judge Matthew F. Kennelly sentenced Ibrahim to five years in federal prison. The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Todd C. Smith, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Hennessy. Four other defendants were also convicted as part of the federal investigation.


title: Illegal Alien Sentenced to Prison for Reentering the United States After Being Deported Three Times

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: An illegal alien who returned to the United States after being deported was sentenced yesterday to three months in federal prison. Mario Noel Rodriguez Castillo, age 51, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States and residing in Iowa City, Iowa, received the prison term after a June 30, 2026, guilty plea to one count of illegal reentry into the United States after having been deported. At the guilty plea, Rodriguez Castillo admitted he had previously been deported from the United States and illegally reentered the United States without the permission of the United States government. Rodriguez Castillo was previously deported in 1996, 2002, and 2005. On May 21, 2026, immigration officials learned Rodriguez Castillo had illegally returned to the United States and found him at the Johnson County Jail following his arrest on state charges. Rodriguez Castillo was previously convicted of drug trafficking charges in Utah in 1996 and 1997. In 1998 he was convicted of reentry of a deported alien in federal court in Utah. In 2003, he was convicted of deported alien found in the United States in federal court in California. Rodriguez Castillo was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Rodriguez Castillo was sentenced to 94 days’ imprisonment. He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Rodriguez Castillo is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be turned over to immigration officials. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony Morfitt and investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 26-cr-44. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Coggon Man Sentenced to Decades in Prison for  Child Pornography Offenses

body_text: A man who received and possessed child pornography was sentenced today to more than 27 years in federal prison. Matthew Jason Manos, age 42, from Coggon, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 11, 2026, jury verdict finding him guilty of receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography, including a depiction of a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. The evidence at trial and sentencing showed that in February 2023, law enforcement officers searched Manos’s residence in Coggon and took his cell phone. Between December 2022 and February 2023, Manos had downloaded images of child pornography. He viewed the images on his cell phone multiple times. Manos then fled Iowa, abandoning his pets in his home where the pets were later rescued by law enforcement. Manos ultimately moved to Illinois, where he was arrested in August 2023. During his arrest, law enforcement officers took his new cell phone. Evidence showed that Manos had used that new phone to access child pornography as well. Manos was previously convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child, lascivious acts with a child, lascivious conduct with a child, dissemination and exhibition of obscene material to minors, and indecent exposure. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.” Manos was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams. Manos was sentenced to 327 months’ imprisonment and was ordered to make $3,000 in restitution to a victim in the case. He must also serve a five-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system. Manos is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Devra T. Hake and Ashley Corkery and was investigated by the Linn County Sheriff’s Office and the Cedar Rapids Police Department, with assistance by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-CR-14. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.


title: Anthon, Iowa, Man Sentenced to Over 18 Years in  Federal Prison for Distributing Child Pornography

body_text: Robert J. Fundermann, age 50, from Anthon, Iowa, was sentenced in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa, on September 10, 2026, to eighteen and a half years’ imprisonment. Fundermann previously pled guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography on February 5, 2026. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings showed that from April 2023 through April 2025, Fundermann distributed and attempted to distribute visual depictions of child pornography. Further evidence showed that Fundermann was grooming a 17-year-old to obtain images and videos of the minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. A review of Fundermann’s phone showed he possessed 54 images and 98 videos of child pornography, involving material that portrayed sadistic or masochistic conduct as well as prepubescent children and toddlers. The investigation also revealed that Fundermann was previously convicted for soliciting nude images from a minor in 2019. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC. United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand sentenced Fundermann to 222 months’ imprisonment and a 5-year term of supervised release. Fundermann remains in custody of the United States Marshal until he can be transported to a federal prison. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl . The case file number is 25-4039. The case was investigated by the Woodbury County Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kraig R. Hamit.


title: Former Soldier Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Physically and Sexually Assaulting Minors While Serving Abroad

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ATLANTA – Adam Schlueter, a former enlisted member of the United States Army, was sentenced today to life in federal prison for physically and sexually assaulting two minors under the age of ten, following his conviction at trial. “Through his years of sickening abuse, Schlueter betrayed the uniform of the United States Army and inflicted unimaginable harm on defenseless children,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg, “Today’s sentence underscores that we always stand ready—even years later and on the other side of an ocean—to vindicate the victims of such crimes and ensure justice is served.” “Adam Schlueter betrayed the honor and duty that comes with serving in the U.S. military,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division. “There is nothing honorable about subjecting the most vulnerable in our community to violence and sexual exploitation. We are grateful for the strength and courage of the survivors in this case who came forward to end this man’s reign of terror.” “Schlueter’s horrific abuse inflicted lasting trauma on children who should have been protected from harm,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI will continue to pursue those who prey upon children and hold them accountable for their crimes, no matter how much time has passed. We hope today’s sentence brings a measure of justice to the victims and reinforces that we will never stop fighting to protect children.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: From 2009 until 2013, while stationed in Grafenwöhr, Germany, Schlueter physically, emotionally, and sexually abused two minor victims. Schlueter choked and physically beat both minors repeatedly. When one victim was just eight years old, Schlueter pushed her through a second-story window and let her dangle dangerously above the ground. Schlueter sexually assaulted both children when they were under the age of 10. Schlueter used threats of pain and death to dissuade his victims and witnesses from disclosing the abuse to authorities. In 2014, after discovering Schlueter’s physical abuse of the children, the U.S. Army discharged Schlueter under Other Than Honorable conditions. In 2021, the Army’s Criminal Investigations Division learned that Schlueter had also sexually assaulted the child. In 2023, a grand jury returned an indictment against Schlueter pursuant to the Military Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act (“MEJA”), which is a federal statute that allows the government to prosecute former servicemembers who committed certain crimes outside the United States while serving in the Armed Forces. Today, Adam Schlueter, 40, of Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced to life in prison. On April 17, 2026, a jury convicted Schlueter of two counts of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance provided by the Department of the Army – Criminal Investigations Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leanne Marek and Matthew R. LaGrone, former Assistant U.S. Attorney Annalise Peters, and Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Department of Justice’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) prosecuted the case. CEOS Trial Attorney Kaylynn Foulon provided valuable assistance in the investigation. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc . For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Pensacola Man Sentenced for Firearms Offense

body_text: Pensacola, Florida – Alaisjah Perkins, 23, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison for possessing unregistered firearms. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our state and federal law enforcement partners are committed to keeping our communities safe, and work hard every day to accomplish that mission, as evidenced by this investigation that led to our successful prosecution. Following the law is not optional, and my office stands ready to hold offenders accountable.” Court documents reflect that the defendant used a 3D printer to print machine gun diversion devices for AR-15 rifles and then sold them online. The device inserts into an AR-15 rifle and converts it from semi-automatic to fully automatic. An undercover ATF officer purchased 12 conversion devices from the defendant on two occasions before obtaining a search warrant for his home, where they found the 3D printer, printing material, and 13 additional devices. The case involved an investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris Patterson and Walter E. Narramore. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Former Quincy City Manager Found Guilty of Firearm Possession as Convicted Felon

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – Robert Edward Nixon, 61, Qunicy, Florida, has been found guilty by a federal jury in Tallahassee following a two-day jury trial for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the guilty verdict. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My team of tenacious federal prosecutors continues to deliver outstanding trial victories to hold accountable any and all criminals who brazenly violate our laws. My thanks go out to our state and federal law enforcement partners, whose excellent investigative work led to this successful prosecution.” Court records and trial testimony revealed that on February 10, 2026, during a law enforcement investigation, a search warrant was executed on the defendant’s residence. Two loaded handguns were discovered in the defendant’s nightstand. The defendant was previously convicted in the United States District Court, Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division, in 2011 of three felonies, including two counts of conspiracy to steal or misapply funds from an organization that receives federal assistance and to commit wire fraud and aiding and abetting or misapplying funds as a credit union employee. The defendant was terminated from his position as the City Manager of Quincy in June 2025. The case was jointly investigated by the Office of the State Attorney, Second Judicial Circuit, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt. Sentencing is scheduled for November 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. in the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Nationwide Alcohol Distributor Agrees To Pay Over $12 Million To Resolve Federal Investigation Into Bribery And False Invoicing Practices

component: USAO - California, Northern

body_text: SAN FRANCISCO - Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, LLC (“Southern Glazer’s”), a nationwide alcohol distributor headquartered in Florida, has entered into a non-prosecution agreement with federal prosecutors, and agreed to make a monetary payment of $12.5 million and other remedies to resolve the investigation. The investigation involved Southern Glazer’s executives and employees funding and concealing improper payments and benefits to employees of alcohol retailers, including chain grocery stores in California and elsewhere. In the agreement, Southern Glazer’s admitted to and acknowledged responsibility for the acts of individuals employed by the company, which included years of improper payments and benefits to various alcohol retailer employees in connection with the promotion, purchase, maintenance, and placement of certain alcohol products distributed by Southern Glazer’s, and the use of third-party vendors and false invoices generated to conceal the practice. Several Southern Glazer’s executives based in California, including several Vice Presidents, were directly involved in the conduct, which included substantial cash payments, prepaid gift cards, flights, golf trips, resort stays, and luxury goods, along with participation in the falsification of documents. In addition to Southern Glazer’s monetary payment of $12.5 million to the United States, among other things, the company agreed to implement robust steps to enhance compliance with federal and state laws prohibiting bribery and other improper payments and also agreed to continue to cooperate with the government in connection with any criminal prosecutions related to the matter, including against current or former employees of the company. One of government’s top jobs is to ensure a level playing field for American business. Southern Glazer’s employees tried to distort the wine and spirits market in California through bribes and other improper conduct and in the end it was the consumer that lost out,” said U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian. “Our office takes this kind of conduct seriously and we are committed to making sure everyone plays by the same rules, which will mean lower prices and more choices for the California consumer. By refusing to compete honestly, the company didn’t just harm its competitors and consumers — it struck at the heart of the American tradition of fair and open competition.” “Today’s announcement of this agreement is a testament to IRS Criminal Investigation and our law enforcement partners commitment to holding accountable companies like Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits who engaged in dishonest business practices that circumvented trade practice regulations and internal controls,” said Kareem Carter, Executive Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation (CI), Washington, D.C. Field Office. “This investigation is an excellent example of the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to address complex illicit financial activity by holding those responsible to account for their actions.” “TTB takes trade practice enforcement seriously to ensure that all industry members operate under the same rules and that law abiding businesses do not lose competitive ground because of the illegal actions of a few,” said Anthony P. Gledhill, Assistant Administrator, Field Operations, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). “This case serves as an important reminder that industry members are accountable not only for their own conduct, but also for the actions taken on their behalf by third party affiliates. Third parties, likewise, are responsible for any illegal activities they carry out on behalf of an industry member.” The investigation was handled by the National Security, Cyber & Special Prosecutions Section of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin Sampson and Sailaja Paidipaty investigated the case with the assistance of Helen Yee and Maryam Beros. The prosecution is the result of a joint investigation by the Internal Revenue Service – CI and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau with support from the Treasury Executive Office for Asset Forfeiture. Southern Glazer’s NPA


title: Rumford Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Possessing Firearm

body_text: PORTLAND, Maine: A Rumford man pleaded guilty on September 9, 2026, in U.S. District Court in Portland to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court records, in May 2025, the Lewiston Police Department received multiple reports of gunshots. Callers reported a male had been shooting a firearm and then entered a dark-colored vehicle parked on the street. Upon arrival, police encountered Troy Blanchard , 37, seated in the driver’s seat of a black vehicle. A standoff ensued with Blanchard ignoring police commands to exit the vehicle. Police were eventually able to remove Blanchard from the vehicle after firing pepper balls through the rear window. Police subsequently located a Kel-Tec .22 caliber pistol on the passenger seat next to Blanchard. At the time of his arrest, Blanchard was prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple prior felony convictions. Blanchard faces up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with the assistance of the Lewiston Police Department. Operation Take Back America: This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). ###


title: Ukrainian National Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Wire Fraud Conspiracy in Connection with Conti Ransomware

component: Criminal - Office of International Affairs

body_text: Oleksii Oleksiyovych Lytvynenko, 44, a Ukrainian national, was sentenced today to four years in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a conspiracy to deploy Conti, a ransomware variant that infected the computers of more than 1,000 victims worldwide. According to court documents, Lytvynenko, formerly of Cork, Ireland, conspired with others to deploy Conti ransomware to extort victims and steal their data. From 2020 until 2022, Conti was used to attack computers and networks in 47 states, 31 foreign countries, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The FBI estimates that, as of January 2022, there had been victim payouts associated with Conti ransomware exceeding $150,000,000. “Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of ransomware and the Department’s commitment to protecting America’s hospitals, schools, businesses, and local governments,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “For years, the Conti ransomware group executed a sustained and sophisticated campaign that victimized hundreds of organizations across the United States and abroad, including critical infrastructure entities, causing losses in the millions of dollars. Lytvynenko joined that conspiracy as both an intruder and a developer — personally harming at least 12 companies, storing stolen data from victims, and helping build the malicious tools Conti used to extort and threaten communities. Even after the Conti conspiracy ended, he continued engaging in active ransomware operations until his arrest. Cybercriminals who build, deploy, or profit from malware like Conti — no matter where they operate — will face justice and meaningful consequences in U.S. courts.” “Ransomware attacks like Conti cause real harm to businesses, institutions, and families here at home and around the world,” said U.S. Attorney Braden H. Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee. “Today’s sentence demonstrates that cybercriminals cannot hide behind borders or a keyboard to escape justice. We are grateful to our law enforcement and international partners whose work made this result possible.” “Lytvynenko and his co-conspirators used Conti ransomware to attack computers and networks in nearly every state, and today’s sentence reflects the gravity and extent of those crimes,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “Ransomware criminals should know they are not anonymous and operating from overseas does not mean operating without consequences. The FBI and our partners will use every lawful tool to dismantle their infrastructure and bring them to justice.” “Conti ransomware caused extraordinary harm, targeting victims across nearly every state and dozens of countries and disrupting critical operations for organizations across multiple industries,” said Assistant Director Brent Daniels of the U.S. Secret Service’s Office of Field Operations. “Today’s sentence is a measure of justice for the victims whose data, operations, and livelihoods were put at risk. It underscores the Secret Service’s commitment to pursuing ransomware actors and their networks wherever they operate and protecting the American people.” Lytvynenko pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy on June 10. Evidence recovered from Lytvynenko’s online accounts showed he possessed data stolen from eight U.S. victims and four overseas victims. Lytvynenko further admitted to joining a team run by a Conti conspirator during which time Lytvynenko was directed to work on coding a “loader,” which is typically a type of malware, or malicious software, that is used to load programs necessary to execute other malicious attacks. Forensic artifacts recovered at the time of his arrest in July 2023 in County Cork, Ireland, further demonstrated ongoing involvement in ransomware activity. In September 2023, an indictment charging four other Conti conspirators was unsealed in the Middle District of Tennessee. The FBI’s San Diego, Nashville, and El Paso Field Offices and the U.S. Secret Service are investigating the case. The Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations New York field office provided valuable assistance. Trial Attorney Sonia V. Jimenez of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Phillips for the Middle District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, and the Irish Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration, the Irish Office of the Attorney General and the Garda National Cyber Crime Bureau provided valuable assistance to secure the arrest and extradition of Lytvynenko. CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals, and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds. #####


title: Waynesboro Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Prison for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Middle

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Bobbie Jerome Newton, age 32, of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 30 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for failure to register as a sex offender. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Newton was convicted in 2018 of statutory sexual assault and related offenses. As a result, he was required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). In December 2024, Newton cut off the GPS ankle monitor that Pennsylvania state probation required him to wear and traveled across state lines to Baltimore, Maryland, where he took up residence. He did not update his registration to reflect that move, as required by law. This case was investigated by the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case. # # #


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison for Illegal Reentry; Faces Deportation

body_text: HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Victorino Javier Cruz-Lopez, age 40, of Mexico, was sentenced to 15 months in prison by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for illegal reentry. Cruz-Lopez will be deported upon conclusion of his sentence. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Cruz-Lopez was encountered in the United States in York County on April 16, 2026, after having previously been removed in 2013. Cruz-Lopez did not receive permission to reenter the United States, as required by law. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera prosecuted the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. # # #


title: California Man Sentenced to 72 Months in Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining $46 Million In Public Benefits and Laundering Proceeds to China

body_text: HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Carlos A. Grijalva, age 60, of Simi Valley, California, was sentenced yesterday to 72 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson for conspiracy to launder monetary instruments in the amount of approximately $46.4 million. According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Grijalva previously pleaded guilty and admitted that he and his coconspirators, Brian R. Cleland, age 72, and Bruce Jin, age 61, along with other unnamed coconspirators, conspired to obtain state unemployment compensation funds, and other public funds, through fraudulent means. Grijalva, Cleland, and Jin, and others entered into a series of agreements to make it appear as if they were operating legitimate businesses selling masks and other COVID19 personal protective equipment. The funds that the defendants obtained and laundered through their companies were derived mostly from fraudulently obtained state unemployment compensation (“UC”) benefits. Unnamed members of the conspiracy, including some believed to be in China, established thousands of accounts at banks across the United States using the personal identifying information (“PII”) of identity theft victims. From there, fraudulent UC claims were generated and paid to these accounts, including accounts in the names of people residing in the Middle District of Pennsylvania. These fraudulent UC claims were also generated by fraudsters based in China. As a result of this fraudulent activity, tens of millions of dollars in fraudulent UC payments were made by Pennsylvania and other states. After UC funds were paid out, they were then transferred from identity theft victims’ accounts to companies controlled by Grijalva, Cleland, and Jin. Grijalva and Cleland, for instance, used ACH processing—a type of electronic bank-to-bank transfer—to obtain over $46 million in fraudulent funds from the accounts of identity theft victims. This money mostly went from the accounts of identity theft victims to companies controlled by Cleland and Grijalva, including MexUS Service, Group Mex USA, CCB Group, and GC Accounting. After that, Grijalva and Cleland transferred over $30 million to Jin’s companies, knowing that some of the funds were then going to be transferred to parties located in China. Grijalva was also ordered to pay certain property forfeitures, including approximately $46.4 million in US currency, as well as the contents of several bank accounts and real properties located in Hawaii and California that were purchased using funds traceable to the charged offenses. One of these properties, located in California, was purchased in the name of one of Grijalva’s family members. Jin was sentenced on April 30, 2026, to 144 months in prison and was ordered to forfeit over $59 million in US currency, along with other properties. Cleland was sentenced on May 14, 2026, to 120 months in prison and was ordered to forfeit approximately $46.4 million. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ravi Romel Sharma and K. Wesley Mishoe are prosecuting the case. # # #


title: BATON ROUGE MAN INDICTED FOR POSSESSING WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE APPROXIMATELY THIRTY-SEVEN POUNDS OF COCAINE

body_text: A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Worlington West, age 42, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with possession with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. According to reports, on or about August 18, 2026, West was stopped for a traffic violation and was found to be in possession of approximately thirty-seven pounds of a substance which appeared to be cocaine. Presumptive testing yielded positive results for cocaine which would have an estimated street value of around $400,000. Additionally, West was also found to be in possession of a Taurus, 9mm pistol. U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall praised the work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Baton Rouge Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney April Leon leads the prosecution. NOTE: An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.


title: RAD Diversified REIT Co-Founders Indicted for Stealing Funds from Their Employees’ Benefit Plans

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Brandon “Dutch” Mendenhall (47, Brandon, Florida) and Amy Marie Smith Vaughn (48, New Port Richey, Florida) with 10 counts of theft or embezzlement from employee benefit plans and five counts of theft or embezzlement in connection with health care. If convicted, Mendenhall and Vaughn each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Mendenhall and Vaughn that the United States intends to forfeit the proceeds traceable to the offenses. According to the indictment, Mendenhall and Vaughn were the founders, registered agents, or officers of several entities, including RAD Diversified REIT, RADD Capital, The Seminar Solution, and DHI Holdings. The employees of these entities could participate in the companies’ 401(k) retirement plan and health insurance plan by having funds directly withheld from their paychecks. Beginning in the spring of 2024, Mendenhall and Vaughn stopped contributing the funds that were being withheld from their employees’ paychecks to the 401(k) plan. Then beginning in September of 2024, Mendenhall and Vaughn stopped contributing the funds being withheld from their employee’s paychecks to the company’s health insurance plan. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Florida Office of Financial Regulation – Bureau of Financial Investigations. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer.


title: Oregon Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Coercing a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity and Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material

body_text: Tampa, Florida – Aleksandr Golovchenko (50, Oregon) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge John L. Badalamenti to 25 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for three counts of production of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. Golovchenko pleaded guilty on April 29, 2026. According to court documents, in or around February 2025, Golovchenko met a 12-year-old female online. Between February and April 2025, Golovchenko persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced the victim to engage in sexual activity over the social media application Snapchat. Golovchenko also employed, used, persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced the victim to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct. This case was investigated by the FBI and the Sarasota Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.


title: Brandon Pulmonary Practice Agrees to Pay Over $400,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Violations

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: Tampa, FL – Pulmonary Associates of Brandon, P.A. has agreed to pay $419,410 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to Medicare for certain Evaluation and Management (“E&M”) codes. The government contends that the underlying services were medically unnecessary and the claims in issue should have been properly submitted under a lower E&M code from January 2017 through March 2020. “The submission of false and medically unnecessary claims to Medicare for office visits compromises the integrity of our nation’s federal health care programs and will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “This resolution sends a clear message to the provider community and our district that we will actively investigate and prosecute this fraudulent conduct whenever it appears.” “Medicare enrollees depend on medical providers to bill honestly and provide only medically necessary services,” said Special Agent in Charge Isaac M. Bledsoe of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “When health care providers submit improper or inflated claims, they undermine the integrity of our federal health care programs and erode patient trust. Today’s resolution reflects our continued commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to hold providers accountable for improperly billing federal health care programs and to protect taxpayer funds.” The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Sheryl Turner, a former employee at Pulmonary Associates of Brandon. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Sheryl Turner v. Pulmonary Associates of Brandon, P.A. , Case No. 8:23-cv-382-KKM-NHA (M.D. Fla). This matter was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General. It was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelley Howard-Allen. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination or admission of liability by Pulmonary Associates of Brandon. The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support 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: Auburn Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, and Unlawful Employment of Aliens

body_text: MONTGOMERY, Ala. — An Auburn, Alabama man has pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from a scheme to fraudulently obtain federal COVID relief funds and to unlawfully employ aliens who were not authorized to work in the United States. On September 9, 2026, Cesar Campos-Reyes, 52, pleaded guilty to an Information charging him with wire fraud, money laundering, and unlawful employment of aliens. United States Attorney Thomas Govan, Special Agent in Charge Christopher R. Flowers with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Mobile Division, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Ellen Johnson for Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama made the announcement. “Federal COVID relief funds were intended to help legitimate businesses and their employees, not to be diverted for personal gain or used to support an unlawful workforce,” said U.S. Attorney Govan. “This defendant defrauded programs designed to assist American businesses, misused taxpayer-funded assistance, and knowingly employed individuals who were not authorized to work in the United States. We will continue to hold accountable those who abuse federal programs and violate federal law.” “Campos Reyes’s actions diverted critical pandemic relief funds away from the small businesses they were meant to support,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Flowers. “This guilty plea underscores the FBI’s commitment to protecting taxpayer resources, safeguarding victims, and rebuilding public trust by holding accountable those who exploit federal programs and violate the law.” “Fraudulently obtaining pandemic relief funds and knowingly employing unauthorized workers undermines both the integrity of federal programs and the rule of law,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Johnson. “HSI will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate individuals who exploit taxpayer-funded programs and violate our nation’s employment laws for personal gain.” According to court documents and admissions made as part of his guilty plea, in May 2020, Campos-Reyes fraudulently applied for and received approximately $866,500 in funds through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The PPP and EIDL programs were established under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide financial assistance to eligible small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Campos‑Reyes admitted that he did not use the relief funds for their intended purposes. Instead, in June 2020, he used $262,145.20 to purchase real property located in Opelika, Alabama. Campos‑Reyes further admitted that, up to July 15, 2025, he knowingly hired and employed unauthorized aliens at multiple restaurants he owned or operated, fully aware that they were not permitted to work in the United States. A sentencing hearing for Campos-Reyes will be scheduled in the coming months. At that hearing, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud, up to 10 years for money laundering, and up to six months in prison for unlawful employment of aliens. Campos-Reyes also faces substantial fines and the forfeiture of proceeds seized during the investigation. A federal district judge will determine Campos-Reyes’s sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system. The investigation and resulting charges in this case are the culmination of a coordinated investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA). Additional assistance was provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Alabama Department of Corrections, Auburn Police Department, Opelika Police Department, Prattville Police Department, Wetumpka Police Department, the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshals Service. This operation received significant assistance from the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Mobile comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and other federal and local agencies. The prosecution is being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama.


title: Maryland Felon Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Possession

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man is headed to federal prison for firearm crimes. U.S. District Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Jerry Toliver, 37, of Rosedale, today, to five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD). According to court documents, on December 19, 2024, BPD officers arrived at a building to assist BCPD detectives with executing an arrest warrant on Toliver. The warrant was in connection with a November 2024 shooting. BCPD detectives located Toliver sitting in the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle. Law enforcement ordered Toliver out of the vehicle and placed him under arrest. As law enforcement searched Toliver, officers discovered oxycodone, cocaine base, and cocaine on him. After towing the vehicle to BCPD Headquarters, law enforcement uncovered a loaded handgun with seven live rounds of ammunition under the driver’s seat. Toliver is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to prior convictions. Additionally, investigators found $3,604.17, along with a large amount of Toliver’s clothing in the vehicle. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the ATF, BCPD, and BPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Godwin who is prosecuting this federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md . # # #


title: Honduran Illegal Alien Sentenced to More Than Six Decades in Federal Prison for Child Sexual Exploitation Crimes

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – A federal judge sentenced a Honduran illegal alien, unlawfully residing in the United States, to prison, today, for child sex-abuse crimes. U.S. District Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Jose Adan Lopez-Guevara, 38, to 65 years in federal prison, followed by 30 years of supervised release, for sexually exploiting children and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). In April 2026, a federal jury convicted Lopez-Guevara of 14 counts of sexually exploiting a child and one count of possessing child sexual abuse material. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP); Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD); and State’s Attorney Tara H. Jackson, Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office (PGCSAO). According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between 2015 and 2024, Lopez-Guevara sexually abused three minors, ranging from 2 to 11 years old at the time of the abuse. Lopez-Guevara, who lived in Laurel and Baltimore, produced images and videos of himself and the victims engaged in sexually explicit conduct, many of which were found on the dark web. In December 2024, HSI initiated an investigation after its investigators in Portland, Maine, observed previously unseen child sexual abuse videos on the internet. After identifying Minor Victim 1 in the videos, and determining that he lived in Maryland, investigators quickly referred the matter to HSI Maryland. HSI then executed several search warrants in Maryland and discovered Lopez-Guevara in possession of two phones. Investigators forensically examined the phones and discovered additional images of Lopez-Guevara sexually abusing Minor Victim 1, along with depictions of Lopez-Guevara exploiting Minor Victim 2 and Minor Victim 3. Additionally, investigators found hundreds of CSAM images and videos on the phone associated with an encrypted messaging application. This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit justice.gov/psc . For more information about Internet safety education, please visit justice.gov/psc and click on the “Resources” tab on the left of the page. Know2Protect is a Department of Homeland Security national public awareness campaign to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults and policymakers to prevent and combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse ; explain how to report online enticement and victimization; and offer resources for victims and survivors and their supporters. Learn more about Know2Protect at www.dhs.gov/know2protect . U.S. Attorney Hayes commended HSI, MSP, BCPD, PGCSAO, for their work in the investigation, along with the Center for Hope, for its valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Budlow and Victoria Liu who prosecuted the case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md . # # #


title: Baltimore Man Indicted in Connection With Armed Robberies of Three Cellphone Stores

body_text: Baltimore, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced, today, that a Baltimore man faces indictment stemming from multiple armed robberies. A federal grand jury charged Carlos Moody, 38, with three counts of interference with commerce by threats or violence in connection with the armed robberies of three Baltimore cellphone stores. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD). According to the indictment, in late December 2025, Moody robbed three different cellphone stores, located in the southern and northern areas of Baltimore, in a four-day period. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. If convicted, Moody faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison on each of the three counts alleged in the indictment. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and BPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ty Pittinger and John W. Sippel, Jr., who are prosecuting the federal case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md . # # #


title: Leader of the Manchester N.H. Chapter of Trinitarios Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – A member of the Manchester Chapter of the Trinitarios has been sentenced in federal court in Boston for racketeering charges, including his participation in the attempted murder of rival gang members. Luis Jeffrey Santana, a/k/a “Sopita,” 28, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton to 10 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. After serving the prison sentence, Luis Enrique Santana will be deported to the Dominican Republic. In June 2026 , Santana pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity, more commonly referred to as RICO conspiracy. Luis Jeffrey Santana was arrested and charged in February 2025. The Trinitarios is a violent criminal enterprise comprised of thousands of members across the United States. The Trinitarios adhere to a Magna Carta, employ an internal hierarchy to coordinate and execute violence, and undertake extensive efforts to maintain the secrecy of the organization and its members. Luis Jeffrey Santana admitted to his participation in an August 2021 shooting outside of a department store in Salem, Mass. During this incident, Luis Jeffrey Santana and other Trinitarios members confronted two victims they believed to be rival gang members and engaged in a verbal altercation with them in the store. The Trinitarios and victims separated, exited the store and proceeded in different directions. The Trinitarios members, however, called for reinforcements who arrived shortly thereafter. The victims proceeded to their vehicle and as they turned out of the parking lot, a black sedan containing multiple Trinitarios pulled up and a shooter began firing multiple rounds at the victims. At the same time, a second vehicle pulled out and blocked traffic while the shooting took place. Luis Jeffrey Santana was also one of the leaders who convened a gang meeting in Dec. 1, 2024. During the recorded meeting, the Trinitarios discussed the reorganization and restructuring of the Trinitarios chapters, including the need for members to pay dues and contribute to the gang’s operations. The leaders discussed the need to have money on hand to help members who commit shootings and to fund a war against rival gang members. They also discussed the potential violence that would be visited upon members who betray the gang. During the plea hearing in June 2026, Luis Jeffrey Santana admitted to his membership in the gang. Photographs and videos recovered in the investigation showed Luis Jeffrey Santana wearing Trinitarios beaded necklaces, making Trinitarios gang signs with his hands and associating with other members and leaders. In February 2025 , federal racketeering charges were unsealed against 22 leaders and members of the Trinitarios. The charges were the result of a multijurisdictional investigation, which began in the aftermath of four murders as well as a series of attempted murders and shootings that took place in Lynn in 2023, allegedly committed by the Trinitarios criminal enterprise and its members. On June 9, 2026 , additional federal racketeering and drug charges were unsealed charging 26 additional leaders, members and associates of the Lawrence, Haverhill and Boston Chapters of the gang. According to court documents, the Trinitarios have allegedly participated in five additional murders in Essex County since 2017, bringing the total of federally charged murders to 11, and the total number of federally charged defendants to 56. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeff Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble; Lawrence Police Chief Maurice Aguiler; Methuen Police Acting Chief Jamie Moore, and Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester, N.H. Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Boston is comprised of agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, USMS, IRS-CI, USPIS, DOL-OIG and DSS, as well as several state and local law enforcement agencies, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood . # FIRST NAME LAST NAME DOCKET NO. CASE STATUS 1 Ricardo Bratini-Perez 24-CR-10310 Pleaded Guilty, Sentenced to 120 Months 2 Rosnel Polanco 24-CR-10263 Pleaded Guilty, Awaiting Sentencing 3 Eric Rosario 24-CR-10263 Pleaded Guilty, Awaiting Sentencing 4 Robert Santana 24-CR-10263 Pleaded Guilty, Awaiting Sentencing 5 Yeferson Vallecillo Cambar 24-CR-10335 Pending 6 Elvis Trujillo 24-CR-10336 Pending 7 Abel Severino-Reyes 24-CR-10373 Pleaded Guilty, Awaiting Sentencing 8 Warly Ruiz 24-CR-10380 Pleaded Guilty, Awaiting Sentencing 9 David Garcia 25-CR-10006 Pleaded Guilty, Awaiting Sentencing 10 Tomy Sanchez 25-CR-10007 Pleaded Guilty, Awaiting Sentencing 11 Carlos Ramirez 25-CR-10008 Pleaded Guilty 12 Justin Alba 25-CR-10058 Pending 13 Darwin Batista 25-CR-10058 Pending 14 Janoy Batista 25-CR-10058 Pending 15 Aaron Diaz Liranzo 25-CR-10058 Pleaded Guilty, Sentenced to 168 Months 16 Israel Garcia-Vasquez 25-CR-10058 Pleaded Guilty , Awaiting Sentencing 17 James Jimenez 25-CR-10058 Pleaded Guilty, Awaiting Sentencing 18 Ery Jordani Rosario 25-CR-10058 Pending 19 Westyn Lantigua 25-CR-10058 Pleaded Guilty , Awaiting Sentencing 20 Kelvin Liranzo Roman 25-CR-10058 Pleaded Guilty , Awaiting Sentencing 21 Michael Miliano 25-CR-10058 Pleaded Guilty , Awaiting Sentencing 22 Enmanuel Paula-Cabral 25-CR-10058 Pending 23 Luis Jeffrey Santana 25-CR-10058 Pleaded Guilty, Sentenced to 120 Months 24 Luis Enrique Santana 25-CR-10058 Pleaded Guilty, Sentenced to 136 Months 25 Angel Santos 25-CR-10058 Pending 26 Wilving Lopez 25-CR-10062 Pleaded Guilty, Awaiting Sentencing 27 Leonardo Espinoza 25-CR-10236 Pleaded Guilty, Awaiting Sentencing 28 Isiah Medina 25-CR-10302 Pending 29 Rodderrith Peralta 25-CR-10302 Pending 30 Derek Mercado 25-CR-10411 Pleaded Guilty, Sentenced to 37 Months 31 Yordali Yorro 25-CR-10058 Pending 32 James Cabrera 25-CR-10058 Pending 33 Luis Crispin 25-CR-10058 Pending 34 Angel Castillo-Garcia 25-CR-10058 Fugitive 35 Osviallis Serrano 25-CR-10058 Fugitive 36 Jervis Almanzar 25-CR-10058 Pending 37 Enrique Duran 25-CR-10058 Pending 38 Abigail Arias 25-CR-10058 Pending 39 Justane Garcia 25-CR-10058 Pending 40 Riky Montilla 25-CR-10058 Pending 41 Jeremy Felix 25-CR-10058 Pending 42 Jose Martinez 25-CR-10058 Pending 43 Jayden Muniz 25-CR-10058 Pending 44 Geovane Fernandes 25-CR-10058 Pending 45 Jahir Davila 25-CR-10058 Pending 46 Yanuel Mejia 25-CR-10058 Pending 47 Luis Fernandez Lopez 25-CR-10058 Pending 48 Victor Diaz 25-CR-10058 Pending 49 Xavier Puello 25-CR-10058 Pending 50 Joelfry Cabrera 25-CR-10058 Pending 51 Richard Pena 25-CR-10058 Pending 52 Hector Mota 25-CR-10058 Pending 53 Jean Delgado 25-CR-10058 Pending 54 Luis Cabral 25-CR-10058 Pending 55 Yoldari Tejeda Coronado 25-CR-10058 Pending 56 Martin Taveras 25-CR-10058 Pending


title: Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking and Firearm Charges

body_text: BOSTON – A Brazilian national unlawfully residing in Peabody, Mass., who served as a “general” in Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), a violent transnational criminal organization based in Brazil, has pleaded guilty to multiple drug trafficking and firearm charges. PCC is one of the largest cocaine distributors in the world and is responsible for acts of violence and firearms trafficking. Adinazio Vinicius Soares Dias-Barbosa, a/k/a “Panda,” 30, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, being an alien in possession of firearms and ammunition and engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license. U.S. Senior District Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Dec. 3, 2026. The defendant was previously charged by criminal complaint on July 30, 2025. Dias-Barbosa supplied fentanyl and cocaine to a drug trafficking network operating on the North Shore of Massachusetts. During the investigation, a search of Dias-Barbosa’s cell phone revealed numerous messages and photographs detailing his drug trafficking activities. On July 1, 2025, as part of the investigation, Dias-Barbosa was stopped on Interstate 95 in South Carolina. Dias-Barbosa consented to a search of his vehicle but fled on foot across the interstate just before the search began. He was apprehended in the grassy median. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, nine rifles and ammunition were seized from the floor of the rear passenger compartment. Dias-Barbosa admitted that he had purchased the firearms in South Carolina and was transporting them to a broker in Miami, who would arrange for the rifles to be transported to Brazil through Paraguay. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances provides for a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. The charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by an alien and engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license each provide for a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Nathan Hebert, Special Agent in Charge of the Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Division; and Jack D. Buckley, Chief of Medford Police Department made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Everett, Framingham, Myrtle Beach (S.C.) and Yemassee (S.C.) Police Departments; Massachusetts Department of Correction; Massachusetts Army National Guard – Counterdrug Office; and the New England High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case. This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Boston Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America . HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.


title: Guatemalan National Sentenced for Unlawful Reentry

body_text: BOSTON – A Guatemalan national who was unlawfully residing in Hudson, Mass. was sentenced in federal court in Boston for unlawfully reentering the United States after deportation. Edwin Hernandez-Orellana, 33, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs to time served, approximately 16 months. The defendant is now subject to deportation proceedings. Previously, Hernandez-Orellana pled guilty to one count of unlawful reentry of a deported alien. According to court records, Hernandez-Orellana had been in custody since his arrest on May 14, 2025. Hernandez-Orellana was indicted by a federal grand jury in June of 2025. According to the charging documents, Hernandez-Orellana was found in the United States on May 14, 2025, after previously having been removed from the United States on or about May 21, 2014. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and David T. Wesling, Acting Field Office Director, Boston, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julissa Walsh and Mark Grady of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.


title: Fall River Man Sentenced for Shipping Cocaine Through the Mail

body_text: BOSTON – A Fall River man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for a drug trafficking offense arising from his shipment of cocaine through the U.S. mail from California to Massachusetts. Justin Dupras, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin to time served (two days). In May 2025 , Dupras pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to possess cocaine with the intent to distribute. Dupras was charged by criminal complaint in January 2025 . Dupras mailed a package containing approximately two kilograms of cocaine from a post office in Los Angeles, Calif. to Fall River, Mass. on Dec. 17, 2024. Dupras then returned to Massachusetts and, on Dec. 19, 2024, drove to the Fall River Post Office. Another individual signed for the package containing cocaine and handed it to Dupras. In addition, Dupras mailed packages containing cocaine from California to Massachusetts on multiple prior occasions. For example, on Sept. 17, 2024, Dupras mailed a box containing more than two kilograms of cocaine from Chino Hills, Calif. to Fall River, Mass. On Oct. 29, 2024, Dupras mailed a box containing approximately two kilograms of cocaine from Los Angeles, Calif. to Fall River, Mass. Flight records show Dupras returning to Massachusetts on the same day that he mailed the two packages. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Justin Page, Acting Inspector in Charge of the United States Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Fall River Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Abely prosecuted the case.


title: Dompé U.S. Agrees to Pay $32 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Relating to Self-Disclosure of Patient Kickbacks

body_text: BOSTON – Dompé U.S., Inc. (Dompé), based in California, has agreed to pay $32 million to resolve allegations that, between 2018 and 2021, it paid Medicare beneficiary co-payments through two patient assistance foundations to induce the purchase of its drug, Oxervate, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute and the False Claims Act. When a Medicare beneficiary obtains a prescription drug covered by Medicare Part B or Part D, the beneficiary is often required to make a partial payment, which may take the form of a co-payment, co-insurance, or deductible (collectively “co-pays”). These co-pay obligations may be substantial for expensive medications. Congress included co-pay requirements in these programs, in part, to encourage market forces to serve as a check on health care costs, including the prices that pharmaceutical manufacturers can demand for their drugs. The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits pharmaceutical companies from offering or paying, directly or indirectly, any remuneration – which includes money or any other thing of value – to induce Medicare patients to purchase the companies’ drugs. Dompé admitted that, around the time of Oxervate’s 2018 launch in the United States, Dompé U.S. employees expressed reservations about launching the drug before making a payment to a patient assistance foundation that paid the co-pays for Oxervate. After conversations with Dompé employees, two foundations opened funds that, among other things, paid co-pays for Oxervate, and Dompé made contributions to those foundations. Between 2019 and 2021, despite having an annual budgeting process for contributions, Dompé sometimes approved mid-year increases to those foundations or held certain amounts in “reserve” so that it could determine mid-year which of the foundations were running low on funding and allocate the “reserve” accordingly. Dompé also solicited patient assistance foundation data directly from the foundations, and from the specialty pharmacy that provided hub services to Dompé U.S. patients. Certain Dompé employees involved in the patient assistance foundation budgeting process received this data through either direct or indirect means. “Kickbacks to beneficiaries undermine the purpose of the Medicare co-pay system and drive up the cost of drugs,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “My Office has recovered over $1.4 billion for taxpayers through settlements and enforcement actions concerning drug company kickbacks to purported charities, and we will continue to pursue these matters to ensure that all drug companies play by the rules and to protect federal taxpayer funded healthcare programs.” “This settlement demonstrates the United States’ commitment to enforcing the Anti-Kickback Statute and ensuring that pharmaceutical manufacturers do not use unlawful inducements,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department encourages companies that uncover improper kickbacks to self-disclose such conduct.” “Pharmaceutical manufacturers that attempt to disguise kickbacks as charitable patient assistance are engaging in blatant misconduct which corrupts medical decision‑making and drains federal health care programs,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Dompé’s actions undermined critical safeguards Congress put in place to protect Medicare, driving up costs for taxpayers while exploiting patients. HHS-OIG does not tolerate such conduct and will continue to work tirelessly for justice and accountability.” Dompé is the U.S. subsidiary of Dompé farmaceutici S.p.A., a pharmaceutical company incorporated in Italy. Dompé farmaceutici voluntarily self-disclosed this conduct to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts, which Dompé U.S. discovered following an internal compliance review. Following the voluntary disclosure, both Dompé farmaceutici and Dompé U.S. fully cooperated with the government in this matter. By 2022, Dompé implemented changes to its patient assistance foundation contribution practices. U.S. Attorney Foley, AAG Shumate and HHS-OIG Acting DIGI Bennett made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lindsey Ross and Brian LaMacchia, Chief of the Affirmative Litigation Unit, handled the matter along with Senior Trial Counsel Sarah Arni of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section. dompe_settlement_agreement_fully_executed.pdf


title: Peruvian national indicted for illegally voting

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita has returned an indictment charging a Peruvian national with multiple criminal offenses arising from allegedly voting in a federal election despite not being a United States citizen. According to court documents, Mariana Alexandra Dewey, 24, of Wichita is charged with one count of false claim of citizenship, one count of false claim of United States citizenship in order to vote, one count of fraudulent election conduct, and one count of voting by an alien in a federal election. In November 2024, Dewey allegedly falsely represented herself to be a U.S. citizen in order to register to vote in an election that included federal, state, and local offices. She is further accused of casting a ballot that included candidates for U.S. President, Vice President, Senate, and House of Representatives after falsely certifying that she was a U.S. citizen and eligible to vote. “The Department of Justice remains committed to protecting election integrity and is actively investigating and prosecuting these cases,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “With another election looming, the Department’s effort serves as a stark reminder to individuals who are not legally authorized to vote not to engage in this conduct. Should individuals be determined by a court of law to have illegally claimed U.S. citizenship and voted or attempted to vote in federal elections, they will face serious criminal consequences.” Dewey is scheduled to make her initial court appearance on Monday, September 14, 2026 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###