title: Florissant Woman Admits Theft of $170,000 in Social Security Benefits

component: Office of the Attorney General

body_text: ST. LOUIS – A woman from Florissant, Missouri on Wednesday admitted stealing $170,000 in Social Security benefits after the death of a relative. Laneka Holmes, 45, of Florissant, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of theft of government money. She admitted that the death of a relative on May 23, 2017, was not reported to the Social Security Administration, as required. The relative’s Social Security payments were being deposited into an account held jointly with Holmes, and Holmes took those funds from May 2017 until April 2025. Holmes admitted unlawfully receiving a total of $170,574. At her October 21 sentencing, Holmes faces up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both prison and a fine. She will also be ordered to repay the money. The Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jolene Taaffe is prosecuting the case.


title: Oakland County Lab Agrees To Settle False Claims Act Allegations For $6,494,290.00

component: USAO - Michigan, Eastern

body_text: DETROIT - United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. announced today that Orchard Laboratories Corporation (Orchard) agreed to a settlement of $6,494,290.00 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act. Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division and Thomas Ethridge, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). From April 4, 2022 – May 11, 2023, Medicare paid for up to eight over-the-counter (OTC) COVID tests per month for eligible beneficiaries. Individuals did not need a prescription to be eligible for the free tests, but they did need to affirmatively request the tests from an eligible provider. Eligible providers included physicians, pharmacies, and laboratories. Orchard was a clinical reference laboratory that participated in the OTC COVID-19 test program. The United States began investigating Orchard after it received complaints alleging that Orchard had improperly billed for OTC COVID tests that were never requested or received by the beneficiary. This settlement resolves allegations that Orchard billed Medicare for OTC COVID tests that were never delivered during the period from March 1, 2023, through May 11, 2023. “The False Claims Act is an important tool to combat fraudulent medical billing,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. for the Eastern District of Michigan. “Our office is coming for healthcare providers who cheat the government.” “Today’s settlement reinforces our steadfast commitment to protecting the integrity of federal health care programs and ensuring accountability when violations occur,” said Special Agent in Charge Thomas Ethridge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “We remain dedicated to safeguarding taxpayer dollars, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to uphold the trust placed in us by the public.” “Protecting taxpayer-funded healthcare programs is essential to preserving public trust and ensuring federal healthcare dollars are used as intended,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Healthcare providers entrusted with federal healthcare dollars have a responsibility to bill honestly and accurately. I commend the outstanding work of the members from FBI Detroit and HHS-OIG resolving this matter." The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort among the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General. The matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys John Postulka and Gregory Dickinson from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan. 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 investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating health care 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 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477). The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability .


title: Texas Man Sentenced for Misprision of a Felony

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ELDER CAMACHO (“CAMACHO”) , age 36, a resident of Texas, was sentenced on July 29, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to one count in a Superseding Bill of Information charging him with misprision of a felony, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. CAMACHO was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment, one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee. According to court documents, CAMACHO, drove a codefendant from Atlanta, Georgia to New Orleans, Louisiana in order to launder bulk cash drug proceeds from the Eastern District of Louisiana to Texas. CAMACHO also assisted in purchasing packaging materials to conceal the bulk cash. This prosecution 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 New Orleans comprises agents and officers from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana. This investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration – New Orleans Field Division Office, and assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Border Patrol, the Gretna Major Crimes Task Force, the Kenner Police Department, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, the St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the New Orleans Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit. * * *


title: Lexington Man Sentenced for Methamphetamine Trafficking

component: USAO - Kentucky, Eastern

body_text: LONDON, Ky. – A Lexington, Ky., man, Robert Dale Conley, 46, was sentenced on Wednesday to 192 months by U.S. District Judge Robert Wier for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. On December 12, 2025, law enforcement utilized a confidential informant to make a video-recorded controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Conley in Pulaski County. In the video, Conley—armed with a pistol—can be seen weighing out 92.34 grams of methamphetamine and ultimately providing the same to the confidential information. Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office; and Sheriff Bobby Jones, Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, jointly announced the sentence. The investigation was conducted by the FBI and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pearce Nesbitt prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States. – END –


title: Wilmington Man Indicted for Federal Firearms Offense

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Wilmington man with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. According to the indictment, Isiah Woodland, 30, possessed a Polymer 80 handgun and twelve rounds of ammunition during the month of February 2026. Woodland is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. Woodland is charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. If convicted, Woodland faces a maximum of 15 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace, Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Wilfredo Campos, Wilmington Police Department (WPD), made the announcement. ATF and WPD investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin B. Smith is prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-00118-RGA. The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Milford Man Indicted for Federal Firearms Offense

body_text: WILMINGTON, Del. – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Milford man with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. According to court documents, Jayceir Fullman, 21, on February 9, 2026, entered the apartment of an acquaintance without permission and took a Glock handgun. Fullman is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms. Fullman is charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. If convicted, Fullman faces a maximum of 15 years in prison. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after taking into account the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace, Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Cecilia Ashe, Milford Police Department (MPD), made the announcement. ATF and MPD investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin B. Smith is prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities . A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-00086-CFC. The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


title: Former HR Executive Agrees to Pay $160,000   to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced today that it reached a civil settlement agreement with Carleena Graham, whereby the former Vice President of Human Resources for World Learning has agreed to pay $160,000 to resolve allegations that she violated the False Claims Act by submitting false invoices to her employer for reimbursement of expenses that benefitted her personally and organizations with which she was affiliated. World Learning is a nonprofit global development and exchange organization that delivers educational and professional training programs around the world. It was also a recipient of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and U.S. Department of State funds through various grants, contracts, and negotiated indirect cost rate agreements totaling several million dollars. The Government asserts that, from approximately 2015 to 2022, Graham orchestrated a scheme to submit false invoices to World Learning for reimbursement of hundreds of thousands of dollars of expenses. As part of that scheme, Graham arranged for goods and services to be delivered to third-party organizations and then arranged for World Learning to pay for these goods and services via electronic transfers of funds from its bank account or use of World Learning’s credit cards. The Government also found that Graham falsified invoices submitted by vendors for payment of the goods and services to make them appear as though World Learning was the recipient of the goods and services. By defrauding World Learning, the Government contends Graham was also misappropriating funds the nonprofit received from USAID and the State Department. The settlement concludes a joint investigation conducted by USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the State Department OIG that followed Graham’s guilty plea in the District of Vermont to one count of wire fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343 for the above-described conduct. United States v. Carleena Graham, Case No. 23-cr-57. The civil settlement resulted from the work of Assistant United States Attorney Sam Escher and Auditor Timothy J. Hurley with the support of Special Agents from USAID and the State Department’s OIGs. The claims resolved by the civil settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability. settlement_agreement_-_signed_by_all_parties_v.1_redacted.pdf


title: Colombian National Sentenced to 57 Months in Federal Prison for Role in Nationwide Jewelry Theft Ring

component: USAO - Connecticut

body_text: David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that HAROLD RAMIREZ CAGUA, also known as “Gordo,” 42, a citizen of Colombia last residing in Miami, Florida, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 57 months of imprisonment for his involvement in an organized jewelry theft ring that targeted mall-based stores and kiosks across the country. According to court documents and statements made in court, from May 2023 through April 2024, Ramirez Cagua and several other Colombian nationals burglarized jewelry stores and kiosks in malls in Connecticut and other states and then transported the stolen property or the proceeds from it across state lines. Before the burglaries, the co-conspirators surveilled the stores and kiosks to formulate game plans and, as part of that reconnaissance, posed as legitimate customers to examine the desired merchandise and assess the establishment’s security measures. Ramirez Cagua served as the crime ring’s logistics operative, booking flights for co-conspirators to travel for the burglaries, securing rental cars, and reserving lodging. During the burglaries, he and his associates forced his way into closed businesses, sometimes by cutting a hole through a wall, and then pried open and smashed locked display cases. They then carted off the stolen merchandise. Ramirez Cagua and his co-conspirators burglarized jewelry establishments in Paterson, New Jersey, on May 17, 2023; in Mentor, Ohio, on July 21, 2023; in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on August 14, 2023; in Greece, New York, on September 20, 2023; at the Connecticut Post Mall in Milford, Connecticut, on October 5, 2023; in Lombard, Illinois on October 17, 2023; in Hamilton Township, New Jersey, on October 27, 2023; in Henrico, Virginia on November 4, 2023; and in Horseheads, New York on April 18, 2024. The total losses from these burglaries exceed $4.4 million. Members of the conspiracy also cased additional jewelry stores and kiosks in Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Delaware. To date, none of the stolen jewelry has been recovered by law enforcement. The investigation revealed that much of the stolen jewelry was sold to the owner of a jewelry store in Queens, New York , who then sold it to others, including those he knew would melt down the gold. Ramirez Cagua has been detained since July 18, 2024. On March 5, 2025, he pleaded guilty to interstate transportation of stolen property. This investigation has been conducted by the FBI New Haven’s Transnational Organized Crime Task Force with the assistance of the Milford (Conn.) Police Department, the Hamilton Township (N.J.) Police Division, the Delaware State Police, the Henrico County (Va.) Police Division, the New York State Police, the New York Police Department, the Pensacola (Fla.) Police Department, the Paterson (N.J.) Police Department, the Mentor (Ohio) Police Department, the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Police Department, the Greece (N.Y.) Police Department, and the Lombard (Ill.) Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and Conor M. Reardon. U.S. Attorney Sullivan thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, and FBI Field Offices in New York, Dallas, Miami, and Tampa for their assistance. This prosecution 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 toward 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 New Haven comprises agents and officers from the FBI, DEA, HSI, ATF, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor, and Connecticut State Police, with prosecutions led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.


title: Crips Leader, Music Label Owner and Purported Anti-Gang Activist Hit with More Federal Charges, Including Soliciting Witness Murder

component: USAO - California, Central

body_text: LOS ANGELES – A jailed South Los Angeles gang leader, music label owner, and purported anti-gang activist awaiting a federal trial was charged today with seven additional federal felonies, including that he solicited two fellow jail inmates to murder or seriously injure a witness against him and attempting to tamper with that witness’s testimony. Eugene Henley, Jr., 59, a.k.a. “Big U,” of the Hyde Park area of Los Angeles and who has been in federal custody since March 2025, previously was charged with dozens of felonies, including racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, robbery, extortion, and tax evasion. A federal grand jury today charged Henley – a long-time member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips street gang – with seven additional felonies: two counts of solicitation to commit a crime of violence, two counts of tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant, one count of conspiracy to transport an individual in interstate commerce with intent that the individual engage in prostitution, and two counts of wire fraud. Henley and six other defendants charged in this case are scheduled to go to trial in February 2027. Since last year, Henley has been charged with operating what prosecutors call the “Big U Enterprise,” a racketeering organization that used his stature and long-standing association with the Rollin’ 60s to extort businesses and individuals, traffic and exploit sex workers, and defraud donors, lenders, and a federally funded anti-gang charity. Henley is also accused in the underlying racketeering conspiracy charge with the January 2021 murder of an aspiring musician, R.W., in Las Vegas. According to the superseding indictment returned today, on June 10, 2026, Henley asked two inmates about the layout of a housing unit where he believed a witness, identified in the indictment as “Victim-1,” was being held. Henley offered to pay the inmates to kill or harm Victim-1 to prevent Victim-1 from testifying at trial against members of Henley’s criminal enterprise. Henley also is charged with paying co-defendant Armani Aflleje, 39, a.k.a. “Mani,” of Koreatown, to transport women across state lines to engage in prostitution. In November 2022, he paid Aflleje $1,000 via Zelle to rent a car to transport the women from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Aflleje sent text messages to Henley of photographs of the women she was transporting. The following week, Henley sent Aflleje an additional $500 for the trip. From November 2022 to January 2023, Henley and Aflleje schemed to rent vehicles and locate women on multiple occasions to engage in prostitution. Henley is further charged with submitting in June 2020 a false and fraudulent application for a COVID-19 pandemic business-relief loan under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for his business, Celebrity Socks. The false statements concerned the business’s gross revenue and the costs of goods sold for the business for the 12-month period preceding the pandemic. The superseding indictment returned today also adds new overt acts to the indictment’s racketeering conspiracy charge. These acts include the following allegations: In 2014, Henley and his associates assaulted and chased a Grammy-winning recording artist through Los Angeles International Airport to collect a debt and for failing to show respect; Henley embezzled in 2019 additional charitable donations intended for Developing Options, his federally funded anti-gang nonprofit; Henley in March 2023 prepared to provide false information to a court and a county prosecutor to fabricate an individual’s employment with Developing Options; In June and July of 2020, Henley sought and was denied additional COVID-19 pandemic-relief loans on behalf of Developing Options; and In February 2023, Henley threatened to shut down a cannabis business unless its owner paid Henley and co-defendant Sylvester Robinson, 60, a.k.a. “Vey,” of Northridge. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. If convicted, Henley would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison for the racketeering conspiracy count. The newly added witness tampering counts carry an additional statutory maximum of life in federal prison on each count. The FBI’s Los Angeles Metropolitan Task Force on Violent Gangs; IRS Criminal Investigation; the United States Department of Justice Office of Inspector General; the Los Angeles Police Department; and the North Las Vegas Police Department are investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Butler and Jena A. MacCabe of the Major Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.


title: Phoenix Family Pleads Guilty to Role in $2.2 Million Covid-19 Fraud Scheme and Firearms Charges

component: USAO - Arizona

body_text: PHOENIX, Ariz. – Mohammed Maio, 43, of Phoenix, Arizona, pleaded guilty earlier this month to Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Bank Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Mohammed Maio also pleaded guilty in a second matter to Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Aiding Another in Making a Materially False Statement to Purchase a Firearm. His sentencings in both matters are scheduled for Sept. 28, 2026, before United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi. In addition, Mohammed Maio’s parents, Souzan El-Sayed, 66, and Abukar Maio, 70, also of Phoenix, pleaded guilty on July 24, 2026, to Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Bank Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. Their sentencings are scheduled for Oct. 5, 2026, also before Judge Liburdi. Between May 2020 and March 2024, the three family members conspired with each other to fraudulently obtain and misuse multiple Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan relief loans. They submitted false information to secure nearly $2.2 million in loans for multiple businesses that had no employees. The funds were instead used for personal enrichment, including the purchase of multiple properties. According to his plea, Mohammed Maio, a convicted felon, also arranged for his mother to purchase a firearm on his behalf in May 2021. Mohammed Maio admitted that he caused his mother to falsely state on the application to purchase the firearm that it was for her use, rather than his, and that he later illegally possessed the firearm she purchased. A conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Wire and Bank Fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. A conviction for Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine. A conviction for Felon in Possession carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A conviction for Making a False Statement During the Purchase of a Firearm carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin M. Rapp District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution. On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. CASE NUMBER: CR-25-00766; CR-26-00488 RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-127_Maio # # # For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/ Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.


title: Fraud Division Resolves Fraud Investigation of Eye Care Group Under New Corporate Enforcement Policy; Health Care Executive Charged for Alleged Fraud and Kickbacks

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: The National Fraud Enforcement Division today announced the resolution of a criminal health care fraud investigation into Campus Eye Management Holdings LLC, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Campus Eye Management LLC (collectively, Campus Eye), pursuant to Part I of the Department of Justice (Department) Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy (CEP). The Department declined to prosecute Campus Eye, a management services organization that provided billing and other services to an optometry practice and ambulatory surgery center (ASC), for health care fraud, illegal kickbacks and bribes, and conspiracy after it voluntarily self-disclosed the misconduct, fully cooperated with the Department’s investigation, and timely and appropriately remediated the wrongdoing. As part of the resolution, Campus Eye agreed to pay back $1 million to victims. “The Fraud Division is committed to robust and fair corporate enforcement, which aids our prosecutions of individuals who defraud the government,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “The Department’s policies afford companies that take responsibility for their misconduct with a clear path to a declination. Businesses that ignore the law and profit from their executive’s lies and deceit will be held accountable.” Separately, the Department announced a seven-count indictment against the founder of the optometry practice and ASC for his role in orchestrating diagnostic testing and kickback schemes, both prior to and after he and outside investors formed Campus Eye in December 2021 and he became the CEO. According to court documents, from at least 2015 through March 2023, E. Bruce DiDonato, 71, of Princeton, New Jersey, allegedly conspired with others to defraud Medicare by billing for unnecessary diagnostic eye tests. DiDonato allegedly paid kickbacks and bribes to ophthalmologists in exchange for their referral of patients who needed eye surgeries, and then subjected the patients to diagnostic tests that were duplicative of tests they had previously received or were unnecessary for the type of surgery being performed. As alleged, neither DiDonato nor the optometrist reviewed the tests, and in most instances the ophthalmologists did not review or rely on the tests to inform their treatment decisions in advance of surgery. According to the indictment, DiDonato concealed the payment of kickbacks and bribes by creating sham agreements that described the payments as consulting fees, and paying in the form of monthly “flat fees” that were actually based on a percentage of the optometry practice’s Medicare reimbursement for diagnostic tests performed on patients the providers had referred in the previous year. DiDonato allegedly caused the submission of approximately $3.4 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare, of which Medicare paid approximately $1 million. DiDonato then marketed and sold Campus Eye to private equity investors, based in part on the lucrative reimbursements he received from Medicare. The Department resolved its investigation into Campus Eye after considering the factors set forth in the CEP, including (1) Campus Eye’s timely and voluntary self-disclosure of the misconduct; (2) Campus Eye’s full and proactive cooperation in this matter and its agreement to continue to cooperate with any ongoing government investigations and prosecutions; (3) the nature and seriousness of the offense; (4) Campus Eye’s timely and appropriate remediation, including an internal review and subsequent revision of certain billing, payment, and compensation policies, and substantial improvement of its compliance program by, among other things, conducting ongoing risk assessments and monitoring, hiring new personnel with compliance responsibilities, and implementing compliance trainings; (5) the absence of aggravating factors that, when weighed against Campus Eye’s cooperation and remediation, warrant a disposition other than a resolution under Part I of the CEP; and (6) the fact that Campus Eye agreed to compensate victims. This is the Department’s first declination of a health care company under the new Department-wide Corporate Enforcement Policy that was announced by Acting Attorney General Blanche on March 10, 2026, following an uptick of corporate enforcement actions against health care companies by the Department in recent years. DiDonato is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, two counts of health care fraud, and three counts of payment of illegal health care kickbacks. If convicted, DiDonato faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the health care fraud conspiracy and substantive health care fraud counts, 5 years in prison on the kickback conspiracy count, and 10 years in prison for each of the substantive kickback counts. Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division; U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey; Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy of the FBI; and Special Agent in Charge Naomi Gruchacz of the Department of Health and Human Services, Officer of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and made the announcement. FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case. National Fraud Enforcement Division Acting Assistant Chief Darren C. Halverson and Trial Attorney Lindsey D. Carson of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake Nasar for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case. Marnee Rand, Acting Chief of the National Fraud Enforcement Division’s Corporate Enforcement Section, provided valuable assistance to the CEP declination. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit . An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former BIA Officer Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Sexual Abuse of a Minor and Lying to Investigators

component: Civil Rights - Appellate Section

body_text: Murrell Deela, a former Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) officer, was sentenced Wednesday to 14 years in prison for sexual abuse involving a minor and to lying to federal investigators. According to records filed in the case, on Aug. 7, 2024, Deela, then 29 years old, was on duty and acting in his official capacity as a BIA officer in the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, when he encountered the minor victim. Deela apprehended the victim and placed her in the back of his patrol vehicle. Instead of driving the teenager to her family’s house, Deela drove the minor to an alternate location. Deela then engaged in sexual acts with the minor victim without the victim’s consent. The minor victim disclosed the victimization the following day, and the FBI’s analysis of the evidence provided additional facts that corroborated the minor’s outcry. “The vast majority of federal law enforcement officers carry out their duties and responsibilities with exceptional skill and courage,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “But when those tasked with enforcing the law violate their duty by sexually assaulting individuals in their care and custody, especially minor victims, the Department of Justice will hold them fully accountable. Today’s sentence reflects the principle that those who abuse their power by targeting children for sexual gratification will be met with the full force of the law.” “The victim showed a tremendous amount of courage coming forward to help ensure Mr. Deela was held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Justin Gerken of the FBI Billings Field Office. “Sexual abuse of a minor is a devastating crime, only compounded by an offender’s attempt to deceive investigators. No badge or title places anyone above the law and we are committed to pursuing justice for victims.” Several days after the incident, Deela was instructed to bring his patrol vehicle to the BIA station for evidence collection. Hours prior to the scheduled report time, Deela reported that his patrol vehicle was on fire. The patrol vehicle and its video system were severely burned. An investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) determined the patrol vehicle was set on fire intentionally. Following the incident, Deela wrote a false report omitting that he had driven the minor victim to the alternate location. When interviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Deela falsely told agents that he drove the minor directly to her family’s home and had not made any other stops. When confronted with evidence, Deela later admitted that he had driven the minor to an alternate location. The case was investigated by the FBI and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Lee for the District of North Dakota, Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and former Senior Sex Crimes Counsel Tara Allison prosecuted the case.


title: Federal Jury Convicts New Jersey Man of Terrorism Offenses Relating to His Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie

body_text: A federal jury has convicted Hadi Matar, 28, of Fairview, New Jersey, of attempting to provide material support to Hizbollah, a designated foreign terrorist organization, engaging in an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries, and providing material support to terrorists. “Matar spent more than a year immersing himself in Hizballah’s violent ideology and preparing to act on a fatwa issued by Iran’s Ayatollahs calling for Mr. Rushdie’s murder,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “His brutal attack on Mr. Rushdie during a peaceful speaking event is a chilling reminder of the global reach of Iranian terrorism. With today’s verdict, justice has been done, and Matar will pay for his crimes.” “Hadi Matar, who was born and raised in the United States, chose to align his values with the terroristic values of the leaders of Iran, which often promote violence, and in this case, the call for murder,” said U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo for the Western District of New York. “The defendant spent months planning and preparing to carry out what he hoped would be the execution of Salman Rushdie and possibly follow in the footsteps of martyrs he admired. Instead, his attempted act of terror failed, and Salman Rushdie survived, thanks to courageous members of the public and law enforcement, who saved Rushdie and captured Matar.” “This was not an impulsive act; Matar conducted a violent attack in support of a designated foreign terrorist organization and wanted to carry out a fatwa against the victim,” said Assistant Director Jarod Brown of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division. “With today’s verdict, this assailant will pay the price of engaging in terrorism. The FBI and our partners are committed to bringing terrorists and all who support them to justice.” On Aug. 12, 2022, Matar attempted to murder author Salman Rushdie in an effort to carry out a fatwa calling for Rushdie’s execution because of a novel published by Rushdie in 1988. That fatwa was issued in 1989 by the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ruhollah Khomeini; reaffirmed in 2017 by the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei; and endorsed in a 2006 speech by Hizballah’s Secretary General, Hassan Nasrallah. According to evidence presentenced by the government, Matar spent over a year researching the fatwa, including its continuing validity, before deciding to carry it out while Rushdie spoke at the Chautauqua Institution in Mayville, NY. Prior to the attack, Matar discussed the fatwa — and Hizballah’s endorsement of the fatwa — with individuals located in Iran, Australia, and Canada. He also created videos about the fatwa, with titles such as “Rushdie_Fatwa 2.0” and “Rushdie_Fatwa 1.6,” which combined videos about the fatwa with video of Hassan Nasrallah endorsing the fatwa in 2006. Matar surrounded himself with symbols of Hizballah martyrs before the attack. He traveled to the Chautauqua Institution using the name “Hassan Mughniyeh,” and carried a false driver’s license bearing the same name. Matar’s false name contained the first name of Hassan Nasrallah, Hizballah’s Secretary General, and the last name of Imad Mughniyeh, the former head of Hizballah’s External Security Organization, who was responsible for planning a number of Hizballah’s terrorist attacks. On the morning of the attack, Matar visited a website run by Hizballah and took screenshots of Hizballah martyrs who had died in the month of August. Matar faces a maximum penalty of life in prison when sentenced on Nov. 3 before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, who presided over the trial. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Charles M. Kruly for the Western District of New York and Trial Attorney Jennifer Burke of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case. The case was investigated by the Buffalo Office of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis, II, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto. Additional assistance was provided by the Newark, NJ, office of the FBI and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.


title: Cuban National Sentenced for His Role in an International Alien Smuggling, Asylum Fraud, and Money Laundering Conspiracy

component: Criminal Division

body_text: A Cuban National was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for his role in an international alien smuggling, asylum fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. “Ventura-Castro was part of a complex conspiracy responsible for smuggling aliens into the United States on a massive scale,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The defendant and others recruited aliens using social media, charged thousands of dollars to bring them into the country illegally, and helped them get immigration benefits to which they were not entitled.” “Enforcing our nation’s immigration laws is essential to maintaining safe and secure borders,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe for the Middle District of Florida. “The conspirators in this case used sophisticated methods to violate those laws and engaged in an elaborate human smuggling scheme, for profit. The diligence demonstrated by our law enforcement partners in this case ensured that this defendant was brought to justice.” “The exploitation of vulnerable people through these types of intricate schemes are egregious crimes that threaten our national security and exploit the integrity of our immigration system,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Nicholas Ingegno of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tampa. “They knowingly orchestrated a sophisticated scheme to recruit and smuggle thousands of Cuban nationals into the United States, and unlawfully obtained immigration benefits through fraudulent applications, deliberate misrepresentations, and illicit financial transactions. Such calculated criminal conduct undermines the integrity of our immigration system and will be met with the full force of the law.” “Today’s sentencing is evidence of our all-out war on immigration fraud,” said Director Joseph Edlow of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. “U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is proud to have worked with our law enforcement partners to dismantle this criminal enterprise, which churned out thousands of fake asylum claims and flooded the country with illegal aliens. As Ventura-Castro and his criminal associates are being brought to justice, we will continue our mission protecting Americans from those who seek to exploit our laws and endanger our communities.” According to court documents, Erik Ventura-Castro, 24, of Hialeah, Florida, between January of 2021 and June of 2025, conspired with others to operate an alien smuggling organization (ASO) which encouraged or induced thousands of Cuban aliens to enter the United States through the southern border and used fraudulent Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and visa waivers. The defendants advertised their smuggling services and bogus visa services across multiple social media platforms to solicit Cuban nationals and other aliens to attempt to illegally enter the United States and fraudulently obtain lawful status in the United States. The alien smuggling organization (ASO) advertised services included assisting Cubans with making false claims of European citizenship to enter the United States on a European tourist visa waiver or ESTA and filing hundreds of fraudulent ESTA applications with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), using fake addresses and fabricated documents. To obtain admission under the ESTAs, the defendants made false representations that the applicants had not been in Cuba since 2011. The defendants knew that Cubans are not eligible for the ESTA program, and that the applicants were actually in Cuba at the time the ESTA applications were submitted . Passports and Boarding Passes obtained as part of the scheme Social media account advertising ASO services Social media account using photo from human smuggling event to advertise ASO services Ventura-Castro furthered the conspiracy by advertising trips for aliens to travel from Cuba to the United States through third-party countries and assisting the aliens in obtaining fraudulent ESTAs. The defendant submitted over 40 electronic payments to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for fraudulent ESTA applications. As part of the conspiracy, aliens were charged between $1,500 and $40,000 for smuggling services. Co-conspirators sometimes even chartered private planes to move groups of aliens. Ventura-Castro and co-defendants conspired with each other to regularly move funds to companies operating outside of the United States and to other places outside the United States, such as by purchasing international flights for aliens to travel into the United States. Ventura-Castro transmitted over $97,000 from the United States to the Cayman Islands, Colombia and Mexico to purchase flights for aliens to unlawfully enter the United States. Ventura-Castro pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit alien smuggling for financial gain and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments on May 7. Twelve individuals were charged in a superseding indictment for their roles in the conspiracy. Defendants Liannys Yaiselys Vega-Perez, 31, Miguel Alejandro Martinez Vasconcelos, 31, Layra Libertad Treto Santos, 30, Emanuel Martinez Gonzalez, 29, and Walbis Pozo-Dutel, 31, have all pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Defendants Lazaro Alain Cabrera-Rodriguez, Luis Emmanuel Escalona-Marrero, and Gisleivy Peralta Consuegra are awaiting trial scheduled to begin on Sept. 21. The investigation and superseding indictment were supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other USAOs throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including HSI and CBP U.S. Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 465 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 424 U.S. convictions; and more than 368 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets. HSI Tampa, U.S. Border Patrol Miami Sector, and USCIS’s’ Fraud Detection and National Security led U.S. investigative efforts, with substantial assistance from HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. and CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force. Authorities in the Cayman Islands provided valuable assistance. Trial Attorney Amanda Brown of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney Derry for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.


title: Wise County Man Found Guilty of Illegally Possessing Firearm and Ammunition

component: USAO - Virginia, Western

body_text: ABINGDON, Va. – Johnny Lorrain Dishman, 68, of Wise County, Virginia was recently found guilty by a jury in U.S. District Court of unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition after previously being convicted of a felony. Since 1990, Dishman had been convicted of nine felony offenses in both federal and state court, most recently in 2022 in Wise County Circuit Court for unlawfully possessing a firearm and Schedule I/II controlled substance. On February 13, 2025, officers with Wise Police Department were searching for a wanted individual at Dishman’s residence in Wise County. After announcing themselves for over 20 minutes, Dishman finally responded to the officers by racking a Mossberg 500AT, 12-gauge shotgun and greeting the officers with the loaded shotgun in his hands. Dishman faces a maximum sentence of 15 years of imprisonment, and he is scheduled to be sentenced in October of this year. First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Wise Police Department, and Wise County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corey Hall and Danielle Stone are prosecuting the case.


title: Former Youth Pastor Sentenced for Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Child

body_text: ROANOKE, Va. – A Catawba, Virginia man, who pled guilty in December 2025 to attempting to sexually exploit a 15-year-old child, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. Jacob Ryan Barnett, 35, was arrested in August 2025 and pled guilty in December to one count of attempted sexual exploitation of a 15-year-old child. According to court documents, on May 18, 2025, Barnett used TikTok to message the Minor Victim (M.V.) and they began chatting. Barnett posed as a 17-year-old using another person’s images. As their chat progressed, Barnett sent increasingly graphic sexual messages to M.V. Ultimately, Barnett said he wanted to “use” M.V. and asked for something that he could masturbate to. In response, M.V. sent Barnett sexually explicit video of herself. Sentencing evidence showed that Barnett used TikTok, Discord, Snapchat, and other social media apps to solicit minor girls for sexual chats and media. Barnett’s TikTok account was following thousands of young women and minors when he was arrested. He also solicited young men for selfies and images of their genitals, which he used to pose as a teenaged boy when soliciting his victims. Barnett used various tactics to obtain child sex abuse material, including once vying for sympathy with a minor victim by pretending that he was in a mental institution and only had an hour to talk. Barnett pressed another victim to record “risky” videos of herself while on the school bus and to take nude photos while outside. First Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Tracci and Ian Kaufmann, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant United States Attorney Drew O. Inman is prosecuting the case for the United States. The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/ .


title: Former Shelby County Division of Corrections Officer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Providing Contraband in a Prison

component: USAO - Tennessee, Western

body_text: Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Tamillian Young, 24 , a former Correctional Officer for the Shelby County Division of Corrections, to federal prison for providing marijuana to an inmate in the Shelby County Division of Corrections. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today. According to information presented in court, Young smuggled contraband into the Shelby County Division of Corrections, a facility which houses federal inmates, on October 27, 2025. Young had a package that contained approximately 100 grams of marijuana, as well as additional contraband including cigarettes, vape devices, and a bag containing what appeared to be 18 Oxycodone pills. When interviewed, Young admitted to bringing the items for an inmate. At sentencing, U.S. District Court Judge Brian C. Lea imposed a term of 24 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. United States Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said: "Official misconduct and corruption by correctional officers in positions of trust and authority undermine the foundational integrity of our government institutions and compromise the safety and security of correctional facilities. This sentence will hopefully deter other corrupt behavior, restore the public’s faith in honest officers, and send a message that nobody is above the law." Tyreece Miller, United States Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee, said, “The U.S. Marshals Service is committed to ensuring that those who are entrusted with the care and custody of federal detainees uphold the highest standards of conduct and obey the law, not break it.” “By smuggling drugs and other contraband into the Shelby County Division of Corrections, Tamillian Young betrayed the public trust and jeopardized the safety and security of the entire institution for her own personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that correctional officers who abuse their positions to facilitate criminal activity will be held accountable. The FBI remains committed to rooting out public corruption and working with our partners to protect the integrity of our correctional institutions.” This case was investigated by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), United States Marshals Service (USMS), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Assistant United States Attorney Lynn Crum and Special Assistant United States Attorney Yosef Hochheiser, of the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. ### For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov . Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates


title: Former Attorney to Serve More Than Three Years in Federal Prison after Stealing Settlement Money from Clients

component: USAO - Oklahoma, Western

body_text: OKLAHOMA CITY – TUAN ANH KHUU , 57, of Houston, Texas, has been sentenced to serve 41 months in federal prison for wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “Khuu used his position as an attorney to steal more than $420,000 from his clients for his own personal use,” said U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester. “His violation of the professional, fiduciary, and trust responsibilities owed to his clients will not be tolerated. I commend the prosecutor and agents for their hard work in bringing justice to the victims of this scheme.” “This sentence holds the defendant accountable for abandoning his ethical responsibilities as an attorney and exploiting the trust of his own clients,” said FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting Oklahomans and all Americans from fraudsters like Mr. Khuu.” Khuu is a former attorney and former member of the Oklahoma Bar Association (OBA) who owned and operated multiple law firms in Oklahoma and Texas, including Law Offices of Tuan Khuu & Associates, Khuu & Associates, The Affordable Law Group, and Global Law Group LLC. According to public records, from March 2015 through October 2020, Khuu carried out a scheme to defraud clients by misappropriating legal settlement funds. One example alleged in the court records involves an Oklahoma City couple who retained Khuu after their son was killed in a car accident. In September 2018, Khuu and his agents negotiated a $55,000 settlement with the insurance company. The clients neither approved nor were informed of the settlement, and they never received any of the proceeds. Instead, Khuu routed the settlement funds through a series of transactions into his business and personal bank accounts for his own use. In July 2020, while the OBA was investigating allegations of professional misconduct, Khuu applied to resign from the Oklahoma Bar pending disciplinary proceedings. The Oklahoma Supreme Court approved his resignation in October 2020, finding that “resignation pending disciplinary proceedings is tantamount to disbarment.” Court records further allege that approximately 22 former clients filed grievances with the OBA, claiming Khuu accepted fees for legal services he failed to perform and withheld funds owed to clients. On September 5, 2024, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Khuu with nine counts of wire fraud. On August 15, 2025, Khuu pleaded guilty to all charges, admitting that he devised and executed a scheme to defraud clients by diverting settlement funds owed to them into his business and personal bank accounts. At a sentencing hearing on July 23, 2026, U.S. District Judge Timothy D. DeGiusti sentenced Khuu to serve 41 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered him to pay $422,577.09 in restitution. In announcing the sentence, Judge DeGiusti emphasized the importance of ensuring the victims received restitution. This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI Oklahoma City Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson D. Eldridge prosecuted the case. Reference is made to public filings for additional information.


title: North Carolina Woman Charged for Allegedly Orchestrating Fraud Scheme Involving $9 Million in USDA Discrimination Financial Assistance

component: USAO - North Carolina, Western

body_text: CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A North Carolina woman is facing federal charges for allegedly orchestrating a scheme that defrauded the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP) of millions of dollars, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. A federal grand jury in Charlotte returned an indictment charging Linda Faye Hough, 64, of Rockingham, N.C., with one count of mail fraud and six counts of making false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims to a federal program in connection with more than $9 million in DFAP applications. “Regardless of the program, hard-earned taxpayer dollars should be spent where Congress intended, not to personally benefit those who exploit the system,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “My office is committed to rooting out fraud, safeguarding taxpayer dollars, and preserving the integrity of federal assistance programs.” “A program designed to remedy wrongdoing instead turned into another vector for criminals to defraud the taxpayer. The USDA Office of Inspector General is committed to ensuring taxpayer money is wisely spent. Those who steal from the public can expect to be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said USDA Inspector General John Walk. “When a federal program is defrauded, every taxpayer becomes a victim and those deserving of assistance are essentially robbed of much needed financial help. Fighting fraud is one of the highest priorities in the FBI. We will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to take down anyone who unlawfully obtains federal assistance to use in their personal piggy banks," said Reid Davis, the FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge. The DFAP (or Program) was established by the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, which appropriated $2.2 billion in federal funding, to compensate farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending programs prior to January 2021. To be eligible to receive funding, applicants were required to submit documentation to prove eligibility, including that they owned or leased farmland; that they participated in or attempted to participate in a USDA farm loan program; that they experienced discrimination by USDA employees; and that they suffered financial losses. Individual DFAP awards were capped at $500,000 per applicant. According to allegations in the indictment, from January 2024 to August 2024, Hough allegedly orchestrated a scheme to fraudulently obtain funds from the DFAP, both for herself and for others. As a promoter of the scheme, the indictment alleges that Hough submitted fraudulent DFAP applications for herself and others that contained false information that falsely made the applicants appear eligible for a DFAP award. In some instances, Hough solicited and received kickback payments from applicants, after they received DFAP awards. As are result of the fraudulent applications, it is alleged that Hough caused approximately $9 million in fraudulently obtained DFAP funds to be disbursed to her and other applicants. Hough had her initial appearance in federal court today. If convicted, Hough faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison for the mail fraud offense, and five years in prison for each count of filing false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The USDA Office of Inspector General and the FBI handled the investigation with the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation Financial Crimes. Special Assistant U.S. Eric Frick of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte is prosecuting the case. The charges against the defendant are allegations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.


title: Springfield, Missouri, Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Failure to Pay  Employment Taxes Associated with his Time Share Exit Businesses

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today for his commission of a fraud scheme and his failure to pay employment taxes that stemmed from his operation and ownership of multiple time share exit businesses. Brian Scroggs, 54, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of wire fraud and one count of failure to pay employment taxes. This successful prosecution is one of many federal fraud cases pursued under the leadership of President Donald Trump and through the establishment of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. According to the plea agreement, Scroggs owned and operated several time-share exit businesses, namely, Vacation Consulting Services, LLC., The Transfer Group, VCS Communication, LLC., and Real Travel, LLC. Through these businesses, Scroggs offered services to get clients out of their time shares. The individuals who hired Scroggs paid him substantial fees to cover costs for the services. Scroggs took monies from each of his clients while making promises that guaranteed he would either get his clients out of their times shares, give each client a full refund, or assume financial responsibility over the client’s time share moving forward. Scroggs failed to honor the representations and guarantees made to each of his clients despite them paying Scroggs considerable amounts of money. In addition to the fraud associated with his time share exit business, Scroggs also employed numerous sales and administrative employees. While operating these businesses and collecting employment taxes from each employee, Scroggs failed to pay those monies forward to the Internal Revenue Service and the state of Missouri and failed to pay any matching monies that he was obligated to pay as the owner and operator of these businesses. Under federal statutes, Scroggs is subject to sentences of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole and a maximum fine of $250,000 for Count One, Wire Fraud, and up to five years in federal prison without parole. In addition, Scroggs is subject to a maximum fine of $10,000 for Count Six, Failure to Pay Employment Taxes. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the IRS-CI, the FBI and the Missouri Department of Revenue.


title: Mexican National Sentenced to 9 1/2 Years for Meth Trafficking

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national was sentenced in federal court today for possessing more than 56 pounds of methamphetamine. Pablo DeJesus Peralta Anguis, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 9 1/2 years in prison without parole for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and unlawful reentry after removal. On Sept. 3, 2024, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper pulled over a vehicle on Interstate 29 in Kansas City, Mo. Pedro Alberto Quiroz Ayala, 22, who did not have a valid driver’s license, was driving the vehicle, with a female juvenile in the front passenger seat and Apolinar Gocovachi Pacheco, 26, and Anguis in the back seat. When the trooper searched the vehicle, he found a large duffle bag in the third-row seating area containing approximately 55.6 pounds of methamphetamine. Also found was a grocery bag containing approximately one pound of methamphetamine on the floorboard, and a loaded firearm in the driver’s door pouch. When the four occupants got out of the vehicle for the search, Ayala and Anguis fled on foot. A manhunt ensued and both were apprehended a short time later. Ayala told investigators he, Pacheco, and Anguis drove to Omaha, Neb., to pick up drugs in exchange for approximately $2,000 for his help in transporting the drugs. Pacheco told investigators he arrived in the United States approximately two weeks earlier from Nogales Sonora, Mexico. Pacheco said he paid $6,000 to cross the border illegally. Pacheco said he was asked to travel from Kansas City, Kan., to Omaha to pick up drugs by Anguis. Pacheco said he was promised to receive a significant amount of U.S. currency for assisting with the transportation of the drugs from Omaha to the Kansas City area. Officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed Anguis and Pacheco had previously been found illegally in the United States by Border Patrol Agents near Nogalez, Ariz. on Aug. 22, 2024. Anguis and Pacheco were removed from the United States to Mexico that same day. Ayala pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and on May 6, 2026, was sentenced to 11 years in prison without parole. Pacheco pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and unlawful reentry after removal, and on April 2, 2026, was sentenced to eight years in prison without parole. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, , Drug Enforcement Administration, Jackson County Drug Task Force, Kansas City, Missouri Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. KC Metro Strike Force This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.


title: Two Lafayette Women Indicted for Sophisticated Million-Dollar Fraud Scheme Targeting Multiple Victims

body_text: LAFAYETTE – On July 15, 2026, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Felicia Young , 58, of Lafayette, and Leisa Fuselier , 59, a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago, and a lawful permanent resident of the United States, with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud. Young was additionally charged with Obstruction of Justice. Young and Fuselier both face up to 20 years imprisonment. “Protecting the public from financial predators is a top priority for this Office,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “These defendants allegedly exploited trust, manipulated victims, and abused financial systems for personal gain. We will continue to relentlessly pursue those who defraud and harm hard-working members of our community.” According to court documents and evidence presented in court, Young orchestrated a fraud scheme beginning in March 2020 that lasted several years. She allegedly gained the trust of her victims through legitimate business dealings using several companies she owned, including ALA Floral 2, Kreole Ala 2, Johnston Street Drive-Thru, and F&B Rentals. After building a relationship with her victims, Young started the scam by asking them to lend her money. Once victims provided funds, Young allegedly claimed her bank accounts were “frozen” and requested additional deposits to unlock the accounts in order to “repay them.” To keep the scheme going, Young initiated three-way calls between herself, the victims, and Fuselier . During these calls, Fuselier falsely posed as a representative of Young’s financial institution and confirmed Young’s lies to her victims that her accounts were frozen due to an outstanding debt. The co-conspirators allegedly instructed the victims that the accounts could only be accessed if they deposited specific amounts of money by a certain day and time. Because of these false representations, victims paid at least $1.5 million to Young through CashApp, Venmo, checks, and cash withdrawals, transactions that triggered interstate wire transmissions. Young is accused of using the funds for her own enrichment, to pay Fuselier for her role in the scheme, and to continue the ongoing fraud. The indictment further alleges that on December 30, 2023, Young obstructed justice by destroying or concealing records with the intent to prevent their use in an official proceeding. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren L. Nickel with the assistance of Legal Assistant Christy Angelle. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer. The case number for this matter is 6:26-CR-00269. ### CONTACT: Public Affairs USALAW-News@usdoj.gov United States Attorney’s Office www.justice.gov/usao-wdla Western District of Louisiana Twitter @USAO_WDLA


title: Three Shreveport-Area Men Sentenced for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses; Prosecutions Part of Nationwide Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative

body_text: SHREVEPORT–On July 20, 2026, United States District Judge S. Maurice Hicks, Jr. sentenced three defendants to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms offenses. All three defendants had pled guilty to the charges. Cameron Boatwin , 24, of Shreveport, was sentenced to six years in prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. According to court documents, on September 29, 2025, Shreveport Police officers conducted a traffic stop on a car driven by Boatwin, who was the sole occupant. Officers saw a Palmetto State Armory Dagger Compact 9mm pistol in plain view on the driver’s seat, which Boatwin admitted to knowing he could not possess due to a prior felony conviction. Malachi Bailey , 48, of Bossier City, was sentenced to three years in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine. According to court documents, on February 10, 2026, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) agents executed a search warrant at a residence in Bossier City. They found a sole occupant inside, Bailey , and found approximately 635 grams of cocaine and $3,700 in US currency in the residence. Dezjuante Lockett , 36, of Shreveport, was sentenced to two years in prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine and Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition by a Convicted Felon. According to court documents, the Shreveport Police Street Level Interdiction Unit received complaints of illegal drug activity at a residence in Shreveport. On April 9, 2025, Shreveport Police executed a search warrant at the residence; Lockett was the sole occupant at the time the warrant was executed and admitted he was the only person who lived at the residence. A search of the residence and Lockett’s vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 33.339 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, approximately 5.332 grams of cocaine base, a digital scale and packaging material, a loaded Glock Model 19 pistol, and $5,290.00 in cash. Lockett admitted he knew he could not possess a firearm due to a prior felony conviction. U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller for the Western District of Louisiana made the announcement. The Shreveport Police Department (SPD) and ATF investigated these cases. The Boatwin case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cheynne Wilson with assistance from Legal Assistant Amanda Morgan. The Bailey case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Crawford with assistance from Legal Assistant Amanda Morgan. The Lockett case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison Foster with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Emily Favrot. These cases were prosecuted as part of Operation Take Back America (TBA), 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 agencies, and coordinates efforts with state and local law enforcement and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF), ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities . Learn more about PSN at https://www.justice.gov/psn You may find a copy of this press release (and any updates) on the website of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana at www.justice.gov/usao-wdla . Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Western District of Louisiana at www.lawd.uscourts.gov or at https://www.lawd.uscourts.gov/cmecf-pacer , under their respective Case Numbers: Cameron Boatwin: 5:25-cr-00334 Malachi Bailey: 5:26-cr-00091 Dezjuante Lockett: 5:25-cr-00245 ### CONTACT: Public Affairs USALAW-News@usdoj.gov United States Attorney’s Office www.justice.gov/usao-wdla Western District of Louisiana Twitter @USAO_WDLA


title: Two Schenectady County, New York Men Charged with Conspiring to Distribute Crack Cocaine in Burlington, Vermont

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: BURLINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Donald Stewart, 42, of Schenectady, New York, and Lisandro Brown, 49, of Rotterdam, New York, have been charged by criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute cocaine base. On July 27, 2026, Stewart and Brown both appeared before United States Magistrate Judge James O’Hara. Judge O’Hara ordered that both Stewart and Brown be detained pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. According to court records, Stewart and Brown sold cocaine base to a confidential source throughout June and July of 2026. On July 24, 2026, law enforcement executed search warrants at apartments located at 60 Colchester Avenue in Burlington, Vermont; 157 North Avenue in Burlington, Vermont; and 134 North Street in Burlington, Vermont. The searches resulted in the seizure of over 200 grams of powder cocaine, a loaded SKS rifle, and over $27,000 of cash. The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Stewart and Brown are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Both men face up to 20 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Burlington Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecutor is First Assistant United States Attorney Ophardt. Stewart is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender. Brown is represented by Chandler Matson, Esq.


title: St. Albans Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of a Firearm

body_text: BURLINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on July 27, 2026, Richard Bailey Jr., 35, of St. Albans, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 22 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Richard Bailey previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon on January 9, 2026. According to court records, on June 2, 2025, police in St. Albans, Vermont, received a report of a domestic violence incident in which Bailey was reported to have struck a woman in the face and strangled her approximately six times, leaving her unable to breathe. Police observed bruising on the woman’s neck. Police also were informed that the woman was dropping her and Bailey’s child off at school and that Bailey was on his way there, threatening to shoot them. Police later escorted the woman to her workplace and observed Bailey standing at a nearby intersection. Bailey thereafter fled from police and discarded a fanny pack containing a loaded Sig Sauer pistol with a round chambered, as well as 9.6 grams of cocaine base. Bailey was prohibited from possessing firearms at the time of the incident because on September 15, 2015, Bailey was convicted of felony escape in Chittenden County Superior Court. During the sentencing hearing on July 27, 2026, the Court and the government were informed that Bailey’s felony conviction for escape was expunged after his federal guilty plea but prior to the sentencing hearing. Bailey has a long history of arrests related to domestic violence that resulted in misdemeanor resolutions for simple assault and stalking despite Bailey causing his victims physical harm. After the expungement, Bailey’s only felony conviction is his federal firearm conviction. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt stated: “Those who terrorize their domestic partners with violence cannot be allowed to possess firearms; the consequences of domestic abusers arming themselves with lethal weapons are too dire to tolerate. I applaud the collaborative investigatory work in this case of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the St. Albans Police Department, and the Burlington Police Department. Their quick actions prevented a potential tragedy. Bailey’s federal conviction now ensures that he will be prohibited from possessing firearms regardless of any future expungements of state convictions.” The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nate Burris. Bailey was represented by Samuel Ansell of the Office of the Federal Public Defender. Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.


title: U.S.-Congolese Citizen Sentenced to Nine Years’ Imprisonment for Sprawling Check Fraud Conspiracy

component: USAO - Utah

body_text: SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah man was sentenced today to 108 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release after he pleaded guilty to running a check fraud scheme between 2022–2025, stealing upwards of $1.7 million from banks with the help of a small network of African expats. Pitshou Yunga Kafuku, 43, of Millcreek, Utah, pleaded guilty to bank fraud conspiracy, bank fraud, theft of government funds, and money laundering on April 21, 2026. In addition to his term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Tena Campbell ordered Kafuku to pay $1,749,158.73 in restitution. According to court documents and admissions made at Kafuku’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, between 2022 and 2025, Kafuku orchestrated an elaborate scheme to obtain money from banks through fraud. As part of the scheme, Kafuku worked with individuals in South Africa to obtain stolen checks from the mail. With the help of a small network of African expats in Utah—recruited and directed by Kafuku—the conspirators opened bank accounts using fraudulent identification documents to deposit the stolen checks. Afterwards, they withdrew the funds as cash, transferred the money to other fraudulent accounts, or purchased heavy equipment bound for Africa. Kafuku’s criminal history includes a 2018 federal felony case for identity theft and unlawful possession of identity documents. He is the last defendant to be sentenced in this current scheme. His coconspirators, Hugues Thierry Simo-Fotue and Beni Musogo Kahwara, both illegal aliens, were previously sentenced to 24 and 18 months’ imprisonment, respectively. Upon their release, both defendants will be remanded to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation proceedings. “Like his coconspirators, Kafuku’s arrival in the United States presented opportunity and promise. Instead, he chose to become a serial fraudster,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “My office has zero tolerance for those who steal to fund an extravagant lifestyle while our financial institutions bear the consequences. It is our hope that Kafuku’s sentence will deter others from engaging in this type of criminal activity.” “The sentencing of Pitshou Kafuku underscores the seriousness of this extensive fraud operation,” stated IRS-CI Phoenix Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown. “Kafuku employed sophisticated tactics—leveraging stolen Treasury and business checks, fabricated identities, and numerous shell companies—to orchestrate the theft of more than $1.7 million. This outcome serves as a powerful reminder of IRS Criminal Investigation’s steadfast commitment to pursuing complex financial fraud and preserving the integrity of our nation’s financial systems.” “Today, Pitshou Yunga Kafuku was held accountable for stealing checks out of the U.S. Mail and fraudulently passing those checks through the financial system. Postal Inspectors relentlessly pursue criminals who exploit the U.S. Mail for such unlawful purposes. We will steadfastly work with our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and we will hold criminals accountable for their actions,” said Glen Henderson, Inspector in Charge of the Phoenix Division. The case was jointly investigated by the IRS-Criminal Investigations Salt Lake City Field Office and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant United States Attorney Tanner Zumwalt of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case. ###


title: Raleigh County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Drug Crime

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Jeremy Dale Shuck, 47, of Coal City, was sentenced today to five years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for distribution of five grams or more of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 16, 2024, Shuck sold approximately 13.92 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant for $200 in a service station parking lot in Beaver. Shuck admitted to the transaction as part of his guilty plea. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit. Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons and former Assistant United States Attorney Andrew D. Isabell 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. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25-cr-41. ###


title: Parkersburg Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Federal Drug Crime

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kevin Wayne Gardner, 42, of Parkersburg, was sentenced on Monday, July 27, 2026, to 14 years in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 16, 2025, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Gardner in the Parkersburg area of Wood County. Officers seized approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine during a search of the vehicle. Gardner has a criminal history that includes 10 prior felony convictions and multiple revocations of probation and parole. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Parkersburg Narcotics Task Force and the Wood County Sheriff's Office. United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted the case. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:25-cr-190. ###


title: Fayette County Man Sentenced to Prison for Federal Gun Crime

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Braden Robertson, 31, of Oak Hill, was sentenced today to three years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on July 6, 2024, Robertson possessed a Ruger model Wrangler .22-caliber revolver, a Colt model Buntline Scout .22-caliber revolver, a Ruger model Blackhawk .45-caliber revolver, a Sar Arms model SARB6P Hawk 9mm pistol, and an Excam model GT27 .25-caliber pistol. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Robertson knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for conspiracy to commit a felony and two counts of delivery of a controlled substance on July 30, 2018, in Fayette County Circuit Court. Four of the firearms possessed by Robertson were stolen from a Fayette County pawn shop. On July 4, 2024, Jawuan Akil Watts and other individuals broke into the pawn shop on three occasions while the business was closed and stole 33 firearms, ammunition, coins, and a gaming console. Watts traded, sold, or gave many of the firearms to others in the Oak Hill community including individuals with felony convictions. On July 6, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the residence of Lesley Scott Watkins and found three firearms during the search, including two that were stolen from the pawn shop. Sixteen of the stolen firearms have not been recovered. On December 4, 2025, Watts, 32, of Oak Hill, was sentenced to eight years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and Watkins, 51, of Oak Hill, was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, each for being a felon in possession of a firearm. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Oak Hill Police Department. Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney D. Keith Randolph prosecuted the case. These cases are 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. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-23. ###


title: Convicted Double-Murderer Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Crime

body_text: BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – Casey Rygh, 47, of Rochester, Minnesota, pleaded guilty on Monday, July 27, 2026, to being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents and statements made in court, on August 25, 2025, law enforcement officers were searching for Rygh to serve felony arrest warrants when they located and captured him in the Matoaka area of Mercer County, West Virginia. Officers found he possessed a loaded SCCY Model CPX-2 9mm pistol. Federal law prohibits a person with a prior felony conviction from possessing a firearm or ammunition. Rygh knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm because of his prior felony convictions for two counts of felony murder and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery in Logan County, West Virginia, Circuit Court on December 15, 1997. Rygh is scheduled to be sentenced on November 9, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Rygh was captured during Operation Rolling Waters, a 2025 warrant and fugitive sweep led by the U.S. Marshals Services Cops United Felony Fugitive Enforcement Division (CUFFED) Task Force of Southern West Virginia. United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the United States Marshals Service (USMS). Senior United States District Judge David A. Faber presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Brian D. Parsons is prosecuting the case. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-40. ###