title: Texas Woman Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Unaccompanied Alien Children into the United States

body_text: An El Paso, Texas, woman pleaded guilty today to smuggling unaccompanied alien children into the United States. According to court documents, Dianne Guadian, 33, and three other members of an alien smuggling organization brought unaccompanied alien children between the ages of five and 13 illegally into the United States from Juarez, Mexico, sometimes using candy laced with THC to sedate them during smuggling events. The drivers and their co-conspirators would then present U.S. documents to inspecting officers falsely claiming the documents belonged to the children, and that they were the parents of the children. Once inside the United States, the children were then transported to El Paso. During one smuggling event, a child was taken to a local hospital and diagnosed with THC poisoning. One of Guadian’s co-defendants, Manuel Valenzuela, was sentenced on July 1 to five years in prison for his role in the child smuggling scheme. A photo of THC gummies recovered by agents during secondary inspection at the port of entry “This defendant and her co-conspirators engaged in serious and dangerous conduct, which included giving THC laced gummies to children to sedate them while smuggling them from Mexico into the United States, all in order to make money,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The smuggling of unaccompanied children can expose them to the additional crimes and societal ills of human trafficking and sexual assault. This robs them of their innocence and youth, and it must be stopped.” “Dianne Guadian was just one conspirator in a sickening smuggling operation, toying with the lives of children by drugging them in order to bring them into the United States from Mexico,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Fortunately, our partners at U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recognized something was off. Their keen instincts resulted in the successful medical treatment of THC-poisoned children and the arrests of the smugglers. While we will aggressively prosecute all alien smugglers, those who smuggle children and risk the lives of those children in the process, should be especially aware that their date with American justice is coming at the hands of prosecutors in the Western District of Texas.” “Dianne Guadian’s actions were not only unscrupulous, they put innocent children in grave danger,” said Deputy Executive Associate Director Matthew Millhollin of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Human smuggling is never a victimless crime. Smugglers routinely expose vulnerable people, including children, exploitation and life-threatening risk. HSI is committed to holding individuals like Guadian accountable and dismantling criminal organizations that profit from the desperation and suffering of others.” “Criminal human smugglers exploit vulnerable children in horrific ways,” said Chief Patrol Agent Jesse Munoz of U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector. “I am glad our Border Patrol agents investigating this case were able to contribute to the successful prosecution of a criminal who will be held accountable for this terrible crime.” Guadian pleaded guilty to four counts of aiding and abetting bringing of aliens without authorization for profit. She faces a minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. HSI El Paso and U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) led 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. Trial Attorney Bethany Allen of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Hines for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case. The indictment and plea announced today were coordinated 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). JTFA also leads and supports U.S. Attorneys’ Offices (USAOs) in the prosecution of crimes related to unaccompanied alien children (UACs). 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/USBP 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. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).


title: Illegal Alien Sex Offender from Guatemala Pleads Guilty to Illegal Reentry after Previous Deportation

component: Criminal Division

body_text: An illegal alien from Guatemala pleaded guilty today to illegal reentry after previously being deported. According to federal and state court documents, Bayron Leopoldo Perez Batres, 64, who resided in Beltsville, Maryland, unlawfully reentered the United States after having been previously removed. On Sept. 6, 2024, Perez Batres was arrested in Maryland on state charges relating to sexual abuse of a minor. After his arrest on state charges, it was established that he was illegally present in the United States and that he has been previously removed to Guatemala on three separate occasions – in January 1996, September 2009, and May 2010. He was charged with illegal reentry in the present case on Nov. 13, 2025. He pleaded guilty to state sexual abuse charges on Sept. 2, 2025 and was sentenced to 25 years in prison in October 2025. Perez Batres is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 20 and faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland; and Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Maryland made the announcement. HSI is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Matthew Thiman and Sean F. Mulryne of the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Li and Brooke Oki for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case. The indictment and plea announced today were coordinated 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). JTFA also leads and supports U.S. Attorneys’ Offices (USAOs) in the prosecution of crimes related to unaccompanied alien children (UACs). 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. 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 other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: High-Level Member of Clan del Golfo, a Designated Foreign Terrorist Organization Sentenced to Over 12 Years in Prison for Drug Trafficking

body_text: Aimer Alberto Alvaran Posada, 52, of Colombia, was sentenced today to 150 months in prison for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy. According to court documents, Alvaran Posada was a high-level member within the Western Bloc of Clan del Golfo (CDG), a Colombian paramilitary and multibillion-dollar transnational criminal organization that was designated on Dec. 16, 2025, by the Department of State as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). CDG relies on cocaine trafficking to fund its paramilitary activities. In 2018, Alvaran Posada conspired with other CDG members to produce 500 kilograms of cocaine for sale to Mexican buyers, knowing, intending, and having reasonable cause to believe that the cocaine was destined to the United States. Specifically, Alvaran Posada obtained approval from the commander of CDG’s Northern Bloc, where the cocaine transaction would be conducted, and presided over multiple meetings to coordinate the cocaine transaction. Approximately 363 kilograms of cocaine were seized as part of the operation that led to the conviction of Alvaran Posada. While engaged in this conspiracy, Alvaran Posada was informed by Dairo Antonio Úsuga David — the former leader of CDG — that he was being considered for commanding CDG’s Western Bloc, a promotion that would have given Alvaran Posada control over a vast network of subordinates, the authority to set cocaine prices, and the responsibility to decide who could produce and transport cocaine in his territory. Instead, Alvaran Posada was arrested in 2021 pursuant to his U.S. charges and subsequently extradited to the United States. He pleaded guilty to cocaine trafficking conspiracy on Aug. 27, 2025. Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office made the announcement. The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. The Colombian National Police, the FBI’s Office of the Legal Attache in Bogotá , and the Department of Justice’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá and Office of International Affairs provided critical support. Trial Attorney Douglas Meisel of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) prosecuted the case. The Justice Department's Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance. MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations. MNF’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Unit investigates and prosecutes the top command and control elements of international drug cartels, drug trafficking organizations and related transnational criminal organizations. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.


title: Former CPA and International Fugitive to Face Charges of Failing to Report Foreign Bank Accounts and Filing False Documents with the IRS

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: A Florida man appeared for the first time in federal court yesterday to face tax and false statement charges. In July 2021, a federal grand jury returned a second superseding indictment charging Brian Nelson Booker, a former resident of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with failing to file Reports of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBARs), filing false documents with the IRS, and making false statements. According to the second superseding indictment, Booker, a former CPA whose business specialized in international trade, owned a cocoa trading company that was organized under the laws of the Republic of Panama. Booker allegedly operated that company from Venezuela, Panama and his former residence in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For calendar years 2011 through 2013, Booker allegedly failed to disclose his interest in financial accounts located in Switzerland, Singapore and Panama on annual FBARs as required by law. Booker also allegedly filed individual income tax returns for the years 2010 through 2012 that did not report to the IRS all of Booker’s foreign bank accounts. Booker is also charged with filing a false “Streamlined Submission” in conjunction with the IRS Streamlined Domestic Offshore Procedures. The IRS Streamlined Procedures allowed certain eligible taxpayers residing within the United States to voluntarily report to the IRS certain past disclosure failures. According to the second superseding indictment, Booker’s Streamlined Submission falsely claimed that his failure to report all income, pay all tax and submit all required information returns, such as FBARs, was due to non-willful conduct. Booker allegedly left the United States in 2016 after learning about the criminal investigation against him. He lived in Russia but was never ordered to be extradited. In May 2025, Booker was arrested in Belarus, where he was detained and eventually ordered to be expelled. Booker returned to the United States on July 24th and was arrested at a Miami airport. If convicted, Booker faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each count of failure to file an FBAR and false statements to the United States. He also faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for each count of filing false documents with the IRS. Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division made the announcement. IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Senior Litigation Counsel Sean Beaty is prosecuting the case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Ex-Wife of Cartel Leader Pleads Guilty to Criminal Violation of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act

body_text: The ex-wife and current partner of a leader of the Mexican drug trafficking organization known as Los Cuinis pleaded guilty today to willfully violating counternarcotic sanctions. Los Cuinis is closely aligned with the Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), which the State Department designated as a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025. This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative. According to court documents, Wendy Dalaithy Amaral Arevalo, 45, of Mexico, committed criminal violations of the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Act (Kingpin Act) by engaging in transactions and dealings in property with IMG Academy, a preparatory school and athletic training facility headquartered in Bradenton, Florida, that Amaral’s child attended. On Aug. 19, 2015, the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Amaral Arevalo for assisting the international narcotics trafficking activities of Los Cuinis, a sanctioned drug cartel. Despite Amaral Arevalo’s OFAC designation, which prohibited her from engaging in transactions or dealings within the U.S. financial system, Amaral Arevalo entered into contracts with IMG Academy for her child to attend the school and arranged for $504,497.48 in tuition payments. On July 21, 2023, Amaral Arevalo’s ex-husband and current partner, Gerardo Gonzalez Valencia, was sentenced to life in prison for conspiring to distribute tonnage quantities of cocaine for importation into the United States. On Feb. 12, 2026, OFAC announced a $1.72 million settlement with IMG Academy for entering into yearly tuition agreements with Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs) sanctioned for their ties to a sanctioned Mexico-based drug cartel and receiving and processing payments pursuant to those agreements. “Wendy Dalaithy Amaral Arevalo willfully violated U.S. counternarcotic sanctions by funneling over half a million dollars in illicit drug proceeds as tuition payments through IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, despite being prohibited from engaging in transactions within the U.S. financial system,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Kingpin Act exists to cut off foreign narcotics traffickers, their businesses, and their operatives from engaging in transactions within the U.S. financial system, and prevents them from using American institutions to receive or move drug money. The Criminal Division will use every tool available to dismantle drug cartels, protect the American people, and ensure financial transactions in the United States are free of sanctioned drug proceeds.” “Wendy Dalaithy Amaral Arevalo exploited a school and training facility — a place families trust to invest in their children’s futures — as a vehicle to funnel millions in illicit drug proceeds for CJNG, one of the Western Hemisphere’s most violent and destabilizing drug cartels,’’ said Administrator Terrance C. Cole of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). “Her guilty plea exposes the calculated audacity and sophisticated reach of cartel financial networks operating inside the United States. DEA, alongside our law enforcement partners, remains committed to pursuing the leaders, financiers, and enablers who sustain these terrorist enterprises.” Amaral Arevalo faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $10 million. Sentencing has been set for Dec. 2. The DEA’s Special Operations Division Bilateral Investigations Unit Los Angeles is investigating the case. The Department of Justice thanks OFAC for its support and contributions to the case. Chief Kaitlin Sahni of the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Unit (NDDU) and Trial Attorneys Lernik Begian, Douglas Meisel, and Nicole Lockhart of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) are prosecuting the case. MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations. MNF’s NDDU investigates and prosecutes the top command and control elements of international drug cartels, drug trafficking organizations and related transnational criminal organizations. This case is part of the 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 U.S. 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.


title: U.S. Attorney’s Office Warns Non-Citizens Against Voting In Upcoming Elections

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: Ahead of Wyoming’s August 18th, 2026, Primary Election, U.S. Attorney Darin Smith announced a coordinated effort with federal law enforcement is underway to safeguard the federal election process. The message from the U.S. Attorney’s Office is clear: Federal authorities are monitoring the voting process to guarantee compliance with federal voting laws and ensure that only U.S. citizens participate. "The right to vote is a fundamental pillar of our democracy," said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith. "We encourage every eligible citizen to take part in the upcoming election, and we are working directly with our law enforcement partners and election officials to ensure fairness and protect lawful participation. If you are not a U.S. citizen and you vote or attempt to vote, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law!" The U.S. Attorney’s Office reminds the public that federal laws protect voters from intimidation, disruption, and fraud at the polls. Residents can report potential federal election crimes or voting rights violations directly to the Department of Justice or local law enforcement. Members of the public who believe they have information regarding possible election fraud or unlawful voting activity may contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or submit tips online through the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.tips.fbi.gov/ Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at the DOJ Voting Section website.


title: Convicted felon pleads guilty to federal firearm charge after high-speed pursuit in Green River

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

body_text: A man living in Green River, Wyoming, was sentenced on July 28, 2026, after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Cameron Justin Agee, 31, with no known address, was sentenced to 42 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on July 3, 2025, law enforcement officers were executing a search warrant at a residence in Green River on an unrelated investigation when they encountered Agee, who had an active arrest warrant. As officers approached his vehicle, Agee reversed into an unmarked state vehicle before fleeing the scene at a high rate of speed. During the pursuit, Agee threw two loaded .22-caliber pistols from his vehicle near the intersection of Indian Hills Drive and Shoshone Road before returning to the original location and surrendering to law enforcement. One of the firearms had been reported stolen. Agee is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2017 Wyoming burglary conviction and multiple felony convictions in Utah. Agee was indicted on March 18 and pleaded guilty of May 7. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on July 28 in Cheyenne. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case with assistance from the Green River Police Department, the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office, and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Elmore prosecuted the case. This case was bought as 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.


title: Seattle restaurant owner pleads guilty to failing to pay over employment taxes of more than $1.4 million

component: USAO - Washington, Western

body_text: Seattle – The owner of a restaurant in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood pleaded guilty today to willfully failing to pay over more than $1.4 million in unemployment, Social Security, and Medicare taxes – some of which were withheld from employee paychecks, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Ruadhri McCormick, 44, of Seattle, owns and operates Single Shot restaurant. Between 2014 and 2024 he employed as many as 87 people as servers, bartenders, and cooks. While McCormick withheld payroll taxes from employee paychecks, he kept the money and failed to pay it over to the Internal Revenue Service. McCormick faces up to five years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kimberly K. Evanson on October 5, 2026. “While the restitution is owed to the IRS, those who are hurt by this conduct are the employees,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “The failure to pay over the taxes means the employees may not be eligible for many federal benefits that they paid for and may have been counting on. Mr. McCormick needs to make this right.” “Mr. McCormick’s employees trusted him with their tax withholdings. Little did they know that Mr. McCormick took advantage of this trust and kept over $1 million of these funds for himself,” said Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “Employers have an obligation to their employees to do the right thing. Today’s guilty plea is a step toward justice for those harmed by Mr. McCormick’s criminal actions.” For thirty-six quarters between 2014 and 2024, McCormick failed to pay $1,027,362 in payroll taxes that had been withheld from employee paychecks. McCormick also failed to pay the employer portions of the Social Security taxes, Medicare taxes, and federal unemployment taxes – more than $400,000 – bringing the total tax loss to $1,446,341. McCormick agreed to pay that full amount as restitution to the Internal Revenue Service. Additionally, McCormick admitted in his plea agreement that he did not file his personal income taxes from any tax year 2015 through 2024. In the plea agreement prosecutors agree to recommend no more than 15 months in prison, however the recommendation is not binding on Judge Evanson, and she can impose any sentence allowed by law. Willful failure to pay over tax is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lauren Watts Staniar.


title: Homeland Security Task Force Search Warrants Result in Seizure of 1,311 Grams of Fentanyl, 50 Firearms in Kansas City, Missouri

component: USAO - Missouri, Western

body_text: KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On July 17, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, with the help of prosecutors, executed multiple federal search warrants, in Kansas City, Mo. The effort was part of the Homeland Security Task Force, a multi-agency Department of Justice Initiative, that works to protect U.S. citizens from security threats and violent crime. The search warrants resulted in the combined seizure of 1,311 grams of fentanyl, 50 firearms, 1,559.2 grams of methamphetamine, 20,479 grams of marijuana, nearly $40,000 in cash, and six pill presses, among other illegal items. “This Homeland Security Task Force operation demonstrates the tremendous impact of strong partnerships among federal, state, and local law enforcement working toward a shared mission,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price of the Western District of Missouri. “By combining our resources and expertise, we are making our communities safer and ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are held fully accountable under the law.” Several Kansas City, Mo. residents, including one Mexican national, were charged by criminal complaints during the operation: Cornelius D. Phelps, 40; Maurice C. Beasley, 30; Jose E. Marquez-Echeverria, 30; and Porsha E. Dixon, 40, were charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In addition, Phelps and Dixon were charged with conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Andre Evans, 46, and Andre Evans Jr., 18, were charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Taron D. Ford, 41, was charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, psilocybin, and marijuana. In addition, Ford was charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of firearms. Xavier Lambros, 27, was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges contained in these complaints are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Jennings and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alec Guy. It is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Jackson County Drug Task Force, and Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, and Grandview Police Department. Homeland Security Task Force 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 Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri. ###


title: Milton, Vermont Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Materials

component: USAO - Vermont

body_text: BURLINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on July 24, 2026, Willard Perry, 68, of Milton, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Geoffrey W. Crawford to a term of 60 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 15-year term of supervised release. The Court will hold a separate hearing as to restitution on September 16, 2026. Perry previously pleaded guilty to one count of possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, also known as child pornography. According to court records, Perry possessed over 50,000 images and videos of child sexual abuse materials, including content depicting prepubescent female children between the ages of three and seven, who were bound, blindfolded, and sexually assaulted. First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Arra. Willard Perry was represented by Brooks McArthur, Esq. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC .


title: United States Attorney Moore Capito to Hold Press Conference Following David Elliott Pritt Hearing

component: USAO - West Virginia, Southern

body_text: CHARLESTON, W.Va. – United States Attorney Moore Capito will hold a press conference today, Monday, July 27, 2026, with law enforcement partners following the 3:30 p.m. hearing in USA vs. David Elliott Pritt. WHAT: Press Conference WHEN: Monday, July 27, 2026, following 3:30 p.m. preliminary-detention hearing WHERE: Fifth Floor, Robert C. Byrd U.S. Courthouse, Charleston *** Cameras and other recording devices are not allowed in the courtroom per U.S. District Court policy. Media will be escorted to and from the fifth floor. Media are asked to set up in the press conference area in advance of the hearing. *** 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. ###


title: ISIS supporter admits to disseminating terrorist propaganda via social media

component: USAO - Texas, Southern

body_text: HOUSTON - A 30-year-old Houston resident has pleaded guilty to concealing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and making false statements. Anas Said is a pledged supporter of Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and used various social media accounts to post, share, or disseminate ISIS propaganda. He also discussed ISIS propaganda using Telegram, where he received feedback on media he personally created. In one message, he discussed sending his clip to the Sarh al-Khilafah Institution, which agreed to publish it on their channel. According to court records, Sarh al-Khilafah, a/k/a Tower of the Caliphate, is a media entity that uses social media platforms to produce content ranging from operational security tips to guides on chemicals and explosives. They are also known for aggregating (ISIS) content online. Said admitted to knowing Sarh al-Khilafah was a media entity working on behalf of, and in coordination with, ISIS. Prior to publishing his media, Said removed his name as designer of the video, thus concealing his material support of ISIS. Said also pleaded guilty to lying to law enforcement regarding a weapon he possessed and discussed on social media. As part of the plea, he admitted to making the following statement: “I am thinking and hoping to kill the infidels with a weapon and as many people as possible in order to heal my heart.” U.S. District Judge David Hittner accepted the plea on July 24 and will impose sentencing Oct. 16. At that time, Said faces up to 10 years in federal prison for concealing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and a maximum of five years for making material false statements. He could also be ordered to pay up to a $250,000 maximum fine on each count. Said has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing. FBI Houston’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) conducted the investigation with special assistance from police departments in Houston and Sugar Land, as well as the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. The JTTF also includes Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Secret Service, Houston Metro Police Department, Customs and Border Protection, and Federal Air Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Schammel and Liesel Roscher prosecuted the case.


title: Illegal alien admits attempting to meet minor for sex

body_text: McALLEN, Texas – A 35-year-old illegal alien from Honduras living in Donna has pleaded guilty to attempting to entice or coerce a minor into engaging in sexual activity. Anael Jossue Rodriguez-Rodas had been communicating with someone he believed to be a 16-year-old girl over the course of three days. During those conversations, Rodriguez-Rodas said he wanted to have sex with her and sent her a picture of two adults engaging in sexual activity to demonstrate what he wanted. Eventually, Rodriguez-Rodas made plans to meet up with her at a local park and intended to take her back to his house to have sex. Law enforcement took him into custody upon his arrival. Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing Oct. 6. At that time, Rodriguez-Rodas faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance of Edinburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarina S. DiPiazza and M. Alexis Garcia are prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page . For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page .


title: Cincinnati man sentenced to federal prison for $6.5 million fraud scheme

component: USAO - Ohio, Southern

body_text: CINCINNATI – A local man was sentenced in federal court here today to 40 months in prison for defrauding victims out of more than $6.5 million through an online laundry and dry-cleaning pickup and delivery business. Benjamin Cantey, 43, of Cincinnati, lied to investors and potential investors about his business’s financial stability, growth, and potential growth, and he lied about his business experience and prior business success. According to court documents, in 2019, Cantey started Carbon IQ Inc., doing business as Rumby, as a Delaware corporation that he operated out of Cincinnati. Rumby was a venture-backed startup that purported to provide an e-commerce platform for pickup and delivery of laundry and dry cleaning. Cantey sought to raise investment money as the founder and CEO of the company. From 2020 through 2022, Cantey communicated false information that overstated Rumby’s revenue, profits, bank balance, growth and potential growth. He sent false presentation decks to victims. For example, Cantey claimed that Rumby ended May 2022 with a $1.5 million bank balance when in reality the account had a negative balance of approximately -$53,000. The defendant spent $850,000 in investor money to help purchase a 5,000-square-feet, $1.7 million home on Garden Place in Cincinnati. Cantey was indicted in December 2024 and pleaded guilty in October 2025 to wire fraud. Vipal J. Patel, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew C. Singer is representing the United States in this case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is 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: Weill Cornell Medicine Resolves Criminal Investigation With Agreement To Maintain And Enhance Remedial Measures And Procedures To Prevent Sexual Abuse Of Patients

component: USAO - New York, Southern

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Criminal Division Chief, Amanda Houle, announced today a voluntary compliance agreement (the “Agreement”) under Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) with Weill Cornell Medicine (“WCM”), pursuant to which WCM acknowledges that policies and programs during physician Darius Paduch’s tenure at WCM were inadequate to detect, prevent, and respond to the sexual abuse of patients. “Today’s landmark agreement with WCM is a direct reflection of our Office’s pledge to prioritize combating sexual abuse through a victim-centered approach,” said Criminal Division Chief Amanda Houle. “When victims are front of mind for our core community institutions—including in healthcare—sexual abuse is better detected, reported, and prosecuted so that perpetrators are held responsible and others are deterred. Today’s agreement shows the benefits to victims when we pair criminal accountability for individual perpetrators with institutional obligations to maintain the strongest possible controls to safeguard against future sexual abuse. Thanks to the work of our dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorneys, Darius Paduch is spending his life in prison for his horrific crimes and, importantly, WCM, a leader in healthcare for New Yorkers, is committed to maintaining an industry-leading sexual-abuse prevention program and to self-reporting any future federal crimes involving sexual misconduct to our Office. In addition to requiring continued enhancement of controls and reporting, the agreement requires WCM to commit $30 million and other non-financial support to establish the WCM Institute for Safe Patient Care and Patient Empowerment. We look forward to working with the Institute to set new, higher standards for collaboration among medical institutions, patient safety organizations, regulators, and law enforcement aimed at stopping sexual abuse and ensuring prompt reporting of sexual misconduct in the healthcare system and in our community more generally.” “Along with U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, I am proud to announce this agreement as a milestone in our ongoing victim-oriented effort, which is carried out every day by the women and men of the Southern District, including in our Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit. In the past 18 months, our Office has charged more than 45 individuals with federal sex crimes, including teachers, licensed therapists, bankers, and others in positions of significant trust, as well as gang members and drug traffickers. Our Office will continue with full force to prosecute perpetrators and to hold institutions to the highest standards in protecting victims.” “As the public has seen time and again, when medical institutions fail to implement and enforce robust safeguards to protect patients from sexual abuse, victims suffer unspeakable harms, and the public trust in the doctor-patient relationship is undermined,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Today’s agreement sends a strong, clear message to all healthcare institutions: patient sexual abuse should never happen in our healthcare system, and institutions must devote the necessary resources to build and continuously monitor and improve programs that detect, report, and prevent sexual abuse—without exception. The agreement also underscores the commitment of our Office, in particular our Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit, to protecting victims from sex crimes in all corners of society. Together with our law enforcement partners, including the FBI and the NYPD, we are working with our schools, hospitals, businesses, government organizations, and other institutions to ensure that processes for identifying predators are improved and victims feel safe coming forward.” Title III of the ADA prohibits places of public accommodation from discriminating against any individual on the basis of disability. Victims of Darius Paduch’s sexual abuse suffered from certain genetic conditions, as well as sexual and erectile dysfunction, each of which constitutes a “disability” under the ADA. In 2024, following a criminal trial in this District, Paduch was convicted of six counts of inducement to travel to engage in unlawful sexual activity, and five counts of inducement of a minor to travel to engage in unlawful sexual activity, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2422(a), (b), and 2. Paduch was sentenced to life imprisonment for his crimes. The out-of-court Agreement resolves a yearslong criminal investigation during which the U.S. Attorney’s Office determined that over Paduch’s tenure, WCM maintained policies and programs insufficient to detect, prevent, and respond to Paduch’s widespread sexual abuse of patients. Specifically, as detailed in the Agreement announced today, the investigation found, among other things, the following: From at least 2009 to 2019, Paduch sexually abused many of his patients—including boys as young as 13 years old. During that time, WCM policy delegated to the now-former Urology Department chair (the “Former Urology Chair”) primary responsibility and authority to investigate staff and patient complaints, as well as the discretion to escalate complaints to the Dean or Vice Dean of the Medical School. Between 2012 and 2014, the Former Urology Chair and the WCM Human Resources Department received reports of instances of Paduch using inappropriate sexual language and engaging in inappropriate conduct with colleagues. In 2015 and 2016, the Former Urology Chair received two reports from two doctors that Paduch had manually masturbated one patient to become erect for an exam and directed another patient to masturbate while Paduch remained in the room. The Former Urology Chair did not escalate these allegations against Paduch or report them to others at WCM. In March 2018, WCM, including the Former Urology Chair, received a complaint alleging that Paduch told a patient to masturbate in his presence to become erect for an exam and showed the patient photographs of other men’s penises during the consultation. WCM assigned that complaint to a WCM employee who had not received training and had no experience in investigating sexual abuse allegations. The Former Urology Chair did not inform the investigator or anyone else at WCM of the prior complaints relating to Paduch. In November 2018, an adult male patient reported to the Former Urology Chair that Paduch had engaged in what the patient described as sexual and nonsexual misconduct, including masturbating in front of the patient on Paduch’s boat and sending him lewd electronic messages. The report was assigned to the same inexperienced investigator assigned to handle the March 2018 complaint. As a result of the investigation, WCM ended Paduch’s employment at WCM by not renewing Paduch’s faculty appointment at WCM. WCM sent Paduch’s patients a letter noting that Paduch was no longer practicing at WCM but did not provide the reason for his non-renewal. Further, when the Former Urology Chair received inquiries from a separate medical institution where Paduch was subsequently hired and abused patients, he did not disclose the reason for Paduch’s termination from WCM or disclose any patient complaints. Since learning of Paduch’s sexual abuse, WCM has paid or agreed to pay victims over $1 billion to settle civil claims to date, and is committing additional funds to address detection, prevention, and reporting of sexual abuse and misconduct in the healthcare setting. To that end, WCM will commit $30 million to create the Institute for Safe Patient Care and Patient Empowerment, which will be dedicated to the adoption of meaningful sexual abuse and misconduct risk mitigation policies, procedures, and practices at healthcare providers in New York and nationwide. As part of the Agreement, WCM also acknowledged that the policies and programs that WCM had in place at the time of Paduch’s offenses were not adequate to detect, prevent, and respond to sexual abuse of patients and, in fact, failed to detect and sufficiently respond to Paduch’s conduct. WCM has proactively taken significant remedial measures that WCM has committed to maintaining and enhancing during the term of the Agreement. Under the Agreement, WCM will maintain, monitor, and, as necessary or appropriate, enhance such measures, which include a chaperone requirement with routine compliance oversight and monitoring and policy changes to fill governance and procedural gaps regarding the escalation and investigation of patient misconduct complaints. Further, during the term of the Agreement, WCM is required to self-report to the U.S. Attorney’s Office any evidence of a criminal violation involving sexual misconduct. WCM must also conduct three separate internal reviews during the term of the Agreement to evaluate WCM’s sexual misconduct prevention programs. WCM must certify semiannually its compliance with the terms of the Agreement. * * * Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit in the Criminal Division, with assistance from the Civil Rights Unit in the Civil Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marguerite B. Colson, Elizabeth A. Espinosa, Ni Qian, and David J. Kennedy are in charge of the case.


title: Member Of Bronx Drug Gang Convicted Of Racketeering And Attempted Murder In The Shooting Of A Baby Girl

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that on Friday, July 24, 2026, a jury found SAMUEL BAUTISTA, a/k/a “Sammy,” guilty of racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder and assault, and additional firearms and drug-related charges. BAUTISTA was found guilty following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge George B. Daniels and is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2, 2026. “On the evening of January 19, 2022, Bautista, an armed drug trafficker, shot at a rival dealer but missed, instead striking an 11-month-old baby girl who was seated in a car seat beside her mother in the face,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Somehow, she survived, but with devastating injuries. It was such an outrageous crime that it captured the attention of people across this city and this country the night it occurred. New Yorkers want gun toting criminals off our streets and we hear them. We will not allow armed drug traffickers to take this city from the women and men who are raising their families here. And to the gangs who think the streets of New York are their territory to fight over, we remind you that you can cover your head, you can cover your face, but eventually, we will find you. And when we find you, you will be convicted and you will go to federal prison.” According to the charging instruments, public court filings, and the evidence presented at trial: From 2011 to 2023, members of 2860, a violent drug-trafficking organization and street gang based at 2860 Grand Concourse in the Bronx, New York, distributed large quantities of cocaine base, in a form commonly referred to as “crack,” to their customers on the street. Notwithstanding a prior federal drug-trafficking conviction for this very criminal activity, BAUTISTA was released from federal prison in 2016 and resumed armed drug trafficking. At all times, the members of 2860 fought with rival dealers, with whom they clashed on many occasions, including on January 19, 2022, when BAUTISTA shot at a rival dealer and instead hit the baby girl. A number of BAUTISTA’s co-conspirators and fellow members of 2860 previously pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing, and the rival dealer whom BAUTISTA targeted on January 19, 2022, was also convicted and sentenced on multiple drug and firearms-related charges. * * * BAUTISTA, 33, of the Bronx, New York, was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder and assault in aid of racketeering, and multiple firearms and drug-related charges. The racketeering conspiracy and multiple firearms and drug-related charges all carry a maximum sentence of life in prison. BAUTISTA faces a combined mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years. Mr. Clayton praised the victim’s parents for their commitment to obtaining justice for their daughter and the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Mr. Clayton also thanked the Bureau of Prisons, the New York City Department of Correction, and the Utica Police Department for their assistance. This case was investigated and prosecuted as 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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to address strategically 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. This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas John Wright and Ryan W. Allison are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Sandy Alcantara.


title: Chief Executive Officer Of Steel Manufacturer Pleads Guilty In Connection With $66 Million Fraud Scheme

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced the guilty plea of DEREK WACHOB for orchestrating a multi-year scheme to defraud individual investors, a bank, an investment firm, and at least two steel pipe distributors of at least $66 million. WACHOB pled guilty today to one count of wire fraud before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken. “Derek Wachob portrayed himself as a billionaire and accomplished CEO, but the success he projected was a fiction sustained by fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “He defrauded victims—including some of his closest friends—of more than $66 million and used their money to bankroll a lifestyle of luxury cars, vacations homes, private jets, helicopters, and yachts. In New York, we celebrate ambition, hard work, and honest achievement. These are bedrock principles that fueled the growth of our great city. Fraudsters undermine those principles and erode the trust in the fairness of our society. Today’s guilty plea sends a message that fraud will not be tolerated and ensures Wachob faces the consequences of his lies.” According to the charging documents and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings: From at least in or about October 2022 through in or about August 2024, WACHOB—the Chief Executive Officer of a large manufacturer of steel pipes based in Sapulpa, Oklahoma (“Company-1”)—engaged in a scheme to defraud individual investors, a bank, an investment firm, and at least two steel pipe distributors of at least $66 million. To obtain money from each of the victims, WACHOB lied and misled the victims by, among other things, falsely claiming to offer purported business opportunities based on future steel purchases that WACHOB pledged to make. WACHOB used these misrepresentations to take millions of dollars from even some of his closest friends. Instead of using the victims’ money as promised, WACHOB spent the funds to maintain his extravagant lifestyle of expensive cars, vacation homes, private jets, helicopters, and yachts, and prop up Company-1, which was struggling financially and in debt. * * * WACHOB, 53, of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. WACHOB is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Oetken on November 17, 2026. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma for its assistance. The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Danielle Kudla and Adam Sowlati are in charge of the prosecution.


title: Bloods Leader Arrested For Racketeering And Murder

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Pete Gizas, and the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced the unsealing of a four-count Indictment charging CANDICE JOHNSTON, a/k/a “Queen,” with racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, murder through the use of a firearm, and conspiring to traffic firearms in connection with JOHNSTON’s long-running leadership of the Red Life Militia gang, one of the sets of the nationwide Bloods gang. JOHNSTON was arrested this morning and was presented today in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan. “As alleged, Candice Johnston, known as ‘Queen,’ was a leader of a violent set of the Bloods gang calling themselves the Red Life Militia,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “During Johnston’s reign, on May 31, 2017, she ordered the brutal robbery and murder of Noel Farrow in the Bronx. The people of the Bronx did not ask for, want, or deserve a destructive, self-proclaimed ‘militia,’ led by criminals in their neighborhood. New Yorkers deserve to live safely in their neighborhoods, free from the influence of gangs like that which Johnston led and glorified. The women and men of this Office will continue to relentlessly pursue and dismantle violent street gangs that jeopardize the safety of our communities.” “As alleged, Candice Johnston led a violent Bloods set built on murder, armed robbery, gun and narcotics trafficking, promotion of prostitution, and other serious crimes,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas. “By allegedly directing the robbery and murder of a former drug supplier and receiving illegal firearms trafficked from North Carolina to the Bronx, she stands accused of introducing lethal firepower and bloodshed into a Bronx neighborhood. Together with our law enforcement partners, HSI will do everything in our power to keep New Yorkers safe.” “Candice Johnston served as the leader of the Bloods’ Red Life Milita, allegedly trafficking guns and drugs across the city, brazenly touting her gang affiliation on social media, and ordering the cold-blooded murder of a drug supplier,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Her arrest is the direct result of the NYPD’s precision policing strategy at work: dismantling gangs, taking guns off our streets, and holding those who commit violence accountable. I thank HSI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their partnership in this case and their continued work to keep New Yorkers safe.” As alleged in the Indictment, other publicly filed documents, and statements made in court:(1) JOHNSTON was the leader of the Red Life Militia, a subset of the United Blood Nation (“UBN”), a faction of the nationwide Bloods street gang. The Red Life Militia gang engaged in, among other activities, acts involving murder, assault, gun trafficking, narcotics trafficking, promotion of prostitution, and robberies. JOHNSTON frequently publicized her leadership in Red Life Militia through social media, displaying gang signs, tattoos, and other insignia of the gang, some of which include the following: On May 31, 2017, JOHNSTON ordered a subordinate member of her gang to rob and murder Noel Farrow—a former drug supplier to the gang—in the Bronx, New York, which resulted in Farrow’s death from gunshot wounds. JOHNSTON also received firearms that had been illegally obtained in North Carolina and transported to JOHNSTON in the Bronx. * * * JOHNSTON, 44, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a mandatory minimum term of life in prison or death; murder through the use of a firearm, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison or death; and conspiracy to receive firearms from out of state, which carries a maximum term of five years in prison. The statutory minimum and maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of Special Agents and Task Force Officers of HSI, the NYPD and their Intelligence Section, the Digital Forensics Unit, and the Complex Analytics and Social Media Enhancement Team at the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, as well as the Special Agents and Task Force Officers assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Mr. Clayton also thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation for its invaluable assistance. The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Alexandra S. Messiter and Michael R. Herman are in charge of the prosecution. The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. ^ As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitutes only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.


title: $3.85 Million Settlement Of Case Against Labor Unions For Improper Receipt Of Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) Loans

body_text: United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that International Union of Journeymen and Allied Trades (“IUJAT”), United Service Workers Union, IUJAT National Union (“USWU”), Home Healthcare Workers of America, IUJAT (“HHWA”), Service Professionals Union Local 726 IUJAT (“LOCAL 726”), and United Welfare Fund - Welfare Division (“UWF”) (collectively, the “Defendants”) agreed to pay $3,850,000 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by falsely certifying that they were eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans. The Defendants are organized as tax-exempt non-profit organizations pursuant to Section 501(c)(5) of the Internal Revenue Code. The PPP was established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act to assist small businesses nationwide adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Administered by the SBA, the program provided forgivable loans to eligible borrowers. In April 2020, Section 501(c)(5) non-profit organizations were not eligible to apply for or receive PPP loans. The settlement resolves claims that the Defendants violated the False Claims Act by falsely certifying their eligibility for PPP loans because, as 501(c)(5) non-profit organizations, the Defendants were ineligible for the loans at the time they applied. “The Paycheck Protection Program was created to help eligible small businesses weather the economic strain of the pandemic through forgivable loans,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The defendants here applied for and received millions of dollars in taxpayer funds for which they were not eligible. This Office is committed to protecting taxpayer dollars and recovering public funds that flow to those who do not qualify.” As alleged in the Complaint filed in Manhattan federal court: IUJAT, USWU, HHWA, and LOCAL 726 are labor unions, and UWF is an employee benefit plan that provides welfare benefits to members of these labor unions. Between April 16 and April 20, 2020, each Defendant submitted, through its authorized representative, an application for a PPP loan. In total, the Defendants received $3,316,966 in PPP loans. Each Defendant certified on its loan application that it was eligible to receive the loan under the rules in effect at the time, and each Defendant later applied for and obtained full forgiveness of its loan. At the time they applied in April 2020, the Defendants were 501(c)(5) non-profit organizations and were therefore ineligible to receive PPP loans. Before applying, the Defendants were aware that an SBA regional employee had advised their contact at a bank that only 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) non-profit organizations were eligible for PPP loans. Nevertheless, each Defendant decided to apply for and accept a loan. The Defendants, at a minimum, acted with reckless disregard or deliberate ignorance of the fact that they were ineligible for the PPP funds at the time they applied. In fact, the Defendants became aware on April 9, 2020, that the AFL-CIO—the nation’s largest federation of unions—had advised that labor unions were ineligible for PPP loans. As part of the settlement, the Defendants admitted and accepted responsibility for certain conduct alleged by the United States, including the following: Each Defendant certified on its PPP borrower loan application that it was eligible to receive the loan under the rules of the SBA in effect at the time the application was submitted. Before applying for the PPP loans, the Defendants were aware that an SBA regional employee had advised their contact at a bank that only 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) non-profit organizations were eligible for PPP loans. The Defendants are not 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) non-profit organizations. In connection with the filing of the lawsuit and settlement, the Government joined a private whistleblower lawsuit that had been filed under seal pursuant to the False Claims Act. Mr. Clayton praised the Small Business Administration’s Office of General Counsel for its assistance with this case. The case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Osmond is in charge of the case.


title: Two Evansville Meth Dealers Sentenced to Federal Prison Following Crossroads Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

body_text: EVANSVILLE- Two Evansville men have been sentenced to federal prison for operating a methamphetamine trafficking ring in Vanderburgh County. The Crossroads Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) led the investigation. Isaac J. Horne, 47, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of methamphetamine distribution. Christopher M. Youngblood, 42, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Both men will also serve five years of supervised release following their prison terms. According to court documents, Horne acted as the primary source of supply for a conspiracy that distributed methamphetamine throughout Vanderburgh County. Horne supplied the drugs to distributors, including Youngblood, who then sold them to lower-level dealers and users. Horne took coordinated steps to avoid detection by law enforcement. These efforts included storing narcotics in residences belonging to others, directing associates to deliver drugs on his behalf while he stayed elsewhere, and receiving payments through accounts held in other people’s names. According to the government’s investigation, over the course of just seven months between May and December 2024, Horne and Youngblood distributed approximately 16 pounds (7.25 kilograms) of methamphetamine in the Evansville area. Horne is a known drug trafficker with an extensive criminal history, including two prior convictions for dealing cocaine and multiple violent offenses, such as two felony domestic battery convictions. In 2023, he was also convicted of disorderly conduct after threatening to kill a corrections officer, rushing the officer, and striking him repeatedly in the head. Youngblood also has multiple prior felony convictions, including manufacturing methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine. “Sixteen pounds of methamphetamine is an extraordinarily large amount to distribute in just seven months. This represents thousands of individual doses introduced into our community. Every distribution increases the risk that more individuals will become addicted and that additional crimes will be committed to support drug use,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The consequences of large-scale methamphetamine trafficking are felt not only by users, but by their loved ones, the victims of related crimes, healthcare providers, employers, and law enforcement. The Crossroads HSTF will continue to focus federal, state and local resources on criminals who destabilize Hoosier communities.” U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Miller and Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. 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. Crossroads HSTF comprises agents and officers from FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Services, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Indiana National Guard, Indiana State Police, HIDTA, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations, Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and Plainfield Police Department, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana. ###


title: Gresham Man Pleads Guilty to Assaulting a Federal Law Enforcement Officer During Weekend Riot Near Local ICE Office

component: USAO - Oregon

body_text: PORTLAND, Ore.— A Gresham, Oregon, man pleaded guilty today after he was charged with assaulting a federal law enforcement officer during a declared riot near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office in South Portland. Ginovanni Joseph Brumbelow, 22, pleaded guilty to assault on a federal officer with a dangerous weapon. According to court documents, on June 14, 2025, Brumbelow struck a federal officer in the back of the head with a wooden stake while the officer was arresting another individual during a riot at the ICE facility in South Portland. On July 15, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Brumbelow with assault on a federal officer, assault of a federal officer with a dangerous weapon and civil disorder. Brumbelow faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. He will be sentenced on October 19, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge. As part of the plea agreement, Brumbelow has agreed to pay restitution in full to the victim. U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement. The FBI and Federal Protective Service are investigating the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon is prosecuting the case.


title: Mother and Son Charged in Stabbing That Left Victim Critically Injured

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A mother and son from Zuni have been charged in federal court for their alleged roles in an assault in which two victims were stabbed and one suffered life-threatening injuries. According to court documents, on June 14, 2026, at a residence on the Zuni Pueblo, Zachary Booqua , 18, and his mother, Kayla Marie Concho , 36, both enrolled members of the Zuni Pueblo Indian Tribe, allegedly assaulted Jane Doe and John Doe while the group was drinking alcohol. Following an argument, Booqua knocked John Doe unconscious and began punching him in the face. When Jane Doe attempted to pull Booqua off, both Booqua and Concho began punching Jane Doe in the face as well. Booqua then stabbed John Doe. Booqua and Concho are both charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. If convicted of the current charges, Booqua and Concho eachface up to 20 years in prison. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Teleky is prosecuting the case. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Former U.S. Navy SEAL Sentenced for Transporting Explosives to Throw at Law Enforcement at California Protests

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A former U.S. Navy SEAL who intended to use explosives against law enforcement officers at California protests and whose actions prosecutors argued were motivated by extremist, antisemitic beliefs was sentenced to 16 months in prison. There is no parole in the federal system. According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on June 12, 2025, Gregory Vandenberg , 49, was traveling from El Paso, Texas, to San Diego, California, to attend the “No Kings Day” protests scheduled for June 14, 2025. While in New Mexico, Vandenberg visited a travel center off Interstate 10 near Lordsburg and purchased six large mortar fireworks, which are designed to shoot high into the air and explode, and 72 M-150 firecrackers, which are designed to sound like gunfire. During this visit, he told the store clerk that he intended to throw fireworks at police officers at the upcoming protests. He asked detailed questions about the amount of gunpowder in the fireworks, their explosive impact, and their ability to harm others. He also discussed taping multiple fireworks together to increase their explosive force. Vandenberg emphasized that he was not interested in the color or display of the fireworks, only in their ability to create explosions and injure law enforcement officers. He also encouraged the clerk to join him at the protests and discussed distributing fireworks to others at the event. Employees, alarmed by Vandenberg ’s statements and his repeated expressions of intent to throw explosives at law enforcement officers, recorded his license plate and contacted law enforcement. Authorities later alleged that Vandenberg intended to use the fireworks against law enforcement personnel during the protests, conduct that prosecutors described as posing a serious risk of injury or death to officers and bystanders alike. Federal agents tracked Vandenberg to Tucson, Arizona, and arrested him the following morning while he was sleeping in his car at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. Vandenberg initially claimed to be traveling for work (despite being unemployed at the time) and later falsely stated he was visiting friends in Phoenix that weekend. A search of his vehicle revealed the purchased fireworks, along with clothing displaying antisemitic, anti-Israel, and extremist imagery, including a shirt bearing the Al-Qaeda flag and another calling for the destruction of Judea. Agents also discovered that the home screen on Vandenberg ’s phone displayed the Taliban flag. Investigators further determined that Vandenberg had worn a custom-made shirt bearing the word “AMALEK” during his visit to the travel center, which he stated meant “destroyer of Jews.” A review of Vandenberg ’s phone revealed antisemitic, anti-Israel, anti-U.S., and extremist content, including internet searches and messages expressing hostility toward Jews and Israel. According to court records, investigators found messages indicating that Vandenberg viewed the United States government as being controlled by Israel and Jewish people and that those beliefs motivated his desire to target law enforcement officers at the protests. Prosecutors argued that his conduct was driven by extremist, antisemitic views and posed a grave threat to public safety. On January 12, 2026, following a five-day jury trial, a federal jury convicted Vandenberg of transportation of explosives with intent to kill, injure or intimidate and attempted transportation of prohibited fireworks into California. Upon his release from prison, Vandenberg will be subject to one year of supervised release. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Tucson Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office, Tucson Police Department, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso. The Las Cruces Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.


title: Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Director of a Westville Security Company Charged for Their Roles in a $9 Million Theft

component: USAO - New Jersey

body_text: CAMDEN, N.J. – A Barrington man, who was the Chief Operating Officer for a security business was charged for his role in embezzling $3 million from a Westville business and bank fraud for the loss of $9 million that the company held in trust for a bank, announced U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer. Also charged was a Clementon man, who was the Deputy Director of the Westville security company for his role in embezzling over $2 million, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. Robert Cormier, 51, of Barrington, New Jersey, was charged in an indictment with embezzlement by bank agent, bank fraud, money laundering, income tax evasion and failing to collect and pay over payroll taxes. Cormier made his initial appearance and was arraigned on July 20, 2026 in Camden federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Pascal. Richard Eisler, 38, of Clementon, New Jersey, was charged in a separate indictment with embezzlement by bank agent, money laundering, income tax evasion and witness tampering. Eisler made his initial appearance and was arraigned on 7/24/26 in Camden federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Elizabeth A. Pascal. According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court: In 2017, Robert Cormier started Erigere Rapidus Solutions, Inc. (ERS), a security services business, that was located in Westville, New Jersey. In late 2019, ERS entered into an agreement with a local bank to collect, count, transport, store and deposit cash on behalf of a bank at the Federal Reserve Bank in Philadelphia. ERS’s employees, including Eisler, were responsible for picking up cash from various customers of the bank, counting the cash at ERS’s office, and providing accurate daily reports of the cash to the bank. Those reports were supposed to reflect accurately the cash that ERS had collected on behalf of the bank. Cormier was responsible for providing the bank accurate information about the daily balance of cash in ERS’s vault, including cash transactions coming in and out of ERS, the denominations of each of the transactions, and the ending balance of bank’s cash that was being stored by ERS. The bank relied on the reports from ERS to appropriately credit the relevant customers’ accounts for the cash that had been collected by ERS on behalf of the bank. After picking up the cash from the bank’s customers, ERS stored the cash in a vault at ERS’s office in New Jersey, until it could be deposited in the Federal Reserve Bank in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for deposit on behalf of the bank. From March 2019 to September 2022, ERS collected, counted, stored, transported, and deposited millions of dollars in cash for the bank. On a daily basis, ERS stored cash in its vault, in varying amounts ranging from $1 to $12 million. At the time that the bank ended their relationship with ERS, the bank determined that over $8 million was missing from the vault. Beginning in 2020 and continuing until 2022, Cormier took various amounts of cash out of ERS’s vault, which cash belonged to the bank, without authorization by the bank. Cormier embezzled and stole at least approximately $3 million. Cormier used the embezzled funds to: pay cash payroll for employees at ERS; pay invoices for the installation and monitoring of security systems at various businesses; pay for the installation of security systems in the ERS Offices and vehicles; pay for ERS company vehicles; deposit, and caused to be deposited, cash into ERS’s bank accounts; and pay personal expenses for himself and his family members, including, among other things, the installation of a deck and a pool, and household renovations. Cormier did not report this extra income to the IRS nor did he collect and pay over payroll taxes for ERS’s employees. Beginning in 2020 and continuing until late 2021, Eisler took various amounts of cash belonging to the bank out of ERS’s vault without authorization by the bank. Eisler embezzled and stole at least approximately $2 million of this money. Eisler used the embezzled funds to pay personal expenses for himself and family members and deposit cash into his personal account, joint accounts, or his family members’ bank accounts. The funds were used to purchase luxury vehicles, such as an Audi RS7, Audi R8, Porsche 911, Ford F450 truck, Dodge Durango, Harley Davidson motorcycle, and a recreational vehicle. Eisler also used the funds to pay for his wedding rings, wedding reception, a roof on his residence and to pay off an automobile loan. Eisler did not report this extra income to the IRS. Additionally, during the investigation, Eisler attempted to obstruct the investigation by attempting to persuade a witness to lie to the federal agents. For Cormier, the counts of embezzlement by bank agent and bank fraud each carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000, or twice the gross loss to the victim or gain to the defendant, whichever is greatest. The counts of income tax evasion each carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross loss to the victim or gain to the defendant, whichever is greatest. The counts of failure to collect and pay over payroll taxes each carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 3 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross loss to the victim or gain to the defendant, whichever is greatest. The counts of money laundering carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the value of the laundered money, whichever is greatest. For Eisler, the count of embezzlement by bank agent carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000, or twice the gross loss to the victim or gain to the defendant, whichever is greatest. The counts of concealment money laundering each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine of up to $500,000, or twice the value of the laundered money. The counts of launder money – transacting in criminal proceeds each carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the value of the laundered money, whichever is greatest. The counts of income tax evasion each carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross loss to the victim or gain to the defendant, whichever is greatest. The count of witness tampering carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross loss to the victim or gain to the defendant, whichever is greatest. The charges and allegations contained in the indictments against Cormier and Eisler are merely accusations, and Cormier and Eisler are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Philadelphia Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Wayne Jacobs, and agents of the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Newark Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jenifer L. Piovesan, with the investigation leading to these charges. He also thanked the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Grace MacAulay, for their valuable assistance in the investigation. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Richardson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden. 26-163 ### Defense counsel: Cormier: Maggie Moy, Esq. Camden, New Jersey. Eisler: Zach Intrater, New York, New York. cormier.indictment.pdf eisler.indictment.pdf


title: U.S. Attorney Announces New Senior Leadership Team

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey has announced a new Senior Leadership team to help further the mission in the Northern District of West Virginia. The Senior Leadership Team includes First Assistant Christopher J. Prezioso, Administrative Officer Sybil D. Ott, Criminal Division Chief Stephen L. Vogrin, Civil Division Chief Jordan V. Palmer, and Deputy Criminal Chiefs Jarod J. Douglas, Lara Omps‑Botteicher, and Zelda E. Wesley. Andrew R. Cogar has been appointed as district‑wide Senior Litigation Counsel, and Randolph J. Bernard has been appointed as Counsel to the U.S. Attorney. “There’s a saying that you’re only as good as those you surround yourself with, and I know this team of professionals will benefit the district and the citizens of the 32 counties we serve,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. “I look forward to leading this team to further the mission of this office and the initiatives set forth by the Department of Justice.” This leadership group will strengthen the district’s core public safety priorities, including disrupting drug‑trafficking networks, reducing violence, protecting residents from fraud and financial crimes, and supporting vulnerable members of the community. The office will also continue advancing civil enforcement efforts, including the civil prosecution of program‑benefits fraud to safeguard federal resources and protect taxpayer dollars. In addition, the district remains committed to combatting illegal immigration by addressing associated criminal activity and working closely with federal partners to enforce immigration laws. Through coordinated action and continued collaboration with state, local, and federal agencies, the team will further the office’s mission of safeguarding the Northern District of West Virginia. Aligned with the Department of Justice’s mission to “uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights,” this leadership team is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and professionalism in all aspects of the office’s work. To learn more about the Senior Leadership Team, visit www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/meet-us-attorney/senior-management-team .


title: Sentencing Set for West Virginia Cemetery Owner Who Defrauded Customers

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A sentencing hearing has been set for the North Central West Virginia cemetery owner who defrauded hundreds of customers, U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey announced. Jeffrey Phares, 65, of Fayetteville, West Virginia, will be sentenced November 10, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in federal court in Wheeling before U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey. Phares pleaded guilty to wire fraud in March, admitting to misleading victims who placed orders for grave markers, accepting their money, sending design approvals, and then using the funds for his personal use. Phares owned and operated four cemeteries including: Greenlawn Memorial Park in New Martinsville, Elkins Memorial Gardens in Elkins, Greenlawn Memorial Cemetery in Clarksburg, and Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Jane Lew. According to court documents, there are approximately 225 victims with more than $600,000 in unfulfilled grave marker orders. As part of the plea agreement, Phares has agreed to pay restitution to the victims of his offense conduct, and to provide the government with all necessary documentation to determine the amount of restitution, which will be determined prior to sentencing. If you are a victim and have submitted your contract with Phares to the U.S. Attorney’s office, the FBI, U.S. Probation, and/or the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office, your information has been received and is being reviewed as a part of the restitution process. Phares faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. Investigative agencies include the FBI, the Wetzel County Sheriff’s Office, and the Wetzel County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.


title: Sioux Falls Man Pleads Not Guilty to Charges Related to Disappearance and Death of 14-year-old Sioux Falls Girl

component: USAO - Iowa, Northern

body_text: Mark Milk, who is alleged to be involved in the disappearance and death of a 14-year-old Sioux Falls girl, McKenna Wendel, was ordered detained, pending a detention hearing set for 2:30 p.m. on July 30, 2026, following his initial appearance today in federal court. Milk, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Trial in Milk’s case is set for September 28, 2026, in the United States District Court in Sioux City. Milk and his co-defendant, Jon Rogness of Brookings, South Dakota, were indicted on June 17, 2026. The indictment charges Milk with five counts, alleging that he: Possessed with intent to distribute and distributed cocaine, the use of which resulted in McKenna Wendel’s death; Possessed with the intent to distribute and distributed THC; Transported a minor across a state line with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity; Conspired to conceal objects with the intent to impair their integrity and availability for an official proceeding; and Concealed objects with the intent to impair their availability for an official proceeding. If convicted, Milk faces a possible maximum sentence of life imprisonment; a $1,000,000 fine; and up to 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment. Rogness’s initial appearance and arraignment are scheduled for August 6, 2026. The indictment charges Rogness with two counts: Conspiracy to conceal objects with the intent to impair their integrity and availability for an official proceeding; and Accessory to Milk after the alleged cocaine possession and distribution resulted in McKenna Wendel’s death. If convicted, Rogness faces a possible maximum sentence of 35 years’ imprisonment; a $250,000 fine; and up to 5 years of supervised release following any imprisonment. As with any criminal case, an indictment is merely an accusation, and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild. It is being investigated by the Sioux Falls Police Department; Sioux Falls Fire Rescue; Minnehaha County, South Dakota, Sheriff’s Department; Minnehaha County Search and Rescue; Brookings County, South Dakota, Sheriff’s Office; Brookings Police Department; Brookings Fire Department; South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation; Brookings County Attorney’s Office; Minnehaha County, South Dakota, Attorney’s Office; the Iowa Department of Public Safety—Division of Criminal Investigation; Iowa State Patrol; Lyon County, Iowa, Sheriff’s Department; Lyon County Attorney’s Office; the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office; U.S. Department of Justice’s Federal Bureau of Investigation; and U.S. Department of Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs. Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 26-4032. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.