title: Parmelee Man Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal Officer

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Parmelee, South Dakota, man convicted of Assaulting, Resisting, and Impeding a Federal Officer. The sentencing took place on July 6, 2026. Jonathan Sierra, age 22, was sentenced to time served through August 7, 2026, equal to approximately ten months in custody, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100.00 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Sierra was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2026. He pleaded guilty on April 1, 2026. The conviction stems from an incident that occurred in July 2025, within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. On the date of the event, a Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Officer was speaking to Sierra’s ex-girlfriend at her residence in Mission, South Dakota. Sierra drove up to the house, and the officer asked Sierra to get out of his vehicle. Sierra exited the vehicle with a knife in his hand. The officer repeatedly commanded Sierra to put the knife down. Eventually, Sierra threw the knife into the street. When the officer tried to detain Sierra, Sierra began to struggle and kicked the officer. Sierra also kicked an assisting officer during the struggle. This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case. Sierra was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Mission Man Sentenced for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

component: USAO - South Dakota

body_text: PIERRE - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. The sentencing took place on July 13, 2026. Fred Leading Cloud, age 68, was sentenced to 2 years and 4 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Leading Cloud was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2025. He pleaded guilty on April 20, 2026. On May 22, 2025, Leading Cloud got into an altercation with the victim in Mission, South Dakota, within the exterior boundaries of the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. During the altercation, Leading Cloud pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim in the neck. This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal Court as opposed to State Court. This case was investigated by Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Zachrison prosecuted the case. Leading Cloud was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.


title: Two Men Sentenced to Prison for Unlawful Possession of Firearm

component: USAO - Nevada

body_text: LAS VEGAS – Two men in separate cases were sentenced to prison today for unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. According to court documents and statements made in court: Marc Christopher Viloria was sentenced by United States District Judge Cristina D. Silva to 30 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. On November 20, 2024, Viloria was involved in a high-speed chase with police while fleeing the scene of a shooting in which he was likely involved. He admitted that he possessed a privately made 9mm semiautomatic pistol with no serial number and a 9mm semiautomatic pistol. He had previously been convicted of sale of a hallucinogen, criminal possession of a firearm, and distribution of a hallucinogen, all in Geary County, Kansas. He is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. The government recommended a sentence of 30 months’ imprisonment. Manuel Edwin Martinez was sentenced by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 37 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Martinez admitted that, on January 12, 2022, he possessed a 9x19mm semiautomatic pistol at a gas station and convenience store in Las Vegas, Nevada. He had previously been convicted for of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon causing serious bodily injury, both in Denver, Colorado. He is prohibited by law from possessing a firearm. The government recommended a sentence of 37 months’ imprisonment. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge John Wester of the San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement. These cases were investigated by ATF and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Cowhig and Joseph Sciscento prosecuted these cases. Anyone with information about unlawful firearms activity should call ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit an anonymous tip at www.reportit.com/ . ###


title: Two Men Indicted for Alleged Roles in ATM Jackpotting Scheme

body_text: RENO – A federal grand jury indicted two men for their alleged roles in a scheme to steal money from multiple ATMs located in Reno and Sparks, Nevada. This crime is commonly referred to as “ATM jackpotting.” According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 3, 2026, Kleiber Jovanny Garcia Rojas and Yeiker Andres Diaz-Calatayud, aka “Jose Soto,” installed a digital device on an ATM at a federal credit union. The device allowed them to bypass security functions without authorization and withdraw cash. They allegedly stole approximately $76,000 in cash. Defendants installing malware device on ATM Garcia Rojas and Diaz-Calatayud are each charged with one count of bank theft. If convicted, they each face the maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison. Both defendants made their initial court appearances and were ordered detained. A jury trial is scheduled for September 15, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Anne Traum. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. “As alleged, the defendants hacked into an ATM in northern Nevada and stole approximately $76,000 in cash through a scheme known as ATM jackpotting,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “This indictment is another shining example of our focused efforts with partners in law enforcement to protect financial institutions.” “Criminal acts, such as ATM jackpotting schemes, significantly disrupt business operations and endanger customers and bystanders,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “The FBI has a longstanding commitment to investigating bank robberies and as criminal tactics evolve, we remain steadfast in our mission to combat violent crime and uphold public safety.” The FBI, Reno Police Department, and Washoe County Sherriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Gaeta is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Two Illegal Aliens With Prior Felony Convictions and Multiple Deportations Sentenced for Illegal Reentry Into the United States

body_text: LAS VEGAS – Two illegal aliens unlawfully residing in Las Vegas were sentenced to prison today for illegally reentering the United States after having been previously removed from the country. Rito Lopez-Mundo, also known as “Cora Aguayo-Mundo,” “Everado Cobarubia Altamirano,” “Everado Cobarubia Lopez,” “Rito Everado-Cobarubia,” “Everado Cobarubia Mundo,” “Joaquin Altamiran-Bobadillo,” and “Jose River-Lopez,” pleaded guilty to one count of deported alien found in the United States. He was sentenced by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 30 months in prison. The government recommended a sentence of 24 months in prison. According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings, on June 14, 2023, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) learned that Lopez-Mundo was in custody at the Clark County Detention Center. On November 26, 2025, the Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Lopez-Mundo to ICE custody after he served a 19-48 month sentence for conspiracy to commit robbery. Lopez-Mundo was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on May 13, 1996; November 3, 1997; August 12, 1998; March 25, 2005; May 28, 2013; and October 5, 2018. Lopez-Mundo has prior felony convictions including attempted robbery in San Diego, California; and five times deported alien found unlawfully in the United States in the Southern District of California. Jose Leonel Gomez-Palma, a citizen of Nicaragua, also known as “Erik Gonzalez,” Jose Lopez,” “Jose Godinez,” and “Jose Gomez,” pleaded guilty to one count of deported alien found in the United States. He was sentenced by United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey to 15 months in prison. The government recommended a sentence of 15 months in prison. According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings, on April 30, 2026, officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Gomez-Palma for driving under the influence and possession of a gun under the influence of alcohol/drugs. On May 2, 2026, the Clark County Detention Center remanded him to ICE custody. Gomez-Palma was previously removed and deported from the United States to Nicaragua on September 8, 2012. Gomez-Palma has previous felony convictions including possession of narcotic/controlled substance (cocaine); carjacking; kidnapping; attempted robbery; assault with a deadly weapon, all in Los Angeles County, California. First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement. The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated these cases; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada prosecuted these cases. Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form . These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. ###


title: Nevada Tax Preparer and 11 Others Indicted for Large-Scale Conspiracy to Fraudulently Obtain COVID-Related Loans

body_text: LAS VEGAS – A federal grand jury in Nevada returned a 90-count indictment charging a Las Vegas-based tax preparer and his 11 co-conspirators in connection with their alleged roles in a COVID-19 relief loan application scheme totaling more than $14 million in fraudulent loan proceeds to which they were not entitled. “In a 90-count indictment, the defendants are alleged to have exploited a taxpayer-funded program during a national emergency,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partners at the FBI, IRS-CI, SBA-OIG, and TIGTA will pursue anyone who chooses to abuse and steal from taxpayer-funded programs for their own financial gain.” “The defendants deliberately engaged in fraudulent activity, diverting funds intended for individuals and small businesses impacted by the national emergency,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “The FBI, in collaboration with our law enforcement partners, remains steadfast in the pursuit and prosecution of individuals who misuse federal relief programs.” According to court documents, from April 2020 to May 2021, Charles Omonzokpia Usigbe, a Las Vegas-based tax preparer, and his co-conspirators filed more than 100 false PPP loan applications and more than 25 false EIDL applications. The loan applications were administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Charles Omonzokpia Usigbe; Christopher Omobhio Usigbe; Nancy Usigbe Smith; Favor Chikelu; Francisca Iyere; Egberanmwen Vivian Osayanren Onaiwu; Matthew Obobhen Usigbe; Ayele Amavigan; Solomon Ugbodu; Ibironke Mercy Alaga; Ifekam Joycelynn Osuya; and Varney Allen Fofana were charged in a 90-count indictment including charges of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and wire fraud; bank fraud; wire fraud; conspiracy to money launder; promotion money laundering; and concealment money laundering. Earlier today, the defendants made their initial appearances in court. A jury trial has been scheduled for August 31, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office; and Phoenix Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown for the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) made the announcement. This case was investigated by the FBI, IRS-CI, the Small Business Administration (SBA-OIG), and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Lopez is prosecuting this case. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. ###


title: Silver City Man Charged with Threatening U.S. Forest Service Officer at Federal Courthouse

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Silver City man has been charged with threatening a U.S. Forest Service officer after allegedly confronting the officer and making threatening remarks following a sentencing hearing. According to court documents, on June 11, 2026, Fred Andrew Berry , 55, appeared in federal court in Las Cruces, New Mexico, for a sentencing hearing on matters related to prior violations occurring on U.S. Forest Service land. Following the hearing, a U.S. Forest Service officer, who was attending court in an official capacity and wearing a badge of office, approached Berry to issue two additional citations for maintaining a campfire during fire restrictions and failing to properly dispose of garbage. After receiving the citations, Berry allegedly became confrontational and threatened the officer. Court documents allege that Berry leaned toward the officer and stated, “just know that if I see you in the streets,” before pointing at the officer and saying, “you’re a dead terrorist bitch.” The officer observed Berry clenching his teeth and tensing his body, causing the officer to fear an imminent physical attack and take a defensive position. Witnesses, including a Bureau of Land Management ranger and a courtroom security officer, observed the confrontation. The courtroom security officer later heard Berry respond, “I said what I said,” when asked whether the statement was intended as a threat. Berry is charged with making threats to a federal law enforcement officer. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Berry faces up to two 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 Las Cruces Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Forest Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Aguirre-Rivera 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: Mescalero Man Sentenced for Violent Assault and Strangulation

component: USAO - New Mexico

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Mescalero man was sentenced to 30 months in prison for assaulting and strangling the victim, leaving them with serious injuries. According to court documents, on March 13, 2025, Philman Sam Pike , 25, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted the victim by punching, strangling and suffocating them, causing them to lose consciousness and causing them extreme physical pain. Pike pleaded guilty to assault by strangling. Upon his release from prison, Pike will be subject to three years of supervised release. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today. The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case. The Las Cruces Branch Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.


title: Casamero Lake Woman Sentenced for Fatal Hit-and-Run

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – A Casamero Lake woman was sentenced to 37 months in prison for striking and killing a pedestrian on a dirt road while driving drunk. According to court documents, on or about August 6, 2024, Debbie Rojack , 46, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, hit and killed John Doe on a dirt road in the Borrego Pass area after drinking a six-pack of beer that day. John Doe was last seen leaving work on August 5, 2024, and his body was discovered four days later. An autopsy determined that John Doe died from blunt force injuries consistent with vehicular trauma, including multiple fractures and a severed spinal cord. Investigators recovered vehicle debris near the body, and several parts were traced to a gray 2018-2022 Ford SUV. Additional investigation linked the parts to a gray 2019 Ford SUV owned by Rojack , which had significant damage to the driver's side and deployed airbags. A federal search warrant executed on the vehicle recovered additional evidence. On October 4, 2024, special agents interviewed Rojack , who stated that she had been involved in an accident in a canyon while driving home from Crownpoint to Casamero Lake late at night. Rojack claimed she believed she struck a deer and did not stop to investigate because she was alone and it was late at night. She admitted drinking a six-pack of Bud Light on the day of the crash and stated that she was approximately a "5 out of 10" in terms of intoxication. Rojack further stated that she later learned a person had been found dead in the same canyon where the collision occurred and acknowledged she was concerned that she may have struck a person. She also confirmed that she was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the crash. Rojack pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Upon her release from prison, Rojack will be subject to two years of supervised release. Acting 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 Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee and Jack Burkehad are prosecuting the case.


body_text: New York Man Sentenced to Nearly Four Years in Federal Prison for Armed Robbery in Londonderry CONCORD – A New York man was sentenced today for his role in a 2025 armed robbery in Londonderry, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Isaiah Ferro, 20, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Steven J. McAuliffe to 46 months in federal prison and 3 years of supervised release. According to the court documents and statements made in court, Ferro, along with four co-conspirators, traveled together from New York to Londonderry, New Hampshire, for the purpose of robbing a local business. Upon arriving at the business, the five perpetrators entered the premises, where Ferro threatened the victim with what appeared to be a firearm and the crew restrained the victim. Ferro and his co-conspirators then proceeded to steal merchandise and goods from the business, placing those items in a truck driven by a sixth co-conspirator. Afterwards, Ferro, and his co-conspirators fled the scene in their vehicle and returned to New York. “This violent act involved an out-of-state crew who came to New Hampshire to steal goods and threaten lives,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “We worked together with federal and state law enforcement partners in multiple jurisdictions to bring this crew to justice.” “Isaiah Ferro made the very poor decision to come to New Hampshire and target a victim, apparently at gunpoint, and today’s sentence holds him accountable for his actions,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “No one should have to fear a roving crew of criminals targeting businesses, but that’s exactly what happened here. Rest assured, the FBI and our partners are working every day to take violent individuals like Mr. Ferro off the street, to keep them from harming anyone else.” The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. The Londonderry Police Department, New Hampshire State Police, Massachusetts State Police, and New York Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski prosecuted the case.


body_text: Hinsdale Man Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Approximately $345,000 From His Employer CONCORD – A Hinsdale man pleaded guilty today to embezzling almost $345,000 from his employer, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Michael Darcy, 49, pleaded guilty to five counts of Bank Fraud. U.S. District Judge Steven J. McAuliffe scheduled sentencing for October 28, 2026. Darcy was the Operations Manager for his employer. As Operations Manager, Darcy oversaw the day-to-day work of the company and had access to the company checkbook. Beginning in December 2019, and continuing through December 2024, Darcy forged the owner’s signature to draft dozens of unauthorized checks on the company’s bank account. Darcy concealed the purpose of the payments by entering them under false headings in accounting records. He sometimes also listed false entries in the memo line on the checks. Overall, Darcy embezzled $344,874.47 from his employer. The charging of Bank Fraud provides a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. The Hinsdale Police Department, FBI, and IRS Criminal Investigations led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is prosecuting the case.


title: Oklahoma Man Admits to Wire Fraud Scheme Targeting RED - Regional Economic Development Partnership

component: USAO - West Virginia, Northern

body_text: WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA — An Oklahoma man has admitted to wire fraud for his role in a scheme that targeted the Ohio Valley Industrial & Business Development Corporation, doing business as the Regional Economic Development Partnership (RED), a private, non-profit development corporation based in Wheeling, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey. Terry Pierce, 48, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, has admitted to his involvement in a Business Email Compromise (BEC) scheme. BEC schemes are a sophisticated form of fraud in which perpetrators compromise legitimate business or personal email accounts. These schemes often result in unauthorized transfers of funds and significant financial losses for both organizations and individuals. According to court documents, RED was targeted in October 2024. An unknown person sent a message to RED, using a compromised email address, requesting payment for solar panels installed on the former Horne’s Department Store building in Wheeling. The person then provided Pierce’s checking account routing number to receive the payment, totaling $30,750. Two days later, Pierce received the funds, transferred them into another account he controlled, and depleted the balance. The investigation further revealed Pierce’s involvement in additional fraudulent activity resulting in approximately $220,000 in actual or intended loss. Pierce is facing up to 20 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any 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. The West Virginia State Police are investigating. U.S. Magistrate Judge James P. Mazzone presided.


title: Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy Convicted of Tipping Off DEA Targets

component: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

body_text: LUBBOCK, Texas – United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, announced the July 10 conviction of a Bernalillo County, New Mexico Sheriff’s Office detective for obstructing Drug Enforcement Administration investigations and making a false statement to the FBI. After five days of trial and three hours of deliberation, a New Mexico jury convicted Paul Jessen, Jr., 36, of one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, two counts of obstruction of justice, and one count of making a false statement. Due to a recusal by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas prosecuted the case. The trial was held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. “Paul Jessen, Jr. violated his oath, betrayed his position of public trust and jeopardized the safety of fellow law enforcement officers when he compromised DEA operations by providing confidential information to a known drug trafficker” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “When given the opportunity to do the right thing, Jessen compounded his criminality by lying to the FBI and further obfuscating justice. Most law enforcement officers serve with honor and distinction, but those rare few like this former Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Deputy who abuse their positions of trust will be held accountable by the Department of Justice. Credit to the agents who investigated and the Northern District of Texas AUSAs who prosecuted this very important public corruption case in New Mexico.” “Jessen failed to conduct his work with honor and integrity when he used his law enforcement position to obstruct a DEA investigation and made a false statement in an attempt to avoid accountability,” said Special Agent in Charge Cloey Pierce of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s (DOJ OIG) South Central Region. “The DOJ OIG, along with its law enforcement partners, is committed to rooting out this kind of wrongdoing and bringing perpetrators to justice.” “The integrity of the criminal justice system depends on law enforcement officers honoring their oath and protecting the sensitive information entrusted to them. By tipping off the subject of an active investigation, Jessen not only compromised investigative efforts but also put fellow law enforcement personnel in unnecessary risk and betrayed the public's confidence,” said Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to working with our partners to protect the integrity of our investigations and ensure that anyone who violates the public's trust is held accountable.” According to evidence presented at trial, Paul Jessen, Jr. and former BCSO Detective Kyle Linker recruited a drug trafficker to work as a confidential informant in July 2021. In November 2021, a DEA agent notified Linker that the agency planned to conduct an operation near the confidential informant’s home. Fearing the operation might target the BCSO confidential informant, Linker reached out to warn him about the impending operation. As a result, the confidential informant changed the location of a drug deal and canceled another deal altogether. At trial, prosecutors introduced text messages between Linker and Jessen. The text messages showed that the two BSCO detectives harbored personal animus against the DEA in Albuquerque because they believed the DEA was stealing their targets. In one message, Linker wrote: “I should tell [confidential informant] to tip off [drug trafficker] hahahaha.” Jessen replied, “Do it!” Also, in response to learning about a DEA operation, Jessen wrote: “It would be a shame if there is nothing there.” Linker responded, “Gonna be a real shame.” In early December 2021, Jessen received information about an upcoming DEA operation. Jessen sent a text saying: “It’s happing this upcoming week.” Two minutes later, Linker sent the confidential informant a text warning, “Fairly certain [drug trafficker] getting hit Mon or Wed next week. Got a tip.” Upon examining the confidential informant’s phone records, DEA agents began to suspect that he had been tipped off by Linker and decided to conduct another operation without notifying Linker first. According to additional evidence admitted during trial, in December 2021, the DEA executed a search warrant at the confidential informant’s residence and located more than 470 grams of methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, and a firearm. During the ensuing interview, the confidential informant admitted to the agents that he had been previously tipped off by Linker. The DEA devised a plan to confirm the confidential informant’s statement. Shortly thereafter, an agent contacted Linker to inform him the DEA was planning to conduct a controlled purchase from the confidential informant. Although the agent specifically instructed Linker not to contact the informant, Linker messaged the informant to “call me ASAP.” Unbeknownst to Linker, the confidential informant was still in the presence of law enforcement. The informant called Linker, who told him he was “on DEA’s radar” and instructed him to have someone else deliver drugs to the DEA. Shortly after receiving word from the DEA that the operation would continue as planned, Linker texted Jessen to complain about the DEA’s plan. “Tell [confidential informant] not to sell to anyone. And go to a hotel or stay with someone else for a bit,” Jessen responded. “What I should do is have you call [confidential informant] that way when they ultimately say I tipped [confidential informant] off I can show them my call logs and be like I haven’t talked to him since this morning, “Linker texted back. “I’ll [expletive] do it,” Jessen allegedly responded. “Perfect,” Linker said. “Plausible deniability for me.” Prosecutors introduced evidence that Linker used Jessen’s cell phone to contact the confidential informant to further warn that the DEA was planning to target the confidential informant. The jury also saw evidence of a meeting between Jessen and the confidential informant. Jessen searched the confidential informant to see if he was wearing a wire and said: “If I find out that you’re like working for the DEA and you’re gonna try and rat me out, like I’m not gonna answer your phone calls or anything.” Jessen was interviewed by an FBI special agent in January 2022. The jury found that Jessen made a false statement during the interview when he denied personal knowledge of anything inappropriate between Linker and the confidential informant. Jessen faces up to 65 years in federal prison. His sentencing date has not been set but will be scheduled before Senior U.S. District Judge James O. Browning, from the District of New Mexico, Albuquerque Division, who presided over the trial. Linker pled guilty to obstruction of justice and was sentenced to eight months’ custody, resulting in a 30-day imprisonment term, followed by seven months of location monitoring. The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Albuquerque District Office conducted the investigation. Northern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Long and Ryan Redd prosecuted the case in the District of New Mexico. ###


title: Arlington Resident Indicted for Wire Fraud and Identity Theft Charges

component: USAO - Texas, Northern

body_text: An Arlington, Texas resident with ties to several Arlington and Mansfield churches was indicted for alleged conduct related to a scheme to defraud through his church-related entities, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould. Richard Reinaldo Garcia, 53, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Fort Worth on June 2, for one count of wire fraud conspiracy, two counts of wire fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. “The defendant allegedly took advantage of his victims’ faith by promising significant profits through investment opportunities but instead used their funds to selfishly enrich himself at their expense,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “We will not stand idly by while North Texans fall victim to these unscrupulous schemes, and my office will work hard to seek out and prosecute those that commit these types of crimes.” “The FBI remains committed to investigating those who misuse positions of trust to further fraudulent investment schemes. The FBI encourages anyone who may be a victim to access the Seeking Victims page on our website,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. According to the indictment, from August 2021 through April 2025, Garcia and others allegedly made false material misstatements based, in part, on the promise of significant profits for his victims. The misstatements, among other things, induced victims to enter into agreements and provide funds for “church flipping” real estate improvement projects and “joint venture” agreements to host Christian music concerts and other church programs. Garcia then allegedly used victim funds to pay for his own personal expenses and business operating expenses. The indictment alleges that Garcia controlled bank accounts in church-related entity names, such as Ministerio Gracia, Iglesia Gracia de Texas, Gracia Church of Texas, and Pesar de Todo, LLC (“relevant entity names”). Garcia allegedly directed several victims to transfer their funds to accounts held in these relevant entity names and to label the funds as “donations” for Gracia Church, when in reality, the funds were solicited for use in the relevant fraudulent scheme. According to the indictment, over 50 victims across the United States and internationally paid over $3.2 million to Garcia as a result of his scheme to defraud. The case is set for trial in Fort Worth on Oct. 13. If convicted, Garcia faces a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud, conspiracy and wire fraud, and a mandatory sentence of two years in prison for the aggravated identity theft count. The FBI requests that if you or someone you know is a potential victim of this alleged fraudulent scheme, please go to one of the websites listed below for additional information and click on the link to fill out the “Seeking Information Questionnaire.” English version: fbi.gov/GraciaChurchvictims Spanish version: fbi.gov/GraciaChurchVictimsEspano l The FBI’s Fort Worth Resident Agency conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac McDonald is prosecuting the case. An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.


title: Sperry Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine and Witness Tampering

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

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – A Sperry man was sentenced for distributing methamphetamine and witness tampering, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Aaron Mitchell Robinson, 51, to 132 months' imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. In July 2025, the FBI began investigating Robinson for selling methamphetamine from his residence in Sperry. Agents conducted controlled buys from Robinson, who took cash for more than a pound of methamphetamine. During one controlled buy, Robinson was seen in possession of two firearms. When agents served a search warrant at Robinson’s home, they recovered two firearms and ammunition, $1,660 in cash, and evidence consistent with drug use and drug trafficking. Robinson’s plea agreement shows that he also admitted to contacting a witness on social media and attempted to persuade them not to testify as a witness. Court records show that Robinson had been previously arrested several times and had previous felony convictions for stealing a plane, using a motor vehicle without permission, and possessing stolen property. Robinson will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey prosecuted the case. Project Safe Neighborhoods focuses on the most pressing violent crime issues facing our communities. This nationwide initiative brings together federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and prosecutors to strategically address and reduce violent crime, in collaboration with other agencies and organizations that serve communities.


title: Chouteau Man Sentenced for Driving Impaired and Causing Fatal Car Wreck

body_text: TULSA, Okla. – A Chouteau man was sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country after driving impaired and causing a fatal car wreck, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. U.S. District Judge Gregory K. Frizzell sentenced Tyler Ray Thompson, 29, to 64 months' imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release. The investigation revealed that in March 2024, Thompson began his day by consuming methamphetamine and marijuana. Thompson had never held a valid driver’s license and told investigators that he usually drove only in neighborhoods. On the date of the incident, he claims that his significant other, Nancy Moore, drove them to her dentist’s appointment but could not drive afterward because she was under anesthesia. After Thompson purchased more marijuana, he attempted to drive on a busy highway. On the drive home, he failed to stop at a red light and struck the rear end of a tractor-trailer while driving at approximately 57 miles per hour. Nancy Moore died from blunt force trauma. The toxicology report confirmed that Thompson had methamphetamine, amphetamine, THC, hydroxy-THC, and THCA in his blood when he was treated at the hospital shortly after the crash. Thompson is a citizen of the Muskogee Creek Nation. He was previously released on bond but was taken into custody after violating the terms of his pretrial release in July. Court documents show that after pleading guilty and while awaiting sentencing for this offense, he tested positive for marijuana eight times, for amphetamines seven times, failed to appear for required drug tests, and missed six scheduled mental-health treatment appointments. Thompson will remain in custody, pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. The FBI and the Pryor Police Department investigated the case with assistance from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Dunn prosecuted the case.


title: Three Russian Nationals Indicted for International Cybercrimes Resulting in More Than $62M in Losses to Victims

body_text: CLEVELAND – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio has announced the unsealing of an indictment charging three Russian nationals for their roles in malicious cyber activities against U.S. critical infrastructure affecting victims in 21 states and in several countries, with losses amounting to tens of millions of dollars. These charges are the result of a seven-year-long investigation. A federal grand jury returned an indictment in December 2024 charging the following defendants with Conspiracy to Commit and Aid and Abet Computer Fraud, Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud, Wire Fraud, and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering: Alexander Alexandrovich Volosovik, 43, of St. Petersburg, Russia Kirill Andreevich Zatolokin, 34, of St. Petersburg, Russia Yulia Vladimirovna Pankova, 29, of St. Petersburg, Russia Media Land, LLC, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Russia ML.Cloud, LLC, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Russia In addition to the unsealing of the indictment, the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) program announced today that it is offering a reward of up to $10 million and possible relocation for actionable information on foreign government-linked associates of Pankova, Volosovik and Zatolokin, their malicious cyber activities, or foreign government-linked use of Media Land or ML.Cloud. U.S. sanctions were announced in November 2025 against the indicted defendants and companies. “From their overseas haven, these defendants ran the criminal infrastructure that powered attacks on critical institutions across our nation,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their actions put the American public at risk. We will continue to dismantle these networks and protect our critical infrastructure from cybercriminals at home and abroad.” "The victims in this case are not only in Ohio, but also in 20 other states across the country, touching every aspect of Americans’ lives. They include banks, schools, government entities, hospitals, and media companies,” said United States Attorney David M. Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio. “Together with our international partners, we will aggressively combat the efforts of individuals who hide behind computers anywhere in the world who seek to profit and wreak havoc by targeting the infrastructures that support our communities.” “With today’s actions, the FBI and our partners are striking at the core services that cybercriminals rely on to attack U.S. critical infrastructure,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of FBI Cyber Division. “Media Land has enabled malicious activity causing tens of millions in losses and impacting victims across 21 states and multiple countries. This is another step in our broader campaign to shrink the space in which these actors can operate, forcing them to work harder, take greater risks, and lose the anonymity they depend on.” According to allegations in court documents, Media Land, LLC, owned by Volosovik, and ML.Cloud, owned by Pankova, at the time of investigation and indictment, were both based in St. Petersburg and provided infrastructure for computer servers and related internet services. Media Land’s infrastructure also operated out of multiple countries including China, Finland, the Netherlands, and the United States. These businesses provided what are known as “bulletproof hosting” services for client users to not only conduct criminal activities, but also to evade detection by law enforcement. Such businesses knowingly and intentionally market and/or lease their infrastructure to cybercriminals. According to the indictment, Media Land and ML.Cloud provided infrastructure and tech support to criminal client co-conspirators with the means to infect victim computers with malware and ransomware and then extorted those victims for money and cryptocurrency. Other computer-based crimes facilitated by Media Land and ML.Cloud included supporting criminal marketplaces, fraudulent domain registrations, and providing the platform from which to launch phishing and brute force attacks. “Today’s announcement underscores the importance of global partnerships and international collaboration, especially in a borderless world riddled with cyber criminals,” said FBI Cleveland Special Agent in Charge Josh DelManzo. “The methods used by these bad actors, including ransomware, malware, phishing and other cyber activity, serves as a reminder that whether for business or personal use, when you are online, criminal networks will stop at nothing to hack, attack, share, or sell your information for their own greed, gain, and profit. The FBI and its partners will continue to identify and cripple criminal networks and freeze their infrastructures to reduce or remove the threats to the public and further protect trusting individuals and companies.” “The Department of State is committed to countering malicious cyber activities that threaten U.S. critical infrastructure and our national security,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary and Assistant Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service for Cyber & Technology Security Gharun Lacy. “We remain relentless in our efforts to generate information that helps our law enforcement partners disrupt campaigns against our national interest and bring these malicious cyber actors to justice.” Investigators found that dozens of victim organizations were targeted by criminal groups who used Media Land’s and ML.Cloud’s services. Victim entities included banks, schools, government entities, hospitals, and media companies. The victims were located throughout the U.S. and across the world. In the Northern District of Ohio, victims were located in: Akron, Brookfield, Canton, Cleveland, Elyria, Medina, Findlay, Solon, and Valley View. At least 20 other states were also affected including: California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington state, and Wisconsin. International victims were located in Australia, the European Union, the United Arab Emirates, Canada and the United Kingdom. “Cybercriminals persist in their efforts to disrupt networks and systems while remaining undetectable and difficult to trace. Bulletproof hosting providers are increasingly becoming common accomplices, posing an imminent and significant risk to the resilience and safety of critical systems and services,” said CISA Industry Team Operations Manager, Nicholas Colella. “CISA’s global collaboration with governments, law enforcement, and the private sector is making it harder for cybercriminals to remain anonymous online. Our joint BulletProof Defense guide provides actionable information to reduce the effectiveness of this nefarious infrastructure and risk to this threat.” Anyone with information should contact Rewards for Justice via its Tor-based tips-reporting channel at: he5dybnt7sr6cm32xt77pazmtm65flqy6irivtflruqfc5ep7eiodiad.onion (Tor browser required). More information is available on the RFJ website at RewardsForJustice.net . Rewards for Justice Rewards for Justice In November 2025, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, joined by the United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, designated Media Land as a Specially Designated National (SDN) for facilitating global ransomware operations, DDoS attacks, and malicious cyber activities. The sanctions block all U.S. property and prohibit transactions by U.S. persons. Volosovik, Zatolokin, and Pankova were individually sanctioned. Media Land subsidiaries Media Land Technology (MLT) and Data Center Kirishi (DC Kirishi) along with Media Land’s sister company, ML Cloud were also sanctioned. On July 13, the European Union also announced sanctions as a crucial step in the international fight against cybercrime. This investigation is being led by the FBI Cleveland Division, with the assistance of the Cybersecurity/Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) , and the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) . U.S. Attorney Toepfer would like to acknowledge the valuable assistance of the following agencies in this investigation: National Police of the Netherlands Public Prosecutor's Office of the Netherlands United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency United Kingdom Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australian Federal Police The prosecution in this case is being led Assistant United States Attorney Duncan T. Brown for the Northern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Christen Gallagher of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS). Additional Partner Statements Australian Federal Police “The AFP welcomes and supports the United States’ Department of Justice announcement on the indictment on the principal Media Land operator, Aleksandr Alexandrovich Volosovik – also known as Yalishanda,” AFP Assistant Commissioner Cyber and Special Investigations Sandra Booth said. “AFP’s cooperation with partner law enforcement agencies in the United States and internationally is critical in disrupting criminal activity. The AFP remains committed to continuing its relentless work to target cybercriminals.” ”Bulletproof hosting enables cybercriminal activity including ransomware, scams, malware infections, and other malicious offending that harms people online in Australia and overseas. “The disruption and removal of bulletproof hosts is a vital step to prevent cybercriminals who prey on the victims online.” National Police and Public Prosecutor’s Office of the Netherlands Police and Public Prosecution Service: New EU sanctions crucial step in international fight against cybercrime “The Netherlands Police and Public Prosecution Service welcome the EU sanctions that were imposed on two Russian companies, the CEO of these companies, and another key player in organised cybercrime. The sanctions were introduced to make it harder for cyber criminals to continue their activities, and to disrupt their criminal business model.” United Kingdom National Crime Agency The National Crime Agency welcomes today’s action against the key operators behind the bulletproof hosting service Media Land AKA Yalishanda. Deputy Director Paul Foster, National Cyber Crime Unit, said “Working together across borders is essential to dismantling the infrastructure that enables serious cybercrime. This action reflects the strength of close collaboration between international partners to identify, disrupt, and bring cybercriminals to justice. Bulletproof hosting forms a critical part of the cybercriminal ecosystem, providing resilient infrastructure that facilitates ransomware, phishing, malware and other serious offences. Continued action against these key enablers is essential to reducing their resilience, disrupting the services cybercriminals depend on, and increasing the cost and risk of cybercrime.” filed_indictment.pdf


title: Parma Man Sentenced to Prison for Fraud Conspiracy that Targeted the Elderly

body_text: CLEVELAND – A Cuyahoga County man was sentenced to prison for his role in romance fraud schemes that targeted the elderly throughout Northern Ohio and elsewhere. Abdoul Issaka Assimiou, 38, of Parma, Ohio, was sentenced to 63 months (5.25 years) in prison by U.S. District Judge John R. Adams after pleading guilty in October 2025 to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Money Laundering. Assimiou was also sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $220,485 in restitution to 15 victims. According to court records, from December 2017 to March 2024, an international elder fraud and money laundering conspiracy targeted older Americans in the Northern District of Ohio and across the United States. Conspirators used dating websites and social media platforms to interact with victims, creating fake personas to establish close, often romantic, relationships. Victims, misled by false stories such as claims of gold inheritances, sent money via wire transfer to accounts controlled by Assimiou and others. For over three years, Assimiou retained portions of these stolen funds and purchased products to ship to co-conspirators in Ghana. The FBI Cleveland Division investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Brian M. McDonough , prosecuted the case. This investigation and prosecution are in response to the Elder Justice Initiative Program originating from the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 (EAPPA). The mission of the EAPPA and Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department of Justice’s enforcement efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and scams that target the nation’s elderly population. To report suspected elder financial abuse, visit: tips.fbi.gov/home or justice.gov/elderjustice/financial-exploitation . On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement 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: Ghanaian National Extradited to U.S. to Face Accusations of Using Romance Fraud Schemes to Take $8+ Million from Elderly Victims

body_text: CLEVELAND – A 31-year-old Ghanaian National was extradited from the Republic of Ghana to face charges that involve defrauding more than 80 elderly victims out of more than $8 million. According to court documents, Frederick Kumi, aka Emmanuel Kojo Baah Obeng, aka Abu Trica, of Swedru, Ghana, and co-defendant Daniel Yussif, aka Denteni, aka Slab, 31, of Accra Ghana, were part of a criminal network that targeted elderly victims in romance scams across the United States since 2023. Kumi was arrested in Ghana Dec. 11, 2025, and extradited to the United States July 9. Court records allege that from about April 2023 to November 2025, Kumi was part of a criminal network that devised romance fraud schemes to obtain money from elderly United States citizens. Kumi and Yussif acted as leaders of a group that used online dating sites and social media to identify and target their victims, who were often widows or divorcees. Kumi employed advanced techniques including AI-driven video platforms to engage with the victims under fictitious female personas. Others involved in the deception leveraged Ghanaian associates to communicate directly with victims via encrypted apps and by phone, to maintain the false identities used to facilitate the fraud. After being misled by false stories or gold or diamond inheritances, the victims sent money via wire transfer to financial accounts controlled by conspiracy members. Portions of the funds were further provided to co-conspirators in Ghana and elsewhere. Kumi and other co-conspirators used money mules based in Ghana, and contacts in the Ghanaian immigrant community in the U.S., to launder millions of dollars through fake businesses and bank accounts. Kumi allegedly used his ill-gotten gains to acquire luxury vehicles and other items of value. Assets seized by international law enforcement partners included a mansion in Ghana, a Lamborghini, Tesla Cybertruck, Mercedes Benz, and BMW. U.S. v. Kumi et al, case# 1:25CR590 U.S. v. Kumi et al, case# 1:25CR590 Kumi has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. Additionally, his ill-gotten gains are subject to forfeiture. Kumi faces up to 20 years imprisonment. If convicted, each defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to the case, including each defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, his role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentences will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the FBI Cleveland Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian M. McDonough and Elliot Morrison for the Northern District of Ohio. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio would like to acknowledge and thank the Ghana Attorney General’s Office, EOCO – Ghana Economic Organized Crime Office, GPS – Ghana Police Service, Ghana Cyber Security Authority, NACOC – Ghana Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana National Intelligence Bureau, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Sensitive Investigation Unit, U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, and FBI Legal Attaché Office in Accra for their cooperation in securing the arrest and extradition from Ghana. The investigation and prosecution are conducted under the Elder Justice Initiative Program, established by the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act of 2017 (EAPPA). The EAPPA and Elder Justice Initiative aims to coordinate and strengthen the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat abuse, neglect, financial fraud, and scams targeting older adults. To submit a report of suspected elder financial abuse, please visit tips.fbi.gov/home or justice.gov/elderjustice/financial-exploitation .


title: First Assistant U.S. Attorney Swears in Assistant U.S. Attorney Sandra Hebert

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Monday July 13th, 2026, First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III swore in Sandra Hebert as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York. Hebert brings more than 20 years of federal prosecutorial experience to the Northern District. She has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney since 2004, first in the Western District of Texas, and most recently in the District of Rhode Island. During her tenure, Hebert held multiple leadership roles including OCDETF Chief, Deputy Criminal Chief and Criminal Chief. “We are proud to welcome Sandra Hebert to the Northern District family,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “Sandra’s extensive experience spanning the spectrum of federal prosecutions makes her an outstanding addition to our team. Her commitment to justice and strong track record of public service will complement and enhance our ability to protect communities throughout the Northern District of New York.” Prior to joining the United States Attorney’s Office, Hebert clerked for the Honorable John D. Rainey in the Southern District of Texas and was an active-duty United States Army Judge Advocate General Officer. Sandra joins the Office’s Criminal Division, where she will contribute her extensive federal prosecutorial experience to ongoing and future cases. She will be based in the Syracuse office, supporting the District’s efforts to advance public safety and uphold the rule of law across the Northern District. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone swears in Assistant United States Attorney Sandra Hebert


title: "GUILTY" - A Federal Jury Convicts a California Felon for Firearms Trafficking Violations

body_text: Oxford, MS – United States Attorney Scott F. Leary announced today that a federal jury convicted Yohannes Tekie Gebrezghi, 41, of Sacramento, California after a two-day trial. Gebrezghi was convicted of firearms trafficking. According to evidence produced at trial, Gebrezghi was stopped in New Albany by two Mississippi Highway Patrol officers. A search of his vehicle by the troopers uncovered 13 firearms, including pistols and AK-style rifles. The weapons were hidden in the vehicle’s door panels and hatch, along with ammunition, large-capacity magazines, and $16,000 in United States currency. Evidence at trial confirmed that Gebrezghi had travelled from California. He was a prior convicted felon. Gebrezghi will be sentenced by United States District Judge James D. Maxwell, II on a future date. U.S. Attorney Leary stated, “Gun traffickers put both our citizens and law enforcement officers at risk. Those who traffic in illegal firearms are directly feeding the cycle of violent crime that is out plaguing our communities. We, as responsible free people, can never tolerate such dangerous criminals in our society. The Mississippi Highway Patrol did an excellent job with this case. We’ve grown to expect continual investigative professionalism from the ATF and this case is another fine example of their work.” “In our effort to disrupt violent gun crime in our community, ATF will continue to focus efforts on long-time criminals who illegally traffic firearms,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “The jury’s guilty verdict today sends a message to convicted felons who are prohibited from trafficking firearms that we will continue to work to keep our neighborhoods safe as the top priority for ATF.” The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with the assistance of the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation. The Fort Bragg, California Police Department provided further support in the prosecution. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Addison and Chad Doleac. This case is part of Operation Take Back America , a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Gary Man Found Guilty by Jury for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Heroin

body_text: HAMMOND- Darod Wheeler, 55 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was found guilty following a two-day trial presided over by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred. Sentencing is scheduled for October 8, 2026. “The Defendant was found guilty for Trafficking Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Heroin. According to trial testimony and documents in the case, on July 24, 2025, during an initial controlled purchase outside his residence in Gary, Indiana, Wheeler sold more than 5 grams of methamphetamine and a quantity of fentanyl to a confidential informant acting at the direction of law enforcement. Five days later, on July 29, 2025, during a second controlled purchase outside that residence, Wheeler sold more than 5 grams of methamphetamine, a quantity of fentanyl, and a quantity of heroin to that informant. The jury was advised that less than an hour after the second controlled purchase concluded, officers searched Wheeler’s residence and located the money used to pay Wheeler for those drugs. After being advised of his Miranda rights, the Defendant confessed to drug trafficking, according to trial testimony,” said U.S. Attorney Adam L. Mildred. The jury also found that Wheeler has a prior federal conviction for a “serious drug felony,” distribution of fentanyl, in the Northern District of Indiana for which he served more than twelve months of imprisonment and for which he was released from serving any term of imprisonment related to that offense within fifteen years of July 24 and July 29, 2025. Based on that prior conviction, Wheeler faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years of imprisonment. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group, the Porter County Sheriff’s Office, and the Valparaiso Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kristian R. Mukoski and Ambris Saravanan.


title: Trade Fraud Task Force Surpasses $1 Billion in Recoveries and Charged Losses in Less Than One Year

component: National Fraud Enforcement Division

body_text: WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice announced today that the Trade Fraud Task Force (TFTF), launched in August 2025 , with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has surpassed $1 billion in civil and criminal recoveries, penalties, forfeitures, and publicly charged losses in less than one year. This milestone reflects a fundamental shift in the federal government’s approach to customs and trade enforcement, emphasizing rigorous criminal prosecution and civil enforcement under the False Claims Act (FCA). “For too long, fraud actors have viewed customs violations as a mere surcharge or cost of doing business,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “By utilizing the Department’s full weight, we are making it clear that trade fraud is a serious economic crime. This billion-dollar milestone demonstrates that the United States and the National Fraud Enforcement Division will no longer allow the integrity of our country’s borders and markets to be compromised for illicit profit. This message should be heard loud and clear by all supply-chain actors.” The TFTF was established by DOJ and DHS to investigate and prosecute those who defraud the government through material misrepresentations to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), including transshipment, mislabeling, and false declaration. Its mandate covers the entire supply chain, including importers, customs brokers, downstream distributors, industrial and commercial end-users, and other supply-chain actors who knowingly profit from merchandise imported contrary to law. Although the TFTF maintains broad enforcement authority, the task force focuses on key revenue and enforcement priorities, including the evasion of Section 301 tariffs, antidumping duties (AD), and countervailing duties (CVD), the eradication of forced labor from global supply chains that seek to exploit U.S. markets, and the prosecution of criminal violations concerning imported goods that threaten public health and safety. By prioritizing clear, high-impact enforcement actions within established legal frameworks, the TFTF ensures swift accountability and a level playing field for law-abiding American businesses. “Ensuring that the global supply chain remains a level playing field for law-abiding American businesses is a critical component of CBP’s mission,” said U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Rodney S. Scott. “By pairing CBP’s operational reach with DOJ’s prosecutorial authority, we are dismantling the networks that seek to bypass our laws and undermine our economic security. Every day, CBP confronts criminal networks that exploit our supply chains, endanger American families with unsafe goods, threaten the integrity of our consumer and industrial markets, and undermine confidence in international commerce. Our message is clear: those who seek to exploit America’s trade system will be identified, investigated, and brought to justice.” “Through the Trade Fraud Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations is actively protecting American families and businesses from the dangers and consequences of illegal trade practices,” said Homeland Security Investigations Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon. “HSI combines investigative expertise and global partnerships to confront criminal networks that threaten fair trade and the security of our nation’s economic interests. By holding offenders accountable, we build trust in the products people rely on every day and support a fair marketplace for honest businesses.” U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE ANNOUNCES CHARGES IN TWO SIGNIFICANT CHICAGO TRADE FRAUD CASES The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois (NDIL) today announced charges against multiple defendants in significant customs duty evasion schemes involving the false declaration of countries of origin for gold jewelry. The Trade Fraud Task Force (TFTF) has selected NDIL as its lead prosecutorial partner. These Chicago cases contributed to the TFTF surpassing the $1 billion milestone in enforced trade fraud matters. Raj Kohli and Veena Kohli, who operate Surya International, Inc., a gold jewelry importer and wholesaler in South San Francisco, California, were charged in U.S. District Court in Chicago with falsely declaring that the gold jewelry they imported into the United States had originated in Singapore and not its true country of origin—India and United Arab Emirates. The charges allege that from approximately August 2020 through May 2024, the company, together with foreign manufacturers and other United States entities, imported and brought into the United States approximately 563 separate entries of gold jewelry that were falsely declared as having been manufactured in Singapore and in doing so avoided paying customs duties of between 5.5% and 5.8% of the declared value of the imported gold jewelry. The gold jewelry had an estimated total value of more than approximately $693 million, thus causing the avoidance of more than approximately $38 million in United States customs duties. Separately, Narain Gulabani who owned and operated Barkha Wholesale, Inc., a gold jewelry importer and wholesaler in Naperville, Illinois, was charged in U.S. District Court in Chicago with falsely declaring the country of origin for imported gold jewelry. The charges allege that, from approximately May 2016 and October 2021, Gulabani, together with foreign manufacturers and other United States entities, imported or caused to be imported into the United States approximately 242 separate entries of gold jewelry that were falsely declared as having been manufactured in Oman or Singapore and in doing so avoided paying customs duties of between 5.5% and 5.8% of the declared value of the imported gold jewelry. The gold jewelry had an estimated total value of more than approximately $240 million, thus causing the avoidance of more than approximately $13.6 million in United States customs duties. These charges are part of a broader federal effort to combat trade fraud schemes that undermine fair competition, harm domestic industries, deprive the United States of substantial revenue, and ultimately hurt the American taxpayer. Gold jewelry and objects seized by law enforcement in May 2022. CRIMINAL AND CIVIL ENFORCEMENT The TFTF has a nationwide mandate to investigate and prosecute trade fraud and related cases, from coast-to-coast. Any offense involving the importation of an object may be inquired of and prosecuted in any district from, through, or into which the imported object moves. Moreover, federal law criminalizes down-chain activities involving merchandise entered contrary to law when done with knowledge of the illegal entry. As a result, the port of entry is only the starting point for these actions, which may also be prosecuted in the district that feels the impact of the trade fraud. The TFTF has secured major victories across a diverse range of industries. Recent high-impact matters include: Perfectus Aluminum (May 12, 2026) (CDCA): U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)-led criminal investigation resulted in the collection of $549.5 million through a FCA settlement concerning massive scheme to evade antidumping and countervailing duties on aluminum extrusions. Boise Cascade (April 27, 2026) (SDFL): HSI-led criminal investigation resulted in a $6.3 million fine and guilty plea for Lacey Act violations where the company demonstrated willful blindness toward illegally imported birch plywood. Ceratizit USA (December 18, 2025) (EDMI): $54 million FCA settlement to resolve allegations of knowingly failing to pay duties on tungsten carbide products imported from China. Royal Sovereign (April 28, 2026) (DNJ): $8 million criminal fine and restitution ordered after failure to report to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission dangerously defective imported air conditioners allegedly linked to more than 40 fires and one death. MGI International (December 12, 2025) (DNH): HSI-led criminal investigation leading to resolutions against a global plastic resin distributor and its former executive concerning misrepresentations of the goods’ country of origin to avoid paying Section 301 duties. CBP ENFORCEMENT In addition to the civil and criminal enforcement efforts that led to this historic milestone, CBP continues to exercise its enforcement authorities to address trade violations. So far this Fiscal Year, CBP has assessed more than $2.1 billion in commercial trade penalties and debarred 35 parties from doing business with the federal government. These actions complement DOJ’s enforcement mechanisms and strengthen CBP’s mission to protect our national and economic security by preventing fraud, waste, and abuse. THE TRADE FRAUD RESOURCE GUIDE The DOJ and the DHS today released A Resource Guide to Trade Fraud Enforcement (the Guide). As the first joint comprehensive framework of its kind, the Guide is a historic and seminal roadmap for cross-border compliance and enforcement priorities. The Guide provides critical information to enterprises of all sizes and addresses a wide variety of topics, including who and what is covered by customs regulations and anti-trade fraud laws and the different types of civil and criminal resolutions available in trade fraud enforcement. On these and other topics, the Guide takes a multi-faceted approach toward setting forth the statutory and regulatory requirements and providing insights into the enforcement practices of the DOJ and DHS. Since January 2025, the Department has brought trade fraud enforcement actions all over the country as shown in the map below: “When companies commit trade fraud, the prosperity and safety of American workers, families, and communities are put at risk,” said the DHS Assistant Secretary for Trade and Economic Security, Aris Kourkoumelis. “To level the playing field and protect the American people, DOJ and DHS have forged the Trade Fraud Task Force and have produced this Resource Guide which provides the private sector with a transparent, comprehensive manual on trade fraud enforcement.” GLOBAL TRADE & COMMERCE ENFORCEMENT SECTION The Department is announcing the creation of the Global Trade & Commerce Enforcement Section (GTCES) within the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The GTCES’s mission is to investigate and prosecute criminal import, trade, and other fraud offenses that undermine American industries, evade external revenue collection, threaten consumers’ health and safety, finance foreign adversaries, promote forced labor through illegal trade practices, and violate United States laws and regulations governing domestic and foreign commerce. A FOUNDATION OF PARTNERSHIP The success of the GTCES and TFTF is built upon unprecedented cooperation between Main Justice, U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and law enforcement partners. “It has been a tremendous honor to work closely with the Department and its leadership to envision what the Trade Fraud Task Force could be, and then to convert concept into reality,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros of the Northern District of Illinois. “Helping stand up the Task Force from the ground up has been a vision of mine for nearly 20 years, dating back to when I was a federal prosecutor in Chicago bringing what has still stood as the largest criminal trade fraud cases of their kind and doing so against a stacked deck. It is deeply satisfying to know that we were decades ahead of our time and that our strategy from years ago has now been adopted at the highest levels of the Department and is being implemented across the whole of government. It is a great privilege and responsibility for the Northern District of Illinois to be selected as lead prosecutorial partner for the Trade Fraud Task Force. With our expansive venue and my decades of experience in this space, the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office intends to be the tip of the spear when it comes to robust and vigorous enforcement of our nation’s trade, forced labor, and other related laws. There should be no doubt, the key roads for trade fraud enforcement lead from, to, and through Chicago past, present, and future.” The Department extends its gratitude to the 35 TFTF masthead U.S. Attorneys’ Offices: District of Arizona, Eastern District of Arkansas, Northern District of California, Central District of California, Eastern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Columbia, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, Central District of Illinois, Northern District of Illinois, Southern District of Illinois, Northern District of Indiana, Southern District of Indiana, District of Maryland, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Missouri, District of Nebraska, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Middle District of North Carolina, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Eastern District of Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin. The Task Force also acknowledges the indispensable contributions of its law enforcement and agency partners, including CBP, HSI, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Food and Drug Administration. The Department-wide Corporate Enforcement Policy provides concrete benefits to incentivize companies to voluntarily disclose discovered misconduct, cooperate with our investigations, and timely and appropriately remediate the wrongdoing. The Justice Department encourages whistleblowers to alert the government to credible allegations of fraud, including utilizing the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act or through the Department’s Corporate Whistleblower Program at CorporateWhistleblower@usdoj.gov using the form available here .


title: Santa Rosa County Man Faces Federal Indictment for Child Exploitation Crimes

component: USAO - Florida, Northern

body_text: Pensacola, Florida – Christopher M. Mayer, 32, of Navarre, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of conspiracy to distribute, receive, and possess visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, one count of receipt of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges. Mayer appeared for his arraignment in federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Hope Thai Cannon in Pensacola, Florida. Jury trial is scheduled for August 17, 2026, before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. If convicted, Mayer faces a minimum of 5 years’ imprisonment, and up to 20 years’ imprisonment, on each of the conspiracy and receipt counts. Mayer also faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment on the possession count. Mayer would also be required to register as a sexual offender and forfeit all the electronic devices utilized to commit the crimes. The case is being jointly investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Thomas S.P. Geeker. An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC . The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Meth Trafficker from Georgia Pleads Guilty

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – Jimmy Randell Chason, 70, of Cairo, Georgia, pleaded guilty in federal court to three counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Our HIDTA partnerships continue to deliver results in our ongoing whole-of-government efforts to combat drug trafficking operations, and this successful prosecution will pay dividends in our fight to stop the devastation that meth has wrought on our communities.” Court documents reflect that the investigators with the North Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration developed information identifying the defendant as source of supply of substantial quantities of methamphetamine into the Tallahassee area. As part of an undercover operation, law enforcement purchased multi-ounce quantities of methamphetamine from the defendant. The defendant was apprehended while in-transit to deliver drugs, during which he was caught with one pound of methamphetamine. The defendant faces a minimum mandatory sentence of ten years imprisonment, up life imprisonment on all four counts of conviction. This case was investigated by the investigators with the North Florida HIDTA, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Florida Highway Patrol. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin. Sentencing is scheduled for August 26, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor. This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Butte woman sentenced to 11 years in prison for trafficking meth

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: MISSOULA – A Butte woman who was pulled over with 27 pounds of meth in her car was sentenced today to 11 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said. Carol Jane Soza, 61, pleaded guilty in December 2025 to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The government alleged in court documents that Soza was bringing methamphetamine into Montana from a source in Washington and selling it in Butte with the help of a partner. In January 2025, law enforcement learned from a source who had been buying meth from Soza twice a month that Soza was regularly traveling to Washington to obtain her methamphetamine. A month later, law enforcement pulled over Soza and her partner in Rocker. Investigators found 10 pounds of meth in her partner’s suitcase and another 17 pounds in a duffle bag in the trunk. Also in the vehicle was Soza’s ledger that detailed her drug distribution, including an entry that broke down the cost of the meth that specifically noted 20 pounds were paid for and 7 pounds were “fronted.” A cell phone search turned up messages that indicated the pair worked together to acquire the meth in Washington and distribute it in Butte. Soza was the connection with the Washington supplier and her partner handled the distribution in Butte. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Lowney prosecuted the case. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation.


title: Billings man pleads guilty to trafficking fentanyl

body_text: BILLINGS – A Billings man who trafficked significant amounts of fentanyl from his West End home admitted to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said. Jason Allen Lehman, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Lehman faces up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release, a $5 million fine, and a $100 special assessment on the trafficking charge. For the gun charge he faces between five years and life in prison, five years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided at the change of plea and sentencing was set for a later date. U.S. District Judge Kathleen S. Lane will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Lehman remained on release pending further proceedings. The government alleged in court documents that Lehman had been using the postal service to obtain fentanyl pills, which he then trafficked around Billings from his home on the West End. The investigation into Lehman began on Feb. 24, 2025, when law enforcement intercepted a suspicious package sent from an invalid Colorado address to a home on Green Teal Drive in Billings. Using a warrant, investigators opened the package and discovered more than 100 grams of fentanyl in the form of 1,000 pills. A cell number associated with the package was registered to Lehman. A month later, law enforcement spoke with a source who had purchased fentanyl from a man named “Jason Holtz,” who drove a Ford F-150, and lived on Green Teal Drive. By April 2025, law enforcement had learned of a second person who had purchased fentanyl from Lehman at the address on Green Teal Drive. On April 21, 2025, law enforcement intercepted another package containing fentanyl addressed to the Green Teal Drive home. Investigators then obtained a search warrant for the home and the Ford F-150, and found roughly 1,500 fentanyl pills, drug paraphernalia, a handgun, a shotgun, an assault-style rifle, and a bolt action hunting rifle. In interviews with law enforcement, Lehman acknowledged he purchased fentanyl pills online, which were then shipped to his home under different names. He said he used most of the pills himself but said he also sold some and gave some away. He said he kept the guns for protection. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The United States Postal Inspection Service and Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation.


title: Jamaican Citizen Charged with Illegally Possessing a Firearm

component: USAO - Florida, Southern

body_text: ALBANY, Ga. – U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes today announced the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging a Jamaican citizen and music artist residing in the United States on an O-1B visa, with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person after he was allegedly caught with multiple guns and 92 rounds of ammunition after fleeing deputies in Turner County, Georgia, in November. Ackeme Jermane Campbell, 32, of Jamaica and Davenport, Florida, who is in the United States on an O-1B non-immigrant visa, is charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Campbell faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. The complaint was filed in the Middle District of Georgia on July 1 and unsealed on July 14. Campbell was arrested in Miami, Florida, on July 5 and was detained without bond at his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eduardo I. Sanchez in the Southern District of Florida on July 9. Campbell is in federal custody. According to the criminal complaint and court documents, Campbell, a music artist performing professionally as Chronic Law, was residing and performing in the United States pursuant to an O-1B non-immigrant visa. On Nov. 15, 2025, Campbell was allegedly driving a vehicle at an excessive speed in Turner County, Georgia. When deputies attempted to pull him over, Campbell fled, driving the car at over 120 miles per hour. As captured on body camera, when the chase concluded, officers discovered that Campbell allegedly had a semiautomatic pistol with one magazine and 12 rounds of ammunition; a semiautomatic pistol with two magazines and 31 rounds of ammunition; a semiautomatic rifle with two magazines and 49 rounds of ammunition; and a gun that was reported stolen from Miami. Campbell allegedly admitted to agents that the firearms belonged to him and that he had not applied for the necessary waivers permitting ownership, as it is illegal for a visa holder to have firearms. As alleged, Campbell’s affiliation with a criminal gang and his high risk of flight from the country, coupled with the serious nature of the crime and the number of firearms and ammunition in his possession, determined his detention by the Court without bond. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. FBI-Miami, FBI-Atlanta, and the Turner County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shiante McMahon of the Middle District of Georgia is prosecuting the case for the Government, with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Pasek from the Southern District of Florida. A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Tampa Men Who Robbed and Zip-Tied Victims in Their Home Indicted

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Tampa, Florida –A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment against Jay El Wilburn (47, Tampa) and Alvaughn Parker (27, Tampa) for conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, robbery, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Wilburn previously served a federal sentence for using a firearm during a crime of violence. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of 25 years, up to life, in federal prison. Parker faces a minimum sentence of 7 years, up to life, federal prison, if convicted. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to the indictment, Wilburn and Parker conspired to commit an armed robbery in Tampa. On January 20, 2026, they made their way into an apartment at a Tampa apartment complex where they brandished firearms at the occupants—including a 13-year-old child—and restrained the victims by zip-tying their hands behind their backs. Wilburn and Parker stole cash, controlled substances, firearms, and other personal property, including jewelry, before fleeing the scene. On February 2, 2026, agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) executed a federal search warrant at Wilburn’s residence and recovered the loaded firearm, a Taurus PT58S .380 caliber pistol containing 10 rounds of ammunition, that had been used in the robbery. At the time, Wilburn had prior felony convictions, including carjacking and use of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. Therefore, he was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.


title: Medical Device Company to Pay Over $550,000 to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – Tactile Systems Technology (Tactile) has agreed to pay $550,959 to resolve allegations that it submitted false claims to Medicare seeking reimbursement for medically unnecessary pneumatic compression devices in violation of the federal False Claims Act. Tactile markets pneumatic compression devices that health care professionals prescribe to treat patients suffering from chronic swelling due to lymphedema and chronic venous insufficiency. Pneumatic compression devices apply rhythmic, sequential pressure to body parts to enhance blood flow, lymphatic flow, reduce swelling and prevent venous thromboembolism. Tactile markets two pneumatic compression devices: a basic model called the Entre and an advanced model called the Flexitouch. Medicare will cover the cost of a pneumatic compression device only after a lymphedema or chronic venous insufficiency patient fails to receive adequate relief from swelling after four weeks of conservative therapy, including basic compression. A health care professional prescribing a pneumatic compression device for a Medicare patient must document in medical records why basic compression failed to adequately treat a patient’s condition. Tactile required sales personnel to collect and retain the patient’s medical records. The government contends that between Jan. 1, 2019 and Dec. 31, 2024, certain Tactile sales personnel fabricated or amended health care professionals’ medical records and other clinical documentation that Tactile used to submit claims to Medicare for payment for dispensing the pneumatic compression devices. In particular, various Tactile sales personnel, many of whom Tactile terminated upon learning of the conduct, inserted false statements into the medical records about patients’ failures to experience relief through basic compression therapy and/or forged health care professionals’ signatures on doctored medical records to make it appear as though the health care professionals had prescribed the Entre or Flexitouch devices. In other instances, Tactile sales personnel fabricated and amended health care professionals’ medical records and other clinical documentation to falsely state that patients did not experience a significant reduction in swelling after using the Entre and, therefore, required use of the more expensive Flexitouch device. The claims against Tactile were brought under the whistleblower or qui tam provision of the False Claims Act. Under the FCA, private parties may sue on behalf of the government for false claims for government funds and receive a share of any recovery. The relators will receive $129,475 from the proceeds of the settlement. The lawsuits are captioned United States ex rel. Scarborough, LLC v. Tactile Systems Technology, Inc. , No 21-cv-10813 and United States ex rel. Gorham and Gast v. Tactile Systems Technology, Inc ., No. 21-cv-11809. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Roberto Coviello, Special Agent in Charge, Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. This matter is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Sharobem of the Office’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit and Civil Chief Abraham R. George.