title: Former New Mexico State Representative and Business Owner Convicted in Federal Bribery, Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – After a nine-day trial, a federal jury convicted former State Representative Sheryl Williams Stapleton and her friend Joseph Johnson on all counts with which they were charged stemming from a yearslong scheme in which Stapleton used her position at Albuquerque Public Schools and in the legislature to steer millions of dollars in funding to Johnson’s company and secretly received approximately $1.15 million from the company. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from about July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2021, Stapleton , 69, used her position at Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) as Director of the Perkins Project and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Coordinator to direct approximately 40% of APS’s non-personnel CTE funding to Robotics Management Learning Systems (Robotics), a Washington, D.C., company owned and operated by Johnson , 75, for use of and support for the CyberQuest software in APS classrooms. From 2013 through 2021, APS paid Robotics approximately $3.25 million under contracts for the software and related services, including approximately $2.52 million in federal Perkins funds. During that time, Stapleton served as a New Mexico state representative for District 19 from 1995 through 2021 and was majority floor leader from 2017 through 2021. While serving in the Legislature, she sponsored and advocated for legislation and capital outlays that directed additional funding to APS for CTE programs. She then used her position at APS to direct CTE funding to Robotics and facilitate contracts for the company through procurement exemptions, sole-source contracts and, later, a request for proposals. As APS’s CTE official, Stapleton reviewed and approved Robotics’ invoices and directed employees under her supervision to approve them. APS issued checks to Robotics and mailed them to a post office box in Albuquerque. Stapleton personally retrieved APS’s checks from the post office box and deposited them into the Robotics bank account. Johnson provided blank checks from the Robotics business account, which Stapleton used to distribute Robotics funds for her own benefit. Stapleton used the Robotics checks to obtain approximately $1,152,506, or approximately 38% of the funds APS paid to Robotics. She directed approximately: $286,772 to S. Williams & Associates, a company she owned and controlled; $313,123 to Taste of the Caribbean, an Albuquerque restaurant she owned and her family members operated; $479,961 to Ujima Foundation, a nonprofit entity Stapleton and Johnson operated together; and $72,649 to other parties for goods and services benefiting Stapleton, including remodeling work on her home. The Ujima Foundation was nominally established to address educational, social, economic and health issues affecting people of color in New Mexico. During the period in which approximately $479,961 was deposited into Ujima accounts from Robotics, the foundation claimed to distributed approximately $46,700 in scholarships, however bank records only should approximately $2,000 going to scholarships, while most of the remaining funds went to Stapleton ’s benefit or were withdrawn in cash. Stapleton and Johnson concealed their financial relationship and the flow of funds from APS to Robotics and ultimately to Stapleton and entities she controlled. Stapleton failed to disclose the substantial income she received from Robotics on required state financial disclosures and federal tax returns. Johnson also concealed his financial relationship with Stapleton , including by providing blank Robotics checks and certifying in Robotics’ proposals and agreements that there was no conflict of interest. “After decades in public service, the defendant chose to put her own financial interests ahead of the students, taxpayers and institutions she was entrusted to serve,” said first assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison. “She held a position of public trust, and the people who placed that trust in her had every right to expect that she would honor it. That trust was not hers to trade for personal gain.” "Public servants are entrusted to enrich their communities, not line their own pockets," said IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown. "Ms. Stapleton and Mr. Johnson executed an elaborate web of fraud, kickbacks, and money laundering, funneling millions meant for students into personal bank accounts and false tax returns. Today’s verdict proves that no matter how sophisticated the scheme, IRS Criminal Investigation special agents will follow the money trail and hold accountable those who betray the public trust." "Public corruption strikes at the foundation of our government and erodes the public's confidence in those entrusted to serve them. This conviction demonstrates that using public office to unlawfully enrich oneself will not be tolerated. No position of authority provides immunity from accountability, and there is no level of acceptable corruption," said Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. "We encourage anyone with information about suspected public corruption to contact the FBI or their local law enforcement agency. Together with our partners, we will continue to pursue those who violate the public's trust and bring them to justice." Stapleton was convicted of conspiracy to defraud the United States, five counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, 13 counts of mail fraud and honest services fraud, three counts of making and subscribing false tax returns, nine counts of money laundering, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Following the verdict, the Court ordered that Stapleton be released pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Stapleton faces up to 524 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Johnson was convicted of conspiracy to defraud the United States, five counts of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, 13 counts of mail fraud and honest services fraud, nine counts of money laundering, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Following the verdict, the Court ordered that Johnson be released pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Johnson faces up to 515 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. At sentencing, the Court will determine whether restitution is appropriate and, if so, the amount to be paid. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown of IRS Criminal Investigation's Phoenix Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today. The IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the FBI Albuquerque Field Office and U.S. Department of Education - Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fred Federici and Rick Mendenhall are prosecuting the case.


title: Albuquerque Man Sentenced for Aiming Laser at Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Helicopter

component: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

body_text: ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man was sentenced to four months in prison followed by two years of federal supervision for aiming a laser pointer at a Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office helicopter and striking the cockpit over a dozen times. There is no parole in the federal system. According to public court documents, on October 7, 2025, Jorge Pinon Armendariz , 48, aimed a green laser pointer at the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office Metro 1 helicopter while it was flying over Albuquerque. Armendariz aimed the laser at the helicopter from two separate locations, striking the cockpit more than a dozen times and hitting the pilot in the eyes. Using the aircraft’s onboard camera, the crew tracked the laser beam first to a vehicle in the McDonald’s drive-thru at Candelaria and Eubank and then to a nearby residence. Armendariz continued aiming the laser at the helicopter even as the aircraft approached his location, endangering the helicopter crew and the public. When ground deputies arrived, they observed a man and woman outside. The man, later identified as Armendariz , went inside and then fled. Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office deputies subsequently identified Armendariz as the individual who repeatedly struck Metro 1 with the laser beam that night. The pilot reported momentary flash blindness, eye irritation, and blind spots lasting 10 to 15 minutes after being struck in the eyes by the laser. The pilot also experienced migraine headaches for 30 to 36 hours afterward, along with continued eye irritation and light sensitivity. At the time of the incident, Armendariz had an active state warrant for violating conditions of pretrial release in a state case allegedly involving receiving or transferring a stolen motor vehicle and possession of a controlled substance. Armendariz pled guilty toaiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. Upon his release from prison, Armendariz is subject to two years of supervised release. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jena Ritchey is prosecuting the case.


title: Michigan Man Indicted for Obtaining Child Sexual Abuse Material  from Minor Victim in New Hampshire

body_text: CONCORD – A Michigan man was indicted for inducing a minor victim in New Hampshire to send him child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. Mason Zimmer, 20, was arrested in July in Michigan. He was arraigned in District Court in Concord today after being indicted by a federal Grand Jury for production and receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He is currently detained in federal custody. According to the charging documents and statements made in court, Zimmer targeted a minor in New Hampshire, communicating with the victim online and persuading the victim to create and send him CSAM. The charging statutes provide a sentence of up to 30 years, with a mandatory minimum of 15 years. 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 details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Hudson Police Department, the Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Michigan State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Vicinanzo is prosecuting the case. The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/ .


title: Iowa Man Sentenced for Distribution of Methamphetamine Resulting in Death of Omaha Woman

component: USAO - Nebraska

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Tyler Foreman, 32, formerly of Honey Creek, Iowa, was sentenced on August 10, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for Distribution of Methamphetamine Resulting in Death. Senior United States District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon sentenced Foreman to 240 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Foreman’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release. On September 10, 2024, at the Court Apartments in Omaha, Nebraska, the defendant provided a combination of methamphetamine and Alka-Seltzer known as a “meth bomb” to the Victim. The Victim ingested the drug causing an overdose. First responders took the Victim to the hospital and attempted life-saving measures. The Victim died of acute methamphetamine intoxication at the hospital. As part of the investigation, Omaha Police Officers contacted the defendant and located in his backpack 12 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and six Alka-Seltzer packages. “Anyone who gives a dangerous controlled substance to another human being is taking a chance that person will lose his or her life due to a drug overdose,” said United States Attorney Lesley Woods. “If you take that chance in Nebraska, you can expect the same result that the defendant got in this case because the mandatory minimum penalty applies in every case.” This case was investigated by the Omaha Police Department.


title: Fremont Man Sentenced to 29 Years for Production/Attempted Production of Child Pornography and Receipt of Child Pornography

body_text: United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Brian L. Garges, 63, of Fremont, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 13, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for production or attempted production of child pornography and receipt of child pornography. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Garges to 348 months’ imprisonment on the production count and 240 months’ imprisonment on the receipt count. The sentences will be served concurrently. There is no parole in the federal system. After Garges’s release from prison, he will begin a ten-year term of supervised release. Judge Rossiter ordered Garges to pay a total of $8,000 in special assessments that support the Defined Monetary Assistance Victims Reserve to provide compensation for victims of child sexual abuse material. In June 2025, while checking Minor Victim 1’s (MV1) cell phone device to monitor MV1’s blood sugar, counselors at a summer camp found concerning communications between MV1 and an adult male. The camp director reported these communications to the FBI. After obtaining consent to search the MV1’s cell phone, an FBI investigator observed MV1 communicating with Garges. At the time, MV1 was 15 years old. In their conversations, Garges directs MV1 to send him sexually explicit photos of herself, which she does. When federal agents executed a search warrant at Garges’s residence in July 2025, Garges admitted to engaging in sexually explicit conversations with MV1 via WhatsApp and Signal. The investigation revealed Garges began sexually abusing MV1 when she was 10 years old. The abuse continued and escalated until the communications on MV1’s phone were discovered in June 2025. “It is unthinkable that someone the defendant’s age would prey on a minor in this manner. This sentence fits the crime, and now it is certain that no other children will endure sexual abuse by this predator,” said United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods. “Finding and stopping the sexual offenders that target Nebraska’s children is and will be a top priority of the United States Attorney’s Office and no resource or effort will be spared in holding them appropriately accountable in federal court.” 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 United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


title: Stamford Mayor indicted for diverting more than $300,000 in community and estate funds

body_text: ABILENE, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas, Ryan Raybould, announced that on Aug. 12, a federal grand jury indicted James Michael Decker, the elected Mayor of Stamford, Texas, on five counts of wire fraud for diverting more than $300,000 from multiple community, estate, trust, and livestock association accounts. “Mr. Decker didn’t just break the public’s trust, he shattered it,” said U. S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “Stealing from charitable foundations, estates and community groups is a deliberate betrayal of the people he was elected and entrusted to serve. We will not hesitate to hold accountable any public official who uses their office as a personal funding source.” “This indictment is a further example of the means that people will use to defraud members of our communities,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “The FBI remains committed to investigating those who abuse their positions of public trust for their own personal gain.” According to the indictment, Decker served as Stamford’s mayor and as a licensed attorney, trustee and executor for several estates and trusts. Those positions gave him access to accounts belonging to the Community Foundation of Stamford, the F.H. Estate & Family Trust, the Estate of J.D.B., the N.W. Estate, and the T.A. Livestock Association—despite having no personal ownership in any of these funds. Prosecutors allege Decker moved money from those accounts into his own personal and campaign accounts, then sent funds to two individuals in Oklahoma with whom he had formed a secret personal relationship. Those individuals had no legitimate business with the city or any of the estates or trusts. The indictment alleges approximately $308,000 in losses, including: $133,000 from the Community Foundation of Stamford $84,000 from the F.H. Estate & Family Trust $52,000 from the Estate of J.D.B. $27,000 from the N.W. Estate $12,000 from the T.A. Livestock Association If convicted, Decker faces up to 20 years in federal prison per count. The indictment also includes a forfeiture notice seeking any property derived from the offenses. The FBI Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. 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: North Syracuse Sex Offender Charged with Receiving Child Pornography

component: USAO - New York, Northern

body_text: SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Matthew Flandera, age 43, of North Syracuse, New York, appeared in federal court August 6, 2026, on charges of receiving child pornography. At an August 11, 2026, detention hearing in Syracuse, New York, before United States Magistrate Judge Carla B. Freedman, Flandera was detained pending further proceedings. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Anthony Patrone, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement. The complaint filed against Flandera alleges that on or about February 12, 2025, Flandera received a video of child pornography over the internet. A forensic review of devices recovered in the defendant’s residence contained numerous cached images of child pornography. Flandera admitted to using chat messaging services to receive child pornography files. He also acknowledged that he recognized and received one of the files from a user on the Omegle platform in 2025 and later uploaded the files to another account. The complaint also states that Flandera was convicted on June 14, 2013, of possessing a sexual performance by a child less than 16 years old and was sentenced to 10 years probation and required to register as a level 1 sex offender. First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone said, “As alleged, this defendant’s conduct is utterly indefensible. What is particularly troubling is that despite a prior conviction, New York’s increasingly soft‑on‑crime approach resulted in a probationary sentence that failed to deter him from allegedly reoffending. My office, together with our partners at HSI, remains steadfast in our commitment to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting alleged child predators to the fullest extent of the law. Flandera now faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in federal prison for his alleged actions and will answer for these allegations in federal court.” HSI Buffalo Acting Special Agent in Charge Anthony Patrone said, “Matthew Flandera’s alleged crimes represent far more than possession or receipt of illegal images; they reflect the continued exploitation of vulnerable children and a direct threat to the trust and safety of the community. The gravity of these allegations is heightened by what every parent fears most: an active member of the community frequently interacting with children while allegedly concealing conduct rooted in depravity and exploitation. This case is personal to HSI Syracuse, and we will stop at nothing to identify predators, bring them to justice, and protect our children from those who seek to exploit them.” The receipt charge filed against Flandera carries a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in prison and a statutory maximum prison term of 40 years based on Flandera’s previous conviction. The charge also carries a fine of up to $250,000 and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Flandera will also be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. The charges presented are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Individuals with additional information regarding Flandera, who also used the name Matthew Flanders, are encouraged to contact HSI at 1-866-347-2423. This case was investigated by HSI and the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian S. LaRochelle and Michael J. Whalen are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood. Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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 https://www.justice.gov/psc .


title: Federal Grand Jury Indicts Grundy County Man on Child Pornography Charges

body_text: CHICAGO — A federal grand jury in Chicago has indicted a Grundy County man on child pornography charges for allegedly inducing two minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct. In February 2026, DUANE DEMICHELE used, persuaded, induced, and enticed two minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct, according to an indictment unsealed Thursday in U.S. District Court in Chicago. In addition, the indictment states that in February and March 2026, DeMichele received numerous video files containing child pornography. DeMichele, 45, of Diamond, Ill., was arrested on June 30, 2026. He remains detained in federal custody pending trial. The indictment charges him with two counts of production of child pornography and five counts of receipt of child pornography. Arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel A. Fuentes. The indictment was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Ryan Whalen, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI. Valuable assistance was provided by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office Investigations Bureau’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Marie E. Ursini. Production of child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum of 30 years. Receipt of child pornography is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a maximum of 20 years. The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If convicted, the Court must impose a reasonable sentence under federal statutes and the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. demichele_indictment.pdf


title: Previously Deported Illegal Alien Faces Federal Methamphetamine and Immigration Charges after Gainesville Bust

component: USAO - Georgia, Northern

body_text: GAINESVILLE – Pedro Guadarrama Loza, a convicted felon and previously deported illegal alien from Mexico, faces federal drug trafficking and immigration charges after the seizure of more than 275 pounds of methamphetamine shipped from Mexico. “This illegal alien, convicted felon, and drug dealer allegedly attempted to coordinate the trafficking of a massive amount of methamphetamine in North Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Due to the skilled coordination of our law enforcement partners, a load of deadly drugs concealed in industrial powder was seized, and Loza now faces serious charges in federal court.” “This seizure represents a significant victory in our ongoing efforts to disrupt the flow of dangerous narcotics into our communities. By working closely with our local and federal partners, HSI agents successfully intercepted over 275 pounds of methamphetamine and apprehended an individual who had already been removed from the United States,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI and its partners will continue to utilize all available resources to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who threaten the safety of our communities by trafficking illicit drugs.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On July 29, 2026, law enforcement identified a suspicious shipment of five boxes from Mexico en route to the Gainesville, Georgia area. Inside the boxes, law enforcement discovered plastic bags, each of which contained a black industrial powder that tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine-laden powder in the boxes weighed a total of 277 pounds. On August 12, 2026, agents delivered the boxes to the recipient address, a residence in Gainesville, Georgia, in an undercover operation. Shortly thereafter, Loza allegedly emerged from the residence, took possession of the boxes, and went inside. Agents executed a federal search warrant on the residence, seized the boxes, and arrested Loza, who was attempting to flee out of the back door. The investigation further revealed that Loza was convicted in 2014 of trafficking in controlled substances in DeKalb County, Georgia and was removed to Mexico in 2017, after completing his prison sentence. Sometime thereafter, Loza allegedly re-entered the United States without legal authority. Yesterday, Pedro Guadarrama Loza, 38, of Michoacán, Mexico, appeared in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and illegal reentry by a previously removed alien. Loza was ordered to be detained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further proceedings. Members of the public are reminded that the criminal complaint contains only charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Hall County Sheriff’s Office. 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. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Herskowitz and Drew Waldbeser are prosecuting the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Drive Planning Fraudsters Sentenced to Federal Prison for Operating Massive $380 Million Ponzi Scheme

body_text: ATLANTA – Todd Burkhalter, the founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Georgia-based financial advisory group Drive Planning LLC (“Drive Planning”), was sentenced today to serve 20 years in federal prison, the maximum allowed by law, for orchestrating a years-long Ponzi scheme that resulted in thousands of investors losing nearly $400 million. Two other top executives of Drive Planning, David Bradford and Julie Edwards, were sentenced to federal prison earlier this week for their roles in the scheme. “Todd Burkhalter lured investors to send millions of dollars to Drive Planning for investments that he knew didn’t actually exist,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “He promised investors that they were guaranteed substantial returns on their investments, and he ruthlessly encouraged them to deplete their kids’ college funds, take early distributions from retirement accounts, and borrow significant sums at high interest rates. The sentences in this case should discourage other financial advisors from choosing insatiable greed and lies over honest investment strategies.” “Todd Burkhalter organized what is likely the largest Ponzi scheme in Georgia history to fund an extravagant lifestyle. He even continued to exploit victims while under federal investigation,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “The FBI is committed pursue fraudsters like Burkhalter and seek justice for every victim.” According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: between September 2020 and June 2024, Drive Planning, at Burkhalter’s direction, marketed several investment opportunities, including: (a) the “Real Estate Acceleration Loan” opportunity or “REAL,” and (b) the “Cash Out Real Estate Fund” or “CORE Fund.” Drive Planning claimed that investing in REAL and the CORE Fund was “easy and simple,” telling prospective investors that they did not have to be accredited investors to participate and encouraging them to invest money from retirement accounts, savings, and lines of credit. REAL was Drive Planning’s primary investment vehicle, which Burkhalter fraudulently marketed as a bridge loan opportunity that would guarantee investors a 10% return every three months. Drive Planning claimed that it offered short-term loans—the bridge loans—to real estate developers who needed immediate cash flow to complete existing projects or fund new ones. Burkhalter and Drive Planning deceived investors into believing their investments were safe by claiming they were fully collateralized by real estate. To perpetuate these lies, Burkhalter directed Drive Planning to prepare fraudulent “collateral sheets” identifying properties—some of which did not even exist— with fictitious valuations that purportedly served as collateral for investments. Burkhalter and Drive Planning also falsely represented the extent of its relationship with real estate developers. In particular, Drive Planning highlighted its supposed relationship with a well-known real estate developer in Atlanta, Georgia (“Real Estate Developer-1”). In promissory notes with investors, Drive Planning falsely claimed investments were secured by real property within Real Estate Developer-1’s portfolio. Eventually, Real Estate Developer-1 became aware that Drive Planning and Burkhalter were fraudulently using its name to promote the REAL opportunity. Real Estate Developer-1 sued Drive Planning and Burkhalter, seeking to enjoin them from further using Real Estate Developer-1’s name. For the CORE Fund, Drive Planning falsely claimed that it provided “100% Passive Income from Tax Liens.” Drive Planning guaranteed investors a return of 10% every six months or a 22% return per year for up to three years. Drive Planning further misrepresented that investors’ contributions to the CORE Fund were pooled together, government-protected, and fully collateralized. Additionally, Burkhalter and others at Drive Planning failed to disclose that Drive Planning did not invest any funds in the CORE Fund after approximately December 9, 2022. In total, Drive Planning received at least $4.1 million from individuals who sought to invest in the CORE Fund. Burkhalter operated REAL as a Ponzi scheme from the inception. In September 2020, after Drive Planning received its first $50,000 investment in REAL, Burkhalter used at least $21,000 to repay an earlier Drive Planning investor. None of the REAL funds were used for their supposed intended purpose: to finance bridge loans or enter joint ventures with any real estate developers. Indeed, within the first couple of months of marketing REAL, Burkhalter used at least $80,000 in investor money to pay his ex-wife’s attorneys and expenses related to recreational vehicles. Throughout the scheme, investors’ monies were used to pay off other Drive Planning investors, make commission payments to Drive Planning’s agents, and pay for personal expenditures. For example, Burkhalter spent approximately: $2 million to purchase a yacht; $2.1 million as part of a purchase of a luxury condo in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; $800,000 on multiple luxury vehicles, including a 2020 Prevost Marathon motorcoach and two 2024 Land Rovers; Millions of dollars on luxury travel, including chartering private jets; and $320,000 on clothing, jewelry, and beauty treatments. Even after the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) began investigating Drive Planning in approximately March 2024, Burkhalter and others continued to solicit tens of millions of dollars in investments for REAL and the CORE Fund. Over the course of the scheme, Burkhalter defrauded more than 2,000 investors out of approximately $380 million. In August 2024, the SEC obtained a temporary restraining order against Drive Planning and filed civil enforcement actions in federal court against Drive Planning and others related to the above-described scheme. Court-appointed receiver Kenneth D. Murena is responsible for attempting to recover funds and sell assets to repay Drive Planning’s many victims. Today, U.S. District Judge Tiffany R. Johnson sentenced Todd Burkhalter, 55, of St. Petersburg, Florida to 20 years in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Burkhalter was also ordered to pay $233,777,763.82 in restitution to victims. Earlier this week, Judge Johnson sentenced two other Drive Planning employees, David Bradford and Julie Edwards: David Bradford, 53, of Peachtree Corners, Georgia, was Drive Planning’s Chief Operating Officer. He previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in the CORE Fund scheme. He was sentenced to four years and three months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $4,297,878.16 in restitution to victims. Julie Edwards, 59, of Cumming, Georgia, was Drive Planning’s Chief Administrative Officer. She previously pleaded guilty to laundering proceeds of the Ponzi scheme. She was sentenced to two years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay $630,000 in restitution to victims. The defendants’ sentences will be served without the possibility of parole. Parole has been abolished in the federal system. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with substantial assistance from the Securities and Exchange Commission. Assistant United States Attorney Kelly K. Connors and former Assistant United States Attorney Alex R. Sistla prosecuted the case. For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga .


title: Fort Walton Beach Felon Indicted for Federal Drug & Gun Offenses

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

body_text: Pensacola, Florida – Anthony Bernard Allen, 54, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance involving more than 500 grams of cocaine and more than 28 grams of cocaine base; one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance involving less than 500 grams of cocaine. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges. Allen appeared before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Michael J. Frank for his initial appearance at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is scheduled for September 21, 2026, in Pensacola before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. If convicted, Allen faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and up to life imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute count; and up to 15 years’ imprisonment on the possession of a firearm by a convicted felon count. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Okaloosa County Sherriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Gulf Coast High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brooke D. Lindsay. 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 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: Florida Inmate Sentenced To 20 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution & Receipt of Child Pornography

body_text: Tallahassee, Florida – Edward G. Winn, 47, an inmate at Okaloosa Correctional Institution who is formerly of Sarasota, Florida, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for distribution and receipt of child pornography. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida. U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Keeping our kids safe from predators, like this disgusting defendant, who seek to sexually exploit and victimize them remains one of my office’s top priorities. As this substantial prison sentence demonstrates, we will not hesitate to deploy the full might of the Department of Justice toward holding such sexual predators accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” Court documents reflect that since September 2, 2015, the defendant had been incarcerated in the Florida Department of Corrections after being convicted of multiple counts of possession of child pornography. While the defendant was an inmate at Madison Correctional Institution, investigators discovered he used a prison-issued tablet to receive child pornography from the Internet which he also distributed to other inmates between May 6, 2024, and July 9, 2024. A search of the defendant’s tablet revealed that it contained almost 400 child pornography images. “Edward Winn was already serving time for his crimes, but that didn’t stop him from exploiting children,” said FBI Jacksonville Special Agent in Charge Jason Carley. “Even from behind bars, he continued to seek out child sexual abuse material. There is no place to hide from accountability. The FBI will continue to protect children and pursue those who exploit them.” Winn’s federal sentence will begin after completing his remaining state sentence, which is expected to end in 2051. Upon release, he will be on supervised release for the rest of his life. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Florida Department of Corrections-Office of Inspector General. 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 for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl .


title: Yellowstone County trio sentenced to prison for trafficking fentanyl

component: USAO - Montana

body_text: BILLINGS – A trio of Yellowstone County residents who were dealing fentanyl were sentenced to prison this week, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said. Heather Ostler, 39, who pleaded guilty in March 2026 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, was sentenced Thursday to five months prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release. Louis Lester Parker, 36, who pleaded guilty in April 2026 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, was sentenced Thursday to two years and eight months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release. Steven Craig Lance, 41, who pleaded guilty in April 2026 to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, was sentenced Friday to a year and three months in prison, followed by four years of supervised release. U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided. The government alleged in court documents that an investigation into fentanyl distribution in Montana found that Ostler, Parker, and Lance were dealing in the Billings area. Ostler and Parker were stopped by law enforcement on June 3, 2025, where investigators found 178 fentanyl pills in Ostler’s purse. This led to a search warrant for the pair’s residence where investigators found 540 more fentanyl pills in their bedroom. Lance sold 88 fentanyl pills to a confidential informant on May 15, 2025. Law enforcement watched Lance meet with Ostler prior to making the sale to the informant. After the buy, the informant told investigators that Lance had purchased the pills from Ostler and Parker. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Godfrey prosecuted the case. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force conducted the investigation.


title: Two Men Indicted for Distributing Pounds of Methamphetamine

component: USAO - Florida, Middle

body_text: Ocala, Florida – Benjamin Omar Pearson, IV (31, Wildwood) and Cordell Brown (39, Belleview) have been charged by federal indictment with distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Pearson is charged with five counts, and Brown is charged with seven counts. Each faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 25 years, up to life, in federal prison on each of the counts due to each having two or more qualifying prior convictions for serious drug felony offenses. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to the indictment and court records, over the course of five meetings between December 2025 and June 2026, Brown and Pearson, aiding and abetting each other, distributed approximately 9 pounds of methamphetamine to an undercover source working with law enforcement. Additionally, Brown is charged with distribution of methamphetamine in two other transactions from September 16, 2025, and January 7, 2026. 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. 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: Ocala Mental Health Counselor Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft and Wire Fraud

body_text: Ocala, Florida – Michelle Forsythe (62, Ocala) has pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of wire fraud. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for the wire fraud offense and a minimum sentence of two years for the aggravated identity theft offense. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, Forsythe is a licensed mental health counselor. Between January 2016 and December 2022, Forsythe used the names and insurance policy information of 22 individuals without their knowledge or consent to overbill two health insurance companies. Forsythe falsely claimed that she had provided counseling services to these individuals when she had not. As a result of the false billing, the health insurance companies electronically transferred payments to Forsythe for her services. In one instance, Forsythe used the name and health insurance information for an individual whom she had never seen as a patient to fraudulently bill for her counseling services. Forsythe has agreed to make full restitution of $483,321.44 to the victims of the offense. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William S. Hamilton and Hannah Nowalk Watson. Assistant United States Attorney Julie A. Simonsen is handling the forfeiture.


title: North Fort Myers Felon Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing and Manufacturing Firearms

body_text: Fort Myers, Florida – Frederick Kutchinsky (54, North Fort Myers) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kyle C. Dudek to five years and three months in federal prison possessing firearms as a convicted felon. Kutchinsky pleaded guilty on February 25, 2026. The court also ordered Kutchinsky to forfeit the firearms and ammunition possessed during the offense. U.S Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to Kutchinsky’s home in North Fort Myers because he had an active felony arrest warrant. After serving the arrest warrant and obtaining a search warrant for Kutchinsky’s residence, deputies located more than 50 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition. They also located a work bench with firearm parts and tools for modifying firearms. Kutchinsky is a convicted felon, and therefore, prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms and ammunition. This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mark Morgan and Patrick Darcey. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.


title: Marion County Man Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine

body_text: Ocala, Florida – Pattreon Stokes (35, Summerfield) has been charged by indictment with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, Stokes faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 25 years, up to life, in federal prison due to having two or more qualifying prior convictions for serious drug felony offenses. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to the indictment, on July 14, 2026, Stokes possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The offense occurred while Stokes was on federal supervised release from a prior 2018 possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine conviction. 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. 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: Marion County Man Indicted for Distributing Methamphetamine

body_text: Ocala, Florida – Corbit Sterling Earvin (47, Ocala) has been charged by indictment with six counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. If convicted, Earvin faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison on each count. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to the indictment and court records, between April and May 2026, Earvin sold methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement officer on six occasions. In total, Earvin distributed approximately 1,290 grams (or 2.8 pounds) of methamphetamine. 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg. 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: Jacksonville Woman Charged with Fraudulently Seeking over $130 Million in Tax Refunds

body_text: Jacksonville, Florida – Candia V. Williams, a/k/a “Wisdom Shield El,” has been charged by indictment with one count of conspiring to submit false claims and three counts of submitting false claims to the United States government. If convicted on all counts, Williams faces a maximum penalty of 25 years in federal prison. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to the indictment, Williams caused at least four fraudulent tax returns to be submitted to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) seeking, in total, over $130 million in tax refunds. To substantiate the false claims for refunds, various false documents were submitted, including fictious IRS Form 1099-As and W-4s. In one instance, a refund check was issued but the IRS levied bank accounts to recover the proceeds of the fraud. 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 Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael J. Coolican. On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs. Indictment


title: Brims Gang Member and Felon Sentenced to 70 Months in Federal Prison  for Possessing a Firearm While a Fugitive from Justice

body_text: Tampa, Florida – Lonnie Washington (25, Gainesville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge John L. Badalamenti to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Washington pleaded guilty on April 28, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. According to court documents, in May 2022, Washington was a fugitive for a felony he had committed in Gainesville one month earlier when he used his vehicle to strike a police car occupied by an officer and then fled on foot. Investigators learned that Washington, who was a known member of the Fruit Town Brims gang, was hiding at the home of gang leader Micheal Hankerson in Poinciana. The FBI learned that Washington, while on the run from law enforcement, had posted a statement on social media, “I’m finna go on a killing run,” which demonstrated that he knew he was wanted and that he should be considered armed and dangerous. On May 10, 2022, a United States Marshals Service (USMS) Fugitive Task Force team, working in collaboration with the FBI and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), went to Hankerson’s residence to apprehend Washington. After Washington refused calls to come out of the home and voluntarily surrender, the USMS team entered the home. While performing a protective sweep of the residence, officers observed a semi-automatic firearm in Hankerson’s bedroom. They found Washington in an adjacent bedroom and arrested him. FDLE investigators searched the house and recovered a CZ Scorpion Evo 3 semi-automatic firearm with a loaded 50-round drum magazine in Hankerson’s bedroom found. The search team found additional firearms in the home and an additional magazine, loaded with 19 rounds of ammunition, in Hankerson’s bedroom. The FBI obtained a search warrant for a cellphone Washington possessed at the time of his arrest. While reviewing the contents of the cellphone, the FBI found a video, recorded one week before his arrest, showing Washington inside Hankerson’s residence holding the CZ Scorpion Evo 3 firearm with the magazine that was later found in Hankerson’s bedroom. Washington, who had previously been convicted of felony offenses including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition under federal law. Hankerson, also a previously convicted felon, was federally charged and found guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon in 2022. He was sentenced to six years in federal prison and ordered him to forfeit the firearms and ammunition found in his home. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael Sinacore. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.


title: Brooklyn, New York Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Bank and Wire Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft in Alabama’s River Region

component: USAO - Alabama, Middle

body_text: MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A Brooklyn, New York man has been sentenced for his role in a debit card scheme that resulted in more than $214,000 in losses. On August 12, 2026, 34-year-old Eric Kendrie Shuler, was sentenced 87 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Thomas Govan for the Middle District of Alabama. Following his prison term, Shuler will be subject to three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. According to his plea agreement and other court documents, in the fall of 2024, Shuler and co-defendant Kyara Ivelisse Rosario-Berenguer, 30, from Reading, Pennsylvania, conspired to illegally obtain debit cards and associated account information belonging to members of a local credit union. The defendants then used the unlawfully obtained debit cards to make approximately 201 unauthorized withdrawals from ATMs in and around Montgomery, Alabama totaling $214,757. On September 8, 2024, officers with the Prattville Police Department spotted Shuler and Rosario-Berenguer and attempted to make contact with them. Both defendants fled in a vehicle. During the pursuit, Shuler maneuvered around numerous vehicles at high speeds, recklessly swapping lanes, driving on the wrong side of the road, running red lights, and reaching speeds of at least 140 mph through traffic on Interstates 65 and 85. The pursuit ended when Shuler’s vehicle collided with a guardrail near the Perry Hill Road exit on I-85 in Montgomery. Shuler continued to resist arrest following the crash but was ultimately taken into custody by law enforcement. During their respective plea hearings, both Shuler and Rosario-Berenguer specifically admitted that, on a single day in September of 2024, they used unlawfully obtained debit cards and account information to make 138 ATM withdrawals totaling $190,250. Shuler pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank and wire fraud and aggravated identity theft on April 28, 2026. In addition to the term of imprisonment, the court ordered Shuler to pay $214,757 in restitution jointly and severally with Rosario-Berenguer, meaning the defendants are collectively responsible for the full amount of restitution. Rosario-Berenguer previously pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and was sentenced on May 28, 2026, to 24 months in federal prison. She was also ordered to pay $214,757 in restitution jointly and severally with Shuler. The U.S. Secret Service (USSS) and the Prattville Police Department investigated this case, with assistance from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and Montgomery Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Feil prosecuted the case for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Alabama.


title: Multiple Individuals Indicted in Federal and State Court for Roles in Multi-State Theft Ring

component: USAO - Maryland

body_text: Greenbelt, Maryland – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland and the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s Office (PGCSAO) jointly announced, today, that multiple individuals face federal and state indictments in connection with a multi-state organized retail-theft ring that impacted Prince George’s County and other areas in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Cyan Simone Rocke, 25, of Washington, D.C.; Marco Pernell Morgan, 37, of Washington, D.C.; and Daryl Michael-Lashon Jackson, 30, of Laurel, Maryland, are charged in federal court with conspiracy to violate federal law, namely, the interstate transportation of stolen goods. Additionally, Rocke; Tia Courtney, 31, of Capitol Heights, Maryland; Chyna Parker, 26, of Capitol Heights, Maryland; and Quasaan Parker, 22, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, are further charged in the Prince George’s County Circuit Court with offenses associated with organized retail theft. Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, and State’s Attorney Tara H. Jackson, PGCSAO, announced the indictment with Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP) and Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD). “Organized-retail theft is an assault on the sanctity and security of our communities, and a real threat to our local businesses,” Hayes said. “This prosecution should send a clear message: our office takes these organized-theft rings seriously, and we will not hesitate to investigate and federally prosecute these crimes.” “Last week, a grand jury in Prince George’s County returned indictments for multiple individuals with charges related to this organized retail theft scheme,” State’s Attorney Jackson said. “Addressing commercial and business crime is a priority for my office. We want businesses to choose Prince George’s County as a place to invest, create jobs, and thrive. Furthermore, I am always pleased when we are able to work with our partners across the region to keep our communities safe.” According to the federal indictment, between October 2025, and April 2026, Rocke, Morgan, and Jackson conspired to engage in the interstate transportation of stolen property. Through the scheme, the co-conspirators sought to enrich themselves and others by stealing items from Victim Business 1 — a nationwide retail corporation operating in interstate commerce — and other businesses selling goods, and then subsequently offered the products for sale on Instagram and other sites. Customers then paid for the stolen items by cash, bank transfers, or money transfer applications, including CashApp. Between October 2025, and April 2026, the co-conspirators stole more than $48,000 in merchandise from Victim Business 1 stores, located in Columbia, Maryland; Rockville, Maryland; Timonium, Maryland; Newark, Delaware; and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. The co-conspirators engaged in serial, coordinated thefts from Victim Business 1 locations throughout the Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, DC region. The State’s indictment charges several defendants with participating in a criminal organization, organizing retail theft $1500 to $25,000, theft $1,500 to $25,000, theft scheme $1,500 to $25,000, and conspiracy to participate in a criminal organization. An indictment is not a finding of guilt. Individuals charged by indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty at a later criminal proceeding. If convicted on the federal charges, Rocke, Morgan, and Jackson each face up to five years in federal prison for the conspiracy. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. U.S. Attorney Hayes and State’s Attorney Jackson commended the HSI, MSP, PGCSAO, and PGPD for their work in the investigation, along with the Arlington County Police Department (Virginia) and Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, DC), for their valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason D. Medinger, Deputy Criminal Chief Gerald Collins, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dawn Williams who are prosecuting the federal case. Ms. Jackson thanked Assistant State’s Attorney Timothy Hatfield who is prosecuting the state case. For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md . # # # Law-Enforcement Agency Quotes Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations – Maryland “As alleged, these defendants moved tens of thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise across state lines and converted social media into a marketplace for illicit profit. Organized retail theft is not a nuisance crime; it is a deliberate criminal enterprise that harms businesses, raises costs for consumers, and threatens our communities,” Baldwin said. “This indictment reflects the power of partnership, and HSI Maryland, as a co-leader of the Homeland Security Task Force, will continue working with our local, state, federal and retail partners to disrupt organized theft networks and hold those responsible accountable.” Colonel Michael A. Jackson, Superintendent, Maryland State Police “This collaborative multi-agency effort highlights our commitment to dismantling an organized retail theft enterprise and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice,” Jackson said. “Along with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, we will continue to work in coordination to keep our communities safe.” Chief George Nader, Prince George’s County Police Department “I commend our investigators and partner agencies for their professionalism and dedication. This case sends a clear message that local law enforcement and our federal partners will work with our retail community to hold accountable people who commit retail theft,” Nader said. “I want to thank U.S. Attorney Kelly Hayes and her team for their steadfast commitment to protecting the District of Maryland. Their commitment has not gone unnoticed and is making a difference in our communities.”


title: Massachusetts Mayor Charged with Pandemic Loan Fraud and Money Laundering

component: USAO - Massachusetts

body_text: BOSTON – The Mayor of Lawrence, Mass. was arrested and charged today with fraudulently obtaining over $1.5 million in COVID small-business loans and using the proceeds to fund his campaign account, pay personal taxes, and pay off over $880,000 in high-interest, hard-money mortgages that encumbered various properties he owned in Lawrence. Brian Depena, 61, is charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering. Depena will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston later today. Depena was elected as Mayor of Lawrence in November 2021 and was reelected in November 2025. He previously served on the Lawrence City Council from 2016 until 2021. “Mayor DePena was elected to be a leader for the City of Lawrence. He was looked up to and trusted by his constituents, but he betrayed that trust through his alleged corruption and lies,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Today’s arrest is just another example of our determination to root out fraud by anyone, even public officials and holding elected officials accountable.” “Today’s arrest highlights IRS CI’s continued commitment to safeguarding emergency relief programs and holding accountable those who abuse them,” said Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office. “CARES Act funds were created to help small businesses survive an unprecedented national crisis — not to bankroll personal debts, political ambitions, or real estate ventures. IRS Criminal Investigation remains committed to protecting taxpayer dollars, pursuing those who exploit federal relief funds, and ensuring that financial integrity is upheld at every step.” “Today, the FBI arrested Mayor Brian Depena for allegedly cashing in on a public health crisis and blatantly defrauding a government program meant to keep businesses afloat during the pandemic. It’s alleged the Mayor fraudulently obtained over $1.5 million in small business loans which he then used as his own slush fund to pay his personal taxes, fund his mayoral campaign, and pay off $883,000 in high-interest mortgages on several properties he owned. This was emergency financial assistance meant to be a safety net for struggling businesses, not Mr. Depena’s own personal ATM,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “When elected officials misuse federal funds for personal gain, they’re breaking the trust of their constituents – and breaking the law. Together, with our partners, the FBI will continue to doggedly pursue anyone who defrauds the federal government. You’ll be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and that ‘easy money’ won’t seem so easy after all.” According to the charging documents, in 2020 and 2021, Depena applied for Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”) for Tenares Tire Services Inc., a tire sales and automotive services business he owned in Lawrence. During COVID, the U.S. Small Business Administration offered taxpayer-funded EIDLs to eligible small businesses experiencing substantial financial disruptions due to the pandemic. The interest rate on EIDLs was 3.75%, and the loan use was limited. A business could only use EIDL proceeds as working capital to alleviate economic injury caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Working capital did not include funding a political campaign, paying personal taxes, or paying off mortgages. Depena allegedly caused Tenares Tire to apply for and obtain an EIDL in the amount of $150,000 in June 2020 and then used the majority of those funds as working capital for the business. However, according to the charging documents, Depena needed cash by early 2021. It is alleged that his mayoral campaign was struggling to pay bills, he owed the IRS for back taxes and he owed almost $900,000 to two private, hard money lenders who were charging Depena 12% and 8% interest – significantly more than the EIDL rate of 3.75% – on loans that encumbered various properties Depena owned in Lawrence. In April 2021, Depena allegedly caused a request for an increase of the Tenares Tire EIDL. On July 14, 2021, the SBA approved an increase of the loan by $350,000, bringing the total Tenares Tire EIDL to $500,000. However, the SBA did not release the funds for another month. While waiting, Depena allegedly sent the following texts (originally in Spanish, here translated to English) to his accountant and financial advisor, who had been assisting Depena with the EIDL application and modification: According to the charging documents, the $350,000 in EIDL funds were electronically deposited into the Tenares Tire bank account on Aug. 16, 2021. The pre-deposit balance in the account was only $20.23. Shortly thereafter, Depena allegedly paid $85,000 of the EIDL funds to the IRS to pay off personal tax debts. He also allegedly transferred $120,000 of the EIDL funds to a personal account and used that money to write checks totaling $90,000 to “The Committee to Elect Brian Depena.” It is alleged that these checks were deposited in the Depena mayoral campaign account, and characterized as loans to the campaign, in September and October 2021. While the hard money, high-interest loans were still outstanding, and while his campaign continued to struggle financially, Depena allegedly caused a request for a second EIDL modification in October 2021. On Oct. 27, 2021, the SBA approved a modification that would increase the loan by $1,154,400, bringing the total Tenares Tire EIDL to $1,654,400. On Nov. 30, 2021, $1,154,188 in EIDL funds were electronically deposited in the Tenares Tire account and Depena allegedly transferred the entire amount to one of his personal accounts – which had a balance of only $1,401 – the same day. It is alleged that Depena allegedly used $42,112.96 of the EIDL funds for his mayoral campaign, writing checks to the campaign for $10,000 and $32,112.96. The first check was deposited in the campaign account on Dec. 2, 2021, when the account allegedly had been overdrawn for approximately 20 days. Finally, it is alleged that Depena used $883,293 of the EIDL funds to pay off his debts to the hard money lenders. On Dec. 9, 2021, Depena bought a $538,109.03 treasurer’s check and used it to pay off one of the loans. On Dec. 18, 2021, he bought a $345,184.13 treasurer’s check and used it to pay off the other loan. According to the charging documents, as of Aug. 5, 2026, Depena had made only 16 payments on the Tenares Tire EIDL. The outstanding principal balance was approximately $1,654,420. The charges of wire fraud each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of money laundering each provide for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case. United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Tom Demeo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; and Jeffrey S. Shapiro, Inspector General, Office of the Inspector General, Commonwealth of Massachusetts made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristina E. Barclay and Christine Wichers of the Public Corruption Unit are prosecuting the case. On March 26, 2026 , United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621). 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. The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law. depena_complaint.pdf


title: Man pleads guilty after leaving bag of fentanyl in daycare center

component: USAO - Kansas

body_text: TOPEKA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges after leaving behind a bag of fentanyl at a daycare center. According to court documents, Courtney McGee Cannon, 43, of Topeka pleaded guilty to three counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. On February 5, 2026, Cannon walked into the restroom at a childcare center in Topeka. While he used the restroom, Cannon dropped a baggie with a distribution amount of fentanyl on the floor. Cannon left without realizing he no longer had the baggie. An employee went into the restroom, found the fentanyl, and turned it over to security. Surveillance video showed Cannon as the only person to enter the restroom between the time it was cleaned and the employee found the baggie. On February 12, 2026, while executing a search warrant, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office discovered a distribution amount of fentanyl on Cannon’s person. He confessed to law enforcement that he sells fentanyl. On March 4, 2026, a federal grand jury indicted Cannon and subsequently a warrant was issued for his arrest. When law enforcement arrested Cannon two days later, they again found distribution quantities of a fentanyl on him. “It’s shocking that someone could be so uncaring and negligent as to take a substance as toxic as fentanyl into a childcare center,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Thank goodness an adult found the baggie instead of innocent children who might have mistaken it for candy, or this could have turned into a horrific tragedy.” Cannon is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting the case.


title: Eight inmates guilty of possessing cellular phones while incarcerated in Beaumont’s Federal Correctional Complex

body_text: BEAUMONT, Texas – Eight inmates have pleaded guilty to possessing contraband while incarcerated at a federal prison in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Rudolph Tatum Jr., 44; Toan Tran, 47; Terral Blackwell, 49; Roderick Stills, 49; Gene Rudolph, 49; Elijah Pennington, 31; Dawnta Mitchell, 35; and Andre Powers, 41, have all pleaded guilty to possession of contraband in prison. Plea hearings were heard by U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on August 13, 2026. These convictions are the direct result of a Department of Justice task force aimed at identifying and removing contraband and investigating misconduct in the federal prison complex in Beaumont. An initial operation began on March 3, 2026, at the Federal Correctional Complex Beaumont (FCC Beaumont). During the operation, law enforcement officers identified and confiscated numerous electronic devices, drugs and associated paraphernalia, and homemade weapons. These defendants were all found in possession of working cell phones, and each admitted to obtaining the phones while serving federal prison sentences at the FCC-Beaumont Camp. They each face an additional year in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. “Inmates with access to cell phones are continuing the criminal activities that landed them in prison to begin with,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “We will continue to work closely with BOP to ensure felons serve their time without treating it like a summer camp vacation.” “Cellphones in prison are a danger to inmates, staff, and the community at large,” said Special Agent in Charge Cloey Pierce of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s South Central Region. “The DOJ OIG is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to keep contraband out of federal prisons and ensure the safety and security of BOP institutions.” “I witnessed firsthand the strength and effectiveness of this partnership at FCC Beaumont, where federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies came together with a shared commitment to identifying and removing dangerous contraband from our prisons,” said BOP Director William K. Marshall III. “Keeping contraband out of our institutions is critical to the safety and security of our facilities.” This operation was supported by law enforcement agents and officers from the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Prisons, FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, and local law enforcement from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The operation continues the longstanding cooperation between the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), and other law enforcement partners to address the dangers of contraband in the federal prison system. These cases were investigated by the OIG, BOP, and FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Batte. ###


title: South Philadelphia Man Charged With Receiving Child Pornography

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Mark Misiano, 37, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with receipt and attempted receipt of child pornography. The defendant has been ordered detained in federal custody pending indictment and trial. The criminal complaint alleges that Misiano was a member of group chats in which child pornography was shared, including one that he joined on July 19, 2026, in which group members exchanged numerous images and videos depicting pre-pubescent infant boys being sexually abused and raped by adult males. On July 22, the FBI executed a federal search warrant at Misiano’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. As alleged, in reviewing one of the defendant’s messaging apps, investigators identified child pornography, including videos of pre-pubescent boys, most appearing to be under the age of seven years old, being sexually abused and exploited. Some of the victims depicted in those clips and other images on the device were infants. As further detailed in the complaint, the defendant is a previously convicted sex offender. In 2016, he was convicted in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia of possession of child pornography, for which he was sentenced to nine months in prison and 10 years of supervised release. In 2024, the District of Columbia terminated Misiano’s supervised release early. If convicted, the defendant faces enhanced penalties based on his prior child sex conviction: a maximum possible penalty of 40 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum term of 15 years’ imprisonment, and a minimum five years up to a lifetime of supervised release. 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to 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 projectsafechildhood.gov . The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sima Kazmir and Branwen McNabb O’Donnell. The charges and allegations contained in the criminal complaint are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.


title: Delco Man Sentenced to Six and a Half Years in Prison for Conspiring to Steal, Sell U.S. Treasury Checks Worth Millions

component: USAO - Pennsylvania, Eastern

body_text: PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Alexander Telewoda, 26, of Clifton Heights, Pennsylvania, was sentenced this week to 78 months’ incarceration, three years of supervised release, restitution of $10,841,731.83, and forfeiture of $162,144.50 by United States District Judge Joshua D. Wolson for conspiring with three others to steal and sell thousands of U.S. Treasury checks. The defendant was charged by superseding indictment in May 2025, along with co-defendants Saahir Irby, 28, and Tauheed Tucker, 24, both of Philadelphia, Pa., and Cory Scott, 26, of Ardmore, Pa. All four pleaded guilty this May to conspiracy to steal government funds, theft of government funds, and mail theft. As detailed in court filings and statements, Telewoda was an integral member of the conspiracy. Between June 2023 and September 2024, Irby and Tucker, while working as United States Postal Service (“USPS”) mail processing clerks, stole thousands of envelopes containing U.S. Treasury checks from mail sorting machines at the USPS Philadelphia Processing and Distribution Center. Irby and Tucker removed the checks from the USPS facility and sold them to defendants Scott and Telewoda, who then advertised the stolen checks for resale on the Telegram app. Upon receiving payment from interested buyers, Scott and Telewoda mailed the stolen Treasury checks to buyers around the country who attempted to cash the stolen checks. Over the course of the scheme, Irby and Tucker sold Scott and Telewoda thousands of stolen Treasury checks whose face value exceeded $84 million. Scott’s and Telewoda’s customers successfully negotiated approximately $11 million worth of these stolen Treasury checks at financial institutions. Even after Irby and Tucker were fired from the Postal Service, Telewoda wasn’t discouraged from his crimes. He found a replacement source of stolen Treasury checks and continued to advertise and resell them. By the time of his arrest in June 2025, Telewoda had been tied to stolen Treasury checks with an aggregate face value totaling more than $121 million, including more than $3 million in stolen checks recovered from his home on the day of his arrest. Irby, Tucker, and Scott are scheduled to be sentenced in October. Irby faces a maximum possible term of 25 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine. Tucker and Scott each face a maximum possible sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $750,000 fine. This case was investigated by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, and the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, with substantial assistance from the Montgomery County Detective Bureau, the Lower Merion Township Police Department, and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Rice.


title: Bloods Gang Leader Pleads Guilty to Racketeering, Including Murder On Long Island

component: USAO - New York, Eastern

body_text: Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Dwayne Murray, also known as “Wayno,” a leader in the Almighty Gorilla Stone Nation set of the Bloods street gang (GSB), pleaded guilty to racketeering charges in connection with his participation in the June 12, 2020 murder of Wayne Cherry, as well as conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and conspiracy to murder rival gang members. The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Steven L. Tiscione. When sentenced, Murray faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and up to life in prison. Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division (ATF New York); Raymond A. Tierney, District Attorney, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (SCDAO); and Kevin Catalina, Police Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the guilty plea. “Today’s guilty plea is another victory in the relentless work by our Office and our law enforcement partners to dismantle and eradicate the Bloods street gang on Long Island,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “For the acts of murder, violence and narcotics trafficking this defendant committed, he has now been held accountable and our communities, particularly Suffolk County, will be safer with him locked away in prison for a substantial period of time.” “For years, Dwayne Murray wreaked havoc across Long Island, putting innocent residents in the crosshairs of drug trafficking and retaliatory murders. May today’s plea emphasize the FBI Safe Streets Task Force’s determination to eliminate the plague of gang violence in our communities to protect New Yorkers,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “This guilty plea holds a violent gang leader accountable for years of criminal activity that brought violence, drugs, and fear into our communities. His admitted involvement in murder, narcotics trafficking, and a conspiracy to kill rival gang members underscores the devastating impact violent criminal organizations can have on the communities they operate in. ATF remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the individuals and organizations driving violent crime,” stated ATF New York Special Agent in Charge DiGiralamo. “I commend the dedicated efforts of the ATF Joint Firearms Task Force–Long Island, FBI, Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York in bringing this case to a successful resolution.” “This defendant, a leader of the Almighty Gorilla Stone Nation gang, has admitted to committing a robbery and murder in 2020, conspiring for years to distribute deadly drugs, and trafficking more than five kilograms of cocaine during his reign of terror in this county,” stated Suffolk County District Attorney Tierney. “Our federal and local partners—like my office—remain relentless in dismantling violent gangs and bringing gang members to justice. I thank the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, the FBI, ATF, and the SCPD and their investigators for their commitment to this case.” “This plea is another step toward ensuring our communities remain safe and that those responsible for these vicious acts are held accountable,” stated SCPD Commissioner Catalina. “Reckless violence and narcotics trafficking have real consequences for individuals, families and our communities. We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to hold those responsible accountable and help keep Suffolk County safe.” According to court filings and statements by Murray at the guilty plea proceeding, he participated in the robbery and murder on June 12, 2020 of Wayne Cherry in Baywood, New York, who was shot twice including once in the head. In addition, Murray acknowledged his roles in the GSB which included a years’ long conspiracy to distribute narcotics, and a standing order to kill rival members of the GSB. Murray also described his years-long trafficking of more than five kilograms of cocaine. As alleged, the GSB and its co-conspirators, including Murray, also operated a sophisticated firearms trafficking network that spanned several states, and committed extensive fraud, stealing more than $1,000,000. The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Misorek and Andrew P. Wenzel are in charge of the prosecution. The Defendant: DWAYNE MURRAY (also known as “Wayno”) Age: 36 Coram, New York E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 22-CR-401 (S-3) (JMA)


title: Jamaican Citizen Charged with Sexual Abuse of 19-Year-Old Woman in Yosemite National Park

component: USAO - California, Eastern

body_text: FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury has indicted Danavon Caine, 36, a citizen of Jamaica who was working in Yosemite National Park on a seasonal visa, charging him with two counts of sexual abuse against a 19-year-old co-worker, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. According to court documents, at the time of the assault, Caine was employed as a chef in Yosemite National Park and working on a seasonal H-2B Visa. During this time, Caine allegedly sexually abused his 19-year-old female co-worker in the late evening hours of Friday, July 17, 2026. The woman reported the assault to both a neighbor and a friend that night, and then to law enforcement the next day. Caine was arrested on July 31, 2026, and has been ordered detained pending trial. This case was the product of an investigation by the National Park Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Calvin Lee and Eric Catto are prosecuting the case. If convicted, Caine faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.


title: Murder and Sexual Assault Charges Yields Guilty Plea from D.C. Man

component: USAO - District of Columbia

body_text: WASHINGTON – Javier Montgomery, 18, of Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty today, for charges related to the murder of 17-year-old, Jermaine Durbin, in October 2025, and for sexual assault charges from May 2025 through September 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. “Javier Montgomery carried out a pattern of violence that terrorized multiple victims over several months and ultimately took the life of 17‑year‑old Jermaine Durbin,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “His actions were predatory, deliberate, and devastating for every person he targeted. Today’s conviction ensures that Montgomery will be held fully accountable for the harm he inflicted” In one case (2025 CF1 016197), Montgomery pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia to one count of second-degree murder while armed pursuant to a plea agreement calling for a sentence in the range of 12 to 18 years in prison for this offense. In another case (2025 CF1 016196), Montgomery pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree sexual abuse while armed pursuant to a plea agreement calling for a consecutive sentencing range of 12 to 15 years in prison for that offense. He also pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree sexual abuse and robbery sentenced concurrently to each other and consecutively to the other counts with sentencing ranges of 1 to 3 years in prison and 1.5 to 5 years in prison respectively; and one count of attempted third-degree sexual abuse with a consecutive sentencing range of 0.5 to 2 years in prison. The combined sentencing range under the plea agreement is a sentence in the range of 26 to 40 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for January 15, 2027. According to the government’s evidence, with respect to case number 2025 CF1 016196, the defendant admitted to slapping one victim on the buttocks and demanding further sexual contact at gunpoint on May 23, 2025; to groping another victim’s chest and crotch at gunpoint on September 6, 2025; and to forcing another victim to perform oral sex on him at gunpoint on September 28, 2025. According to the government’s evidence, with respect to case number 2025 CF1 016197, on October 3, 2025, at approximately 7:20 pm, Montgomery approached the victim, Jermaine Durbin, near the entrance to the Rhode Island Avenue metro station and robbed him of his backpack at gunpoint. Mr. Durbin followed the defendant in an effort to get his backpack back, and the defendant ultimately shot Mr. Durbin, causing his death. MPD Fifth District officers responded to 600 Rhode Island Avenue, NE, to investigate the report of a shooting. Upon arriving, the officers located Mr. Durbin – unconscious, unresponsive, and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. DC Fire & EMS personnel responded to the scene, and after finding no signs consistent with life, Mr. Durbin was pronounced deceased at 7:36 pm. On November 28, 2025, Montgomery was arrested on a warrant and has remained in custody since that date. Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department. This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Roberts and Katherine Ballou. 2025 CF1 016196; 2025 CF1 016197