Category: Crime

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Two Sentenced in Fentanyl Drug Trafficking Organization

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two people have been sentenced for their roles in an Eastern Panhandle drug trafficking organization.

The indictment, returned in January 2024 against Gary Brown, Jr. and eighty-one others, charged that the defendants caused substantial amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to be distributed in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties.

Darien Jacob Horton, also known as “Dee Jae,”, age 25, of Shenandoah Junction, West Virginia, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison. Horton was one of the distributors in the operation, purchasing large quantities of fentanyl capsules and other drugs for redistribution. Horton has prior convictions of attempted murder, firearms violations, and domestic battery.

Jennifer Nicole Barthlow, age 41, of Charles Town, West Virginia, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison. Barthlow was one of Brown’s distributors.

Of the 82 defendants, 81 have been convicted. Including this week’s two, 74 defendants have been sentenced. Brown, Jr. was sentenced to 327 months in federal prison in May 2025.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lara Omps-Botteicher and Kyle Kane prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.

U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.

Investigative agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (Pittsburgh Field Division and Baltimore Field Division); the Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the United States Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service;  the Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the West Virginia State Police; the West Virginia Air National Guard; the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; Ranson Police Department; Martinsburg Police Department; Charles Town Police Department; the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; Stafford County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia); Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (Maryland); Frederick County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia); Winchester Police Department; and the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office (Virginia).

This investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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Dauphin County Man Sentenced To 115 Months’ Imprisonment For Firearm Offense

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Philip Shearer, age 49, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on July 14, 2025, to 115 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Karoline Mehalchick for one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.

According to Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus, Shearer previously pled guilty to possession of an unregistered firearm—specifically, a privately-manufactured short-barrel rifle.  Shearer further admitted to possessing over 1,000 rounds of ammunition, several high-capacity magazines, and other tactical gear including night vision goggles and a ghillie suit, all of which were found in Shearer’s Harrisburg home. Shearer had 14 prior criminal convictions, including five driving under the influence convictions, an indecent assault conviction, and a domestic violence conviction. Shearer also attempted to purchase a firearm twice but was denied based on his background check. He then turned to making the firearms himself.

“The sentencing of Philip Shearer emphasizes the serious dangers posed by felons who unlawfully possess and manufacture firearms,” said Special Agent in Charge of HSI Philadelphia Edward V. Owens. “Homeland Security Investigations is dedicated to collaborating with our law enforcement partners, like ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, to ensure that dangerous criminals with a history of violence are not allowed to possess firearms.”

“Protecting our communities from dangerous criminals like Philip Shearer is a top ATF priority,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Philadelphia Field Division. “With 14 criminal convictions, including multiple driving under the influence, indecent assault, and a domestic violence conviction, the law duly prohibits him from owning the unregistered short-barrel rifle he manufactured for himself after he was prevented from buying a firearm. Working with Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office, we are making our communities safer one case at a time.”

The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant United States Attorney Stephen Dukes prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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Columbia Falls man sentenced to prison for pointing a laser at a helicopter

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

MISSOULA – A Columbia Falls man who pointed a laser-mounted firearm at a helicopter was sentenced today to eight months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and a $15,000 fine, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Travis Kurt Myers, 57, pleaded guilty in March 2025 to one count of aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.

The government alleged in court documents that Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies received a report from a delivery driver that had a green laser pointed at his vehicle and then heard a gunshot in Columbia Falls, Montana. Another witness also reported Myers had pointed a gun at her and discharged it at the ground. As deputies were interviewing the witness, they continued to hear gunshots coming from the area. Aerial surveillance was requested.

A helicopter equipped with thermal-capable cameras was able to locate Myers outside his residence with a firearm. Myers repeatedly pointed the firearm with a laser mounted on it at the helicopter. The pilots were able to see the laser and able to capture it on their cameras. The pilots observed the gun being fired but were unsure if he had it pointed in their direction. Law enforcement officers on the ground near Myers’ residence could hear the helicopter in flight, supporting Myers had knowledge he was aiming the laser at the helicopter.

Law enforcement took Myers into custody without incident. They obtained a search warrant for the property and located numerous firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammo. They located an unregistered silencer and a rifle with a green laser attached.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF and the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office.

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Collin County felon sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations

Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

SHERMAN, Texas – A Princeton man has been sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Larry Wayne Culverhouse, 39, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; felon in possession of a firearm; and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and was sentenced to 228 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, on July 30, 2025.

According to information presented in court, on August 30, 2023, Culverhouse was found in possession of 504.3 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm.  Further investigation revealed Culver was a convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

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Justice Department Releases Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination

Source: United States Attorneys General

WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Justice released Guidance to ensure that recipients of federal funding do not engage in unlawful discrimination.  In particular, it clarifies that federal antidiscrimination laws apply to programs or initiatives that involve discriminatory practices, including those labeled as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (“DEI”) programs.  Entities that receive federal funds, like all other entities subject to federal antidiscrimination laws, must ensure that their programs and activities comply with federal law and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or other protected characteristics—no matter the program’s labels, objectives, or intentions.

“This Department of Justice will not stand by while recipients of federal funds engage in illegal discrimination,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This guidance will ensure we are serving the American people and not ideological agendas.”

“The federal government must ensure that taxpayer money is used lawfully and for the public good,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon. “The very foundation of our anti-discrimination laws rests on the principle that every American deserves equal opportunity, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or other protected characteristics.”

This new Guidance emphasizes the significant legal risks of initiatives that involve discrimination based on protected characteristics and offers non-binding best practices to help entities that receive federal funds avoid the risk of violations and the revocation of federal grant funding.

Read the Guidance HERE.

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Dermatology Providers Agree to Pay Nearly $850,000 to Resolve Allegations of False Wound Repair Claims

Source: United States Attorneys General

Forefront Dermatology S.C. and Henghold Surgery Center LLC, have agreed to pay $847,394 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly causing the submission of falsely coded claims to Medicare for wound repair procedures.

Forefront owns and operates a dermatology practice in Florida doing business as Henghold Dermatology. Henghold Surgery Center is an ambulatory surgery center that closed in 2023, and is wholly owned by William B. Henghold, M.D. Both the practice and surgery center performed wound repair procedures following Mohs micrographic surgery, a method of skin cancer removal.

The United States alleged that Henghold Dermatology and Henghold Surgery Center caused the submission of false claims to Medicare by using inaccurate wound repair billing codes for which Medicare paid more money than it would have paid for the wound repairs that were actually performed — a practice known as “upcoding.” Specifically, Henghold Dermatology and Henghold Surgery Center falsely coded linear repairs as if they were flap repairs and falsely coded smaller flap repairs as if they were larger flap repairs.

“Improperly billing Medicare depletes valuable government resources that provide necessary medical care to millions of Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will hold accountable health care providers who enrich themselves by defrauding federal health care programs.”

“This office will continue to aggressively root out fraud, waste, and abuse in our healthcare system by pursuing providers who submit false claims to Medicare,” said U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida. “We will hold those who attempt to defraud the federal government accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

“Schemes that cause Medicare to pay for costlier services than were actually performed waste taxpayer funding, threatening the integrity of this federal health care program,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “Working together with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to investigate allegations of improper billing schemes to protect taxpayer-funded health care programs and the people served by them.”

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Christopher Wolfe, M.D., a former Forefront employee. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery.  The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Wolfe v. Henghold et al., No. 3:23-cv-21624 (N.D. Fla.). Dr. Wolfe will receive $152,531 in connection with the settlement.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG.

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The matter was investigated by Trial Attorney Colin Shannon and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Spaccarotella, Mary Ann Couch, and Marie Moyle for the Northern District of Florida.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

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Man Who Attempted to Stab Flight Attendant and Open Airplane Door Mid-Flight Sentenced

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BOSTON – A Leominster, Mass. man was sentenced today for attempting to open an emergency exit door while aboard a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Boston and then attempting to stab a flight attendant in the neck with a broken metal spoon.

Francisco Severo Torres, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to time served (approximately 26 months in prison) to be followed by five years of supervised release, during which the defendant is prohibited from flying on a commercial aircraft. In May 2025, Torres pleaded guilty to one count of interference and attempted interference with flight crew members and attendants using a dangerous weapon. Torres was charged by criminal complaint in March 2023 following his arrest at Boston Logan International Airport. He was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2023.

On March 5, 2023, Torres was a passenger aboard a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Boston. Approximately 45 minutes prior to landing, the flight crew received an alarm in the cockpit that a starboard side door located between the first class and coach sections of the aircraft was disarmed. Upon inspection, a flight attendant found that the door’s locking handle had been moved out of the fully locked position – approximately a quarter of the way towards the unlocked position – and that the emergency slide arming lever had been moved to the “disarmed” position. The flight attendant reported this to the captain and flight crew after securing the door and emergency slide.

In subsequent discussions, a fellow flight attendant reported that he had observed Torres near the door and believed Torres had tampered with the door. A flight attendant then confronted Torres about tampering with the door, to which he responded by asking if there were cameras showing that he had done so. The flight attendant then notified the captain that they believed Torres posed a threat to the aircraft and that the captain needed to land the aircraft as soon as possible.  

Shortly thereafter, Torres got out of his seat and approached the starboard side door where two flight attendants were standing in the aisle. One of the flight attendants saw Torres mouthing something that he could not hear. Video taken by a passenger depicts Torres yelling at points that he would “kill every man on this plane” and “I’m taking over this plane.” Torres then thrust towards one of the flight attendants in a stabbing motion with a broken metal spoon, hitting the flight attendant on the neck area three times. Passengers then tackled and restrained Torres with the assistance of flight crew. Torres was immediately taken into custody upon the flight’s arrival to Boston.  

During subsequent interviews, passengers who were aboard the flight reported that Torres asked a fellow passenger where on the safety card it showed where the door handle was located prior to takeoff and that Torres was seen pacing in a galley before attacking the flight attendant.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elianna J. Nuzum of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.

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Repeat felon illegal alien sentenced to 39 months for unlawful entry into the United States

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 53-year-old man from San Luis Potosi, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison for unlawfully reentering the country for the 4th time, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Rafael Cortez-Gonzalez pleaded guilty May 1.

U.S. District Judge David Morales has now ordered him to serve 39 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard about Cortez-Gonzalez’s prior criminal record, including three prior felony convictions. In handing down the sentence, the court noted this sentence will hopefully serve as a deterrence.

Cortez-Gonzalez had two previous felony convictions for illegal reentry as well as for transporting an illegal alien within the United States.

He was first removed in November 2000 and illegally returned three times. Authorities discovered him again Feb. 12 in Kenedy County with no authorization to be there.

Cortez-Gonzalez will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine K. Tucker prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

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Jefferson County couple sentenced to federal prison for Hobbs Act robbery of Nederland convenience store

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BEAUMONT, Texas – A Jefferson County couple have been sentenced to federal prison for attempting to rob a convenience store in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Cole Ethan Schroeder, 21, of Beaumont pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to a total of 114 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on May 21, 2025.

Carley Melana Fowler, 21, of Nederland, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on July 29, 2025.

According to information presented in court, on September 2, 2024, Schroeder and Fowler were captured on surveillance video entering a Citgo Food Mart convenience store/gas station in Nederland wearing face masks. Fowler, who was carrying a bag, positioned an object in the doorway that prevented the door from closing completely.  She stood next to Schroeder with the bag held open as Schroeder brandished an AR-style rifle and ordered a store employee to put money in the bag Fowler was holding.  A physical struggle began between the store employee and the defendants, resulting in Schroeder striking the employee several times with the rifle, causing injuries.  Schroeder and Fowler fled without obtaining any money from the convenience store and were located by law enforcement and arrested at a nearby RV park.     

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Nederland Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy Coleman.

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Wisconsin Business Owner Pleads Guilty to Violating Export Control Reform Act

Source: United States Attorneys General 1

Andrew Pogosyan, 68, a U.S. citizen born in Russia and residing in Madison, pleaded guilty today in federal court to a four-count criminal information charging him with conspiracy to defraud the United States and smuggling goods from the United States.

The U.S. government regulates the export of goods, technology, and software from the United States. On Feb. 24, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) implemented specific export control regulations in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These regulations prohibit the export of certain items from the United States to Russia without a license from the BIS. The regulations were expanded on Sept. 16, 2022, to include a licensing requirement for items potentially useful to Russia’s chemical and biological weapons production capabilities. Under the Export Control Reform Act, it is a federal crime to willfully violate any export control regulation.

According to court filings and statements made during the plea hearing, beginning around September 2022 and continuing until October 2023, Pogosyan through his company, Omega Diagnostics LLC, willfully violated and evaded the export restrictions imposed on Russia by exporting scientific and diagnostic research equipment components to Russia without the required licenses, using transshipment points in third-party countries to conceal the ultimate destination. Specifically, Pogosyan conspired with Russian-based companies and individuals to export controlled items from the United States to Russia through third-party countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Latvia, and Lithuania. Pogosyan exported the controlled items without obtaining a license, despite knowing about the license requirement.

Pogosyan faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each of the smuggling violations. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 7. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, Acting U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma for the Western District of Wisconsin, and Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division made the announcement.

The FBI, BIS Office of Export Enforcement, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Elgersma for the Western District of Wisconsin and Trial Attorney Christopher Cook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.