Category: Justice

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OIP Issues Guidance on Backlog Reduction Plans for FOIA Offices

Source: United States Attorneys General 1

The Office of Information Policy (OIP) released guidance this week on the benefits of and considerations for developing and updating agency backlog reduction plans.  A request is backlogged if it is pending past the FOIA’s standard 20- or 30-day response timeframes. Developing adaptable and sustainable plans to manage and reduce backlogs is a key part of agency FOIA administration.

The guidance is tailored to address considerations for agencies that are in the process of developing or updating their backlog reduction plans.  It explains the importance of involving key stakeholders, tailoring content based on component-specific needs, and obtainable goal-setting and accountability measures.  The guidance also stresses the importance of implementing and maintaining agency backlog reduction plans as living documents subject to modification as improvements to processes are made or changes in the law occur over time.  By implementing backlog reduction plans, agencies and requesters will benefit from institutionalized best practices of effective FOIA administration.

OIP is available to answer any questions or provide additional guidance to agencies.  Please contact 202-514-3642 or DOJ.OIP.FOIA@usdoj.gov for assistance.     

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Italian man sentenced to two years in prison for using unauthorized credit card information to purchase a firearm

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

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – An Italian national residing in Woodbridge was sentenced today to two years in prison for aggravated identity theft.

According to court documents, on June 2, 2024, Wilford Amoako Osei, 23, placed a $1,249 online order for a firearm using another person’s name and credit card number without that person’s permission. The victim’s credit card was later reported lost or stolen. Osei received the firearm on June 24, 2024, from a federally licensed firearms dealer in Woodbridge.

In six instances from June 24, 2024, through August 30, 2024, Osei attempted to place online orders for additional firearms using the names and credit card numbers of other victims without their authorization. The attempted orders were blocked or cancelled and were not fulfilled.

Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Michael S. Nachmanoff.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel K. Amzallag prosecuted the case.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-41.

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Arizona Man Sentenced to Prison Term for Deadly Drunk Driving Crash

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man was sentenced to 40 months in prison for causing a high-speed drunk driving crash on the Navajo Nation that killed two passengers and seriously injured another.

According to court records, on November 14, 2024, Marvin Albert Wauneka, 40, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drank heavily before reporting to work, where he was too intoxicated to perform his job. Wauneka then went to a Wal-Mart, continued drinking, and later drove and continued to drink with four passengers at speeds of 85 to 100 miles per hour on Navajo Route 54, where he lost control and caused a single-vehicle rollover crash.

The scene of the rollover

Two passengers were killed at the scene, a third suffered serious injuries but was able to escape the wreckage, and a fourth passenger escaped without serious harm. Wauneka’s blood alcohol content was measured at .298 upon arrival at the hospital.

Wauneka, who has a prior DWI conviction, pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He was previously convicted in Navajo Nation Tribal Court and sentenced to 167 days in custody for this offense. Upon his release from prison, Wauneka will be subject to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.

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Tulsan Retried and Found Guilty of Sexually and Brutally Assaulting a Nun

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

TULSA, Okla. – A federal jury reconvicted a homeless Tulsa man who kidnapped, sexually abused, and physically assaulted a 72-year-old nun, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.

Elga Eugene Harper, 43, was found guilty of Kidnapping in Indian Country; Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force and Threat in Indian Country; Assault with a Dangerous Weapon with Intent to do Bodily Harm in Indian Country; and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in Indian Country.

According to court documents, in May 2022, Harper showed up at the victim’s house unannounced. The victim knew Harper, who was homeless, and she would pay him to help fix things around her house. After explaining to Harper that she had no work for him, Harper requested to use the restroom. The victim allowed him to use the restroom.

The victim testified that Harper was gone for a while, and she went to check on him. When she found Harper, he was in her bedroom naked and immediately attacked her. During her testimony, the victim described Harper bound her arms and legs and tied a noose around her neck, all while Harper physically and sexually assaulted her for more than four hours. Before Harper left, he went through her home and took possessions that officers later found.

Harper was found guilty during his federal trial in February and sentenced in July 2023. In August, Harper filed an appeal to the Tenth Circuit Court, and the guilty verdict was overturned in October 2024, causing a retrial. While awaiting retrial, the victim passed away.

The retrial began on Monday, and a new jury was selected. Law enforcement and witnesses retestified to the events that happened in 2022. The jury heard audio from the 911 call where the victim cried for help and described being physically assaulted. The victim could be heard telling the 911 dispatcher, EMSA personnel, and responding officers that “Elga Harper” was the person who attacked her.

A body camera video and photos of the victim’s injuries displayed to the jury showed the brutality of the violence that Harper committed on the victim.

Harper is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. He will continue to remain in custody until his sentencing is scheduled.

The FBI and Tulsa Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melody Nelson, Valeria Luster, and Kenneth Elmore prosecuted the case.

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Former California Superior Court Judge Charged with Sexual Assault and Obstruction Offenses

Source: United States Attorneys General 1

The Justice Department announced that a federal grand jury in Fresno, California, returned a five-count indictment yesterday charging former California Superior Court Judge Adolfo Corona, 66, with federal offenses for sexually assaulting a 33-year-old court employee (Victim 1), making false statements to cover up the assault, and with obstructing the investigation into allegations that he sexually assaulted a 43-year-old court employee (Victim 2) in his chambers.

The indictment alleges that on March 14, 2024, Corona, while serving as a California Superior Court Judge, led Victim 1 into a courthouse stairwell where he sexually assaulted her. The indictment further alleges that Corona, during separate interviews with the FBI and court administrators, made false statements about the circumstances of his assault on Victim 1. Additionally, the indictment alleges that Corona obstructed the investigation into allegations that he sexually assaulted Victim 2. Corona was alone with Victim 2 in his chambers for approximately two hours on Dec. 5, 2023, and she was later found alone in the judge’s chambers after being passed out. The indictment charges that Corona falsely told the FBI that he left Victim 2 alone in his chambers while he drove to pick up a motorcycle. It also charges that Corona attempted to persuade a motorcycle dealership employee to change company records to falsely reflect that he had picked up his motorcycle in order to corroborate his alibi.

If convicted, Corona faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison on the sexual assault charge and 20 years on each of the obstruction charges. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant for the Eastern District of California, and Special Agent in Charge Siddhartha Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office made the announcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar for the Eastern District of California and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Allentown Man Sentenced to Fifteen Years for March 2023 Armed Robbery Spree in Lehigh County

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

PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Rubiel Perez, 31, of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jeffrey L. Schmehl to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release for carrying out an armed robbery spree in Lehigh County, Pa., in March of 2023.

Perez was charged by indictment in November 2023 and pleaded guilty in March of this year to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of attempted Hobbs Act robbery, and one count of using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

As detailed in the indictment and admitted to by the defendant, on March 28, 2023, Perez entered a 7-Eleven convenience store on Union Boulevard in Allentown, pointed a handgun at a store employee, and stole $937 before fleeing.

The next night, the defendant targeted a 7-Eleven convenience store on South 4th Street in Allentown. He pointed a handgun at a store employee and threatened him, before stealing $150 from the store. Later that same night, the defendant entered a 7-Eleven on West Tilghman Street in South Whitehall Township and attempted to rob the store by pointing a firearm at the store employee and threatening him.

“Three times in two days, Rubiel Perez pointed his gun at store clerks and made them fear for their lives,” said U.S. Attorney Metcalf. “Prosecuting violent offenders is a priority for my office. We will not permit criminals to prey on the people in our communities.”

“In 25 hours, Rubiel Perez robbed three 7-Eleven stores, threatening the employees’ lives at gunpoint,” said Shannon Hamm, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Philadelphia Field Division. “Stopping violent criminals who terrorize our communities like Perez is a primary ATF mission. Thanks to our agents’, detectives’, and prosecutors’ combined efforts, he is now going to federal prison where he will no longer endanger this town. Working with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to make Pennsylvania’s communities safer for all.”

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Allentown Police Department, and the South Whitehall Township Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert W. Schopf.

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PENSACOLA FELON PLEADS GUILTY TO DRUG AND FIREARM CHARGES

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – John Cody Hawthorne, 32, of Pensacola, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of firearms and ammunition by convicted felon, possession of a short-barreled rifle, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “I applaud the excellent work of Sheriff Chip Simmons and our federal law enforcement partners to make our community safer by getting this dangerous individual off the streets.  My office remains fully committed to fulfilling the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi to Take Back America by targeting violent criminals with the full force of the law.”

Court documents reflect that Hawthorne, who was on state probation at the time, was in possession of multiple firearms as well as illegal narcotics.  Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Hawthorne’s residence and located seven firearms in his bedroom, one of which was a short-barreled rifle, as well as over 400 live rounds of ammunition, marijuana, methamphetamine, ballistic body armor, and several thousand dollars.

Hawthorne faces up to fifteen years’ imprisonment on the possession of firearm by convicted felon count, up to ten years imprisonment on the possession of short-barreled rifle count, and up to twenty years imprisonment on the drug possession charge.

The case involved a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica S. Etherton.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 13, 2025, at 10:00 am at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II. 

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).

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 http://www.justice.gov/usao/fln/index.html.

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KC Man Indicted for Illegal Firearms

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

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for being a felon in possession of firearms and possessing a machine gun.

Maurquis D. Jennings, 29, of Kansas City, Mo. was charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025.The initial appearance was held today.

Jennings was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and one count possessing a machine gun.  The indictment alleges that on June 8, 2025, Jennings possessed a Glock, Model 20 Gen5, 10mm fully automatic pistol and a Glock, Model 30 Gen5, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol. The indictment alleges that the Glock, Model 20 Gen5 contained a machine gun conversion device that made the Glock firearm a fully automatic pistol.

Machine gun conversion devices, also known as “switches” or “auto sears,” are used to convert semi-automatic weapons into machine guns that fire multiple shots automatically through a single pull of the trigger, enabling more rapid and often less accurate gunfire.  Whether or not they are attached to a firearm, these devices constitute machine guns under federal law.  It is therefore illegal to possess, sell, or use machine gun conversion devices.

Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.  Jennings has a prior felony conviction for robbery.

The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.

This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica L. Jennings. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Police Department.

Operation Take Back America

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).

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Texas Woman Sentenced for Decade-Long Fraud Conspiracy

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Shelbra Long Sentenced for Fraudulently Causing the Award of Over $466,000 in Education Benefits

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Shelbra Long, age 58, of Edinburg, Texas, was sentenced today to 1 year and a day in prison for conspiring to commit mail fraud and wire fraud.  Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Balceniuk of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General (ED OIG) – Eastern Regional Office, made the announcement.

Long previously admitted to engaging in a decade-long scheme to apply for admission and financial aid to online colleges throughout the United States – including one in Albany – in the names of people who had their identities stolen.  After the Department of Education disbursed the financial aid to a school, Long and her coconspirators withdrew the purported student from enrollment. The schools refunded the balance of the disbursed financial aid that had not been used to bank accounts controlled by the conspirators.  Long used some of that aid to pay utilities for her home, and she withdrew other amounts from ATMs.  The Department of Education awarded $466,430 in aid based on the scheme, of which it disbursed $211,820.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Today’s sentencing punishes Shelbra Long for using stolen identities to shamelessly divert several hundredthousand dollars in federal aid into her own coffers.  My Office and our partners will rout out these financial criminals wherever they are. It is time to stop the theft of student aid and for colleges to do more to ensure that the people enrolling in classes are genuine students.” 

ED OIG Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Balceniuk said, “I’m proud of the work of OIG special agents and our law enforcement colleagues for shutting down yet another student aid fraud ring and holding Ms. Long accountable for her criminal actions. OIG is committed to fighting student aid fraud and we will continue to aggressively pursue those that participate in these types of crimes.”

United States District Judge Anne M. Nardacci also imposed a 3-year-term of supervised release; and ordered Long to pay $211,820 in restitution and to forfeit $52,304.

ED OIG investigated the case, which Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan S. Reiner prosecuted.

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Chinese Woman Arrested for Running a Prostitution Business

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Qingqin Xie, age 39, and a citizen of China, was ordered detained today after being arrested yesterday and charged with using interstate facilities of commerce to manage a business enterprise engaged in prostitution.

According to the criminal complaint, Xie owned and operated spas throughout the Capital Region that purported to offer massage services but also commercial sex.  Xie paid for internet-based advertisements, many of which were sexually explicit, to promote her businesses.  In October 2024, law enforcement searched Xie’s Moon Spa in East Greenbush, New York, and seized evidence of commercial sex acts taking place there.  Xie continued to open and operate similar spas, including by employing women to engage in sex acts with customers.

The charges in the complaint are merely accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “As alleged, Xie, who does not have lawful status in the United States, ran a prostitution business out of massage parlors and failed to stop even after law enforcement searched one of those parlors last year.  My Office will continue to work with our partners to ensure those who sexually exploit people for profit are held accountable.”

Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Criminal Investigation (FBI), stated, “As alleged, Ms. Xie was operating an extensive commercial sex enterprise, using multiple massage parlors as a cover for prostitution. This arrest should send a message that the FBI, together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will investigate and shut down these disturbing illicit businesses and ensure those who operate them are brought to justice.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James stated, “The culmination of this investigation would not have been possible without the dedication, hard work, and expertise of our partners in law enforcement. As charged, this individual had no regard for the impact their actions would have on the safety and well-being of others. Intercepting illegal businesses will continue to be a top priority and integral part of protecting our communities from the associated harm they bring.”

Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), stated, “Qingqin Xie is accused of running an elaborate prostitution scheme spanning the Capital Region.  The alleged crimes demonstrate a brazen disregard for the sanctity of U.S. law and wellbeing of the New York public.  I commend HSI Albany and our many law enforcement partners for ensuring she faces the consequences of her alleged actions.”

The charge filed against Xie carries a maximum term of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

The FBI, NYSP, IRS-CI, and HSI are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Kopita is prosecuting the case.

This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.