DENVER – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado announces that Carie Hallford, 48, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Hallford, who owned and operated Return to Nature Funeral Home in Colorado Springs and Penrose with her husband and codefendant, Jon Hallford, mishandled at least 190 bodies over four years and defrauded the Small Business Administration (SBA) through fraudulent COVID-19 loan applications. Jon Hallford was sentenced in June to 240 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $1,070,413.74 in restitution for his role in the conspiracy.
According to the plea agreement, from as early as September 2019 through October 2023, Hallford and her husband failed to cremate or bury at least 190 bodies, despite having collected more than $130,000 from grieving families for funeral services that were never provided. The defendants failed to provide the basic core service it promised to some of its customers, either a cremation or a burial, and continued to collect payment from victims for funeral services and goods.
The plea agreement further states that Carie Hallford handled much of the banking, invoicing, contracting with customers, filing of required paperwork, bookkeeping and communications with customers. Both defendants routinely prepared death certificates for the deceased and then filed those certificates with the State of Colorado’s Electronic Death Registry. On many of the death certificates for the bodies found at the Penrose location, the defendants falsely stated that the “method of disposition” was by either cremation or burial when in truth there was no disposition as the bodies were left decomposing at the Penrose location. To carry out and execute the above fraud scheme, the defendant and her husband worked together to cause multiple interstate wire communications to occur.
The plea agreement goes on to state that from March 2020 to March 2022, Hallford and her husband conspired to defraud the SBA by submitting loan applications containing false information to obtain COVID-19 relief funds. As a result of this fraud, they received three separate disbursements from the SBA, totaling $882,300. The funds were obtained through the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, which was established to provide emergency support to businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
On October 5, 2023, federal and state officials searched the Penrose location, where they discovered multiple decomposing human remains in hazardous conditions. The toxic environment posed serious health risks to first responders and the public, requiring hazmat suits and strict decontamination protocols. The EPA later condemned and demolished the building, classifying it as a toxic waste site.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted in March 2020 and was designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans dealing with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act created the PPP, a program administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA) that provided loans to small businesses to retain workers, maintain payroll, and certain other expenses consistent with PPP rules. Additionally, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several federal programs expanded eligibility for unemployment benefits.
United States District Judge Nina Y. Wang presided over the hearing. Carie Hallford’s sentencing is currently scheduled before Judge Wang for December 3, 2025.
The FBI Denver Field Office and the United States Small Business Administration Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Several other state and local law enforcement agencies including the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the Colorado Springs Police Department, the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, and the Fremont County Coroner’s Office have made significant contributions to this case. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Tim Neff and Craig Fansler.
BOSTON – A Southbridge man who served as the chief lieutenant of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that distributed cocaine and fentanyl throughout the North Shore and Central Massachusetts areas was sentenced today in federal court in Worcester.
Ismael Maysonet, 44, of Southbridge, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to 15 years in prison and five years of supervised release. In February 2025, Maysonet was convicted following a six-day jury trial of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. In September 2022, Maysonet was charged along with 21 other co-conspirators.
In and around August 2021 through August 2022, Maysonet was identified as the chief lieutenant of a Southbridge-based DTO who distributed cocaine and fentanyl to retail customers and other drug dealers at the request of the leaders of the DTO, Jonathan Pizarro Gonzalez and Isaac Gonzalez. The DTO regularly used the United States mail to conduct drug trafficking activities. Specifically, the DTO obtained large quantities of cocaine through packages mailed from Puerto Rico to addresses used by the DTO and mailed packages containing fentanyl to recipients in Florida and elsewhere.
As chief lieutenant, Maysonet essentially operated as a mid-level manager for the DTO and was involved in every aspect of the organization’s fentanyl and cocaine trafficking operations. Maysonet was responsible for coordinating the receipt of packages of narcotics from Puerto Rico; negotiating with suppliers; transporting fentanyl as well as drug proceeds to and from customers and suppliers; and packaging fentanyl for shipment to Isaac Gonzalez’s residence in Florida for distribution. When a package containing cocaine was seized by law enforcement during the investigation, Maysonet approached mail carriers both on the street and in the post office to inquire about the location of the package.
Furthermore, Maysonet threatened a federal witness in open court during trial in February 2025.
Over the course of the investigation, approximately nine kilograms of cocaine from packages sent through the mail and 800 grams of fentanyl were seized from various DTO members. Maysonet is responsible for distributing over 700 grams of fentanyl and three kilograms of cocaine.
Both Jonathan Pizarro Gonzalez and Isaac Gonzalez pleaded guilty in January 2025. In June 2025, both defendants were sentenced to 10 years in prison and 15 years in prison, respectively.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the Boston Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Marshals Service, Massachusetts State Police, Southbridge Police Department, Lawrence Police Department, Essex County Sherriff’s Department and Worcester County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen W. Hassink and Samuel R. Feldman of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit prosecuted the case.
This investigation is 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.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Acting Inspector in Charge of the New York Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), Edward Gallashaw, announced today the arrest and filing of a Complaint charging JOHN GARCIA with assaulting a U.S. Postal Service (“USPS”) mail carrier with a deadly and dangerous weapon on July 16, 2025, in the Bronx, New York. The defendant was presented this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Lehrburger.
“John Garcia allegedly attacked a uniformed USPS carrier who was delivering the mail,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Attacks like this are senseless and threaten the good people and systems we rely on every day. They will not be tolerated.”
“The Postal Inspection Service takes matters involving the safety and well-being of postal service employees as a top priority,” said USPIS Acting Inspector in Charge Edward Gallashaw. “Let it be clear, we will investigate and identify anyone who commits a criminal act against a USPS letter carrier. I’d like to thank our local law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their constant assistance.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint:[1]
On or about July 16, 2025, at approximately 12:50 p.m., in the Bronx, New York, GARCIA attacked a uniformed, on-duty USPS mail carrier (“Victim‑1”) with a sharp object. GARCIA slashed Victim-1’s head and right ear, causing multiple deep lacerations that required Victim-1 to be hospitalized.
* * *
GARCIA, 20, of the Bronx, is charged with one count of assaulting an officer of the U.S. using a deadly or dangerous weapon, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Grossinger is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Clarksburg, WV – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) is alerting the public of imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be U.S. Marshals, other law enforcement officials, or federal court employees. These imposters attempt to collect financial compensation in lieu of arrest due to a claim of failing to report for jury duty or other court related matters.
Victims are told they can avoid arrest by providing financial payment over the phone. The USMS warns these scammers may sound and appear credible by using names of actual law enforcement officials and federal judges. They also may spoof government phone numbers to appear on caller ID as if they are calling from a federal court or government agency.
Federal courts do not require anyone to provide sensitive information in a telephone call or email. Most contact between a federal court and a prospective juror will be through the U.S. mail, and any phone or email contact by legitimate court officials will not include requests for sensitive information.
Personal or financial information would never be divulged to unknown callers. If you believe you were a victim of this type of scam, you are encouraged to report the incident to your local law enforcement agency and to the Federal Trade Commission.
Things to remember:
The U.S. Marshals Service WILL NEVER ask for credit/debit card/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers, or to make bitcoin deposits for any purpose.
NEVER divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers.
Authenticate the call by calling the clerk of the court’s office of the U.S. District Court in your area and verify the court order given by the caller.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Matthew James Elsea, 43, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, has admitted to his role in a drug trafficking organization distributing large quantities of fentanyl.
Elsea pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl. According to court documents, Elsea was working with others to sell fentanyl in Berkeley County.
Elsea faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.
The Eastern Panhandle Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the matter.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
RICHMOND, Va. – A federal jury convicted a Richmond man yesterday for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Feb. 23, Henrico County Police observed Tajon Rasheed Baskerville, 35, rummaging through a purse, which had been taken from a nearby vehicle earlier. As an officer performed a pat-down of Baskerville, the officer felt a firearm in a holster on Baskerville’s hip. Baskerville pulled away from and struck the officer. The officer fell, at which time Baskerville drew his firearm and, in response, the officer drew his service weapon. Baskerville tossed his firearm and attempted to flee on foot. The officer recovered the firearm and Baskerville was apprehended.
Investigators found items that had been taken from the purse in Baskerville’s pockets. They also found a wallet, which had been in the purse, in Baskerville’s shirt.
At the time of the offense, Baskerville had previously been convicted for possession of a schedule I or II controlled substance (2010 and 2012), felony probation violation (2012, 2014, and twice in 2017), grand larceny (2015 and 2018), and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (2022). As a previously convicted felon, Baskerville cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
Baskerville faces a up to 15 years in prison when sentenced on Dec. 17. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Eric D. English, Chief of Henrico County Police Division, made the announcement after U.S. District Judge David J. Novak accepted the verdict.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick J. McGorman and Stephen E. Anthony are prosecuting 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 (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).
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. 3:25-cr-79.
Allwaste Onsite, doing business as Onsite Environmental (Onsite Environmental), entered two guilty pleas today in relation to federal Clean Water Act violations. As part of the plea, Onsite Environmental has agreed to pay a fine of $512,000 and serve a three-year term of probation that requires Onsite Environmental to properly treat industrial wastes according to a detailed facility operating plan.
According to court documents, Onsite Environmental operated a facility in Nashville, Tennessee, that treated liquid non-hazardous industrial wastes before discharging them into the sewer. Onsite Environmental had obtained a pretreatment permit from the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (Metro) under an approved Clean Water Act pretreatment program. The permit required Onsite Environmental to remove pollutants in the industrial wastes prior to discharging them into the sewer.
However, from Dec. 5-22, 2022, and again from Jan. 4-17, 2023, Onsite Environmental employees knowingly bypassed treatment processes and discharged untreated or partially untreated industrial wastes into the Metro sewer system in direct violation of the pretreatment permit.
U.S. District Court Judge Aleta A. Trauger for the Middle District of Tennessee accepted the guilty pleas. Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 15.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire for the Middle District of Tennessee made the announcement.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Criminal Investigation Division and EPA Office of Inspector General investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Matthew T. Morris of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie N. Toussaint for the Middle District of Tennessee are prosecuting the case.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Large number of firearms displayed on and leaning against a table.
CHICAGO – The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Chicago Police Department announce results of a two-month enhanced enforcement initiative that targeted offenders believed to have illegally possessed, used, and trafficked firearms and machinegun conversion devices in the Chicagoland area.
The initiative, led by ATF’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago (CGIC), used both federal and state charges, resulting in the arrest of 41 offenders and the recovery of approximately 171 firearms, and 64 machinegun conversion devices. National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) data shows that a significant number of the recovered firearms are connected to violent criminal activity, including homicide and aggravated assault, that took place in the Chicagoland area and throughout the U.S., from 2017 through 2025.
Notable federal defendants included Alec Chisolm-Blockton, who was on parole for aggravated battery in connection with a shooting that resulted in the death of a 14-year-old. Eddie Arguelles allegedly carried out a shooting in a crowded park using a firearm equipped with a machinegun conversion device. Torrence Lindsay-Bynum, previously convicted for threatening a mass shooting, was arrested while in possession of a firearm affixed with a machinegun conversion device.
A tabletop displaying machine gun conversion devices.
“Machinegun conversion devices are increasingly being used by criminals, putting both innocent civilians and law enforcement in danger,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon. “This operation aggressively targeted offenders suspected of trafficking illegal machinegun conversion devices into our communities. I want to thank our federal, state, and local partners whose support of the Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago was integral to the success of this initiative. This multi-agency effort is a testament to what can be accomplished when we combine our resources and expertise towards a common goal of making our communities safer for all.”
“The illegal possession, use, and trafficking of firearms equipped with conversion devices pose a grave threat to public safety,” said Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago will lean into using various federal law enforcement tools and law enforcement partnerships to hold firearm offenders accountable and reduce violent crime in Chicago. We are proud to partner with ATF, CPD, and state prosecutors in this important initiative, and I commend their outstanding work to keep dangerous weapons off the streets and out of the wrong hands.”
The number of suspected machinegun conversion devices recovered by law enforcement and subsequently traced by ATF increased more than 784% nationwide between 2019 (658) and 2023 (5,816), according to the National Firearms Commerce and Trafficking Assessment. In the year 2024 alone, the Chicago Police Department recovered 604 machine gun conversion devices—up from 81 in 2020.
“This operation directly addresses the proliferation of machine gun devices inflicting trauma in our communities,” said Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling. “Far too many lives have been lost to the senseless violence that only becomes more dangerous and fatal because of these conversion devices.”
Firearms seized during operation.
“Combatting gun violence is my office’s highest priority, and there is no doubt the recent proliferation of MCD’s is a threat to our progress,” said Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke. “A firearm equipped with one of these devices and an extended magazine can fire off 30 rounds in less than two seconds, terrorizing our neighborhoods and too often catching innocent bystanders in the crossfire. The CGIC is a national model, and working in a collaborative fashion with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners on this threat is a force multiplier. This initiative is a great start, and shows what’s possible when we work together strategically.”
“State-federal partnerships, such as with the ATF, are essential to my office’s work to prevent illegal firearms from entering communities, hold gun traffickers accountable and address other gun crime cases,” Attorney General Kwame Raoul said. “Collaborations and resource sharing between all levels of law enforcement – local, state and federal – are vital in our work to prevent gun violence in Illinois.”
The 18 federal cases are being coordinated by Violent Crime Section Chief Scott Edenfield and Violent Crime Section Deputy Chief Jared Jodrey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The 23 state cases are being coordinated by Multi-Jurisdiction Bureau Chief Maureen McCurry of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and Assistant Attorney General Greg Gansmann of the Office of the Illinois Attorney General.
Special Agent in Charge Amon, Superintendent Snelling, U.S. Attorney Boutros, State’s Attorney Burke, and Illinois Attorney General Raoul also acknowledged the valuable investigative assistance provided by our federal, state, and local partners at the Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Illinois State Police, and Cook County Sheriff’s Police.
Federal Firearms and Machinegun Conversion Device Investigations:
United States v. Chris NEAL, Case No. 25-cr-00389 (Possession of a machinegun) United States v. Dakotah MALATARE, Case No. 25-cr-00306 (Possession of a machinegun) United States v. Alonzo VELASCO, Case No. 24-cr-00447 (Possession of a machinegun) United States v. Torrence LINDSEY-BYNUM, Case No. 25-cr-00440 (Possession of a machinegun) United States v. Eddie ARGUELLES, Case No. 25-cr-00437 (Possession of a machinegun) United States v. Erik OCAMPO, Case No. 25-cr-00331 (Possession of a machinegun) United States v. Gerardo IBARRA, Case No. 25-cr-00395 (Possession of a machinegun) United States v. Joanna RICHARDSON, Case No. 25-cr-00397 (Hobbs Act robbery, firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, felon in possession of a firearm) United States v. Donte PATTERSON, Case No. 25-cr-00348 (Hobbs Act robbery, firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, carjacking) United States v. Osbia MOORE, Case No. 25-cr-00347 (Felon in possession of a firearm) United States v. Jovan ANDERSON, Case No. 25-cr-00438 (Felon in possession of a firearm) United States v. Velar MAYFIELD, Case No. 25-cr-00409 (Felon in possession of a firearm) United States v. Melvin DOYLE, Case No. 25-cr-00367 (Felon in possession of a firearm) United States v. Alec CHISOLM-BLOCKTON, Case No. 25-cr-00428 (Felon in possession of a firearm) United States v. Floyd JORDAN, Case No.25-cr-00442 (Felon in possession of a firearm) United States v. Eric LATHAM, Case No. 25-cr-00190 (Felon in possession of a firearm) United States v. Cortez FLEMING, Case No. 24-cr-00077 (Felon in possession of a firearm, dealing without a license) United States v. Julian VENERABLE, Case No. 24-cr-00077 (Felon in possession of a firearm, dealing without a license)
State Firearms and Machinegun Conversion Device Investigations:
State of Illinois v. Demetrius MIMS (Possession of a machinegun) State of Illinois v. Caron WEATHERS (Possession of a machinegun) State of Illinois v. Benjamin KAMINSKI (Possession of a machinegun) State of Illinois v. Justin ANDERSON (Gunrunning, possession of a machinegun) State of Illinois v. Jaylan POWELL (Gunrunning, possession of a machinegun) State of Illinois v. Montez WELLS (Gunrunning, possession of a machinegun) State of Illinois v. Todd WILLIAMS (Gunrunning, possession of a machinegun) State of Illinois v. Eric RAINES-SYLVESTRE (Gunrunning and possession of a machinegun) State of Illinois v. “JUVENILE” (Gunrunning, possession of a machinegun) State of Illinois v. “JUVENILE” (Gunrunning, possession of a machinegun) State of Illinois v. Xavier CARRIZALWS-LISHMAN (Gunrunning, armed violence) State of Illinois v. Elijah DELEON (Gunrunning) State of Illinois v. Bernard BUTLER (Attempted murder) State of Illinois v. Jerome TOWNSEND (Armed violence) State of Illinois v. Jerome COLEMAN (Armed violence) State of Illinois v. Israel FERNANDEZ (Armed violence) State of Illinois v. Joshua THOMAS (Armed violence) State of Illinois v. Bernard SPENCER (Armed violence) State of Illinois v. Ronald GRIGGS (Felon in possession of a firearm) State of Illinois v. Marcus SMITH (Felon in possession of a firearm) State of Illinois v. Michael LEWIS (Manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance) State of Illinois v. Isaiah DELEON (Unlawful purchase of a firearm) State of Illinois v. Jabori PRYOR (Unlawful possession of a firearm)
The charges outlined in the indictments and complaints are merely allegations and not evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until the government proves their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
WASHINGTON – Lawrence Jordan, 44, a previously convicted felon from the District of Columbia, was sentenced today to 27 months in prison in connection with being in illegal possession of a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic firearm that he had secreted in a bulky knee brace, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Jordan pleaded guilty on June 17, 2025, to unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.
In addition to the 27-month prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Randolph D. Moss ordered Jordan to serve three years of supervised release.
Joining the announcement of the sentencing were Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela A. Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).
According to court documents, on Nov. 23, 2023 at 6:16 a.m., MPD officers responded to the 1300 block of H Street NE for a report of aggressive panhandling. One of the officers recognized Jordan as wanted in connection with an indecent exposure offense a week earlier. Jordan was placed under arrest for lewd, indecent, and obscene acts.
At the First District, Jordan was searched more thoroughly. Underneath Jordan’s knee brace, officers recovered a Smith & Wesson 9mm semi-automatic firearm, loaded with one round in the chamber and eight rounds in the magazine.
Jordan previously was convicted in 2009 in Maryland for second degree assault, fleeing, and driving while revoked and sentenced to 18 months in prison. He also has a 2010 conviction in Virginia being a felon in possession of a firearm and 35 prior arrests.
This case was investigated by the ATF and MPD. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on August 4, 2025, Daniel McSwiggan, 52, of Rutland, Vermont, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss to a term of 24 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 2-year term of supervised release. McSwiggan previously pleaded guilty to managing and controlling a residence and making the residence available for the purpose of unlawfully manufacturing, storing, distributing, and using cocaine base, a Schedule II controlled substance.
According to court records, in late June and early July of 2024, McSwiggan rented and occupied a residence in Rutland, Vermont, where he used and allowed others to use cocaine base, and from which he and others distributed cocaine base. McSwiggan – a former practicing nurse at a local medical center, who had been terminated from that position in April 2024 – also possessed firearms at the residence. And in the early morning hours of June 24, 2024, McSwiggan shot a rifle in the direction of another suspected drug distributor as the man ran away from the residence. In executing a search warrant at the residence, law enforcement recovered a Savage Model 10 .308 caliber rifle, a Ruger 10/22 .22 caliber rifle, 282 rounds of ammunition, cocaine base, and drug paraphernalia.
Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Rutland Police Department, the Vermont State Police, and the Vermont Drug Task Force.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne Smith. McSwiggan was represented by Jordan Handy, Esq.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.