Category: Legal Issues

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CONVICTED FELON SENTENCED FOR POSSESSING A LOADED FIREARM

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Julius Maurice Dean, 46, of Pensacola Florida, was sentenced to 36 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Thanks to the excellent work of the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF, this violent felon has been removed from our streets.  My office remains fully committed to keeping our community safe by aggressively prosecuting these criminals and ensuring they are held accountable for breaking the law.”

According to court records, Dean provided a false name to law enforcement and fled from an officer on foot.  After being apprehended, law enforcement located a loaded, stolen firearm on Dean’s person as well as illegal narcotics. Dean has prior felony convictions for bank robbery, possession of a controlled substance, driving while driver’s license revoked as a habitual traffic offender, and grand theft of a firearm.

The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jessica Etherton.

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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Justice Department Publishes List of Sanctuary Jurisdictions

Source: United States Attorneys General

WASHINGTON – Today, the Justice Department published a list of states, cities, and counties identified as having policies, laws, or regulations that impede enforcement of federal immigration laws.

“Sanctuary policies impede law enforcement and put American citizens at risk by design,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “The Department of Justice will continue bringing litigation against sanctuary jurisdictions and work closely with the Department of Homeland Security to eradicate these harmful policies around the country.”

On April 28, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14287: Protecting American Communities from Criminal Aliens. The Executive Order recognized that “some State and local officials . . . continue to use their authority to violate, obstruct, and defy the enforcement of Federal immigration laws” and “[i]t is imperative that the Federal Government restore the enforcement of United States law.” The Executive Order directed the Justice Department, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security, to publish a list of such jurisdictions. Accordingly, the following states, cities, and counties have been identified as sanctuary jurisdictions:

STATES:

  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Illinois
  • Minnesota
  • Nevada
  • New York
  • Oregon
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Washington

COUNTIES:

  • Baltimore County, MD
  • Cook County, IL
  • San Diego County, CA
  • San Francisco County, CA

CITIES:

  • Albuquerque, NM
  • Berkeley, CA
  • Boston, MA
  • Chicago, IL
  • Denver, CO
  • East Lansing, MI
  • Hoboken, NJ
  • Jersey City, NJ
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • New Orleans, LA
  • New York City, NY
  • Newark, NJ
  • Paterson, NJ
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Portland, OR
  • Rochester, NY
  • Seattle, WA
  • San Francisco City, CA

In recent months, the Justice Department has filed several lawsuits against sanctuary jurisdictions seeking to compel compliance with federal law, including one against New York City on July 24th. Recently, the Mayor of Louisville agreed to revoke their sanctuary policies following a letter from the Justice Department threatening legal action.

Read more about the sanctuary jurisdiction list and the criteria for inclusion here. This list is not exhaustive and will be updated as federal authorities gather further information. The federal government will assist any jurisdiction that desires to be taken off this list to identify and eliminate their sanctuary policies, so they no longer stand in opposition to federal immigration enforcement.

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Total Reward Reaches $32,500 in Search for Fugitive Austin Drummond

Source: US Marshals Service

Jackson, TN – The total reward in the search for Austin Drummond, wanted on first degree murder and other counts, has reached a combined total of $32,500 for information leading to his arrest.

U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller expressed his agency’s unwavering commitment to the apprehension of Drummond and praised the collaboration of all the departments taking part in the search, stating, “Our priority is finding Austin Drummond and helping deliver justice for the victims’ families. The combined effort of agencies from every level including the Office of Governor Bill Lee is evidence of our commitment to preserving peace and ensuring the safety of our communities.”

Rewards being offered:

• $10,000 U.S. Marshals Service (USMS)
• $10,000 Tennessee Governor’s Office
• $7,500 Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI)
• $2,500 Dyer County Crime Stoppers
• $2,500 731 Crime Stoppers in Jackson

Anyone with information regarding Austin Drummond’s whereabouts is urged to call 1-800-TBI-FIND.

Recap:
Drummond is charged with Four Counts of First-Degree Murder, Aggravated Kidnapping, and weapons charges in the deaths of four people; ages 21, 20, 38, and 15, in Lake County on July 29, 2025.

TBI is the lead agency. The USMS Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is assisting in the fugitive investigation.

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CONVICTED FELON SENTENCED TO 54 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR FIREARM OFFENSE

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

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Carlton Bruce Cooke, 40, of Pensacola, Florida, was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.  The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “My office is committed to ensuring our community’s most violent offenders are confronted with the full force of the law.  This repeat felon not only unlawfully possessed a firearm, he used it to threaten others.  Operation Take Back America is a promise by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi that we will do everything in our power to stop those who are endangering our communities.  I am proud of the work of our brave state and federal law enforcement partners who investigated this case, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute these offenders to keep our communities safe”

Court records reflect that during the early morning hours on July 10, 2024, the defendant observed his roommates sitting in a truck in their driveway talking.  The defendant exited the residence with a firearm in hand ordering everyone to leave.  He then fired a round into the ground near the vehicle.  Law enforcement conducted a search warrant on defendant’s vehicle.  The loaded handgun he had used and another loaded handgun with an extended magazine and ammunition were seized. The defendant has been previously convicted of multiple firearms offenses.

The case was investigated jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer H. Callahan prosecuted this 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).

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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Five Individuals Arrested by the FBI in Four Separate Cases

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned three indictments charging four individuals for multiple violent charges. Another individual was arrested via criminal complaint for firearms violations. The investigations and arrests are part of Operation Summer Heat, the FBI’s nationwide initiative targeting violent crime, gangs and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.

According to court documents, on July 30, 2025, the Grand Jury returned an Indictment against Carlos Ortiz-Hernández for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1) and for possession of a machinegun in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(o). These efforts were a collaboration between FBI, Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julian Radzinschi is prosecuting the case.

On July 30, 2025, the San Juan Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF – HIDTA – CE-1) executed the arrest of Diana Lee Vázquez-Arroyo, charged with conspiracy to possess narcotics with intent to distribute, and to distribute 5 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 846. Vázquez-Arroyo was accused of sending narcotics through the San Juan International Airport to the state of New York. This arrest is a result of our HSTF efforts including FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Coast Guard Investigative Service (CGIS), Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and US Marshals Service (USMS), which are prioritizing resources to combat transnational criminal organizations. This arrest was executed in coordination with the US Attorney’s Office, Western District of New York.

On July 31, 2025, the Safe Streets Task Force (Gangs) executed a search warrant in Canóvanas, Puerto Rico in search of evidence of the possession of a machinegun Title 18 U.S.C. § 922(o), which resulted in the arrest of Gilbert Manuel Fajardo Álvarez based on a complaint for findings of a modified rifle, which changes its capability to fully automatic. These is an example of how the FBI and ATF are working together to dismantle violent gangs and make our communities safer. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Díaz-González is prosecuting the case.

On July 31, 2025, the Aguadilla Resident Agency (ARA) arrested René Esponda-Rodríguez and Verona Salas-Arce, for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(i), possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person (felon) in violation of Title 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2), possession with intent to distribute cocaine in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B) and Title 18 U.S.C. §2, and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C) and Title 18 U.S.C. §2. These arrests demonstrate our commitment to eradicate violent crime, drug trafficking and their leaders in all parts of our area of responsibility. Assistant U.S. Attorney Pedro Casablanca is prosecuting the case.

“The people of Puerto Rico are safer following the arrests of these individuals who were charged with different violent crimes and firearms violations,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Federal, state and local law enforcement partners are continuously coordinating and investigating to keep this work going and make our communities safe.”

“By now it should be clear that Summer doesn’t slow us down—it sharpens our focus,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI San Juan Field Office. “While the people we’re sworn to serve are enjoying the season, we’re working—quietly, relentlessly, around the clock—to identify and dismantle those driving violence in our communities. Every arrest this week is proof that Operation Summer Heat is not just a headline. It’s a methodical campaign—fueled by the dedicated men and women of FBI San Juan and our partners—designed to find thugs and remove them from our streets before they do more harm. If you’ve chosen that life, you’re already on our list, and we won’t stop until you face justice.”

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Founder And Managing Director Of Tax Lien Investment Firm Convicted Of Fraud And Money Laundering

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

John Arthur Hanratty, a New York-Licensed Attorney, Was Convicted of Engaging in a Fraudulent Scheme to Defraud a Bank and Investors of More Than $20 Million

Attorney for the United States, Acting under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. § 515, Sean S. Buckley, announced today the conviction of JOHN ARTHUR HANRATTY, the founder and managing director of a tax lien investment firm, for his role in a fraudulent scheme to steal over $20 million from investors and a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”)-insured bank.  The defendant was found guilty following a two-week jury trial before U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield and is scheduled to be sentenced on January 20, 2026.

“John Arthur Hanratty, a New York-licensed attorney and the founder of a multi-million-dollar municipal tax lien investment firm, lied to investors and stole money from a bank by falsely claiming to own millions of dollars of tax lien collateral to obtain more than $20 million in loan advances,” said Attorney for the United States Sean S. Buckley.  “This verdict highlights our Office’s commitment to ensuring the integrity of the lending and investment markets by protecting lenders and investors from financial fraud.”

As reflected in the Indictment, public filings, and the evidence presented at trial:

HANRATTY was the Founder and Managing Director of Ebury Street Capital, LLC (“Ebury Street Capital”), an investment firm with a portfolio primarily comprised of municipal tax liens.  HANRATTY has been an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of New York since 2002 and held legal and compliance positions at well-known investment firms and financial institutions, including serving as the Chief Compliance Officer and General Counsel for a trading broker dealer.

Between 2017 and 2021, HANRATTY participated in a fraudulent scheme to steal money from an FDIC-insured bank (“Victim Bank-1”) by drawing down on commercial lines of credit that had been extended to Ebury Street Capital.  Specifically, HANRATTY made materially false statements inflating by millions of dollars tax lien collateral pledged to Victim Bank-1.  As a result of HANRATTY’s misstatements, Victim Bank-1 was defrauded of over $20 million.  In addition, HANRATTY falsely told investors and Victim Bank-1 that the tax lien collateral was managed by an independent third-party custodian, when, in reality, that was not true.  The defendant’s fraud ultimately resulted in millions of dollars of losses for the investors in Ebury Street Capital and for Victim Bank-1. 

*                *                *

HANRATTY, 50, of New Jersey, was convicted of one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; and two counts of money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Buckley praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Chan, Nicholas Chiuchiolo, Danielle Kudla, and Adam Sowlati are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Alexander Ross.

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Texas resident pleads guilty in crypto-Ponzi scheme

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

HOUSTON – A 45-year-old Houston man has admitted to running a fraudulent investment scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. 

From July through November 2017, Samuel Ayala-Ibarra operated JASTBITME, a Houston-based company that falsely promised high returns through cryptocurrency investments. Ayala-Ibarra told clients their money would be invested in cryptocurrency, but he instead used the funds for personal gain and to repay earlier investors. He also paid others to recruit new clients.  

Once clients invested, JASTBITME created fake documents to show fabricated growth and returns. Ayala-Ibarra used these false reports to persuade clients to reinvest. 

The scheme resulted in numerous victims who never received their original investments or promised returns. 

Senior U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt will impose sentencing Nov. 3. At that time, Ayala-Ibarra faces up to 20 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine for each of three counts of wire fraud.  

He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

The Secret Service conducted the investigation. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Rodolfo Ramirez is prosecuting the case. AUSA Kristine Rollinson is handling seizure and forfeiture matters.  

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Norfolk recidivist sentenced to six years in prison for federal drug-trafficking and firearms crimes

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NORFOLK, Va. – A Norfolk man was sentenced today to six years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of firearms.

According to court documents, in February 2024, law enforcement investigators conducted a controlled purchase of cocaine from Stanley Desmarat, aka Whisper, Tony Sulza, Tony Demarcy, or Stanly Desmaratti, 46. On May 13, 2024, law enforcement encountered a parcel containing five kilograms of cocaine and performed a controlled delivery. Shortly after the parcel was delivered, Desmarat arrived in a rental vehicle and retrieved the cocaine. Investigators stopped and arrested Desmarat.

During a subsequent search of Desmarat’s residence, investigators recovered three handguns, one of which was stolen, as well as various ammunition and magazines. Among his previous felony convictions, Desmaret was convicted in 2003 for the manufacture, sale, or possession with intent to manufacture or sell controlled substances and in 2007 for being a felon in possession of a firearm. As a previously convicted felon, Desmarat cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C.; Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division; Mark Talbot, Chief of Norfolk Police; and Ramin Fatehi, Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Jamar K. Walker.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Graham M. Stolle, an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney with the Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney Office, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Marek prosecuted the case.

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.

This effort 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.

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. 2:24-cr-138.

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New Orleans Man Guilty of Fentanyl Conspiracy, Federal Gun Charges, and Money Laundering

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEW ORLEANS – ANTHONY WINDELL BROWN (“BROWN”), age 30, of New Orleans, pled guilty on July 31, 2025 to violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act, the Federal Gun Control Act, and Money Laundering, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson.

Specifically, BROWN pled guilty to Counts 1, 4, 6, and 8 of the indictment pending against him. Count 1 charged BROWN with conspiracy to distribute, and possess with the intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. Count 4 charged BROWN with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), and 841(b)(1)(C). Count 6 charged BROWN with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A) and 924(c)(1)(A)(i). Count 8 charged BROWN with money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(1)(A)(i).

As to the drug trafficking charges in Count 1, BROWN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000,000, and at least 5 years of supervised release. For Count 4, BROWN faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $1,000,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release. For Count 6, BROWN faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years, up to life imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 5 years of supervised release. For Count 8, BROWN faces up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $500,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release. As to each of these counts individually, BROWN also faces payment of a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

According to court documents, beginning at a time unknown, but prior to March 2022 and continuing to on or about May 29, 2024, BROWN conspired with others to distribute fentanyl in the Eastern District of Louisiana. In August 2023 and October 2023, BROWN attempted to possess, with the intent to distribute, 400 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl. On May 29, 2024, BROWN possessed, with the intent to distribute, a mixture containing fentanyl, a stolen Glock Model 27, .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, a Raven Arms, .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and a FN Five-Seven, 5.7×28 millimeter semi-automatic pistol. BROWN unlawfully used and maintained a residence in the of 1900 block of Desire Street in New Orleans for the purpose of distributing fentanyl. BROWN also conducted financial transactions using the proceeds of specific unlawful activities with the intent to promote the carrying on of specified unlawful activity.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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 http://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

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.

This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General , and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Rachal Cassagne of the Narcotics Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

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Niagara Falls man pleads guilty to defrauding COVID relief programs out of more than $1.8 million

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Roberto Soliman, 43, of Niagara Falls, NY, pleaded guilty before Judge Meredith A. Vacca to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul E. Bonanno and Douglas A. C. Penrose, who are handling the case, stated that between March 2020, and March 2024, Soliman and co-defendant John Hutchins conspired with others to file fraudulent loan applications under the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), and the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG). The loans available for these programs were designed to provide emergency financial assistance pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES Act). Soliman and Hutchins applied for loans under the following companies, which were owned by Hutchins:

•         Rapids Theatre Niagara Falls, USA, Inc.

•         1711 Main, LLC

•         Bear Creek Entertainment, LLC

•         Hutch Enterprises, LLC

•         The Hutchins Agency, LLC

•         CWE Entertainment, Corp. (owned by defendant Soliman)

Between March and August 2020, Soliman and Hutchins received five Economic Injury Disaster Loans totaling $779,500.00. In addition, they received SVOG loans totaling $989,905.05, a PPP loan from Bank on Buffalo totaling $74,838, and a PPP loan from Northwest Bank totaling $41,140. In support of each of the loans, Soliman and Hutchins submitted false revenue and expense figures for the businesses on the loan applications.

John Hutchins previously pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

The plea is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Mark Grimm, the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry Chavis, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, under the direction of Rose Brophy, Director of Field Operations, and the New York State Office of Professional Discipline. 

Sentencing is scheduled for October 29, 2025, before Judge Vacca.

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