Category: MIL OSI

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Alien From Wuhan, China, Enters No Contest Plea to Smuggling Biological Materials Into the U.S. for Her Work at a University of Michigan Laboratory and for Lying About the Shipments

Source: US FBI

DETROIT – Chengxuan HAN, a citizen of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), pleaded today to three smuggling charges and to making false statements to U.S. Custom and Border Protection Officers, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.

Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Acting Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division, Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Detroit field office.

According to court documents, Han is a citizen of the PRC who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. from the College of Life Science and Technology in the Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) in Wuhan, PRC. In 2024 and 2025, Han sent multiple packages to the United States from the PRC containing concealed biological material. These packages were addressed to individuals associated with a laboratory at the University of Michigan. On June 8, 2025, Han arrived at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport on a J1 visa. Customs and Border Protection officers conducted an inspection of Han, during which Han made false statements about the packages and the biological materials she had previously shipped to the United States. CBP officers also found that the content of Han’s electronic device had been deleted three days prior to her arrival in the United States. At the conclusion of the border inspection, Han was interviewed by agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and ICE HSI. During this interview, Han admitted to sending the packages, admitted that the packages contained biological material related to round worms, and admitted to making false statements to the CBP officers during her inspection.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 10, 2025.  A conviction for smuggling goods into the United States carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.  A conviction for making false statements carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.

United States Attorney Gorgon stated: “This alien from Wuhan, China smuggled round worms and other biomaterials into our country on three separate occasions to circumvent our border protections. One of those times, she wrote that she was sending ‘a fun letter.’ The University of Michigan invited this Chinese national into our state to be a visiting scholar where it was going to give her more than $41,000 in a year to do her worm research at the Life Sciences Institute. Something is wrong in Ann Arbor.”

“Protecting the American people from threats, whether domestic or foreign, remains at the core of the FBI’s mission,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Anyone who attempts to smuggle biological materials into our country not only puts themselves at risk but also endangers public safety and our national security. The FBI will continue to work closely with our partners to safeguard our nation’s institutions and communities.”

“The guidelines for importing biological materials into the U.S. for research purposes are stringent, but clear, and actions like this undermine the legitimate work of other visiting scholars,” said Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon. “We will not tolerate the smuggling of regulated biological materials through our ports of entry, and this case is another example of our commitment—along with that of our law enforcement partners’—to protecting the homeland from any number of potential threats.”

“ICE HSI will not tolerate malicious foreign actors commandeering our educational institutions to further their schemes,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “As you can see, we are working across the spectrum of federal law enforcement to this end, and we will dedicate whatever resources necessary to secure the homeland.”

The FBI, CBP and ICE HSI investigated this case. 

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Detroit Investment Fund Owner Sentenced to 100 Months in Prison in $39 Million Wire Fraud Scheme to Defraud Investors

Source: US FBI

DETROIT – Andrew H. Middlebrooks, the former majority owner, chief executive officer, chief investment officer, and portfolio manager of EIA All Weather Alpha Fund 1 Partners (EIA), has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison after having pleaded guilty to charges of Wire Fraud for devising and executing a scheme to obtain over $39 million from investors by means of false and fraudulent material pretenses, representations, and promises, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.

Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

During the scheme to defraud Andrew H. Middlebrooks, age 33, was the majority owner, chief executive officer, and portfolio manager for EIA All Weather Alpha Fund (EIA). Middlebrooks solicited clients for EIA by telling them he was able to exploit “inefficiencies” in global equity markets which would result in large returns for investors.  But the EIA’s fund failed to produce the predicted returns and suffered catastrophic losses.

Instead of informing EIA’s existing investors that the fund was failing, Middlebrooks solicited new investors with false statements about the fund’s performance and lulled existing investors by lying to them about the returns their investments generated. Middlebrooks also created and distributed false documents claiming that EIA’s performance was exceptional. In one document, created in the fall of 2019, Middlebrooks falsely claimed that EIA’s track record included a cumulative return of 476.81% with 81.82% of monthly trading showing a profit. Eventually, Middlebrooks’ scheme collapsed, resulting in losses to 97 investors exceeding $34 million.

“This financial charlatan used sophisticated methods and a complex web of deception to trick unsuspecting victims into trusting him with their money. Con artists like this will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.   

“The sentencing of Andrew Middlebrooks underscores the significance of white-collar crimes and the lasting harm they impose on hard-working Americans” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “White-collar crimes threaten the integrity of our financial systems and undermine the trust and security of communities. The FBI in Michigan will continue to investigate those who violate federal laws and ensure they are held accountable. I want to thank the dedicated members from our FBI Detroit Field Office and our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan for their tireless work in bringing this case to justice.”

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Both the United States Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation wish to acknowledge and thank the Securities and Exchange Commission for its assistance.

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Repeat Sex Offender Sentenced to 22 Years in Prison for the Coercion and Enticement of a Child

Source: US FBI

DULUTH, Minn. – Dillon Alvan Reyna, age 33, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court before Judge Jeffrey M. Bryan to 264 months of imprisonment followed by 15 years supervised release for Coercion and Enticement of a Minor, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.

“No parent should have to wonder if their child is safe at a park,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.  “Yet here, a repeat sex offender in his 30s targeted and picked up a vulnerable child from a Duluth park—a child who had already endured abuse.  That is beyond appalling.  We are seeing a disturbing rash of men in Minnesota attempting to buy or coerce sex from children.  Let me be clear:  it is predatory, it is criminal, and it will be met with the full force of federal prosecution.  We will not allow offenders to turn our parks and neighborhoods into hunting grounds for children.”

In October 2022, Reyna, a man in his early 30s and a repeat sex offender, met a minor in a local park in Duluth.  The minor victim was under the age of 16 and, as Reyna knew, she was uniquely vulnerable and receiving care for prior sexual abuse.  For months, Reyna used all manner of coercive techniques to manipulate the minor victim into having sex with him.  Reyna gave the victim gifts and rides that were conditioned on her sexual cooperation.  He also used physical force during sex, and filmed the sex without the minor victim’s knowledge.  Reyna used social media accounts to communicate with the minor victim.

Reyna’s conduct was halted by law enforcement, who tracked the minor victim to Reyna’s apartment building.  When confronted by law enforcement, Reyna lied, falsely claiming he had never met the minor victim.  Reyna instructed the minor victim to lie to the police.  The minor victim bravely disclosed the abuse she suffered at Reyna’s hand to law enforcement.  From jail, Reyna later told an associate to delete various social media accounts in an effort to cover up his crimes against the minor victim. Reyna’s attempts to obstruct justice were unsuccessful.

Reyna previously admitted guilt for a separate sex offense. In 2021, Reyna admitted guilt in St. Louis County, Minnesota, for Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct – Force or Coercion.  He was given a stay of adjudication.  

In handing down the sentencing, United Staets  Judge Bryan noted the aggravating circumstances surrounding this case.

Hands-on sexual abuse inflicts upon its victim immense and long-lasting harm.  That the abuse is inflicted on a child and then recorded and memorialized in child pornography adds devastating dimensions to the harm inflicted on minor victims.  As the Supreme Court observed about the victim of a child sexual assault, “the nature of her injuries caused more prolonged physical and mental suffering than, say, a sudden killing by an unseen assassin.  The attack was not just on her but on her childhood. . . .” Kennedy v. Louisiana, 554 U.S. 407, 435 (2008); see also United States v. Pugh, 515 F.3d 1179, 1197-98 & n.12 (11th Cir. 2008) (citing extensive congressional findings about the harm caused by child pornography and recognizing that “[i]n light of these detailed legislative findings and numerous legislative enactments, we cannot help but underscore the seriousness of this crime”).

“Reyna’s actions were a reprehensible attack on the safety and innocence of a vulnerable child,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of FBI Minneapolis. “Far from rehabilitation, as a repeat sex offender, Reyna chose to again violate and exploit a minor victim in unthinkably heinous ways through coercion, manipulation, and force. This victim, already the brave survivor of abuse, suffered at his hands and again though the filming of the assault. This victim deserves the full weight of justice to be leveraged against Reyna. The FBI hopes this sentence shows our unflinching commitment to pursuing justice for all victims of similar abuse and sends the message to all offenders—you will be pursued, prosecuted, and punished.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office commends the bravery of the victim in this case.  Without her courage, Reyna would still be on the streets, a threat to abusing more children. Now he is where he belongs—in federal prison.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Duluth Police Department, and the Hermantown Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys David B. Green and Evan B. Gilead prosecuted the case.

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Indian National Sentenced for Visa Fraud Conspiracy

Source: US FBI

Defendant staged armed robberies so that “victims” could apply for immigration benefits in exchange for thousands of dollars

BOSTON – An Indian national, unlawfully residing in New York, was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for staging armed robberies in furtherance of a visa fraud conspiracy.  

Rambhai Patel, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun 20 months and eight days in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, and forfeiture of $850,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of the imposed sentence. In May 2025, Patel pleaded guilty to on one count of conspiracy to commit visa fraud. In December 2023, Patel was charged along with co-conspirator Balwinder Singh.

Beginning in March 2023, Patel and his co-conspirator set up and carried out staged armed robberies of at least 18 convenience/liquor stores and fast-food restaurants across the United States – including at least five in Massachusetts. The purpose of the staged robberies was to allow the store clerks to claim that they were victims of a violent crime on an application for U nonimmigrant status (U Visa). A U Visa is available to victims of certain crimes who have suffered mental or physical abuse and who have been helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity.  

During the staged robberies, the “robber” would threaten store clerks and/or owners with an apparent firearm before taking cash from the register and fleeing, while the interaction was captured on store surveillance video. The clerks and/or owners would then wait five or more minutes until the “robber” had escaped before calling police to report the “crime.” The “victims” paid Patel to participate in the scheme. One purported victim paid $20,000 to participate as a victim in one of the staged armed robberies. In turn, Patel paid the store owners for the use of their stores for the staged robbery. Patel earned approximately $850,000 in the scheme, all of which he is required to forfeit as part of his sentence.

At least two purported victim co-conspirators submitted U Visa applications based on being victims of the staged armed robberies. 

Singh pleaded guilty in May 2025, and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24, 2025.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance in the investigation was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of New York and the Western District of Washington; FBI’s New York and Seattle Field Offices; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services; Massachusetts State Police; Worcester County District Attorney’s Office; and the Hingham, Marshfield, Randolph, Weymouth, Worcester, Upper Darby, (Pa.), West Pittston (Pa.), Louisville, (Ky.) and Bean Station (Tenn.) Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elianna J. Nuzum and Jessica L. Soto of the Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.
 

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Met sets out policing plan ahead of Notting Hill Carnival

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Officers have arrested 100 people and taken dozens of weapons off the streets as part of an operation to ensure the safety of all those attending Notting Hill Carnival this weekend.

The arrests, which have resulted in 21 people being recalled to prison, are intended to disrupt and deter those who the police have reason to believe pose the greatest risk to public safety at Carnival.

As part of the operation, officers seized 11 firearms and more than 40 knives. Some 266 people now either have police bail or probation licence conditions not to come to Carnival this year.

Commander Charmain Brenyah, the Met’s spokesperson for Carnival, said: “We expect around one million people to be on the streets of west London for what is one of the most significant weekends in the capital’s cultural calendar. The vast majority come to have fun and enjoy themselves, to celebrate Caribbean culture, to dance, to eat and to go home with nothing but good memories.

“Regrettably we know a minority come with less positive intentions and in recent years this has played out in the form of serious violence including three tragic incidents where lives have been taken.

“The actions of this minority are totally at odds with the values of those who care passionately about Carnival and we acknowledge those, including the event organisers, who have stood up to condemn violence and serious criminality in the run up to this weekend.

“Our policing plan makes tackling serious violence a priority which is why we’ve carried out intelligence-led interventions against those groups and individuals who we have reason to believe pose the greatest risk to the safety of other Carnival-goers.

“We hope that this police activity will be a significant deterrent for those who otherwise might have been planning to come and engage in violence and other criminality.

“During the event, we will have officers deployed in significant numbers to deal with incidents and where possible, to intervene before they happen. They will be aided by technology including a network of CCTV cameras, screening arches and live facial recognition cameras deployed on the routes to and from Carnival. We are also considering the use of additional search powers to take dangerous weapons off the streets.”

Met officers will be supported during the operation by officers from the City of London Police. They will also be working in close partnership with the other emergency services and in particular with the British Transport Police whose officers will play an essential role in ensuring Carnival-goers get safely to and from the event.

Superintendent Dominique Ioannou, of the British Transport Police, said: “It’s set to be another busy Carnival weekend and our officers and staff play a unique role in keeping people safe as they travel in and around the capital.

“There’ll be an enhanced presence of uniformed and plain clothes officers out and about across London’s tube and railway network, and we’ll be working closely with the Met as part of the overall policing operation to ensure everyone can enjoy the celebrations safely.

“We want Carnival-goers to have a great weekend, celebrate responsibly and respect others while using the rail network. If you have any concerns, or see anything suspicious, please report it to us by texting 61016, or speaking to a police officer.”

While tackling crime is the main priority of the policing operation, ensuring that people are safe in what will be a very crowded environment is also a concern.

The responsibility for the safety of crowds is primarily that of the event organisers but it is an area that all organisations involved in the delivery of Carnival take a shared interest in.

Commander Brenyah added: “A lot has happened in this area since last year’s event. The Met fully supported the event organisers’ decision to commission an independent review into crowd safety after the number of situations in recent years where crowd density has reached dangerous levels.

“It was welcome news that some additional funding was secured to allow the organisers to implement a number of the review’s recommendations, but they have had limited time to do so meaning despite everyone’s best efforts it’s inevitable not all the risks will have been mitigated.

“Crowd safety remains at the forefront of all of our minds. We have systems in place, not least the Crowd Monitoring Cell, to ensure it is carefully monitored and managed. We cannot be complacent.

“We would also anyone attending Carnival to play their part by listening to stewards and officers if they’re asking you to go in a certain direction or to pause before carrying on down a particular road. Please also read and respect signage, adhere to barriers and other crowd safety equipment and if you feel unsafe or like an area is becoming too crowded, be sensible and move away.”

Further details of our operation to tackle crime are set out below:

  • We have been sharing intelligence with forces across the country to identify those violent gangs who are planning to attend Carnival.
  • We have been working with others, including local authorities and the courts, to seek banning orders to exclude those attending who have a history of violence or sexual offending at Carnival.
  • We have been carrying out pre-emptive intelligence-led arrests and searches of those believed to be in possession of weapons or involved in the supply of drugs.
  • We will be using live facial recognition cameras on the approach to and from Carnival, outside the boundaries of the event itself, to help officers identify and intercept those who pose a public safety risk before they get to the crowded streets of Notting Hill, and to ensure those attending are able to get home safely.
  • We will be deploying screening arches at some of the busiest entry points, using stop and search powers to prevent knives and other deadly weapons being carried at Carnival.

Further details about our use of live facial recognition are set out below:

  • It is right that we make the best use of available technology to support officers to do their job more effectively. That is why we will be using LFR cameras on the approach to and from Carnival, outside the boundaries of the event itself, to help officers identify and intercept those who pose a public safety risk before they get to the crowded streets of Notting Hill, and to ensure those attending are able to get home safely.
  • Live facial recognition is a reliable and effective tool. It has led to more than 1,000 arrests since the start of 2024. In the same year, only 1 in more than 33,000 potential matches were proven to be inaccurate.
  • Independent testing by the National Physical Laboratory found that at the thresholds the MPS uses the system, it is accurate and balanced with regard to ethnicity and gender, but we know there are still misconceptions about its use, particularly in Black and other minority ethnic communities. We’re committed to working with Londoners and with community organisations to allay their fears and help them understand how the technology works and how it can make a positive difference to public safety.
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Eleven Individuals in Drug Trafficking Ring Sentenced to Federal Prison

Source: US FBI

INDIANAPOLIS- 11 individuals have been sentenced for their roles in an armed drug trafficking ring responsible for trafficking hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills and over 15 kilograms of methamphetamine into Central Indiana. The individuals were sentenced as follows:

Defendant Charge(s) Sentence

Christopher Miller, 29,

Indianapolis

 Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments; Engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property

26 years’ imprisonment

5 years’ supervised release
Jamie Sullivan, 22, Indianapolis Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments; Distribution of controlled substances; Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances

24 years’ imprisonment

5 years’ supervised release
Tameico Johnson, 22, of Fishers, IN Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; Distribution of controlled substance.

20 years, 10 months’ imprisonment

5 years’ supervised release
Jayden Bertram, 22, Carmel, IN Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances

20 years, 10 months’ imprisonment

5 years’ supervised release
Courtlin Moncrief, 29, Avon, IN Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances

20 years’ imprisonment

5 years’ supervised release
Camonte Miller, 21, Indianapolis Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; Possession with intent to distribute controlled substance.

20 years’ imprisonment

5 years’ supervised release
Jordan Sumner, 22

Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances

Possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime

16 years, 8 months’ imprisonment

5 years’ supervised release

Afrika Railynne Williams, 29,

Indianapolis

 Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments

13 years, 4 months’ imprisonment

5 years’ supervised release
Monica Sumner, 20, Indianapolis Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances

12.5 years’ imprisonment

5 years’ supervised release
Dewell Simpson, 18, Indianapolis Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute controlled substances; Possession of a machine gun

11 years, 8 months’ imprisonment

5 years’ supervised release

Regina Weatherford, 60,

Indianapolis

 Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

5 years’, 5 months’ imprisonment

4 years’ supervised release

According to court documents, Jaraughn Bertram led a drug trafficking organization in Central Indiana that trafficked significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Arizona to the Indianapolis, Anderson, and Muncie areas. Bertram and Christopher Miller utilized multiple couriers to obtain the drugs from Joaquin Carranza in Arizona and fly them to Indianapolis, concealed in their checked baggage. Drugs were also shipped to Indiana using U.S. mail. The drugs were then distributed to the other defendants for storage, packaging, and selling to individuals. Multiple members of the organization possessed and used firearms, including weapons than had been converted into fully automatic firearms (a/k/a machineguns), to further their drug trafficking activities, despite previous felony convictions.

Machinegun conversion devices, sometimes called “Glock switches” or “auto-sears,” are devices that convert ordinary semiautomatic firearms into fully automatic machineguns. Machinegun conversion devices are themselves considered machineguns under federal law, even when not installed, and are illegal to possess or sell without a special license.

In addition to dealing controlled substances, Christopher Miller, Afrika Williams, and Jamie Sullivan also laundered the proceeds of the criminal organization using CashApp transactions, structured bank deposits and currency exchanges, and the purchase of vehicles.

While the case was being investigated, Jaraughn Bertram fled Indianapolis to Mexico. After federal charges were announced in June of 2023, Joaquin Carranza also fled to Mexico and remains a fugitive. Jaraughn Bertram was killed in September of 2024 in Mexico.

This case was part of a long-term investigation which resulted in multiple federal indictments. In total, the investigation recovered the following contraband and proceeds of the criminal activity:

  • 128 firearms
  • 61 machine gun conversion devices (MCDs)
  • $722,626 currency
  • 22 vehicles
  • 118 pounds of methamphetamine
  • 78 kilograms of fentanyl
  • 501 pounds of marijuana
  • 315 grams of cocaine
  • 216 grams of heroin

“This was not just a drug bust- it was a takedown of a massive, highly organized criminal enterprise flooding Central Indiana with poison on an industrial scale,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Dozens of law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels worked tirelessly together, coordinating for years across jurisdictions to take down this operation. Thanks to their extraordinary partnership, these dangerous traffickers are behind bars, and our communities are safer.”

“This extraordinary investigation, made possible through the collaboration of numerous law enforcement partners, underscores our commitment to justice. We believe the sentences imposed on these violent offenders will have a lasting positive impact on the communities they targeted,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge, John Smerglia. 

“The defendants profited by flooding our neighborhoods with deadly drugs, leaving devastation in their wake—shattered families, lost lives, and communities in crisis,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “Today’s sentences send a clear message: if you exploit our communities and profit from their pain, we will come for you. The FBI and our law enforcement partners will be unrelenting in hunting down these traffickers and driving them off our streets.”

“Drug traffickers don’t just flood communities with narcotics—they disguise their profits through complex laundering schemes,” said Jason Bushey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “IRS-CI special agents used forensic accounting to expose how this network tried to wash its money clean. By seizing their drugs, firearms, and illegal assets, we’ve cut off both the poison and the profits. IRS-CI will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

“US Postal Inspectors are dedicated to maintaining the sanctity of trust placed in the US Mail. We will aggressively pursue anyone who uses the US Mail to transport and distribute deadly drugs which impacts the safety of postal employees and postal customers,” said USPIS Detroit Division Acting Inspector in Charge Felicia George. “The Postal Inspection Service is proud to stand with our law enforcement partners in identifying, disrupting, and dismantling these drug tracking organizations which endanger our communities.”

“The Indiana State Police actively collaborates with various law enforcement partners at all levels (local, state, and federal) to combat criminal enterprises involved in illicit narcotics and firearms. This collaborative approach aims to enhance public safety by disrupting the flow of illegal drugs and firearms and bringing those involved in their trafficking to justice,” said Indiana State Police Captain, Ron Galaviz.

The following agencies investigated this case:   

  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
  • Internal Revenue Service- Criminal Investigation
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation- Indianapolis
  • Drug Enforcement Administration
  • United States Marshals Service
  • U.S. Postal Inspection Service
  • Homeland Security Investigations
  • The Indiana Crime Guns Task Force
  • Indiana State Police
  • Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
  • Fishers Police Department
  • Carmel Police Department
  • Boone County Sheriff’s Department
  • Zionsville Police Department
  • Anderson Police Department
  • Lawrence Police Department
  • Muncie Police Department
  • Fort Wayne Police Department
  • Avon Police Department

The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt.

U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Michelle P. Brady and Kelsey L. Massa, who prosecuted this case.

This case was brought in conjunction with the Indiana Crime Guns Task Force (ICGTF). ICGTF is a partnership of law enforcement officers and analysts from several central Indiana law enforcement agencies in Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Marion, Morgan, Johnson, and Shelby counties. In cooperation with state, local, and federal partners, ICGTF collaborates to address violent crime through a comprehensive strategy including innovative approaches to locating suspects and evidence related to violent crimes and illegal possession of firearms.

This case was also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

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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.

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Former State Corrections Officer Sentenced to Prison for Assault on Inmate

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Brandon Montanari Was One of Three Guards Who Assaulted an Inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Brandon Montanari, age 34, of East Concord, New York, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison, to be followed by 2 years of supervised release, for depriving an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility of his rights under color of law. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

When Montanari pled guilty, he admitted to assaulting an inmate at Mid-State Correctional Facility in April 2023, along with fellow correction officers Rohail Kahn, age 28, and Michael Williams age 38, both of whom have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Montanari, Williams, and Khan punched and kicked the inmate without cause in a hallway in the middle of the night, and they later agreed with each other to lie about what happened to internal investigators.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “I recognize how difficult it is to work as a corrections officer in New York State, but nobody is above the law. It is unacceptable for a corrections officer to assault an inmate. With our law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate these types of incidents and, where appropriate, bring federal criminal charges.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. Montanari admitted to assaulting an inmate and lying to cover it up. Now he is headed to federal prison. Today’s sentence proves the FBI will not look the other way when an officer violates the laws they are sworn to uphold.”

Williams is scheduled to be sentenced on September 26, 2025, and Khan is scheduled to be sentenced on September 29, 2025, by Chief United States District Judge Brenda K. Sannes, who presides over all three cases.

FBI investigated the case with assistance from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Office of Special Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael F. Perry and Michael D. Gadarian are prosecuting the case.

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Canadian Man Sentenced to 188 Months for Attempted Online Enticement of a Minor and Possessing Child Pornography

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Alexander MacFayden, age 60, and a citizen of Canada, was sentenced today to 188 months in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release, for the attempted enticement of a minor and possession of child pornography.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, MacFayden admitted that between May 2023 and August 25, 2023, he exchanged sexually explicit messages online with an individual in Albany whom he believed would allow him to engage in sexual contact with a 10-year-old relative.  MacFayden also admitted that on August 25, 2023, he traveled from Canada to Albany with the intent to engage in sexual acts with a 10-year-old girl.  MacFayden was arrested by law enforcement shortly after arriving at the location.

MacFayden will have to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “Alexander MacFayden is a depraved person who wanted to have sex with a 10-year-old girl. He will now spend the next 15 years in federal prison. Every day, we are working with our law enforcement partners to lock up pedophiles who would seek to harm children in our communities.”

FBI Special Agent in Charge Craig L. Tremaroli stated: “Mr. MacFayden traveled from Canada to Albany, where he intended to have sex with a 10-year-old girl. That trip just landed him in federal prison for the next 15 years. The FBI’s reach is vast, and we will use every resource at our disposal to keep our children safe from these sickening predators.”

This case was investigated by the FBI and its Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes members of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Colonie Police Department, the Rotterdam Police Department, and the New York State Police.  Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph S. Hartunian and Allen J. Vickey prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.

Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc