News from April 2023


Bozeman man admits traveling with intent to engage in sex with a juvenile

A Bozeman man suspected of traveling to other state to have sex with a juvenile admitted to charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.


East Rochester Man Sentenced for Defrauding Elderly Family Member

An East Rochester man was sentenced in federal court for defrauding a 79-year old family member of almost $84,000, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.


Monmouth County Man Charged with Tax Evasion

A Monmouth County, New Jersey, man was arrested today for tax evasion, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.


Four People Indicted for Roles in Romance and Internet Frauds, Illegal Money Transmitting

A husband and wife formerly of Burlington County, New Jersey, and a Nigerian national were indicted for their roles in an online romance fraud and other internet frauds, resulting in the loss of $4.5 million to over 100 victims, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.


FBI San Francisco Releases Videos Depicting the Kidnapping of Monica de Leon Barba

The FBI is seeking public tips and offering a reward of up to $40,000 for information leading to Monica’s recovery



Everett Man Pleads Guilty to Securities Fraud

An Everett man pleaded guilty on April 12, 2023 to exerting secret control over a Massachusetts-based company, Cannabiz Mobile, Inc., as part of a pump-and-dump securities fraud scheme.


Former North Shore Resident Pleads Guilty to COVID-Relief Fraud

Pizzeria owner filed fraudulent applications for pandemic relief and used proceeds to purchase alpaca farm


California Man Sentenced for Threatening Merriam-Webster with Anti-LGBTQ Violence

Defendant’s threats caused Merriam-Webster to close offices in Springfield, Mass. and New York


FBI Director Visits Houston Field Office, Addresses Violent Crime and Makes Top Ten Fugitive Announcement

FBI Director Christopher Wray visited the FBI Houston Field Office, which covers 40 southeast Texas counties including Harris and Montgomery, and participated in a news conference with local media.


Maine Man Charged in Connection with Portsmouth School Threat

A Maine man has been federally charged in connection with posting a video on SnapChat that threatened the Portsmouth High School on April 12, 2023, U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young announces.


Canton Man Sentenced for Online Fraud Conspiracy and Obstruction of Justice

Defendant received more than $1 million in illicit proceeds through more than a dozen fraudulent bank accounts he opened using fake passports, and obstructed justice after his arrest


Hazelwood Man Sentenced to 224 Months in Prison for St. Louis Carjacking, Other Crimes

U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk on Friday sentenced a man to 18 years and eight months in prison for a carjacking and other crimes.


Informational: Federal Court arraignments

The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that the following persons were arraigned or appeared this week before U.S. Magistrate judges on indictments handed down by the Grand Jury or on criminal complaints.


Clinton business owner admits COVID-19 relief loan fraud

A Clinton roofing company owner today admitted to allegations that he used a federal business loan of more than $400,000 intended for economic relief caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to instead buy personal items, including an ATV, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a camper, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.


Virginia Homicide Suspect Arrested With Guns and Narcotics

News Release: Titusville, FL - On April 20, 2023, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and members of the Florida Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force ended a violent fugitive’s run from the law.


Jacksonville Convicted Felon Guilty of Possessing a Firearm

News Release: Jacksonville, FL - United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces that Thelonious Wayne Kirby (51, Jacksonville) has been found guilty of possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, following a bench trial. Kirby faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. Kirby is currently in state custody and appeared in federal court on a writ. He is currently serving a state prison sentence for unrelated charges.


Washington man admits attempting to coerce minor for sexual activity in undercover investigation

A Washington man who was accused of traveling to Missoula expecting to meet a child for sex and was arrested in an undercover investigation admitted to a coercion crime today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.


Essex County Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Wire Fraud in Connection with Romance Scam

An Essex County, New Jersey, man was convicted of conspiring to commit wire fraud and wire fraud in connection with an online romance scam, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.


Son of Murder Victim and a Co-Conspirator Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murder-for-Hire Committed at McDonald's Drive-Thru

Anthony Zottola, Sr. Plotted to Kill His Father and Brother to Take Over Family’s Multi-Million Dollar Real Estate Empire