News from April 2023


Domestic Assault on Menominee Indian Reservation Leads to 24-Month Prison Sentence for Keshena Man

United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that Stephen Teller, Jr., (age: 41), a former resident of the Menominee Indian Reservation, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for an assault he committed on the Menominee Indian Reservation.


Couple Pleads Guilty to Smuggling $2 Million in Pesticides and Veterinary Drugs

Otilio Rodriguez Toledo and Alicia Aispuro Hernandez, husband and wife from Thermal, California, pleaded guilty in federal court today to conspiring to smuggle and distribute $2 million worth of Mexican pesticides and veterinary drugs that are not approved for use in the United States.


Biloxi Man Sentenced for Explosive Hoax

A Biloxi man was sentenced to 6 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release and a $1,000.00 fine for submitting a false tip to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced U.S. Attorney Darren J. LaMarca and Special Agent in Charge Jermicha Fomby of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.


Lawrence Man Sentenced for Fentanyl Distribution

A Lawrence man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for distributing more than 100 grams of fentanyl.


Salisbury Man Charged with Possession of a Stolen Firearm

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Scott Clark, 40, of Salisbury, Vermont, was arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle after Clark’s indictment for possession of a stolen firearm. Clark was ordered detained pending trial.


Atlanta Man Sentenced for Role in Car Theft Ring

KEINAN CHAPMAN (“CHAPMAN”), age 39, was sentenced on March 23, 2023, for conspiring to transport and sell stolen vehicles in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 371, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.


Two California Men Indicted for $150 Million Securities Fraud

Defendants allegedly conspired to facilitate and participate in pump-and-dumps, and one defendant allegedly attempted to acquire a fraudulent Ukrainian passport to flee prosecution


Fontana Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Scams that Defrauded His Romantic Partners and Others

A San Bernardino County man has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for defrauding eight women – some of whom he developed romantic relationships with – and nine businesses and then laundering the proceeds of his scheme, the Justice Department announced today.


Queens Man Pleads Guilty to Real Estate Fraud Scheme

The Defendant Targeted the Bengali Community in Queens


Man Convicted For Two Armed Robberies Is Sentenced To 10 Years

U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney sentenced Travon Roary, 37, of Charlotte, to 120 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for committing two armed robberies, announced Dena J. King, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.


Atlantic County Doctor Admits Health Care Fraud Conspiracy

An Atlantic County, New Jersey, doctor today admitted his role in defrauding New Jersey state and local health benefits programs and other insurers by submitting fraudulent claims for medically unnecessary prescriptions, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced.


Fontana Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Scams that Defrauded His Romantic Partners and Others

A San Bernardino County man has been sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for defrauding eight women – some of whom he developed romantic relationships with – and nine businesses and then laundering the proceeds of his scheme, the Justice Department announced today.


Federal Grand Jury Indicts Former Franklin Man for Sexually Exploiting a Child by Producing and Possessing Child Pornography

A federal grand jury in Bowling Green returned a two-count indictment on March 15, 2023, charging a former Franklin, Kentucky, man with sexual exploitation of a child by producing child pornography and possessing child pornography


North Carolina Man Charged with $7 Million Ponzi Scheme

A North Carolina man was indicted today on wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering charges related to a $7 million investment fraud Ponzi scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.


Boyle County Man Pleads Guilty To Agricultural Loan Fraud

A Danville, Ky., man, Peter Alex Cox, 33, entered a guilty plea on Monday, before Chief U.S. District Judge Danny Reeves, to unlawful conversion of loan collateral.


New Orleans Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Gun Charge

LAIRD JOHNSON, age 24, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty on March 23, 2023 to a five-count indictment alleging violations of the Federal Gun Control Act, Title 18 United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1), 922(j), 922(u), 924(a)(2), and 924(i)(1), announced United States Attorney Duane A. Evans.


Federal Grand Jury Indicts Christian County Felon for Illegally Possessing a Firearm, Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, and Trafficking Cocaine

A federal grand jury in Paducah, Kentucky, returned an indictment on March 14, 2023, charging a Christian County felon with illegally possessing a firearm, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute it.


Four Men Recently Sentenced in Connection With Three Louisville Area Carjackings

Four men were sentenced in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky for their roles in Louisville area carjackings.


Cambridge Man Faces 5-40 Years, $5M Fine for Role in Penobscot County Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

A Cambridge man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Bangor today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine base, methamphetamine and cocaine.


Navy Doctor Pleads Guilty to Defrauding the Navy

Dr. Michael Villarroel, a U.S. Navy doctor, pleaded guilty today in federal court, admitting that he and others conspired to defraud the Navy by faking or exaggerating injuries to obtain insurance payments intended to help service members recovering from traumatic injuries.