Featured Stories
Woburn Man Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison for Bank Fraud and Money Laundering
BOSTON, Massachusetts, July 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts posted the following news release:
* * *
Woburn Man Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison for Bank Fraud and Money Laundering
*
BOSTON - A Woburn man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for the theft of U.S. Treasury tax refund checks in Massachusetts.
Nnamdi Opara, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper to 10 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Opara pleaded guilty in November 2025. In September 2025, Opara was charged
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, July 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts posted the following news release:
* * *
Woburn Man Sentenced to 10 Months in Prison for Bank Fraud and Money Laundering
*
BOSTON - A Woburn man was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Boston for the theft of U.S. Treasury tax refund checks in Massachusetts.
Nnamdi Opara, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Denise J. Casper to 10 months in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Opara pleaded guilty in November 2025. In September 2025, Opara was chargedwith two counts of bank fraud and five counts of money laundering. The defendant was previously arrested in June 2025 as part of an investigation into the theft of U.S. Treasury tax refund checks in Massachusetts.
Opara wrongfully obtained two U.S. Treasury checks that were issued to a New York entity named AFGO Mechanical Services, Inc. After obtaining the checks, Opara established a company called AFGO Mechanical Services, Inc. in Massachusetts, for which he served as the President, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, Director and Registered Agent. Opara then deposited the U.S. Treasury check into an account he controlled, payable to the Massachusetts-based AFGO entity he had established when, in fact, the Massachusetts-based AFGO entity had never filed a federal tax return. As a result, Opara stole a total of $700,767 from the U.S. Treasury. In addition, Opara conducted multiple illegal monetary transactions designed to conceal the source of the funds from the stolen Treasury checks.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; and Jason Buckley, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's Boston Division made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
***
Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/woburn-man-sentenced-10-months-prison-bank-fraud-and-money-laundering
Maryland Man Indicted for Vandalizing Reflecting Pool
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia posted the following news release:
* * *
Maryland Man Indicted for Vandalizing Reflecting Pool
*
WASHINGTON - An indictment was returned today charging David Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, for charges related to vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on June 19, 2026, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
"After months of renovations ordered by President Trump to prepare our capital for America's 250th anniversary-including the restoration of more than 50 parks, 48 monuments, and 22 fountains-these
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, July 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia posted the following news release:
* * *
Maryland Man Indicted for Vandalizing Reflecting Pool
*
WASHINGTON - An indictment was returned today charging David Hearn, 67, of Bethesda, Maryland, for charges related to vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool on June 19, 2026, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
"After months of renovations ordered by President Trump to prepare our capital for America's 250th anniversary-including the restoration of more than 50 parks, 48 monuments, and 22 fountains-thesedeliberate acts of destruction set back real progress and violate the law," said U.S. Attorney Pirro. "Vandalism at treasured places like the Reflecting Pool is an affront to our shared history and the dignity of our national heritage. These monuments belong to all of us, and we will protect them-and hold accountable those who seek to deface or diminish them."
On July 2, 2026, a grand jury in Superior Court returned an indictment against Hearn for one count of felony destruction of property in violation of DC Code SS 22-303. A court hearing is scheduled for July 9, 2026.
The indictment was in response to an incident that occurred on June 19, 2026, in which Hearn allegedly ripped a piece of the recently installed blue pool sealant on the bottom of the reflecting pool at the Lincoln Memorial.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was Deputy Chief David Lamond of the U.S. Park Police.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Park Police.
These charges are merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Follow us on Twitter Links to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link., Instagram Links to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link., and YouTube Links to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.
or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc
***
Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-dc/pr/maryland-man-indicted-vandalizing-reflecting-pool
Illegal alien sentenced for role in decades-long identity theft scheme
HOUSTON, Texas, July 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas posted the following news release:
* * *
Illegal alien sentenced for role in decades-long identity theft scheme
*
HOUSTON - A 63-year-old Mexican national illegally residing in Houston has been ordered to federal prison for theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Ana Silvia Garcia pleaded guilty April 14.
U.S. District Judge Charles R. Eskridge has now ordered Garcia to serve 27 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, she is
... Show Full Article
HOUSTON, Texas, July 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas posted the following news release:
* * *
Illegal alien sentenced for role in decades-long identity theft scheme
*
HOUSTON - A 63-year-old Mexican national illegally residing in Houston has been ordered to federal prison for theft of government funds and aggravated identity theft, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Ana Silvia Garcia pleaded guilty April 14.
U.S. District Judge Charles R. Eskridge has now ordered Garcia to serve 27 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, she isexpected to face removal proceedings following her imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard testimony from the victim describing the emotional toll of the crime. In handing down the sentence, Judge Eskridge noted Garcia's use of the victim's identity was an ongoing crime that was intentionally done and therefore was not aberrant behavior despite her lack of prior criminal history. Garcia was further ordered to pay $278,385 in restitution to the Social Security Administration.
Beginning in 1992, Garcia used a Social Security number belonging to a U.S. citizen. Using that identity, she submitted immigration petitions on behalf of family members and obtained disability and Medicare benefits.
As a result of the scheme, Garcia unlawfully received more than $278,000 in benefits from 2013 through February 2026. She was not entitled to those funds.
Garcia later admitted her true identity following her arrest in February.
She has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The SSA - Office of Inspector General and Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service conducted the investigation with the assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Bauman prosecuted the case.
The Department of Justice has created the National Fraud Enforcement Division Links to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within federal benefit programs.
***
Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/illegal-alien-sentenced-role-decades-long-identity-theft-scheme
Four Tampa Men Sentenced for Two Armed Robberies of Convenience Stores
TAMPA, Florida, July 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida posted the following news release:
* * *
Four Tampa Men Sentenced for Two Armed Robberies of Convenience Stores
*
Tampa, FL - U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced four Tampa men for the armed robberies of two Tampa convenience stores. E'barous Harris (age 27) was sentenced to 14 years and 7 months in prison, Ronald Brown (age 25) to 15 years in prison, Jermaine Dawes (age 33) to 14 years and 10 months in prison, and Tra-Vontae Watson (age 32) to 20 years and 5 months in prison. Each
... Show Full Article
TAMPA, Florida, July 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida posted the following news release:
* * *
Four Tampa Men Sentenced for Two Armed Robberies of Convenience Stores
*
Tampa, FL - U.S. District Judge Steven D. Merryday has sentenced four Tampa men for the armed robberies of two Tampa convenience stores. E'barous Harris (age 27) was sentenced to 14 years and 7 months in prison, Ronald Brown (age 25) to 15 years in prison, Jermaine Dawes (age 33) to 14 years and 10 months in prison, and Tra-Vontae Watson (age 32) to 20 years and 5 months in prison. Eachpreviously pleaded guilty. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents and proceedings, in July 2024, the above-named individuals conspired together to rob the convenience stores. Harris, Watson, and Brown went inside the stores, while Dawes acted as the lookout and getaway driver. Watson and Brown carried firearms, which they utilized to steal cash from both locations. Law enforcement ultimately located the robbers at a motel in Tampa. Surveillance footage from the hotel showed the four men getting in and out of the vehicle used in the robberies, and the larger firearm, a rifle, could be seen being loaded into the vehicle as well. Search warrants for multiple hotel rooms associated with the individuals were executed and a rifle consistent with the one seen on video and used in the robberies was located.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, and the Tampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Samantha Newman.
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.
***
Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/four-tampa-men-sentenced-two-armed-robberies-convenience-stores
Former Florida Resident Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Appraisal Fraud
TAMPA, Florida, July 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida posted the following news release:
* * *
Former Florida Resident Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Appraisal Fraud
*
Tampa, FL - Armando Martinez (51, Plano, TX) has been sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant, III, of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas to 20 years in federal prison for bank fraud. Martinez previously pleaded guilty. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents filed with the United States
... Show Full Article
TAMPA, Florida, July 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida posted the following news release:
* * *
Former Florida Resident Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Appraisal Fraud
*
Tampa, FL - Armando Martinez (51, Plano, TX) has been sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant, III, of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas to 20 years in federal prison for bank fraud. Martinez previously pleaded guilty. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents filed with the United StatesDistrict Court for the Middle District of Florida, Martinez, who had his Florida Appraiser's license revoked, orchestrated and executed a bank fraud scheme directed at multiple financial institutions by taking over the identity and license number of a legitimate licensed appraiser. Martinez then purportedly conducted onsite appraisals for dozens of properties in Florida. In reality, Martinez paid others to go to the properties and take pictures for appraisals he completed. He then sent the appraisals to the victim lenders, using his computer after having fled the United States to the Dominican Republic. Based on the false and fraudulent appraisals, the financial institutions were fraudulently induced to approve and fund mortgage loans and pay Martinez appraisal fees. As a result of Martinez's appraisal fraud, more than $65 million in mortgages are impaired or defective. These mortgages were either guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration or purchased and guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
This case was investigated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General and the United States Department of Housing and Development - Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor.
***
Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/former-florida-resident-sentenced-20-years-federal-prison-appraisal-fraud
Boston Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking
BOSTON, Massachusetts, July 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts posted the following news release:
* * *
Boston Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking
*
BOSTON - A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for cocaine trafficking charges, following a series of arrests targeting gangs in the Brockton and Randolph areas. The charges stemmed from the search of a luxury apartment in Dorchester, where over a kilogram of cocaine and two loaded guns were recovered.
Adonis Graham, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, July 2 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts posted the following news release:
* * *
Boston Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking
*
BOSTON - A Boston man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for cocaine trafficking charges, following a series of arrests targeting gangs in the Brockton and Randolph areas. The charges stemmed from the search of a luxury apartment in Dorchester, where over a kilogram of cocaine and two loaded guns were recovered.
Adonis Graham, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Court JudgeBrian E. Murphy to 46 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. In April 2026, Graham pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. His co-defendant, Giovany Fouyolle, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced in June 2026 to 10 years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release.
Fouyolle and Graham were arrested on Dec. 17, 2025, after search warrants were executed at numerous residences and stash houses associated with the Brockton-based Harvard Street Gang and their Randolph-based affiliates. One of the places searched was a unit at the Imprint Apartments in Dorchester, which Fouyolle used as a stash location. Approximately 1,170 grams of cocaine, along with two loaded guns and $2,000 cash in bare kitchen cabinets, were located in the apartment.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, Boston Field Division; the Abington, Acushnet, Ashland, Boston, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Chelsea, East Bridgewater, Medford, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Stoughton, Taunton and West Bridgewater Police Departments; Plymouth and Suffolk County Sheriff's Departments; Massachusetts Department of Correction; and the Plymouth, Norfolk and Suffolk County District Attorney's Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Cutshall and Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
***
Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/boston-man-sentenced-46-months-prison-cocaine-trafficking
Mexican National Sentenced to Two Years for Immigration and Identity Theft Offenses
TAMPA, Florida, July 1 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida posted the following news release:
* * *
Mexican National Sentenced to Two Years for Immigration and Identity Theft Offenses
*
Tampa, Florida - Juan Jaramillo Vazquez (50, Mexico), a/k/a Juan Vazquiz, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven to two years in federal prison for illegal reentry by a deported alien and aggravated identity theft. Vazquez pleaded guilty on March 27, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Vazquez was
... Show Full Article
TAMPA, Florida, July 1 -- The office of the U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida posted the following news release:
* * *
Mexican National Sentenced to Two Years for Immigration and Identity Theft Offenses
*
Tampa, Florida - Juan Jaramillo Vazquez (50, Mexico), a/k/a Juan Vazquiz, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary Scriven to two years in federal prison for illegal reentry by a deported alien and aggravated identity theft. Vazquez pleaded guilty on March 27, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Vazquez wasfound to be voluntarily present in the United States after having been previously removed from the United States three times in 2012. Vazquez had not received the consent of the Attorney General or Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission. Vazquez is a citizen of Mexico. Vazquez also fraudulently used a victim's Social Security number to gain employment and tax benefits, fraudulently representing himself to an employer and the Social Security Administration.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service, the Social Security Administration - Office of the Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Ilyssa M. Spergel and Tiffany Fields.
***
Original text here: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/mexican-national-sentenced-two-years-immigration-and-identity-theft-offenses
