Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

A federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 19-count indictment charging MICHAEL ATKINSON, 27, of East Hartford; ROLAND McTAGGART, 27, of Hartford; SHARIF DJIBO, 28, of East Hartford; ROMARIO ROSE, 31, of Newington; JASHAWN ATKINSON, 23, of Hartford; and ADRIAN OLIVERO, 53, of New Britain, with offenses related to the cashing of stolen U.S. Treasury checks at a U.S. Post Office in Hartford.  The indictment was returned on October 28, 2025, and Michael Atkinson, McTaggart, Djibo, Rose, Jashawn Atkinson, and RASHELLE SAILOR, 40, of Hartford, an alleged co-conspirator who is charged by federal criminal complaint, were arrested on November 6, 2025.  Olivero is currently being sought by law enforcement.

The announcement was made by David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Matthew Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Area Field Office; Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York; Michael Carpenter, Special Agent in Charge of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA); Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division; and Hartford Police Chief James Rovella.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, Michael Atkinson, McTaggart, Djibo, Rose, Jashawn Atkinson, Olivero, and others obtained stolen U.S. Treasury checks and cashed them at the Blue Hills Post Office on Woodland Street in Hartford, where Sailor was employed as a postal clerk.  To ensure that there was sufficient cash available for a transaction, the co-conspirators often purchased postal money orders with cash prior to presenting the checks to Sailor who cashed them.  Sailor also cashed stolen checks she had obtained herself.  Between February and July 2025, the defendants cashed more than 1,300 stolen U.S. Treasury checks worth a total of more than $3.1 million.  Of that total, Sailor was involved in the cashing of more than 1,200 checks worth more than $2.7 million.

“As alleged, these co-conspirators collectively stole more than $3 million from the government in a relatively short period of time,” said U.S. Attorney Sullivan.  “The fact that the scheme involved, and would not have been successful without, the participation of at least one corrupt government employee, is particularly disturbing.  I thank our partner law enforcement agencies for shutting down this operation and bringing these individuals to justice.  The investigation to determine those responsible for the theft of the U.S. Treasury Checks, and others involved in the scheme, is ongoing.”

“The Special Agents of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS OIG) will vigorously investigate those who use their position to commit crimes against the American public and the Postal Service,” said Special Agent in Charge Modafferi of U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General.  “The conduct alleged is disgraceful, and our office will continue to tirelessly investigate Postal Service employees and their co-conspirators who violate the public’s trust.  This case serves as an excellent example of the successful collaboration between the USPS OIG, our law enforcement partners, and the District of Connecticut U.S Attorney’s Office to pursue and prosecute Postal Service employees involved in criminal activity.”

“Today’s announcement shines a harsh light on an alleged public corruption scheme in which a federal employee partnered with individuals to steal from the hardworking communities they were entrusted to serve,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “The defendants are accused of exploiting government systems for their own greed, and robbing innocent Americans of money intended for them.  Their alleged actions reflect an audacious disregard for the law and the communities they harmed.  HSI New York will work tirelessly with our partners to dismantle these criminal networks and bring every perpetrator to justice.”

“The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) aggressively investigates individuals who attempt to exploit U.S Treasury refund checks meant for hard working taxpayers for their own private gain,” said TIGTA Special Agent in Charge Michael Carpenter.  “TIGTA’s mission is to protect the integrity of our nation’s tax administration system.  We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who violate federal laws are prosecuted to the fullest extent possible.”

“These defendants sought to enrich themselves through an elaborate scheme involving the cashing of stolen U.S. Treasury checks at a Hartford Post Office,” said Inspector in Charge Ketty Larco-Ward of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division.  “They then compounded their crimes by laundering some of the proceeds through the purchase of postal money orders.  The Postal Inspection Service will not tolerate thieves — regardless of who they are — using the U.S. Mail to harm postal customers or the financial institutions that serve them. We are grateful to all the agencies involved in bringing this group to justice.”

Each of the defendants is charged with conspiracy, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of five years, and with one or more counts of theft of government property, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years on each count.  Each defendant is also charged with aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment of two years.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment or criminal complaint are not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This ongoing investigation is being conducted by the U.S Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Hartford Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Chang.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Glenn Thomas Berger (50, Lehigh Acres) has pleaded guilty to trafficking in counterfeit golf putter grips. Berger faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and up to a $2 million fine. Berger has agreed to forfeit $170,570.45 in proceeds obtained from the offense. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, Berger, who owns and operates a company that manufactures and sells sporting goods, sold thousands of counterfeit “Scotty Cameron” branded golf putter grips utilizing an online selling platform. Berger then shipped the counterfeit products through the U.S. mail. From November 2020 through at least August 2024, Berger sold and shipped more than $170,000 worth of counterfeit goods.

This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.

NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations. 

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Martin DeJesus Maldonado, Jr. (44, Lee County) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Maldonado faces an enhanced minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison because he has a qualifying prior conviction for a serious drug felony. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, DeJesus Maldonado worked with his three co-defendants, Esequiel Maldonado (Esequiel), Ron Ramirez, Jr., and Schuyler Jordan Thompson to distribute cocaine. Esequiel was the Texas-based leader of the conspiracy. He authorized sales of cocaine, served as the conspiracy’s broker, and set cocaine prices. On behalf of Esequiel, Ramirez arranged for Thompson to deliver cocaine to DeJesus Maldonado who then distributed it in the Middle District of Florida and arranged for drug proceeds to be paid back to Esequiel. On November 30, 2023, DeJesus Maldonado sold one kilogram of cocaine in Lee County to a confidential human source.

Ramirez pleaded guilty on September 24, 2025. Thompson and Esequiel are set for trial in January 2026.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.

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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ALBANY, NEW YORK – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York is alerting the public of imposter scams involving individuals claiming to work for the Department of Justice.

During these calls, scammers appear to focus on immigration-related matters, like visa status, and at times threaten to retaliate against the person if their demands are not met. They often ask for personal information, like the person’s address or where the person is located. 

Scammers use many tactics to sound and appear credible. They typically spoof their phone numbers so that when you receive the call, it appears as if the call is coming from a number associated with a government agency, like the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office will never:

• Direct you to tell us exactly where you are at any given moment;
• Ask you to provide information relating to your immigration status; or
• Threaten you or tell you there are “consequences” if you do not speak to us or comply with any demands.

As a reminder, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will also never demand payment of any kind, including by gift card, and it will never ask you for your credit card number. Such requests are often made by scammers.

If you have been contacted by someone claiming to be from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and would like to confirm the call is legitimate, please hang up and contact our Office’s main line at 315-448-0672. While scammers can spoof their phone numbers to appear to be calling from this number when making outgoing calls, they cannot receive calls made to this number.

If you suspect you have received one of these scam calls, you may also report the incident via the Internet Crime Complaint Center at http://www.ic3.gov/. 

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell has sentenced Jacinto Luna (54, Immokalee) and Marcelino DeLeon (45, Felda) each to 24 months in federal prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, after they both pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and engaging in illegal monetary transactions in connection with the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program.

In April 2020, the United States Department of Agriculture announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). CFAP provided relief to farmers and ranchers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to court documents, in August and September 2020, DeLeon and Luna conspired with others to defraud CFAP by each submitting two different fraudulent CFAP applications on behalf of their harvesting companies. DeLeon and Luna’s applications misrepresented crop production, crop revenue, and ownership interests.

In total, DeLeon’s fraudulent representations in his CFAP applications caused the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency to approve his applications and deposit $1,051,710.11 into a bank account controlled by him.  Following the disbursement of the CFAP proceeds, DeLeon engaged in an illegal monetary transaction by using some of the fraudulent CFAP proceeds to purchase a vehicle.  Prior to sentencing, DeLeon cooperated with the government and fully paid his restitution and forfeiture obligations totaling $2,103,420.22.

In total, Luna’s fraudulent representations on his CFAP applications caused the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency to approve his applications and provide him a total of $994,216,96. Some of these funds were deposited into a bank account controlled by Luna. Following the disbursement of CFAP proceeds, Luna engaged in an illegal monetary transaction by using some of the fraudulent CFAP proceeds to purchase a vehicle. Prior to sentencing, Luna cooperated with the government and fully paid his restitution and forfeiture obligations totaling $1,988,433.92.

Anyone who suspects fraud or other wrongdoing related to the pandemic should report it to the COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud Hotline at www.pandemicoversight.gov/contact/about-hotline, by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

U.S. Attorney Smith announced that three co-conspirators have recently been sentenced for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Beginning in September of 2024, detectives with the Cheyenne Police Department Community Action Team began an investigation into the distribution of fentanyl in the Cheyenne area. All three convictions were obtained through plea agreements resulting in a minimum of 12 years in federal prison.

According to court documents, through surveillance and interviews, investigators were able to track Brady Ehlers and Ashley Haberman’s movements as they purchased fentanyl from Colorado and distributed it in Laramie County. Detectives obtained search warrants, resulting in the seizure of fentanyl and drug paraphernalia from Ehler’s vehicle and their shared hotel room. The investigation also revealed that they were redistributing the fentanyl for several months and that one redistributor, Stacy Scrak, sold the fentanyl to another person who overdosed. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Cheyenne Police Department investigated the crime.

U.S. Attorney Smith said, “It is devastating to see the impact that this terrible drug has had across our nation. Knowing that fentanyl has a high rate of death, it makes it that much harder to understand how people can put profit over human life. I am grateful for the strong alliance between the Cheyenne Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and I commend their work on this case.”

Brady Joseph Ehlers, 35, of Evanston was sentenced to a total of 168 months’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison prosecuted the case. A criminal complaint was filed Nov. 16, 2024, and Ehlers pleaded guilty on Feb. 28. U.S. District Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne on April 15. Case No. 25-CR-00026

Ashley Nicole Haberman, 40, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to a total of 144 months’ imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie Morrison prosecuted the case. A criminal complaint was filed Nov 26, 2024, and Haberman pleaded guilty on March 18. U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence in Casper on June 5. Case No. 25-CR-00033.

Stacey Claire Scrak, 28, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, was sentenced to 144 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for the distribution of fentanyl. Assistant U.S. Attorney Z. Seth Griswold prosecuted the case. Scrak was arrested on complaint Feb. 19 and pleaded guilty on April 17. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on Oct. 8 in Cheyenne. 

Case No. 24-CR-00067

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that KAREN GASTON, 45, of East Granby, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sarah F. Russell in New Haven to three years of probation for defrauding COVID-19 pandemic relief programs of more than $1.1 million.  During her probation, Gaston was ordered to serve four weekends of incarceration, 10 months in home detention, and 500 hours of community service.

In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).  The PPP was overseen by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”), and individual PPP loans were issued by private lenders, which received and processed PPP applications and supporting documentation, and then made loans using the lenders’ own funds, which were guaranteed by the SBA.  The CARES Act also authorized SBA to distribute Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDLs”), which provided working capital to eligible small businesses, including sole proprietors, to meet operating expenses.

According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2020, Gaston controlled certain entities including LNK, Elegant Clinical, Ruby Red LLC, and Diamond Shine LLC.  LNK and Diamond Shine LLC were operational, but shared resources and employees.  Ruby Red LLC had only one client and Gaston was its sole employee.   Elegant Clinical was no longer operational.  Beginning in approximately April 2020, Gaston submitted loan applications to the PPP and EIDL programs that falsely represented the status of the operations, resources, and employees of these entities.  She also filed loan applications at separate financial institutions in order to disguise the true nature of her criminal activity. 

Specifically, Gaston’s loan applications falsely represented that her businesses were all active and operating concerns; falsely represented the number of employees and the amount of wages purportedly paid by the businesses; included copies of fraudulent tax returns and tax related documents; and falsely represented that a family member, used as an applicant on an application, was a part owner of one of her entities.  As least one loan application was submitted after Gaston was arrested for state offenses related to a Medicaid fraud scheme.

Gaston received $1,163,910 in PPP and EIDL loan funds through this scheme.  Instead of using the funds for payroll or other operating expenses, she spent the money on personal expenditures, including, cares, travel, food, luxury home goods, expensive jewelry, and paying off her home mortgage.

Judge Russell ordered Gaston to pay full restitution.  She also forfeited a ring she purchased in July 2020 from the jeweler Harry Winston for $39,521.63.

On June 12, 2025, Gaston pleaded guilty to wire fraud and making illegal monetary transactions.

This investigation was conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael S. McGarry.

Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man has been charged with federal drug and weapons offenses after U.S. Marshals arrested him on a supervised release violation last month.

According to court documents, on September 8, 2025, Orlando Mario Jude Serrano, 44, was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service on an active federal warrant for violating his supervised release. During the arrest in Albuquerque, agents recovered approximately 1,283 grams of fentanyl pills, 364 grams of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and a Glock pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device inside a camera bag and lunch bag Serrano was carrying and inside his vehicle.

Serrano was previously convicted in 2015 for drug trafficking and felon in possession of a firearm.

Serrano is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of the current charges, Serrano faces no less than 10 years and up to life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Jason T. Stevens, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, made the announcement today.

Homeland Security Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Oliver Stephanz is prosecuting the case.

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

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Kevin Charles Luke (62, Parrish) has pleaded guilty to one count of unauthorized communication of information relating to the national defense. Luke faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to the plea agreement, Luke retired from the United States Army in June 2018 with the rank of Colonel. Thereafter, he worked as a contractor and civilian employee. Throughout his time in the Army, and thereafter as a civilian employee, he held a security clearance that authorized him to access classified information related to the national defense.

In October 2024, Luke was a government civilian employee at United States Central Command in Tampa, Florida. Luke met a woman online and began communicating with her via his personal cellphone and computer. On October 1, 2024, Luke sent that woman a text message stating, “sent to my boss earlier, gives you a peak at what I do for a living.” Luke then sent a photograph of a computer screen displaying a classified email message that he had authored and sent using a government email address intended for classified email communications. The email contained classified markings of SECRET//REL TO USA, FVEY that Luke had himself added. The photograph of the classified email that Luke sent to the woman discussed a then-future U.S. military operation. This information was classified at the time and remains classified. The photograph of the classified email also revealed the number of targets of the planned U.S. military operation as well as the future date of the operation, the means of executing the operation, and the goal of the operation. Luke knew that his personal cellphone was not authorized for storing or transmitting national defense information, and that the woman was not authorized to receive national defense information.

This case was investigated by the Air Force’s Office of Special Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel J. Marcet and Lindsey Schmidt and Department of Justice National Security Division Counterintelligence and Export Control Section Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook.

NOTE: This matter occurred on a previous date but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 37 months in prison after a drunk driving crash critically injured his passenger.

There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court documents, on January 11, 2018, Philbert Wayne Mark, 46, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was driving at high rates of speed while highly intoxicated when he failed to navigate a turn. The vehicle flipped and rolled for 174 feet, ejecting and critically injuring his passenger. At the hospital, Mark had a blood alcohol content of .396.

Mark pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Upon his release from prison, Mark will be subject to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.