Category: MIL-OSI

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

DETROIT – Mubasher Riaz, of Ypsilanti, Michigan, was sentenced last week by the Honorable Matthew F. Leitman to 50 months in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr.

Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Earlier this year, Defendants Mubasher Riaz and his brother, Muzzammil Riaz, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The brothers purchased online goods using fraudulent identities, virtual private networks, different electronic devices, and other means intended to avoid fraud detection by online vendors. The defendants purchased goods from hundreds of vendors, including cell phones, tablets, electronic doorbells, and clothing. After receiving the purchased goods, defendants submitted refund claims, falsely claiming the purchased goods were defective. Despite submitting a refund, the defendants did not return the purchased goods. Instead, the defendants shipped back an empty box, a counterfeit item, or alternative item such as a book that matched the expected shipment weight of the return. Mubasher Riaz would then resell the unlawfully obtained goods for profit.

FBI agents uncovered the scheme while executing a search warrant at the home of Mubasher Riaz in November 2023. At the time, Mubasher was under investigation for sexual exploitation of children. In connection with that case, Mubasher Riaz was sentenced to 188 months in prison earlier this year by the Honorable Sean F. Cox. A portion of Riaz’s fraud proceeds are being used to pay restitution to the minor victims in that case.

Agents found evidence of fraud in plain view in the Riaz home, including over 40 cell phones and 30 tablets that were individually labeled with the personal identifying information of different identities used for the fraud scheme. Riaz moved proceeds he acquired from his fraud scheme into cryptocurrency, which FBI agents ultimately recovered and liquidated. As part of Riaz’s sentence, he forfeited $400,000.00 of the liquidated fraud proceeds and forfeited 91 electronic devices as proceeds traceable to his fraud scheme. Riaz will also be ordered to repay his victims. A restitution hearing has been scheduled for February 4, 2026.

The FBI believes many possible victims of the scheme exist. Potential victims are encouraged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at fbi.gov/mubasherriazvictims (Please note that the link to the website is case sensitive).

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Zurek, with Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Fasbinder handling forfeiture matters.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

MIAMI – United States Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones served as one of the keynote speakers at Friday’s investiture ceremony for the Honorable Joanne Hernandez, newly appointed to the Miami-Dade County Court by Governor Ron DeSantis.

Judge Hernandez, an FIU Law alumna, longtime practitioner, and committed member of the Miami-Dade community, was formally sworn in during a ceremony attended by state trial and appellate judges, elected officials, community leaders, and colleagues from her years of philanthropic service and private practice.

During his remarks, U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones reflected on their shared journey beginning in law school, her unwavering work ethic, and her deep commitment to serving families, the vulnerable, and the community at large.

In his address, U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones stated: “Governor DeSantis appointed an exceptional judge, but more importantly, Miami-Dade County gained a servant of the people who understands that justice is not about power, but responsibility.”

He continued: “Joanne, today we honor not only your achievement, but the values that carried you here: faith, perseverance, and love for your community. You remind us that success and humility are not opposites, they belong together.”

As United States Attorney, Reding Quiñones leads one of the largest and most complex federal districts in the nation, overseeing offices in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Fort Pierce. Before his presidential appointment and Senate confirmation, he served as a state court trial judge presiding over civil and criminal domestic violence cases in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida.

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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

BOSTON – A registered sex offender from Dracut has been arrested and charged with unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.

Tyler Bullock, 30, was charged with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Bullock was arrested on Nov. 6, 2025, and is presently detained following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston.

According to the charging documents, Bullock was identified as an individual who had, on several occasions, sent money to an India-based network in exchange for child sexual abuse material (CSAM). During a search of Bullock’s residence, Bullock allegedly admitted to soliciting and paying for CSAM. Forensic review of his devices is ongoing.

It is further alleged that, during the search of the residence, a Ruger P85 9mm pistol loaded with a magazine that contained several rounds of ammunition as well as a knife bearing the Schutztaffel lightning bolts and a swastika were located in a small safe under a rug in a bedroom. According to court documents, the pistol was reported stolen in transit from New Hampshire to Arizona. It is further alleged that a copy of Mein Kampf and an additional 42 rounds of ammunition were also located in the same bedroom.

Additionally, according to the charging documents, a partially assembled rifle was located in an upstairs bedroom along with numerous WWII-era German military medals, patches and memorabilia containing Nazi symbolism.

Bullock is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition as a result of a 2016 conviction for the Purchase or Possession of Child Pornography in Lowell District Court, for which he is a registered sex offender.

The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra W. Amrhein and Eric L. Hawkins of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

DETROIT – Dr. Naveed Aslam, 52, of West Bloomfield, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his role in a multi-million-dollar scheme to illegally sell and divert expensive prescription cancer drugs, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. announced.

Joining in the announcement were Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Runyan, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Special Agent in Charge Ronne Malham, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Aslam was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brandy R. McMillion after having pled guilty. Judge McMillion also ordered Aslam to forfeit more than $2.6 million, his ill-gotten profit from his crimes.

According to court records, the scheme spanned from 2019-2023. Aslam, a licensed oncologist, worked with others to buy and sell expensive cancer drugs for profit. His co-conspirators identified customers who were interested in buying prescription cancer drugs but could not obtain those drugs. So, they worked with Aslam. They requested certain expensive cancer drugs from Dr. Aslam and Dr. Aslam used his access to those drugs through his medical practice, Somerset Hematology and Oncology, P.C., to order and purchase the cancer drugs from his supplier. Aslam then sold the cancer drugs to and through his co-conspirators’ company to the eventual customer.

Dr. Aslam only had the right to use these drugs in his medical practice, and he was barred by law from selling, or diverting, the prescription cancer drugs outside of the FDA’s supply chain that ensures the safety and efficacy of the drugs. These cancer drugs, which were meant to treat conditions like metastatic cervical, breast, bladder, and urinary tract cancers, are highly toxic and require special handling. Fortunately, there is no evidence of patient harm, but Aslam’s scheme put patients at risk.

During this scheme, Dr. Aslam acquired and sold more than $17 million in prescription cancer drugs and personally profited more than $2.6 million.

“Dr. Aslam’s actions represent a serious breach of trust and a dangerous exploitation of the health care system for financial gain,” said Mario M. Pinto, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), Chicago Region. “By diverting cancer drugs intended for vulnerable patients, he not only violated the law but also put lives at risk. HHS-OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable those who compromise patient safety and the integrity of our federal health care programs.”

“The reckless and deliberate actions by Dr. Naveed Aslam not only enabled unlawful profit but created a risk of cancer medication going to individuals not intended to receive it,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “The sentencing reflects the serious consequences that follow when those entrusted with patient care violate the obligations of their profession. By working alongside our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, this scheme was disrupted and further reinforces the FBI’s commitment to protecting the American People.”

“A scheme like this not only undermines the integrity of our healthcare system and the professionals who work tirelessly to keep us healthy but also jeopardizes the safety of vulnerable patients who depend on these life-saving medications,” said HSI Detroit Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz. “HSI, alongside our law enforcement partners, remains committed to holding accountable those who exploit their positions of trust for personal gain at the expense of public health and safety.”

“Diverting prescription drugs, especially cancer medications, from the legitimate and secure U.S. supply chain to supply the illegal and unregulated black market undermines the very safeguards designed to protect patients,” said Ronne Malham, Agent in Charge, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office. “FDA will continue to pursue and bring to justice medical professionals who jeopardize the safety of patients for profit.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Lievense. Assistant United States Attorney Jessica A. Nathan of the Money Laundering & Asset Recovery Unit handled related forfeiture matters. The investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI, HHS-OIG, HSI, and the FDA.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Milwaukee – Brad D. Schimel has been appointed as the Interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. United States Attorney Schimel was appointed to the position by United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi. Today, Mr. Schimel has taken the oath of office – administered by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Pamela Pepper.

As Interim United States Attorney, Mr. Schimel is the Chief Federal Law Enforcement Officer for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. He supervises the prosecution of all federal crimes and the litigation of all civil matters for the United States within the district. He leads an office of approximately 82 prosecutors, civil litigators, support personnel and professional staff members.

Mr. Schimel said, “I am deeply honored to be appointed Interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. For more than three and a half decades, public service has been my calling – first as a young prosecutor in Waukesha County, then as District Attorney, Attorney General, and most recently as a judge. In every one of those roles, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated professionals who believe, as I do, that justice isn’t just a system – it’s a promise we make to the people we serve. 

I want to thank everyone who has placed their trust in me once again. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead an office filled with exceptional attorneys, investigators, and staff whose work often goes unseen, but whose impact is felt every single day in communities across this district. I am well aware that the word “interim” appears in front of my title. I am optimistic that this will become a longer-term opportunity, but whatever the case, I intend to work hard to support the team here to do great things for the people we serve.”

Richard G. Frohling, who had served in an acting capacity, will return to his position as First Assistant United States Attorney.

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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

This release was published following the 43-day government shutdown during which the plea occurred.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to a charge of stealing funds from a program or entity receiving federal funding, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.

Brett Smith, 41, pleaded guilty to one count before United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines on October 1, 2025.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that Smith, the former manager of a Johnstown apartment complex that houses the elderly, deposited rental payments and coins from the complex’s laundry machine into his own bank account. The complex receives federal funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the form of Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments.

Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for February 3, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 or an alternative amount, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney Nicole A. Stockey is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The HUD Office of Inspector General and Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Smith.
 

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

SAN DIEGO – Vincent Bailey of Las Vegas was sentenced in federal court to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $7,000 in restitution for the sex trafficking of a 16-year-old girl from Las Vegas.

Bailey trafficked the victim in three cities—Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Diego— from June 25 to July 15, 2024.

Bailey contacted the victim via Instagram on June 25 and pursued a sexual relationship with her before introducing her into the life of prostitution around Las Vegas. The next day, on June 26, Bailey took the minor victim to Los Angeles and began sex trafficking her on the “blade” on Figuera Street, a geographical area known for prostitution activity.

On July 4, Bailey took the minor victim from Los Angeles to San Diego to further sex traffic her on Roosevelt Ave. On July 5, the victim bravely reached out for help and awaited the arrival of National City police officers at a local restaurant. The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force was called to investigate.

On July 14, 2024, the minor victim was again reported missing by her mother and was later discovered to have been branded with a tattoo under her left eye that matched a tattoo that Bailey also had under his eye. The victim was ultimately rescued a second time and on October 1, 2024, Bailey was arrested by California Highway Patrol during a traffic stop wherein another missing juvenile reported from Spokane, Washington, was a passenger in the vehicle.

“This sentence holds the defendant accountable for the cruelty and exploitation he inflicted on a vulnerable 16-year-old girl,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon. “Branding a child as property and trafficking her for profit is an act of profound depravity. The 10-year prison term and $7,000 restitution order reflect our unwavering commitment to delivering justice for victims and ensuring traffickers pay for the harm they cause.”

“Human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors is a despicable crime that has no place in California,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “I’m proud of the work our California DOJ-led San Diego Human Trafficking Taskforce did to investigate and hold accountable the perpetrator of these horrific crimes. I’m grateful to our federal partners for their collaboration, and for holding Vincent Bailey accountable in a court of law. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to support survivors and combat human trafficking wherever it occurs. Our door remains open to anyone who believes they may be the victim of human trafficking: The California Department of Justice has your back.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Ko and Lyndzie M. Carter.

If you are living or working under threat of violence or extortion, or you suspect someone else may be, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center toll free, 24/7 Hotline: CALL: (888) 373-7888 or TEXT BeFree or 233733.

The sentencing took place on October 3, 2025. This press release was delayed due to the lapse in appropriations.

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr1589-RSH

Vincent Bailey                                                Age: 25                                   Las Vegas, Nevada

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Sex Trafficking of a Minor – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1591(a)(1) and (b)(2)

Maximum penalty: Mandatory Minimum of 10 years up to life in prison and $250,000 fine

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force

National City Police Department

California Highway Patrol

San Diego County District Attorney Office

Department of Homeland Security Investigations

Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Diego

San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force

The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force is a cooperative effort involving the California Department of Justice, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, National City Police Department, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Probation Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego Police Department, Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.

This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Special Victims Unit.  Formed in April 2025, the SVU is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving sex trafficking and child exploitation, civil rights, and labor trafficking. The SVU oversees the Southern District of California liaisons to the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and Project Safe Childhood.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

NEW BERN, N.C. – A U.S. Federal Judge sentenced a former deputy sheriff from Harnett County Sheriff’s Office to 23 years followed by 15 years of supervised release, and $10,000 in restitution, for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). 

“This defendant disgraced his badge and betrayed the community he swore to protect,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Law enforcement officers who engage in crimes of child exploitation are no different that the predators they should be stopping. Our office will zealously pursue those who fuel the demand for child sexual abused material, no matter their title or position.”

“Those who are sworn to uphold the law and protect our communities carry a profound responsibility,” said Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant who also oversees North and South Carolina. “When that responsibility is violated in such a horrific manner, it erodes public trust and inflicts irreparable harm. HSI is committed to working alongside our partners to hold these offenders accountable and safeguard the vulnerable.”

“The North Carolina SBI is working around the clock with our local and federal partners to investigate and eliminate child sex exploitation in North Carolina. It is especially alarming when a law enforcement officer is charged with violating the laws they have sworn to uphold.  The NC SBI remains committed to protecting children and families from sexual predators wherever and whoever they may be,” said Chip Hawley, NC SBI Director.

“I want to thank the United States Attorney’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security for their dedication and professionalism throughout this investigation and prosecution. Their joint efforts helped assist in our mission to keep Harnett County safe and ensure justice is served,” said Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats.

According to court documents and other information presented in court, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, working with the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office, investigated Johnathan A. Edwards, 37.  In October 2023, investigators discovered that Edwards had sexually exploited children on the website Omegle while investigating allegations that he had sexually harassed a Harnett County Detention Center inmate. In Edwards’s Google account, investigators found videos showing Edwards video-chatting minor children on Omegle and encouraging them to undress and sexually abuse themselves, often after the children disclosed that they were 13 or 14 years old. In November 2023, Omegle shut down following allegations that the website had failed to take any precautions to protect children.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and 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 Justice.gov/PSC.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charity Wilson and Erin Blondel prosecuted the case. The SBI, the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, and the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.

Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:24-CR-73-FL-BM.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

This release was published following the 43-day government shutdown during which the plea occurred.

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of McKeesport, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on October 2, 2025, to a charge of violating a federal firearms law, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.

Thomas Thornton, 48, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand to a one-count Indictment charging Thornton with possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon.

In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, on December 19, 2024, Thornton discharged 10 rounds of ammunition from a stolen 9mm semi-automatic pistol into an occupied residence within the City of Pittsburgh. Officers with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police arrested Thornton within minutes of the shooting. Following the execution of a search warrant on Thornton’s vehicle, officers recovered the 9mm pistol Thornton used in the shooting. Thornton was previously convicted on federal drug trafficking and firearms offenses, and was also on federal supervised release at the time of the instant offense. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Judge Wiegand scheduled Thornton’s sentencing for February 4, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history of the defendant.

Assistant United States Attorney V. Joseph Sonson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.

The Pittsburgh Bureau of Police and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Thornton.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
 

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Spokane, Washington – United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on September 24, 2025, District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Brandon Wilkerson, of Wenatchee Washington, to thirty months in prison for aggravated identity theft and false statements on a passport application.

As set out in court documents, in October 2021, Wilkerson attempted to get a passport in his name but was denied in January 2022 because he was subject to a pending state warrant of arrest for felony unlawful possession of a firearm under Washington state law. In March 2022, Wilkerson stole his brother’s identity and applied for a passport under his brother’s name which was subsequently approved unknowing of the fraud. Wilkerson then used the passport to travel to Brazil, where he married a Brazilian national under his brother’s name. Wilkerson subsequently applied for legal status for the Brazilian national, again falsely and fraudulently using his brother’s name. Wilkerson was Indicted for this offense on March 19, 2024 and later placed into custody after violating the terms of his pre-trial release for committing a new criminal offense.

“Mr. Wilkerson knew that he could not get a valid passport in his own name because of his prior misconduct, so, under false pretenses, he fraudulently assumed the identity of his brother hoping the United States would not notice when he and his spouse tried to enter the United States,” said US Attorney Pete Serrano. “Mr. Wilkerson’s crime has serious consequences: the risks and dangers to our community of people entering the United States under false identities cannot be overstated. While this may seem like a Hollowood story, Catch Me if You Can, Mr. Wilkerson will not have a Hollywood ending thanks to the work from the men and women in our office and our partner law enforcement offices.”

“The Diplomatic Security Service will investigate and pursue anyone who applies for or obtains a United States passport using false documents,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Kazmar of the DSS San Francisco Field Office. “The U.S. passport is America’s premier identity document. Domestic criminals and foreign adversaries often attempt to fraudulently acquire U.S. passports to carry out criminal activities, including terrorism and human trafficking, inside our borders. These crimes threaten the national security of the homeland and are the focus of the Administration’s re-doubled enforcement efforts across the United States.”

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy J. Kelley.