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Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PROVIDENCE – A Florida man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Rhode Island for allegedly trafficking 37 kilograms of cocaine, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

Rafael Rivera, 33, of Miami, Florida has been charged with one count of Possession with Intent to Distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. Rivera was arraigned in federal court today, November 17, 2025.

According to charging documents, in June 2025 Rivera used a rental vehicle to transport thirty-seven kilograms of cocaine from Miami, Florida to Smithfield, Rhode Island.  When stopped by Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents, he admitted to possessing the narcotics, which were seized.  Rivera was arrested on the scene.   

A federal criminal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney G. Michael Seaman.

The matter was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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 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 and Project Safe Neighborhood.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig on Monday sentenced a man to 12 years in prison for the robbery or attempted robbery of eight stores and businesses in St. Louis.

Jermel Rush, 43, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty in June to seven counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery and one count of use of a firearm during a crime of violence. As part of his plea agreement, he admitted the following acts:

• On June 21, 2018, Rush used an Airsoft gun that appeared to be a handgun to rob a retail store in the 4400 block of Natural Bridge Road. Rush took cash after grabbing a clerk by the neck and dragging her to the cash register.
• On July 6, 2018, Rush used an Airsoft gun that resembled a large revolver to hold employees of a grocery store in the 3600 block of Page Avenue at gunpoint and steal cash.
• On Oct. 9, 2018, Rush tried unsuccessfully to rob a retail store in the 4300 block of North Grand Boulevard by using the Airsoft revolver to force employees to unlock the store after closing time. Rush also threatened to kill the manager.
• On Oct. 28, 2018, Rush grabbed the assistant manager’s neck and used the Airsoft revolver to rob a retail store in the 5000 block of Enright Avenue of cash. He also threatened to kill the assistant manager.
• Two days later, Rush used the Airsoft revolver to rob a retailer in the 1400 block of North Grand Boulevard of cash and clothing.
• On Nov. 8, 2018, Rush used a firearm to rob a business in the 300 block of North Sarah Street of cash and threatened to shoot an employee.
• On Nov. 14, 2018, Ruch robbed a cell phone store in the 4900 block of Delmar Boulevard of cash while armed with a handgun.
• The next day, Rush robbed a retail store in the 3100 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Drive at gunpoint of cash, Christmas lights and dish towels. He told the manager he would “…blow your head off, hurry up.”

When St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers arrested Rush, he had a .40 caliber handgun that matched the description of the gun used in the final three robberies.

On Monday, Judge Fleissig also ordered Rush to repay $4,237 to the businesses that he robbed.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Torrie J. Schneider prosecuted the case.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

WILMINGTON, N.C. – A Morrisville man will spend the next 20 years in federal prison for flooding North Carolina and the Southeast with methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs. Federal prosecutors held Julio Cesar Orozco-Gomez, 34, a naturalized citizen and cartel member, accountable after he pled guilty to the charges on September 30, 2024.

“This cartel thug poisoned our communities with meth and fentanyl and armed himself with high-powered weapons to protect his criminal business,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Thanks to the work of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we dismantled a cartel pipeline and made North Carolina safer. This case shows that these dangerous drugs are not made in North Carolina, and the Cartel has to work to import this poison. Let me be clear – anyone who participates in such cartel activity will find themselves locked up in federal prison for a long time.”

According to court documents and evidence, Orozco-Gomez led a cartel-connected group that produced and distributed methamphetamine and other drugs across the region. He identified himself as a member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which the United States designated in early 2025 as a Foreign Terrorist Organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. Orozco-Gomez ran and supervised a liquid conversion lab in his Morrisville apartment and detached garage. There, he and his co-conspirators converted liquid methamphetamine smuggled from Mexico into crystal meth by drying it with hazardous chemicals such as acetone. Prosecutors proved that his manufacturing and distribution created a substantial risk of harm to human life because he engaged in these hazardous processes in a residential area. During the investigation, Orozco-Gomez bragged about using a college-educated chemist to help him with this hazardous process.

Federal and local law enforcement searched his home and seized several kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and fentanyl. They also recovered four guns, ammunition, and over $50,000 of cash in the case.

During sentencing the Judge described his operation as a “pipeline” that funneled deadly chemicals from Mexico into the Eastern District of North Carolina. The Judge also noted, the “staggering amount” of drugs the group trafficked represented “tens of thousands of fatal doses.”

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).

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly L. Sandling and Logan W. Liles prosecuted the case. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and various local law enforcement agencies 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-38-M-RJ.

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

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

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A former resident of Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 46 months of imprisonment, to be followed by six years of supervised release, on his conviction of violating federal narcotics laws related to a six-month Title III wiretap investigation into drug trafficking in and around Blair, Cambria, Centre, and Clearfield counties, First Assistant United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.

United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on Joshua Pote, 42, on November 4, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, investigators seized a quantity of methamphetamine from Pote on August 8, 2023.

Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan D. Lusty prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

First Assistant United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Service–Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Pote.
 

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

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

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

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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Public Affairs Officer Steve Caballero                                                                                    

(414) 297-1700

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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.