Guatemalan National Sentenced for Illegally Reentering U.S.

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

MARCOS ISMALEJ IXPANCOC, also known as Marcos Hernandez Lopez and Jose Ernandez, 39, a citizen of Guatemala recently residing in Stamford, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford to 30 days of imprisonment for illegally reentering the United States after being deported.

Fifth Defendant in Sports Betting Fraud Ring Sentenced

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

Memphis, TN – The last of five Mid-South men, LaVonte Holmes, who executed a sports betting fraud scheme between 2022 and 2024, was sentenced to prison on January 20, 2026.According to information presented in Court, the defendants purchased both stolen personal identifying information—including dates of birth and social security numbers—and bank account information off…

CHIPLEY-BASED PHYSICAL THERAPY PRACTICE PAYS OVER $750,000 TO RESOLVE FALSE CLAIMS ACT LITIGATION

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA – Absolute Physical & Aquatic Therapy, LLC; Chipley Physical Therapy, LLC; Ruben Laurel; and Lorrie Laurel have agreed to pay $754,722.88 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act (“FCA”) by knowingly causing the submission of false claims for physical therapy services allegedly performed by Lorrie Laurel, a physical therapist, while she was outside the United States, announced U.S. Attorney John P. Heekin.

Repeat Offender Sentenced to Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

ALBANY, Ga. – A Southwest Georgia resident with prior criminal convictions, including for domestic violence, was sentenced to serve 15 years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm.Devon Marquell Rambo, 28, was sentenced to serve 180 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release by Chief U.S. District Judge Leslie Gardner on Jan. 21. Rambo was found guilty at trial on May 28, 2025, of one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. There is no parole in the federal system.

Firefighter Sentenced to Over 12 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Children and Interstate Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Activity

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

A man from St. Helens, Oregon, was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for ordering live-streamed child sexual abuse and traveling to the Philippines to engage in illicit sexual activity while working as a firefighter for the Lake Oswego Fire Department.

Retired DEA agent going to prison for 5 years for conspiracy to defraud the United States and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that retired Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Joseph Bongiovanni, 61, of Tonawanda, NY, who was convicted of one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, four counts of obstruction of justice, and one count of false statement to law enforcement, was sentenced to serve 60 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. 

Rapids Theatre owner and co-defendant sentenced for defrauding COVID programs out of more than $1.8 million

Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that John L. Hutchins, 72, of Lewiston, NY, and Roberto Soliman, 45, of Niagara Falls, NY, who were convicted of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, were sentenced by Judge Meredith A. Vacca. Hutchins was sentenced to serve 14 months in prison, while Soliman was sentenced to serve 20 months. Both defendants were also ordered to pay full restitution to the Small Business Administration and the victim banks.