Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
PROVIDENCE, RI – A Massachusetts man who admitted to participating in a murder-for-hire conspiracy targeting a federal witness connected to a criminal matter before the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts has been sentenced in federal court in Rhode Island.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Matthew A. Steele, 55, of Elma, NY, who was convicted of production and possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor, was sentenced to serve 30 years in prison by U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. In addition, Steele was ordered to pay restitution totaling $410,610 to a victim in this case.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Eric Hagen, 57, of Fort Erie, Canada, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to importation of controlled substances, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $1,000,000.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that on May 13, 2026, BENJAMIN HOLMES, (“HOLMES”) a Bogalusa resident, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sarah Vance to 240 months imprisonment followed by four years of supervised release.
Source: United States Army
TOWER BARRACKS, Germany — U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria celebrated the academic achievements of its community during the annual College Graduation Recognition Ceremony at Netzaberg Chapel May 20, 2026.
This special event provided an opportunity for graduates to walk across the stage and be recognized for earning a degree between fall 2024 and spring 2026—a unique chance for many who may not be able to travel to the United States for their commencement.
At this year’s ceremony, 84 graduates registered of whom 77 walked across the stage: 43 service members, three retirees, 15 family members, six contractors and 10 civilians. The class of 2026 earned a total of three academic certificates, 24 associate degrees, 30 bachelor’s degrees, 23 master’s degrees, and three doctoral degrees from 22 different colleges or universities.
“These numbers represent far more than academic achievement, they tell a story of discipline, sacrifice and purpose”, said Barbara Young, education services specialist for USAG Bavaria. “You’ve shown that distance is not a barrier to excellence and that service and education strengthen one another.”
A highlight of the ceremony was student speaker Master Sgt. Krystal Simpson, who holds a doctoral degree in general psychology. She was selected as a speaker because of her passion for education and her moving story of personal and professional growth.
“I stand before you, telling you that resiliency is important, representation is important more than anything today,” Simpson said. “Trust the path that you are on, loving and respecting yourself and understanding who you are and that the most important thing in this world is yourself.
“I tell my Soldiers: What you do today is based off what you did yesterday,” she continued, “but it only affects what you do tomorrow if that’s what you allow.”
Among the graduates was Randall Fielding, information technology specialist at USAG Bavaria, who reflected on earning his Master of Science in cyber security.
“Small steps towards a goal a day can equal miles of progress,” Fielding said. “Consistency has been my best train of thought over the years. If you can be consistent with your goals, you will reach them.”
Dwayne D. Key, deputy to the garrison commander, gave the keynote speech and congratulated the graduates on their hard work and determination. He also acknowledged the unique challenges faced by the graduates.
“For many of you, this achievement did not come easily,” he said. “You completed coursework while balancing military service, careers, family responsibilities, and all the unpredictability that comes with this military life.
“No meaningful achievement happens alone,” he continued to the Family members in the audience. “Your support matters. And your fingerprints are on these accomplishments too.”
Key closed the speech by emphasizing the pride the graduates should take in the accomplishments.
“Take time to celebrate this achievement,” Key said. “To every graduate here today: I’m super proud of you. We’re all proud of you. Your families are proud of you. Your leaders are proud of you. And you should be proud of yourselves. Congratulations on this incredible achievement – and once again well done.”
For more information about education programs at USAG Bavaria, visit https://home.army.mil/bavaria/edcenter.
Source: United States Navy
To enhance quality of service, improve warfighter support, and promote the holistic wellness of every Sailor, Commander, Navy Installations Command (CNIC) is launching pilot programs for two new major initiatives: the Human Performance Optimization (HPO) program and the Shore food service transformation initiative.
Source: United States Army
NORRIDGE, Ill. – Brig. Gen. Michael Shanley, commanding general of the 85th U.S. Army Reserve Support Command, served as the keynote speaker during the Village of Norridge’s 33rd annual Memorial Day ceremony, May 24, 2026.
The ceremony honored fallen service members while recognizing current and former Norridge residents who have served in the military.
“For those of us who wear or have worn the uniform, Memorial Day is also a moment of reflection,” Shanley said. “We remember those we served with. We remember their courage, their devotion to duty, and their humanity. We remember that they were not just heroes in the abstract. They were people with families, plans, personalities, and futures. And that is what makes their sacrifice so profound. They gave up their futures so we could have ours.”
Shanley explained how Memorial Day’s original traditions continue today.
“Memorial Day was first observed after the Civil War, when families and communities gathered to decorate the graves of those who had died in service to the nation. It was originally known as Decoration Day. That simple act of placing flowers and flags on graves became one of the most meaningful American traditions,” Shanley said. “Today, that tradition continues across the country. At Arlington National Cemetery and at cemeteries in towns large and small, Americans still place flags, bow their heads, speak the names of our fallen heroes aloud and keep faith with those who gave their lives for this nation.”
Sailors from Naval Station Great Lakes joined U.S. Marine Corps Reserve personnel and U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers in the observance.
“Today is a day to remember all the service members who died serving our country and who made it possible for us to be where we are today,” said Navy Petty Officer Kristen Jacobson, special units coordinator at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes. “If you’ve served in the military, you likely know people who died while serving, so Memorial Day is also a day for me to remember the friends I’ve lost.”
The event featured a procession of the 50 state flags, a 21-gun salute and a wreath-laying ceremony at the village’s Veterans Memorial Wall. Musical support was provided by the Army Reserve’s 484th Army Band.
“Memorial Day has always been a meaningful time for me to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country,” said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Ken Fabis, commander of the 484th Army Band. “Growing up, my father, who served in the Marine Corps, often shared stories about the friends he lost during the Korean War. Those conversations left a lasting impression on me.”
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois also delivered remarks during the ceremony.
“This weekend is a somber reminder for our entire nation,” Duckworth said. “Memorial Day is a day to remember all those who answered the call not for themselves, not for their family members, but for democracy. Because when you serve this nation, you’re stepping forward to defend our Constitution and our freedoms for the entire nation. And when you lay down your life in that process, you are laying down your life for people who will never know your name, never know to thank you and never know that you did this. But they will benefit, and their children and grandchildren will benefit from your sacrifice. What we can do, those of us who survive, is continue that commitment to our democracy.”
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Today, the Civil Division announced reforms to accelerate the review of False Claims Act whistleblower complaints alleging fraud against federally funded, state-administered benefits programs. These reforms will empower the Department to move quickly on meritorious qui tam cases, maximize finite enforcement resources, and focus on dismantling sophisticated fraud schemes that exploit taxpayer-funded programs.
The False Claims Act (FCA) is one of the government’s most powerful weapons for fighting fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars. Most FCA cases begin as qui tam actions filed under seal by whistleblowers, known as relators, in federal district court. Successful relators may receive a significant share of the government’s recovery. The Civil Division will now prioritize qui tam complaints alleging fraud against public benefits programs by performing its initial review within 60 to 120 days. At the conclusion of that review, the Department will decide whether to:
“Bad actors who exploit federal benefits programs count on fragmented information and sheer volume of claims to try and avoid scrutiny,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “By accelerating review of qui tam complaints alleging benefits fraud, we can more rapidly identify and disrupt emerging schemes, strategically deploy enforcement resources to recover taxpayer money, and strengthen the government’s broader fight against fraud.”
This year, the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. Every dollar lost to fraud in federal benefits programs is a dollar diverted from the Americans those programs are intended to serve.
The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. As detailed in the Executive Order entitled “Establishing the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud” (March 16, 2026) (EO on Eliminating Fraud), American taxpayers fund a vast benefits system for citizens in need that includes housing, food, medical care, cash assistance, and more. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The Department will also leverage a whole-of-government approach to ensure that new benefits fraud matters receive accelerated review and evaluation for all available enforcement options. New matters will be promptly referred to the Criminal Division and/or the National Fraud Enforcement Division for evaluation of potential criminal violations. In addition, new matters will be shared with the affected agency to evaluate potential administrative action, including payment suspension. Throughout its review, the Department also will seek information from the agency about the operation of the impacted program, data analysis, and other information to assist in corroborating the whistleblower’s allegations. The Civil Division will continue to assess how it can enhance processes and procedures to support prompt resolution of benefits fraud qui tams.
Source: United States Department of Justice
Jonathan Loadholt Worked With a Criminal Associate to Stalk and Murder a U.S. Citizen of Iranian Origin Who Has Publicly Opposed the Iranian Government
Jonathan Loadholt, 37, of Staten Island, New York, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for his participation in a plot directed by the Government of Iran targeting Masih Alinejad, a journalist, author, and human rights activist. Loadholt previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit stalking and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who imposed today’s sentence.
“Tehran attempted to murder a U.S. journalist in the United States simply because she exposed a few of that regime’s many abuses,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The defendant now stands convicted and sentenced to a lengthy prison sentence for his role in this plot. The Department and its colleagues will work tirelessly to protect Americans and to seek justice when our laws are broken.”
“The Government of Iran has repeatedly attempted to locate and murder Masih Alinejad, right here in New York City,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. “The Government of Iran tried to silence Ms. Alinejad because of her efforts to stand up to the Iranian regime and expose its discriminatory treatment of women, corruption, and human rights abuses. While this plot was directed from Iran, the would-be assassins were American citizens who agreed to kill Ms. Alinejad for money — out of greed. Today’s sentence should be a serious warning to anyone who tries to profit by carrying out the wishes of a hostile foreign regime on United States soil.”
“With today’s sentencing, Jonathan Loadholt will pay the price for participating in a plot orchestrated by Iran to kill a journalist and human rights activist who criticized the Iranian government’s policies,” said FBI Assistant Director Donald Holstead. “The FBI will use all our resources to detect and prevent anyone working for foreign powers who attempts to harm individuals living in the United States, and we will coordinate closely with the Justice Department to make sure such criminals face the full weight of American justice.”
“Jonathan Loadholt served as a hired gun to stalk, surveil, and ultimately assassinate Masih Alinejad — a United States citizen — on behalf of the IRGC,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle Jr. “The FBI New York Joint Terrorism Task Force disrupted and arrested him before he could carry out his plan. The FBI will squash all attempts to silence critics of oppressive regimes on American soil.”
As reflected in the charging instruments, other public filings, and statements in public court proceedings:
In 2024, Loadholt’s friend and co-defendant, Carlisle Rivera, also known as “Pop,” a convicted murderer, was hired by Rivera’s criminal confederate, Farhad Shakeri, to murder Masih Alinejad on instructions from high-ranking members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC is a military and intelligence organization that directly reports to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and is the Government of Iran’s primary instrument for providing financial and lethal aid to proxy terror groups in the Middle East. Among its activities, the IRGC plots and conducts attack operations outside Iran targeting, among others, U.S. citizens residing abroad and in the United States. Ms. Alinejad is one of the IRGC’s principal targets. The IRGC and the Government of Iran’s intelligence services have long sought to kidnap or murder Ms. Alinejad because of her efforts to promote gender equality and civil liberties in Iran and to expose the regime’s corruption, oppression, and terrorism to the international community. In 2020 and 2021, Iranian intelligence officials and assets plotted to kidnap Ms. Alinejad in the U.S. for rendition to Iran; then, in 2022, the IRGC hired powerful, violent members of the Russian Mob to murder Ms. Alinejad. After those efforts failed, the IRGC turned to Shakeri, who hired Rivera, who in turn recruited Loadholt to assist him, to kill Ms. Alinejad.
Shakeri offered Rivera $100,000 for he and Loadholt to locate and kill Ms. Alinejad, and Rivera agreed. Loadholt was recruited into the plot by Rivera and, using money sent by Shakeri, Rivera and Loadholt conducted surveillance on Ms. Alinejad with the aim of killing her. Using money sent by Shakeri, Rivera and Loadholt purchased a firearm and “burner” cellphones. Loadholt and Rivera spent several months attempting to find and kill Ms. Alinejad, using Loadholt’s car and fake license plates, including by following her to a public speaking event at Fairfield University and repeatedly stalking the Brooklyn house where Shakeri and the IRGC believed Ms. Alinejad lived.
During their efforts to locate and kill Ms. Alinejad, Loadholt and Rivera shared messages about their progress and photographs relating to their murder plot. For example, in February 2024, Loadholt and Rivera messaged about an incoming payment from Shakeri, and then traveled to Fairfield University, where Ms. Alinejad was scheduled to appear, and took photographs on campus. In July 2024, Loadholt and Rivera exchanged messages discussing their expected upfront payment for murdering Ms. Alinejad. During those messages, Loadholt expressed frustration about the apparent absence of a $10,000 advance, partial payment for Ms. Alinejad’s murder, writing to Rivera “So no 10 up front I’m guessing??” and, after Rivera confirmed no upfront payment had been made, Loadholt responded, “I’m so frustrated son I’m like ready to jump out the window.”
On November 7, 2024, before he and Rivera could complete their task of killing Ms. Alinejad, Loadholt was arrested. At Loadholt’s residence, law enforcement agents recovered, among other things, more than two dozen rounds of ammunition.
In addition to the prison term, Loadholt was sentenced to three years of supervised release.
Loadholt is the second defendant to be sentenced in this case. In January 2026, Rivera was sentenced to 15 years in prison by Judge Liman, after previously having pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. Shakeri remains at large.
The case was investigated by FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which principally consists of agents and analysts from the FBI and detectives from the New York City Police Department, and the FBI Washington Field Office. U.S. Attorney Clayton thanked the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection New York Field Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration New York Division, and the New York State Police.
This case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob H. Gutwillig and Michael D. Lockard for the Southern District of New York are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Leslie Esbrook of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that PAUL JORGENSEN, the former Chief Revenue Officer of Doximity, was sentenced on May 21, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla to 26 months in prison for committing securities fraud in connection with a multimillion-dollar scheme to trade in stock and options of Doximity based on inside information in advance of the company’s quarterly earnings calls.