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California Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine

Source: US FBI

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Troy Alexander Mendez, age 25, a resident of California, was sentenced today to 66 months in federal prison for distributing controlled substances. Acting United States Attorney Daniel Hanlon and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

As part of his guilty plea, Mendez admitted that, in August 2023, he sold and shipped over 300 grams of methamphetamine via the U.S. Postal Service to a customer in the Syracuse, New York area. Law enforcement intercepted the package and identified Mendez as the source of the shipment. At the sentencing hearing, the evidence established that Mendez also sold drugs on other occasions and possessed multiple firearms in connection with that drug activity.

Senior United States District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby also imposed a 5-year term of supervised release to begin after Mendez is released from prison.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case, with assistance from the New York State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis prosecuted the case.

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South African Man Arrested for Stabbing on Cruise Ship

Source: US FBI

JUNEAU, Alaska – A South African man was arrested by the FBI today on criminal charges after disembarking a cruise ship in Juneau for allegedly stabbing multiple people with medical scissors while aboard the ship.

According to court documents, on May 6, 2024, Ntando Sogoni, 35, was working on the cruise ship when other ship employees observed the defendant attempting to deploy a lifeboat. Sogoni was contacted by ship security and escorted to the ship’s medical center for an assessment.

Upon arrival, Sogoni physically attacked a security guard and a male nurse inside an examination room and proceeded to enter another examination room where a woman, who is a U.S. citizen, was being examined. He grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed the woman multiple times in the arm, hand and face. He also stabbed two security guards who intervened—one in the head and one in the back and shoulders. Sogoni was detained and held in the ship’s jail prior to his arrest.

Sogoni is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction in violation of 18 U.S.C. §113(a)(3). If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker of the District of Alaska and Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI Anchorage Field Office and FBI Juneau Resident Agency, and the Coast Guard Investigative Service are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack Schmidt is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Norwich Man Sentenced for Unlawfully Possessing a Short-Barreled Rifle

Source: US FBI

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Benjamin Wheeler, age 20, of Norwich, New York was sentenced today to serve 8 months in federal prison for possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Craig. L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Bryan Miller, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

As part of his guilty plea, Wheeler admitted that on August 6, 2024, he knowingly possessed a Spikes Tactical AR-15 style rifle at his apartment in Norwich, New York, knowing that the firearm had a barrel length of less than sixteen inches. The firearm was not registered to Wheeler in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

Senior United States District Judge David N. Hurd also sentenced Wheeler to a 3-year term of supervised release, to begin after his imprisonment.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), New York Police Department (NYPD) and the New York State Police with assistance from the Chenango County Sheriff’s Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey J. L. Brown prosecuted the case.

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Statement From Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office, Reflecting on the 2024 National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons

Source: US FBI

“In Alaska, the FBI joins partners and tribal communities across the country in honoring the many American Indian and Alaska Native families that have disproportionately been impacted by violence. The FBI is committed to supporting our law enforcement partners to combat violent crime and seek resolution, in pursuit of justice and healing for Indigenous communities throughout Alaska.”

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Delta Junction Man Sentenced for “Bud and Breakfast” Fraud Scheme

Source: US FBI

FAIRBANKS, Alaska – A Delta Junction man was sentenced today to two years in prison and is required to pay over $580,000 in restitution for running a years’ long scheme to defraud nearly two-dozen investors out of over $600,000.

According to court documents, from January 2017 to January 2020, Brian Corty, 53, was the organizer and manager of a conspiracy to use false and fraudulent claims to gain investments for a potential business and use the investments for personal gain. As part of the scheme, Corty sold investors units in Ice Fog Holdings LLC to raise capital for a “Bud and Breakfast” which was described as a marijuana theme park, where they would grow, cultivate and sell marijuana, and allow customers to use marijuana on site.

Corty purchased a building on the Richardson Highway near Salcha, Alaska, as the proposed location of the business. Corty falsely told investors that they were already growing marijuana and generating income and that the business would make millions of dollars in annual sales. Based on these misrepresentations, at least 22 people invested over $600,000 into the fraudulent scheme and the defendant used the money for personal gain, including to refinance his home and pay off debt.

Corty pleaded guilty in January to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Corty is also required to serve three years’ supervised release as part of his sentence.

“Mr. Corty manipulated unknowing investors by promising millions in proceeds and used their money for his personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney S. Lane Tucker for the District of Alaska. “Ensuring that white collar criminals, like Mr. Corty, are held accountable is a priority for my office. No one is above the law. We will continue work with our law enforcement partners to pursue prosecutions against individuals who choose to exploit unknowing victims through fraudulent means.”

“Mr. Corty lured investors with promises of prosperity and guaranteed returns, when in truth, he diverted the investor money to fund his own lifestyle,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Those who engage in fraudulent schemes at the expense of others will be investigated and held accountable.”

The FBI Anchorage Field Office, Fairbanks Resident Agency, with assistance from the Alaska Department of Law, investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tom Bradley and Ryan Tansey prosecuted the case.

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Church Rock Man Faces Federal Charges for Shooting Two Navajo-Nation Members

Source: US FBI

ALBUQUERQUE – An 18-year-old Gallup man is facing federal charges following a shooting that left one Navajo-Nation member dead and another seriously injured.

According to court records, in the early morning hours of April 6, 2025, a shooting occurred at a Church Rock, New Mexico residence. A resident of the home awoke to gunshots and, along with a second resident, entered 16-year-old Jane Doe’s bedroom, where the residents discovered 18-year-old John Doe deceased on the floor, Jane Doe suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, and the suspect, Mario Israel Barraza.

Barraza—identified by both residents as Jane Doe’s former boyfriend—fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Investigators found evidence of forced entry through Jane Doe’s bedroom window, shell casings inside and outside the bedroom, and spent rounds resembling a bullet later extracted from Jane Doe during surgery. Security footage corroborated witness accounts of Barraza fleeing the scene, while Jane Doe confirmed she heard Barraza and John Doe arguing prior to the shooting and that he had a history of entering her bedroom through her window.

Jane and John Doe are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation. Barraza is not an enrolled member of any federally recognized Tribe.

Barraza stands charged with murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Barraza faces up to life in prison.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Ramah-Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

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

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Shiprock Man Guilty of Assault in Stabbing Case

Source: US FBI

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty as charged in his federal indictment for assault with a dangerous weapon because he intentionally stabbed his ex-girlfriend and struck her with his vehicle during a violent altercation.

According to court records, on November 2, 2024, Jane Doe, and her sister were stopped at a road construction zone when her ex-boyfriend, Tyrell Lee Johnson, 29, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, approached their vehicle. Johnson physically attacked Jane Doe, striking her head, stabbing her abdomen with a knife, and striking her with his vehicle as he fled the scene. Jane Doe sustained injuries, including an abdominal wound, bruises, abrasions, and a concussion.

Navajo Police located Johnson’s vehicle in Cudei, New Mexico, identified by its damaged front bumper, and apprehended him after a brief pursuit. Officers recovered a black folding knife from Johnson’s possession and confirmed he had no alcohol in his system during processing.

At sentencing, Johnson faces up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI 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 Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.

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Former UNM Football Player Convicted of Methamphetamine Trafficking in Cibola County Correctional Center

Source: US FBI

ALBUQUERQUE – A federal jury convicted a former University of New Mexico football player on charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine while incarcerated at Cibola County Correctional Center. The verdict came after a five-day trial and approximately three-and-a-half hours of deliberation.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, while in custody awaiting trial for the 2022-armed robbery of a U.S. Postal Service employee, Rayshawn Boyce, 29, was implicated in a separate case involving drug trafficking within the Cibola County Correctional Center (CCCC). On May 17, 2022, CCCC personnel conducted a search of a unit and discovered a bag containing approximately one pound of methamphetamine in the shower area.

Photo of drugs in shower area

Review of surveillance footage revealed that on the evening of May 16, 2022, Correctional Officer Gabriella Torres smuggled a bundle of methamphetamine into the facility under her hoodie and dropped it in cell in an area that was not covered by a camera for Boyce to retrieve. A short time later, Boyce retrieved the bundle, concealed it in a blanket, and walked back to his cell. When he learned that the jail was being searched the next day, Boyce moved the bundle from his cell in the middle of the night, submerged it in water, and left it near the showers, where it was found that morning by CCCC personnel.

Federal investigators determined that Boyce and Torres were in a romantic relationship, during which Boyce persuaded Torres to smuggle drugs into the CCCC. On two separate occasions, Torres successfully smuggled marijuana into the facility for Boyce to distribute. Boyce instructed buyers to send payments through a CashApp account he had Torres established specifically for these transactions. On May 16, 2022, Boyce coordinated the delivery of a methamphetamine shipment to Torres for smuggling into CCCC.

Torres pled guilty to one count of conspiracy and remains on conditions of release pending sentencing, which is not currently scheduled. At sentencing, Torres could face 10 years to life in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Following the verdict, the Court ordered that Boyce remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. At sentencing, Boyce faces a mandatory minimum term of ten years of imprisonment and up to life.

In April 2024, a federal jury convicted Boyce of robbing a postal carrier, stealing an arrow key belonging to the United States Postal Service, and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. At sentencing for this prior conviction, Boyce faces up to ten years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

There is no parole in the federal system.

Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from Cibola County Correctional Center and CoreCivic. Assistant United States Attorneys Letitia Carroll Simms and Joseph M. Spindle are prosecuting the case.

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Tuscaloosa Woman Pleads Guilty to COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud

Source: US FBI

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A Tuscaloosa County woman pleaded guilty this week to defrauding the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.

Erica Lasha Prewitt, 42, of Tuscaloosa, pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge L. Scott Coogler to theft of government funds. 

According to the plea agreement, in August 2020, Prewitt received a fraudulent PPP loan totaling $96,875.  Prewitt made material misrepresentations on the loan application that was supported by fraudulent documentation.  In September 2021, Prewitt submitted a PPP Loan Forgiveness Application in which she claimed her business employed 30 people and the full amount of the loan was spent on payroll costs.  Prewitt never owned or operated a business and did not use the PPP loan funds to retain workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Prewitt is scheduled to be sentenced on November 26, 2024.  The maximum penalty for theft of government funds is 10 years in prison.

FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan “Jack” Harrington is prosecuting the case.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 relief funds can report it 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: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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Pell City Man Sentenced to 71 Months in Prison for Financial Fraud Scheme

Source: US FBI

BIRMINGHAM, Ala – A Pell City man has been sentenced in a scheme to defraud more than 40 investors in his various companies out of more than $4.7 million, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples.

Chief U.S. District Court Judge R. David Proctor sentenced John Michael Golden, 48, to 71 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.  In April 2024, Golden pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud.  

According to the plea agreement and information provided at sentencing, Golden was the founder and owner of Wolf-Tek, LLC; MountainTop Timber, LLC; and DroneTek, Inc. Between January 2018 and at least October 2023, Golden devised a scheme to persuade individuals to invest in his companies. He made various misrepresentations to the investors, including telling them his businesses were about to be sold for millions of dollars to companies such as Amazon, he had timber leases and an ability to harvest timber for profit, and he had hundreds of pre-orders for drones that he simply needed capital to fulfill. Golden also gave some investors Promissory Notes in which he falsely promised lucrative returns on investments within a short period of time. Golden even defrauded a new victim eight days after originally signing a plea agreement.

To continue his scheme, Golden placated victims by sending them text messages falsely claiming that their money was available and would arrive on specific future dates. Golden subsequently had his bond revoked for contacting victims and making false promises to them regarding repayment. Golden ultimately defrauded investors in his companies out of more than $4.7 million. He used the funds to pay back prior investors and for personal expenses.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with assistance from the Alabama Securities Commission. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Rummage prosecuted the case.