Ramil Ventura Palafox Admits Role in $200M Bitcoin Fraud
Ramil Ventura Palafox, CEO of Praetorian Group International (PGI), has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a $200 million bitcoin Ponzi scheme that impacted over 90,000 investors globally.
Robert & Devin Elliott Charged in $300K Jewelry Fraud
Two Mississippi men are facing federal charges after allegedly using counterfeit cash to steal over $300,000 in luxury watches and jewelry from a retail store in Pineville, North Carolina. The indictment, filed in August 2025 and unsealed after their court appearance, charges Robert Lewis Elliott III, 36, and Devin Alonzo Elliott, 30, both of Okolona, Mississippi, with conspiracy to pass counterfeit obligations and passing counterfeit obligations.
Sandra Throneburg Pleads Guilty to $261K Fraud Scheme
Sandra “Sandy” Cannon Throneburg, 74, of Morganton, North Carolina, appeared in federal court in Asheville and pleaded guilty to workers’ compensation fraud. The plea was entered before U.S. Magistrate Judge W. Carleton Metcalf, according to an announcement from Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Mark Barnes Sentenced for $77K Social Security Fraud
Mark Alan Barnes, 44, of Candler, North Carolina, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for committing Social Security benefits fraud. The sentencing was announced by Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Ricardo Botts Held Without Bond in Mother’s Murder Case
A Washington, D.C. man is being held without bond after being charged with the murder of his mother. Ricardo Botts, 36, was arrested by the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force and charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the killing of Pamela Botts.
Detroit’s Brandon Robinson, Michelle Hill Charged in $12M Student Aid Fraud
Two Detroit residents, Brandon Lamar Robinson, 41, and Michelle Hill, 48, have been charged with wire fraud for orchestrating separate schemes that defrauded the U.S. Department of Education of over $12 million through fraudulent student aid applications. Both pleaded not guilty at their federal arraignments and remain free on bond.
Russell Laffitte Sentenced for Aiding Alex Murdaugh’s $3.5M Fraud
Russell Laffitte, a South Carolina banker, has been sentenced to at least five years in prison for assisting Alex Murdaugh in moving millions of dollars to hide thefts in exchange for a share of the funds. Laffitte pleaded guilty to eight counts in state court as part of a complex deal with federal prosecutors, which is expected to conclude by the end of October. He will remain in federal prison until around May 2027.
Sabine Graham Arrested with 248 Bags of Fentanyl in Pa. Traffic Stop
A Centre County woman, Sabine Graham, 33, was arrested after Pennsylvania State Police discovered 248 bags of fentanyl during a traffic stop on Route 322 in Potter Township.
Leodan Martinez-Angeles Arrested for Illegal Reentry After Drug Conviction
Leodan Martinez-Angeles, a Mexican man previously convicted of drug smuggling, was arrested during a traffic stop by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) after illegally reentering the United States.
Roscoe Gilmore Jr. Charged in Nursing Home Strangulation Death
Roscoe Gilmore Jr., 63, of Waterville, Ohio, was arrested and charged with murder and strangulation in the death of 53-year-old Kimberly Moore at a local nursing home.
Boyd Salinas Charged in Donna Home Invasion Assault
A man identified as Boyd Salinas is in custody following a home invasion and assault that occurred on August 30 in Donna, Texas.
Jesse James West Sentenced to 20 Years for Police Shooting
PORTLAND, Ore. — A Portland man who fired at police officers during a crime spree in September 2023 has been sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Yesenia Melendez Rincon Sentenced in $1.3M Jewelry Theft Ring
BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Yesenia Melendez Rincon, a 41-year-old Colombian citizen formerly living in Florida, was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison for her involvement in an organized jewelry theft ring that caused over $1.33 million in losses.
Jerry Berry Jailed for Burglary Spree Across North Wales, Cheshire
Jerry Berry, 39, with no fixed address, was sentenced to three years and ten months in prison at Mold Crown Court on September 25. Berry pleaded guilty last month at Mold Magistrates’ Court to five counts of burglary of a dwelling, one burglary of a non-dwelling, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and unlawfully remaining at large after recall to prison.
Three Rochester Men Charged in Mail Theft and Bank Fraud Scheme
U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced that Lamarious Bradley, Lucius Bradley, and Chad Brown were arrested and charged with mail theft, unlawful possession of USPS mailbox keys, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. These charges carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and up to $1 million in fines.
Maine, NY Man Arrested for Fatal Hit-and-Run in Nanticoke
Authorities say Manwaring intentionally struck 41-year-old Rodney Clark of Binghamton with his pick-up truck after a dispute at a residence on Lamb Road. Clark was transported by a private vehicle to Wilson Hospital but later died from his injuries.
Elmira Man Anthony Brooks Arrested for Forged Check Scheme
Chemung County Sheriff’s Office reports the arrest of 21-year-old Anthony Brooks of Elmira for criminal possession of a forged instrument and grand larceny.
Horseheads Man Arrested for Murder of Toddler Finn Hopkins
A Horseheads man has been arrested in connection with the death of a three-year-old child, Finn Hopkins, according to New York State Police.
Rolando Cuevillas Sentenced 15 Years for Child Assault, Theft Ring
WACO, Texas (KWTX) — A Waco man, Rolando Cuevillas, 42, was sentenced to 15 years in prison Thursday after pleading guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child and engaging in organized criminal activity tied to a major vehicle theft ring.
Trevor Fountain Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy in $260K Equipment Theft Scheme
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Trevor Christopher Fountain, 38, formerly of Sacramento, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport stolen property, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
Jayden Ganthier Charged in Greenwich Car Theft Shooting
GREENWICH, Conn. — An 18-year-old Bridgeport man, Jayden Ganthier, has been arrested and charged in connection with a car theft incident that resulted in a man being injured by gunfire, according to the Greenwich Police Department.
Southfield Doctor Sentenced to 6 Years for Illegal Opioid Prescriptions
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Dr. Charise Valentine, 69, has been sentenced to six years in federal prison after being found guilty of illegally prescribing more than 200,000 prescription opioid pills. The conviction came following a jury trial in April where Valentine was found guilty of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute opioids and 10 counts of illegal distribution of oxycodone and oxymorphone, according to U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Franklin La-Wan Richard Guilty of Arson and Murder in Father’s Death
A Michigan man, 42-year-old Franklin La-Wan Richard from Flint, was found guilty of arson and murder related to the death of his 78-year-old father, Fred Gordon. The Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office reported that Richard set fire to Gordon’s apartment on August 23, 2023.
Betsy McIntyre Sentenced for Second-Degree Murder of Husband
A Michigan woman, Betsy McIntyre, 69, of Irons, has been sentenced to 20 to 40 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder. McIntyre was convicted in the stabbing death of her husband on May 11, 2025.
Keith Smith Sentenced to 30 Years for Drug Trafficking in Kalamazoo
A Kalamazoo man, 46-year-old Keith Smith, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for drug trafficking after a grim discovery at his home. In 2022, a confidential informant purchased a pound of methamphetamine from Smith, leading to a search warrant at his residence. During the search, authorities found a woman dead from drug poisoning.
David Arocha, Colton Mann Arrested After Pleasanton Drug Chase
PLEASANTON, Texas — Two men are behind bars following a high-speed police chase in Pleasanton that ended in the discovery of drugs, a loaded firearm, and drug distribution materials.
William S. Miller Arrested After Threat to School Officer
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Classes were canceled at Northridge Schools on Thursday after a threat was made against a school resource officer, prompting swift action by authorities.
Donna Ouchida, 82, Scammed Out of $35K in Fake Treasury Call
SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — An 82-year-old Sacramento County woman, Donna Ouchida, was scammed out of $35,000 after falling victim to an elaborate fraud that began with a message about a suspicious credit card charge.
Jessie Bakere Charged After Franklinton Shooting
COLUMBUS, Ohio — A shooting near Franklinton early Thursday morning left one person hospitalized and led to the arrest of a suspect at the scene.
Tatyannia McGinnis, Brindara Allen-Marshall Arrested
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Two individuals are facing felony charges after a drug bust in Franklin County on Thursday led to the discovery of cash, cocaine, and marijuana.
Klegewerges Abate Gets 25+ Years for Drug, Fraud Crimes
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Klegewerges Abate, a 36-year-old Columbus man and known member of the violent Third World Mob gang, has been sentenced to 310 months (over 25 years) in federal prison.
Diego De Los Santos Vizcaino Arrested in NH Drug Bust
MANCHESTER, N.H. — A six-month joint investigation has led to the arrest of four individuals allegedly operating a multi-state drug trafficking ring based out of Lawrence, Massachusetts, with ties to Manchester, New Hampshire.
Dewayne Clarke Arrested in Grandview Drug Trafficking Case
GRANDVIEW, Mo. (KCTV) — A 47-year-old Grandview man has been arrested and charged in a major drug trafficking case after authorities seized nearly 4 pounds of cocaine, multiple firearms, and over $63,000 in cash from his home.
Nathaniel Wigfall Arrested in Flatwoods Drug Bust
FLATWOODS, Ky. (WSAZ) – An Alabama man, Nathaniel Wigfall, was arrested Wednesday after a traffic stop on U.S. 23 in Flatwoods led to a major drug bust.
Felipe Cáceres Arrested After Cocaine Lab Found on Property
BOLIVIA – Former Bolivian counternarcotics chief Felipe Cáceres was arrested Tuesday after authorities discovered a cocaine lab on one of his properties in Puerto Villarroel, located in the coca-rich Cochabamba region.
Jodi Thurman Arrested in Janesville Drug House Raid
JANESVILLE, Wis. (WTVO) – A SWAT raid at a suspected drug house in Janesville early Thursday morning resulted in the arrest of four individuals, including 52-year-old Jodi Thurman, who now faces multiple drug-related charges.
