23 Arrested in $21 Million Canadian “Grandparent Scam” Scheme
Burlington, VT – Canadian authorities have arrested 23 nationals in connection with a grandparent scam that defrauded elderly Americans of over $21 million, following an indictment returned by a U.S. federal grand jury in Vermont. The indictment, which was unsealed on March 4, alleges that between summer 2021 and June 2024, the individuals operated fraudulent phone schemes, targeting elderly victims across 40 U.S. states.
San Francisco Man Arrested for Defrauding Elderly of $64K in Marin County
Marin County, CA – Zhuowen Yu, a 43-year-old San Francisco resident, was arrested in connection with a series of financial scams targeting elderly adults in Marin County. According to the Marin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Yu is linked to at least two fraud cases in San Rafael and Point Reyes Station, with a total loss of over $64,000.
Sebastian Flores Arrested in $23K Vehicle Fraud Scheme in Corona
Corona, CA – A man named Sebastian Flores was arrested on February 26 after being linked to an elaborate vehicle fraud scheme in which a victim was defrauded out of $23,000. According to the Corona Police Department, the victim found a vehicle listed on Craigslist and, after reviewing what appeared to be legitimate DMV paperwork, paid the seller the agreed amount. However, the victim later discovered that the registration documents were fraudulent.
Five Arrested in Sarasota County for Illegal Gambling Operation
Sarasota, FL – Five individuals have been arrested in connection with a nearly year-long investigation into illegal gambling operations across Sarasota County. According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), the investigation began in April 2024 when the Intelligence Unit was tasked with probing numerous illegal gambling establishments throughout the county.
William Yovic, Husband of State Rep. Linda Chaney, Charged with Stealing State Funds
St. Petersburg, FL – William Yovic, the husband of State Rep. Linda Chaney (R-St. Petersburg), has been charged with stealing state funds after failing to pay over $100,000 in sales taxes. According to investigators from the Florida Department of Revenue, Yovic, who operates a business selling motorcoaches on Ulmerton Rd., owes approximately $105,000 in unpaid sales taxes from December 2022 to January 2024.
Michael Canty Faces Second-Degree Murder Charge in Death of Dawn Morrison
Tampa, FL – Michael Canty, 54, has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of Dawn Morrison, 48. Morrison’s body was found partially buried in mulch near the drive-thru lane of Church’s Chicken on East Fletcher Ave. in Tampa, Florida, back in June.
33 Arrested in Major Drug-Trafficking Bust Linked to Florida Prisons
Tampa, FL – Hillsborough County deputies have arrested 33 individuals in connection with a drug-trafficking ring, including two incarcerated brothers and their parents. The operation was partly coordinated through smuggled cellphones into Florida prisons, according to authorities.
Haines City Man Arrested with Meth, Cash After Fleeing Traffic Stop
Haines City, FL – Willie Pierce, 43, faces a series of serious charges after a traffic stop escalated into a high-stakes drug bust on Saturday night. According to the Haines City Police Department, Pierce was pulled over for running a stop sign around 10:30 p.m. at Dr. Martin L. King Jr. Way and Citrus Avenue.
Four Sentenced for 2024 Fort Smith Tobacco Store Robberies
Four individuals have been sentenced in connection with two armed robberies at King Tobacco stores in Fort Smith, Arkansas. According to court documents, Hailey Wisegarver, 25, Tanner Wisegarver, 25, Jason Mathis, 18, and Veeonta Vallien, 18, were arrested on April 5, 2024, for their roles in the robberies. The pair of incidents occurred on March 31 at the Towson Avenue location and February 19 at the North Greenwood Avenue store.
Miguel Soto De Santiago Charged with Fentanyl and Heroin Distribution
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A 23-year-old man from Bluffdale, Utah, is facing serious drug trafficking charges after authorities discovered a large quantity of fentanyl and heroin during a traffic stop in Juab County.
Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation Chief Scott Eashappie Arrested for Financial Crimes
Carry the Kettle Nakoda Nation Chief Scott Eashappie has been arrested by the File Hills First Nations Police Service and charged with multiple financial crimes, including fraud, theft, money laundering, and breach of trust. The charges come after an ongoing investigation into his financial activities while serving as chief.
Kenneth Malone Arrested in Connection with Murder and Robbery
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Kenneth Malone has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and aggravated robbery after a drug deal gone wrong resulted in a shooting death.
Four Arrested in Montgomery County for Welfare Fraud
Montgomery County, NY (WRGB) — Four individuals have been arrested and charged with welfare fraud following a joint investigation by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Unit, the Department of Social Services, and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
Mark Dority Arrested on Drug Charges After Traffic Stop in Rotterdam
On February 26, 2025, Mark Dority, 44, of Onondaga, was arrested by New York State Police on multiple drug-related charges following a traffic stop on I-90 westbound in Rotterdam. Dority, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, was pulled over around 3:15 AM for unsafe lane changes.
Jason Cruz Arrested in Schenectady for Forgery and Grand Larceny
On February 24, 2025, State Police arrested 43-year-old Jason Cruz of Schenectady on multiple warrants related to forgery and grand larceny charges. Cruz faces a series of serious charges, including four counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument and three counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree.
Two Arrested in Valrico After Discovery of Missing Man’s Body
Two individuals were arrested in Valrico, Florida, after detectives discovered the body of a missing man buried in the backyard of one of the suspects’ homes. The victim, Joseph Romano, was reported missing on January 16, and the investigation quickly pointed to foul play.
Raul Ayala Arrested for Stealing ATV in El Paso
El Paso, TX — 47-year-old Raul Hermelindo Ayala was arrested on Wednesday for his involvement in the theft of a Can-Am ATV, which took place in the 12800 block of Sparks, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
Venezuelan National Arrested in El Paso for Alleged Fraud and Misuse of Documents
El Paso, Texas — Alcides Jose Urrivari-Arape, a Venezuelan national, was arrested last Monday on criminal charges related to fraud and the misuse of official documents. Urrivari-Arape was stopped by an El Paso County Sheriff’s Office deputy, leading to an investigation involving U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) assistance.
Las Cruces Therapist Indicted for Submitting Nearly $1 Million in False Medicaid Claims
Las Cruces, N.M. — Nancy Marshall, a 58-year-old therapist and owner of Equine Assisted Programs of Southern New Mexico, has been indicted on 18 felony charges related to submitting fraudulent Medicaid claims totaling nearly $1 million.
Two Men Arrested for Stealing Vehicle Parts from Mobile Tire Store
Mobile, Ala. — Kenny Ellis Pratt, 28, and Victor Ricardo Gonzales, 49, were arrested Sunday evening after allegedly stealing vehicle parts from Pelc Tire & Service.
Chickasaw Man Arrested for Robbing PNC Bank in Mobile
Mobile, Ala. — Montreal Leonta Anderson, 28, of Chickasaw, was arrested Monday for allegedly committing first-degree robbery at PNC Bank on Springhill Ave.
Travis Lofton Sentenced to Life for Murder of Daphne Restaurant Manager
Daphne, Ala. — Travis Lofton was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday after being convicted in November 2024 for the intentional murder of Jason Mallette, the Taziki’s Mediterranean Café manager, in June 2023.
Five Arrested in Massive LCBO Theft Ring in Ontario
Ontario, Canada — Investigators from the 21 Criminal Investigation Bureau have arrested five individuals linked to a large-scale theft ring targeting Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) stores across the region. The group is accused of stealing liquor from 50 different LCBO locations between August 2024 and February 2025, with the stolen goods totaling a staggering $237,738.95.
Two Venezuelan Men Arrested in Bank Theft Scheme Tied to Global Terrorist Organization
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Two Venezuelan men, David Jose Gomez-Cegarra, 24, and Jesus Segundo Hernandez-Gil, 19, have been arrested and charged with bank theft and conspiracy to commit bank theft following their involvement in an ATM Jackpotting scheme. The men, linked to the Tren de Aragua Gang, a group designated as a Global Terrorist Organization by the White House, were apprehended after stealing more than $110,000 from an ATM in Kenmore, New York.
Hartford Man Arrested in West Hartford After Police Seize Large Quantity of Narcotics from Stolen Vehicle
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A significant narcotics bust occurred in West Hartford on Monday, leading to the arrest of Benny Goodman, 30, a Hartford man. According to the West Hartford Police Department, officers seized a large quantity of illegal drugs from a stolen vehicle in the area of New Park Avenue and Flatbush Avenue.
Dominican National Arrested for Connection to North Shore Drug Trafficking Ring Supplying Fentanyl and Methamphetamine
LAWRENCE, Mass. (WBZ) — A Dominican national living in Lawrence has been arrested and charged in connection with a North Shore drug trafficking organization that allegedly distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine supplied by the Sinaloa Cartel, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Maryland Man Admits to Preparing Fraudulent Tax Returns, Causing $128K in Losses
UPPER MARLBORO, Md. (WBAL) — Charles Anthony Keemer, 64, of Upper Marlboro, has admitted to aiding in the preparation and filing of fraudulent tax returns, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland announced today.
Two Men Sentenced to 15 Years for Cocaine Trafficking in Operation Carpet Ride
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTGS) — Two men involved in a large-scale cocaine trafficking operation have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in moving kilograms of cocaine into Georgia and Florida, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Georgia.
Social Media Creator Arrested in St. Mary’s County for Arson and False 911 Call
ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. (ABC7) — A social media creator arrested last Friday in Charles County for charges related to arson and making a false 911 call was arrested again today in St. Mary’s County on nearly identical charges.
Charles Edgar Thomas III Arrested for Fentanyl Possession in Md
PORT REPUBLIC, Md. — A 41-year-old man from Calvert County was arrested on drug-related charges after deputies responded to a trespassing complaint and found suspected fentanyl and drug paraphernalia in his vehicle.
Michael Santa Mendez Arrested for Burglary in White Plains, Md
WHITE PLAINS, Md. — A 42-year-old man from White Plains was arrested following a burglary in progress on February 28, 2025, after he broke into a home while armed with two large knives.
Stacy Jermain Barksdale Sentenced to 12 Years for Manslaughter
LA PLATA, Md. — On Friday, February 28, 2025, Stacy Jermain Barksdale, 39, of Waldorf, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for the Gross Vehicular Manslaughter of Gary Alan Cooper. Barksdale will also face five years of supervised probation upon his release.
Hollywood Tattoo Artist Daniel Winter Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion
LOS ANGELES — Daniel Joseph Winter, 43, a prominent tattoo artist who went by the moniker “Winterstone,” pleaded guilty on March 4 to filing false tax returns in an attempt to evade paying more than $641,000 in federal income taxes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California reported the case.
Barbara Harris Pleads Guilty to Defrauding $1.8M in Youth Program Funds
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. — Barbara Harris, 55, of South Holland, pleaded guilty to a federal fraud charge on Wednesday for stealing $1.8 million from government funds intended for after-school programs benefiting underprivileged youth.
Joseph Twilley Sentenced to 13 Years for Leading Drug Trafficking Network
DETROIT — Joseph Twilley, 65, of Detroit, was sentenced today to more than 13 years in federal prison for leading a large drug trafficking operation that distributed significant quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin. The announcement was made by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Quintin Green Sentenced to 35 Years for Murder of Federal Witness
BROOKLYN, NY — Quintin Green, 24, of Brooklyn, also known as “Wild Child,” was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison on Wednesday for the 2020 murder of former federal witness Shatavia Walls, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.
Wendy Villatoro Sentenced to 15 Months for PPP Loan Fraud
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Wendy Nicole Villatoro, 40, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced today to 15 months in federal prison for submitting fraudulent loan applications, resulting in her illegally securing $844,000 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster (EID) funds. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia confirmed the sentence.
John Raines Sentenced to 9 Years for Embezzling $6.7M from Virginia Program
PROVIDENCE FORGE, VA — John Hunter Raines, 38, was sentenced Wednesday to nine years in federal prison for embezzling more than $6.7 million from his former employer, the Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program (NIP). Raines had served as the Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Director of the program, which provides compensation to families of infants who suffer brain or spinal cord injuries during birth.
Nigerian National Matthew Akande Extradited for $1.3 Million Tax Fraud Scheme
BOSTON, MA — Matthew A. Akande, 36, a Nigerian national living in Mexico, has been extradited to the United States to face charges in connection with a scheme to hack into tax preparation firms and file fraudulent tax returns. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts announced Akande’s extradition on March 5, following his arrest at Heathrow Airport in the United Kingdom in October 2024.
James Wendell Andrews Charged with Attempted Murder After Pellet Gun Shooting
INDIAN HEAD, Md. — A disagreement between two men in Charles County turned violent on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, when one allegedly shot the other with a high-powered pellet gun. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting report around 6:15 p.m. on Stump Neck Road.
