Loretta Clarice James Sentenced to 8 Years for COVID-19 Fraud Scheme
WILMINGTON, N.C. – Loretta Clarice James, 49, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for her involvement in a multi-million-dollar COVID-19 fraud scheme, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Friday. James had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud on May 29, 2024.
Phyllis Hope Stitt and Kenneth Earl Riley Sentenced for COVID-19 Unemployment Fraud
LOS ANGELES – Phyllis Hope Stitt, 61, a former employee of the California Employment Development Department (EDD), was sentenced to 20 months in federal prison on Friday for her role in a fraudulent scheme that stole hundreds of thousands of dollars in unemployment benefits meant for Californians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two Arrested in Connection with Franklin Murder of Dalyn Bell
FRANKLIN, LA — Authorities have arrested two individuals in connection with the murder of Dalyn Bell, a 20-year-old from Franklin, Louisiana. The shooting occurred earlier this week on Bray Lane in Franklin.
Former Juvenile Justice Specialist Arrested in Bunkie for Misconduct
BUNKIE, LA — Khy Winbush, a former juvenile justice specialist at the Acadiana Center for Youth in Bunkie, was arrested after an internal investigation by the Office of Juvenile Justice (OJJ) revealed allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a youth offender.
Alexandria Man Sentenced to 15+ Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking
LAFAYETTE, LA — Derrick Felton, 43, of Alexandria, Louisiana, has been sentenced to 188 months (over 15 years) in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release after being convicted on drug trafficking charges.
Former NYC Real Estate Developer Charged with $10M Fraud Scheme
BOCA RATON, FL — Joshua Schuster, 41, of Boca Raton, Florida, has been arrested and charged with wire fraud and securities fraud in connection with defrauding investors out of more than $10 million through a high-profile real estate investment scheme, federal authorities announced.
Ryan Olufs of Robbins Charged in Child Exploitation Case
ROBBINS, N.C. (WTVD) – A Moore County man, Ryan Michael Olufs, 40, has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies in connection with a child sex crime investigation, according to Sheriff Ronnie Fields.
Hunter Hudson Sentenced in $1.5M ‘Fraud Academy’ Scheme
Middle District of Alabama — Eight people, including 25-year-old Hunter Hudson Jr., have been sentenced in connection with an elaborate wire, bank, and mail fraud conspiracy that defrauded financial institutions out of over $1.5 million, federal prosecutors announced.
Melissa Chandler, Shannon Waller Charged in $18K Fraud Case
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — Two individuals have been arrested in connection with a year-long debit card fraud case that resulted in $18,000 in unauthorized charges in Pitt County.
Trevor Scarbrough Charged in Shocking Human Trafficking Case
PONTIAC, Mich. (Fox 2) — A 33-year-old Pontiac man, Trevor Andrew Scarbrough, was arrested Thursday evening after authorities say he trafficked a woman for over a year, involving her in horrific acts and exploiting her for profit.
Brian Zenszer Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges
PHILADELPHIA — Brian Zenszer, 44, of Warminster, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today in federal court to charges related to child pornography distribution and possession, U.S. Attorney David Metcalf announced.
Former Officers Convicted in Tyre Nichols Beating Face Federal Sentences
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Despite Wednesday’s state trial verdicts not meeting the expectations of many in Memphis, all five former officers charged in the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols will likely face lengthy prison sentences in federal court. This includes the men acquitted in state court, who are set to be sentenced in June 2025 for their federal charges.
Jessica Crawford Sentenced for $3.5M Tax Fraud Scheme
MACON, Ga. — Jessica Crawford, a 34-year-old tax preparer from Athens, Georgia, has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for orchestrating a $3.5 million tax fraud scheme involving fraudulent unemployment claims and inflated tax credits.
Sara King Sentenced for $8.7M Investor Fraud in Vegas Scheme
LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Sara Jacqueline King, a disbarred California attorney who defrauded investors out of $8.7 million to fund a luxurious lifestyle at the Wynn Las Vegas, has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison.
Yovany Ciero Guilty in $4M COVID Loan Fraud Scheme
MASON CITY, Iowa — Yovany Ciero, a 48-year-old Cuban immigrant and former army sergeant, has been convicted in federal court for his leading role in a multi-million-dollar COVID-19 loan fraud scheme.
Ankur Bhatiani Charged in $373K Mississauga Auto Fraud Case
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario – Seven individuals have been arrested and two more are wanted in connection to a fraudulent auto transaction scheme involving over $373,000 in high-value vehicles, according to the Peel Regional Police Fraud Bureau.
Seven Arrested in Rockford After Alleged Mob Attack on Woman and Child
ROCKFORD, IL — Seven individuals have been arrested in Rockford, Illinois, following a violent incident in which a woman and her 6-year-old child were allegedly attacked by a mob of people, according to court records and police reports.
Faustin Nsabumukunzi Charged with Genocide Involvement & Fraud
A federal grand jury in Central Islip, New York, indicted Faustin Nsabumukunzi, 65, of Bridgehampton, New York, on charges related to lying about his involvement in the 1994 Rwandan genocide in his applications for a green card and U.S. citizenship. The indictment, returned on April 22 and unsealed today, accuses Nsabumukunzi of concealing his past role as a local leader and perpetrator of the genocide that resulted in the deaths of an estimated 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
Steven Bartolomey Charged with Animal Cruelty and Child Endangerment
A Central Islip man has been charged with multiple offenses, including animal cruelty and child endangerment, after Suffolk County SPCA detectives discovered shocking conditions in his home. Steven Bartolomey, 37, faces misdemeanor charges of animal cruelty, neglect, and endangering the welfare of a child after an investigation revealed he had failed to provide a safe environment for his one-year-old male Pitbull, “Snoopy,” and five children, ages three to eleven.
Former NYC Acting Teacher Samuel Gonzalez Arrested for Child Pornography
Samuel Gonzalez, a former teacher at an acting school in New York City, has been arrested and charged with distributing and possessing child pornography, including videos depicting the sexual abuse of infants and toddlers. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton and FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia announced the arrest today, revealing the disturbing nature of Gonzalez’s alleged actions.
Ebony Washington, Melissa Holland Sentenced in Retail Theft Ring
CANTON, Ga. — Two New York women have been sentenced to 20 years, including 10 years in prison, for orchestrating a widespread and coordinated retail theft ring that defrauded Walmart and Target stores across 21 U.S. states, including dozens of locations in Georgia.
Dylan Smith of ‘Love After Lockup’ Sentenced for Mail Theft
CHICAGO — Dylan Smith, known for his appearance on Season 3 of the reality television show Love After Lockup, has been sentenced in connection with a mail theft and burglary that occurred in Chicago last summer.
Romeo Wilson Sentenced for Mail Theft and Check Fraud in Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A Tallahassee man has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a series of mail theft and check fraud charges that targeted financial institutions across the Big Bend region.
Queens DA Uncovers $4.6M Auto Theft Ring, Charges 20 Defendants in “Operation Hellcat”
NEW YORK — Twenty individuals have been indicted in a massive luxury auto theft ring that spanned New York City and the surrounding suburbs, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced today. The 289-count indictment stems from a sweeping three-year investigation dubbed Operation Hellcat, targeting a network that stole and trafficked 126 vehicles worth more than $4.6 million.
Jessica Little Hoop Sentenced for Theft at Sonic
Jessica Little Hoop, the former general manager of the Scottsbluff Sonic restaurant, was sentenced Wednesday in Scotts Bluff County District Court after pleading no contest to theft charges.
Thomas Torrez Faces Multiple Charges After Standoff with Police
A Wichita man, Thomas Torrez, appeared in court Friday afternoon to face a series of charges following a violent crime spree, including allegedly ramming a deputy’s car and stealing multiple vehicles.
William Gilbert Charged with Burglary and Theft at Hixson Property
William Gilbert, 50, the owner of Hixson Haunted Hollow, has been arrested and charged with aggravated burglary and felony theft following an incident at his Hixson property.
Tommy Higdon Sentenced to 12 Years for Meth Trafficking
Tommy Higdon, a 70-year-old man, has been convicted and sentenced for methamphetamine-related crimes. He was found guilty of trafficking and possession of methamphetamine, according to a statement from the Lookout Mountain Judicial Circuit.
Three Arrested on Drug and Identity Theft Charges After Traffic Stop
Three people were arrested in Bulloch County after a traffic stop led to the discovery of illegal drugs and stolen personal identification documents. The traffic stop occurred when Bulloch County Sheriff’s Deputy Joseph Shannon pulled over a vehicle with no tag at the intersection of South College and Mikell Street.
Former Troup County Employee Wesleigh Gaddy Arrested for Theft
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has arrested and charged former Troup County Board of Commissioners’ employee, Wesleigh Gaddy, 35, of Hogansville, Georgia, with one count of Theft by Taking. Additional charges are currently under investigation.
Florence Woman Arrested for Drug Possession and Weapon Charges
FLORENCE, S.C. (WPDE) — A Florence woman was arrested on Thursday after being charged with multiple drug possession offenses.
Darlington County Arrests Tammy O’Neal and Edwin Easterling for Drug and Weapon Charges
DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Two individuals were arrested in Darlington County on Tuesday after drugs and a stolen weapon were discovered during a search.
Three Arrested in Darlington County Drug Bust, Including Dominique Brown
DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Three individuals were arrested on Tuesday following a drug bust in Darlington County, according to a release from the Darlington County Sheriff’s Office.
Kelvin Anderson Mitchell Arrested in Florence Gun Store Theft
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — A Florence man was arrested Tuesday morning in connection with a major gun store theft involving more than 20 stolen firearms.
Ryan Davenport Sentenced for Fentanyl, Crack Cocaine Charges
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — A Tabor City man has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to multiple drug-related offenses and attempting to flee law enforcement.
Jackson, Hickson Found Guilty in 2022 Murder of Quay Dickens
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Two men have been found guilty in the 2022 shooting death of Dyquavyon “Quay” Dickens, a Pee Dee High School student, after a high-profile trial concluded Thursday.
Man Arrested in Florence Robbery, Says Sheriff T.J. Joye
FLORENCE, SC (WPDE) – A man has been taken into custody following an armed robbery and attempted murder that occurred Monday in Florence, according to Florence County Sheriff T.J. Joye.
Pharmacist Joseph Huff and Wife Jenifer Sentenced for Fraud
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Kentucky pharmacist and his wife have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a series of crimes including theft, fraud, and the illegal distribution of controlled substances, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
Brooklyn Man Sentenced for Stealing 35 iPads from FedEx Facility
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — A 44-year-old Brooklyn man, Chamar Gary Lee, has been sentenced to serve three to 23 months in Montgomery County jail after stealing 35 Apple iPads valued at $22,715 from a FedEx distribution facility in Montgomery Township. Lee was convicted on felony attempted theft by deception and misdemeanor charges of forgery and possessing an instrument of crime related to the theft that occurred in July 2024.
MTSU Professor Don Hong Indicted on Multiple Theft and Misconduct Charges
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. — A professor at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has been arrested following an extensive investigation into allegations of financial crimes involving state funds.
