U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
Recent News About U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
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Two cousins have pleaded guilty in a nationwide short-term rental scam involving double-bookings and fake listings on popular platforms. Authorities say victims suffered last-minute cancellations while negative reviews were hidden or discredited by those running the scheme.
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Federal authorities have arrested eight people—including medical professionals—in connection with schemes that allegedly cost government programs over $50 million through fake hospice operations and fraudulent insurance billing practices. Officials say these actions demonstrate an ongoing commitment against health care fraud affecting both public funds and private employee benefit plans.
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Demi Pham, who fled before her drug trafficking trial began in May 2022, has been extradited from Singapore back to Los Angeles according to federal authorities. She faces multiple charges related to exporting large quantities of methamphetamine overseas.
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The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating two California women's prisons over claims that housing biological males may violate female inmates' constitutional rights. Officials say no conclusions have been reached yet but are seeking information nationwide as part of a broader review.
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Guramrit Sidhu has pleaded guilty to leading a major cross-border drug trafficking operation involving hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine worth up to $17 million between the U.S. and Canada. Sentencing is set for July; several others have also been convicted as part of this case.
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Kaleb Christopher Merritt has pleaded guilty in Los Angeles federal court for leading an extremist group involved in child sexual abuse material production targeting minors online. Authorities say he faces significant prison time following his conviction related to these crimes.
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The Justice Department has sued San Clemente-based S&K Towing Inc., alleging it illegally auctioned nearly 150 vehicles owned by military members without proper legal process. Officials say such actions violate protections provided under federal law for servicemembers during deployments.
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Sophia Shaklian from Los Angeles has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison after admitting her role in a scheme that defrauded Medicare out of over $14 million through fake hospice and diagnostic testing claims. Authorities say she used multiple sham companies over several years before being caught.
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Federal authorities arrested eleven people accused of using stolen identities from elderly victims in a scheme targeting real estate loans worth millions in Los Angeles. Officials say both homeowners and lenders suffered losses due to fraudulent activity involving fabricated documents.
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A Koreatown man was arrested after allegedly obtaining over $2 million in COVID-19 relief loans using fake businesses and investing the funds in cryptocurrency. Federal prosecutors have seized nearly 40 bitcoins as part of their investigation. The case underscores ongoing efforts by authorities to combat pandemic-related fraud.
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An Australian man has been charged with assaulting a TSA officer at Los Angeles International Airport following an incident near Terminals 6 and 7. Authorities say he faces up to eight years in prison if convicted.
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A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputy has pleaded guilty to obstructing a federal investigation into threats made by a cryptocurrency businessman against a party planner. The case involves several law enforcement officers who worked private security while still serving as deputies.
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Michael David Coberg, a former Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy, received over five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to participating in extortion schemes involving cryptocurrency fraudster Adam Iza. The case underscores concerns about abuse of law enforcement power.
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A former Syrian prison chief was convicted by a Los Angeles jury for torturing inmates at Adra Prison before lying about his past on U.S. immigration documents. Authorities say he faces significant prison time following his conviction on multiple counts including conspiracy to commit torture.
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U.S. authorities have arrested Rafael Enrique Gámez Salas at Chile's request over serious criminal charges linked to Tren de Aragua activities. The case underscores international cooperation against transnational crime as extradition proceedings move forward.
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Four members connected with Pomona street gangs and the Mexican Mafia have been sentenced to life imprisonment following convictions related to racketeering activities including murder. Authorities say these sentences reflect coordinated efforts against organized crime impacting Southern California communities.
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An individual from Guatemala has pleaded guilty in Los Angeles to leading a large human smuggling operation that brought about 20,000 people into the United States over five years.
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A former resident of Laguna Niguel was sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison for threatening to kill a judge who presided over his family law case.
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Twelve individuals identified as members and associates of the 18th Street gang were arrested in Los Angeles on charges including murder, extortion, and drug trafficking.
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An actor and animal welfare organization founder from Acton has been arrested on a federal charge of attempted kidnapping, according to the Justice Department.