Jason M. Frierson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada
During the recent lapse in government appropriations, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada continued its work on cases involving national security, violations of federal law, and essential public safety.
Among the cases prosecuted during this period was that of Matthew Wade Beasley, who pleaded guilty to defrauding investors. According to prosecutors, from 2017 to March 2022, Beasley convinced 1,213 investors to provide about $519.9 million for loans that did not exist. He used approximately $33.5 million for personal expenses such as gambling debts and luxury purchases. Sentencing is set for January 28, 2026. The FBI investigated this case, with Assistant United States Attorneys Daniel Schiess and Jessica Oliva handling prosecution.
Another case involved Francisco Ivan Velazquez, a Mexican national convicted by a jury for running a fraud scheme in which he impersonated an IRS officer and promised victims large sums from a fictitious IRS program. His sentencing is scheduled for February 18, 2026. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and IRS Criminal Investigation led the investigation.
Federal charges were also brought against Hua Xiao, Cheng Cheng Li, and Jianming Li from China, along with Jisup Hwang from South Korea. They are accused of operating brothels disguised as massage parlors across Las Vegas and laundering proceeds from these operations. The FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case; Assistant United States Attorney Steven Rose is prosecuting.
Sergio Octavio Sanchez was indicted after allegedly aiming a laser pointer at a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department helicopter. Authorities state that this act interfered with police operations and endangered the crew. A jury trial is set for February 23, 2026. The FBI investigated; Assistant United States Attorney Tina Snellings is prosecuting.
Steven Gregory Thornton received a sentence of ten years in prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to methamphetamine trafficking and being a felon in possession of a firearm. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with prosecution by Assistant United States Attorney Tina Snellings.
Elijah Sylee Shelton was convicted after a three-day trial on charges related to possession of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Sentencing will take place on January 8, 2026. The FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department handled the investigation; Assistant United States Attorneys James Gaeta and Joshua Brister are prosecuting.
Brenton Scott Williams—a five-time felon—was sentenced to seven years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm as a prohibited person. Prosecutors say Williams waited outside gun ranges before following individuals home to steal their firearms from vehicles later on. The ATF investigated this case.
Ryan Tyler Maness was sentenced to ten years in prison after engaging in sexually explicit conversations over Kik messenger with someone he believed was a minor and attempting to meet her while armed with a loaded firearm. At the time of his arrest he was already on probation for robbery in Las Vegas. The FBI investigated; Assistant United States Attorney Afroza Yeasmin prosecuted.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office noted: "An Indictment merely contain allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law."
