The Anatomy of Elder Fraud: Ten Scams Every Family Should Recognize

Financial crimes against older adults are not isolated incidents. They are structured, repeatable, and increasingly sophisticated. What appears to be a single deceptive phone call or email is often part of a broader pattern of exploitation that targets trust, urgency, and vulnerability.

The scope of the problem is significant. Each year, an estimated one in ten adults age 60 and older experience some form of abuse, including financial exploitation, with many cases going unreported (Sill & Haskins, 2025) . Financial fraud alone has resulted in billions of dollars in losses among older Americans, with over $3.4 billion reported lost to scams targeting individuals aged 60 and older in 2023 (Federal Bureau of Investigation [FBI], 2024). These figures likely underrepresent the true scale due to underreporting driven by embarrassment, fear, or lack of awareness (Federal Trade Commission [FTC], 2023).

Understanding how these scams operate is essential. What follows is a breakdown of ten of the most common schemes and how they are carried out.

Tech Support Scams

The victim receives a pop-up message, email, or phone call claiming their computer is infected or compromised. The scammer impersonates a legitimate company and instructs the victim to grant remote access. Once inside the system, the offender may install malware, access financial information, or demand payment for fake repairs. These scams rely on fear and technical confusion to gain control (FBI, 2024).

Government Impersonation Scams

Scammers pose as representatives of agencies such as the IRS or Social Security Administration. Victims are told they owe money or face legal consequences. Payment is demanded immediately, often through untraceable methods like gift cards. These scams exploit authority and urgency, two factors shown to increase compliance (FTC, 2023).

Grandparent Scams

The offender impersonates a grandchild or relative in distress, often claiming arrest or injury. The victim is urged to send money quickly and not inform others. This tactic relies on emotional manipulation and family loyalty, which are particularly effective among older adults (FBI, 2024).

Romance Scams

Offenders build relationships through online platforms, gaining trust over time. Eventually, they request money for emergencies or opportunities. In 2023, romance scams accounted for some of the highest financial losses among fraud categories, particularly affecting older victims (FBI, 2024). These scams succeed because they exploit emotional connection rather than immediate deception.

Lottery and Sweepstakes Scams

Victims are told they have won a prize but must pay fees or taxes to receive it. The promise of a reward is paired with urgency, discouraging verification. The FTC reports that such scams continue to target older adults despite longstanding public awareness campaigns (FTC, 2023).

Investment Scams

These schemes promise high returns with little risk, often involving cryptocurrency or real estate. Victims are persuaded to invest large sums. According to the FBI, investment scams resulted in the highest reported financial losses among fraud types in 2023 (FBI, 2024). These scams exploit financial security concerns and the desire for stability in retirement.

Phishing and Email Scams

Fraudulent messages impersonate legitimate institutions, directing victims to fake websites or requesting credentials. Once access is obtained, accounts are compromised. The increasing digital engagement of older adults has expanded exposure to these tactics (Internet Crime Complaint Center [IC3], 2024).

Charity Scams

Following disasters or crises, scammers pose as charitable organizations and solicit donations. Victims are pressured to act quickly. The National Council on Aging notes that older adults are particularly vulnerable due to their higher likelihood of charitable giving (National Council on Aging [NCOA], 2023).

Home Repair and Contractor Fraud

Scammers approach homeowners offering urgent or discounted repairs. Payment is requested upfront, and work is either incomplete or never performed. Older adults are targeted due to higher rates of homeownership and a desire to maintain independence (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau [CFPB], 2022).

Business Email Compromise and Account Takeover

Scammers gain access to email accounts and impersonate trusted contacts. They request transfers or redirect payments. These schemes are highly effective because they leverage existing relationships rather than creating new ones (IC3, 2024).

The Pattern Beneath the Scams

Despite differences in execution, these scams share common elements: exploitation of trust, creation of urgency, and limitation of verification. Older adults are disproportionately targeted due to factors such as social isolation, cognitive decline, and financial stability (Sill & Haskins, 2025) . Research indicates that financial exploitation often occurs within relationships of trust, further complicating detection and reporting (CFPB, 2022).

What Families Can Do

Prevention requires more than awareness. It requires structure and involvement. Families play a critical role in reducing risk.

1. Maintain consistent communication
   Regular contact reduces isolation, a known risk factor for exploitation (NCOA, 2023).

2. Encourage verification of financial requests
   Creating a habit of pausing and confirming requests can disrupt scam attempts (FTC, 2023).

3. Monitor financial activity when appropriate
   Early detection of unusual transactions is key to limiting losses (CFPB, 2022).

4. Educate about common scam tactics
   Awareness of patterns increases resistance to manipulation (FBI, 2024).

5. Establish trusted advisors or contacts
   Having a designated person to consult before financial decisions adds a layer of protection (NCOA, 2023).

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Conclusion

Elder fraud is not simply a collection of isolated crimes. It is a system of exploitation built on predictable human factors. As the population ages and technology evolves, these schemes will continue to adapt.

Understanding how these scams work is essential, but it is not sufficient. Protection depends on relationships, communication, and the presence of trusted systems that reduce isolation and increase accountability.

The challenge is not eliminating risk entirely. It is ensuring that when risk appears, it is met with awareness, structure, and support.

References

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (2022). Suspicious activity reports on elder financial exploitation.

Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2024). Internet crime report 2023.

Federal Trade Commission. (2023). Protecting older consumers report.

Internet Crime Complaint Center. (2024). Elder fraud report.

National Council on Aging. (2023). Top scams targeting older adults.

Sill, K., & Haskins, P. A. (2025). Studies of mistreatment of older adults offer solutions to an urgent and growing societal problem. National Institute of Justice Journal.

Baltimore Man Sentenced for Armed Robberies, Carjacking, Assaulting Federal Officer

Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man is headed to federal prison for his role in robbing multiple local commercial businesses and then later assaulting a Deputy U.S. Marshal while at the U.S. Courthouse in Baltimore.

U.S. District Court Judge Ellen L. Hollander sentenced Sharif Northington, 23, of Baltimore, to 10 years in prison for interfering with commerce by robbery, and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Northington also received one year in prison, consecutive to the 10-year sentence, for intentionally assaulting an officer and employee of the United States. In September 2024, following a court proceeding at the U.S. Courthouse in Baltimore, Northington threatened and then assaulted the Deputy U.S. Marshals escorting him to his cell.

Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Clinton J. Fuchs, U.S. Marshal for the District of Maryland (USMS); Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).

According to court documents, in November 2022, Northington conspired with co-conspirators Devin Grimes, 27, of Baltimore, and John Hyman, 21, of Baltimore, to commit armed commercial robberies and at least one armed carjacking.  During each robbery and carjacking, the co-conspirators used a firearm while demanding money, a vehicle, and/or other items.

On November 29, Northington, Grimes, and Hyman — who were wearing masks and hoods — entered a Northeast Baltimore 7-Eleven convenience store. Grimes brandished a handgun and then proceeded to rob the store with Northington and Hyman.  The suspects stole money from the cash register and then fled the store.  But unknown to the suspects, the stolen cash included a money tracker which helped law enforcement officers track their movements. In response, both BPD and BCPD dispatched officers, detectives, and aviation squads to locate the suspects.

The co-conspirators then went to a carry-out restaurant, less than a mile away. Upon entering, Grimes went to the back of the restaurant and brandished a handgun. He then confronted a delivery driver and robbed the man of the keys in his pocket.  Then Grimes returned to the register and demanded the cashier open the register. Grimes then removed money from the register before the three co-conspirators fled the store in the delivery man’s vehicle.

BPD and BCPD aviation units soon located and apprehended the co-conspirators. During the arrests, law enforcement recovered a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol, money, and a money tracker from Grimes.  Law enforcement also discovered additional cash in the vehicle. 

In December 2024, Judge Hollander sentenced Grimes to 10 years in federal prison. Then in September 2025, Judge Hollander sentenced Hyman to 10 years in prison for his role in the crimes.        

U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes commended the ATF, USMS, BPD, and BCPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sippel who prosecuted this federal case.

Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Setting NYPD Vehicles Ablaze

Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Jakhi McCray pleaded guilty to committing arson of 10 New York City Police Department (NYPD) vehicles and one trailer in Brooklyn, New York.  The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Seth D. Eichenholtz.  When sentenced, McCray faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment, as well as a fine and restitution in an amount to be determined by the Court.   

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Division (ATF), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, NYPD, announced the guilty plea.

“The defendant’s actions were not only dangerous, but they were also a direct attack on public safety and the rule of law,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “By deliberately setting fire to multiple police vehicles in the pre-dawn hours, the defendant put at risk the lives of first responders and residents asleep in their beds nearby, and ultimately, strained resources meant to protect the community.  Today’s guilty plea ensures accountability and sends a clear message that acts of violence and destruction against law enforcement will be met with serious consequences.”

“This defendant’s actions—setting fire to multiple NYPD vehicles and causing significant damage—demonstrates a blatant disregard for public safety and the rule of law. Arson is not a form of protest—it is a dangerous crime that puts lives at risk,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge DiGirolamo.  “The swift work of the ATF New York Arson and Explosives Task Force, comprised of ATF, NYPD, and FDNY personnel, underscores the strength of our coordinated response to violent crime. We remain committed to working alongside our partners to protect our communities and ensure those who commit violent acts are brought to justice.”

As detailed in court filings and facts presented during the plea proceeding, on June 12, 2025, McCray scaled a fence into a secure, private lot on DeKalb Avenue between Wilson Avenue and Central Avenue in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn that housed NYPD vehicles, and intentionally set on fire 10 NYPD vehicles and one trailer. Shortly thereafter, an NYPD officer assigned to inspect the lot saw the fire and observed McCray escaping through a hole in the fence.  McCray ultimately self-surrendered on July 21, 2025.  NYPD estimates the arson caused over $800,000 in damages.  The arson was committed two days before protests were scheduled to be conducted over the June 14-15, 2025 weekend, compromising NYPD resources to protect and secure the public.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Section.  Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca M. Urquiola is in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

JAKHI MCCRAY
Age: 22
Brooklyn, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 26-CR-68 (ENV) 

Contact

John Marzulli
Denise Taylor                      
United States Attorney’s Office
(718) 254-6323

U.S. Attorney’s Office Charges Three Men With Attempting To Rob Undercover Federal Agent in Chicago

CHICAGO — The U.S. Attorney’s Office today charged three men with attempting to rob a federal agent during an undercover firearm transaction in Chicago.

JEREMY JONES, CHRISTOPHER DENSMORE, and CARMELL MASSEY attempted to rob an agent from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives on Thursday morning, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Chicago.  The agent was working undercover when the agent met with the defendants in a parking lot on the South Side of Chicago for the purpose of buying two firearms from them, the complaint states.  During the meeting, the defendants attempted to rob the agent of $600 in government funds that the agent planned to use to purchase the guns, the complaint states. When Jones pointed a firearm at the undercover agent, the agent responded by firing a shot at him, the complaint states.  Jones and the two other defendants attempted to flee the area, but law enforcement quickly arrested all three defendants, the complaint states.

The complaint charges Jones, 19, Densmore, 22, and Massey, 20, all of Chicago, with one count of attempted robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.  The firearm charge is punishable by a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in federal prison and a maximum of life.  The attempted robbery charge is punishable by a maximum of 25 years. The defendants were scheduled to make initial appearances in federal court in Chicago this afternoon.

The complaint was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Christopher Amon, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  The Chicago Police Department provided valuable assistance. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Gurley.

“Each and every day in Chicago, ATF agents put their lives on the line to fight violent crime and make our city safer,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros.  “The undercover agent in this case demonstrated the utmost bravery, courage, and skill, all of which are the hallmarks of our nation’s dedicated ATF agents.  Any crimes against law enforcement—especially violent crimes—are direct assaults on the rule of law.  Through these serious federal charges, the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office will seek to hold these violent offenders accountable.”

“During an undercover firearms trafficking operation yesterday, the offenders arrived with the intention of conducting a robbery,” said ATF SAC Amon.  “They did not realize they were targeting highly trained agents who immediately took action to take the offenders into custody and protect their own.  I am proud of the professionalism and bravery demonstrated by our undercover law enforcement officers, ATF agents, and Task Force Officers on the scene.  These professionals risk their lives day in and day out to target violent criminals and their sources of crime guns.  Once the radio call went out, the Chicago Police Department immediately responded and provided critical investigative support, and I am grateful for their work.  To be very clear, the conduct of these offenders will not be tolerated, and I want to thank U.S. Attorney Boutros and his team for swiftly bringing federal charges in this case.”

The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Pensacola Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison For Attempting To Kill an Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy

Pensacola, Florida – Darrion K. Finley, 22, of Pensacola, Florida, has been sentenced in federal court on charges related to a shooting incident in late 2024. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the sentencing.

The Indictment charged Finley with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, attempting to kill an Escambia County Sheriff’s Deputy to prevent certain communications, and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case shows the deadly threats our brave men and women in law enforcement face every day as they fight to remove violent criminals from our communities. My office remains firmly committed to aggressively prosecuting those violent offenders, and we will stand shoulder to shoulder with our law enforcement partners in the fight to keep our streets safe. Let me be clear: anyone who threatens, shoots at, or in any way harms a law enforcement officer in the Northern District of Florida will face the full might of the Department of Justice.”

Court documents reveal that on December 17, 2024, the defendant was driving in Pensacola in a stolen vehicle. When the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop of the defendant, he accelerated and law enforcement began its vehicle pursuit. One of the pursuing deputies executed a PIT maneuver to immobilize Finley’s vehicle, after which Finley fired a 9-millimeter pistol at the Deputy’s vehicle, striking the passenger side door of the patrol vehicle. As the Deputy and his K9 approached the defendant’s vehicle, Finley exited the car armed with the pistol, and began pointing it at the officer.  The Deputy released his K9, which lunged at Finley and prevented him from firing the pistol, after which Finley attempted to flee on foot but was immobilized and detained. Upon recovering Finley’s handgun, it was discovered that a live round had lodged in the ejection port, indicating the defendant had tried to fire the weapon a second time at the Deputy but it malfunctioned.

“Darrion Finley’s brazen attempt to murder one of our deputies during a routine traffic stop highlights the extreme dangers our officers face every single day,” said Escambia County Sheriff Simmons. “Thanks to the quick thinking and bravery of our deputy and his K9 partner, a dangerous felon is now off our streets for decades. We will continue working shoulder-to-shoulder with our federal partners to hold violent criminals accountable and keep Escambia County safe.”

“Escambia County residents are better off with this violent man behind bars,” said Tampa Field Division’s Special Agent in Change Kirk Howard. “The suspect shot at law enforcement with complete disregard for the community and this sentencing sends a clear message that acts of violence against law enforcement and our community will not be tolerated.”

The case was jointly investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the State Attorney’s Office for the First Judicial Circuit, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys David L. Goldberg and Jessica S. Etherton.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Armed Felon Who Pointed Gun at Police Sentenced to Federal Prison

ATLANTA - Lee Milton Reeves, a multi-convicted felon who threatened employees and police officers at gunpoint in the bathroom of a Riverdale, Georgia restaurant, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison.

“This case shows precisely why convicted felons are prohibited from possessing guns,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Had Reeves pulled the trigger, this case could have ended in tragedy. My office will never stop working towards making Georgia safe by removing armed felons from the community.”

“The sentence imposed today sends a clear message to convicted felons prohibited from possessing firearms: ATF’s top priority remains keeping our communities safe,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Ryan Todd. “ATF will continue working with our law enforcement partners to target individuals who unlawfully possess firearms.”

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On March 17, 2024, officers from the Riverdale Police Department responded to an emergency call about a man with a gun at a fast-food restaurant. Once there, officers found Reeves holed up in a bathroom, where Reeves pointed at gun at them. Subsequent investigation revealed that, the day before, Reeves had fired that same gun inside a trailer where a mother and daughter lived.

On March 26, 2026, Lee Milton Reeves, 40, of Mechanicsville, Georgia, was sentenced to seven years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release. Reeves pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person on December 17, 2025.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Riverdale Police Department and the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney James Hwang prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Bridging the Bars and Barriers: Advancing MOUD in Correctional Health Systems

Registration Start: March 12, 2026 / Registration Ends: July 8, 2026
Location: Virtual

Apply for this NIC program

This 1-hour course is the first session of a multi-part series for clinical and correctional staff that addresses the use of MOUD in reducing recidivism, overdose, and mortality in correctional environments. Learn More

Teen Hitmen for Sinaloa Cartel Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison

SAN DIEGO – Two teenage gang members were sentenced in federal court today to 25 years in prison for attempting to murder a target of the Sinaloa Cartel, and for the collateral death of a fellow gang member who was fatally shot during one of the failed murder attempts.

“California Senate Bill 1391 made state prosecutions of 14- and 15-year-olds a practical impossibility regardless of the seriousness of the crime. Then, the Sinaloa Cartel and the Mexican Mafia-affiliated Westside Wilmas recruited accordingly,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, “No. No to the Sinaloa Cartel recruiting juveniles. No to the Mexican Mafia directing gangland hits in San Diego. No to a lack of consequences for juveniles who would do their bidding.”

“The sentencing of these teenagers sends a clear message: individuals who commit acts of violence, regardless of age, will be held fully accountable under the law,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge TJ Holland of the FBI San Diego Field Office. “The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to identify, dismantle, and eliminate the violent gangs, cartels, and criminal organizations responsible for this violence. FBI San Diego and our law enforcement partners will continue to investigate anyone threatening the safety of our communities, including those who mistakenly believe they can exploit juveniles to carry out violent crimes without consequence.”

In issuing the court’s sentence, U.S. District Judge Todd W. Robinson likewise warned that the Sinaloa Cartel, Mexican Mafia, Westside Wilmas, and similarly situated gangs “need to be put on notice that you don’t get a pass when you have a juvenile commit an offense like this.”

Andrew Nunez and Johncarlo Quintero – who were both 15 at the time of the crimes on March 26 and 27, 2024 – pleaded guilty in December 2025 to murder and attempted murder charges, admitting they were acting as hired hitmen for the Sinaloa Cartel when they made two attempts in five hours to kill the cartel’s target.

Nunez and Quintero were members of the Mexican Mafia-affiliated Westside Wilmas gang from the greater Los Angeles area. They drove from Wilmington, California to a Chili’s restaurant in Chula Vista, where their target was dining with his family.

The target and his family were leaving the Chili’s restaurant when Quintero and Nunez pulled up behind them in the parking lot. Quintero got out of the car and fired a single bullet that struck the victim’s legs. After that single shot, Quintero’s firearm jammed, and he was unable to unjam the weapon in time to shoot again. Quintero got back into the car Nunez was driving, and Nunez attempted unsuccessfully to hit and kill the intended victim with the vehicle. The teen gunmen then fled the scene.

Later that night, in the early hours of March 27, 2024, the teen hitmen showed up at the intended victim’s home to finish the job. They were joined this time by an older accomplice, 28-year-old Ricardo Sanchez. Nunez and Quintero each expected to be paid approximately $50,000. The trio approached the target’s home, carrying at least one firearm apiece.

Two family members and a friend of the intended victim were present in the home. Sanchez banged on the front door, and once the friend responded, Quintero and Nunez shot at the friend and fired indiscriminately at the family home. According to the plea agreements, Nunez and Quintero acted with the intent of ending the life of the friend and anyone within the kill zone they created in targeting the intended victim.

The friend was shot in the hand, arm, and face by Quintero and Nunez, but he survived. In response to Quintero and Nunez’s actions, the friend shot toward Nunez, Quintero and Sanchez to protect himself and the others within the home and, in so doing, he shot and killed Sanchez—a provocative-act murder to which Nunez and Quintero pleaded guilty. After that, the hitmen fled the scene.

The defendants admitted they were tapped to murder the cartel’s target because they were minors and, specifically, only 15 at the time. According to admissions in their plea agreements, the defendants knew—if apprehended for this conduct—that they were ineligible to be transferred to adult status under the laws of the State of California because they were under the age of 16 at the time of the offense. For example, among other discussions Nunez had with his co-defendant after being arrested, Nunez and Quintero talked about not being able to “catch a…707” because of their age at the time, which referred to not being subject to adult transfer under California Welfare & Institutions Code Section 707.

In February 2026, a federal grand jury indicted alleged Sinaloa Cartel associates Poly Antunez, Antonio Quinones, and Jovanny Enriquez for conspiring with the teens to execute the cartel target. The 15-year-olds were thought to be too young for serious legal consequences. That indictment charged the defendants with Conspiracy to Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering, Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering, Conspiracy to Commit Murder for Hire, and Use of Interstate Facilities in Commission of Murder for Hire. That related case, Case Number 26cr402-TWR, is pending.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Goff, Peter Horn and Joshua Mellor.

DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 25cr4822-TWR

Andrew Nunez

aka “Shooter,” aka “Felon”                            Age: 16                                   Wilmington, CA

Johncarlo Quintero                                        Age: 17                                  Wilmington, CA

aka “Dumper”

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering (Title 18, U.S.C., Secs.  1959(a)(5) and 2)

Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison, $250,000 fine

Murder in Aid of Racketeering (Title 18, U.S.C., Secs. 1959(a)(1) and 2).

Maximum penalty: Life in prison; $250,000 fine

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Chula Vista Police Department

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

United States Marshals Service

California Highway Patrol

*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF San Diego comprises agents and officers from FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals, Department of Defense, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Interpol, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.

Former Gastonia Police Officer Sentenced To Prison For Straw Purchasing A Firearm

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A former Gastonia police officer was sentenced to prison today for straw purchasing a firearm, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.  Xana Dayanae Dove, 28, was sentenced to 15 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release.

Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in North Carolina, and Alicia Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Charlotte Field Division, join U.S. Attorney Ferguson in making today’s announcement.

“No one is above the law,” said U.S. Attorney Ferguson.  “We stand behind our law enforcement officers and support them as they work hard to reduce violent crime in our community. But when they become criminals that instead contribute to that crime, they get no special treatment.”

“Law enforcement officers are entrusted with significant authority and very few choose to violate that trust, but those instances will not be tolerated. The FBI, and our law enforcement partners, remain committed to accountability and protecting the integrity of the criminal justice system. We thank the officers who proudly protect and serve their communities every day,” said Special Agent in Charge Davis.

According to filed documents and the court hearing, on May 25, 2023, Dove purchased a Springfield Hellcat Pro, 9mm pistol from Shooters Express, a licensed firearms dealer located in Belmont, North Carolina. As Dove previously admitted in court, in completing the purchase, she made a false and fictitious written statement when she falsely stated on ATF’s Firearms Transaction Record Form 4473 that she was the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm when the defendant knew this statement was false and fictitious.

At today’s sentencing hearing, the Court also ordered the forfeiture of a Springfield Hellcat Pro 9mm pistol. Dove will be ordered to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended the FBI and ATF for their work on the investigation, and thanked Homeland Security Investigations, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction’s Community Supervision, and the Gastonia Police Department for their assistance with Dove’s apprehension.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Dana Washington with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.