Owner of Health Care Software Company Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for $1B Medicare Fraud

A Kansas CEO and owner of an internet platform was sentenced to 19 years in prison for his role in operating a platform that generated false doctors’ orders and prescriptions to defraud Medicare and other federal health care benefit programs out of more than $1 billion.

“The Department of Justice and our agency partners dismantled one of the largest telemedicine fraud schemes ever, and lengthy prison sentence holds the orchestrator of that scheme accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division. “The defendant’s fraud scheme lured hundreds of thousands of elderly and disabled Americans into a sophisticated international telemarketing system with one goal: stealing as much as possible from the Medicare trust fund. The Fraud Division will continue to leverage its resources to take down complex fraud operations like Blackman’s DMERx.”

“This sentence delivers a decisive warning: anyone who exploits VA programs and services for personal profit will be found and held fully accountable,” said Inspector General Cheryl L. Mason of the Department of Veterans Affairs. “The VA OIG remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to uncover complex fraud schemes and protect our nation’s veterans.”

“This 19-year sentence sends an unmistakable message: those who exploit federal health care programs for personal enrichment will face serious consequences,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Miranda L. Bennett of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HH-OIG). “Schemes that corrupt medical decision-making and siphon taxpayer dollars from programs serving vulnerable Americans undermine trust in our health care system. HHS-OIG and its law enforcement partners will continue to pursue those responsible and hold them accountable.”

“This sentencing sends a clear message that those who exploit federal health care programs for personal gain will be held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office. “This scheme undermined the integrity of our health care system and defrauded taxpayer-funded programs designed to serve those in need. The FBI remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to investigate complex health care fraud schemes, protect taxpayer dollars, and hold those responsible accountable. Through these efforts, we remain focused on defending the homeland and protecting the American people from those who seek to exploit our nation’s systems for personal gain.”

“This investigation reinforces DCIS’s steadfast commitment to protecting the integrity of the TRICARE program and ensuring that taxpayer-funded military health benefits are used appropriately,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Nakia Martin Alexander of the DCIS Southeast Field Office. “Fraud schemes that divert TRICARE resources erode the support promised to our service members and their families. As the criminal investigative arm of the DoD Office of Inspector General, DCIS remains focused on identifying these schemes and holding those responsible fully accountable.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Brett Blackman, 43, of Johnson County, Kansas, and his co-conspirators aggressively targeted hundreds of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries across the United States to get them to accept medically unnecessary orthotic braces and other items. They then arranged for purported telemedicine doctors to sign bogus prescription orders for these items so that their co-conspirators could bill Medicare for them. All told, Blackman and his co-conspirators billed Medicare and other federal health care benefit programs over $1 billion for this unnecessary equipment.

Blackman owned, controlled, and was the CEO of HealthSplash, which acquired Power Mobility Doctor Rx, LLC (DMERx) in Sept. 2017. DMERx was an internet-based platform that generated false and fraudulent doctors’ orders for durable medical equipment (DME) and prescriptions for other items. As part of the scheme, Blackman and his co-conspirators connected pharmacies, DME suppliers, and marketers with telemedicine companies that would accept illegal kickbacks and bribes in exchange for signed doctors’ orders created using the DMERx platform. Blackman and his co-conspirators took a cut for themselves in exchange for the referrals.

The fraudulent doctors’ orders and prescriptions generated by DMERx falsely represented that a doctor had actually examined and treated the Medicare beneficiaries when, in fact, the doctors were simply paid to sign orders and prescriptions without any meaningful interaction with the beneficiary, and in some cases, no interaction at all. Testimony and evidence presented at trial from an undercover agent who posed as a Medicare beneficiary showed the scheme in action — starting with a foreign call center that pushed the undercover agent to agree to multiple braces to a doctor signing bogus orders for the braces using Blackman’s DMERx platform. The doctor’s order for one of these undercover agent beneficiaries claimed that the doctor conducted various tests that can only be performed in person even though the doctor never even spoke with the undercover agent “patient.”

The DME suppliers and pharmacies that were paying illegal kickbacks for these orders billed Medicare and other insurers more than $1 billion. Medicare and the other insurers paid more than $450 million based on these claims. According to evidence presented at trial, Blackman and his co-conspirators concealed the scheme through sham contracts and by manipulating the doctors’ orders to avoid Medicare audits, including by removing references to telemedicine in the doctors’ orders.

As a result of Blackman’s scheme, Medicare was fraudulently billed for orthotic braces for more than 346,000 Medicare beneficiaries. On average, Medicare was billed for four braces per beneficiary, with Medicare being billed for at least 21 orthotics prescribed through Blackman’s DMERx platform to over 1,200 beneficiaries.

Exhibit from Trial Summarizing the Number of Orthotics Billed per Medicare Beneficiary as a Result of Blackman’s Fraud Scheme

After a 23-day jury trial ending in Apr. 2026, Blackman was convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks, and conspiracy to defraud the United States and to make false statements in connection with health care matters. Blackman’s restitution and forfeiture obligations will be determined by the Court at a later date.

In Dec. 2025, Blackman’s co-defendant, Gary Cox, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

HHS-OIG, FBI, VA-OIG, and DCIS investigated the case.

Assistant Deputy Chief Darren C. Halverson and Trial Attorney Reginald Cuyler Jr. of the Fraud Division’s Health Care Fraud Section prosecuted the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Fraud Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

Houston Felon Convicted of Trafficking Methamphetamine and Possessing Firearm

A 46-year-old man has been convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

A federal jury deliberated for approximately two hours before convicting Eduardo Nevares Oct. 8 following a two-day trial.At trial, the jury heard that law enforcement attempted to stop Nevares for an expired vehicle registration. Nevares refused to pull over and led authorities on a chase that ended when he crashed through two chain-link fences and his vehicle stalled on a baseball field at an Alief, Texas public school. He then attempted to flee on foot before authorities apprehended him.

Law enforcement discovered a .45-caliber pistol on the driver’s seat and methamphetamine and cocaine in his pocket. 

A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed more than a pound of methamphetamine with a purity level of 96%, along with baggies, a scale, and loaded pistol magazines. 

The defense argued Nevares was unaware of the methamphetamine inside a black duffle bag in the back seat. However, the jury rejected that argument and found him guilty as charged.  U.S. District Judge David Hittner presided over the trial and set sentencing for Dec. 29. At that time, Nevares faces up to life in prison and a possible maximum $10 million fine. 

Nevares has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

The Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration South Central Laboratory. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Hagerman and Tanja Titre are prosecuting the case.  

Justice Department Sues State of California over Voter List

 

The Justice Department, working with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), filed a complaint against the State of California over its voter list after determining that more than 20,000 people who are likely aliens are registered to vote in California. Under California law, every registered voter is mailed a ballot. It is unlawful for aliens to vote in federal elections. 

“State-facilitated voter fraud is unacceptable in the United States of America,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “If found responsible in a court of law, the State of California will have seriously undermined confidence in our electoral system and violated laws that protect our nation’s representative system of government. The Department of Justice will continue working to uncover cases of voter fraud, hold fraudsters accountable, and restore trust in American elections.”

“It is unlawful for noncitizens to vote in federal elections,” said Secretary Markwayne Mullin of DHS. “The Department of Homeland Security and our federal partners reviewed publicly available California voter-registration files and compared relevant records with federal immigration data to identify alien registrants. This preliminary analysis has identified a significant number of individuals in California who are likely noncitizens and appear to be registered to vote; the analysis and review remain ongoing. This is completely unacceptable — as even one noncitizen vote cancels out the ballot of an American citizen and undermines our elections. DHS is committed to identifying unlawful voting, protecting the integrity of federal elections, and ensuring that only eligible American citizens elect America’s leaders.”

“The law is clear, aliens in the United States cannot vote in federal elections,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter. “What our complaint alleges is that California is facilitating unlawful voting by knowingly allowing noncitizens to vote. This needs to stop.”

“California election officials were given an opportunity to remove noncitizens from their voter rolls and to sequester ballots returned from suspected ineligible voters. They refused,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “We are taking California to federal court to demand that the votes of American citizens not be diluted by noncitizens.”

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in coordination with federal partners, analyzed publicly available voter-registration records to identify potential indicators that aliens may have registered to vote, cast ballots, or received election-related mail. The Department of Justice has filed a complaint against the State of California alleging that these individuals, who are likely noncitizens, registered to vote and/or voted in a federal election. HSI and its federal partners used multiple data-enrichment and verification methods to assess whether the individuals identified were likely aliens.

D.A. Bragg: Woman Indicted For Defrauding Immigrant New Yorkers By Posing As Federal Agent

 

The Investigation is Ongoing – Call 212-335-3600 If You Are a Victim

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., announced the indictment of EDITH CAPELLAN, 54, for allegedly stealing $25,000 from four people who hired her to help them with the immigration process by posing as an IRS agent, immigration agent, and immigration services provider between 2024 and 2026. CAPELLAN is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with one count each of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Immigrant Assistance Services Fraud in the First Degree, and Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree. [1]

“As alleged, Edith Capellan donned a cloak of legitimacy by impersonating federal agents. She allegedly took advantage of immigrants in need of legal assistance obtaining work permits, permanent residency, and United States citizenship. We allege that she pocketed $25,000 from the very people she promised to help,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Our investigation is ongoing – please call us at 212-335-3600 if you may be a victim, regardless of immigration status. Those who prey on New York’s vibrant immigrant population will be prosecuted.”

As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record, between May 23, 2024, and June 5, 2026, CAPELLAN stole more than $25,000 from immigrant New Yorkers who hired her to help them with the immigration process. She lured her victims by falsely claiming to be an IRS and Immigration agent who could complete immigration paperwork. The victims gave CAPELLAN thousands of dollars in upfront fees after she falsely guaranteed them positive results such as permanent residency and citizenship. Then CAPELLAN falsely claimed to have submitted applications or taken other steps on her clients’ behalf. When victims followed up, CAPELLAN refused to provide documents, receipt numbers, or other evidence that would reveal her fraud. In one instance, she asked a victim to delete the messages they had exchanged. In another, she used one victim’s personal identifying information on another victim’s paperwork.

Charged:

•    Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony, one count
•    Immigrant Assistance Services Fraud in the First Degree, a class E felony, one count
•    Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, a class E felony, one count

[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.

During Medicare Open Enrollment, NYSOFA Reminds Older Adults That Free NYS Medicare Counseling Is Available

 

Income-eligible beneficiaries also encouraged to enroll in Medicare Savings Program (MSP) to save up to an estimated $8,100 annually on out-of-pocket costs

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) reminds older New Yorkers that free and objective counseling is available to help Medicare beneficiaries navigate their options during the Medicare Open Enrollment period from October 15 through December 7. Medicare Open Enrollment is the time when Medicare beneficiaries can review their current coverage and make changes in their health plan or prescription drug coverage. Any changes take effect January 1.

This year, accessing trusted help is especially important. The Medicare Advantage marketplace is undergoing significant changes. Changes in federal policy, along with other market factors, are affecting plan availability and costs in some areas. As a result, some beneficiaries may need to select new coverage for 2027. Even when plans remain available, their costs, provider networks, prescription drug coverage, and other benefits may change. That’s why it’s especially important for Medicare beneficiaries to review their coverage options carefully during Open Enrollment.

The NYSOFA-administered Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) helps 250,000 New Yorkers annually to understand Medicare decisions during Medicare Open Enrollment and throughout the year. It also helps beneficiaries apply for programs, like the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), to save on costs such as co-payments, premiums and deductibles. This free and objective assistance is provided locally by trained counselors. Call the helpline at 1-800-701-0501. More information about HIICAP is on NYSOFA's website, or watch these NYSOFA videos featuring HIICAP and the Medicare Savings Program.

Assistance is also available from partner organizations, including the Medicare Rights Center (MRC), which helps older adults get answers to their Medicare questions, resolve coverage problems, and access the care they need. MRC runs a free helpline at 1-800-333-4114.

NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen said, “During Medicare Open Enrollment we understand you’re bombarded with advertisements, and it can be overwhelming. NYSOFA’s network of HIICAP counselors and partners like the Medicare Rights Center are available to provide free and objective information to help you make your best health insurance choices. This service also helps you explore benefits and subsidies that you may be eligible for, such as the Medicare Savings Program, to help you keep more of your hard-earned money.”

Medicare Rights Center President Fred Riccardi said, “Every year, millions of people with Medicare face important choices during Medicare Open Enrollment. We urge everyone with Medicare to use this time to make sure their doctors, facilities, pharmacies, and prescriptions are still covered and to choose the coverage that best fits their needs. This is also a good time to learn about the Medicare Savings Program, which can help pay the Part B premium and lower prescription drug costs. HIICAP provides free, unbiased counseling and can screen individuals for the program."

Medicare Savings Program (MSP)

For income-eligible older adults, the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) helps pay Medicare Part B premiums and automatically enrolls beneficiaries in Extra Help. This financial assistance can be a lifeline for enrollees, allowing them to maintain their Medicare coverage, access needed care, and afford other necessities. Eligible individuals who enroll can save up to an estimated $8,100 annually. Learn more about this program, and how to enroll, on NYSOFA's MSP information page here where you can also see a video tutorial about the application process. To date, over 1 million individuals have enrolled in the MSP following Governor Hochul’s historic expansion of the MSP in 2022.

HIICAP in Detail

During Medicare Open Enrollment, or at any time of the year, HIICAP can help you:

• Compare Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans.
• Understand Medicare coverage and costs.
• Learn about assistance like the MSP, Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program, and other programs.
• Learn how to appeal a decision by Medicare, your managed care provider, or other health insurance company, or file a Medicare or Medigap complaint.

Protecting Yourself

Medicare experts report a higher risk of potential fraud during the Medicare Open Enrollment period as well as potentially misleading marketing. Medicare has rules about how plans can and cannot communicate with you to market their insurance products. The Medicare Rights Center offers the following warnings:

• Plans are allowed to send you mail. However, unless you are currently enrolled in the company’s plan, they are not allowed to call, email, visit your home, or approach you in public to market their plan without your permission.
• Beware of people who pressure you about making plan changes, claim to represent Medicare, or attempt to alarm you about losing benefits unless you enroll in a particular plan.
• Beneficiaries who believe they are a victim of fraud or identity theft should contact Medicare. More information is available at medicare.gov.

NYSOFA also reminds older adults to treat their Medicare number as they do their Social Security number and credit card information. People with Medicare should never give their personal information to anyone arriving at their home uninvited or making unsolicited phone calls selling Medicare-related products or services. If someone calls and asks for a recipient’s Medicare number or other personal information, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

DEC ANNOUNCES $1.5 MILLION AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY FOREST CONSERVATION GRANTS

 

Department of Environmental Conservation

Funding Available to Municipalities to Conserve And Increase Public Access to Open Space 

Grants Will Contribute to Goal of Conserving 30 Percent of New York State’s Lands and Waters by 2030 

Informational Webinar Scheduled for Wednesday, October 21  

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced $1.5 million is now available through the fourth round of the Community Forest Conservation Grant Program. The program funds the purchase of land or conservation easements by municipalities in New York State to establish or expand community-owned forests. Community forests sustain and protect wildlife habitat, promote clean air and water, increase public access to recreational opportunities and open space, and support livelihoods that are integral to our State’s working lands economy.

“New York is investing in land conservation to protect our natural landscapes, preserve outdoor spaces, and deliver lasing environmental, economic and recreational benefits for local communities,” said Commissioner Lefton. “These grants support our efforts to help keep forests as forests and builds on thoughtful and robust land conservation for future generations.”    

The program funds the purchase of land or conservation easements by municipalities in New York State to establish or expand community-owned forests. These projects contribute to the State’s goals of conserving 30% of New York’s lands and waters by 2030 and mitigating the impacts of climate change.  

Municipalities may submit grant proposals for a minimum of $50,000 up to a maximum of $500,000. No match is required for DEC’s Community Forest Conservation Grant Program. Successful bidders will receive funding in installments upon completing specific stages of the land conservation and acquisition process. Expenses eligible for payment include, but are not limited to, the purchase price of the land or conservation easement, appraisal, survey and boundary marking, title search, environmental assessment, and management plan.  

To be eligible for acquisition, properties must be 10 or more contiguous acres, have forests on at least 75 percent of the property, be accessible to the public, and provide public benefits, such as recreational opportunities, flood mitigation, wildlife habitat, clean water, and forest products. It is anticipated that a community forest funded by this grant would be open to the public within approximately 24 months of closing.  

DEC is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, October 21, at 10 a.m. to provide interested bidders with information on the application requirements, funding details, and how to use the new State Financial System (SFS) for grants.   

The Community Forest Conservation Grant Program is funding by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). The 2026-27 enacted New York State Budget included $425 million for the EPF and an additional $25 million from the Sustainable Future Program to provide a record $450 million for critical environmental programs, such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, enhanced recreational access, water quality improvement, and an aggressive environmental justice agenda.   

For more information about this grant program and how to apply, visit DEC’s website.

Mayor Mamdani, New York City Council, the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare and the Department of Social Services Announce City-Funded Pantries to Start Offering Free Pet Food at 22 City Pantries to Keep Pets with the Families Who Love Them

 

City Triples Baselined Funding for More than 700 Food Pantries and Invests $500,000 to Help New Yorkers Feed Their Pets 

 

Free Dog and Cat Food Available at 22 Pantries Across All Five Boroughs Starting Oct. 19

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani, New York City Council, the Mayor’s Office of Animal Welfare (MOAW) and the NYC Department of Social Services (DSS) announced that, for the first time, the City will provide free pet food at 22 City-funded food pantries across all five boroughs, beginning Oct. 19. 

 

Earlier this year, Mayor Mamdani tripled baselined funding for DSS’s Community Food Connection (CFC) program, which supports more than 700 food pantries citywide. In partnership with the City Council, the Mamdani Administration has allocated $78 million for food distribution in Fiscal Year 2027, and an additional $500,000 to provide pet food at participating pantries. 

 

For many New Yorkers, pets are family. But as the cost of living rises, feeding a pet can become an untenable financial burden — forcing some families to make the heartbreaking choice to surrender an animal they love. By making free dog and cat food available where New Yorkers already pick up groceries, the City is helping families care for themselves and their pets under one roof. The administration has also partnered with the City Council to invest in spay and neuter services to strengthen the City’s safety net for animals. 

 

“The affordability crisis affects every member of a family, including the pets we love,” said Mayor Mamdani. “No New Yorker should have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pets. Keeping families together means keeping pets at home, too. That’s why we’re investing $500,000 to provide free pet food at 22 city-funded pantries across all five boroughs, while tripling funding for more than 700 food pantries citywide.” 

 

“For many of us, our pets are family. And when money gets tight, we know people will skip their own meals before letting their animals go hungry,” said DSS Commissioner Erin Dalton. “Thanks to new funding from the city, families can now pick up pet food at 22 food pantries in the same trip they make for their own groceries. I’m pleased we can now make it easier to care for every member of the household.” 

 

“Animal welfare and human well-being are deeply connected. When families struggle to afford basic necessities for their pets, they risk losing an important source of companionship, stability, and connection,” said MOAW Director Allie Taylor. “By bringing pet food assistance directly into communities, we’re helping prevent financial hardship from separating people from the animals who are part of their lives.” 

 

Where to find free pet food 

Starting Oct. 19, free pet food for dogs and cats will be available at the following food pantries: 

 

Bronx: 

•    Part of the Solution: 2759 Webster Ave., 10458 

•    New York Common Pantry: 1290 Hoe Ave., 10459 

•    Davidson Community Center: 2038 Davidson Ave., 10453 

•    The Kingsbridge Heights Community Center: 3067 Kingsbridge Terrace, 10463 

  

Queens: 

•    First United Methodist Church of Jamaica: 162-10 Highland Ave., 11432 

•    River Fund: 89-11 Lefferts Boulevard, 11418 

•    Yeshua Worldwide Ministries Food Pantry: 7911 Caldwell .Ave., 11379 

•    Hour Children Community Outreach: 36-49 11th Street, 11106 

  

Brooklyn: 

•    Community Help in Park Slope: 200 Fourth Ave., 11217 

•    Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty: 5361 Preston Court, 11234 

•    On the Go Relief: 2832 Fulton Street, 11207 

•    St. John’s Bread and Life Food Pantry: 795 Lexington Ave., 11221 

•    The Campaign Against Hunger: 2004 Fulton Street, 11233 

•    YMCA Community Market: 2980 West 29th Street, 11224 

  

Manhattan: 

•    Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen Pantry: 296 Ninth Ave., 10001 

•    New York Common Pantry: 8 East 109th Street, 10029 

•    St. Clemens Food Pantry: 423 West 46th Street, 10036 

•    The Father’s Heart Ministries: 543-545 East 11th Street, 10009 

•    The Lower Eastside Girls Club: 402 East 8th Street, 10009 

•    Trinity’s Services and Food for the Homeless: 602 East 9th Street, 10009 

  

Staten Island: 

•    Project Hospitality: 205 Canal Street, 10304 

•    Feeding with TLC: 309 St. Paul’s Ave., 10304 

HSI Investigation Leads to Arrest of Sex Offender Illegal Alien Released by Oregon Sanctuary Politicians

 

Sanctuary politicians in Oregon allowed this criminal to roam free

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) arrested an illegal alien sex offender who had been released by Oregon sanctuary politicians after they refused to honor both an ICE detainer and a subpoena.

On October 7, HSI, with assistance from ERO, encountered and arrested Victor Soseia Hachipan, an illegal alien from Micronesia, during a targeted enforcement operation in Keizer, Oregon.

Victor Soseia Hachipan

Hachipan has a lengthy criminal record, which includes convictions for TWO COUNTS of second-degree sex abuse involving a victim under the age of 14, TWO COUNTS of unlawful possession of methamphetamine, TWO counts of second-degree burglary, and failure to report as a sex offender.

ERO previously lodged an immigration detainer while Hachipan was in the custody of Marion County, Oregon after a conviction in 2021; however, sanctuary politicians refused to honor the detainer and released him into the community. Two years later, in 2023, Hachipan reoffended and was convicted again of second-degree burglary. Hachipan was again released into the community under the supervision of Marion County. HSI issued an administrative subpoena to Marion County requesting information that could lead to Hachipan’s whereabouts. Citing Oregon’s sanctuary law, Marion County refused to provide the information. HSI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office subsequently obtained a federal court order forcing Marion County to provide the information that led to the arrest of Hachipan.

“The Trump Administration will never let sanctuary politicians stand in the way of protecting American citizens,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “After sanctuary politicians in the state of Oregon refused to honor an ICE detainer, as well as a subpoena, we finally arrested this illegal alien from Micronesia, a convicted sex offender, after obtaining a court order from a Federal Judge to enforce the subpoena. This Department is steadfast in its mission to arrest and remove the worst illegal aliens like this sex offender who has no place in American society. We will continue to hunt down and remove public safety threats from our communities.” 

Hachipan illegally entered the United States at an unknown date and location. 

This is an HSI-led investigation conducted in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.