Preparation, Sentence Mitigation

TOPICS

Foreign Bribery (17)

• Zaglin sentenced to 8 years in prison.
• Marchena was sentenced to 7 years.
• Molina was sentenced to 13 months.

Insider Trading (51)

• Stephen George to 13 months in prison

Failing to report information related to defective dehumidifiers (43)

• Simon Chu and Charley Loh were sentenced to 38 and 40 months in prison, respectively,

THE DOJ WILL BE EXPANDING ON THEIR WINS FROM 2025

• Fraud Enforcement Isn’t Slowing Down — It’s Gearing Up

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AI is the DOJ’s Tool of Choice. They don’t need sleep and are constantly monitoring and data-mining.

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Their Multi-agent AI is not a future concept—it is an operational shift that businesses must prepare for now. Rather than deploying a single AI system, organizations are moving toward coordinated networks of specialized agents that can independently act, collaborate, and adapt in real time. Whether to go for a trial or a plea, this is a strategic decision between you and your attorney.

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Preparation

As soon as you hear that the FBI is asking questions, their case against you is mostly complete. First, you need legal counsel with experience with cases like yours in the Federal Court. Second, if prison time is unavoidable, preparing for your interview (the Presentence Interview) is crucial. This is not just a form you can fill out on the spot, which is why your PSR is called the “Inmates’ Bible.”

Will you have the choice between a Minimum FPC (Free Standing Camp) vs a Minimum Satellite Camp (attached to a higher security facility)? There are differences.

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Advice from Federal Judges – When To Start Preparing For Sentencing

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ACKNOWLEDGE THE IMPACT OF YOUR INDICTMENT.

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Judges know that crimes don’t happen in a vacuum. What were your reasons? Help them understand who you are. If you don’t provide your Autobiographical Narrative or Backstory, your indictment and charges will define who you are – to the court – through the length of your sentence.

 

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Foreign Bribery (17)

Carl Zaglin (70), CEO of Atlanco LLC, was convicted by a federal jury in Miami for bribing Honduran officials in connection with over $10 million in contracts. Evidence showed that he facilitated hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to officials, including Francisco Cozenza and Juan Ramon Monlina from TASA, a Honduran government entity that procured goods for the National Police and other security agencies.

• Carl Zaglin was sentenced to 8 years in prison.
• Aldo Nestor Marchena was sentenced to 7 years.
• Juan Ramon Molina was sentenced to 13 months.

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Insider Trading (51)

The federal court sentenced Stephen George to 13 months in prison for engaging in a $1.6 million insider trading scheme. George was also ordered to pay restitution of over $200,000 and forfeit $1.7 million.

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Failing to report information related to defective dehumidifiers (43)

In June 2025, California businessmen Simon Chu and Charley Loh were sentenced for conspiracy and failing to report defective dehumidifiers linked to residential fires. Chu was sentenced to 38 months, while Loh was sentenced to 40 months in prison for defrauding the CPSC and failing to provide the required information.

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THE DOJ WILL BE EXPANDING ON THEIR WINS FROM 2025

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Fraud Enforcement Isn’t Slowing Down — It’s Gearing Up

• Expect aggressive — and possibly expanded — enforcement targeting fraud tied to federal programs. However, the new fraud division is ultimately structured, the message is clear: misuse of federal funds remains a top priority. The government will continue to rely on powerful tools like the False Claims Act to pursue companies, nonprofits, and other funding recipients.
• Politics shape priorities. Early signals suggest the division could operate out of the White House, with focus areas that may shift based on policy agendas. That adds uncertainty to how cases are selected and pursued.
• Compliance is your first line of defense. Organizations receiving federal funds — especially in highly regulated sectors — should reassess internal controls, billing practices, eligibility certifications, and representations made to the government.
• Timing matters. As DOJ’s structure evolves, early engagement with counsel can help assess exposure, manage parallel civil and criminal risk, and respond strategically before issues escalate.
• Bottom line: If you receive federal dollars, expect scrutiny — and prepare accordingly.