Eastern District of California

FRESNO, Calif. — David Joseph Yama, 42, of Reedley, pleaded guilty today to possession of fentanyl and alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) with intent to distribute, three counts of being a felon in possession of ammunition, and one count of carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking offense, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, on Sept. 1, 2020, officers responded to a gas station in Clovis after a report of suspicious activity and contacted Yama and two associates. A search of the vehicle Yama had been driving uncovered a large amount of cash, ammunition, plastic baggies, vials containing fentanyl, more than 200 fentanyl pills, and more than 100 alprazolam pills. A search of Yama’s residence the same day revealed additional controlled substances and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.

In January 2021, officers stopped Yama driving the same car. Officers recovered more alprazolam pills, ammunition, a loaded ghost gun, and a silencer. Yama has five prior felony drug trafficking and firearms convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms. 

In May 2019, law enforcement discovered a clandestine drug lab in Yama’s trailer at a storage facility. Officers seized pill‑making equipment, including a pill press. Residue on the equipment tested positive for fentanyl and other controlled substances.

Yama had been scheduled to begin trial on July 27, 2026. The Court vacated the trial after accepting Yama’s guilty plea.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Fentanyl Overdose Resolution Team, a multi-agency group composed of the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, the California Department of Justice, and the Clovis, Reedley, and Fresno Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cody S. Chapple, Joshua B. Banister, and Justin J. Gilio are prosecuting the case.

Yama is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley on Oct. 19, 2026. Yama faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and alprazolam; up to 15 years in prison and $250,000 for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition; and up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for possession with intent to distribute alprazolam. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.

Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a 10-count indictment Thursday against four Sacramento residents charging them with multiple counts of distributing controlled substances, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

Balentin Quintero, 27, was charged with one count of distribution of cocaine and four counts of distribution of fentanyl.

Francisco Chavez, 39, was charged with one count of distribution of cocaine, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and three counts of distribution of fentanyl.

Steven Ortega, 44, was charged with one count of distribution of fentanyl and one count of being a felon in possession of firearms.

Tavarius Montgomery, 41, was charged with two counts of distribution of fentanyl.

According to court documents, between January and June 2026, Quintero, Chavez, Ortega, and Montgomery sold controlled substances to a confidential source and an undercover agent eight times.

On May 1, 2026, Chavez agreed to sell the undercover agent 1 ounce of fentanyl. After stating that they needed to meet a source to obtain the fentanyl, Chavez and the undercover agent met with Ortega, who provided the fentanyl. Chavez then sold the fentanyl to the undercover agent for $900. 

On June 8, 2026, Quintero agreed to sell 3 ounces of fentanyl to a confidential source. When the source arrived, Chavez obtained fentanyl from Montgomery, delivered it to Quintero, and Quintero sold it to the confidential source for $3,300. 

On July 14, 2026, Ortega was found to be in possession of multiple firearms. Ortega is prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions in Sacramento County including convictions for distribution of controlled substances, being a felon in possession of a firearm, battery with serious bodily injury, and assault with a deadly weapon.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole M. Vanek is prosecuting the case.

If convicted of distribution of methamphetamine, Chavez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, and a fine up to $10 million. If convicted of distribution of fentanyl, Quintero, Chavez, and Montgomery face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $5 million. If convicted of distribution of fentanyl, Ortega faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. If convicted of being a felon in possession of firearms, Ortega faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which account for numerous variables. The charges are only allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

FRESNO, Calif. — Rodger Githens, 48, of West Sacramento, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jill A. Otake to 18 years and six months in prison, for attempted enticement of a minor and receipt and distribution of child sexual abuse material, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. 

Githens was also sentenced to 10 years of supervised release, during which time, his access to the internet, computers, and minors will be restricted. Githens will also be required to register as a sex offender and pay $75,000 in fines. Githens was found guilty on May 1, 2026, following a bench trial before visiting Judge Otake.

According to court documents, Githens had been employed as a professor at a local university and had worked as a consultant for other colleges and universities. In March 2023, Githens, using the profile “Tall laid back,” initiated contact with a Grindr account controlled by an undercover agent. Githens quickly encouraged the undercover agent to establish a Telegram account, which he considered more secure. Githens stated that he “would love to have a dad or uncle invite me” and then described in graphic detail what he would like to do with the undercover agent and the agent’s fictional 7-year-old niece. Several times Githens discussed traveling to Fresno to meet the agent and the fictional niece, but on April 19, 2023, law enforcement served a search warrant at Githens’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. Agents discovered numerous Telegram chats on Githens’s phone including several in which he was exchanging and commenting on videos of the sexual abuse of young children. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation with assistance from the West Sacramento Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa and McKenzie Hightower of the Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. 

A California man was sentenced today to 222 months in prison and 10 years of supervised release for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and for distributing and receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He was also ordered to pay a fine of $75,000. Restitution will be determined at a later date.

Rodger Githens, 48, of West Sacramento, was convicted by a federal judge on May 1 after a stipulated bench trial. In March 2023, Githens initiated contact with a Grindr account controlled by an undercover agent. Githens quickly encouraged the undercover agent to establish a Telegram account, which he considered more secure. Githens told the agent he had taboo thoughts every day and was into “babies.” Githens stated that he “would love to have a dad or uncle invite me” and then described in graphic detail what he would like to do with the undercover agent and the agent’s fictional 7-year-old niece. Several times Githens discussed traveling to meet the agent and the fictional niece. On April 19, 2023, law enforcement served a search warrant at Githens’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. Agents discovered numerous Telegram chats on Githens’s phone including several in which he was exchanging videos of the sexual abuse of young children.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Eric Grant for the Eastern District of California; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian Tosh of the FBI’s Sacramento Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI’s Fresno resident agency investigated the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the West Sacramento Police Department.

Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (“CEOS”) and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa of the Eastern District of California prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

After an 11-day trial, a federal jury today convicted Oscar Armando Orellana Guevara, 28, of Mendota, of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise and attempted murder for his ongoing involvement in MS-13, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

For nearly a decade, members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS‑13) gang terrorized Mendota through violence, extortion, drug trafficking, and enforcement of gang rules. A federal grand jury ultimately charged multiple members, including Orellana, with conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise aimed at protecting MS‑13 territory, enhancing its reputation, disciplining members, and raising money for the gang.

Attempted Murder of JBH

According to court documents and testimony during the trial, on Aug. 28, 2020, Orellana and other MS-13 members were at a river near Mendota, when they heard music coming from another spot. They discovered the individual playing the music was JBH, whom they targeted because he because he was related to a government informant who was cooperating with law enforcement against MS-13. 

Unable to retaliate against the cooperator, who was in prison, the group attacked JBH instead. Upon arriving at the scene, Orellana yelled out “I’m from the Mara and today is your last day to live” and then chased JBH across the river into an orchard. There, he forced the victim to his knees before stabbing him 10 times. 

JBH was treated at a hospital for multiple stab wounds, including chest wounds that nearly punctured a lung and eviscerating wounds that penetrated his abdominal cavity and damaged his intestines.

Racketeering Conspiracy

In addition to the attempted murder of JBH, court documents and trial testimony showed that Orellana participated in the MS-13 enterprise for years, including by selling drugs, extorting people, patrolling for rival gang members, and participating in plans to murder others.

On Aug. 12, 2018, Orellana participated in the stabbing of a rival Bulldog gang member. While riding in an SUV, Guevara and others spotted IR near a convenience store, confronted him, chased him, and stabbed him before fleeing.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation with assistance from the Mendota Police Department, the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Veneman-Hughes, Ross Pearson, and Justin Gilio are prosecuting the case

Another defendant in the case, Martin Leiva-Leiva, remains set for trial on racketeering conspiracy and six counts of capital murder on June 7, 2027.

Orellana is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill on Nov. 5, 2026. Orellana faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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 Sacramento is composed of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Joseph Charles Henrichsen, 49, and Phoenix Henrichsen, 23, were arrested today and charged with kidnapping federal employees in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. 

According to court documents, the defendants kidnapped two U.S. Forest Service employees who were conducting field work near Gumboot Lake Campground in a remote area of Siskiyou County. The employees were abducted at gunpoint, bound, and taken to a trailer where they were held for the next 15 hours. 

At one point, Joseph used one of the victim’s phones to place a call in which he stated that he had “taken two fed [employees] hostage from the Forest Service,” that one of the victims was “ziptied,” with [their] hands “behind [their] [expletive] back,” and that he had “live rounds ready to [expletive] anyone who [expletives] with me.” 

This call prompted a large-scale law enforcement response involving local, state, and federal resources. After a 15-hour standoff, negotiators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Hostage Rescue Team secured the release of both victims and the surrender of the suspects. Both are in custody. 

The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Forest Service, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Land Management, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office, the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, the Mt. Shasta Police Department, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Campbell is prosecuting the case. 

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury today returned a two-count indictment charging Julian Beall, 37, of Roseville, with possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, on June 10, 2026, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at Beall’s Roseville residence and a Midtown Sacramento apartment used as a stash location. At the apartment, officers seized more than 51 pounds of heroin, more than 22 pounds of cocaine, and drug-trafficking paraphernalia, including scales and heat-sealing equipment. At Beall’s residence, officers seized $133,420 in cash. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Sacramento Police Department, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Cornell is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Beall faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announces the separate indictments of a Stockton man and a Modesto man that highlight the Office’s commitment to prosecuting felons who unlawfully possess firearms and to reducing gun violence in the Eastern District of California.

Man with prior manslaughter conviction charged for illegal firearm possession

George Onesavanh, 43, of Stockton, was charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on April 27, 2026, Onesavanh was found in possession of a gun in Stockton. Onesavanh is prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions that include voluntary manslaughter and carrying a concealed weapon. 

The Stockton Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.

Multiple Instagram posts lead to arrest

Samian Sivansay, 27, of Modesto, was charged with being a felon in possession of firearms after posting photos and videos of guns on Instagram on June 14 and 16, 2026. According to court documents, law enforcement tracked Sivansay’s vehicle from Arizona to California, attempted a traffic stop, and briefly pursued him in a high‑speed chase before ending the pursuit for safety reasons. Soon after, officers found the vehicle abandoned and recovered nine firearms inside, many matching those shown on Sivansay’s Instagram. Sivansay is prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions that include robbery with a firearm and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Stockton Police Department, the Stanislaus County Sheriff, and the California Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole M. Vanek is prosecuting both cases. 

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

FRESNO, Calif. — Patrick Kasper, 33, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Troy L. Nunley to eight years and six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court records, on March 16, 2022, Kasper failed to yield when law enforcement attempted to pull him over for a traffic stop. Kasper engaged law enforcement in a vehicle pursuit at speeds of over 110 miles per hour. Kasper stopped at a residence and fled inside, leaving on the ground a black Smith & Wesson M&P 40 Shield .40-caliber pistol loaded with seven rounds of .40-caliber Smith & Wesson ammunition. Kasper is a five-time convicted felon for offenses that include possession of a controlled substance for sale, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and domestic violence. Because of these felony convictions, Kasper is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.

On April 21, 2025, Kasper pleaded guilty.

The Fresno Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Arelis M. Clemente prosecuted the case.

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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

FRESNO, Calif. — Former corrections sergeant at the Central California Women’s Facility in Chowchilla, Ralph Contreras Jr., 40, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to 15 years in prison for receipt and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, between Sept. 29, 2024, and Jan. 2, 2025, Contreras received and distributed CSAM through social media apps. He specifically sought out CSAM that depicted prepubescent minors. At the time of his arrest, Contreras was working as a corrections sergeant.

Contreras pleaded guilty on April 13, 2026.

Homeland Security Investigations, the Central California Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Barton prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the DOJ to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue the victims.  For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.  Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Nicolas Vasquez II, 46, of Fairfield, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb to five years in prison for being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, on Feb. 25, 2025, during a traffic stop, Vasquez was found with a loaded 9 mm pistol without a serial number and a loaded, spare high-capacity magazine. In total, Vasquez possessed 22 rounds of 9 mm ammunition. Vasquez has prior felony convictions — assault with a firearm and evading a police officer — and is prohibited from possessing ammunition and firearms. Vasquez pleaded guilty on April 6, 2026.

The Fairfield Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heiko P. Coppola prosecuted the case.

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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Manuel Ruben Perez, 40, of Orland, was sentenced on Thursday by U.S. District Court Judge Troy L. Nunley to 19 years and 10 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, between April and July 2018, Perez worked with others to sell methamphetamine and heroin in and around Orland. During this time, Perez sourced methamphetamine from Southern California and sold it in Northern California. Over the course of the investigation, he executed at least six drug deals with a confidential informant, selling multiple kilograms of methamphetamine in total. During these transactions, Perez also sold the informant heroin when he could obtain it. Perez negotiated the prices for each deal and often had others deliver the drugs and collect the money on his behalf. The investigation uncovered that Perez sold to multiple buyers across Northern California. 

On Jan. 29, 2026, Perez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office, the Susanville Police Department, and the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Conolly prosecuted the case.

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 Sacramento is composed of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.

Criminal Complaint: 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On July 1, 2026, federal authorities arrested Trevon McDaniel, aka “The_wild_wolfspider,” 19, of Elk Grove, for making threats concerning an attempt to damage or destroy buildings or property by means of fire or explosives, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, McDaniel came to the attention of law enforcement because of an investigation into a plot to carry out attacks against federal property and officials, including an attack at a June 14, 2026, Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the South Lawn of the White House and additional coordinated attacks. 

McDaniel communicated directly with one of the principal conspirators in the UFC plot, Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez. After Alvarez’s arrest in Nebraska, investigators reviewed data from Alvarez’s cellphone, which contained TikTok messages between Alvarez and the account “the_wild_wolfspider” from April 17 to June 7, 2026. The FBI later identified the account as McDaniel’s. 

McDaniel posted a video on TikTok in which he was dressed in a superhero mask and costume. In this video, he made statements about using fireworks against generators supplying federal buildings in Sacramento.

A search of McDaniel’s residence led to the seizure of a costume matching those seen in his TikTok videos, his cellphone, two mini‑batons, and a baton holster.

McDaniel made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremy D. Peterson. McDaniel was ordered detained.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation with assistance from the Sacramento Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Wong and Kimberly Sokolich are prosecuting the case.

If convicted, McDaniel faces a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Eric Morgan, 27, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to two years and six months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. 

According to court documents, on June 17, 2025, law enforcement officers located a semi‑automatic handgun in the apartment where Morgan was staying. The firearm was loaded, with a round chambered. Morgan is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to his multiple prior felony convictions, including burglary and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Morgan was indicted on July 24, 2025, and pleaded guilty on March 3, 2026. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Harman prosecuted the case.

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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Jedrek Upton, 45, of Lincoln, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to one year in prison to be followed by 36 months supervised release, of which 12 months are to be spent on home detention, for wire fraud and money laundering in a scheme to steal nearly $1.5 million of COVID-relief loans, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, between January 2021 and May 2022, Upton repeatedly submitted fraudulent applications for COVID‑19 disaster relief on behalf of businesses he owned. He falsely inflated the number of employees on payrolls and misrepresented how the funds would be used, claiming that he would spend the money to alleviate economic harm caused by the pandemic. Upton also submitted falsified IRS documents to support the applications.

In reality, several of the businesses had no employees and no payroll, and Upton spent much of the relief money on personal expenses. As a result of his misrepresentations, Upton received nearly $1.5 million in fraudulently obtained loans from the United States, a large portion of which was ultimately forgiven after Upton falsely certified that on the funds were used for payroll and legitimate business expenses. Instead, Upton used the money to support a lavish lifestyle, including paying off personal credit cards, transferring money to others, leasing a Ferrari and a Lamborghini, and making a large down payment on a $2.7 million, 10-acre property.

As part of his sentence, Upton forfeited his interest in the property, and was ordered to pay nearly $1.5 million in restitution to the United States. Upton pleaded guilty on Nov. 18, 2025.

The IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dhruv M. Sharma and Kevin C. Khasigian prosecuted the case.

FRESNO, Calif. — David Richard Garcia Jr., 34, of Fresno, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to 11 years and five months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, on Jan. 23, 2025, Garcia was found to be in possession of a Glock 22 .40‑caliber handgun. Garcia is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition because of prior felony convictions in Fresno County including, robbery, assault, and evading a peace office with willful disregard for safety.

According to court documents, Garcia possessed a firearm during a violent crime spree that created extreme danger to the community. He came to law enforcement’s attention as a suspect in a series of catalytic converter thefts, and evidence later tied him to multiple thefts and the tools used to commit them. According to the Garcia, he was gambling thousands of dollars a day using proceeds from the thefts. During one incident, he threatened a vehicle owner with a firearm after being interrupted mid‑theft. Leading up to his arrest, Garcia led officers on a nearly 50‑minute high‑speed chase through city streets, running red lights, colliding with another vehicle, driving into oncoming traffic, and continuing to flee even after crashing into a boulder that obstructed his windshield. The pursuit ended only after he crashed into a power pole, trash cans, and the fence of a middle school. 

Garcia pleaded guilty on Feb. 23, 2026.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Fresno Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes prosecuted the case.

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.

FRESNO, Calif. — On June 25, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a four‑count indictment charging Harman Pahal, 21, Cameron Chouanmasay, 20, Colton Malone, 21, Julian Calderon, 20, and Jaskarn Batth, 20, all of Fresno, with participating in a years‑long firearms trafficking conspiracy, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

The defendants were arraigned on Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Erin Guy Castillo and entered pleas of not guilty. A status conference is scheduled for Oct. 28, 2026.

According to court documents, between December 2024 and April 2026, the defendants conspired to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, traveled across state lines to unlawfully acquire firearms, and illegally imported firearms into California. None of the defendants were licensed to deal, manufacture, or import firearms. 

The indictment alleges that the defendants, who met while attending Bullard High School, used social media to advertise and sell firearms and repeatedly traveled from Fresno to Texas to obtain additional weapons for resale. During trips in December 2024, the defendants allegedly acquired multiple firearms—including Draco‑style AK‑type pistols and other handguns—and returned with them to California to sell.

They also allegedly discussed and attempted multiple firearm sales through online platforms. The indictment charges all five defendants with conspiracy, unlicensed dealing and manufacturing of firearms, interstate travel with intent to unlawfully deal firearms, and unlawful importation of firearms into California. 

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from the Fresno Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Veneman-Hughes is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count of conspiracy to deal commit unlawful firearms dealing, engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license and interstate importation of firearms without a license. They face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted of the count of interstate travel to unlawfully deal in firearms. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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. 

FRESNO, Calif. — Boyce Isaiah Cervantez, 29, of Dinuba, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to 15 years and eight months in prison to be followed by 20 years of supervised release, for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. Judge Thurston also ordered Cervantez to pay $25,000 in restitution to three victims whose images he possessed.

According to court documents, in March 2024 Cervantez received more than 600 images of children being sexually abused. Several of the images depicted prepubescent minors. Cervantez pleaded guilty on Feb. 17, 2026.

The Central California Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — James Raymond Hanes, 61, of Anderson, pleaded guilty today to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft in a vehicle financing scam that used stolen identities, fake driver’s licenses, and fraudulent loans to obtain and resell cars, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, between June 2022 and December 2023, Hanes obtained personally identifiable information of multiple individuals and used it to create at least 16 counterfeit driver’s licenses bearing his photo but someone else’s identity. He then secured more than $47,000 in vehicle loans in those victims’ names, purchased cars from dealerships across Northern California, registered them with the DMV, obtained insurance, and resold the vehicles to associates and unsuspecting buyers. 

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation with assistance from the Redding Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Delaney is prosecuting the case.

Hanes is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb on Oct. 13, 2026. Hanes faces a maximum statutory penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine for the crime of bank fraud, with a mandatory consecutive statutory penalty of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

FRESNO, Calif. — Gilberto Barron, 26, formerly of Delano and Las Vegas, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and aggravated identity theft relating to his participation in a nearly $10 million real estate fraud scheme, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced today.

According to court records, in 2021 and 2022, Barron and others conspired with federal inmate Seth Depiano, 44, formerly of Clovis, to commit the fraud charged in this case. At the time, Depiano was serving a 12-year prison sentence for a prior, multimillion-dollar fraud (Case No. 1:17-cr-172 DAD). Depiano, assisted by Barron and others, helped create fake identities for supposed real estate agents and shell companies that mirrored the names of legitimate real estate companies. They then used the fake identities and shell companies to market various properties online that were not actually for sale to would-be buyers in California’s Central Valley and elsewhere at discounted prices. This included properties where the actual owners had died. 

Barron and others would meet with the buyers using the fake identities and close the sales. They even went so far as to present the buyers with fabricated deeds, title reports, and other real estate documents to substantiate the sales.

After getting the would-be buyers’ money, Depiano, Barron, and others would launder the funds primarily through Las Vegas casinos. For example, Barron and others would travel to the casinos, put large amounts of money into gaming machines, and quickly cash out with little to no gaming activity. They did this to try to hide the fact that the money was proceeds from their fraudulent scheme. They would then use the money to purchase properties for their own benefit.

Barron is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 28, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston. Barron faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison for the counts of wire fraud and money laundering. He faces a mandatory minimum penalty of two years consecutive for aggravated identity theft. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

Zahria Barber, 28, of Las Vegas, was sentenced today to one year in prison for her involvement in the scheme. She helped launder money in the casinos, and in exchange, she received payments toward some of her living expenses and student loans.

Depiano was sentenced in January 2026 and received nine years in federal prison. This sentence is in addition to the 12 years he was already serving and makes for a total sentence of 21 years in prison.

IRS Criminal Investigation and the Bakersfield Police Department conducted the investigation with assistance from the FBI and the Nevada Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cody Chapple and Joseph Barton are prosecuting the case.

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today charging D’Andre Davis, 39, formerly of Stockton, and Nicole Nowak, 31, of Las Vegas, Nevada, with conspiracy to extort money by means of threatening communications and stalking. The indictment also charges Davis with a separate count of stalking the same victim, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, in July 2021, Davis contacted a victim in Washington state through Instagram and Facebook messages. Although the victim initially engaged in a consensual online relationship with Davis, the victim attempted to end the relationship when Davis began to repeatedly and aggressively demand money. Davis was serving a sentence in a California state prison at the time and used a combination of contraband cellphones and an inmate telephone and messaging service to contact the victim. In May 2024, Nowak assisted Davis, and they threatened to send to the victim’s business associates, clients, family members, and friends compromising images that the victim had shared with Davis unless the victim continued to send money. The victim sent more than $35,000 to Davis and Nowak before contacting the FBI.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Office of Internal Affairs conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Gappa is prosecuting the case. 

A federal magistrate judge ordered Nowak detained as a danger to the community on June 16, 2026. Davis is currently serving a prison sentence at Kern Valley State Prison. Both defendants will appear before a federal magistrate judge in Fresno on a date to be determined.

If convicted of the conspiracy charge, Davis and Nowak face a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If convicted of the stalking charge, Davis faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California is warning the public about spoofed phone calls that according to Caller ID originate from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and appears to display the Office’s number. The scammers pose as the Department of Justice investigators, using fake names and case numbers to demand money for supposed attorney fees. In some cases, they reference personal details taken from public records or social media to sound credible.

These are government impersonation scams, in which criminals pretend to be government officials and often threaten physical or financial harm. They are increasingly sophisticated and frequently target both younger and older victims.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office will never request money or personal information by phone.

According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), 32,424 people reported government impersonation scams in 2025, with losses of about $797 million.

To protect yourself, avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, never send money to people you don’t know, and never share personal or financial information over the phone. Suspected scams should be reported at www.ic3.gov. More information on government impersonation and other fraud schemes is available at https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-fraud-schemes.

FRESNO, Calif. — On Monday, U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston sentenced Fresno residents Rosa Ventura, 36, to 20 years and Claudia Gonzales, 39, to 17 years in prison for conspiring to kidnap a woman and her nine-year-old daughter while unlawfully withholding the woman’s five-month-old baby, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, the adult victim was a young mother of a nine-year-old daughter living in Mexico who met Rosa Ventura’s brother and later became pregnant with his child. Before she gave birth, Ventura arranged for the mother and her daughter to come to the United States despite lacking legal status.

After settling in Fresno, the mother gave birth to a second daughter. On May 8, 2024, she reported her boyfriend to police for domestic violence, and he was arrested. His arrest angered his family, especially Ventura, who blamed the mother and devised a plan to kidnap her and take her to Mexico.

On May 9, Ventura told the mother she needed help raising money for Ventura’s brother in jail. The mother agreed and left her five‑month‑old baby with a relative. Ventura drove the mother and her older daughter to her home where they waited. While waiting, Ventura contacted her friend and co-defendant Claudia Gonzales to come and help her carry out her plan. Gonzales hid in the trunk of Ventura’s car to wait for the next phase of the plan.

Then, instead of taking the mother to retrieve the baby, Ventura drove the mother and daughter to an open field where Gonzales emerged from the trunk and moved to the front and sat with the victims. Ventura then drove south. During the drive, Ventura threatened the mother and warned her she might never see her baby again. At a gas station around 3 a.m., the victims attempted to flee, but Gonzales and Ventura forcibly restrained them. Gonzales used a taser on the mother. Ventura confiscated their phones before driving across the border to Tijuana.

Around 4 a.m., Ventura abandoned the mother and her daughter at a bus stop in Tijuana with no means to return. When the mother asked about her infant, Ventura said it depended on what happened in her brother’s case.

While in Mexico for the next seven months, the mother sought help from lawyers, law enforcement, and Ventura to recover her baby. In December 2024, U.S. law enforcement brought the mother and daughter back to the United States and arrested Ventura and Gonzalez. The baby was reunited with her mother that day in Fresno.

On Jan. 21, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Ventura and Gonzales with three kidnapping counts, including conspiracy to kidnap a minor. On Feb. 23, 2026, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnapping involving a minor.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Fresno Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Veneman-Hughes and Cody S. Chapple prosecuted the case.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Felix Ortiz-Plata, 45, a Mexican national illegally residing in Stockton, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins to 16 years and three months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. 

According to court documents, in 2022 Ortiz-Plata was at the center of a substantial drug trafficking operation and operated a clandestine stash house with multiple firearms and was responsible for 377 pounds of methamphetamine and 11 ounces of cocaine. Ortiz-Plata has a history of large-scale drug trafficking and was on court-ordered supervision for a state court conviction at the age of 33 when he became involved in this extensive drug trafficking conspiracy.

On Aug. 18, 2025, Ortiz-Plata pleaded guilty. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Forest Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Land Management, and the California Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hitt prosecuted the case.

SACRAMENTO, Calif — Roosevelt Gulley, 42, of Sacramento, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd to four years and six months in prison and ordered to pay $575,425 in restitution for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft related to unemployment insurance fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

“Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for exploiting a national crisis for personal gain,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “By stealing identities and siphoning COVID-19 relief funds, he diverted critical resources intended to help struggling individuals and small businesses. Our office remains committed to protecting the integrity of federal relief programs and ensuring that those who commit fraud are brought to justice.”

“While American workers were facing unemployment lines and an uncertain future during the COVID-19 crisis, Roosevelt Gulley was picking their pockets and gaming the system. This sentence is justice for every victim whose identity he stole and every hard-earned dollar he ripped off. We will not stop until every pandemic fraudster is held accountable,” said Anthony P. D’Esposito, Inspector General, U.S. Department of Labor. 

DHS Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari, Ph.D., said, “Exploiting pandemic relief programs for personal enrichment is unconscionable. DHS OIG will continue to prioritize these investigations, and together with our law enforcement partners, we will hold these individuals accountable for their actions.”

“The weaknesses in the federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program enabled widespread criminal fraud across the country,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias. “We have since recovered more than $6 billion, supported the prosecution of thousands of fraudsters, and today – more than 99 percent of our benefit payments do not involve criminal fraud. We will continue working closely with local, state, and federal investigators to ensure those who commit fraud are identified, pursued, and brought to justice.”

According to court documents, between July and September 2020, Gulley used personally identifiable information of others to electronically submit fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance benefits to the California Employment Development Department. The claims falsely stated that the beneficiaries were self-employed, and. Gulley knew the claimants were not eligible for unemployment insurance. After benefits cards were issued, he withdrew funds at various ATMs.

Gulley also used personally identifiable information from at least two victims without their knowledge to file fraudulent benefits applications and obtain thousands of dollars in benefits. Over the course of his scheme, Gulley attempted to obtain more than $1.5 million and actually received more than $500,000 in fraudulent benefits.

Gulley pleaded guilty on Sept. 15, 2025.

The U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General’s COVID Fraud Unit, and California EDD Investigation Division conducted the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Harman prosecuted the case.

FRESNO, Calif. — Isaac James Ocejo, 22, of Fresno, was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston to 15 years and 10 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, between July 2023 and October 2024, Ocejo mailed several packages containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, through the U.S. Mail from post offices in Fresno to addresses in other states. In total, Ocejo and others shipped more than 10 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than a kilogram of fentanyl through the mail. 

Ocejo and others also distributed significant quantities of methamphetamine in Fresno. In August 2024, Ocejo sold 10 pounds of methamphetamine to an individual in Fresno. The following month, Ocejo and co‑defendant Isaac Estrada sold an additional 10 pounds to an individual at Trolley Creek Park in Fresno in broad daylight.

On Jan. 26, 2026, Ocejo pleaded guilty. Estrada pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and distributing methamphetamine in August 2025 and was sentenced to 46 months in prison on Nov. 7, 2025.

The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple prosecuted the case.

FRESNO, Calif. — Jafaar September Nyangoro, 53, of Nashville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to commit wire fraud related to a scheme to defraud Fresno County, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, sometime before Sept. 14, 2020, Nyangoro, co‑defendant Peter Bah Acha, 46, of Berlin, Germany, and others secretly gained control of an email account used by the finance director of a Fresno nonprofit to submit fraudulent invoices to Fresno County for payment through Automated Clearing House (ACH) transactions. Posing as the finance director, they fraudulently represented to the County of Fresno that the nonprofit’s bank account information had changed and that payments should be sent to an account at a different bank that Nyangoro had recently opened. Believing that they were communicating with the legitimate nonprofit business, the county employees updated the nonprofit’s bank account information accordingly.

According to court documents, between Sept. 24, 2020, and Oct. 13, 2020, the County of Fresno initiated several ACH transfers totaling more than $1.5 million to Nyangoro’s bank account instead of the nonprofit’s bank account. At times, Nyangoro, Acha, and others communicated with each other through various means, including WhatsApp. For example, on Oct. 16, 2020, after Regions Bank reversed some of the ACH transfers for suspected fraud, Nyangoro sent a WhatsApp message: “We’re in deep s***. The last 3 transactions from County of Fresno have been reversed. Please call me ASAP!”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David L. Gappa and Cody Chapple are prosecuting the case. 

Nyangoro is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Sept. 21, 2026. Nyangoro faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 as well as restitution. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After an eight-day trial, a federal jury today returned a guilty verdict against Daniel Chartraw, 53, formerly of South Lake Tahoe and Lodi, finding him responsible for a wide-ranging series of fraudulent schemes involving cryptocurrency companies, sham business ventures, and false investment guarantees that caused substantial financial losses to numerous victims across the country, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

“This verdict sends a clear message: individuals who exploit the trust of others and steal through deception will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “The defendant lied to investors and caused serious financial and emotional harm. Our office will continue to pursue those who use emerging technologies, including cryptocurrency, as vehicles for fraud.”

According to evidence presented at trial, between March 2021 and February 2022, Chartraw and an associate controlled multiple companies, including Crypto‑Pal LLC and TDA Global LLC. Chartraw and individuals acting on his behalf represented that Crypto‑Pal was a web‑based cryptocurrency trading company that guaranteed high returns with no risk. At various points, Chartraw also claimed that TDA Global was engaged in supplying jet fuel to airlines or operated its own cryptocurrency trading platform.

Chartraw communicated with potential and existing investors through phone calls, text messages, email, and virtual meetings using platforms such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. Although he was directing operations, Chartraw frequently used aliases such as “Leonard” or “Leon,” telling associates that he needed to conceal his identity because of a prior fraud conviction. Despite this, many investors ultimately learned that Chartraw—not “Leonard”—was controlling the businesses and their accounts.

Even though Chartraw was not a signatory on the Crypto‑Pal business bank account, he repeatedly accessed it to withdraw cash, make purchases, and transfer investor funds to accounts he personally controlled.

Chartraw also cultivated trust through personal and professional relationships, using fabricated account statements, false assurances of growth, and repeated misrepresentations to persuade victims to invest additional funds. When investors attempted to recover their money or questioned delays, he provided excuses, deflected responsibility, or stopped communicating altogether.

In several cases, individuals were referred to him through friends or family and were convinced to transfer cryptocurrency or cash, based on promises that their money would be actively traded. None of these funds were ever invested as represented. Across all schemes, investors received neither returns nor the return of their principal. The total loss to investors was nearly $1 million.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Delaney and J. Douglas Harman are prosecuting the case.

Chartraw is scheduled to be sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge William B. Shubb on Sept. 28, 2026. Chartraw faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment today against Julian Ayala, 26, of Oroville; Javier Alvarez, 52, of Olivehurst; and Henry Gomez, 49, of Yuba City, charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, distribution of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, on June 26, 2025, Ayala sold a confidential source 3 ounces of cocaine and agreed to sell an additional 3 ounces. Ayala contacted Alvarez for the supply and Alvarez instructed Gomez to deliver the cocaine. Ayala then sold the additional 3 ounces to the confidential source. The parties repeated this exact pattern during a second controlled purchase on Aug. 13, 2025. On Sept. 17, 2025, Alvarez again supplied Ayala with cocaine, which Ayala sold to the confidential source. Over the three controlled purchases, Ayala sold the confidential source more than 18 ounces of cocaine, all of which had been supplied by Alvarez. 

On March 19, 2026, Ayala arranged another cocaine sale to the confidential source. Before the transaction, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Ayala’s vehicle. A K-9 search revealed more than 300 grams of cocaine inside. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin L. Lee and Nicole M. Vanek are prosecuting the case. 

If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine for the conspiracy charge. For the other counts, the defendants face a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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 Sacramento is composed of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Devlin Hosner, 37, of Modesto, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to 10 years in prison for a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. 

According to court documents, Hosner and co-defendant Holly Adams, 36, made hundreds of thousands of dollars selling fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone pills and methamphetamine on the dark web, and laundered the proceeds through cryptocurrency mixers, wallets, and other online tools. In September 2021, state law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at their residence. Hosner tried to block their entry while Adams destroyed pills by pouring them into a chemical solution. Both were arrested, released, and soon resumed selling fentanyl on the dark web while unknowingly under federal investigation.

In March 2022, federal law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at a hotel room in Riverside County where Hosner and Adams were staying and seized nearly a kilogram of fentanyl-pressed pills and 60 grams of methamphetamine.

On Dec. 9, 2026, Hosner pleaded guilty. Adams pleaded guilty on June 18, 2024, and was sentenced to 12 years in prison on June 3, 2025.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Northern California Illicit Digital Economy (NCIDE) Task Force, which includes agents from the IRS Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The NCIDE Task Force is a federal task force focused on targeting all forms of illicit dark web and cryptocurrency activity in the Eastern District of California and beyond. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Stefanki prosecuted the case.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury today returned a three-count indictment today against Kimani Osayande Jones, aka Kimani Osayande Jackson, 49, of Sacramento, charging him with attempting to place a destructive device on an aircraft, unlawfully possessing explosive material in an airport, and attempting to carry a dangerous weapon or explosive onto an aircraft, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. 

According to court documents, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at approximately 9 p.m. Jones attempted to pass through a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at the Sacramento International Airport to board American Airlines flight 2464. Jones was wearing a scarf covering his face and latex gloves. Inside his carry-on bag, Jones had an M-type explosive device, a torch lighter capable of igniting the device, a knife, scissors and scissor blades, an aerosol can, and zip ties. Jones also had five cellphones; one displayed a 15‑minute timer ready to begin. 

The explosive device was safely removed by Sacramento County Sheriff bomb technicians and an FBI Special Agent bomb technician. When the device was later examined and tested, authorities determined that both the powder and fuse were viable and energetic. The device had the potential to cause injury and, if it had detonated near a window on a pressurized aircraft flying above 10,000 feet, it could have damaged the aircraft and potentially caused a loss of cabin pressure. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Wong is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Jones faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for attempt to place a destructive device in an aircraft, a maximum of five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 for unlawful possession of explosive material in an airport, and up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for attempt to carry a dangerous weapon on an aircraft. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Jeffrey Alan Koehl, 60, of Reno, Nevada, charging him with sexual exploitation of a child, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, in February 2008, in a residence in Roseville, Koehl coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct and used a handheld camera to record two videos. 

The victim, now an adult, learned of the videos, and on Jan. 20, 2025, submitted an online tip that was received by the FBI National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) leading to the federal investigation. Koehl has been in custody since his arrest on Jan. 30, 2026, in Carmichael.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation with assistance from the Reno Police Department and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dhruv M. Sharma is prosecuting the case. 

If convicted, Koehl faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the sexual exploitation counts. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury today returned an indictment charging Bendrelle Williams, 28, of Modesto, with being a felon in possession of ammunition, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. 

According to court documents, on May 17, 2026, Williams, a member of a violent Modesto street gang, possessed an assault-style rifle loaded with 50 rounds of 5.56 ammunition. Williams is prohibited from possessing ammunition because of prior felony convictions including attempted robbery and being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

The Modesto Police Department conducted the investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney George Biko is prosecuting the case. 

If convicted, Williams faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Anthony Welch, 27, of Modesto, charging him with two counts of being a felon in possession of firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. 

According to court documents, on Feb. 1, 2026, Welch possessed a Glock 26 handgun, and on June 2, 2026, he possessed a Glock 23 Gen4 .40 caliber handgun. Welch is prohibited from possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction of assault with a deadly weapon with a firearm.

The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zulkar Khan is prosecuting the case. 

If convicted, Welch faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a single-count indictment against Raymond Fetzer, 38, of Sacramento, charging him with receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. The indictment was unsealed today following Fetzer’s arrest.

According to court documents, between April 16, 2024, and March 2, 2026, Fetzer was in receipt of CSAM downloaded from the internet. 

The Internet Crimes Against Children Unit of the Sacramento Valley Hi-Tech Crimes Task Force, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim Sokolich is prosecuting the case. 

If convicted, Fetzer faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty by beyond a reasonable doubt. 

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

FRESNO, Calif. — Michael Anthony Valencia, 32, of Appleton, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff to time served followed by three years of supervised release for assault of a federal officer, interfering with a government employee engaged in official duties, and camping without a permit, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, beginning in June and continuing through July 22, 2024, Valencia began misusing the 911 emergency system that serves Yosemite National Park by making a series of non-emergency calls intended to harass dispatchers and law enforcement officers. Investigators identified the source and location of the calls and hiked to the location where Valencia had been camping without a permit for an extended time. Valencia stated that if he had had a gun, he would have shot one of the rangers. Valencia then punched and injured one of the rangers who served citations to Valencia. Valencia has been in custody since his arrest in July 2024.

Valencia pleaded guilty on March 23, 2026.

The National Park Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David L. Gappa prosecuted the case.

Early this morning, the FBI arrested three men in Kansas City, Kansas, San Diego, and Sacramento, California, on charges that they conspired to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Bisaam Ghafoor, 21, of Leawood, Kansas; Elias Shamsaldeen, 21, of Porterville, California; and Bereen Dzayee, 25, of Lakeside, California, were  arrested on a complaint filed in the District of Kansas for conspiring to provide material support to terrorism after collectively providing over $2,000 to an individual they understood to be a member of ISIS. As detailed in the complaint, in various messaging exchanges, Ghafoor exclaimed it would be “sick” if his name could be written on the drone used in an attack on Americans. Dzayee suggested that targets of drones should include U.S. Special Forces. In other exchanges, Shamsaldeen expressed a desire to stab and injure a U.S. servicemember.  Ghafoor said he has always wanted to kill a female soldier by beheading, and added, “I wish I could kill 300,000,000 Americans.” 

“This administration has put terrorists, cartels, and gangs on notice,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Today’s arrest of three individuals who allegedly conspired to provide material support to ISIS makes clear our commitment to taking down terrorist networks — anywhere. Thanks to the vigilance of the FBI, their alleged scheme was dismantled and further acts of violence against U.S. service members were prevented.”

“These subjects allegedly swore allegiance to ISIS, plotted multiple attacks, and even targeted U.S. service members — but this FBI stopped them cold,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The success of this op shows once again this FBI’s continued record of stopping terrorist attacks before they happen, simply the best way to defend the homeland — and shows we’ll stop at nothing to defend Americans from those who seek to do us harm. I want to thank our teams in Kansas City, San Diego, Sacramento, Newark, and Richmond, and the Counterterrorism Division for their outstanding efforts on this investigation and commitment to mission.”

“According to the complaint, these defendants conspired to support ISIS, a ruthless terrorist organization, with the intent, among other things, to fund plans to kill American servicemembers abroad,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Thanks to the work of the FBI, their plans to betray their country in the gravest way lies in ruin. Instead, these defendants will face justice in our courts.”

“For years, the Department of Justice has been encouraging Americans that if they see suspicious activity, they should report it to law enforcement. That’s because long gone are the days where terrorist threats and attacks are incidents that only take place far away on foreign soil,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser for the District of Kansas. “Unfortunately, we must face the reality of bad actors living within our borders clandestinely conspiring on ways to create fear and havoc. The only way to root out and prevent terrorism plots is through collaboration among all levels of law enforcement and across jurisdictions. Collaboration is what facilitated the arrests of these three suspects.”

According to the complaint, filed in the District of Kansas, beginning by at least February 2025 to about June 2026, the individuals communicated about several plans to support ISIS, including through the provision of personnel, services, and money. Through Discord chats, voice calls, and other messaging platforms, the coconspirators pledged allegiance to ISIS and its leader. The defendants exchanged messages in social media groups promoting violence in furtherance of ISIS.

The defendants collectively provided over $2,000 to an individual they believed to be an ISIS member. Ghafoor’s name was written on the projectile of one of the rocket-propelled grenades purportedly to be used in an attack overseas to kill U.S. servicemembers. Shamsaldeen provided financial resources for the purpose of purchasing drones, which, in turn, were to be used to attack and kill U.S. servicemembers deployed overseas.

The defendants and others communicated their desires to travel outside the United States to fight on behalf of ISIS. In some of these communications, they expressed a willingness to die on behalf of ISIS.

The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force in the Kansas City Field Office, the San Diego Field Office, and the Sacramento Field Office investigated the cases, with assistance from FBI Field Offices in Richmond and Newark.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Rask and Michelle MacFarlane for the District of Kansas and Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and Jay Rezai of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of California and the Southern District of California.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — After a four-day trial, a jury found former Sacramento resident, William A. Sassman, 58, guilty of knowingly engaging in monetary transactions with criminally derived property, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to the evidence at trial, in September 2019, the Tukwila School District in Washington mistakenly wired more than $6.5 million into Sassman’s bank account. District employees were duped into sending the funds to Sassman’s account instead of the account of a legitimate construction contractor. 

Sassman then used part of the stolen funds to buy two luxury watches — a Patek Philippe for $195,000 and a Richard Mille for $318,324 — plus other personal items. After the school district discovered the fraud and reported it to Sassman’s bank, the bank froze Sassman’s account and informed Sassman that it had been funded with fraudulent proceeds. Even after knowing the money was stolen, Sassman resold the watches and deposited the resulting checks into an account at another bank in Sacramento.

“The evidence at trial showed that after being told by his bank that this money didn’t belong to him, Sassman nevertheless chose to spend it on high-end watches rather than return it to its rightful owner,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “Today’s verdict demonstrates that those who knowingly profit from stolen funds will be held accountable.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Veronica M.A. Alegría and Zachary B.L. Malinski are prosecuting the case.

Sassman is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins on Sept. 25, 2026. Sassman faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or up to twice the amount of the laundered money. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Steven Refugio Rodriguez, 57, of Stockton, today charging him with being a felon in possession of firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, on May 7, 2026, Rodriguez was stopped by a deputy sheriff for expired vehicle registration. Because Rodriguez was on parole and subject to a search, the deputy searched the car and found a Harrington and Richardson, 12-gauge sawed-off shotgun with an 8-inch barrel and several 12-gauge rounds. Rodriguez has multiple felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing firearms. 

On May 3, 2021, Rodriguez was sentenced to 21 years in prison for assault with a machine gun on a peace officer. In November 2025, Rodriguez was granted compassionate release in state court on the grounds that he had only a few months to live, could not walk, feed himself, or perform daily tasks without assistance. Yet when deputies pulled him over on May 7, he showed no signs of trouble walking unassisted. While incarcerated in the San Joaquin County Jail, Rodriguez made several calls indicating that he planned to flee from prosecution once he posted bail.

The San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zulkar Khan is prosecuting the case. 

If convicted, Rodriguez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Reginald Jones, 36, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to 15 counts of drug trafficking offenses and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. 

According to court documents, Jones and his fellow conspirators shipped hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills around the country for more than a year. On several occasions, law enforcement seized packages shipped by Jones and his co-conspirators, and found fentanyl pills, often hidden inside children’s toys. In total, law enforcement seized approximately 450,000 fentanyl pills connected to the conspiracy through seized shipments and search warrants. Based on additional evidence, law enforcement estimates that members of the conspiracy have shipped more than one million fentanyl pills to customers in several different states.

During searches connected to the conspiracy, agents found hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills, more than $80,000 in cash, and 17 firearms. Some of the pills and a firearm were hidden inside a secret compartment in Miller’s vehicle.

Jones is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on Oct. 8, 2026. Jones faces a mandatory sentence of at least 10 years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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 Sacramento is composed of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with assistance from the Sacramento Police Department, the Folsom Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Citrus Heights Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Pearson is prosecuting the case.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — An eight-count indictment was unsealed today charging Hugo Alberto Herrera Rodriguez, 41, a Mexican national residing unlawfully in California, with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, distributing methamphetamine and heroin, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

The indictment was returned on June 13, 2024, and was unsealed following Herrera Rodriguez’s arrest on Tuesday in Grass Valley.

According to court documents, between June 2019 and October 2019, Herrera Rodriguez was the Mexico-based leader and organizer of a drug trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine and heroin throughout northern California. Herrera Rodriguez conspired with others in Sacramento, San Joaquin, Placer, Nevada, and Stanislaus Counties to transfer the drug trafficking proceeds from the United States to Mexico in a manner designed to conceal the source and ownership of the money.

If convicted of the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, or the distribution of methamphetamine counts, Herrera Rogriguez faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million. For the distribution of heroin counts, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $5 million for each of the counts and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million. For the conspiracy to commit money laundering count, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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 Sacramento is composed of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California. 

The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, the Sacramento Area Intelligence and Narcotics Team (SAINT), the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, the Nevada City Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David W. Spencer and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew De Moura are prosecuting the case.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A criminal complaint was filed today charging Kimani Osayande Jones, aka Kimani Osayande Jackson, 49, of Sacramento, with unlawfully possessing explosive material in an airport, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. 

According to court documents, at about 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, Jones attempted to go through a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at the Sacramento International Airport and board a flight. He was wearing a scarf covering his face and latex gloves on his hands. In his carry-on bag, Jones had an M-type explosive device and a torch lighter capable of lighting the explosive, as well as a knife, scissors and scissor blades, an aerosol can, and zip ties. Jones also have five cellphones, one of which had a 15-minute timer ready to start, and another had a message from an unidentified number on the screen that stated, “we will be awaiting your call.” Jones was arrested, and the explosive device was safely removed by Sacramento County Sheriff Bomb Technicians and an FBI Special Agent Bomb Technician. 

The explosive device was subsequently examined and tested, and the powder and fuse were determined to be viable and energetic. The explosive device had the potential to cause injury and, if the explosive device had detonated next to a window on a pressurized aircraft flying above 10,000 feet, it had the potential to damage the aircraft and cause a possible loss of cabin pressure. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Wong is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Jones faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Full Settlement:

Information: 

Brief/Settlement

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Stericycle Inc., an international waste management company headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, has agreed to pay more than $56 million to resolve parallel criminal and civil investigations into its improper handling of controlled substances between 2015 and 2020, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

Stericycle collected, transported, and disposed of pharmaceutical waste for hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and other health care providers across the United States and abroad. 

“Stericycle has accepted responsibility for handling controlled substances in a manner that was insecure, unsafe, and unlawful,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “Despite being warned by the DEA that it needed to correct its deficient handling procedures, the company operated an insecure transportation network, relied on multiple unregistered facilities, and failed to notify the DEA of diversions and significant losses as required by law. Today’s resolution demonstrates the Justice Department’s continuing commitment to ensuring that all registrants safely and securely handle controlled substances so that dangerous drugs are not diverted into the community.”

“DEA will hold organizations accountable who violate the Controlled Substances Act and improperly handle controlled substances. Stericycle’s actions were far more troubling than a simple reporting error,” said Bob P. Beris, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, San Francisco Field Division. “These drugs did not merely go unaccounted for, employees and others stole them, used them, or diverted them into the community. Such conduct endangers public safety, fuels addiction, and undermines the integrity of our regulatory system. The DEA remains committed to ensuring that every registrant fulfills their obligations to protect the public from exactly these kinds of risks.”

“Controlled substance regulations are designed to keep dangerous and addictive medications out of the wrong hands. Stericycle ignored those responsibilities, resulting in expired medications being stolen and sold illegally on the street,” said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue pursuing those who endanger the public through negligence or criminal conduct.”

Criminal charges filed today allege that Stericycle conspired to defraud the United States by failing to report thefts and significant losses of controlled substances to the DEA. On four separate occasions, the company offered justifications for failing to file required Form 106s that were unsupported by federal regulations. As part of a one‑year deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) with the Department of Justice, Stericycle will pay a $19.08 million criminal penalty.

Separately, Stericycle has agreed to pay $37.81 million to resolve civil liability for repeated violations of the CSA.

Because of the risk that prescription drugs can be diverted or misused, the handling of controlled substances is tightly regulated under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

According to court documents, Stericycle was registered with the DEA as a “reverse distributor,” allowing it to receive unwanted, unusable, or expired controlled substances from hospitals, pharmacies, and other registrants. As a reverse distributor, Stericycle was subject to strict recordkeeping, reporting obligations, security requirements, and regular DEA inspections of its registered facilities, including the duty to promptly notify the local DEA Field Division Office in writing of any theft or significant loss.

As admitted by the company, Stericycle circumvented these requirements by using temporary storage facilities that were not registered with the DEA and thus not subject to regular inspection. Security was inadequate at many locations, including at the company’s former facility in Rancho Cordova. In some instances, controlled substances were stored in unlocked trailers within fenced yards. Though some facilities had security cameras, several cameras were non‑operational.

Stericycle conspired to defraud the DEA by avoiding the filing of reports that would have alerted the agency to thefts and significant losses of controlled substances in its care. Multiple Stericycle managers and executives were aware that the company lacked a reliable system for tracking packages across its transportation network or auditing packages received in Indianapolis, creating opportunities for diversion.

Under the DPA, Stericycle has agreed to continue cooperating in any ongoing or future criminal investigations related to this conduct. The company also agreed to enhance its compliance program, including measures for independent oversight, training, internal investigations of reported misconduct, and compliance reporting to the Department of Justice for the remainder of the agreement’s term. The resolutions do not include the criminal release of any individuals.

The government reached this resolution based on several factors, including the nature and seriousness of Stericycle’s conduct, its knowing and willful decisions not to report thefts or significant losses, its use of unregistered facilities to store controlled substances, and the company’s divestiture of the business component at issue in April 2020 to a non‑affiliated company that brought the business segment into compliance. The remaining business was acquired by another company in November 2024. Stericycle also enhanced its compliance program and committed to continuing improvements to meet the minimum requirements set forth in the DPA. The company received credit for accepting responsibility for its criminal conduct.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael D. Anderson and Adrian T. Kinsella are prosecuting the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Thiess assisted with the civil settlement.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Marcus Miller, 36, of Sacramento, pleaded guilty Thursday to 15 counts of drug trafficking offenses and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, Miller and his fellow conspirators shipped hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills around the country for more than a year. On several occasions, law enforcement seized packages shipped by Miller, Jones, and their co-conspirators, and found fentanyl pills, often hidden inside children’s toys. In total, law enforcement seized approximately 450,000 fentanyl pills connected to the conspiracy through seized shipments and search warrants. Based on additional evidence, law enforcement estimates that members of the conspiracy have shipped more than one million fentanyl pills to customers in several different states.

During searches connected to the conspiracy, agents found hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills, more than $80,000 in cash, and 17 firearms. Some of the pills and a firearm were hidden inside a secret compartment in Miller’s vehicle. Miller is prohibited from possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions that include burglary, carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a loaded concealed weapon, and convictions in 2009, 2017, and 2020 of being felon in possession of a firearm.

Miller is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta on Oct. 8, 2026. Miller faces a mandatory sentence of at least 10 years in prison, a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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 Sacramento is composed of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Northern California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California. 

The Sacramento Police Department, the Folsom Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Citrus Heights Police Department assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ross Pearson is prosecuting the case.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A federal jury on Tuesday found Ruby Celly Uribe, 37, of Sacramento, guilty of unlawfully possessing a machine gun and possessing an unregistered short‑barreled rifle, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

With certain exceptions, federal law prohibits the possession of machine guns and unregistered rifles with barrels shorter than 16 inches.

According to court documents and evidence presented at a trial, Uribe was assigned to the logistics shop at the California National Guard Headquarters in Mather, California, and was a member of the Counterdrug Task Force (CDTF). The CDTF supports local, tribal, and federal law enforcement entities in the interdiction of drug trafficking organizations. While assigned to this unit, Uribe leaked information about upcoming drug raids to a person she knew to be involved with drug dealing. Text messages recovered from Uribe’s and the drug dealer’s phones revealed she shared sensitive information about upcoming operations, including the date and location and the number of military vehicles and aircraft involved.

A federal search warrant of Uribe’s residence resulted in the discovery of a short-barreled rifle. The firearm had been modified to fire in full-automatic mode as a machine gun. In addition, it was a privately made firearm with no serial number, commonly referred to as a ghost gun. A search of Uribe’s cellphone revealed that she was also engaged in trafficking other non‑serialized, short-barreled machine guns, including to a coworker on July 20, 2022.

During preparation for trial in this case, the FBI learned of another illegal firearm that Uribe sold in August 2022. The FBI safely recovered that firearm, which is also a machine gun and short-barreled rifle. 

Image of an illegal firearm Uribe sold to a coworker on July 20, 2022.

Image of two illegal firearms Uribe offered to sell to a customer on Aug. 11, 2022. The customer purchased the black one. Officers later recovered the green one from Uribe’s residence on Dec. 13, 2022.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with assistance from the California Military Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adrian T. Kinsella and Nicole M. Vanek are prosecuting the case.

Uribe is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins on Sept. 11, 2026. Uribe faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — U.S. Attorney Eric Grant and Stanislaus County District Attorney Jeff Laugero announced today the appointment of Deputy District Attorney Cindy De Silva to be a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney to prosecute cases in federal court relating to transnational drug organizations with ties to Stanislaus County.

De Silva will work on the Homeland Security Task Force, a team of federal and state prosecutors, agents, and analysts dedicated to combatting transnational organized crime and targeting cartels. As a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, De Silva will remain employed by the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office and will be able to prosecute cases in both state and federal court. De Silva will work in this role for at least two years.

“Communities across the Central Valley continue to feel the devastating effects of dangerous drugs: addiction, homelessness, property crime, violence, and loss of life,” said U.S. Attorney Grant. “Our partnership with the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office strengthens our ability to investigate and prosecute transnational drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety of Stanislaus County residents. Cindy De Silva is a highly skilled and experienced prosecutor whose work will help ensure that drug traffickers are held accountable. I appreciate the continued collaboration and commitment of District Attorney Laugero and his office in protecting our communities.”

“I am proud to join with the United States Attorney’s Office in the fight against drug trafficking organizations,” said Stanislaus County District Attorney Jeff Laugero. “The resources and capabilities this partnership provides will directly improve our ability to prosecute and punish drug dealers operating in our region and devastating lives in Stanislaus County. By combining resources and expertise, and cross-designating exceptional Deputy District Attorneys such as Cindy De Silva as Special Assistant United States Attorneys, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant has demonstrated his commitment to enhancing public safety, and I thank him for his continued support for law enforcement in Stanislaus County.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office currently has Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the District Attorney’s Offices of Yolo, Sacramento, and Fresno Counties.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Toyed Xiong, 40, of Sacramento, was sentenced Thursday to 12 months and one day in prison for one count of aiding or assisting in the preparation or presentation of a false or fraudulent tax return, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. 

According to court documents, for the tax years from 2018 through 2021, Xiong falsified more than 20 of his clients’ tax returns to increase his clients’ refund amounts and reduce their tax liabilities. He reported false businesses, false income, false expenses, and false deductions for his clients to the Internal Revenue Service. In one instance, Xiong prepared a client’s 2021 tax return and falsely reported that the client incurred $10,017 in business losses when the client did not operate any business. On the same return, Xiong also falsely reported that the client was entitled to a $3,000 loss on the client’s Schedule D. He knew that the client was not entitled to the Schedule C or Schedule D losses. Xiong repeated similar fraudulent conduct with respect to several of his clients’ tax returns.

On Dec. 4, 2025, Xiong pleaded guilty. Xiong’s conduct resulted in a loss to the IRS in the amount of $270,592, which he was ordered to pay in restitution to the IRS. 

IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nchekube Onyima prosecuted the case.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Keinyatey Deboros Chambers, 49, of Sacramento, is scheduled to make an initial appearance today after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with 10 counts of wire fraud for an investment scheme, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. 

According to court documents, between December 2017 and March 2026, Chambers falsely represented that he was involved in the cannabis industry. He met victims at various casinos, bars, and restaurants throughout California and represented that if they invested with his cannabis company, they would receive very high returns within days or weeks. Chambers, however, was not involved in the legitimate cannabis industry, and he never invested or used the investment money as promised. Instead, he stole it and used it to finance his personal life, spent it at casinos, or paid his associates. 

After receiving investment money, Chambers pressured the investor-victims to invest additional money, and he encouraged investor-victims to find and recruit other investors. In total, Chambers is charged with having obtained more than half a million dollars through the scheme. 

If you have information related to this case or believe you may be a victim, contact your local FBI office. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Gambling Control conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Delaney is prosecuting the case. 

If convicted, Chambers faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each count. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Daragh Finbar Hayes, 45, of Rancho Cordova, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins to 40 years in prison for production of child sexual abuse material and one count of distribution of child sexual abuse material, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.

According to court documents, between June 25, 2024, and Sept. 30, 2024, Hayes used a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that conduct. Hayes hid cameras inside a bathroom that he knew the victim used and used the cameras to take videos and pictures of the victim while they were undressed. He then edited and saved those images in a hidden folder on his computer. Hayes went into illicit online chatrooms where he bragged about these images and shared them with others. Hayes pleaded guilty on Jan. 9, 2026.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Campbell prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. Click on the “resources” tab for information about internet-safety education.

FRESNO, Calif. — A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Mexican nationals Victor Piceno Madrigal, 46, and Erick Larios Acosta, 25, charging them with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. 

According to court documents, on May 13, 2026, Madrigal and Acosta were driving northbound on U.S. Interstate-5 in Fresno County when they were stopped for a traffic violation. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded 7 kilograms of fentanyl powder divided into single-kilogram packages hidden inside the rear passenger door panel. 

The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio Pataca is prosecuting the case. 

If convicted, Madrigal and Acosta face a mandatory minimum 10 years in prison up to life in prison and a $10 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.