District of Nevada

LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today to 13 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for his involvement in selling counterfeit pills containing fentanyl that resulted in the death of a person.

According to court documents, on September 2, 2023, Izaiah Flood and his co-defendant Davon Johnson sold pills, which they represented as ecstasy, to an individual on the Las Vegas Strip. The victim immediately ingested one pill. Within two hours, the victim lost consciousness; within six hours after the drug sale, the victim suffered cardiac arrest. The victim was later declared brain dead and pronounced deceased.

“Fentanyl is a scourge to our communities and in this instance, a person’s life was lost,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “The defendant disregarded and endangered the victim by selling counterfeit pills that were made with fentanyl. Working with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to prosecuting drug dealers who are plaguing our communities with dangerous and deadly drugs like fentanyl and ensuring justice is served for the victim and their loved ones.”

Flood pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. He was sentenced today to 156 months in prison. The government recommended a 188-month term of imprisonment.

Co-defendant Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and was sentenced Monday to 156 months in prison. The government recommended a 210-month term of imprisonment.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brenna Bush prosecuted the cases.

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LAS VEGAS – Five illegal aliens unlawfully residing in Las Vegas made their initial court appearances this week to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country.

Juan Manuel Castellanos-Velazquez; Jimmy Jeyson Escobar-Nerio; Victor Hugo Garcia-Dominguez; Marbin Alexander Ramirez-Rodas; and Antonio Trinidad Garcia-Gallo are all charged with one count of deported alien found in the United States. Preliminary hearings for Juan Manuel Castellanos-Velazquez and Jimmy Jeyson Escobar-Nerio are scheduled for May 11, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Maximiliano D. Couvillier, III. Preliminary hearings for Victor Hugo Garcia-Dominguez, Marbin Alexander Ramirez-Rodas, and Antonio Trinidad Garcia-Gallo are scheduled for May 13, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaints and statements made during court proceedings, Castellanos-Velazquez, Garcia-Dominguez, and Garcia-Gallo are citizens and nationals of Mexico. Escobar-Nerio, and Ramirez-Rodas are citizens and nationals of El Salvador. All five were previously deported and removed from the United States and reentered the United States illegally.

On April 7, 2023, officers from the North Las Vegas Police Department arrested Castellanos-Velazquez for two counts of Trafficking Controlled Substance, Sale/Transfer Controlled Substance, and Conspiracy to Violate Uniform Controlled Substances Act. On April 13, 2026, after serving a 36-to-96-month sentence for drug trafficking, the Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Castellanos-Velazquez to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Castellanos-Velazquez was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on eight prior occasions: February 28, 2008; August 24, 2008; August 28, 2008; December 30, 2008; April 21, 2016; May 4, 2016; May 18, 2016; and May 27, 2016.

On April 4, 2026, officers from the North Las Vegas Police Department arrested Escobar-Nerio for Driving Under the Influence. On April 8, 2026, the North Las Vegas Community Correctional Center remanded Escobar-Nerio to ICE custody in Las Vegas Nevada. Escobar-Nerio was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on two prior occasions: October 10, 2019, and January 8, 2021. Escobar-Nerio has a prior felony conviction from December 16, 2020, out of the United States District Court, Southern District of California for deported alien found in the United States, the same charge he is currently facing.

On September 11, 2024, officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Garcia-Dominguez for Kidnapping and Robbery with Use of a Deadly Weapon. On April 16, 2026, after serving a 19-to-96-month sentence for Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, the Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Garcia-Dominguez to ICE custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Garcia-Dominguez was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on two prior occasions: August 10, 2020, and December 20, 2023. Garcia-Dominguez also has a prior felony conviction for Attempt Burglary, and a conviction for Battery Domestic Violence.

On March 16, 2026, officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Ramirez-Rodas for Domestic Battery by Strangulation, Battery Domestic Violence on Pregnant Victim, Coercion Domestic Violence with Threat or Use of Physical Force, Driving Under the Influence, and Child Abuse or Neglect. On April 17, 2026, the Clark County Detention Center remanded Garcia-Gallo to ICE custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Garcia-Gallo was previously removed on November 25, 2022. Garcia-Gallo has prior felony convictions for Trafficking Controlled Substance from 2015, and Prohibited Alien in Possession of Firearm from 2021.

On April 17, 2024, officers from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Garcia-Gallo for four counts Possession for Sale Controlled Substance, Trafficking Controlled Substance, and Conspiracy to Violate Uniform Controlled Substances Act. On April 22, 2026, after serving a 2-to-5-year sentence for Trafficking in Controlled Substance, the Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Garcia-Gallo to ICE custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Garcia-Gallo was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on two prior occasions: August 20, 2015, and June 9, 2020. Garcia-Gallo was previously convicted in 2018, for felony Trafficking Controlled Substance, and he was also convicted in 2020 for Deported Alien Found in the United States, the same charge he is currently facing.

If convicted, Ramirez-Rodas faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

If convicted, Escobar-Nerio; Garcia-Dominguez; and Garcia-Gallo all face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

If convicted, Castellanos-Velazquez, faces a maximum statutory penalty of two years in prison, a one-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Ruben Levya made the announcement.

The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the cases; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the cases.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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

A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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LAS VEGAS – The Las Vegas Homeland Security Task Force held a panel discussion Monday on criminal charging and asset forfeiture involving cryptocurrency, as well as how digital currency continues to evolve. The panel brought together federal and local law enforcement partners to share information, discuss recent cases, and strengthen coordination in identifying and stopping criminal activity involving cryptocurrency.

Panelists discussed trends in cryptocurrency-related crimes, tools used to investigate these cases, and the legal process for seizing digital assets. The group also talked about the challenges posed by transnational criminal organizations that use cryptocurrency to move and hide illegal proceeds, and ways agencies can continue working together to address those threats and recover funds for victims.

“The Homeland Security Task Force underscores our shared commitment to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada Sigal Chattah. “Cryptocurrency is evolving, but our task force partners are using every available tool to disrupt money laundering and seize funds for victims.”

“The FBI, along with its local, state, and federal partners have seen actors, across the full spectrum of threats that we investigate, to include criminal, counterintelligence, counterterrorism, and cyber threats, leverage the encryption and anonymity that virtual currency offers,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “For these actors, virtual currency is just another layering technique, used to obfuscate who the true beneficial owners are. We are committed to any tool and partner that assists us in tracing the money, which illuminates networks and identifies opportunities for asset forfeiture.”

“Cryptocurrency can move quickly,” said Special Agent in Charge John Wester, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “ATF is happy to be a part of this panel and discussion. Technology is constantly evolving, and it is important that members of law enforcement stay knowledgeable about new technology/platforms that may be involved in federal investigations.”

“Cryptocurrency is increasingly being adopted by Transnational Criminal Organizations, as it provides the capability to rapidly and safely transfer capital across borders through an encrypted blockchain,” said Brandon Lesky, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Las Vegas District Office. “We’ve seen this play out in some of our drug investigations. Mexican cartels and other global criminal networks, for example, trade bulk cash for cryptocurrency to facilitate global drug trafficking. Cryptocurrency has become a borderless financial tool. These new tools undoubtedly complicate detection. This is why we must align our efforts and pool resources. This symposium provided an opportunity for law enforcement to collaborate with federal prosecutors and improve their strategy for tracking and prosecuting financial crimes.”

“As cryptocurrency has become an integral part of the global financial system, its mainstream presence unfortunately makes it an attractive vehicle for opportunistic criminals,” said IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Phoenix Field Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dave Lowe. “But at their core, all financial crimes have the same bones. This is why IRS-CI remains committed to our foundational strength: following the money. By combining our deep financial expertise with cross-agency collaboration, we are uniquely positioned to deconstruct even the most complex transactions to identify stolen funds and hold bad actors accountable.”

Participants included representatives from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, United States Marshals Service, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

Law enforcement speak at Cryptocurrency Panel held at U.S. Attorney's Office.

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LAS VEGAS – Two Mexican nationals were sentenced today by United States Chief District Judge Andrew Gordan to terms of imprisonment followed by terms of supervised release for illegally reentering the United States after being removed from the United States.

According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings, Hilario Villegas-Espinoza and David Carachuri-Terrazas, both from Mexico, were found in the United States after previously being deported.

Villegas-Espinoza was sentenced to 20 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Villegas-Espinoza was previously deported and removed to Mexico on or about November 4, 2009, and again on February 11, 2011. Villegas-Espinoza has prior felony convictions for Illegal Reentry After Deportation out of Texas, and Attempt Lewdness with a Child Under the Age of 14 out of Nevada where he served 45 to 113 months in Nevada State prison.

Carachuri-Terrazas was sentenced to 13 months in prison and one day followed by three years of supervised release. Carachuri-Terrazas was previously deported to Mexico on or about August 28, 2018. Carachuri-Terrazas served 48 to 120 months in Nevada State prison for felony Coercion, and Violation of Extended Protective Order.

Both defendants pleaded guilty to one count of Deported Alien Found in the United States. After serving their prison sentences they will again be deported from the United States.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Ruben Levya made the announcement.

The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada prosecuted the cases.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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

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LAS VEGAS – A Henderson, Nev., woman pleaded guilty today to embezzling over $26 million from her employer and purchasing high-end merchandise using the stolen funds and selling those items through an online consignment company.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Cynthia Marie Marabella was employed as a controller at a Las Vegas-based construction company. As part of her duties, she managed accounts payable, accounts receivable, and received financial statements from various banks and credit card companies.

Marabella admitted that, from January 1, 2018, to about February 28, 2025, she and her boyfriend co-defendant William Keolanui Costa devised a scheme to defraud Marabella’s employer. As part of the scheme, they: fraudulently duplicated bonus checks and deposited the checks into bank accounts controlled by Marabella and Costa; opened credit cards in other peoples’ names and made unauthorized charges then paid the credit cards’ bills with stolen funds; provided false accounting records to the employer; created forged and false bank statements; and sent fictitious invoices from merchant accounts then paid the invoices with stolen funds.

Marabella and Costa used the stolen money to pay off vehicles, living expenses, and credit cards. They also purchased high-end merchandise with the stolen funds, such as expensive purses, shoes, clothing, and jewelry. Marabella sold the merchandise through an online consignment company. Marabella and Costa received more than $245,000 from the sales. As a result of the fraud scheme, Marabella and Costa obtained more than $26 million from the employer.

Marabella pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of monetary transactions in criminally derived property. The total maximum statutory penalty is 30 years in prison. Sentencing has been set for August 4, 2026, before United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarom Gregory of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.

This case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigations and the Henderson Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Frayn is prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally reentering the United States after being removed on three prior occasions from the country.

According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings, on April 27, 2025, Cesar Daniel Reyes-Rodriguez was found in the United States after he was previously deported to Mexico on June 25, 2019; October 18, 2019; and On June 23, 2023.

On April 26, 2025, officers with the North Las Vegas Police Department arrested Reyes-Rodriguez for his fourth DUI since 2016. Reyes-Rodriguez was previously convicted of his third DUI, a felony, in 2018. Reyes-Rodriguez also has previous felony convictions for Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell out of the Eighth Judicial District Court, Clark County, Nevada (2018), and Illegal Reentry after Deportation out of the U.S. District Court, District of Nevada (2021).

Reyes-Rodriguez pleaded guilty to one count of Deported Alien Found in the United States. After serving his prison sentence he will be deported to Mexico for a fourth time.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Ruben Levya made the announcement.

The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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

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LAS VEGAS – A Polish national was sentenced Monday for photographing and video- and audio-recording vital U.S. military installations and aircraft, equipment, and operations without approval of the installation commander.

According to court documents, Michal Miroslaw Rokita is a foreign national who travelled on a passport issued by Poland to the United States with the intent to unlawfully take images and audio recordings of vital U.S. military installations and equipment. From about April 7, 2026, to April 14, 2026, Rokita took photographs of installations and equipment of the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR) and the Tonopah Test Range (TTR), without first obtaining permission of the military installation commander. The NTTR and the TTR are designated under 18 U.S.C § 795 and Executive Order No. 10104 as vital military installations and are located within Nevada.

At various times Rokita met with a person who is a naturalized U.S. citizen and operates a website identified as DreamlandResort.com. Rokita provided photographs and video- and audio-recordings to the person. On April 11, 2026, Rokita met with the person in Las Vegas to participate in a livestream event on YouTube titled “Our fearless Field Investigator Michal reports from his recent recon mission to Tikaboo Peak.” During the livestream, Rokita and the other person showed and described a large number of photographs and video recordings. 

Rokita and two other people discuss the content of the livestream at 23:00 of the livestream, U.S. v. Michal Miroslaw Rokita, Case No. 226-mj-00296

Rokita pleaded guilty to one count of photographing defense installations without authorization and one count of publication of photographs of defense installations without authorization. U.S. Magistrate Judge Maximiliano D. Couvillier III sentenced Rokita to time served.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Keaton Southwick for the Air Force Office of Special Investigations PJ Detachment 1, and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Cowhig prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS – Two Mexican nationals unlawfully residing in Las Vegas made their initial court appearances today to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country.

Jesus Guadalupe-Rosales and Daniel Augusto Lopez-Conchas are both charged with one-count of deported alien found in the United States. Preliminary hearings for both defendants are scheduled for April 30, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Elayna J. Youchah.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaints and statements made during court proceedings, Guadalupe-Rosales and Lopez-Conchas are both citizens and nationals of Mexico and were both previously deported and removed from the United States and reentered the United States illegally.

On July 17, 2025, officers from the Henderson Police Department arrested Guadalupe-Rosales for four counts of Possess to Sell Controlled Substance; Trafficking Controlled Substance; three counts of Possess Controlled Substance; and Operate Place for Sale/Gift/Use of Controlled Substance. On April 8, 2026, after serving a 12-to-30-month sentence for Possession of Controlled substance with Intent to Sell, 2nd Offense, the Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Guadalupe-Rosales to U.S. Immigration Custom Enforcement (ICE) custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Guadalupe-Rosales has been deported six times: May 22, 2012; July 13, 2012; June 19, 2014; August 25, 2015; November 24, 2015; and July 27, 2020. In addition to his most recent drug conviction, Guadalupe-Rosales was twice convicted for Drug Trafficking, the first time in 2013, and again in 2018. Guadalupe-Rosales also has a felony conviction for Fraud and misuse of Visas from 2015, and a 2020 felony conviction for Deported Alien Found Unlawfully in the United States, the same offense he is currently charged with. After serving prison time on each of his convictions, Guadalupe-Rosales was deported by ICE.

On March 29, 2024, officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Lopez-Conchas for Sell/Transport Controlled Substance, two counts of Trafficking Controlled Substances, and Conspiracy to Violate Uniform Controlled Substances Act. On April 3, 2026, after serving a 24-to-72-month sentence for Trafficking Controlled Substance, the Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Lopez-Conchas to ICE custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Lopez-Conchas has been deported three times: March 24, 2011, March 1, 2015, and January 26, 2020.

If convicted, Guadalupe-Rosales faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

If convicted, Lopez-Conchas faces a maximum statutory penalty of two years in prison, a one-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Ruben Levya made the announcement.

The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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

A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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LAS VEGAS – Two men have been arrested and made their initial appearances in court on April 10, for allegedly trafficking significant quantities of fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, and methamphetamine, and for laundering drug proceeds to Mexico.

An indictment unsealed Friday charges Francisco Felix and Alexis Arturo Martinez, also known as Arego Martinez Reglado, for conspiring to distribute large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. On April 9, federal law enforcement executed multiple search warrants on the defendants’ stash houses and a storage locker and seized approximately 30,000 fentanyl pills; 2.25 kilograms of fentanyl powder; 2.3 kilograms of heroin; one pound of methamphetamine; a semi-automatic rifle; and over $30,000.

“This indictment is a direct result of the coordinated actions and outstanding investigative work by the Las Vegas Homeland Security Task Force,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “The defendants were poisoning our communities with drugs. Nevada is safer thanks to the whole-of-government partnership and interagency collaboration. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to rid crime and drugs from our communities.”

“Fentanyl traffickers must be held accountable for the destruction caused by their crimes, and these arrests are the first step to holding those responsible,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office. “Our Homeland Security Task Force will continue to fight against drug traffickers putting dangerous individuals behind bars and sending a clear message: if you peddle drugs and carry guns in our community, we will find you, and we will stop you.”

“Through coordinated efforts and strong partnerships, two narcotics criminals will face the full force of the law for the devastation they caused,” said Anthony Chrysanthis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division, which oversees Nevada. “DEA is in lockstep with our HSTF partners, remaining ever committed to disrupting drug trafficking networks and halting the flow of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other dangerous drugs. Together, we will continue to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our communities.”

Photo of drugs, cash, and assault rifle with ammunition seized by law enforcement, U.S. v Francisco Felix and Alexis Arturo Martinez, Case No. 2:26-cr-0048-GMN-MDC

The indictment charges one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; six counts of distribution of fentanyl; four counts of distribution of methamphetamine; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; and four counts of money laundering.

Felix and Martinez were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. A jury trial has been scheduled for June 15, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Gloria M. Navarro.

If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is life in prison, and there is a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence. Any sentence 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.

This case was investigated by the FBI and DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Brister is prosecuting the case.

This prosecution 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 U.S. 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. The Las Vegas HSTF comprises agents and officers from federal, state, and local law enforcement, with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.

The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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LAS VEGAS – A Nevada businesswoman pleaded guilty on Monday to conspiring to defraud the United States by filing false tax returns claiming over $15 million dollars in COVID-19 related tax credits. 

According to court documents and statements made in court, Adonia Stiles, a Las Vegas-based real estate agent, tax preparer, and clothing store owner, conspired with others to file false tax returns fraudulently seeking refunds based on the employee retention credit (ERC) and sick and family leave credit. Congress created both the ERC and the sick and family leave credit to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic.   

One of Stiles’s coconspirators was Candies Goode-McCoy, who was sentenced Monday to 54 months in prison for her role in the scheme. Stiles had Goode-McCoy file 11 false employment tax returns for Stiles’s clothing store seeking more than $800,000 in refundable tax credits. Stiles also directed 18 other people to Goode-McCoy for her to file over 150 false employment tax returns. Goode-McCoy claimed $15 million in fraudulent tax credits on these taxpayers’ behalf, causing the Treasury to pay more than $7 million in refunds. In exchange for making these referrals to Goode McCoy, Stiles received at least $135,000, which she did not report as income on her individual income tax returns.

Stiles pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to file false claims. She is scheduled to be sentenced on July 15, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. 

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration are investigating the case.

Trial Attorney John C. Gerardi of the Criminal Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez of the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.

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A Nevada woman was sentenced yesterday to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to defraud the United States by fraudulently claiming nearly $100 million in COVID-19 related employment tax credits.

The Department of Justice announced this case and two others in support of President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud at a press conference in Washington today.

“Thanks to the leadership of President Donald Trump, the Department, working closely with the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, is supercharging efforts to take down every fraudster and bring them to justice,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “In one day, the Department prosecuted the theft of a half-billion in taxpayer dollars. All those ripping off the American people are on notice.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, Candies Goode-McCoy, formerly of Las Vegas, conspired with others to file tax returns seeking fraudulent refunds based on the employee retention credit and paid sick and family leave credit, credits which Congress created to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic. From approximately June 2022 through September 2023, McCoy filed more than 1,200 tax returns for her own businesses and those of others, which falsely claimed these credits and sought refunds totaling more than $98 million.

In total, the IRS paid out approximately $33 million as a result of the scheme. Personally, Goode-McCoy received over $1.3 million in fraudulent refunds. She also received approximately $800,000 from clients for filing fraudulent returns. McCoy used the proceeds to pay for vacations, luxury cars and other luxury goods, and to gamble at casinos.

Goode-McCoy pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims. In addition to the term of imprisonment, McCoy was ordered to pay the IRS $26,022,188 in restitution.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada joined in the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated the case.

Trial Attorney John C. Gerardi of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez of the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.

LAS VEGAS — A Nevada woman was sentenced yesterday to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release for conspiring to defraud the United States by fraudulently claiming nearly $100 million in COVID-19 related employment tax credits.

The Department of Justice announced this case and two others in support of President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud at a press conference in Washington today.

“Thanks to the leadership of President Donald Trump, the Department, working closely with the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, is supercharging efforts to take down every fraudster and bring them to justice,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “In one day, the Department prosecuted the theft of a half-billion in taxpayer dollars. All those ripping off the American people are on notice.”

“Rooting out fraud is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “We will not tolerate wrongdoers who commit fraud schemes that siphon taxpayer dollars to fund lavish lifestyles at the expense of American taxpayers. We are coordinating with IRS Criminal Investigation, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to stop bad actors and hold them fully accountable.”

“This sentencing brings to an end one of the biggest COVID fraud cases our agency has seen,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarom Gregory of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office. “The Employee Retention Credit was created to support eligible businesses, tax-exempt organizations, and their employees during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. To attempt to steal almost $100M from American taxpayers by exploiting this program is staggering. But IRS Criminal Investigators are the experts at following the money, and through our work we will continue to ensure the integrity of our tax system and these much-needed federal programs by bringing justice to these brazen criminals.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, Candies Goode-McCoy, formerly of Las Vegas, conspired with others to file tax returns seeking fraudulent refunds based on the employee retention credit and paid sick and family leave credit, credits which Congress created to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic. From approximately June 2022 through September 2023, McCoy filed more than 1,200 tax returns for her own businesses and those of others, which falsely claimed these credits and sought refunds totaling more than $98 million.

In total, the IRS paid approximately $33 million as a result of the scheme. Personally, Goode-McCoy received over $1.3 million in fraudulent refunds. She also received approximately $800,000 from clients for filing fraudulent returns. McCoy used the proceeds to pay for vacations, luxury cars and other luxury goods, and to gamble at casinos.

Goode-McCoy pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the government with respect to claims. In addition to the term of imprisonment, McCoy was ordered to pay the IRS $26,022,188 in restitution.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant U.S. Attorney Chattah and Acting Special Agent in Charge Gregory of IRS Criminal Investigation joined in the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated the case.

Trial Attorney John C. Gerardi of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez of the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS – Four Mexican nationals unlawfully residing in Las Vegas made their initial court appearances today to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country.

Laurentino Salvador Juarez-Martinez; Serguio Raudel Contreras-Torres; Brandon Castanon-Bautista; and Pablo Covarrubias-Islas are all charged with one count of deported alien found in the United States. Preliminary hearings for all defendants are scheduled for April 20, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Brenda N. Weksler.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaints and statements made during court proceedings, all four defendants are citizens and nationals of Mexico who were previously deported and removed from the United States and reentered the United States illegally.

On March 27, 2024, Juarez-Martinez was arrested for two counts of Possess Controlled Substance; four counts of Possess for Sale Controlled Substance; two counts of Trafficking Controlled Substance; and Operate Place for Sale/Use/Gift of Controlled Substances. On April 1, 2026, after serving a 24-to-60-month sentence for drug trafficking, the Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Juarez-Martinez to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody in Las Vegas, Nevada. Juarez-Martinez was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on seven prior occasions: on or about July 6, 2010; October 14, 2010; May 14, 2012; October 9, 2012; April 13, 2015; December 13, 2016; and September 18, 2019. Juarez-Martinez has two prior felony convictions for Deported Alien Found Unlawfully in the United States, the same offense he is currently charged with.

On April 2, 2026, Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Contreras-Torres to ICE custody in Las Vegas, Nevada, after Contreras-Torres served a 14-to-48-month sentence for the felony offense of Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell. On September 21, 2021, officers with the North Las Vegas Police Department arrested Contreras-Torres for Trafficking a Controlled Substance. Contreras-Torres failed to show for his court appearance and a warrant was issued. On September 9, 2025, ICE Fugitive Operations Team arrested Contreras-Torres in Las Vegas, Nevada, and turned him over to face his state drug charges. Contreras-Torres was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on two prior occasions: December 22, 2018, and December 27, 2018. Contreras-Torres also has two prior misdemeanor drug convictions.

On November 23, 2025, officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Castanon-Bautista for two counts of Robbery with a Deadly Weapon; Burglary while in Possession of Firearm; and Carry Concealed Weapon Without a Permit. On March 28, 2026, the Clark County Detention Center remanded Castanon-Bautista to ICE Las Vegas, Nevada, custody based on an immigration detainer. Castanon-Bautista was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on two prior occasions: October 3, 2023, and July 1, 2024. Castanon-Bautista has a felony conviction for Larceny from Person. Castanon-Bautista’s other convictions include attempted Grand Larceny, Assault, and two separate drug related offenses.

On March 22, 2025, officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department arrested Covarrubias-Islas for Conspiracy to Violate Uniform Controlled Substances Act, and two counts of Possess to Sell Controlled Substance. On March 27, 2026, Nevada Department of Corrections remanded Covarrubias-Islas to ICE custody at Las Vegas, Nevada, based on an immigration detainer. Covarrubias-Islas was previously removed and deported from the United States to Mexico on three prior occasions: July 19, 2015, November 12, 2015, and September 4, 2018.

If convicted, Juarez-Martinez faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

If convicted, Contreras-Torres, Castanon-Bautista, and Covarrubias-Islas all face a maximum statutory penalty of 2 years in prison, a one-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Ruben Levya made the announcement.

The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the cases; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the cases.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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

A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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RENO – A Sparks resident was sentenced today by United States District Judge Miranda M. Du to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing four Native American children on the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and two other children.

“This sentence underscores the severity of the sexual abuse crimes the defendant committed against children,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Thanks to the diligent work by our law enforcement partners, the defendant is no longer a danger to the community. We will continue to work together to protect our youth from child predators.”

“Angel Fernandez is a child predator, and today he received a fittingly severe sentence,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Division. “We must protect the children in our community from the actions of sex offenders like Fernandez, who abused four Native American children on the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony and two others. The FBI is committed to tirelessly working to identify and arrest anyone who preys on innocent children. I am grateful for the law enforcement officers and prosecutors who investigate these horrifying cases and hold dangerous child predators accountable.”

From 2004 until 2022, Angel Fernandez engaged in the sexual abuse of multiple children and continued to abuse some of the victims after they reached 16 years of age.

Fernandez pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual abuse of a minor within Indian Country and two counts of abusive sexual contact within Indian Country. Following his release from imprisonment, the Court ordered that he serve 15 years of supervised release and register as a sex offender.

The FBI and Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Tribal Police investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Penelope Brady and Andrew Keenan prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS – A Nevada man made his initial appearance in court on Friday to face allegations of attempting to coerce children to produce sexually explicit content and receiving child sexual abuse material.

As alleged in the indictment, between about January 6, 2023, and about May 29, 2024, Carl Schilbe attempted to order and coordinate the live streaming of the sexual abuse of children. Between about April 18, 2024, and about April 19, 2024, Schilbe received child sexual abuse material.

Schilbe is charged with three counts of attempted sexual exploitation of children and one count of receipt of child pornography. If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by HSI. Assistant United States Attorney Afroza Yeasmin of the District of Nevada and Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are prosecuting 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.

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

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LAS VEGAS – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is set to begin presenting evidence in the trial involving alleged members and associates of La Mara Salvatrucha, commonly referred to as MS-13. This phase of the trial is scheduled to begin on March 30, 2026, before United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas.

As alleged in a 34-count third superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury, Jose Luis Reynaldo Reyes-Castillo, aka Molesto; David Arturo Perez-Manchame, aka Walter Melendez, aka Herbi, and aka Catracho; and Joel Vargas-Escobar, aka Momia, are alleged members and associates of MS-13. Charges include murder, attempted murder, and/or kidnapping in aid of racketeering, use of a firearm during a crime of violence, causing death through the use of a firearm, and aiding and abetting.

The FBI investigated the case.

A Superseding Indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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LAS VEGAS – Two Mexican nationals unlawfully residing in Las Vegas made their initial court appearances today to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country.

Ismael Bernal Olguin and Jaime Adalberto Espinosa-Ramos are both charged with one-count of deported alien found in the United States. Preliminary hearings for both defendants are scheduled for April 10, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaints and statements made during court proceedings, Olguin and Espinosa-Ramos are both citizens and nationals of Mexico and were both previously deported and removed from the United States and reentered the United States illegally. On March 9, 2026, Nevada Highway Patrol arrested Olguin for Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and False Statement to Obstruct Public Officer. On March 11, 2026, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police arrested Espinosa-Ramos for Driving Under the Influence. Olguin and Espinosa-Ramos were both turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody based on immigration detainers, and ICE referred them for Federal prosecution.

Olguin had previously been deported by ICE on two prior occasions; on or about December 11, 2018, and again on March 1, 2022. Olguin has three prior separate felony convictions for Attempt Possession of Stolen Vehicle, Attempt Battery with Substantial Bodily Harm, and Deported Alien Found Unlawfully in the United States, the third being the same offense he is currently charged with.

Espinosa-Ramos had previously been deported by ICE on four prior occasions; on or about March 2, 2006, September 16, 2016, October 22, 2020, and July 24, 2024. Espinosa-Ramos has a prior felony conviction from the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah, for Illegal Reentry after Deportation, the same offense he is currently charged with.

If convicted, Olguin faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

If convicted, Espinosa-Ramos faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Ruben Levya made the announcement.

The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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

A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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LAS VEGAS - A Nevada man pleaded guilty today to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and helping file false federal returns for clients just months after pleading guilty to related charges in a separate case.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Michael J. Moore, of Las Vegas, operated a tax and accounting business known as X Tax Pros that he used to promote an illegal tax avoidance scheme. Moore advertised X Tax Pros as being the “only” tax and bookkeeping company specializing in clients from the adult entertainment industry. From approximately August 2025 through October 2025, Moore promised clients he could file tax returns that would eliminate the taxes they owed to the IRS; in fact, the returns he prepared for clients typically resulted in large tax refunds that the clients were not entitled to receive. To carry out the scheme, Moore created fraudulent entries on his clients’ tax returns, including purported losses from business entities belonging to other clients. In most cases, the entities were either defunct or dormant and no longer filed tax returns. In exchange, Moore required his clients to pay him certain fees, often taken directly out of their tax refund. In just three months, Moore’s scheme caused a tax loss to the United States exceeding $250,000.

Moore executed the present scheme after he had already pleaded guilty to carrying out a virtually identical scheme, one that caused a tax loss of at least a $3.5 million, in a related Nevada case, United States v. Michael J. Moore, Case No. 2:25-cr-00225-JAD-NJK. While awaiting sentencing in that matter, Moore concealed his identity to avoid detection while continuing his fraudulent criminal conduct.

For his latest conduct, Moore pleaded guilty to wire fraud, aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return, and aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16 and faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison for wire fraud and three years in prison for aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return. He also faces a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarom Gregory of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Patrick Burns of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez of the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.

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A Nevada man pleaded guilty today to wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and helping file false federal returns for clients just months after pleading guilty to related charges in a separate case.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Michael J. Moore, of Las Vegas, operated a tax and accounting business known as X Tax Pros that he used to promote an illegal tax avoidance scheme. Moore advertised X Tax Pros as being the “only” tax and bookkeeping company specializing in clients from the adult entertainment industry. From approximately August 2025 through October 2025, Moore promised clients he could file tax returns that would eliminate the taxes they owed to the IRS; in fact, the returns he prepared for clients typically resulted in large tax refunds that the clients were not entitled to receive. To carry out the scheme, Moore created fraudulent entries on his clients’ tax returns, including purported losses from business entities belonging to other clients. In most cases, the entities were either defunct or dormant and no longer filed tax returns. In exchange, Moore required his clients to pay him certain fees, often taken directly out of their tax refund. In just three months, Moore’s scheme caused a tax loss to the United States exceeding $250,000.

Moore executed the present scheme after he had already pleaded guilty to carrying out a virtually identical scheme, one that caused a tax loss of at least a $3.5 million, in a related Nevada case, United States v. Michael J. Moore, Case No. 2:25-cr-00225-JAD-NJK. While awaiting sentencing in that matter, Moore concealed his identity to avoid detection while continuing his fraudulent criminal conduct. 

For his latest conduct, Moore pleaded guilty to wire fraud, aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return, and aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 16 and faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison for wire fraud and three years in prison for aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return. He also faces a mandatory minimum penalty of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Patrick Burns of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez of the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.

LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas woman made her initial appearance in court on Tuesday before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts for allegedly fraudulently obtaining more than $365,000 in payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

According to allegations contained in court documents, beginning in April 2009 through February 2026, Narda Yvonne Locklear improperly received and converted the SSA benefit payments of her deceased grandmother for her own use. Because the SSA was unaware of the death, the SSA continued to deposit Social Security Retirement Insurance Benefits payments in the bank account. Locklear possessed a debit card issued in her grandmother’s name that allowed her access to the bank account. Additionally, she made false representations to the SSA in her application for Supplemental Security Income benefits and during redeterminations. As a result of the fraud scheme, Locklear obtained over $365,000 in SSA payments.

Locklear is charged with three counts of bank fraud, two counts of theft of government money, and one count of aggravated identity theft. If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 112 years in custody. A jury trial has been scheduled for May 18, 2026, before United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent-in-Charge Christian Assaad of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, San Francisco Field Division, made the announcement.

The SSA OIG investigated the case. Special Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Weidhaas is prosecuting the case.

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RENO – A Reno man who is a registered sex offender was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Anne R. Traum to 60 months in prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release for receiving child sexual abuse material images and videos after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) forwarded a CyberTip to law enforcement. The United States Sentencing Guidelines range for this offense was 151 to 188 months. The government had recommended a 151-month sentence to be followed by Lifetime supervised release.

According to court documents, beginning about June 6, 2024, William Alan Barragan Diaz downloaded and possessed images and videos of child sexual abuse material. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence and found child sexual abuse material files on his cell phones. Some of the images and videos analyzed were of children under 12 years of age engaged in sexually explicit conduct and intercourse with adults. In total, over 6,200 images and over 400 videos of child sexual abuse material were recovered from the two electronic devices seized from Diaz.

“A registered sex offender who received thousands of child sexual abuse images and videos was sentenced to the mandatory minimum penalty,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “As part of the Justice Department’s Project Safe Childhood initiative to combat child sexual exploitation, we remain committed to working with the Northern Nevada Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force to protect young children and bring child predators to justice.”

“Mr. Diaz was a serious threat to children due to his repeated exploitation,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office. “This sentencing demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the FBI and our partners to justice for vulnerable victims. Few situations are more urgent than when a child is at risk. Those who exploit children cause lasting harm, and possessing and trading child sexual abuse material only continues the abuse.”

In addition to imprisonment, under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, Diaz will be required to register as a sex offender and keep the registration current.

This case was investigated by the Northern Nevada Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force comprised of the FBI, the Nevada Attorney General’s Office, the Sparks Police Department, and the Washoe County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorney Randolph J. St. Clair 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.

To report an online child sexual exploitation offense, call 911 or go NCMEC’s CyberTipline at report.cybertip.org.

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LAS VEGAS – Three Mexican nationals and one Honduran national were all sentenced this week by United States District Judge Gloria Navarro to terms of imprisonment followed by terms of supervised release for illegally reentering the United States after being removed on a combined 14 prior occasions from the United States.

According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings, Alfredo Covarrubias-Jimenez, Moises Jeronimo-Martin, Angel David Olivera-Hernandez, all from Mexico, and Rigoberto Osorio-Merlo, from Honduras, were all found in the United States after previously being deported.

Alfredo Covarrubias-Jimenez was sentenced to 16-months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Covarrubias-Jimenez had five prior deportations to Mexico. Covarrubias-Jimenez has prior felony convictions for Inflict Corporal Injury on a Spouse out of California, and Drug Trafficking out of Nevada where he served 24 to 120 months in Nevada State prison.

Moises Jeronimo-Martin was sentenced to 13-months in prison and one day followed by one year of supervised release. Jeronimo-Martin had six prior deportations to Mexico. Jeronimo-Martin served 12 to 30 months in Nevada State prison for felony DUI.

Angel David Olivera-Hernandez was sentenced to 12-months in prison and one day followed by three years of supervised release. Olivera-Hernandez had one prior deportation to Mexico. Olivera-Hernandez served 24 to 60 months in Nevada State prison for felony Conspiracy to Commit Robbery.

Rigoberto Osorio-Merlo was sentenced to 9-months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Osorio-Merlo had two prior deportations to Honduras. Osorio-Merlo served 12 to 30 months in Nevada State prison for felony Reckless Driving Resulting in Substantial Bodily Harm or Death.

All four defendants pleaded guilty to one-count of Deported Alien Found in the United States. After serving their prison sentences they will all again be deported from the United States.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Ruben Levya made the announcement.

The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada prosecuted the cases.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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

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RENO – A grand jury indictment was unsealed today charging a White Pine County, Nevada man for allegedly setting two wildfires on public lands in northern Nevada.

According to allegations contained in the indictment, on or about June 17, 2022, Henry Conrad Vogler set a wildland fire designated as the Lookout Springs Fire in the Spring Valley area of Nevada. Later, on July 7, 2024, he allegedly set a wildland fire designated as the North Creek Fire, in the Spring Valley area. Both fires occurred on publicly owned land. Vogler does not have the authority to set fire upon public lands.

Vogler is charged with two-counts of timber set afire. The maximum statutory penalty is 5 years’ imprisonment. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Trevis Guy, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Land Management, made the announcement.

The Bureau of Land Management investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Randolph J. St. Clair is prosecuting the case.

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

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LAS VEGAS – A Henderson, Nev., resident made his initial appearance in court on Friday in connection to a 17-count superseding indictment charging him for allegedly smuggling misbranded prescription drugs under the brand names “Ride,” “Kinky Kong,” “Stif,” “TBone,” and “Kinky Pink.”

According to allegations in the superseding indictment, David Ralph Webber owned and operated Passion Plus Enterprises Inc. and Whole Science Health. He was not a registered pharmaceutical manufacturer with the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA), nor was he licensed to administer prescription drugs or as a wholesaler of prescription drugs.

As alleged, from at least 2018 to present, Webber used his companies to import hundreds of thousands of misbranded prescription drug capsules and tablets containing sildenafil, sildenafil citrate, and tadalafil — the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis — into the United States. The prescription drugs were manufactured in India at facilities that were not registered with the FDA. To evade customs detection and enforcement, Webber falsely declared that the wire transfers to the manufacturers were for business management consultancy services; and he allegedly paid a packaging company to list false ingredients and false claims that the drugs were “100% Natural” and did not require a prescription.

Webber allegedly sold the misbranded prescription drugs to smoke shops, convenience stores, and adult novelty stores in Nevada and throughout the southwestern United States, and directly to consumers through a website he operated. In total, he made more than $1.9 million dollars in revenue from his sales of misbranded prescription drugs.

A federal grand jury returned the superseding indictment charging Webber with one count of introduction of a misbranded drug into interstate commerce; four counts of wholesale distribution of prescription drugs without a license; seven counts of smuggling; and five counts of mail fraud.

A jury trial is set for September 29, 2026, before United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. The maximum statutory penalty is 20 years in custody.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Robert M. Iwanicki of the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations Los Angeles Field Office, and Inspector in Charge Glen Henderson for the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Phoenix Division made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FDA and USPIS. Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Oliva and Kimberly Frayn are prosecuting the case.

If you or someone you know has taken these products and/or suffered adverse health effects as a result of these products, please contact investigators at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/email/oc/oci/contact.cfm.

A Superseding Indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man who has prior felony convictions was sentenced on Monday by United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware to 132 months in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, and unlawful possession of firearms including a 9mm handgun without a serial number. The government recommended a sentence of 151 months incarceration.

According to court documents, between September 13, 2022, and October 5, 2022, Jason Roon conspired with others to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. On October 5, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Roon’s residence and found about 606.5 grams of methamphetamine, as well as “owe” sheets reflecting Roon’s distribution of the drugs. During the search, law enforcement located two AR-15 .223 caliber rifles; a .22 caliber rifle; a 9mm handgun with no serial number; a 9mm handgun; a .380 ACP caliber handgun; and a 9mm handgun, and various amounts of ammunition. He has prior felony convictions in Los Angeles, including possession of a controlled substance while armed, possession/purchase for sale narcotics/controlled substance; transport/sell narcotics/controlled substance; and possession of a controlled substance for sale; and in Ventura County, Calif., receive known stolen property and transport a controlled substance.

Roon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Chrysanthis for the Los Angeles Division, and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the DEA, FBI, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

If you have any information about individuals or groups involved in a possible violation of controlled substances laws and regulations to include the growing, manufacture, distribution or trafficking of controlled substances, you are urged to make a report to the DEA online at https://www.dea.gov/submit-tip. You can remain anonymous, and all tips are handled with strict confidentiality.

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LAS VEGAS – A Barstow, Calif., man was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to 10 years in prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for enticing someone to allow him to engage in sexual acts with the person’s child. While on supervised release, the defendant will be required to undergo sex offender counseling, submit to polygraph testing, submit to computer monitoring, must receive approval before he may work, cannot have knowing contact with minors, and cannot go to or remain at places primarily used by or for children.

According to court documents, between March and May 2023, Clifford Robert Sanchez used Wickr, an online messaging application, as well as text messages and phone calls, to converse with someone he believed had a four-year-old daughter and attempted to arrange a meeting at which he would sexually abuse that child. He described the sex acts that he wished to perform on the child, and he purchased sexual abuse implements that he referred to as “little gifts.” Sanchez also sent child sexual abuse materials to the purported mother and later admitted to moderating a chat room in which child sexual abuse materials were traded. On May 2, 2023, Sanchez met the mother at a restaurant and law enforcement arrested him.

Sanchez pleaded guilty to one count of coercion and enticement. In addition to the prison sentence and supervised release, Sanchez was ordered to pay $41,000 in restitution.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by HSI.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national who has multiple drug-related felony convictions made his initial court appearance Thursday to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country.

Elvin Francisco De La Rosa-Alvarez is charged with one-count of deported alien found in the United States. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 26, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Nancy J. Koppe.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint and statements made during court proceedings, De La Rosa-Alvarez is a citizen and national of Mexico who was previously deported on June 13, 2013, and reentered the United States illegally.

On February 25, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Fugitive Operations Team took De La Rosa-Alvarez into custody after he was encountered in Las Vegas, Nevada. De La Rosa-Alvarez has two separate drug trafficking convictions from 2010, one from Mineral County, Nevada and a second from Clark County, Nevada. De La Rosa-Alvarez was also convicted in 2022 in the Eighth Judicial District Court, Clark County, Nevada, for Conspiracy to Violate Uniform Controlled Substance Act, and High-Level Possession of Controlled Substance. On February 9, 2022, De La Rosa-Alvarez was sentenced to 24 to 60 months in custody and ordered to self-surrender on February 11, 2022. De La Rosa-Alvarez failed to surrender and there is an active warrant for his arrest in that case.

If convicted, De La Rosa-Alvarez faces the maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Ruben Levya made the announcement.

The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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

A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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LAS VEGAS – A former County Commissioner from Nye County, Nevada, was indicted today by a federal grand jury in Las Vegas for his alleged role in applying for fraudulent COVID-19 relief funds on behalf of his restaurant in Pahrump. In total, he received more than $500,000 through programs administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration, including the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, and Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF).

“Fraud will not be tolerated in our community—regardless of the position or identity of those involved,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office. “Fraud erodes public trust and undermines the institutions our communities rely on every day. The FBI remains committed to protecting the integrity of our public institutions and ensuring that no one is above the law.”

According to allegations contained in court documents, Leonardo F. Blundo owned and operated a restaurant named Carmelo’s Bistro in Pahrump, Nevada. As alleged, from about March 31, 2020 to about September 6, 2021, Blundo submitted false PPP, EIDL, and RRF applications. As part of the scheme, he falsely inflated the restaurant’s gross revenue, its average monthly payroll, and its number of employees when completing applications for those loans and grant. Additionally, he provided false documentation to support some of the false and fraudulent claims in those applications. Blundo obtained two PPP loans, two EIDLs, and an RRF grant totaling more than $500,000.

A federal grand jury charged Blundo with five counts of wire fraud and two counts of money laundering. His initial appearance has been scheduled before United States Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Albregts for March 24, 2026.

If convicted, the maximum statutory penalty is 120 years of prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $1,750,000 fine, and a $700 special assessment.

Executive Assistant United States Attorney Summer Johnson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Delzotto made the announcement.

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of the District of Nevada’s Public Corruption Strike Force. The Strike Force is within the Office’s Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys with extensive public corruption experience will handle cases of allegations of criminal misconduct. This specialized unit will focus on the investigation and prosecution of all federal crimes affecting government integrity, including bribery of public officials at all levels of government, election crimes, and other related offenses. This endeavor will be a collaborative effort with federal, state, and local agencies across the Silver State.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Justice Department’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

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A Swiss executive pleaded guilty today to participating in a multimillion-dollar securities fraud scheme after living abroad as a fugitive for nearly 11 years.

According to court documents, Martin Schlaepfer, 67, a Swiss national, identified himself to victims as the Chief Executive Officer of Malom Group AG, a purported Swiss investment company. Beginning as early as October 2009, Schlaepfer and his co-conspirators located in Switzerland and Las Vegas, Nevada, orchestrated a scheme in which they promoted investments that they knew to be fictitious. Schlaepfer and his co-conspirators told victims that, for an up-front payment, Malom would provide access to lucrative investment opportunities and substantial cash loans. To effectuate this scheme, the co-conspirators provided victims with fabricated bank documents purporting to show that Malom held hundreds of millions of dollars in overseas bank accounts. When victims wired their money into an escrow account controlled by the co-conspirators, the money was released and disbursed to, among others, Schlaepfer for his own personal use. As a result of the scheme, victims were defrauded of approximately $6 million.

Schlaepfer was indicted in December 2013. He was arrested in Italy in September 2024, pursuant to an Interpol Red Notice, and extradited to the United States in July 2025. Three of Schlaepfer’s co-conspirators, Anthony Brandel, James Warras and Sean Finn, were found guilty of conspiracy and multiple counts of wire fraud and securities fraud following separate jury trials in 2015 and 2020 and each sentenced to 87 months in prison. A fourth defendant, Joseph Micelli, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud in 2015 and was sentenced to 60 months in prison. A fifth defendant, Hans-Jurg Lips, remains at large outside the United States. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Schlaepfer pleaded guilty to securities fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

The FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office is investigating the case.

Senior Counsel Anna G. Kaminska and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Italian authorities to secure the extradition of Schlaepfer from Italy.

LAS VEGAS — A Swiss executive pleaded guilty today to participating in a multimillion-dollar securities fraud scheme after living abroad as a fugitive for nearly 11 years.

According to court documents, Martin Schlaepfer, 67, a Swiss national, identified himself to victims as the Chief Executive Officer of Malom Group AG, a purported Swiss investment company. Beginning as early as October 2009, Schlaepfer and his co-conspirators located in Switzerland and Las Vegas, Nevada, orchestrated a scheme in which they promoted investments that they knew to be fictitious. Schlaepfer and his co-conspirators told victims that, for an up-front payment, Malom would provide access to lucrative investment opportunities and substantial cash loans. To effectuate this scheme, the co-conspirators provided victims with fabricated bank documents purporting to show that Malom held hundreds of millions of dollars in overseas bank accounts. When victims wired their money into an escrow account controlled by the co-conspirators, the money was released and disbursed to, among others, Schlaepfer for his own personal use. As a result of the scheme, victims were defrauded of approximately $6 million.

Schlaepfer was indicted in December 2013. He was arrested in Italy in September 2024, pursuant to an Interpol Red Notice, and extradited to the United States in July 2025. Three of Schlaepfer’s co-conspirators, Anthony Brandel, James Warras and Sean Finn, were found guilty of conspiracy and multiple counts of wire fraud and securities fraud following separate jury trials in 2015 and 2020 and each sentenced to 87 months in prison. A fourth defendant, Joseph Micelli, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud in 2015 and was sentenced to 60 months in prison. A fifth defendant, Hans-Jurg Lips, remains at large outside the United States. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Schlaepfer pleaded guilty to securities fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9, 2026. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office made the announcement.

The FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office is investigating the case.

Senior Counsel Anna G. Kaminska and Assistant United States Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez are prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Italian authorities to secure the extradition of Schlaepfer from Italy.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today by United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to three years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for selling a large quantity of methamphetamine.

According to court documents, on July 17, 2024, Josiah Judah was introduced by co-defendant Urkeno Walter as the co-defendant’s “right hand man”. During the conversation, Judah said Walter used him in drug sale negotiations with Mexican drug traffickers and Judah often received complimentary rooms at a hotel which he used to sell drugs. On August 28, 2024, in a parking lot, Judah sold two pounds of methamphetamine for $2,800.

Judah pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of methamphetamine.

“Today’s sentencing sends a stern message to drug traffickers who peddle drugs and endanger the safety and wellbeing of our communities,” said Anthony Chrysanthis, Special Agent in Charge of the Los Angeles Division, which oversees Nevada. “One by one, you will be held accountable. The strong partnership between local, state, and federal agencies demonstrates DEA’s relentless commitment to bringing drug criminals to justice and halting the flow of methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs.”

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Chrysanthis made the announcement.

The DEA investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Brister prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS – A felon was sentenced today by Chief United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 42 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for unlawfully possessing a semiautomatic pistol.

According to court documents, on December 17, 2021, Ricardo Heriberto Miranda, also known as “Pee-Wee,” was released from the Southern Nevada Detention Center to begin a new term of supervised release in a separate case. He did not report to the United States Probation Office.

On December 29, 2023, Miranda and another person were in a stolen car that collided at a high speed with two parked vehicles. After the collision, Miranda placed a loaded 9x19mm semiautomatic pistol in his pocket and walked to a nearby residence. He then placed the pistol inside a wheel well of a pickup truck parked at the residence. Miranda and the other person left the scene of the collision. The pistol had been stolen from a licensed firearms dealer in Las Vegas. 

Miranda has prior felony convictions for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a controlled substance in the District of Wyoming, and attempt possession of stolen vehicle in Clark County, Nevada.

Miranda pleaded guilty to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge John Wester, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the ATF and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

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LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national was sentenced today by United States District Judge Jennifer Dorsey to 15 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally reentering the United States after being removed on four prior occasions from the country.

According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings, on February 6, 2025, Victor Manuel Navarro-Quesada was found in the United States after he was previously deported to Mexico on May 4, 2010; August 4, 2014; November 13, 2018; and June 10, 2019.

On February 5, 2025, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police arrested Navarro-Quesada for Trafficking a Controlled Substance and four counts of Possess to Sell a Controlled Substance. Navarro-Quesada has previous felony convictions for Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell out of the Eighth Judicial District Court, Clark County, Nevada, and Illegal Reentry after Deportation out of the U.S. District Court, District of Colorado.

Navarro-Quesada pleaded guilty to one count of Deported Alien Found in the United States. After serving his prison sentence he will be deported to Mexico for a fifth time.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Levya Ruben made the announcement.

The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas woman and her son pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud the United States by filing false tax returns with the IRS and diverting portions of the resulting tax refunds to themselves.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Iris Hondermann owned and operated a tax preparation business in Las Vegas. Her son Ivan Odiaga, also of Las Vegas, worked for the business. From approximately 2017 through 2021, Hondermann and Odiaga prepared tax returns for clients that included one or more false items, including business profits and losses, COVID-19 sick and family leave credits, and residential energy credits.

Between 2017 and 2021, Hondermann and Odiaga prepared false tax returns with the IRS seeking a total of more than $5 million in refunds that their clients were not entitled to receive. At times, Hondermann and Odiaga also diverted portions of client tax refunds without their clients’ knowledge or consent. From 2017 through 2021, they diverted more than $1.1 million in false tax refunds to bank accounts one or both of them controlled.

Finally, Odiaga filed approximately 279 tax returns using the unique identifier of another tax preparer without permission, even though the IRS had issued multiple letters warning him against such misuse.

Hondermann and Odiaga are scheduled to be sentenced on June 8, 2026. Both face a maximum sentence of five years in prison for conspiracy to defraud the United States. They also face periods of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarom Gregory for the IRS Criminal Investigation's Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Thomas W. Flynn and Stuart A. Wexler of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas business owner was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining nearly $4 million dollars from a food brokerage company.

According to court documents, Richard Vairo owned Richard’s Brazilian Sausage LLC, a Florida company that purportedly sold sausage to grocery stores in Florida. From September 2021 to about October 2022, he carried out a scheme to solicit money from a Las Vegas food brokerage company to increase the sales of sausage to a supermarket chain. As part of the scheme, he falsely stated that he would repay the food brokerage company a percentage of the gross profits received from the sausage sales. He sent false weekly statements to the food brokerage company; and repeatedly misrepresented that a bank had placed a hold on the funds in the bank account. He never sold sausages to the supermarket.

Throughout the scheme, Vairo used a social media messaging application and emails to misrepresent that he was selling to the supermarket. The food brokerage company loaned Vairo nearly $11 million, and Vairo repaid the food brokerage company about $7 million, using the victims’ own money as if the repayment came from sales to the supermarket. In total, the food brokerage company had a net loss of about $3,887,620. Vairo used the money he fraudulently obtained from the food brokerage company to support his lifestyle, to pay his bills and debts, and to conduct his business activities.

“Richard Vairo betrayed the trust of a local food brokerage company, stealing nearly $4 million through a calculated fraud scheme,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Division. “Thanks to a thorough FBI investigation, Vairo is being held accountable, sending a clear message that we will not tolerate financial crimes that harm victims. The FBI remains steadfast in protecting businesses and pursuing justice. If you suspect financial fraud, help us keep our community safe by reporting tips at tips.fbi.gov.”

Vairo pleaded guilty to 10 counts of wire fraud. In addition to imprisonment, Chief United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon sentenced Vairo to three years of supervised release.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and FBI Special Agent in Charge Delzotto made the announcement.

The FBI investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Schiess prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS – A jury convicted a Las Vegas man of threatening to assault and murder federal officials and state employees in Washington, D.C., New York, and Montana.

Court records and trial evidence showed that, from November 30, 2023, through July 7, 2024, Spencer Christjencody Gear made a series of threatening phone calls and sent an email threatening to assault and murder eight federal officials, including judges, as well as three state employees. The threats were intended to intimidate and interfere with the officials as they carried out their duties and to retaliate against them for actions taken in their official roles.

After a six-day trial, Gear was found guilty of nine counts of threatening a federal official and 11 counts of transmitting a communication containing a threat to injure.

Sentencing is scheduled on June 1, 2026, before United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years for each count of threatening a federal official and five years for each count of transmitting a threat to injure.

“This verdict affirms a core principle: the First Amendment protects free speech, but it does not protect threats,” said Executive Assistant United States Attorney Summer Johnson for the District of Nevada. “The defendant’s calls and email were made to instill fear and included threats to assault and kill federal officials, judges, and state employees. This verdict makes clear that this conduct crosses a legal line.”

“Threats of violence are never just words—they are serious federal crimes, and the FBI takes every threat seriously,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Division. “Spreading fear and intimidation has no place in our community. Our commitment is unwavering: any threat, whether spoken or written, will be investigated thoroughly. We stand firm in protecting our public servants and ensuring that those who seek to harm others are held accountable.”

Executive Assistant United States Attorney Johnson, Special Agent in Charge Delzotto, Marshal Gary Schofield for the U.S. Marshals Service, and Chief Michael G. Sullivan for the U.S. Capitol Police made the announcement.

The FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, and U.S. Capitol Police investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Jacob Operskalski and Daniel Schiess are prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man pleaded guilty Monday to using a firearm and Molotov cocktails to destroy and damage vehicles and property at a Tesla Collision center in March 2025.

According to court documents, on March 18, 2025, Paul Hyon Kim spray-painted the word “RESIST” on the front of the Tesla Collision center entrance. He then used a PA-15 multi-caliber firearm equipped with a .300 BLACKOUT upper receiver attached to the lower receiver; and a 7.62mm silencer to shoot out surveillance cameras. Kim then fired several shots into vehicles. Next, Kim threw three Molotov cocktails into three vehicles; two exploded and erupted into flames, and a third did not detonate. In total, Kim damaged five Tesla vehicles.

Kim pleaded guilty to two counts of arson of property used in interstate commerce; one count of attempted arson of property used in interstate commerce; and one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered firearm (destructive device). The mandatory minimum statutory penalty is five years in prison. The total maximum statutory penalty is 70 years in prison.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 27, 2026, before United States District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Division, and Special Agent in Charge John Wester for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) San Francisco Field Division made the announcement.

The FBI, ATF, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case with significant assistance from the Clark County Fire Department.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man was sentenced today by United States District Judge Andrew P. Gordon to 150 months in prison to be followed by four years of supervised release for possessing methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine with intent to sell from his apartment.

According to court documents, on or about June 29, 2023, Elijah Sylee Shelton possessed with the intent to distribute over 300 grams of methamphetamine, over 45 grams of fentanyl, and nearly six grams of cocaine. Shelton has prior felony convictions including burglaries and using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. He was on federal supervised release at the time of the current crimes.

In October 2025, a jury convicted Shelton of three counts: (1) possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; (2) possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and (3) possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Shelton hid most of the drugs in women’s purses inside his apartment’s ventilation system.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Division made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the FBI and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys James Gaeta and Joshua Brister prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS – The District of Nevada collected $11,808,878.69 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2025, announced First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah. Of this amount, $11,184,107.37 was collected in criminal actions and $624,771.32 was collected in civil actions.

Additionally, the District of Nevada worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $15,031.84 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $100 was collected in criminal actions and $14,931.84 was collected in civil actions.

“The District of Nevada is committed to collecting restitution for victims of federal crime and criminal and civil debts owed to the United States,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Chattah. “The Financial Litigation Unit and Asset Recovery Unit are a critical part of fulfilling our mission by collecting restitution and debts owed. Thanks to the dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorneys and professional staff we are holding wrongdoers financially accountable for their crimes.”

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

Additionally, the District of Nevada, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $30,514,684.99 in asset forfeiture actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Forfeited assets are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

• In December 2024, a victim received $3,443,286.03.
• In April 2025, the District of Nevada and the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) authorized the forfeited $531,308.46 of the fraudulently obtained Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans be paid to the Small Business Administration.
• In May 2025, the District of Nevada and MNF authorized the forfeited $1,068,123.94 of the fraudulently obtained PPP loans be paid to the Small Business Administration.
• In July 2025, a victim received $32,193,787.94.

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A former Nevada business owner pleaded guilty today to willfully failing to pay over employment taxes on behalf of the cleaning company she owned and operated.

According to court documents and statements made in court: Deborah Meadows, 64, formerly of Las Vegas, owned and operated A to Z Employment Services LLC, which provided carpet, upholstery and roadside cleaning services in Nevada. Meadows controlled all financial matters related to the company. She also was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from her employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the IRS, as well as filing quarterly employment tax returns with the IRS.

From the first quarter of 2010 through the fourth quarter of 2020, however, Meadows withheld taxes from her employees’ wages but did not pay over those taxes to the IRS or file the required quarterly employment tax returns. From 2018 through 2021, Meadows also did not file individual tax returns, even though she was required to do so by law. In total, Meadows caused a tax loss to the U.S. government exceeding $1.2 million.

After the IRS began investigating Meadows, she took steps to obstruct the grand jury investigation. In response to a grand jury subpoena, Meadows provided investigators with altered bank records and inaccurate tax records. These altered bank records purportedly showed that another company Meadows owned had made sizeable tax payments to the IRS, when in fact the company had not made any such payments. She also provided inaccurate individual and employment tax returns that allegedly showed taxes paid to the IRS, when in fact Meadows knew at the time that she had never paid such taxes.

Meadows pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to account for and pay over trust fund taxes. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Meadows is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21, 2026.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Assistant Deputy Chief Eric Powers and Trial Attorney Regina Jeon of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada. 

LAS VEGAS — A former Nevada business owner pleaded guilty today to willfully failing to pay over employment taxes on behalf of the cleaning company she owned and operated.

According to court documents and statements made in court: Deborah Meadows, 64, formerly of Las Vegas, owned and operated A to Z Employment Services LLC, which provided carpet, upholstery, and roadside cleaning services in Nevada. Meadows controlled all financial matters related to the company. She also was responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from her employees’ wages and paying those funds over to the IRS, as well as filing quarterly employment tax returns with the IRS.

From the first quarter of 2010 through the fourth quarter of 2020, however, Meadows withheld taxes from her employees’ wages but did not pay over those taxes to the IRS or file the required quarterly employment tax returns. From 2018 through 2021, Meadows also did not file individual tax returns, even though she was required to do so by law. In total, Meadows caused a tax loss to the U.S. government exceeding $1.2 million.

After the IRS began investigating Meadows, she took steps to obstruct the grand jury investigation. In response to a grand jury subpoena, Meadows provided investigators with altered bank records and inaccurate tax records. These altered bank records purportedly showed that another company Meadows owned had made sizeable tax payments to the IRS, when in fact the company had not made any such payments. She also provided inaccurate individual and employment tax returns that allegedly showed taxes paid to the IRS, when in fact Meadows knew at the time that she had never paid such taxes.

Meadows pleaded guilty to one count of willful failure to account for and pay over trust fund taxes. She faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Meadows is scheduled to be sentenced on May 21, 2026.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Acting Special Agent in Charge Jarom Gregory for the IRS Criminal Investigation's Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Assistant Deputy Chief Eric Powers and Trial Attorney Regina Jeon of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case, with substantial assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to manufacturing and selling counterfeit store coupons with inflated values, then selling those coupons online and via social media to co-conspirators.

According to court documents, from August 23, 2017, to September 17, 2019, Serena Reamy Hedden manufactured nearly 3.5 million counterfeit coupons at her residence. The counterfeit coupon values were often created with inflated values, far in excess of what an authentic coupon would offer, in order to receive items from retail stores for free or for a greatly reduced price. As part of the scheme, she sold the counterfeit coupons to co-conspirators via social media and online and would mail the counterfeit coupons through the United States Postal Service. Hedden sold the merchandise she unlawfully obtained by using the counterfeit coupons she manufactured from shelves in her garage.

On September 17, 2019, a federal search warrant was executed at Hedden’s residence. During that search, agents found electronic equipment she used to manufactured counterfeit coupons, along with large quantities of specialized paper, specialized printers, a large number of counterfeit coupons, unused packing boxes, and binders containing spreadsheet ledger pages. Analysis of bar codes show that Hedden’s scheme produced nearly 3.5 million counterfeit coupons that caused losses of at least $20,833,517.

“This case demonstrates the serious impact of large-scale counterfeit coupon schemes on retailers and consumers alike,” said Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang. “Serena Hedden’s actions not only defrauded businesses out of millions of dollars, but also undermined the integrity of the marketplace. We remain committed to investigating and prosecuting those who engage in such fraudulent activity.”

Hedden pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. The maximum statutory penalty is 20 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for May 7, 2026. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Wang for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

This case was investigated by HSI. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly Frayn is prosecuting the case.

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LAS VEGAS – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada observes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and joins the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Homeland Security (DHS) in reaffirming the administration’s commitment to combating all forms of human trafficking and protecting victims and survivors. Human Trafficking Prevention Month presents an opportunity for DHS and DOJ, through Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF) to intensify operational efforts, raise public awareness, and strengthen partnerships across federal, state, and local agencies to disrupt trafficking networks, protect vulnerable individuals, and ensure traffickers are brought to justice.

“This Department of Justice is working tirelessly alongside our partners to dismantle human trafficking networks, help survivors, and protect vulnerable populations from being exploited,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Under this administration we have seen an increase in human trafficking prosecutions, and during Human Trafficking Prevention Month we reaffirm our commitment to prosecuting traffickers and encourage Americans to report instances of human trafficking in their communities.”

“Through the Homeland Security Task Force, President Trump is taking the fight directly to human trafficking networks and disrupting their modern-day slave trade while seizing their assets and arresting their kingpins and foot soldiers. The American people should not have to live in fear of cartels, gang bangers, and foreign terrorists preying upon the most vulnerable among us,” the United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in a statement. “The Homeland Security Task Force is the largest coordinated campaign against transnational criminal organizations in U.S. history, and I’m proud to co-lead it with Attorney General Bondi.”

“During Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the FBI reiterates our work with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and national victim-based advocacy groups in joint task forces to protect our communities across the country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The horrifying reach of human trafficking spreads far and wide. Homeland Security Task Forces are fighting back to disrupt these perilous networks and put a stop to that reach. The FBI will continue our investigations and bring justice to those exploited by human traffickers.

In January 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. Section 6 of this order directed the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to jointly establish HSTFs in every state nationwide. The HSTF objective is to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) throughout the United States; dismantle cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks; end the scourge of human smuggling and trafficking, with a particular focus on such offenses involving children; and ensure the use of all available law enforcement tools to faithfully execute the immigration laws of the United States.

Since January 20, 2025, the following individuals have been charged with human trafficking-related crimes:

• Carlos Recinos-Valdez and his son Kevin Recinos-Ruano were charged in a criminal complaint for allegedly conspiring with each other to harbor illegal aliens in the Reno area for their personal financial gain. As alleged, Recinos-Valdez orchestrated the illegal smuggling of aliens through a Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO) with a network of human smugglers and traffickers located throughout Guatemala, Mexico, and the United States. Once in Reno, Recinos-Valdez would demand and collect regular payments for smuggling fees from the victims to pay off their debt to the TCO; and he threatened victims with physical violence if payments were not received. Recinos-Valdez is charged with one count of conspiracy to harbor aliens; three counts of harboring illegal aliens; two counts of aiding and abetting attempted interference with commerce by extortion; and one count of aiding and abetting bringing illegal aliens. Recinos-Ruano is charged with one count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens. A jury trial is scheduled to begin April 21, 2026.
• A grand jury returned an indictment charging Rafael Juan Mitjans for allegedly subjecting three victims from Cuba to forced, confiscating their passports and other identifications, and providing false statements on immigration documents. Mitjans was charged with three counts of forced labor, three counts of unlawful conduct with respect to documents in furtherance of trafficking and forced labor, and three counts of false statements on immigration documents. A jury trial is scheduled to begin May 19, 2025.

In January 2026, DHS and DOJ are surging resources to fight and raise awareness about human trafficking, including:

• Identifying ongoing investigations and prioritizing featured operations across 45 federal locations and 10 state locations with an emphasis on border states.
• Coordinating with FBI Human Trafficking Squads and multi-agency Human Trafficking Task Forces to conduct victim recovery.
• Partnering with AMTRAK and FAMS to increase law enforcement resources and distribute posters with QR codes for reporting human trafficking in all station bathrooms and trains.
• Running advertisements related to $250 million recovery from Backpage to distribute to victims and additional victim restitution efforts by DOL-OIG.
• Organizing Human Trafficking seminars and outreach events with DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking at high schools and colleges to highlight the role of HSTFs in addressing human trafficking.

On August 25, 2025, HSTF officially launched its effort to protect the Homeland with a September Surge encompassing 400 operations nationwide. In just 43 days, HSTF nationwide operations resulted in 3,266 arrests and seizures including:

• 1,041 Sinaloa members
• 856 Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (“CJNG”) members
• 641 MS-13 members
• 456 Tren de Aragua members
• 1,067 weapons
• More than $3,250,000 in currency
• Approximately 91 metric tons of narcotics

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LAS VEGAS – Two Mexican nationals unlawfully residing in Las Vegas made their initial court appearances today to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country.

Victor Alfonso Cabada-Landeros, 33, and Ezequiel Lopez-Fuentes, 42, are both charged with one-count of deported alien found in the United States. Preliminary hearings for both defendants are scheduled for February 12, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Nancy J Koppe.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaints and statements made during court proceedings, Cabada-Landeros and Lopez-Fuentes are both citizens and nationals of Mexico and were both previously deported and removed from the United States and reentered the United States illegally. On January 21, 2026, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Fugitive Operations Team arrested both Cabada-Landeros and Lopez-Fuentes in targeted operations.

Cabada-Landeros had previously been deported by ICE on or about February 18, 2015, and again on or about November 9, 2019. Cabada-Landeros has prior felony convictions for Conspiracy to Violate Uniform Controlled Substances Act and for Illegal Reentry after Deportation, the same offense he is currently charged with. Both convictions are out of Clark County, Nevada.

Lopez-Fuentes had previously been deported by ICE on four prior occasions with the last deportation being on or about or about June 18, 2023. Lopez-Fuentes has prior felony convictions for Unlawful Delivery of Heroin, out of Portland, Oregon, and for Trafficking in Controlled Substance out of Clark County, Nevada.

If convicted, both Cabada-Landeros and Lopez-Fuentes each face a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Brian Henke made the announcement.

The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national made his initial court appearance Monday to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country.

Ulian Ohye-Michiko, 48, is charged with one-count of deported alien found in the United States. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for February 9, 2026, before United States Magistrate Judge Brenda N. Weksler.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint and statements made during court proceedings, Ohye-Michiko is a citizen and national of Mexico who was previously deported on 11 prior occasions since 2008 and reentered the United States illegally after his most recent removal in 2020.

On December 27, 2025, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police arrested Ohye-Michiko for child abuse or neglect, domestic battery, false statement to or obstruct public officer, driving without a driver's license, driving under the influence and operator - proof of insurance required. On January 13, 2026, Ohye-Michiko was remanded to ICE Las Vegas, Nevada, custody on an immigration detainer. Ohye-Michiko also has four prior felony convictions: Aggravated Assault- Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and two more for illegally returning to the United States after a removal.

If convicted, Ohye-Michiko faces the maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment. After serving his sentence, Ohye-Michiko will be deported to Mexico for a twelfth time.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Acting Field Office Director Brian Henke made the announcement.

The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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RENO – A Missoula, Montana, man was sentenced today to life in prison by United States District Judge Miranda Du following his conviction for killing two people, and firearm and marijuana trafficking charges.

“There were no bounds on the defendant’s cruel and violent actions,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “There is no parole in the federal system. The defendant will never walk outside of the prison walls. I want to thank our federal and local partners for relentlessly pursuing this case and ensuring justice for the families and community.”

“This was a horrific act of targeted violence. Spurlock's callous and blatant disregard for human life was unconscionable,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI Las Vegas Division. “The FBI will never stop pursuing those who threaten our communities' safety. Thanks to the tireless work of our FBI personnel in the Reno Resident Agency and our committed law enforcement partners, Spurlock was located, prosecuted, and will not harm another person in our community again.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at a four-week jury trial, Cory Spurlock, and others were involved in an illegal, large scale marijuana distribution business based in Mound House, Nevada. During a marijuana transaction in Mound House, Nevada, on June 19, 2020, Jered Stefansky went missing. Stefansky had traveled to Mound House from Redding to pick up a large amount of cash. The last call from Stefansky’s cell phone was to a number associated with Spurlock and Spurlock became a person of interest in the investigation into Stefansky’s disappearance. Stefansky’s mother never gave up on trying to find her son and appeared on a podcast in late September of 2020 where she discussed her son’s disappearance and the people her son was involved with in the marijuana conspiracy, including Will Larsen and Spurlock.

According to testimony, Spurlock listened to the podcast and believed Will Larsen, his partner in the marijuana business, was a rat and needed to die. Spurlock promised a co-conspirator payment for assistance in killing Larsen. In early November 2020, Spurlock traveled to Nevada and California with two co-conspirators. Spurlock and his co-conspirators stalked Larsen and his wife, Yesenia Arriaga Larsen, throughout the Reno and Carson City area and followed them to just outside Bridgeport, California. The Larsens were shot and stabbed to death on November 8, 2020, their bodies left on the side of US Highway 395. Spurlock was also convicted of robbery for stealing the money Will Larsen had in his wallet. Stefansky’s skeletal remains were found in March 2021, at the Rye Patch Recreation area in Pershing County, Nevada.

Anthony Chrysanthis, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division, which oversees Nevada, said, “This case exposed the ruthless nature of a drug criminal, whose streak of violence could not be quelled. Cory Spurlock, while running an illegal, large-scale marijuana distribution business, stopped at nothing to trample rivals or perceived threats. Today’s sentencing stops him from further terrorizing our neighborhoods. DEA is in lockstep with local and federal partners, who remain committed to safeguarding our communities from the type of violence ushered in by drug criminals.”

“The violent actions conducted in this case are heinous,” said Special Agent in Charge John Wester, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF). “Public safety is at the forefront of ATF’s mission. This sentencing marks a victory for justice and sends a clear warning to those who seek to orchestrate violence within our communities that their conduct will not be tolerated. Partnerships are the backbone of law enforcement. ATF will continue to work alongside our prosecutorial and law enforcement partners to ensure crimes of this nature are investigated and brought to justice.”

Spurlock was convicted at trial in September 2025, of one-count each of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute over 1000 kilograms of marijuana; murder-for-hire conspiracy; tampering with a witness by killing; two-counts of stalking resulting in death, interference with commerce by robbery; and causing death through use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

First Assistant United States Attorney Chattah, FBI Special Agent in Charge Delzotto, DEA Special Agent in Charge Chrysanthis, and ATF Special Agent in Charge Wester made the announcement.

The FBI Las Vegas Division, Mono County Sheriff’s Office, DEA, ATF, Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, and the Pershing County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case with significant assistance from the Salt Lake City FBI Office-Missoula Resident Agency. Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Rachow, Penelope Brady, and Andrew Keenan prosecuted the case.

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LAS VEGAS – A Las Vegas man pleaded guilty Wednesday to pointing a green laser beam at a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department helicopter as it was responding to a call.

According to court documents and admissions made in court by Sergio Octavio Sanchez, on January 2, 2025, he aimed the beam of a laser pointer at a Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department helicopter several times as the helicopter was providing aerial support for officers on the ground. Due to the laser beam striking the helicopter, the helicopter was forced to divert from its assignment and flight path.

Aiming a laser beam at an aircraft in the sky poses a serious safety risk. Laser beams can cause disorientation, temporary blindness - potentially causing a midair collision or other incident - and in some cases permanent vision problems or blindness. According to the FAA, in 2025, pilots reported 10,993 laser strikes.

Sanchez faces the maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for May 12, 2026. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Tina Snellings is prosecuting the case.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Christopher S. Delzotto for the FBI’s Las Vegas Division made the announcement.

If you spot someone aiming a laser at the sky in a suspicious manner, you can report it to the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or visiting tips.fbi.gov. You can also report laser strikes to the FAA. 

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LAS VEGAS — The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada will seek further legal action after a court ordered the release of a man convicted of murder and identified by the Department of Homeland Security as a member of the MS-13 gang. United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II ordered the release over the government’s objection.

“Our office remains committed to protecting public safety and enforcing the law remain top priorities,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “In this matter, however, the outcome results in the release of a convicted murderer and known MS-13 gang member into the community, raising serious public-safety concerns. We are deeply troubled by the risks posed to the public and will continue to pursue all lawful avenues to address those concerns and safeguard the community.”

The individual has a final order of removal from the United States. Under federal law, people with final removal orders are required to remain in immigration custody for a set period of time so that removal can be carried out and to help protect public safety. The government maintains that releasing this individual conflicts with that law.

While the individual’s immigration case was ongoing, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit declined to stop his removal and ordered that removal should proceed. That decision triggered the mandatory detention period required by federal immigration law.

In accordance with the Court’s Order, the individual was released on January 21, 2026. If the individual was not released from detention the federal government faced sanction by the Court, including being held in contempt for failing to follow the Court's Order.

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LAS VEGAS – The United States Attorney’s Office today announced the establishment of a Public Corruption Strike Force, the first of its kind in the District of Nevada.

“For far too long, public corruption in the State of Nevada has been a scourge on Nevada’s residents and business owners,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Public corruption affects everything from a competitive and untainted business environment with minimal barriers to market entry, labor industries and overall standard of living for Nevadans. The Public Corruption Strike Force will ensure that all Federal, State, and Municipal agencies coordinate and work together to pool criminal intelligence and data; and ensure the vigorous prosecution of bad actors violating the public’s trust. No stone will be left unturned to protect Nevadans from corruption and no public official and/or agency is above the law.”

The Public Corruption Strike Force is within the Office’s Criminal Division. Assistant United States Attorneys with extensive public corruption experience will handle cases of allegations of criminal misconduct. This specialized unit will focus on the investigation and prosecution of all federal crimes affecting government integrity, including bribery of public officials at all levels of government, election crimes, and other related offenses. This endeavor will be a collaborative effort with federal, state, and local agencies across the Silver State.

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RENO – Kurtis Lee Solomon, formerly of Fernley, Nevada, was sentenced Monday by United States District Judge Anne R. Traum to time served followed by 10 years of supervised release. Solomon had served approximately three days in custody. The government recommended a sentence of 97 months incarceration with lifetime supervision to follow.

Yesterday’s sentence follows Solomon’s conviction in December 2024 after a six-day jury trial for Possession of Child Pornography. According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, beginning on a date unknown and continuing up to and including September 9, 2021, Solomon knowingly and repeatedly accessed child pornography websites over the internet and viewed child sexual abuse material that included preteens and babies. Solomon had admitted to having websites containing child pornography saved to his internet browser’s “Favorites.” Solomon was arrested on April 17, 2022, and remained in custody until April 19, 2022.

First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Sparks Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew Keenan prosecuted the case.

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