Eastern District of Texas

BEAUMONT, Texas –A Houston convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Erik Saenz, 43, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on May 21, 2026.

According to information presented in court, on February 2, 2025, law enforcement officers were dispatched to a child endangerment complaint in Crockett.  The reporting party stated that Saenz was intoxicated and traveling on foot with a pre-school aged child.  Officers located Saenz walking on the side of a highway and attempted to speak with him. Saenz smelled of alcohol and showed signs of intoxication.  When officers attempted to remove the child from Saenz, he resisted.  During the struggle, Saenz attempted to reach for a firearm that was tucked into his waistband.  The officers were eventually able to disarm Saenz and he was arrested. Further investigation revealed 

Saenz has previous felony convictions for evading arrest with a motor vehicle, burglary, and injury to a child.  Federal law prohibits convicted felons from owning or possessing firearms. 

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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Crockett Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.

##

TYLER, Texas – U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs of the Eastern District of Texas announced Officer Elyse Hand of the Jacksonville Police Department as the district’s 2026 Hometown Hero Award recipient.

The Hometown Hero Award is sponsored by the Department of Justice in honor of the United States of America’s 250th year of celebrating its independence. The Hometown Hero award recognizes one of our law enforcement partners who best embodies the spirit upon which our Nation was founded and reflects a steadfast commitment to the enduring ideals of liberty, service, and civic responsibility.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes Officer Hand for her courageous actions on the evening of Sunday, November 2, 2025.  On this day, Officer Hand was shot twice in the line of duty while attempting to apprehend a wanted fugitive. Today, she is on the road to recovery, supported by her husband, a Texas State Trooper, and their young son.

In honor of Officer Hand, employees of the U.S. Attorney’s Office held a gift-in-kind charity drive to benefit local child advocacy centers in the Eastern District of Texas.  Those centers include the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County in Plano, the Grayson County Children’s Advocacy Center in Sherman, the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County in Tyler, Harold’s House East Texas Alliance for Children in Lufkin, and the Garth House in Beaumont. 

As the Eastern District of Texas’ Hometown Hero, Officer Hand represents the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers across the nation every day.  We salute Officer Hand and her bravery and wish her a speedy recovery.  

To learn more about the Hometown Hero award and Freedom 250, please visit https://freedom250.org/.

###

BEAUMONT, Texas –A Jasper convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Cammorn Joseph Brizendine, 36, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale May 20, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in January 2025, Brizendine was stopped for a traffic violation in Hardin County.  Brizendine consented to a search of the vehicle, during which a portable lock box containing two firearms was located on the floorboard of the vehicle.  Further investigation revealed Brizendine is a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.

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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reynaldo P. Morin.

##

The Justice Department announced today that a former corrections officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) in Rusk, Texas, pleaded guilty for his participation in a conspiracy to assault an inmate in his custody, identified by initials M.S., on Feb. 25, 2025. Samuel Thomas pleaded guilty to one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 241.

“This former corrections officer engaged in a conspiracy to beat and injure a man in his care and custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Today’s conviction reinforces the Justice Department’s commitment to protect victims from state officials who abuse their power.”

“Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message that corruption by those entrusted with public safety will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs for the Eastern District of Texas. “Correctional officers hold positions of tremendous responsibility and authority, and when that trust is abused, it undermines the integrity of our justice system and jeopardizes the safety of inmates and staff. Nobody is above the law, and this office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute corruption wherever it occurs.”

According to his plea agreement, Thomas acknowledged that he was on duty as a TDCJ correctional officer when he opened the door of inmate M.S.’s cell and allowed other conspiracy members to strike and injure M.S. to retaliate against M.S. for spitting on Thomas two days earlier. M.S. suffered bodily injury as a result of the actions of Thomas and the other conspiracy members.

Thomas pleaded guilty on May 19 before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to his plea agreement, Thomas faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Dallas Field Office, Tyler Resident Agency, investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan Jackson and Emil Mikkelsen for the Eastern District of Texas and Trial Attorney Sarah Armstrong of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case

BEAUMONT, Texas – A Liberty convicted felon has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Allen Joe Fregia, Sr., 48, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on May 14, 2026.

According to information presented in court, on April 29, 2025, Fregia was a defendant in a Liberty County courtroom where he had just been sentenced to prison by a State District Judge.  As he was being escorted out of the courtroom by several law enforcement officers, Fregia became enraged and noncompliant, and a scuffle ensued. During the altercation, Fregia removed a firearm from an officer’s gun holster. The officer was able to retrieve the firearm as other officers were able to subdue Fregia.  During the altercation, an officer suffered injuries that required medical attention. Fregia, a previously convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing the firearm.

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.

This case was investigated by the Texas Rangers, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy Coleman.

###

BEAUMONT, Texas – A Mexican national illegally living in the Eastern District of Texas, has pleaded guilty to immigration violations, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Jose Perez-Segura, 41, pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry by a deported alien before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on May 13, 2026.

According to information presented in court, Perez-Segura was arrested by the Lufkin Police Department in August 2025 for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Further investigation revealed Perez-Segura was an alien illegal present in the United States after having been previously deported in 2011 and did not have permission to return to the United States.

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.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lufkin Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.

###

SHERMAN, Texas – An illegal alien has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Mauricio Diaz-Abraham, 37, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on May 12, 2026.

According to information presented in court, beginning in 2020, Diaz-Abraham, a Mexican national who was illegally living in Arlington, was part of a methamphetamine distributing conspiracy responsible for trafficking a large amount of methamphetamine from Mexico into the Eastern District of Texas and beyond.  Diaz-Abraham admitted to being personally responsible for the distribution of at least 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.  HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas Field Office; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CD; United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS); United States Secret Service (USSS); Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS); TEXOMA HIDTA; and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.

###

BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Wendell Rashaud McKinney, 38, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on May 12, 2026.

According to information presented in court, during the early morning hours of February 22, 2025, a 911-caller reported multiple armed men loitering in the parking lot of the Fuma Dubai Hookah Lounge on Dowlen Road. Moments later when Beaumont police responded they found McKinney in possession of an AK-style pistol. Further investigation revealed McKinney was a previously convicted felon having been found guilty of a felony drug offense in Jefferson County and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.  

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.

This case was investigated by the Beaumont Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.

###

SHERMAN, Texas – A Dallas man has been sentenced to federal prison as a result of an investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Juan Jose Montanez, also known as Happy Johnny, 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on May 12, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in 2021 federal agents began investigating a drug trafficking scheme in the Dallas area and the Eastern District of Texas.  The investigation led authorities to Montanez, an employee at a Dallas barbershop, and it was determined he was responsible for trafficking not only methamphetamine, but a large amount of cocaine.  In addition to his federal prison sentence, Montanez was ordered to forfeit $131,800 in cash; several bank accounts totaling $126,000; three firearms; and assorted shoes, purses, sunglasses, and a jacket all together estimated to be worth approximately $64,215.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.  HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas Field Office; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CD; United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS); United States Secret Service (USSS); Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS); TEXOMA HIDTA; and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.

###

PLANO, Texas – A former federal inmate will return to federal prison for 30 years for his third child pornography violation, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Keanu Deavan Wesley Ortiz, 32, of Vernon, Texas, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography and was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on May 11, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in the fall of 2024, Ortiz was subject to federal supervision, following his release from the Bureau of Prisons for a child pornography conviction.  During that time, he engaged in online communications with another sex offender in which he discussed his sexual interest in children and child pornography.  Ortiz ultimately distributed child pornography to the sex offender, who was then located in the Eastern District of Texas.  The distributed video files depicted prepubescent females (including infant and toddler-aged children) being subjected to violent sexual abuse. As part of his plea, Ortiz admitted to distributing the child pornography videos in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce, between September 2024 and April 2025.  This is Ortiz’ third federal conviction for child pornography violations.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Miller.

###

PLANO, Texas – A Mexican national, illegally living in Lewisville, has been arrested and charged following an assault on federal immigration officers in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Jose Andres Hernandez Medina, 38, a Mexican national illegally living in the United States, was charged by complaint with assaulting or impeding federal officers in the Eastern District of Texas.  Hernandez Medina was in court on May 8, 2026, for an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bill Davis.

The federal complaint alleges that on April 30, 2026, federal officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement were conducting a law enforcement operation near an apartment complex in Lewisville when they identified and attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Hernandez Medina on the I-35 frontage road.  The federal officers, in three separate vehicles, all with activated red and blue emergency lights and sirens, attempted to box in Hernandez Medina.  Hernandez Medina attempted to flee and aggressively accelerated, rammed one of the law enforcement vehicles, and caused significant injuries to the federal officer, causing the officer to be immediately transported to the hospital.  Hernandez Medina continued to evade the stop and collided again with another law enforcement vehicle, causing significant damage and seriously injuring a second federal officer.  This officer was also hospitalized.  Hernandez Medina then continued to flee, hitting multiple unoccupied vehicles before attempting to flee on foot.  A passenger in the vehicle was also apprehended and remains in custody on an immigration hold.  A third occupant remains at large. 

According to immigration records, Hernandez Medina has been deported from the United States to Mexico on at least three different occasions.  Hernandez Medina faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.

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, to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

This case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey.

A federal complaint is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

MARSHALL, Texas – A Marshall man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for a drug trafficking violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Avis Delynn Jones, 41, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap on May 1, 2026April 15, 2026.

According to information presented in court, on March 17, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Jones’ University Avenue residence in Marshall resulting in the discovery of 440.7 grams of methamphetamine concealed in children's backpacks found in the kitchen.  In addition, investigators found cocaine, marijuana, a stolen firearm, U.S. currency, and distribution paraphernalia such as digital scales and plastic bags.

Jones also has prior Texas felony convictions for injury to a child, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, out of both Harrison and Gregg counties.

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.

The case was investigated by the FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Marshall Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.

###

TYLER, Texas – A Longview man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Jamichael Devorea O’Quinn, 21, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a machine gun before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell on May 1, 2026.

According to information presented in court, on May 18, 2024, the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office responded to a drive-by, machine-gun shooting of a high school graduation party near Longview.  Eyewitnesses and gunshot victims identified O’Quinn as a shooter.  Further investigation revealed O’Quinn publicly bragged on a social media platform about his distinctive blue machine gun conversion device, commonly referred to as a Glock Switch, while warning of his willingness to use the weapon.

The attached images of social media posts were presented in court, which included multiple images of a pistol with a distinctive blue machine gun conversion device installed on its slide.

O’Quinn was arrested on July 26, 2024, during a traffic stop in Longview, during which a firearm outfitted with a machine gun conversion device was seized.  Ballistic testing confirmed the firearm was the same gun used in the shooting on May 18, 2024.

O’Quinn faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing.  The maximum statutory sentence is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

O’Quinn has also been indicted in Gregg County and charged with murder in an unrelated drive-by shooting.  An indictment is not proof of guilt, and a defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

“Our focus in this case was to bring some measure of justice for the victims of this shooting. The illegal possession of a machine gun cannot, and will not, be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.  “The families of Longview deserve to live free of fear. My office, federal agents, and local law enforcement will never tire in their efforts to root out and hold accountable those who inflict violence on our communities.”

District Attorney John Moore said, “The Gregg County District Attorney’s Office is proud to work with our partners to share a strategy that has improved public safety in Gregg County.”

“ATF is proud to stand alongside our local, state, and federal partners in bringing this offender to justice. This case highlights the real and growing danger posed by illegal machine gun conversion devices, which turn firearms into extremely lethal weapons. Through strong collaboration and determined investigative work, we were able to hold a violent offender accountable and make our communities safer. We will continue to prioritize cases like this to disrupt criminal activity and protect the public.” said Special Agent in Charge Brian Garner

“The Longview Police Department will not tolerate illegal fully automatic weapons in our city,” said Longview Police Chief Anthony Boone. “We will continue to utilize every available state and federal resource to combat criminal activity in Longview, Texas. We are thankful for the partnership and support of the Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Longview Police Department; the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office; the Gregg County District Attorney’s Office; and the Texas Department of Public Safety.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Farahnak and Emil Mikkelsen.

##

BEAUMONT, Texas –A Beaumont convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

John Edwin Redeaux, 32, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale April 29, 2026.

According to information presented in court, on November 17, 2024, Redeaux was stopped in Beaumont for a traffic violation and gave permission to search his vehicle after officers observed baggies on the floorboard of the vehicle that are commonly used to store and sell illegal drugs. A search of the vehicle revealed a firearm, a box of ammunition, a bag of marijuana, a black ski mask and a digital scale.  Further investigation revealed Redeaux is a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.

##

BEAUMONT, Texas – Five members of a Houston drug trafficking organization have been sentenced to lengthy terms in federal prison as part of the Homeland Security Task Force in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Salvador Abraham Gomez, also known as Chop and Chief, 45, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl and was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on April 16, 2026.

Da Neang, 46, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on April 7, 2026.

Fernando Adalberto Vazquez-Pardo, 33, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on March 4, 2026.

Guillermo Alfredo Sisnados, 39, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl and was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on April 16, 2026.

Ebony Barber, 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on March 4, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in 2021 federal agents began investigating a drug trafficking scheme in Louisiana and the Eastern District of Texas.  The investigation led authorities to Gomez as the source of supply and his associates, Neang, Vazquez-Pardo, Sisnados, and Barber.  Further investigation revealed a significant drug distribution network that spanned multiple states.  Ultimately, Gomez was found to be responsible for coordinating the distribution of at least 7,805 grams of methamphetamine and 4,907 grams of a substance containing fentanyl.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.  HSTF Houston comprises agents and officers from the FBI; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Houston (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI); and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Houston Division Office Texas Anti-Gang Enforcement Group 22; DEA New Orleans; Houston Police Department; Beaumont Police Department; Baytown Police Department; Harris County Precinct 5 Constable; Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 3; Harris County Sheriff’s Office; and Waller County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lee.

###

BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont woman has been charged in connection with federal tax return fraud in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Chrysantha Wilson was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with 40 counts of assisting in the preparation of fraudulent federal tax returns. Wilson appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson on April 28, 2026, for an Initial Appearance and Arraignment.

Wilson faces up to three years in federal prison for each count if convicted.

This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raynaldo P. Morin.

A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

PLANO, Texas – Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs joins the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the Executive Office for the United States Attorneys (EOUSA) in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme is, “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”

“The dark web has exploded into an unprecedented underground world of perversion and horror,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.  “Predators are using the internet to facilitate the abuse of children, as well as adult sex trafficking.  The cases below highlight our relentless work to protect children in the Eastern District of Texas and beyond.  We are also committed to bringing those who are engaged in sex trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas to justice.”

In April 2026, Kyle Lee Roy Francis, a Northwest ISD teacher, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with receiving and possessing child pornography.

On March 19, 2026, Justin Philip Ciruti was convicted by a jury in Plano of possessing and distributing over 200 images of child pornography.  Ciruti faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing.

On January 22, 2026, William McKinnley Garland and Anastasiya Claire Lyons were convicted at trial in a sex trafficking conspiracy that involved recruiting young women on social media sites, convincing them they could make a lot of money as models or escorts, and then forcing them into prostitution, which often included beatings, tasers, shock collars, frigid showers, unwanted tattoos, and acts of humiliation.  Garland and Lyons face up to life in federal prison at sentencing.

On December 16, 2025, Rolando Alexis Bravo pleaded guilty to being involved in a conspiracy to transport children from Oklahoma to Texas where they engaged in prostitution with others.  Bravo faces life in federal prison at sentencing.

In December 2025, Henry Alberto Calix-Martinez, an illegal alien, was indicted and charged with sexually exploiting a minor by producing and distributing child pornography.

In November 2025, Gavin Rivers Weisenburg and Tanner Christopher Thomas were indicted for an elaborate scheme to lead an expedition to an island in Haiti where they planned to murder the men and turn the women and children into sex slaves.

In November 2025, William Caleb Elliott, a Celina ISD teacher and coach, was indicted and charged with production of child pornography.

On October 21, 2025, John Prentice Robertson was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for paying women in the Philippines to sexually abuse their own children and produce custom-ordered child pornography for him.

On October 21, 2025, Ashley Blaine Brooks, a convicted sex offender, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison for child pornography violations.

On October 21, 2025, Trinity Snow Cassells was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison for posing online as a teen boy to communicate with minors and distribute child pornography to them.

On August 26, 2025, Traylan Xavier Mosley was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for pretending online to be an attractive teenage girl in order to entice teen boys to send him sexually explicit photos and videos.  Mosley then created online child porn packets which he advertised for sale to others.

In August 2025, John Matthew Emerson, a convicted felon on supervised release for a previous child pornography conviction, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with child pornography violations.

On July 30, 2025, Enrique Adrian Gomez was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for enticing two pre-teen victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct to create child pornography images and videos.  At sentencing, U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs said, “The ease with which Gomez was able to communicate with the minor victims here is a reminder of the constant threat that social media applications can pose to children.  Under the guise of online friendship, Gomez persuaded these children to engage in adult acts that no child should be doing, let alone be doing online.  Our office is committed to stopping criminals like Gomez in their tracks, but the most important tool to stop online predators is an active and engaged parent. Nothing protects children better than a parent who sets and enforces limits on a child’s online activities and actively monitors their social media presence.”

On July 29, 2025, James Richard Rollins, a parolee, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography at his halfway house.

On July 21, 2025, Tristan Kalobbe Martin was sentenced to over 24 years in federal prison for communicating with a minor while gaming through an on-line game console and convincing the child to engage in sexually explicit conduct.

On June 24, 2025, Sasha Sheree Abshire was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for sexually assaulting a pre-school age child, creating sexually explicit videos and photos of the abuse, and distributing the material online for pay.

On June 24, 2025, Fransisco Gonzalez was sentenced to 55 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting a minor girl.  Gonzalez isolated the girl from her family under the guise of taking her to church, then used her to produce sexually explicit photos and videos, which he distributed to others.

On June 18, 2025, Desnique Deshawn Herndon was sentenced to life in federal prison for trafficking multiple teen girls, some as young as 13, for commercial prostitution.   

On June 5, 2025, Zachary Arzola was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for traveling from Texas to Ohio to have sex with a child.

On May 19, 2025, Corey Lamar Johnson was convicted at trial of sex trafficking violations.  Johnson trafficked young women across the United States and forced them into prostitution, often brandishing firearms and violently beating them when they objected. Johnson faces life in federal prison at sentencing. 

Achieving justice for victims and protecting their rights is our highest duty, and we are honored to participate in the national observance of this special week to honor victims and victim advocates.

For additional information regarding National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and resources for victims, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/.   

###

PLANO, Texas – Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs joins the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the Executive Office for the United States Attorneys (EOUSA) in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme is “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”

“Firearms are a staple in the world of drug trafficking, street gangs and cartels, and other criminal enterprises,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.  “We are committed to making our communities safer by keeping firearms out of the hands of violent offenders.  The cases below highlight our work to eradicate gun violence in the Eastern District of Texas.”

On April 15, 2026, Israel Sanchez Arciga, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine. Arciga, an illegal alien, was in possession of a firearm when he was arrested.

On April 7, 2026, Brandon Elliot Bennett was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for robbing a licensed firearms store in Plano of more than 60 guns, which he sold to others.

On March 24, 2026, Jaquallon Tyjuan Hargett was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for robbing an individual of $100 at an ATM machine in Daingerfield. Hargett was armed with a pistol outfitted with a machinegun conversion device, also commonly referred to as a Glock-switch.

On March 10, 2026, William Charles Fincher was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm during a domestic violence disturbance.  As a convicted felon, Fincher is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.

On March 5, 2026, Charles Bernard Byrd, a Houston gang member, was convicted by a jury in Beaumont in connection with a violent crime spree that included multiple burglaries, auto thefts, and the armed robbery of two ATM repair technicians. Three of Byrd’s fellow gang members had previously pleaded guilty.  The defendants are awaiting sentencing and face from 20 to 45 years in federal prison.

On February 26, 2026, Victor Manuel Navarette Roman, an illegal alien, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and trafficking methamphetamine.

On January 22, 2026, Abigael Colin Saldana, an illegal alien, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to traffic firearms from Texas to Mexico.

On January 5, 2026, Victor Heredia was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for a string of convenience store robberies, during one of which he discharged a firearm in the ceiling of the store.

On December 11, 2025, Naiyme Kidd was sentenced to 117 months in federal prison for the armed robbery of a game room in Beaumont.

On December 9, 2025, Santana Deangelo Powell was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after law enforcement discovered a hidden compartment in his vehicle full of methamphetamine and cocaine.  Powell was also found to be carrying a firearm during his drug trafficking activities.

On October 2, 2025, Charleston Jamal Washington was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for two armed bank robberies.

On September 16, 2025, Jahtaya O’Dayjah Hamilton was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison after being stopped for a traffic violation and found in possession of four stolen handguns.

On August 26, 2025, Victor Guardado Zepeda was sentenced to 231 months in federal prison for leading a violent crime spree which included robbing two convenience stores at gunpoint and severely beating a store employee.  The stores were robbed of over $100,000.

On July 29, 2025, Carly Melana Fowler was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison, her co-defendant, Cole Ethan Schroeder had already been sentenced to 114 months in federal prison.  The Jefferson County couple attempted to rob a convenience store armed with a rifle.

On July 9, 2025, Brian Keith Murphy was sentenced to 85 months in federal prison after firing shots at individuals in a gas station parking lt.  Murphy was identified by police after monitoring a live-stream video of the incident.

On May 30, 2025, Keandre Marquis Robinson was sentenced to 405 months in federal prison for robbing a Beaumont convenience store and killing the store clerk. After shooting the clerk twice in the chest, Robinson stole cigarettes from behind the counter and fled with co-defendant Larry Nathaniel Hagan.  Hagan was sentenced to 420 months in federal prison. 

Achieving justice for victims and protecting their rights is our highest duty, and we are honored to participate in the national observance of this special week to honor victims and victim advocates.

For additional information regarding National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and resources for victims, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/.   

###

TYLER, Texas – A national of Côte d’Ivoire has been extradited to the United States to face charges in the Eastern District of Texas related to a $14 million fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Christian Marviv Ble, 39, was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud; wire fraud; and unauthorized use of an access device.  Ble arrived in the United States from France on April 21, 2026, and is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

The three-count indictment alleges that Ble and his associates utilized an email phishing scheme to target victim travel agencies with deceptive emails. They sent emails claiming to be from the company that handles airline reservations for the travel agencies, stating there was a security update that required their login credentials.  The emails included links to fake websites that closely resembled the real reservation company’s login page. When the travel agency employees entered their information, their credentials were stolen. The group then used the stolen credentials to access the legitimate reservation system and book airline tickets, charging the costs to the travel agencies’ accounts. In total, the scheme caused about $14 million in losses to approximately 430 travel agencies.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars.  Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

This case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs secured the arrest and extradition from France of Ble.

A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

PLANO, Texas – Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs joins the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the Executive Office for the United States Attorneys (EOUSA) in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme is “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”

“An important part of protecting victims and serving our community is combatting the scourge of fentanyl,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.  “The cases below highlight our work to advocate for our victims and serve our communities by preventing future victims.”

On April 15, 2026, Isela Mendez was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for distributing tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced oxycodone pills from her home.

On February 26, 2026, illegal alien Victor Manuel Navarette Roman was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl that was imported from Mexico for distribution in the United States.

On February 26, 2026, Jessie Zavaleta Peralta was sentenced to over 19 years in federal prison for distributing large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

On February 10, 2026, Nathan Jesse Garcia was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and his co-defendant, Lino Hernandez, was sentenced to 13 years for their role in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy.

On February 4, 2026, Jaquavian Markeith Veasley was convicted by a jury in Tyler of providing the fentanyl that killed two victims.  Veasley is awaiting sentencing and faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in federal prison.

On November 3, 2025, Corey Bouchea Grant and Calvin Autae Thompson, were found guilty of trafficking multiple drugs, including fentanyl-laced heroin.  Those drugs are believed to be responsible for the death of at least one victim in Lewisville.  Both defendants are awaiting sentencing and face up to life in federal prison.

On October 30, 2025, Desmond Denard Brown was sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison for selling counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.

On October 30, 2025, Trevorris Rashomique Woodard was sentenced to nearly 20 years in federal prison for his role in distributing fentanyl in the Longview area.

On October 27, 2025, Deablo Deshon Lewis was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after being convicted at trial of selling large quantities of counterfeit prescription pills, including oxycontin laced with fentanyl.

On October 1, 2025, Juan Manuel Navarette Robles, a high-level Mexican drug trafficker illegally in the United States, was sentenced to over 26 years in federal prison for distributing large amounts of fentanyl.

On July 30, 2025, Kym Andrew Wallace was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after supplying fentanyl-laced oxycodone that killed a 17-year-old.  At sentencing, U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs said, “Thirty years in a federal prison cannot compare to the lifetime sentence of grief that the victim’s family faces as the result of Wallace’s actions.  Wallace deserves every day of this sentence.  Our office, and our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively work to protect our communities from drug traffickers like Wallace.”

On April 1, 2025, Lawrence Duguett Hardin, Jr. was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for supplying the fentanyl that led to an overdose death.  A search of Hardin’s residence led to the discovery of 365.2 grams of fentanyl.  

Achieving justice for victims and protecting their rights is our highest duty, and we are honored to participate in the national observance of this special week to honor victims and victim advocates.

For additional information regarding National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and resources for victims, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/.   

###

BEAUMONT, Texas – Two illegal aliens have been indicted for assaulting federal employees at a detention facility in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

The assaults are alleged to have occurred at the IAH Polk Adult Detention Facility in Livingston where both individuals were being held pending their removal from the United States.

Andrei Siskov, 41, a Russian national illegally in the United States, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week and charged with assaulting or impeding federal officers.  The two-count indictment alleges that on February 22, 2026, and again on April 4, 2026, Siskov assaulted detention officers who were contract employees of the Department of Homeland Security.  On February 22, Siskov spit a mouthful of saliva in the face of a detention officer. On April 4, Siskov punched a detention officer in the face causing injury to the officer and leaving visible marks. Siskov faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.

Rosbin Melgar-Lopez, 31, a Guatemalan national illegally in the United States, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with assaulting or impeding a federal officer.  The indictment alleges that on March 19, 2026, Melgar assaulted a Department of Homeland Security deportation officer.  On that date, Melgar bit a detention officer on the forearm causing injury. Melgar faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.

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, to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

These cases are being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.

A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

PLANO, Texas – Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs joins the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the Executive Office for the United States Attorneys (EOUSA) in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme is “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”

According to a Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) report, there were 6.7 million violent victimizations of persons age 12 or older in the United States in 2024.  Violent victimization includes rape or sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, and simple assault.

According to EOUSA, in fiscal year 2025 across the country, Victim-Witness professionals from the U.S. Attorney community, contacted victims more than 513,000 times regarding services and court updates; our Asset Forfeiture personnel contributed to almost $331 million in forfeited funds being granted to victims through remission or restoration; and our Financial Litigation Programs collected over $1 billion in restitution from criminal defendants for the benefit of victims.

“In the Eastern District of Texas, we have experienced Victim-Witness professionals who listen to victims and answer their questions,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.  “Our Financial Litigation and Asset Forfeiture teams act diligently to maximize asset recovery on behalf of victims; and every day, our Assistant U.S. Attorneys appear in court to advocate for the rights of victims under the Crime Victims’ Rights Act (CVRA) and take steps to protect them.”

Achieving justice for victims and protecting their rights is our highest duty and we are honored to participate in the National observance of this special week to honor victims and victim advocates.

For additional information regarding National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and resources for victims, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/.   

###

SHERMAN, Texas – A Denton man has been indicted and charged with federal child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Kyle Lee Roy Francis, 24, was named in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with receipt and possession of child pornography.

Francis has voluntarily resigned from his position with Northwest Independent School District.

If convicted, Francis faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Dallas Child Exploitation Group and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse.  Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.

A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

TEXARKANA, Texas – A Texarkana, Texas man has been sentenced to a lengthy prison sentence for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Timothy Brooks, 46, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 255 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder III on April 15, 2026.

According to information presented in court, a federal drug trafficking investigation led authorities to Brooks.  A search of his Texarkana residence in May of 2024 revealed an ice chest containing 10.8 kilograms of methamphetamine.  Also located at the residence was a firearm, marijuana and other drugs, and various drug trafficking paraphernalia such as digital scales.

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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Texarkana, Texas, Police Department; and Miller County, Arkansas, Sheriff’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Richards.

###

PLANO, Texas – A Houston man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for a violent crime spree in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Cody Williams, 27, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank theft and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on April 15, 2026. Williams was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $71,639.

According to court documents, from June 2020 to June 2024, Williams was involved in a crime spree referred to as “Hook and Chain” burglaries, which involved stealing a truck, attaching hooks and chains to the vehicle, and using it to drag the door off an ATM to retrieve the cash currency from the machine.  This crime spree involved several burglaries in Texas and Arizona, including the Texas Bank on South Preston Road in Prosper.  The conspiracy resulted in a loss of over $400,000 in bank funds and damage to property.

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.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Fort Worth Police Department, and Pottsboro Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.

###

SHERMAN, Texas –A Mexican national illegally living in the United States has been sentenced to 27 years in federal prison as part of the Homeland Security Task Force for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Israel Sanchez Arciga, 48, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 324 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on April 14, 2026.

According to information presented in court, Arciga and others were importing liquid methamphetamine from Mexico, completing the manufacturing process in Texas and then distributing multi-kilogram quantities of highly pure methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas.  Arciga, an illegal alien, was also in possession of a firearm when he was arrested on July 14, 2023, outside the methamphetamine conversion lab in Rice, Texas, where he was living.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office, Flower Mound Police Department, Garland Police Department, and Hunt County Sheriff’s Office, with additional assistance from the Texas Department of Public Service and Navarro County Sheriff’s Office.

###

PLANO, Texas – A Dallas woman has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison as part of the Homeland Security Task Force for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Isela Mendez, 45, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 264 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on April 15, 2026.

According to information presented in court, Mendez was identified during an investigation involving the influx of counterfeit oxycodone, and other prescription pills, in the Eastern District of Texas and surrounding areas.  It was determined that Mendez worked with others to distribute tens of thousands of “M30” fentanyl-laced pills.  Mendez’s son, Nathan Garcia, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison as part of the same conspiracy on February 9, 2026.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.  HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas Field Office; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CD; United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS); United States Secret Service (USSS); Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS); TEXOMA HIDTA; and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Dallas Police Department.

###

SHERMAN, Texas –A Dallas auto mechanic has been sentenced to a lengthy federal prison sentence as part of the Homeland Security Task Force for trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Jose Cruz Badillo-Rivera, 50, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant III on April 14, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in January of 2020, an on-going drug trafficking investigation in the Eastern District of Texas identified Badillo-Rivera as a multi-kilogram methamphetamine distributor who was negotiating drug transactions at his Dallas automotive mechanic shop.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.

###

SHERMAN, Texas –A McKinney man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison as part of the Homeland Security Task Force for trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Eraldo Orozco-Fernandez, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant III on April 14, 2026.

According to information presented in court, on March 31, 2023, Orozco-Fernandez was stopped for a traffic violation in McKinney.  A search of the vehicle during the stop revealed approximately 3.76 kilograms of cocaine, a firearm, and over $2,800 in cash. A search of Orozco-Fernandez’s McKinney residence yielded another eight kilograms of methamphetamine, approximately one kilogram of cocaine and $6,000 in U.S. currency.  Orozco-Fernandez admitted to being involved in a conspiracy responsible for distributing methamphetamine and cocaine in the Eastern District of Texas.    

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Collin County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.

###

SHERMAN, Texas –A Burleson man has been sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison as part of the Homeland Security Task Force for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Zachary Don Mathis, 32, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on April 14, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in March of 2022, Mathis was identified during a drug trafficking investigation involving the distribution of fentanyl-laced pills in the Eastern District of Texas.  Mathis admitted to being involved in a conspiracy responsible for distributing at least 4 kilograms of a mixture containing fentanyl which he would provide to others for further distribution in the Eastern District of Texas.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T.  Johnson.

###

SHERMAN, Texas –A Guatemalan national has been sentenced to over 27 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Crysthian Omar Escobar Angel, 48, a Guatemalan national, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine knowing it would be unlawfully imported into the United States. Escobar Angel was sentenced to 327 months in federal prison on April 7, 2026, by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant.

According to information presented in court, in 2015, federal agents identified and began investigating a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating throughout Central and North America.  The organization used a sophisticated infrastructure to manufacture and distribute multi-ton quantities of cocaine from Colombia, through Central American countries and into the United States for further distribution.  Escobar Angel was identified as managing a portion of those activities in Guatemala and indicted in the Eastern District of Texas in 2019.

Based on information presented in court, Escobar Angel was involved in threats of violence including this statement he sent in a text message, “Let me talk with someone I am just going to need some specifics for tomorrow and we will throw some poison on him…. [l]eave that [expletive] to me…. Let’s [expletive] him up….”  

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

###

SHERMAN, Texas – A McKinney man has been sentenced to 87 months in federal prison in connection with the robbery of a firearms store in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Brandon Elliott Bennett, 22, pleaded guilty to conspiracy of theft from a federal firearm licensee and theft from a federal firearm licensee and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on April 7, 2026.

According to information presented in court, on May 5, 2024, Bennett conspired with others to rob Mister Guns, a licensed gun store in Plano, by ramming a vehicle into the front entrance of the business, knocking off the entrance door and causing extensive damage to the storefront.  Once inside, Bennett smashed several glass display cases with a sledgehammer, and stole over 60 firearms, including rifles, handguns, and pistols.  Bennett fled the scene and later sold the firearms for profit.

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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chalana A. Oliver.

###

SHERMAN, Texas – Two New York women have been sentenced to federal prison for an illegal counterfeit passport operation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Ciera Julieth Blas, 32, of Brooklyn, New York, pleaded guilty to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on April 7, 2026.

Kelly Josek, 41, of New York, New York, also pleaded guilty to fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents and was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison by Judge Mazzant in January 2026.

According to information presented in court, officers with the Flower Mound Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Blas, where Josek was a passenger.  During the stop, officers discovered seven U.S. Passport Identification Cards along with accompanying bank cards matching the names identified on the passports.  The investigation was turned over to the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service who later discovered that Blas and Josek used the personal identifying information of over 80 other individuals, along with passport-style photos of 12 different individuals, to create counterfeit passport cards bearing their names and images.

“This case highlights the significant work of local law enforcement in protecting our communities, and our nation every day,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “In this case, a routine traffic stop was anything but routine.  Counterfeit passport cards, and other identifying documents, enable all types of crime from fraud to terrorism.  We take these crimes very seriously and we appreciate the Court sentencing Blas to the statutory maximum sentence of ten years imprisonment and Josek to over seven years.”

“Today’s sentencing is very welcome and the positive result of several years of unceasing investigative work by the DSS Resident Office in Dallas,” said Ryan Pack, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Houston Field Office. “The significance of the penalty clearly demonstrates how seriously fraud involving the use of counterfeit U.S. passport cards and other official government documents is taken.”

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.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Flower Mound Police Department, and the U.S. Secret Service.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

###

SHERMAN, Texas –A Dallas man has been sentenced to over 12 years in federal prison under the Homeland Security Task Force for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Marvin Alexander Portillo, 29, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on March 31, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in June of 2023, Portillo was identified during a drug trafficking investigation involving the distribution of fentanyl-laced pills in the Eastern District of Texas. Portillo admitted to being involved in a conspiracy responsible for distributing at least 400 grams of a substance containing fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T.  Johnson.

###

SHERMAN, Texas –A Mexican national illegally living in the United States has been sentenced to five years in federal prison under the Homeland Security Task Force for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Sergio Uriel Munoz-Rodriguez, 44, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on March 31, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in 2020 federal agents identified Munoz-Rodriguez while investigating drug trafficking activity in the Metroplex area.  Munoz-Rodriguez admitted to being involved in a conspiracy responsible for distributing at least 15 kilograms of a substance containing methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas.  It was also determined during the investigation that Munoz-Rodriguez is a citizen of Mexico and illegally in the United States.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.

###

SHERMAN, Texas –A Denton man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison under the Homeland Security Task Force for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Brandon Lynn Hunter, 41, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on March 31, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in 2021, Hunter was identified as a source of methamphetamine in the Denton area.  A search of Hunter’s residence in June 2021 resulted in the seizure of over 35 grams of methamphetamine and drug trafficking paraphernalia.  Hunter admitted to being involved in a conspiracy responsible for distributing at least 45 kilograms of a substance containing methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Denton Police Department; Pilot Point Police Department; Little Elm Police Department; Cooke County Sheriff’s Office; Denton County Sheriff’s Office; and Texas Department of Public Safety.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.

MARSHALL, Texas – A Marshall man has been sentenced to 100 months in federal prison in connection with a violent armed robbery in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Jaquallon Tyjuan Hargett, 20, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Rodney Gilstrap on March 24, 2026.

According to information presented in court, on April 16, 2024, Hargett, armed with a pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device, robbed an individual of $100 at an ATM in Daingerfield, Texas.  A machinegun conversion device, also commonly referred to as a Glock-switch, is a small mechanism that can be attached to the rear of the slide of a firearm, converting a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic machinegun.

“This case demonstrates why we cannot, and we will not, allow Glock-switches to proliferate on the streets of East Texas,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.  “This sentence, 100 months in prison for robbing $100 from a citizen of our community, shows that crime simply does not pay on our watch.  Law enforcement conducted an excellent investigation that brought this criminal to justice. They have my sincere appreciation.”

“Protecting the communities we serve is fundamental to the mission of my agency,” said Daingerfield Police Chief Tracy Climer.  “This successful investigation was accomplished through swift collaboration and dedicated investigative work.”

“ATF is proud to stand alongside our local, state, and federal partners in bringing this offender to justice,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brian Garner.  “This case highlights the real and growing danger posed by illegal machine gun conversion devices, which turn firearms into extremely lethal weapons. Through strong collaboration and determined investigative work, we were able to hold a violent offender accountable and make our communities safer. We will continue to prioritize cases like this to disrupt criminal activity and protect the public.”

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.

This case was investigated by the Daingerfield Police Department; Marshall Police Department; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and Texas Department of Public Safety and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Farahnak.

###

PLANO, Texas – A Honduran national has been extradited to the United States to face drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Baldemar Roque Negrete, also known as Chele Peña, 52, a Honduran national, was extradited from Guatemala to the United States on March 20, 2026, to face international drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas.

Roque Negrete was charged by indictment on August 14, 2019, with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine knowing it would be imported to the United States for distribution.

Roque Negrete is set for an initial appearance in federal court in the Eastern District of Texas on March 24, 2026.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division, FBI, and DEA Guatemala City Country Office. 

The Justice Department extends its gratitude to the Government of Guatemala for making the extradition possible. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Guatemala.

A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

PLANO, Texas – Two Costa Rican national, including a former government official, have been extradited to the United States to face drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Celso Manuel Gamboa Sanchez, 49, and Edwin Danney Lopez-Vega, also 49, were extradited from Costa Rica to the United States on March 20, 2026, after being charged in separate indictments in the Eastern District of Texas with drug trafficking violations. Gamboa Sanchez and Lopez-Vega are the first Costa Rican nationals extradited to the United States since Costa Rica reformed its constitution in May 2025 to allow for the extradition of Costa Rican nationals for drug trafficking offenses.

On June 23, 2025, Costa Rican police arrested Gamboa Sanchez, a former Costa Rican government official and judge, and Lopez-Vega on drug trafficking charges filed in the United States. Prior to his arrest, Gamboa Sanchez was a major drug trafficker in Costa Rica and had facilitated the shipment of tens of millions of dollars’ worth of cocaine from Colombia through Costa Rica to the United States and Europe. Gamboa Sanchez was indicted on July 9, 2025, and charged with conspiring with other international drug traffickers to manufacture, distribute, and transport significant quantities of cocaine, much of which was trafficked through Costa Rica and ultimately into the United States for further distribution. Gamboa Sanchez has held several governmental positions in Costa Rica, including Minister of Public Security in 2014, a position charged with overseeing crime prevention in the country, and judge from 2016 to 2018. 

In a separate indictment, Lopez-Vega was charged on June 11, 2025, with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cocaine knowing it would be imported into the United States. The two-count indictment alleges that beginning in 2008, Lopez-Vega was involved in a conspiracy to traffic cocaine not only to the United States, but to countries throughout South, Central, and North America, including Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico.   

The defendants are set for initial appearances in federal court in the Eastern District of Texas on March 24, 2026.

These cases are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison.

These cases are being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division, FBI, and DEA San Jose Country Office. These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wes Wynne.

The Justice Department extends its gratitude to the Governments of Costa Rica, the Office of the Attorney General of the Republic of Costa Rica’s Office of Technical Assistance and International Relations, and its prosecutorial and law enforcement authorities for making the extradition possible. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica provided significant assistance in securing the defendants’ arrest and extraditions from Costa Rica.

A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

PLANO, Texas – A Hopkins County woman has been indicted and charged with federal violations related to an unlicensed breeding facility in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Kristine Michelle Hicks, 51, of Cumby, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas this week charging her with acting as an animal dealer without a license and four counts of wire fraud.  Hicks appeared in federal court on March 23, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Don D. Bush.

According to the indictment, in December 2025, an investigation into Hicks’ breeding facility, “Giant German Shepherds,” began after a video surfaced on social media showing Hicks tying a dog to a tree and shooting the animal three times, killing it.  The investigation revealed that from June 2024 through December 2025, Hicks is alleged to have operated a dog breeding and dog sales business in Hopkins County for which she did not have a license.  The indictment describes deplorable conditions the animals were kept in, with most animals requiring emergency care due to starvation, parasite-related illnesses, lack of veterinary care and immunizations, and inadequate shelter from environmental exposure.

The indictment also alleges that in addition to operating an unlicensed facility, Hicks made fraudulent claims as to the parentage, health, and training of the dogs to inflate the sales price of the animals, often by thousands of dollars.  Hicks also fraudulently claimed the dogs were of a certain temperament bred specifically to be trained as service animals.  One such dog was sold to a paralyzed, bed-ridden, disabled veteran.  The dog was aggressive, drew blood several times, and had to be muzzled before any veterinary care.  Hicks also purported her animals to be healthy, AKC (American Kennel Club) registered dogs and promised to provide paperwork as proof. Instead, Hicks sold dogs that were of mixed breeds, randomly sourced from other litters, and had diseases or were in an otherwise unhealthy state.

If convicted, Hicks faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General and the FBI.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Morris.

A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

PLANO, Texas – A Richardson man has been convicted of federal child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Justin Philip Ciruti, 42, was found guilty by a jury of distribution and possession of child pornography following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on March 19, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in September of 2024, a social media platform reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that a user had distributed child pornography via a direct message.  That referral was received by the Richardson Police Department, who investigated the case and determined that the child pornography distribution resolved back to Ciruti’s residence in Richardson.

On December 2, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Ciruti’s residence and electronic devices were recovered.  A forensic analysis of the devices revealed some 200 images and approximately 200 videos of child pornography saved in various places, including in an encrypted application and a video player application.  The video file which was originally reported by the social media platform was also recovered.

Under federal statutes, Ciruti faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.projectsafechildhood.gov.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Richardson Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Miller and Calli Bailey.

###

SHERMAN, Texas –A Dallas man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Esteban Castillo, 26, of Dallas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on March 19, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in 2021, federal agents began investigating a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) operating a narcotics distribution cell in the North Texas area. The investigation revealed Castillo was part of a conspiracy purchasing large amounts of illegal drugs including methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana for further distribution.  The conspiracy involved at least 45 kilograms or more of methamphetamine.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Denison Police Department, and Mesquite Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Johnson.

###

SHERMAN, Texas – A Guatemalan national has been extradited to the United States to face drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Elmer Antonio Pancan Barrios, aka “Chepio,” 42, was extradited from Guatemala to the United States on March 5, 2026, after being charged in a federal indictment in the Eastern District of Texas with drug trafficking violations.

The indictment alleges that Pancan Barrios conspired with and assisted other international drug traffickers to manufacture, distribute, and transport significant quantities of cocaine into the United States for further distribution.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.

If convicted, Pancan Barrios faces a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division in conjunction with DEA Guatemala City Country Office; DEA Bogota Country Office; DEA Cartagena Resident Office; DEA Panama Country Office and DEA San Jose Country Office.

The Justice Department extends its gratitude to the Government of Guatemala and its prosecutorial and law enforcement authorities for making the extradition possible. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Guatemala.

A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

BEAUMONT, Texas – A correctional officer has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Martel Devante Gilliam, 22, of Beaumont, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on March 11, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in March 2024, Gilliam, a correctional officer at the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) in Beaumont, was identified as a source of supply for illegal drugs at the prison.  On March 8, 2024, after Gilliam reported to work, a canine alerted to the presence of narcotics on Gilliam’s vehicle during an open-air sniff.  A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 125 grams of methamphetamine; 28 grams of cocaine; 459 grams of synthetic marijuana; vacuum sealed packages of tobacco and marijuana; $5,700 cash; and a pistol.

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.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Bureau of Prisons, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.

###

BEAUMONT, Texas –A Nacogdoches convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

William Charles Fincher, 42, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on March 10, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in July 2024, local law enforcement was dispatched to Fincher’s Nacogdoches residence in response to a domestic disturbance.  During the response, it was discovered there were multiple firearms at the residence. Further investigation revealed Fincher is a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

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.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Nacogdoches Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.

##

BEAUMONT, Texas – A federal inmate has been sentenced to additional time in prison for threatening a prison official in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

John Robert Bond, 55, pleaded guilty to making threats against a federal official and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale on March 11, 2026.   

According to information presented in court, on May 25, 2025, Bond stated that upon his release from prison he was going to “blow up” the home of one of the prison administrators at the Federal Correctional Complex in Beaumont. Bond was scheduled to be released on June 13, 2025. In response to the threat, jailers searched Bond’s belongings and found notes describing the administrator and the location of their home.  As a result, Bond was charged with a criminal violation and not released as scheduled.

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.

This case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John B. Ross and Chris Jackson.

###

BEAUMONT, Texas – Four Houston criminal street gang members have been convicted of conspiracy and bank robbery in connection with a string of ATM robberies and “juggings” in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Charles Bernard Byrd, a/k/a “Doughboy,” 34, of Houston, was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to commit bank robbery and aiding and abetting bank robbery.

Byrd’s co-defendants, Kendrick Douglas Warren, a/k/a “Bullet,” 38, Derrick Deshaun Brooks, a/k/a “D-Brooks,” 36, and Derramy Deonita Foster, 42, all of Houston, pleaded guilty prior to trial.     

The verdict against Byrd was reached on March 5, 2026, following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale. Byrd faces up to 25 years in federal prison at sentencing.

According to evidence introduced at trial, the Beaumont Police Department and FBI were investigating a series of bank robberies targeting ATM repair technicians during 2024.  On October 8, 2024, at approximately 4:45 p.m., two men wearing masks and gloves (later identified as Derrick Brooks and Derramy Foster) robbed an ATM repairman in the drive-through of PNC Bank located on Phelan Boulevard in Beaumont. The men pushed the technician out of the way and removed $153,000 of the bank’s cash before speeding away in a black sedan toward Interstate 10. The men completed the heist in less than 20 seconds. Security cameras videoed the robbery but there were no suspects or leads.

A similar robbery was committed around 1:15 p.m. on December 31, 2024, when two men wearing masks and gloves (later identified as Derrick Brooks and Kendrick Warren) robbed an ATM repairman in the drive-through of the Education First Federal Credit Union located on Laurel Avenue in Beaumont. The men rushed the technician, ordered him to “move,” and took $146,000 of the bank’s cash. The men completed the heist in less than twenty seconds and sped away in a stolen red SUV.

Just fifteen minutes later, BPD officer John Cross located the SUV abandoned in a nearby parking lot. Although the license plate had been removed, police were able to use license plate reader images from earlier in the day to identify the SUV. The police also found that it had caravaned from Houston to Beaumont with a black 2018 truck that was registered to Brooks. Investigators also learned that minutes after the robbery the same black truck left Beaumont travelling west on I-10 toward Houston.

BPD requested assistance from the Houston Police Department Criminal Apprehension Team and were able to locate and stop the black truck as it exited I-10 in Houston, just 84 minutes after the robbery in Beaumont. At the arrest, Byrd was the get-away driver and Warren and Brooks were passengers. The officers also found a bag containing exactly $146,000 cash, the same amount that had been taken from the credit union, as well as gloves like the ones used in the robbery and a Texas paper license plate that matched the one displayed on the red SUV earlier in the day.

Further investigation revealed that Byrd, Warren, Brooks, and Foster were members of the 100% Third Ward gang that operates from the Third Ward area of Houston to commit a variety of criminal acts, including juggings and robberies.  “Juggings” are burglaries or robberies that target victims observed leaving a bank or other financial business in supposed possession of cash or other items of value. The 100% Third Ward gang is also known as the “103 gang.”

Other evidence introduced at trial showed that the men engaged in a conspiracy from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024, during which they orchestrated multiple juggings, burglaries, auto thefts, and the two ATM bank robberies. Byrd and his coconspirators committed one of their juggings just an hour before robbing the Education First Federal Credit Union on New Year’s Eve. In that instance, the men positioned the black truck to surveil the drive-through line at Chase Bank on Dowlen Road in Beaumont. After the defendants saw a customer accept a cash pouch from the teller, they followed her truck from the bank to the HEB down the road, where the men positioned the red SUV and waited for her to enter the store before smashing her window and burgling her truck while she shopped.       

Warren pleaded guilty on September 15, 2025, to conspiracy and bank robbery and faces up to 25 years in federal prison at sentencing.

Brooks pleaded guilty on September 16, 2025, to conspiracy and two counts of bank robbery, and faces up to 45 years in federal prison at sentencing.

Foster pleaded guilty on September 15, 2025, to bank robbery and faces up to 20 years federal prison as sentencing.

The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

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.

This case was investigated by the Beaumont Police Department, the Houston Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Memorial Villages Police Department, the West University Police Department, the Shiner Police Department, and the FBI, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John B. Ross and Jonathan Lee. 

MARSHALL, Texas – A Jefferson man has been arrested in connection with the alleged assault of a mail carrier in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Alton Ray Jackson, 43, was arrested pursuant to a federal complaint charging him with assault of a federal employee.  Jackson was brought before U.S. Magistrate Judge Roy S. Payne on March 6, 2026, for an initial appearance.

Jackson faces up to eight years in federal prison if convicted.

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, to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

This case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Jefferson Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Farahnak and Whitney Tharpe.

A federal complaint is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been charged with a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Terrance Von Spain, 46, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas this week charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

If convicted, Spain faces up to 15 years in federal prison.

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.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.

A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

BEAUMONT, Texas – Six federal inmates have been charged with assault in connection with an attack on a fellow inmate in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Earnest Dale Collins, 29; Anderson Garcia, 27; Ira Hall, 38; Quincy Homere, 40; Richard Royal, 41; and Eric Terrill Spencer 34, were named in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas this week charging them with assault with a deadly weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in an alleged attack on a fellow inmate on May 2, 2025.  The altercation took place at the Federal Correctional Complex in Beaumont.

If convicted, the defendants each face up to 20 years in federal prison.

This case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Batte.

A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt.  All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###