Eastern District of Texas

BEAUMONT, Texas – A federal inmate has been charged with allegedly possessing contraband in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Robert Anthony Summers, 44, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas this week charging him with possession of a prohibited object, specifically a weapon or shank, at the Federal Correctional Complex in Beaumont.

If convicted, Summers faces up to 5 years in federal prison.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Prisons 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.

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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.

Koy Wayne Dodd, 42, 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, Dodd 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.

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

Francisco Ortuno, 29, a Mexican national, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on March 4, 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 led to multiple seizures of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, firearms, and large amounts of U.S. currency.  On October 4, 2022, federal agents executed a search warrant at a residence in Dallas used to traffic narcotics by the DTO.  Upon knocking and announcing, agents were fired upon by a suspect inside the house. That suspect and the defendant, Francisco Ortuno, both fled the residence on foot leading to a chase until they were caught and detained. Inside the residence, agents seized over 30 kilograms of methamphetamine, four firearms, multiple drug ledgers, and supplies used to convert 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 and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wes Wynne.

SHERMAN, Texas –An Ennis woman has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for trafficking cocaine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Isabel Salas, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on March 4, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in July 2022, federal agents began investigating a suspect who had been arrested with eight kilograms of heroin in Chicago.  Salas was identified during this investigation, and a search warrant was executed at her Ennis residence on November 30, 2022, resulting in the seizure of over 600 grams of cocaine, eight firearms, and over $28,000 in U.S. currency.

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 the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wes Wynne.

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SHERMAN, Texas –A Dallas woman 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.

Samantha Mendoza, 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on March 4, 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 led to multiple seizures of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, firearms, and large amounts of U.S. currency. On December 15, 2022, federal agents observed Mendoza provide a weighted package to another person.  A search warrant was executed at Mendoza’s residence resulting in the seizure of 950 grams of methamphetamine, three firearms, multiple drug ledgers, methamphetamine conversion supplies, and over $85,000 in U.S. currency.

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 Wes Wynne.

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PLANO, Texas –A Mexican national been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for drug and gun violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Victor Manuel Navarette Roman, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to a total of 216 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on February 26, 2026.

According to information presented in court, Roman was a high-level source of supply for illegal narcotics, specifically fentanyl and methamphetamine, imported from Mexico for distribution in the United States.  A search of Roman’s residence resulted in the seizure of an AR-15 pistol as well as fentanyl and 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 FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William R. Tatum.

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PLANO, Texas –A Garland man has been sentenced to over 19 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Jessie Zavaleta Peralta, 37, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine and was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on February 26, 2026.

According to information presented in court, Peralta was part of a drug trafficking organization that trafficked methamphetamine that had been imported from Mexico.  Peralta stored large amounts of methamphetamine, and other narcotics, at his Garland residence before distributing in the Metroplex.

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 FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William R. Tatum.

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TYLER, Texas – A Longview tax preparer has pleaded guilty to a federal violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Marneitha Reese Scott, 57, of Gilmer, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to aid, assist, counsel, or advise in tax fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell on February 18, 2026.

According to information presented in court, Scott owned a tax return preparer business operated under the name of F.A.S.T. Financial Firm (“FAST”), with two locations in Longview.  Scott and others recruited tax preparers to work at the businesses to prepare and file income tax returns for clients.  With others, Scott created a scheme to defraud the United States by instructing the tax preparers to create fraudulent entries on client tax returns, including, for example, claims for business losses when the client had no business. The tax returns were filed by Scott or employees working at her instruction.  The tax preparation business was paid a fee by the clients for preparing and filing the returns.  Scott's conduct resulted in a known tax loss for tax years 2019 – 2022 of $243,899.00.

Scott faces up to five years in federal prison, a potential fine, and restitution 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.  Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.

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TYLER, Texas – A Chinese national has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a scheme to launder the proceeds of cryptocurrency investment scams and other fraudulent schemes involving millions of dollars in victim funds, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Fei Liao, 31, of San Gabriel, California, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on February 19, 2026.  Liao was ordered to forfeit over $2.3 million in seized currency and to pay restitution of more than $2.8 million to the victims that directed money to his accounts.

According to information presented in court, Liao and others conspired to open shell companies and bank accounts to launder victim proceeds of cryptocurrency confidence schemes – also known as “pig butchering” scams. Pig butchering fraud schemes (a term derived from a foreign-language phrase used to describe these crimes) consist of scammers encountering victims on dating services or social media, or through unsolicited messages or calls, often masquerading as a wrong number. Scammers initiate relationships with victims and slowly gain their trust, eventually introducing the idea of making investments using cryptocurrency. Once funds are sent to scammer-controlled accounts, the investment platform often falsely shows significant gains on the purported investment, and the victims are thus induced to make additional investments. Ultimately, the victims are unable to withdraw or recover their invested funds and suffer significant financial losses.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service, Tyler Resident Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Austin Wells.

If you or someone you know is a victim, report it to www.IC3.gov.  In the report, please reference “Pig Butchering PSA” and include as much information as possible in the complaint including names of investment platforms, cryptocurrency addresses and transaction hashes, bank account information, and names and contact information of suspected scammers. Maintain copies of all communications with scammers and records of financial transactions.

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SHERMAN, Texas – Two healthcare executives have pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a multimillion-dollar fraud conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Mouzon Bass, III, 60, of Highland Park, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Lance Wilson, 57, of Allen, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  The guilty pleas were heard by U.S. Magistrate Judge Aileen Goldman Durrett this week.

According to information presented in court, Bass, the sole owner and president of Vivature, a healthcare billing company, and Wilson, a senior executive at Vivature, were involved in conspiracies to defraud others in connection with COVID-19 testing and an athletic training billing scheme.  

The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is up to 20 years in federal prison, a potential fine, and restitution 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.  Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case is being investigated by FBI, Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, and Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anand Varadarajan and Adrian Garcia.

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BEAUMONT, Texas – A Liberty man has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Claude Gilbert, 64, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on February 12, 2026.

According to information presented in court, after conducting an investigation, agents executed a search warrant at Gilbert’s home in September 2024 and found a safe in his bedroom containing 51 grams of actual methamphetamine, a digital scale, plastic baggies, three firearms, and 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 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 Liberty County Sheriff’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Jackson.

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PLANO, Texas –Two North Texas men have been sentenced to lengthy federal prison sentences for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Nathan Jesse Garcia, 24, of Dallas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on February 9, 2026.

Lino Hernandez, 25, of Arlington, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on February 9, 2026.  

According to information presented in court, from at least 2022, Garcia and Hernandez conspired with others to distribute fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of 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 U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Dallas Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather H. Rattan.

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PLANO, Texas –A Dallas man has been sentenced to 27 years in federal prison sentences for drug trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Adan Mendoza, 37, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute heroin and methamphetamine and was sentenced to 324 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on February 9, 2026.

According to information presented in court, from at least 2019, Mendoza conspired with others to distribute heroin and methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of 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 U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather H. Rattan.

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TYLER, Texas – A Mount Pleasant man has been found guilty of federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Jaquavion Markeith Veasley, 36, was found guilty by a jury of five counts of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death or serious bodily injury.  The verdict was reached on February 4, 2026, following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle.

According to information presented in court, beginning in 2023, Veasley conspired with others to distribute illegal narcotics that he knew to be laced with fentanyl resulting in the death of at least two individuals.

“The law designates illicit fentanyl as a narcotic, but illicit fentanyl is also a weapon of mass destruction,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.  “Veasley’s greed turned the fentanyl he sold into a deadly weapon which destroyed two lives and forever altered the lives of the victims’ families.  In the Eastern District of Texas, we cherish our duty to defend this great nation and its citizens.  Those who spread this poison in our communities should be on notice that we will not stand for it.”

“This conviction underscores that federal drug trafficking is not a victimless crime, it is inherently violent and deadly,” said the Special Agent in Charge Brian Garner of ATF’s Dallas Field Division. “The distribution of fentanyl fuels addiction, drives violent crime, and destroys families and communities. ATF will continue to work alongside our federal, state, and local partners to target those who traffic in these lethal substances and hold them fully accountable under federal law.”

“The Mount Pleasant Police Department is committed to actively pursuing those responsible for causing the deaths of others through the distribution of narcotics,” said Chief of Police Mark Buhman.  “We are thankful for the support of our fellow partners in law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their work in holding Veasley accountable.”

At sentencing, Veasley faces at least 20 years and up to life in federal prison.  The statutory sentencing range 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 prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Texas Department of Public Safety; and the Mount Pleasant Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lucas Machicek and Emil Mikkelsen.

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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.

David Earl Greer, Jr., 23, 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, Greer faces at least 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.

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

Kenneth Mitchell Woods, 28, 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, Woods faces at least 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 Jasper 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.

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BEAUMONT, Texas – Four federal inmates have been charged with murder in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Conrad Edward Nedd, also known as CJ, 41; Jeremy Crow, 32; Ramon James Ybarra, also known as Apache, 35; and Curtis Ray McClendon, 43; were named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas, charging them with murder. 

The indictment alleges that on November 21, 2025, the inmates were involved in an altercation resulting in the death of another inmate at the Federal Correctional Complex in Beaumont.

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

This case is being investigated by the FBI and the Bureau of Prisons and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.

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.

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SHERMAN, Texas – Three Guatemalan nationals 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.

Adelfo Federico Valdez Santos, aka “Lico Valdez,” 43; Pedro Pablo Oliva Catalan, aka “Peke,” and “Peques,” 36; and Kelvin David Beron Ramirez, aka “Catracho,” and “Crunchi,” 37, were extradited from Guatemala to the United States on January 30, 2026, after being named in separate federal indictments in the Eastern District of Texas charging them with drug trafficking violations.

The indictments allege that Valdez, Oliva, and Beron conspired with and assisted other international drug traffickers to manufacture, distribute, and transport significant quantities of cocaine into the United States for further distribution.

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, Valdez, Oliva, and Beron each face a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.

These cases are being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration 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 defendants’ arrests and extraditions from Guatemala.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Rattan.

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.

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BEAUMONT, Texas – A Vidor couple has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Dustin Lacouture, 43, and Deborah Lagrone, 44, both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  On January 22, 2026, U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone sentenced Lacouture to 168 months in federal prison.  Lagrone was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison.

According to information presented in court, on January 29, 2025, an Orange County Deputy conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Lagrone with Lacouture in the front passenger seat.  After smelling marijuana, officers conducted a search of the vehicle and found three firearms, two bags of marijuana, methamphetamine, and a scale containing narcotics residue.  While enroute to the jail, a deputy observed Lagrone slip from her handcuffs and move closer to Lacouture.  At the jail, a baggie containing 184 grams of methamphetamine was found concealed in Lagrone’s bra.

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; and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Quinn and Chris Jackson.

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

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

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

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

“The premise of Operation Take Back America is protecting our Homeland, which is particularly fitting today as we recognize Human Trafficking Prevention Month,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.  “There is no greater fight than this, but regardless of the month, from January 1st to December 31st every year, we will continue to seek justice for all victims of Human Trafficking.”    

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

Since January 20, 2025, the Eastern District of Texas has handled multiple cases involving Human Trafficking, including:

• Obtained convictions against sex traffickers who forced women to engage in commercial sex by means of force, including beatings, tasers, shock collars, frigid showers, unwanted tattoos, and acts of humiliation.
• Secured Seven Life sentences for a man who trafficked teenage girls, some as young as 13, for commercial sex
• Successfully prosecuted an individual for trafficking women across the country for prostitution and severely beating them when they attempted to leave
• Charged an individual with sex trafficking violations

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

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

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

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

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

Nolan Anthony Ritchie, 29, was named in a six-count indictment returned by a federal grand in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with sex trafficking violations.

If convicted, Ritchie faces up to life in federal prison.

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

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.

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PLANO, Texas – A Plano man and woman have been convicted of federal sex trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

William McKinnley Garland, 43, of Plano, was found guilty by a jury of coercion and enticement and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

Anastasiya Claire Lyons, 34, of Plano, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

The verdicts were reached on January 22, 2026, following a seven-day trial before U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan.

“William Garland and Anastasiya Lyons preyed on vulnerable young women to lure them into their web.  Through horrific physical abuse and psychological manipulation, they exploited women into selling their bodies for the benefit of Garland, Lyons, and the other co-conspirators,” said United States Attorney Jay R. Combs.   “I urge the public to report known or suspected human trafficking by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting 233733.  I commend the brave victims who stepped forward in this case to report what was happening to them.  Only by working together can we end this scourge.” 

“William Garland and Anastasia Lyons conviction is the result of years of dedicated work by our detectives, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and it sends a clear message that our community will not tolerate the exploitation of vulnerable individuals,” said Plano Police Chief Ed Drain. “From high‑risk operations to reviewing massive amounts of evidence, this team’s commitment brought justice to survivors and stopped dangerous offenders. This case was long, complex, and emotionally difficult, but it stopped dangerous offenders and gave survivors a chance to reclaim their lives. The courage of the victims, many of whom had been living in fear for years, is something we will never forget. I am incredibly proud of the men and women of this department and honored to stand alongside professionals who pour their time, skill, and heart into protecting our community.”

“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that often operates in plain sight and may go undetected for months or years. The victims in this case were deceived by false promises of well-paying jobs. Instead, they were physically abused and forced into becoming commercial sex workers,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We will continue to work with our partners to assist victims and hold their traffickers accountable.”

According to evidence introduced at trial, Garland and Lyons ran a sex trafficking operation between 2020 and December 2023 in Plano.  A recruiter sought out young women on various social media platforms for the organization.  Multiple victims testified that they believed that the role involved modeling or escorting and that they would be eligible to make large sums of money doing so.  In fact, the women were recruited to engage in prostitution at various hotels in the Collin County area.  Evidence demonstrated that the women were compelled to engage in commercial sex by means of force, including beatings, tasers, shock collars, frigid showers, unwanted tattoos, and acts of humiliation.  The women also testified to being afraid of Garland, given his threats of violence toward the women and their family members.  Three co-defendants pleaded guilty to federal sex trafficking charges in 2025 and are awaiting sentencing dates.

Robberta Marie Khan, 29, of Euless, pleaded guilty on May 21, 2025, to coercion and enticement and faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing.

Jalen Alexander Bobo, 26, of Dallas, pleaded guilty on May 27, 2025, to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and faces up to life in federal prison at sentencing.

Selena Rose McCombs, 25, of North Carolina, pleaded guilty on December 10, 2025, to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and is awaiting sentencing and faces up to life in federal prison as sentencing.

Garland and Lyons face up to life in federal prison 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 investigated by the Plano Police Department and the FBI’s Dallas Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marisa Miller and Chalana Oliver.

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BEAUMONT, Texas–An illegal alien has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Luis Emmanuel Quevedo-Vasquez, 30, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on January 22, 2026.

According to information presented in court, on April 2, 2024, Quevedo-Vasquez, a Mexican national illegally in the United States, and Carmen Guadalupe Diaz, 26, of Georgia, were stopped for a traffic violation in Nacogdoches County.  During the stop, law enforcement noticed an open container of alcohol and searched the vehicle discovering various illegal drugs including over a kilogram of methamphetamine, almost two kilograms of cocaine, and nearly a kilogram of heroin. During the search, the deputy also located two firearms. It was determined that the pair were transporting the drugs from Texas to Wisconsin.

Diaz admitted to regularly smuggling both humans and narcotics and stated she was being paid $20,000 to transport the load that was intercepted by law enforcement.  On January 15, 2026, Diaz was also sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. 

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 Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.

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SHERMAN, Texas –An illegal alien has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Abigael Colin Saldana, 28, pleaded guilty to trafficking firearms and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on January 21, 2026.

According to information presented in court, beginning in 2021, Saldana, who is a Mexican national illegally living in Royse City, was part of a firearms trafficking conspiracy responsible for trafficking firearms from Texas to Mexico.

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 Texas Department of Public Safety and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.

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BEAUMONT, Texas– A Lufkin convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Jacob Robinson, 29, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a felon and was sentenced to 136 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on January 22, 2026

According to information presented in court, on August 18, 2024, Robinson was stopped for a traffic violation in Angelina County.  During the stop, the odor of marijuana was detected coming from the vehicle and a search was conducted resulting in the discovery of over 50 grams of methamphetamine.  Again, on October 29, 2024, Robinson was stopped for a traffic violation resulting in the discovery of cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, and prescription pills. Robinson was also in possession of a pistol, a magazine and ammunition.  Robinson was previously convicted of the felony offense of burglary of a habitation and is 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 and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

This case was investigated by the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office; Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Department of Public Safety; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.

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PLANO, Texas – An illegal alien has been indicted and charged with injuring federal immigration agents in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Jerson Lopez-Sanchez, 28, a citizen and national of Honduras, was indicted and charged with three counts of assaulting federal immigration agents in the Eastern District of Texas.

The indictment alleges that on December 1, 2025, federal immigration agents attempted to conduct a lawful traffic stop on a vehicle owned by Lopez-Sanchez, a foreign national who was unlawfully in the United States.  The vehicle, which contained at least five occupants, came to a stop in the 2400 block of S. Stemmons Fwy in Lewisville.  Federal agents were in three separate vehicles, and all were wearing clearly marked law enforcement vests with police identifying insignia as well as carrying federal agent badges.  Soon after he pulled over, Lopez-Sanchez suddenly placed the suspect vehicle in reverse and rammed the federal agent vehicle behind him while a federal agent had one leg outside of the vehicle injuring the agent.  This maneuver caused enough space for Lopez-Sanchez to drive around the other law enforcement vehicles and attempt to flee.  Federal agents began pursuit of Lopez-Sanchez with red and blue flashing lights engaged.  One of the law enforcement vehicles was able to position itself between Lopez-Sanchez and his escape route.  Instead of stopping, Lopez-Sanchez accelerated and rammed into that vehicle injuring the two agents inside.  Lopez-Sanchez continued to evade with the third vehicle pursuing him on to East Valley Ridge Boulevard in Lewisville for about 10 minutes before the suspect vehicle stopped on a median and all five occupants fled by foot.  Three of the occupants were ultimately detained after foot pursuits and with the help of civilians.  Lopez-Sanchez was identified as the owner and driver of the vehicle and remains at large.

If anyone has knowledge that leads to the arrest of JERSON LOPEZ-SANCHEZ, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). You may be eligible for a cash reward.

This case is being investigated by the FBI’s Frisco Resident Agency and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey.  This case 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.

Lopez-Sanchez faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each count of the indictment if convicted. 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.

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A federal jury in Sherman, Texas convicted a married couple on Thursday for operating a multi-million-dollar pyramid scheme during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

“While many Americans struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, LaShonda and Marlon Moore orchestrated a lucrative pyramid scheme with the sole aim of enriching themselves,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Through lies and deceit, the defendants recruited vulnerable people and defrauded them of millions of dollars. The Criminal Division is committed to prosecuting fraudsters who inflict substantial harm on every day Americans trying to make a living.”

“The defendants, through their operation of the Blessings in No Time (BINT) pyramid scheme, defrauded over 10,000 individuals of more than $25 million, using false promises and misleading statements to recruit participants,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs of the Eastern District of Texas. “The defendants' actions were a betrayal of trust, and the Justice Department will continue to work tirelessly to hold those accountable who engage in such schemes. I commend the efforts of our investigative partners and the team who worked to bring about a “win” for the victims who suffered great losses at the hands of these defendants.”

“The harm caused by greed-driven, deceptive investments promising returns too good to be true cannot be overstated,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group. “The mission of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service continues, to aggressively investigate such schemes and hold fraudsters fully accountable.”

“The Moores used a polished image and even a reality TV appearance to build trust, but behind the scenes, they orchestrated a multi-million-dollar pyramid scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus Jr. of IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Dallas Field Office. “This scheme deliberately targeted the African American community, exploiting cultural trust and community ties. Today’s conviction sends a clear message: if you abuse trust and exploit communities for personal gain, you will face justice.”

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, LaShonda Moore, 38, and Marlon Moore, 39, of Frisco, Texas, co-founded and ran BINT, known as “Blessings in No Time,” an illegal chain-referral pyramid scheme that targeted victims during the COVID‑19 pandemic from June 2020 to June 2021. BINT targeted and recruited victims with false and misleading promises through weekly live-stream video broadcasts to thousands of participants across the United States during the COVID-19 shutdown. Victims were falsely promised that participants would earn 800% returns on each $1,400 investment and were guaranteed a refund if the participant was unsatisfied with BINT. The Moores falsely presented BINT as a means for new participants to help other members of their own community by paying “blessings” of at least $1,400 to participants who had already joined. The Moores falsely promised that new participants’ “blessing” payments would be paid back eight fold within a few weeks. BINT was falsely presented as an altruistic invitation-only community to help others during the economic downturn from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The defendants structured BINT to operate on “playing boards” that had positions for participants on four levels: eight Fires, four Winds, two Earths, and one Water. Once eight new participants were recruited to fill all eight Fire positions on the playing board, each Fire was directed to “bless” or pay at least $1,400 to the participant in the Water position. A Water participant then received eight payments totaling more than $11,000. After a Water participant received his or her payment, other participants at lower levels would move up one level on the playing board and then be required to recruit new participants into the Fire positions to perpetuate the scheme. To profit from the investment scheme, the defendants placed themselves in positions on the playing boards, so that they received the ultimate payments, and they otherwise diverted substantial money to themselves that were paid by the participants. The defendants’ pyramid scheme victimized more than 10,000 people across the country and inflicted more than $25 million in victim losses.

LaShonda and Marlon Moore were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud, and three counts of money laundering. Their sentencings have not been set. Each face a maximum penalty of 20 years on each of the conspiracy and wire fraud counts and 10 years on each money laundering count.

USPIS, the United States Secret Service, and IRS-CI investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Theodore Kneller and Adam Stempel of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. for the Eastern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

If you believe you are a victim in this case, please contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or by email at victimassistance.fraud@usdoj.gov. To learn more about victims’ rights, please visit www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-vns/victim-rights-derechos-de-las-v-ctimas.

PLANO, Texas –Two Denton men have been sentenced to lengthy federal prison sentences for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Clayton Willis Caddell, 48, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 181 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on January 9, 2026.

Robert Alfonso Cazarin, 37, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to156 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on January 9, 2026.   

According to information presented in court, from at least 2022, Caddell and Cazarin conspired with others to distribute illegal drugs, including methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; and Denton County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.

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BEAUMONT, Texas – Two illegal aliens have been indicted for federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Manuel Gomez Ayala, 39, a citizen and national of Mexico, was indicted for possession of a firearm.  This case is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Alberto Saenz-De la Cruz, 33, a citizen and national of Mexico, was indicted for possession of a firearm.  This case is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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

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

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PLANO, Texas–Two Plano men have been sentenced to lengthy prison sentences for their roles in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Brandon Michael Pitts, 30, pleaded guilty to being involved in a conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on January 7, 2026.

Matthew Craig McCutchen, 30, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 162 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on January 7, 2026. 

According to information presented in court, Pitts and McCutchen were part of a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas.

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 U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather H. Rattan.

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BEAUMONT, Texas –A Port Arthur man has been sentenced to over 19 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Paris Lynn Bennette, 55, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on January 6, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in 2024, local law enforcement received information that Bennette was distributing illegal drugs in the Eastern District of Texas.  On July 30, 2024, Bennette was observed speeding by local law enforcement and a traffic stop was initiated.  Bennette attempted to evade the officers by fleeing on foot before being apprehended a short distance away. A police canine indicated the presence of narcotics in Bennette’s vehicle, and a search was conducted resulting in the discovery of a gallon-sized bag in the vehicle containing approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine.

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 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Port Arthur Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lee.

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BEAUMONT, Texas – A Lufkin man has been sentenced for federal violations related to a fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.          

Matthew Jess Thrash, 50, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud and was sentenced to 97 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on January 6, 2026.  Thrash was also ordered to pay restitution of $8,100,024.

According to information presented in court, in December 2020, law enforcement received a report of suspected fraud.  An investigation revealed Thrash obtained over $9 million from over 100 victims through fraudulent means, including sports related investment schemes; a Las Vegas cannabis store scheme; and loans from victims.  Thrash also fraudulently obtained money by applying for COVID relief loans to which he was not entitled, including a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. The PPP was a Small Business Administration program that provided forgivable loans to qualifying entities. Thrash did not invest or use the fraudulently obtained funds for the intended purposes.  Instead, he used the money to gamble, pay personal expenses, and to repay other victims to avoid detection.

This case was investigated by FBI’s Lufkin Field Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety in Lufkin, and the Lufkin Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.

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

Victor Heredia, 20, pleaded guilty to two counts of Hobbs Act robbery and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale on January 5, 2026.

According to information presented in court, on November 6, 2023, Heredia robbed a 7-Eleven convenience store on N. Josey Lane in Carrollton.  During the robbery, Heredia discharged a firearm into the ceiling of the store. The next day, Heredia robbed a 7-Eleven on E. Rosemead Parkway in Carrollton at gunpoint.

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 and the Carrollton Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.

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TYLER, Texas – Multiple Mexican nationals have been indicted for federal immigration violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Leonardo Chalchi, 50, was arrested on October 16, 2025, in Smith County for evading arrest. It was then determined that Chalchi is a citizen of Mexico and allegedly in the United States illegally after having been previously deported to Mexico in 2021 and 2022.  This case is being investigated by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Francisco Velazquez-Castro, 46, was stopped for a traffic violation on November 14, 2025, in Smith County.  It was then determined Velazquez-Castro is a citizen of Mexico and allegedly in the United States illegally after having been previously deported to Mexico in 2017 and 2022.  This case is being investigated by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Pablo Hernandez Rodriguez, 41, was arrested in Smith County on November 30, 2025. It was then determined Hernandez Rodriguez is a citizen of Mexico and allegedly in the United States illegally after having been previously deported to Mexico in 2020.  This case is being investigated by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Aurelio Saucedo-Alba, 57, was arrested on December 4, 2025, on a federal warrant.  Immigration records indicate Saucedo-Alba is a citizen of Mexico and allegedly in the United States illegally after having been deported to Mexico in 2019.  This case is being investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Francisco Ubaldo Acosta-Sanchez, 39, was arrested on October 16, 2025, following a traffic stop in Smith County.  During the stop, law enforcement officers found alleged counterfeit Legal Permanent Resident Cards and Social Security Cards in Acosta’s vehicle with various iterations of his name appearing on them.  This case is being investigated by Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

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

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

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BEAUMONT, Texas –A Kingwood convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Ashley Nicole Ponce, 36, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 144 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on December 19, 2025.

According to information presented in court, on October 30, 2024, law enforcement responded to a domestic disturbance call involving a man and a woman at a Corrigan convenience store.  As a result, a traffic stop was conducted on a vehicle linked to the disturbance, and a search of the vehicle revealed drugs, including methamphetamine, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and a firearm.  Ponce admitted to owning the drugs and firearm. Further investigation revealed Ponce was 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; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and Corrigan Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.

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BEAUMONT, Texas –A Groves man has been sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison for trafficking drugs in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Darrus Dugas, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine and was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on December 19, 2025.

According to information presented in court, in May 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Dugas’ Groves residence because of reported drug activity.  The search resulted in the discovery of various illegal narcotics, including methamphetamine and cocaine, drug trafficking paraphernalia, and over $13k in cash.  The investigation resulted in the arrest of Dugas and Alvaro Montrell Bethea.

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 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Port Arthur Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lee.

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BEAUMONT, Texas –A Lufkin 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.

Jose Angel Capetillo, 23, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on December 19, 2025.

According to information presented in court, on March 8, 2024, Capetillo was stopped for a traffic violation in Lufkin.  A search of the vehicle revealed three firearms and suspected controlled substances.  On April 12, 2024, Capetillo was stopped for a traffic violation in Hudson and admitted to having illegal drugs in the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle revealed cocaine, marijuana, and Xanax, as well as two firearms.  One of the firearms was a short-barreled shotgun. Further investigation revealed Capetillo had previously been convicted of a felony and as a convicted felon, 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; Hudson Police Department; and Lufkin Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.

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PLANO, Texas –A Mesquite man has been sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Arob Kolnyang, 31, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on December 17, 2025.

According to information presented in court, beginning in 2021, Kolnyang was involved in a conspiracy with others to distribute at least 40 grams of fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of 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, U.S. Postal Inspection Service-Office of Inspector General, Mesquite Police Department, and Phoenix, Arizona, Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Plano office.

TYLER, Texas – A Lawton, Oklahoma man has pleaded guilty to child exploitation charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Rolando Alexis Bravo, 44, pleaded guilty on December 16, 2025, to being involved in a conspiracy to transport minors before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell.

According to court documents, on November 16, 2023, Bravo transported three minors from Lawton, Oklahoma, to Dallas where he met a co-conspirator, who then transported the children to Tyler.  The co-conspirator obtained hotel rooms in Tyler where the children engaged in prostitution with others.

Bravo faces up to life in federal prison. 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 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 is being investigated by the FBI and the Tyler Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan Jackson and Emil Mikkelson.

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

Justin Williams, 26, pleaded guilty to bank theft and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on December 15, 2025.  Williams was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $112,212.

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 the DFW area, including the Texas Bank on South Preston Road in Prosper, the BB&T on Legacy Drive in Frisco, and the First United Bank in Pottsboro.  The conspiracy resulted in the theft of approximately $363,000 and damages to ATMs and property of at least $250,000.

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 Johnson.

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PLANO, Texas – A Dallas man has been sentenced to federal prison in connection with a crime spree in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Dominique Marquis Childress, 29, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on December 15, 2025.

According to court documents, Childress was involved in a crime spree aimed at forcibly removing ATMs from convenience stores in the DFW area.  From May 16 to June 1, 2023, the defendants participated in a conspiracy that involved smashing the glass from a convenience storefront with a sledgehammer before using a stolen truck or SUV to drag an ATM from the store. Once the ATM was removed from the store, the defendants would load the machine into the vehicle and leave the scene. The ATM and vehicle would later be found abandoned after the money was removed and divided among the participants.

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’s Frisco Office, Plano Police Department, Irving Police Department, Dallas Police Department, Mesquite Police Department, Carrolton Police Department, and Grapevine Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Johnson.

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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.

Cydney James Dorsey, 23, pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 58 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale on December 16, 2025.

According to information presented in court, on September 8, 2024, at approximately 3:30 a.m., law enforcement officers responded to the parking lot of SNS grocery store on Concord Avenue in Beaumont as a large crowd had gathered and refused to leave.  As police attempted to dispel the crowd, Dorsey ran from them, and in the process, discarded a firearm.  Dorsey was apprehended carrying a bag that had a magazine with ammunition.  Further investigation revealed Dorsey had a previous felony conviction which prohibited him from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law. 

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.

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

Terri Lynn Cooley, 55, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III on December 16, 2025.

According to information presented in court, on October 11, 2023, Cooley was stopped in Texarkana, Texas for driving at night without headlights.  During the stop, it was discovered she had an active warrant and was arrested.  A search of the vehicle following Cooley’s arrest led to the discovery of 109.85 grams of methamphetamine.

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 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Texas Department of Public Safety; and the Texarkana, Texas, Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.

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PLANO, Texas – A Richardson man has been sentenced to prison for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Sir Darius Lamar Edmondson, 23, pleaded guilty to possession of stolen mail and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $3,391.31 by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on December 15, 2025.

According to information presented in court, on October 30, 2023, Edmondson was found in possession of stolen mail.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Morris.

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SHERMAN, Texas – A Mexican national, illegally living in Lamar County, has been charged with unlawfully returning to the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Fernando Castaneda-Hernandez, 48, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien.

The indictment alleges that on October 28, 2025, Castaneda-Hernandez was found in the Eastern District of Texas after having been previously deported on June 4, 2019.

If convicted, Castaneda-Hernandez faces up to two years in federal prison and deportation.

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 Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey.

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.

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SHERMAN, Texas – A Mexican national, illegally living in Denton County, has been charged with unlawfully returning to the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Ulises Rayo-Flores, 34, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien.

The indictment alleges that on August 3, 2025, Rayo-Flores was found in the Eastern District of Texas after having been previously deported on August 14, 2018.

If convicted, Rayo-Flores faces up to two years in federal prison and deportation.

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 Homeland Security Investigations and Lewisville Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey.

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.

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SHERMAN, Texas – A Mexican national, illegally living in Collin County, has been charged with unlawfully returning to the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Juan Carlos Peralta-Aguinaga, 37, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien.

The indictment alleges that on October 19, 2025, Peralta-Aguinaga was found in the Eastern District of Texas after having been previously deported on May 1, 2013.

If convicted, Peralta-Aguinaga faces up to two years in federal prison and deportation.

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 Homeland Security Investigations and McKinney Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey.

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.

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PLANO, Texas –A Mexican national illegally residing in White Settlement, has been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Hector Eduardo Duarte-Martinez, 23, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on December 11, 2025.

According to information presented in court, in February 2024, Duarte-Martinez was observed coming and going from several known drug trafficking residences in the DFW area.  A search executed at the White Settlement residence where Duarte-Martinez was residing resulted in the seizure of a large amount of liquid methamphetamine. Duarte-Martinez admitted to being responsible for distributing 45 kilograms of methamphetamine.

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 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Johnson.

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BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced to nearly 10 years in federal prison for an armed robbery in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Naiyme Kidd, 28, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to 117 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on December 11, 2025.

According to information presented in court, on February 19, 2025, law enforcement responded to an armed robbery of Joy’s Fun Place located on South 11th Street in Beaumont. Joy’s Fun Place is a game room and convenience store where customers can play game machines and win credit to use in the store.  The store clerk informed officers that the assailant entered the store with a firearm and placed the barrel of the gun into the store clerk’s chest and demanded money before grabbing approximately $400 cash and fleeing the store.  Further investigation, including reviewing surveillance video and witness accounts, led police to Kidd who pleaded guilty to the charges.

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.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.

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BEAUMONT, Texas –A Groves convicted felon has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Alvaro Montrell Bethea, 46, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on December 11, 2025.

According to information presented in court, on May 10, 2023, law enforcement attempted to perform a traffic stop on Bethea pursuant to an active warrant.  Bethea did not initially pull over and fled while tossing crack cocaine from the vehicle. Bethea was arrested and a search of his home revealed a semi-automatic handgun.  Bethea 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 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Port Arthur Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lee.

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