Eastern District of Texas

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.

Coby Stephon Williams, 27, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank theft and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on December 11, 2025. Williams was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $89,032.

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

Jimmy Lavoice Duffey, 47, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on December 10, 2025.

According to information presented in court, on May 7, 2022, Duffey was stopped for a traffic violation in Cherokee County. During the stop, it was discovered that Duffey had a firearm in the vehicle.  Further investigation revealed Duffey 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 and the Longview Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Farahnak.

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TYLER, Texas – A Tyler man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a human trafficking conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Michael Anthony Martinez, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on December 10, 2025.

According to information presented in court, Martinez used a social media account to promise lucrative payment to people who were willing to drive illegal aliens to their destination.  Bank records and text messages between Martinez and those he had recruited verified the criminal conduct.

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 – Tyler Resident Office and the Tyler Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Farahnak.

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TYLER, Texas –Two East Texas men have been sentenced to federal prison for a drug trafficking violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

James Robert Porter, 47, of Henderson, and Richard Lynn Sledge, 67, of Athens, each pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on December 10, 2025.  Porter was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison and Sledge received a sentence of 30 months in federal prison.

According to information presented in court, on April 12, 2023, Porter and Sledge sold 25.49 grams of methamphetamine to another person in Henderson for $350. In addition, on June 7, 2023, Porter sold 51.2 grams of methamphetamine to another person in Henderson for $625. When Porter was arrested on July 10, 2024, agents recovered another 24.04 grams of methamphetamine from his vehicle and inside his business.

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, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Henderson Police Department, and Rusk County Sheriff’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.

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

Cory Donelle Williams, 44, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 125 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale on December 9, 2025.

According to information presented in court, in 2024, local law enforcement received information that Williams was distributing synthetic marijuana and methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas.  The investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at Williams’ residence resulting in the discovery of 56.3 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 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Port Arthur Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lee.

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

Tomas Perez-Guerrero, 44, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on December 8, 2025.

According to information presented in court, Perez-Guerrero was involved in a conspiracy to traffic cocaine 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Johnson.

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BEAUMONT, Texas –A Shreveport, Louisiana man has been sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Santana Deangelo Powell, 33, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale on December 9, 2025.

According to information presented in court, in February 2024, Powell was stopped for a traffic violation on his way to Houston and found in possession of a large amount of cash.  Powell told law enforcement he was planning to buy a vehicle with the money.  A large, concealed compartment was discovered in the trunk of the vehicle.  Although the compartment was empty, it was a compartment that law enforcement suspected could be used to conceal drug shipments. Later that same night, Powell was stopped for a traffic violation in Liberty County.  A search of the vehicle revealed the hidden compartment now contained a large bag filled with 20,000 methamphetamine tablets and over 100 grams of cocaine.  A firearm was also found in the vehicle.

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, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, and the Mt. Enterprise, Texas City Marshal’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Quinn and Reynaldo P. Morin.

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BEAUMONT, Texas – A Mexican national, illegally living in Dayton, has been charged with a firearms violation, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Vicente Gerardo-Cruz, 47, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

The indictment alleges that on November 5, 2025, Gerardo-Cruz, an illegal alien, was found in the Eastern District of Texas in possession of a firearm.  As an illegal alien, Gerardo-Cruz is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms in the United States.

If convicted, Gerardo-Cruz 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 Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reynaldo P. Morin.

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

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BEAUMONT, Texas – A Mexican national, illegally living in Splendora, has been charged with child exploitation violations, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Henry Alberto Calix-Martinez, 24, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with production and distribution of child pornography.

The indictment alleges that Calix-Martinez sexually exploited a minor by producing and distributing child pornography.

If convicted, Calix-Martinez faces up to 30 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 Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Batte.

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

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BEAUMONT, Texas – A Liberty County convicted felon has been charged with a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Jason Reeves, 51, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

The indictment alleges that on November 21, 2025, Reeves, a convicted felon, was found in the Eastern District of Texas in possession of a firearm.  As a convicted felon, Reeves is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.

If convicted, Reeves 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 Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reynaldo P. Morin.

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

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BEAUMONT, Texas –A Dickinson man has been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking cocaine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Anthony Wayne Brown, 37, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 162 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on December 8, 2025.

According to information presented in court, in November 2022, Brown was the driver of a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation in Liberty County.  After noticing the odor of marijuana inside the  vehicle, and receiving conflicting stories from Brown and his passenger, law enforcement conducted a search of the vehicle which resulted in the discovery of marijuana, air fresheners, and bundles containing nine kilograms of powder cocaine.

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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove.

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BEAUMONT, Texas – A Jefferson County man and woman have been charged with drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Starr Ann Brocato, 34, of Nederland, and John Wayne Brooks, 47, of Port Neches, were named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas charging them with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

The indictment alleges that from September to November 2025, Brocato and Brooks were involved in a conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas and elsewhere.

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

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 is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lee.

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 Dallas man has been sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison for a violent crime spree in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Joseph George Turner, 31, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Richard A. Schell on December 3, 2025.

According to court documents, Turner was the leader and organizer of a group of individuals 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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SHERMAN, Texas –A Tyler woman has been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Laura Ann Messay, 38, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on December 1, 2025.

According to information presented in court, beginning in 2019, Messay conspired with others to distribute and possess 500 grams or more 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Rattan.

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SHERMAN, Texas –An Oklahoma City woman has been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Maria Garcia, 59, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 75 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on December 1, 2025.

According to information presented in court, from April 2021 to November 2022, Garcia was involved in a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing kilogram quantities of fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. These drugs were smuggled across the U.S.-Mexico border where they were then stored at various locations in Texas before being distributed elsewhere throughout the United States.  Garcia would coordinate with others in Mexico to receive kilograms of methamphetamine from the drug trafficking organization in Oklahoma.

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 Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wes Wynne.

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

Salud Alejandro Ruiz Mendoza, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 150 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on December 1, 2025.

According to information presented in court, Mendoza, along with his co-defendants, was responsible for distributing and possessing with intent to distribute approximately 37 kilograms of methamphetamine in the North Texas area that had been imported from Mexico.  As a result of this investigation, several firearms and approximately 91 pounds of marijuana were also seized.

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 Texas Department of Public Safety and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley Brooks.

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

David Anthony Piepenburg, 46, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on December 1, 2025.

According to information presented in court, beginning in 2019, Piepenburg conspired with others to distribute and possess 500 grams or more 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Rattan.

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

Rosalind Horton, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on December 1, 2025.

According to information presented in court, beginning in 2020, Horton conspired with others to distribute and possess 500 grams or more 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 Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Rattan.

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SHERMAN, Texas –A Gainesville 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.

Jennifer Dawn York, 44, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on December 1, 2025.

According to information presented in court, from January to September 2023, York conspired with others to distribute and possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas. This case centered on a scheme that exploited the nation’s mail system by the defendants’ use of the US Postal Service to transport large amounts 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. Postal Inspection Service, Texas Department of Public Safety, Cooke County Sheriff’s Office, and Gainesville Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Erlandson.

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PLANO, Texas – The former president of the Allen Firefighters Association has been sentenced to federal prison for wire fraud violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Jeremy Painkin, 42, of Frisco, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and was sentenced to 13 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Richard Schell on December 3, 2025.  Painkin was also ordered to pay over $108,000 in restitution.

According to information presented in court, Painkin was the president of the Allen Professional Firefighters Association from 2017 until he resigned in October 2023 following an investigation into the finances of the organization.  The investigation revealed that Painkin made multiple personal purchases with the funds of the organization under his control.  The purchases included expensive clothing, travel, tickets to various venues, fuel, food, and purchases from on-line retailers.  Following discovery of the purchases, Painkin attempted to conceal the purchases through false statements to various members of the organization.

This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William R. Tatum.

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PLANO, Texas – Two north Texas men have been charged in relation to a plot that included invading an island off Haiti, murdering the men on the island, and using the women and children as sex slaves, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Gavin Rivers Weisenburg, 21, of Allen, and Tanner Christopher Thomas, 20, of Argyle were named in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas charging them with conspiracy to murder, maim, or kidnap in a foreign country and production of child pornography.

Information presented in court indicates that between August 2024 and July 2025, Weisenburg and Thomas are alleged to have conspired to recruit and lead an unlawful expeditionary force to the Island of Gonave, which is part of the Republic of Haiti, for the purpose of carrying out their rape fantasies.  Weisenburg and Thomas planned to purchase a sailboat, firearms, and ammunition, then recruit members of the District of Columbia-area homeless population to serve as a mercenary force as they invaded Gonave Island and staged a coup d'etat.  Weisenburg and Thomas intended to murder all of the men on the island so that they could then turn all of the women and children into their sex slaves.

Weisenburg and Thomas undertook numerous overt acts in furtherance of their invasion plan, including making operational and logistical plans, learning Haitian Creole language, recruiting others to join the invasion plan, and researching and enrolling in schools to acquire skills relevant to the invasion plan.  Thomas even enlisted in the U.S. Air Force to acquire military skills relevant to the invasion plan.

Weisenburg and Thomas are also charged with production of child pornography in a related count in the indictment.

If convicted of the federal conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, Weisenburg and Thomas face up to life in federal prison. If convicted of the federal production of child pornography charges, both face at least 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison.

This case is being investigated by the FBI, U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations, and Celina Police Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Locker.

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

Pedro Campuzano-Orozco, 51, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien.

The indictment alleges that Campuzano-Orozco was found in the Eastern District of Texas after having been previously deported.

If convicted, Campuzano-Orozco 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 the U.S. Forest Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Jackson.

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

Antonio Oliveros-Montero, 45, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien.

The indictment alleges that Oliveros-Montes was in the Rusk County Jail when it was determined that he is a citizen of Mexico and is in the United States illegally after having been previously deported.

If convicted, Oliveros-Montes faces up to 10 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 Jim Noble.

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

Juan Saucedo-Espinoza, 53, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien.

The indictment alleges that Saucedo-Espinoza was in the Henderson County Jail when it was determined that he was a citizen of Mexico and in the United States illegally after having been previously deported to Mexico at least twice.

If convicted, Saucedo-Espinoza faces up to 10 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 Jim Noble.

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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TYLER, Texas – A Honduran national, illegally living in the Lufkin-area, has been charged with unlawfully returning to the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Edwin Padilla-Cruz, 42, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien.

The indictment alleges that Padilla-Cruz was found in the Eastern District of Texas after having been previously deported.

If convicted, Padilla-Cruz faces up to 20 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 Chris Jackson.

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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TYLER, Texas –A Jacksonville convicted felon has been indicted and charged with federal firearms violations in connection with the shooting of a police officer in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Bobby Michael Dennis, 64, was named in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to information presented in court, on November 2, 2025, Dennis is alleged to have opened fire on a Jacksonville police officer, striking her twice, with an AR-15-style rifle when the officer attempted to identify him pursuant to multiple outstanding warrants.  After firing numerous rounds at the officer, her K9, and her car, Dennis fled, leading to a multi-agency manhunt, during which Jacksonville-area schools canceled classes for two days. A search warrant executed at Dennis’ residence in Jacksonville resulted in the discovery of four additional firearms. Dennis was apprehended on the evening of November 5, 2025, during the execution of a search warrant at a bunker he built near Cuney.  An additional firearm was recovered from the bunker.

Dennis is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law as a three-time convicted felon, with previous convictions for aggravated robbery in Smith County and aggravated assault and possession of a controlled substance in Pulaski County, Arkansas.

If convicted of the federal firearms charges, Dennis faces up to life in prison.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; Cherokee County District Attorney’s Office; Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office; Jacksonville Police Department; Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division; and the Texas Rangers. The case is being prosecuted in federal court by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Locker and Lucas Machicek.

A grand jury 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 found guilty of federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Darrell Joshua Bendy, 42, was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on November 19, 2025.

According to information presented in court, from December 2022 through November 2024, Bendy supplied kilogram quantities of “actual” methamphetamine to Joseph Lynn Williams, also known as “Pooh,” a drug trafficker in Beaumont.  During the conspiracy, Bendy lived in and conducted his drug trafficking activities from Houston.  Bendy used various couriers to deliver the methamphetamine to Williams for redistribution.  A total of between 20-30 kilograms of methamphetamine are believed to have been distributed by the drug trafficking organization during this time.  Through the investigation, law enforcement seized more than 5 kilograms of methamphetamine and over $100,000.00.

At sentencing, Bendy faces at least 10 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 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the U.S. Marshals Service; Texas Department of Public Safety; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; Beaumont Police Department; Port Neches Police Department; Vidor Police Department; and Orange County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Lee and John B. Ross.

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SHERMAN, Texas –A Costa Rican drug trafficker has been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking cocaine into the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Rolando Alberto Vindas Abarca, 45, a Costa Rican citizen, pleaded guilty to conspiring to manufacture and distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine for importation into the United States, and was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison, after being extradited to the United States, by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on November 12, 2025.

According to information provided at court, Vindas Abarca was a Costa Rican trafficker of cocaine responsible for coordinating maritime shipments of cocaine from Colombia to the United States.  Telephone intercepts of Vindas Abarca revealed that he was responsible for more than 1,000 kilograms of cocaine that was destined for the United States, as well as for bribing Costa Rican naval officers to permit the shipments from being intercepted.

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.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s Judicial Attaché Office in Bogotá, Colombia worked with the Government of Colombia to secure the arrest and November 1, 2025, extradition from Colombia of Vindas Abarca.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration – Dallas Division.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Anderson.

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PLANO, Texas – The Attorney General has appointed Jay R. Combs as the interim United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas on November 19, 2025.

“I am thankful to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for the opportunity they have given me to continue my service to the American people.  It is both a tremendous responsibility and a great privilege,” said Combs. “The office I lead is at the forefront in the mission of pursuing justice and protecting our communities and our country as a part of Operation Take Back America.”

Operation Take Back America is 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.                            

Combs has served as the Acting U.S. Attorney since May 24, 2025, and is the chief federal law enforcement official in the Eastern District of Texas, which includes 43 counties stretching from the Oklahoma border to the Gulf of America. The district includes six fully staffed offices in Beaumont, Lufkin, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana, and Tyler with 93 employees, including 50 prosecutors.  Combs is responsible for the prosecution of federal criminal offenses in the district and will represent the United States in all civil litigation in the district.

Prior to serving as Acting U.S. Attorney, Combs worked as the Chief of the Plano Branch Office for the Eastern District of Texas, overseeing the day-to-day operations of that office.  Combs worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) for the Western District of Texas from 2006-2010 when he first joined the Eastern District of Texas as an AUSA.

Before joining the Department, Combs served in the United States Army.  He served two combat tours in the Army earning several awards including the Bronze Star medal.

Combs has lived in Texas for over twenty years but originally hails from Springerville, Arizona.  He received his bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University and his law degree from the University of New Mexico.  He has been married to his wife, Melissa, for 30 years and they have seven children.

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SHERMAN, Texas – A Denton man has been sentenced to more than 14 years in federal prison for child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Trinity Snow Cassells, also known as Dustin Joseph McDuffie, 34, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography and was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on October 21, 2025.

According to information presented in court, Cassells was the subject of 10 different CyberTips between 2018 and 2024.  He utilized multiple social media platforms, cloud storage accounts, email accounts, and the dark web to trade child pornography.  Cassells chatted with purported minors on social media platforms commonly used by children, groomed them to engage in illegal sexual conduct, and encouraged them to abuse other children.  As part of that conduct, he distributed child pornography to them.

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

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

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SHERMAN, Texas – An Aubrey man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

John Prentice Robertson, 65, of Aubrey, pleaded guilty to one count of producing child pornography and was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on October 21, 2025.

According to information presented in court, between May 2022 and April 2024, Robertson communicated with adult women in the Philippines over an internet-based social media application.  He paid the women to capture images and videos of young children, under the age of 12, engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including oral sex, masturbation, and the graphic display of the children’s genitals.  The women then sent the depictions through the social media application or through live-stream transmission.  Robertson acknowledged that he transferred more than $8,000 to individuals in the Philippines between 2015 and 2021 through just one money remitting service.

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

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Philippine National Police and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Miller and Trial Attorney Rachel Rothberg, with the United States Department of Justice, Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section.

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SHERMAN, Texas –A Dallas man and his son have been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

David Valdez, 45, and his son, Abel Valdez, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and were both sentenced to 324 months in federal prison.  Abel Valdez was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on October 21, 2025. David Valdez was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant on November 12, 2025.

According to information presented in court, between September 2023 and February 2024, the Valdez conspiracy was responsible for trafficking approximately 80 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine per month into the Dallas/Fort Worth area, which was then processed at the Valdez’ residence and sold into the community.  Law enforcement issued a search warrant at the Valdez residence on February 8, 2024, during which 69 kilograms of methamphetamine and eleven semi-automatic weapons were found.

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 Drug Enforcement Administration – Dallas Division.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Anderson.

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PLANO, Texas – A Plano man has been sentenced to more than 16 years in federal prison for child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Ashley Blaine Brooks, 57, pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography and was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder III on October 21, 2025.

According to information presented in court, Brooks was a registered sex offender living within the City of Plano.  During a sex offender registry compliance check, Plano Police Department detectives discovered that Brooks was trading child pornography using computer equipment that he owned, the Internet, and a peer-to-peer file sharing platform.

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

This case was investigated by the Plano Police Department and the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Miller.

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

James Frank Collins, 45, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 175 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on October 29, 2025.

According to information presented in court, in July of 2023, law enforcement began an investigation into the drug trafficking activities of Collins.  The investigation included drug purchases from Collins and the execution of a search warrant at his residence which resulted in the seizure of various narcotics. On November 2, 2023, Collins was stopped for several traffic violations.  During the stop, officers detected the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle and a search was conducted resulting in the discovery of a large amount of cash and approximately 800 pills containing 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Port Arthur Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.

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PLANO, Texas – A Mexican drug trafficker was sentenced to over 26 years in federal prison for importing fentanyl for distribution in the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Juan Manuel Navarette Robles, 49, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 315 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Richard Schell on October 1, 2025.

According to information presented in court, Robles was a high-level source of supply for narcotics, mainly fentanyl and methamphetamine, from Mexico to the United States.  Robles trained others and directed them in the distribution of drugs in the United States, primarily by using the mail and various “hubs” to receive packages for distribution into Texas and elsewhere.  Robles eventually traveled to the United States where he was found in possession of large amounts of fentanyl.

This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Eastern District of Texas Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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 man who sold fake prescription drugs has been sentenced to nearly 20 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Trevorris Rashomique Woodard, also known as B1, 37, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on October 30, 2025.

According to information presented in court, law enforcement stopped Woodard while driving a vehicle for a traffic violation on February 16, 2022.  During the stop, officers observed the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and conducted a probable cause search, resulting in the discovery of 9.85 grams of pills later analyzed and determined to contain fentanyl. Investigators later obtained a warrant for the content of Woodard’s cell phone and found numerous photographs and text messages related to the illegal distribution of pills.

“This case demonstrates what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local law enforcement work together to protect our communities,” said Acting ATF Special Agent in Charge Brian Garner. “Fentanyl is a deadly threat and removing it from our streets requires the coordinated efforts of every agency involved. We are grateful for the teamwork that brought this trafficker to justice, and we will continue strengthening these partnerships to keep East Texas families safe.”

Woodard is a three-time felon, including two prior federal convictions for drug trafficking offenses, which resulted in an enhanced punishment range under the Career Offender provisions of the United States Sentencing Guidelines Manual. Woodard was also on federal supervised release at the time of the offense.

This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Eastern District of Texas Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office; and the Longview Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.

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BEAUMONT, Texas – A Lafayette, LA man has been sentenced to federal prison in the Eastern District of Texas for robbing banks in Texas and Louisiana, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Charleston Jamal Washington, 39, pleaded guilty to two separate armed bank robberies and was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on October 2, 2025.  

According to information presented in court, on June 14, 2024, Washington entered the Home Bank in Welsh, LA, wearing a bucket hat and a mask covering most of his face. Washington pointed a handgun at one of the bank tellers and demanded money from her and two others. The bank employees complied, and Washington placed the money in a draw-string backpack and fled with approximately $11,500 in U.S. currency. On July 18, 2024, Washington, wearing a similar disguise, entered First State Bank in Vidor and pointed a handgun at a bank teller while demanding money. Washington placed the money in a similar draw-string backpack and left with approximately $7,676 in cash. On that occasion, surveillance video revealed that Washington drove off in a distinctive blue, step-side pickup truck. Investigators subsequently connected the truck to Washington and found that he had purchased it with cash the same day as the robbery of the Home Bank in Welsh. Washington was arrested on September 19, 2024, after police in Lafayette stopped him for a traffic violation. At that time, he was found in possession of a firearm that matched the handgun used in both bank robberies.

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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This case was investigated by the FBI-Beaumont Resident Agency; FBI-Lake Charles Resident Agency; FBI-Lafayette Resident Agency; Vidor Police Department; Orange Police Department; Welsh Police Department; Crowley Police Department; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Lafayette Police Department; and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.

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PLANO, Texas – During the recent federal government shutdown, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas continued its mission to protect public safety and hold criminals accountable, prosecuting cases involving immigration violations, firearms violations, fraud, drug trafficking, and other federal offenses.

“Over the past 43 days, our mission remained the same, the pursuit of justice for the citizens of the United States,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.  “During the shutdown our prosecutors never stopped. They were in court and on the job every day pursuing justice and protecting our communities as a part of Operation Take Back America.”

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

The following is just a glimpse of some of the many cases handled during the shutdown:

Corey Buchea Grant, 31, and Calvin Autae Thompson, 36, both of Dallas, were convicted by a jury of conspiring to distribute heroin and crack cocaine following a six-day trial in Plano.   

William Caleb Elliott, 26, a former Celina ISD coach and teacher, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury charging him with seven counts of production of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography.  A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Bobby Michael Dennis, 64, of Jacksonville, was charged with firearms violations related to the shooting of a Jacksonville police officer.  A complaint or indictment is not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

John Prentice Robertson, 65, of Aubrey, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison for paying women in the Philippines to sexually abuse their children and make custom ordered child pornography for him.

David Valdez, 45, and his son, Abel Valdez, 28, both Mexican naturalized citizens living in Dallas, were each to sentenced to 324 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.

Juan Manuel Navarette Robles, 49, a Mexican national illegally in the United States, was sentenced to 315 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl.

Rolando Alberto Vindas Abarca, 45, a Costa Rican national, was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison after being extradited to the United States for conspiring to manufacture and distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine for importation into the United States.

Trevorris Rashomique Woodard, 37, of Longview, was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and possess fentanyl.

Ashley Blaine Brooks, 57, of Plano, a convicted sex offender, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison for child pornography violations.

Desmond Denard Brown, 39, of Longview, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.

Frank James Collins, 45, of Port Arthur, was sentenced to 175 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Trinity Snow Cassels, also known as Dustin Joseph McDuffie, 34, of Denton, was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison for posing as a teen boy online to communicate with minors and distribute child pornography to them.

Charleston Jamal Washington, 39, of Lafayette, LA, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for robbing a Vidor bank.

Kahkashan Haider Khan, 54, of Frisco, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for making false statements to federal agents in relation to international terrorism.

Dominique Keyrel Carr, 37, of Grapeland, was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine.

Daniel Nichols Corbin, 36, of Beaumont, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for carjacking.

Eric Andrew Wara, 29, of Beaumont, was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Bradley Morgan Holts, 54, of Orange, a former financial advisor and stockbroker, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $186,381.64 in restitution for using interstate wire communications to defraud three of his investors.

Juan Colorado-Jimenez, 30, a Mexican national illegally living in Nacogdoches, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.

Linda Burrell, 51, of Farmers Branch, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, for a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) fraud scheme.

Antonio Hernandez-Perez, 48, a Mexican national illegally living in Nacogdoches, pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

Joshua Deshon Scott, 18, of Beaumont, pleaded guilty to possession of stolen firearms following the burglary of a Beaumont pawn shop.

James Christopher Moffett, 55, of Beaumont, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Carlton Hollins, 55, a Longview tax preparer, pleaded guilty to making false statements on federal tax returns.

Bradley Broussard, 38, of Beaumont, pleaded guilty to brandishing a firearm while robbing a tobacco store.

A federal grand jury returned a 19-count indictment charging five Beaumont men with drug trafficking and firearms violations related to a marijuana conspiracy. A grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt, and the defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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TYLER, Texas –A Longview man who sold fake prescription drugs has been sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Desmond Denard Brown, also known as Money C, 39, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 206 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on October 30, 2025.

According to information presented in court, on June 20, 2024, Brown received a U.S. Postal Service package in which investigators discovered nearly five and a half kilograms of pills containing fentanyl. The pills delivered to Brown were round and light blue, bearing the markings “M” and “30,” which are the same manufacturer’s markings for 30 milligram tablets of oxycodone. The approximate street value of the seized pills exceeds $500,000. A subsequent search of Brown’s phone revealed numerous text messages discussing the illegal distribution of pills to others.

Brown is a three-time felon, with previous convictions for aggravated robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Brown was also on federal supervised release at the time of the offense.

This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Eastern District of Texas Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Homeland Security Investigations; Gregg County Sheriff’s Office; and the Longview Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.

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SHERMAN, Texas –A Frisco woman has been sentenced to eight years in prison for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Kahkashan Haider Khan, 54, pleaded guilty to false statements in relation to international terrorism and was sentenced to 96 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos, L. Mazzant, III on October 7, 2025.

“We will not allow the United States to be a launching point for terrorist attacks abroad,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “Vigilantly protecting the United States and its interests is inherent in everything we do. This includes aggressively prosecuting those who wrongly believe that they can find safe-harbor in the United States while plotting crimes elsewhere.”

“The FBI will aggressively investigate individuals planning or taking part in acts of violence in support of terrorism. We take these crimes seriously and will work with our international partners to hold perpetrators accountable,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.

According to information presented in court, on February 23, 2023, Khan was interviewed by Special Agents from the FBI regarding her involvement in the planned fire-bombing of two gas stations in Karachi, Pakistan. Khan, a U.S. citizen and immigrant from Pakistan, is a member of a separatist movement in Pakistan known as the Mujahir Qaumi Movement (MQM), which claims grievances against the Pakistani government over the treatment of mujahir immigrants in Pakistan. Khan served as a recruiter and facilitator of terrorist actions in Pakistan by collecting funds, sending them to Pakistan, and arranging and paying for violent actions in Pakistan.

In January 2023, Khan recruited an individual in Pakistan to conduct fire-bombings on two Punjabi-owned gas stations in Karachi Pakistan. Khan discussed multiple aspects of the plan with her co-conspirator in Pakistan, including selecting the target locations, discussing which flammable accelerants to use, where to stage before the attacks, how to escape after the attacks, and arranged for the purchase of two firearms to be used by the attackers to ensure their success. Khan collected money from MQM sympathizers in the United States and wired the funds to Pakistan to pay for the attacks.

On February 20, 2023, Khan’s co-conspirator in Pakistan sent Khan photos from news coverage of a fire-bombing of a Karachi, Pakistan gas station caused by attackers throwing something from a vehicle, resulting in six people being burned. Khan celebrated the news and told her Pakistani co-conspirator that he would be greatly rewarded for his work. Throughout that day, February 20, 2023, Khan scoured the internet for news in Pakistan regarding the fire-bombing but could find none. After approximately one day of searching, she discovered that the photos her co-conspirator sent were from an event that occurred in October of 2022. Khan was furious and accused her co-conspirator of deceit and being a disgrace to the MQM movement.

On February 23, 2024, FBI Special Agents interviewed Khan at her home about these events. During the interview, Khan made multiple false statements about the events and lied about her involvement in the attempted attacks. Khan denied that she wanted a co-conspirator to commit the fire-bombings in Pakistan. Khan denied that she was involved in an action in Pakistan that would possibly result in someone’s harm or death. During her plea hearing in February 2025, Khan admitted that these were false statements made knowing that the statements were material to a terrorism investigation.

This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys D. Ryan Locker and Camelia Lopez.

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SHERMAN, Texas – A former Celina ISD teacher and coach has been charged with federal child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

William Caleb Elliott, 26, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand earlier this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with seven counts of production of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography.

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.

If convicted, Elliott faces a minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison.

This case is being investigated by the Celina Police Department, Collin County District Attorney’s Office, and the FBI.  This case is being 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 – Two Dallas men were found guilty of federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Corey Buchea Grant, 31, and Calvin Autae Thompson, 36, were found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute heroin and crack cocaine following a six-day trial before U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on November 3, 2025.

According to information presented in court, Grant worked at a “trap house” in East Dallas, which was managed by Thompson, where multiple types of drugs were sold, to include heroin, cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin laced with fentanyl. Drugs supplied by the two were believed to be responsible for a fentanyl overdose death in Lewisville, Texas.

According to information presented by prosecutors, drug dealers went to the Dallas “trap houses” to purchase the drugs, which would then be distributed in the Eastern District of Texas. Evidence presented by the court included cell phone messages, social media messages, cell phone location data, financial records, and testimony of cooperating defendants.

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

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service, Dallas Police Department, U.S. Secret Service’s Dallas Digital Evidence Forensics Lab, Lewisville Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Rattan and Eric Erlandson.

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TYLER, Texas –A Jacksonville convicted felon has been charged with federal firearms violations in connection with the shooting of a police officer in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Bobby Michael Dennis, 64, was named in a complaint in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and while being convicted of a crime of domestic violence.

According to information presented in court, on November 2, 2025, Dennis opened fire on a Jacksonville police officer, striking her twice, with an AR-15-style rifle when the officer attempted to identify him pursuant to multiple outstanding warrants.  After firing numerous rounds at the officer, her K9, and her car, Dennis fled, leading to a multi-agency manhunt, during which Jacksonville-area schools canceled classes for two days. A search warrant executed at Dennis’ residence in Jacksonville discovered four additional firearms. Dennis was apprehended safely on the evening of November 5, 2025, during the execution of a search warrant at a bunker that Dennis had built near Cuney, Texas. An additional firearm was recovered from the bunker.

Dennis is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law as a three-time convicted felon, with previous convictions for aggravated robbery in Smith County and aggravated assault and possession of a controlled substance in Pulaski County, Arkansas.

If convicted of the federal firearms charges, Dennis faces up to life in prison.

This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the FBI; Homeland Security Investigations; Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office; Jacksonville Police Department; Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division; and the Texas Rangers. The case is being prosecuted in federal court by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Locker and Lucas Machicek.

A complaint or grand jury indictment are 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 Lewisville man has been sentenced to federal prison for bank robbery in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Kyung Heo, 31, pleaded guilty to bank robbery and was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on September 30, 2025.  

According to information presented in court, on November 18, 2022, Heo entered the Comerica Bank on State Highway 121 in Lewisville and approached the bank manager asking if the bank could process a cashier’s check.  When told the bank could only process cashier’s checks for clients, Heo produced a handgun and pointed it at the manager.  Heo pushed the manager out of the way, pointed the handgun at the tellers, and demanded they give him money.  After taking the money, Heo exited the bank and departed the area on foot.

On April 6, 2023, Heo entered the American National Bank on Cross Timbers Road in Flower Mound, approached a teller station, pulled out a handgun, jumped over the counter, and instructed the tellers to empty their cash drawers.  Heo then placed the money in a plastic bag before departing the area on foot.  Shortly after the robbery, officers searched the area and located a plastic bag containing $18,943 cash in a nearby drainage ditch.  American National Bank reported an additional loss of $10,208 for a total amount of loss is $29,151.  An analysis of surveillance videos from the two robberies was also used to link Heo to the June 6, 2023, robbery of the Citizen’s National Bank in Weatherford.  Heo was convicted in the Northern District of Texas for that robbery and sentenced to 57 months in federal prison.  His Eastern District of Texas sentence will run concurrently to the sentence for the Weatherford bank robbery.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Lewisville Police Department, and the Flower Mound Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.

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

Adolfo Cruz, 27, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a machinegun and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on September 22, 2025.

According to information presented in court, on April 10, 2024, local law enforcement in Lufkin conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Cruz.  The officer noticed a gun case in the back seat of Cruz’s vehicle and asked Cruz what was inside of the case.  Cruz reached for the case and a firearm fell out.  The officer removed Cruz from the vehicle and conducted a pat-down search of Cruz.  During the pat-down search, the officer found a machinegun conversion device (MCD).  MCDs are small mechanisms that can be attached to the rear of the slide of a firearm, converting a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic machinegun.  Federal law defines a machinegun as a weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.

ATF agents later obtained a search warrant for Cruz’s cell phone. The cell phone contained messages to and from Cruz discussing the buying and selling of firearms, including MCDs.

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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This case was investigated by the Lufkin Police Department 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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BEAUMONT, Texas –A Port Arthur convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Rickey Shawn Thomas, 45, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on September 22, 2025.

According to information presented in court, four handguns were recovered from Thomas during the execution of a search warrant issued during a drug trafficking investigation.  Two of the firearms had been reported as stolen.  Law enforcement also discovered over five pounds of synthetic marijuana and over $40,000 cash. Further investigation revealed Thomas had seven felony convictions and as a convicted felon, is 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Port Arthur Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matt Quinn and Chris Jackson.

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TYLER, Texas – A Montana man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in a cryptocurrency money laundering conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Randall V. Rule, 73, formerly of Kalispell, Montana, was found guilty by a jury of money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, and a conspiracy to violate the Bank Secrecy Act, following a three-day trial in federal court.  On September 17, 2025, Rule was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle.

“Special Agents from the United States Secret Service and the United States Postal Inspection Service did tremendous work in their response to the victimization of our citizens, some who lost their life savings.  Agents were relentless in their resolve to seek justice for victims,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “Let scammers and those who facilitate their crimes by laundering the criminal proceeds be on notice: You cannot hide your crimes by using crypto currency; we will find you and we will prosecute you.”

“Sophisticated money laundering networks, such as the one in this case, are the path for victims’ funds to be sent to transnational criminal organizations,” said U.S. Secret Service Resident Agent in Charge Brad Schley.  “We must continue to dismantle these networks and assist victims with recovery of their losses and the administration of justice.  We are honored to work with the team of tremendous prosecutors at the US Attorney’s Office in the EDTX, and I commend them for their dedication and work in seeking a just result in this case.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service will not tolerate attacks on the United States Mail. These defendants weaponized the mail system to carry out fraud and money laundering, and they have been held accountable,” said Kai Pickens, Inspector in Charge, Fort Worth Division.  “Postal Inspectors will relentlessly protect the American public and the integrity of the mail system. I commend our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service, for working decisively with us to stop the illicit flow of funds and secure justice for the victims.”

According to information presented in court, Rule and Gregory C. Nysewander, formerly of Irmo, South Carolina, conspired with others to launder the proceeds of wire fraud and mail fraud schemes through cryptocurrency.  The defendants converted funds from romance scams, business email compromises, real estate scams, and other fraudulent schemes into cryptocurrency and sent the cryptocurrency to accounts controlled by foreign and domestic co-conspirators.  The defendants and their co-conspirators made false representations and concealed material facts, to avoid discovery of the fraudulent nature of deposits, wires, and transfers, such as providing instructions to co-conspirators and victims to label wire transfers as “loan repayments” and “advertising.”  Nysewander created videos instructing other co-conspirators how to package money to be shipped without detection for the purpose of laundering the funds. The defendants also made false representations and concealed material facts when completing account opening documents and when communicating with financial institutions and cryptocurrency exchanges. During the conspiracy, Rule, Nysewander, and their co-conspirators laundered more than $2.4 million and willfully violated the money services business requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act. As a result of the scheme, many victims lost their life savings, and a multi-generational family business was bankrupted.   

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.  Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.  It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys D. Ryan Locker, Dustin Farahnak, and Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld.

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BEAUMONT, Texas –An Ontario, Canada woman has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Jahtaya O’Dayjah Hamilton, 24, pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered firearm and was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on September 16, 2025.

According to information presented in court, on November 6, 2024, Hamilton traveled from Ontario, Canada to Houston, where she obtained 22 firearms, including four stolen firearms and a short-barrel rifle, from an unknown firearms trafficker. Hamilton then hired a rideshare driver to transport her from Houston to Little Rock, Arkansas.  Hamilton initially attempted to hire the driver to transport her to New York state.  The vehicle Hamilton hired was stopped in Angelina County for a traffic violation. During the stop, the deputy could smell the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and a search was conducted. The search resulted in the discovery of the firearms and Hamilton was arrested.

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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

This case was investigated by the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office 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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BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced to federal prison for a carjacking offense in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Jody Lee Bass, 35, pleaded guilty to carjacking and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on September 16, 2025.  

According to information presented in court, on June 8, 2024, Bass approached a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service on Avenue F in Beaumont.  Bass used a knife to rob the mail carrier of the USPS mail delivery truck while the victim was delivering mail on his route. Bass grabbed the mail carrier and attempted to stab him.  The mail carrier escaped, and Bass drove off with the mail truck before abandoning it nearby.  Local law enforcement responded and found Bass hiding in the area.

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

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BEAUMONT, Texas – A Mexican national, illegally living in Nacogdoches, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possessing a machinegun in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Joel Bustamante Moreno, 26, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession or transfer of a machinegun and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on September 10, 2025.

According to information presented in court, in December 2023, Moreno was identified during an investigation involving the distribution of machinegun conversion devices (MCDs) in the Nacogdoches area.  MCD’s are small mechanisms that can be attached to the rear of the slide of a firearm, converting a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic machinegun.  Federal law defines a machinegun as a weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.  On February 1, 2024, Moreno sold a pistol and an AR-style rifle that had been converted into fully automatic weapons.  In addition to the firearms, Moreno sold two 100-round drum magazines and one 30-round magazine for the AR-style rifle, as well as three pistol magazines and live ammunition. After the transaction, law enforcement attempted to arrest Moreno and he fled the scene at a high rate of speed, eventually overturing his vehicle and continuing to evade on foot. Moreno was eventually located hiding inside of a residence. SWAT members were dispatched, and Moreno was taken into custody.  Further investigation revealed Moreno was a Mexican national and did not have permission to be in the United States.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

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

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