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9 July 2026
Four Months of Operation Take Back America Yield 23 Felons Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana has secured prison sentences for 23 convicted felons who illegally possessed firearms, removing 37 unlawfully held guns and four extended magazines from the streets of Indianapolis and Evansville.
Each defendant pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Additionally, Andy Manuel Seda-Colon was convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by a domestic batterer. Each prosecution stemmed from a separate investigation and was individually resolved between March and June of 2026.
DEFENDANTSENTENCEPRIOR CONVICTIONSDennis Birts. 29, Indianapolis7 years, 5 months’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseCriminal recklessness; Receiving stolen property; Unlawful possession of a firearm; Carrying a handgun without a license; Unlawful carrying of a handgun x2Travis Brown, 20, Indianapolis3 years, 5 months’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseArmed robberyKyle Castner, 24, Indianapolis5 years’ imprisonment
3 years of supervised release
Attempted armed robbery; Armed robbery; Burglary; EscapeMichael Durant, 44, Indianapolis9 years’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseDealing in cocaine; Possession of a narcotic drug; Dealing in a narcotic drugJoshua Eldridge, 42, Indianapolis3.5 years’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releasePossession of methamphetamine; Robbery; Unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felonJeffery Hill, 48, Indianapolis3 years, 2 months’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseAggravated batteryJamar Johnson, 22, Indianapolis8 years, 1 month imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseRobberySteven Lane, 46, Anderson8 years, 4 months’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseDealing in methamphetamine x2; Burglary resulting in bodily injury; BurglaryMarcos Guillermo Leon Murrieta, 26, Muncie3 years, 2 months’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseConspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamineDayquion Marlin, 27, Indianapolis3 years’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseArmed robbery; Auto theft; Carrying a handgun without a licenseKishawn Morris, 23, Indianapolis3.5 years’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseArmed robbery and resisting law enforcementAndy Manuel Seda-Colon, 28, Indianapolis2 years, 9 months’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseInvasion of privacy & domestic batteryKylan Oliver, 29, Indianapolis3 years, 10 months’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseBurglary; Unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felonRobert Reed, 51, Indianapolis4.5 years’ imprisonment; 2 years of supervised releaseConspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin; Kidnapping; Possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug; Theft; Receiving stolen propertyCody Brodrick Schmitt, 34, Mt. Vernon11 years, 5 months’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseRobbery & dealing in methamphetamineEdward Cortez Sharp, 45, Evansville8 years, 4 months’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseDealing in methamphetamine (2 counts) & forgeryDavid Sneed, 31, Indianapolis3 years, 1 month’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseArmed robbery & felon in possession of ammunitionDaron Torrence, 46, Indianapolis3 years, 10 months’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseDealing in methamphetamine; Dealing in cocaine; Possession of a narcotic drugJason Vredenburg, 39, Indianapolis3 years, 4 months’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseIndecent liberties with a child; Possession of a weapon by a prisoner; Possession of a firearm by a felon; Obtaining property by false pretensesJeffery Ware, 39, Indianapolis5 years’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseDealing in cocaine & dealing in marijuanaTyron Whitson Jr., 30, Indianapolis7 years’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseDealing in a narcotic drug and attempted robberyErnest Williamson Jr., 34, Louisville 10 years’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseFelon in possession of a handgun; Trafficking a controlled substance; Complicity to trafficking a controlled substanceSean Wright, 29, Indianapolis3 years, 4 months’ imprisonment; 3 years of supervised releaseFelon in possession of ammunition; Battery by means of a deadly weapon; Dealing methamphetamineAccording to federal law, individuals with prior felony convictions are prohibited from legally possessing a firearm. As part of these investigations, the following firearms were seized and forfeited by law enforcement:
- Accu-Tek .380 semiautomatic handgun
- Anderson AR‑15 rifle
- Davis Industries .380 caliber handgun
- Diamondback Arms 8mm handgun
- Gem pistol
- Glock .45 handgun
- Glock 17 handgun
- Glock 19 9mm handgun (x2)
- Glock 21 .45 semiautomatic pistol
- Glock 22 handgun
- Glock 22 .40 semiautomatic w/ extended magazine
- Glock 27 handgun w/ extended magazine
- Glock 32 handgun w/ extended magazine
- Glock 32 GEN4 semiautomatic pistol
- Glock 47
- Glock semiautomatic pistol (unspecified) (x2)
- Hi‑Point 9mm pistol
- Hi‑Point C9 pistol
- Hi‑Point JHP .45 semiautomatic pistol
- Maverick Arms 88 shotgun
- Molot VEPR shotgun
- Mossberg 500 shotgun
- Regent pistol
- Rough Rider revolver
- SCCY handgun w/ extended magazine
- Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun (stolen)
- Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol
- Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum
- Springfield XD40 .40 semiautomatic handgun
- Taurus .38 Special revolver
- Taurus G2C 9mm
- Taurus The Judge revolver
- Taurus Ultra‑Lite .38 Special revolver
- Western Long‑Range shotgun
- Zastava semiautomatic pistol
The following agencies investigated or assisted in investigating these cases:
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- Federal Bureau of Investigation- Indianapolis
- U.S. Marshals Service
- U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force
- Great Lakes Task Force
- Indiana State Police
- Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office
- Hancock County Sheriff’s Office
- Posey County Sheriff’s Office
- Beech Grove Police Department
- Evansville Police Department
- Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
- New Albany Police Department
- Whitestown Metropolitan Police Department
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Barry Glickman, Kelsey Massa, Nate Walter, Jayson McGrath, Jeremy Kemper, Matt Barloh, Michelle Brady, Zachary Yauger, Pamela Domash, Peter Blackett, Patrick Gibson, and Todd Shellenbarger who prosecuted these cases.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 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 prosecution of Andy Manuel Seda-Colon was brought as part of the LEATH Initiative (Law Enforcement Action to Halt Domestic Violence), named in honor of Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) Officer Breann Leath, who was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic disturbance call. A partnership among the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the IMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana, the LEATH Initiative focuses federal, state, and local law enforcement resources on domestic violence offenders who illegally possess firearms.
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Former Private Equity Fund Manager Indicted and Arrested for Embezzling Millions of Dollars from a Private Equity FundRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On July 2, 2026, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging Gian C. Piovanetti with embezzlement of bank funds, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and money laundering.
According to court documents, Gian C. Piovanetti, a certified public accountant, embezzled, and aided and abetted in the embezzlement of approximately 11 million dollars from a private equity fund he managed as part of his employment and connection with a local Financial Institution. The defendant carried out this embezzlement through a series of unauthorized transfers of fund assets under the custody and control of the Financial Institution. Piovanetti secretly, and in contravention of his fiduciary duty, used the proceeds of the fraud to purchase luxury items for himself and others, including his family members, as well as to pay balances owed on credit cards, and for the purchase of real estate.
Between May 6, 2024, and July 1, 2024, the defendant embezzled, and aided and abetted in the embezzlement, of approximately $11,266,493.00 of the funds from the equity fund’s deposit account. These transactions were unrelated to the allowable investments under the fund, were not approved by the fund’s Investment Committee, and lacked a valid purpose for a private equity fund. Some of the illegal transactions that the defendant executed were thousands, and on occasions more than one million dollars. Other transactions were in favor of companies that the defendant and family members were in control of, including the purchase of a 2024 Porsche Cayenne Coupe registered in the name of the defendant’s wife, and the acquisition of options to purchase apartments outside of Puerto Rico.
“As alleged in the indictment, this defendant enriched himself and family members by spending millions of dollars that did not belong to him. The defendant did not fulfill his fiduciary duties and betrayed the trust that his employer and clients had in him,” said Héctor Ramírez-Carbó, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will prosecute and seek just punishment against anyone who victimizes their clients for their own personal gain.”
“This arrest underscores the FBI’s commitment to pursuing complex financial crime and safeguarding the integrity of our financial institutions," said Carlos R. Goris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's San Juan Field Office. "Embezzlement and money laundering are not victimless crimes — they erode public trust and harm our economy. We will continue working closely with our partners at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure accountability and uphold the rule of law.”
Piovanetti is charged with one count of embezzlement of bank funds, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and five counts of money laundering. The defendant is scheduled to have his initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Héctor Ramos-Vega of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julian Radzinschi is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Foley Methamphetamine Dealer Who Led Deputies on a High-Speed Chase Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison in Homeland Security Task Force CaseRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – A Foley man was sentenced to 324 months in prison dealing bulk methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Corinthius Shatuel Woodard, 30, pleaded guilty to participating in a vast drug-trafficking organization (“DTO”) responsible for distributing bulk methamphetamine and fentanyl between August 2022 and July 2024. Woodard supplied multiple pounds of pure methamphetamine to various customers in the Baldwin County area.
On May 9, 2024, police in Robertsdale seized crack cocaine and cocaine from a vehicle being driven by one of Woodard’s conspirators, which Woodard admitted was his rental car. Agents searched a phone seized from Woodard’s conspirator and found numerous text messages between Woodard and the conspirator about setting up drug deals.
Four days later, on May 13, 2024, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office deputies conducted a traffic stop of two of Woodard’s drug conspirators in Foley. Deputies seized more than 200 grams of pure methamphetamine and more than 50 grams of fentanyl pills from the car, which was occupied by three children. Deputies seized phones belonging to Woodard’s conspirators and again found numerous messages from Woodard about setting up drug deals.
On May 17, 2024, two of Woodard’s drug conspirators led deputies on a high-speed chase in Foley. Deputies eventually arrested the conspirators and seized nearly a kilogram of pure methamphetamine from them. Deputies also seized a cell phone belonging to one of the conspirators and again located messages from Woodard about setting up drug deals.
On June 15, 2024, Baldwin County deputies attempted to stop Woodard’s rental vehicle in Foley. Woodard took off on a high-speed chase with three young children in the back seat of the car. During the chase, dash and body-worn camera videos depicted Woodard throwing a large plastic bag into the roadway. The bag contained more than 300 grams of pure methamphetamine. Deputies caught up with Woodard and arrested him, finding small amounts of cocaine and marijuana in the car. Deputies seized Woodard’s cell phone and found dozens of messages he sent about setting up drug deals and having associates “wash dirty money” for him.
On July 9, 2024, federal agents searched the apartment of one of the DTO’s methamphetamine suppliers in Pensacola, Florida. During that search, agents seized more than three kilograms of pure methamphetamine, more than 220 grams of fentanyl, several loaded firearms, and more than $56,000 in cash.
At the time Woodard committed his drug-trafficking crimes, he had several prior felony convictions, including a serious violent felony conviction in 2018 for shooting into an occupied vehicle.
In addition to the 324-month prison sentence, U.S. District Judge Terry F. Moorer ordered Woodard to serve a ten-year term of supervised release upon his release from prison, during which time Woodard will be subject to drug testing and treatment. The court did not impose a fine, but Judge Moorer ordered Woodard to pay $100 in special assessments.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, the Foley Police Department, and the Robertsdale Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Roller prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
This prosecution was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Mobile comprises agents and officers from, among others, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Alabama.
Florida Ransomware Negotiator Who Extorted and Attacked Multiple U.S. Victims Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
Angelo Martino, 41, of Land O’Lakes, Florida, formerly employed as a ransomware negotiator, was sentenced today to 70 months for his role in conspiring with Blackcat/ALPHV (BlackCat) actors to extort multiple victims, as well as conspiring with other former cybersecurity professionals to attack additional victims in 2023.
“Angelo Martino’s victims shared heartbreaking accounts of how their businesses were nearly destroyed, while the people they hired to help them instead betrayed them to ransomware gangs,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s sentence accounts for the harm Martino caused and demonstrates that the Department of Justice can and will identify and prosecute cybercriminals to the fullest extent of the law.”
“He was hired to help victims in a moment of crisis,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “Instead, Martino betrayed them, fed their confidential negotiating positions to ransomware criminals, and helped squeeze them for more money. This case sends a clear message: we will pursue the hackers who deploy ransomware, the insiders who enable them, and the money they steal from American victims. Thanks to the outstanding work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, Martino is going to federal prison, and more than $10 million in criminal proceeds has been seized.”
“Angelo Martino sold out the very victims he was hired to represent, handing their confidential negotiating positions to BlackCat actors to drive up ransoms and enrich himself,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBI Cyber Division. “Today's sentence demonstrates that the FBI will pursue not just the criminals who deploy ransomware, but the insiders who enable them. Working with our partners, the FBI will find those who betray that trust and hold them accountable.”
According to court documents, Martino abused his role at a U.S.-based cyber incident response company and conspired with the operators of the BlackCat ransomware variant beginning in April 2023 to extort five different ransomware victims. Specifically, Martino was paid by BlackCat attackers to provide confidential information about the negotiating position and strategy of his employer’s clients and enable the ransomware actors to maximize the ransoms paid by the victims.
Additionally, Martino conspired with former cybersecurity professionals Kevin Martin, age 36, of Texas, who was hired as Martino’s coworker after the conspiracy began, and Ryan Goldberg, age 41, of Georgia, who was employed by a separate incident response company, to successfully deploy BlackCat ransomware against additional victims located throughout the United States between April 2023 and November 2023. After successfully extorting one victim for approximately $1.2 million in Bitcoin, the men split their share of the ransom three ways and laundered the funds through various means.
Martino plead guilty on April 14 to a one-count information charging him with conspiring to interfere with interstate commerce through extortion. On May 1 Martin and Goldberg were sentenced to 48 months in prison by Judge K. Michael Moore in the Southern District of Florida.
To date, law enforcement has seized $10 million of assets from Martino, including digital currency, vehicles, a food truck, and a luxury fishing boat that Martino obtained through the scheme. A hearing to determine the amount of restitution to be ordered against Martino is set for Sept. 17.
Today’s announcement follows the Justice Department’s prior actions in December 2023 to disrupt BlackCat ransomware, during which the FBI developed a decryption tool that allowed FBI field offices across the country and law enforcement partners around the world to offer hundreds of victims the capability of restoring their systems, saving victims approximately $99 million in ransom payments. At that time, the FBI also seized several websites operated by the BlackCat ransomware actors.
The FBI’s Miami field office is leading the investigation, with assistance provided by the U.S. Secret Service.
Trial Attorneys Christen Gallagher and Jorge Gonzalez of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Haggerty and Quinshawna Landon for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mitchell Hyman and Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle N. Croke for the Southern District of Florida are handling asset forfeiture and restitution.
Significant assistance in this investigation was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Merrilyn Hoenemeyer for the Middle District of Florida and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Marx P. Calderón of the Southern District of Florida.
CCIPS investigates and prosecutes cybercrime and intellectual property (IP) crime in coordination with domestic and international law enforcement agencies, often with assistance from the private sector. Since 2020, CCIPS has secured the conviction of over 180 cyber and IP criminals and court orders for the return of over $350 million in victim funds.
This action is part of Operation Riptide, an ongoing FBI campaign targeting the criminal actors, infrastructure, and financial networks behind cybercrime, cyber-enabled crime, and fraud against the American people. Last year, Americans reported over $20 billion in losses to cybercrime, a 26 percent single-year increase. Operation Riptide is the FBI's sustained enforcement response to that threat.
If you are a victim of ransomware, contact your local FBI field office or file a report at ic3.gov.
If you have information about ALPHV/BlackCat, their affiliates or activities, you may be eligible for a reward through Department of State’s Transnational Organized Crime Rewards program or Rewards for Justice program. Information can also be submitted through the following Tor-based tip line (Tor browser required): he5dybnt7sr6cm32xt77pazmtm65flqy6irivtflruqfc5ep7eiodiad.onion.
Federal grand jury indicts 8 men in conspiracies related to plot to attack UFC Freedom 250 event at White House, kill government officialsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A total of eight defendants now face federal charges related to the alleged plot to carry out an attack to kill government officials and others attending the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event held at the White House on June 14. All eight men were charged together in a two-count indictment returned in Columbus today.
The indictment stems from an initial investigation and criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of Ohio against Tycen C. Proper 19, of Danville, Ohio. Proper and four others charged federally by criminal complaint in Missouri, Nebraska and California were arrested the weekend of the UFC event. Two more defendants were charged by criminal complaint and arrested by the FBI approximately one week later in Washington and Missouri.
This week, an eighth defendant, Chandler D. Scaggs, 21, of Chapmanville, West Virginia, was taken into custody in West Virginia. Scaggs was allegedly assigned to be one of the snipers in the plotted attack. An affidavit details that Scaggs was to be picked up by Proper to travel to Washington, D.C. Scaggs and others lost contact with Proper upon Proper’s arrest, but Scaggs allegedly indicated to the group that he was still willing to participate in the attack and made new plans for another coconspirator to pick him up to travel to the UFC Freedom 250 event.
A full list of those charged in the indictment includes:
NameAlso Known AsAgeCity of ResidenceAbraham H. AlvarezShepherd31Omaha, NebraskaDaniel K. EskridgeFulcrum32Hamilton, MissouriWilliam L. S. FalknerPepsi21Belfair, WashingtonTycen J. ProperProx19Danville, OhioJordan W. RinckerShriveled Shlong28St. Joseph, MissouriBryan O. RoaNoble25Calimesa, CaliforniaChandler D. ScaggsViper of the S.O.G.21Chapmanville, West VirginiaMichael A. ThomasWhiskey Six32Pinon Hills, CaliforniaThe indictment charges all eight men in two conspiracies: conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory and to murder a federal government official. The indictment replaces the initial charges filed in criminal complaints in various Districts across the country.
According to the indictment, starting in May 2026, the defendants conspired to provide material support and resources to terrorists in the form of money, firearms, ammunition, body armor, explosives, drones, medical equipment, communication equipment, personnel and other services.
The eight men allegedly participated in online chat groups and forums on Signal, SimpleX, Discord, TikTok and Instagram. Throughout these communications, they allegedly developed plans for attacks, recruited members and encouraged each other to prepare for attacks, including the attack on UFC Freedom 250.
The indictment details that, as part of their conspiracy, the defendants created a tier system to classify participants. Tier one conspirators allegedly committed to put themselves “in harms [sic] way, break the law, and potentially go into hiding.”
Besides amassing weapons, ammunition, tactical gear and other supplies, the defendants also allegedly engaged in marksmanship and combat training, agreed on targets for the UFC Freedom 250 event and created operational plans to commit the attack and escape after the attack.
Count two of the indictment charges a second conspiracy, namely, conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory and to murder a federal government official.
As part of this conspiracy, the defendants allegedly planned to murder the President of the United States, Vice President of the United States, other federal officials, the Prime Minister of Israel, Elon Musk and “other high value targets” at UFC Freedom 250.
Conspiring to provide material support to terrorists is punishable by up to 15 years of imprisonment. Conspiring to commit murder carries a potential penalty of up to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio, Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice National Security Division John A. Eisenberg, FBI Cincinnati Division Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Jason Rees, Knox County Sheriff Daniel J. Weckesser, Danville Police Chief Monte L. Vance and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the indictment. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Nebraska, Western District of Missouri, Central District of California and Western District of Washington, as well as law enforcement partners in those jurisdictions, investigated and charged the previous related criminal complaints.
Assistant United States Attorneys Damoun Delaviz and David J. Twombly and Department of Justice National Security Trial Attorney James Donnelly are representing the United States in this case.
An indictment merely contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts 8 Men in Conspiracies Related to Plot to Attack UFC Freedom 250 Event at White House, Kill Government OfficialsRead the Press Release
A total of eight defendants now face federal charges related to the alleged plot to carry out an attack to kill government officials and others attending the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event held at the White House on June 14. All eight men were charged together in a two-count indictment returned in Columbus today.
The indictment stems from an initial investigation and criminal complaint filed in the Southern District of Ohio against Tycen C. Proper 19, of Danville, Ohio. Proper and four others charged federally by criminal complaint in Missouri, Nebraska and California were arrested the weekend of the UFC event. Two more defendants were charged by criminal complaint and arrested by the FBI approximately one week later in Washington and Missouri.
This week, an eighth defendant, Chandler D. Scaggs, 21, of Chapmanville, West Virginia, was taken into custody in West Virginia. Scaggs was allegedly assigned to be one of the snipers in the plotted attack. An affidavit details that Scaggs was to be picked up by Proper to travel to Washington, D.C. Scaggs and others lost contact with Proper upon Proper’s arrest, but Scaggs allegedly indicated to the group that he was still willing to participate in the attack and made new plans for another coconspirator to pick him up to travel to the UFC Freedom 250 event.
A full list of those charged in the indictment includes:
NameAlso Known AsAgeCity of ResidenceAbraham H. AlvarezShepherd31Omaha, NebraskaDaniel K. EskridgeFulcrum32Hamilton, MissouriWilliam L. S. FalknerPepsi21Belfair, WashingtonTycen J. ProperProx19Danville, OhioJordan W. RinckerShriveled Shlong28St. Joseph, MissouriBryan O. RoaNoble25Calimesa, CaliforniaChandler D. ScaggsViper of the S.O.G.21Chapmanville, West VirginiaMichael A. ThomasWhiskey Six32Pinon Hills, CaliforniaThe indictment charges all eight men in two conspiracies: conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists and conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory and to murder a federal government official. The indictment replaces the initial charges filed in criminal complaints in various Districts across the country.
According to the indictment, starting in May 2026, the defendants conspired to provide material support and resources to terrorists in the form of money, firearms, ammunition, body armor, explosives, drones, medical equipment, communication equipment, personnel and other services.
The eight men allegedly participated in online chat groups and forums on Signal, SimpleX, Discord, TikTok and Instagram. Throughout these communications, they allegedly developed plans for attacks, recruited members and encouraged each other to prepare for attacks, including the attack on UFC Freedom 250.
The indictment details that, as part of their conspiracy, the defendants created a tier system to classify participants. Tier one conspirators allegedly committed to put themselves “in harms [sic] way, break the law, and potentially go into hiding.”
Besides amassing weapons, ammunition, tactical gear and other supplies, the defendants also allegedly engaged in marksmanship and combat training, agreed on targets for the UFC Freedom 250 event and created operational plans to commit the attack and escape after the attack.
Count two of the indictment charges a second conspiracy, namely, conspiracy to commit murder on federal government territory and to murder a federal government official.
As part of this conspiracy, the defendants allegedly planned to murder the President of the United States, Vice President of the United States, other federal officials, the Prime Minister of Israel, Elon Musk and “other high value targets” at UFC Freedom 250.
Conspiring to provide material support to terrorists is punishable by up to 15 years of imprisonment. Conspiring to commit murder carries a potential penalty of up to life in prison.
U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio, Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice National Security Division John A. Eisenberg, Acting Assistant Director Coult Markovsky of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, FBI Cincinnati Division Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Jason Rees, Knox County Sheriff Daniel J. Weckesser, Danville Police Chief Monte L. Vance and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the indictment. The U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the District of Nebraska, Western District of Missouri, Central District of California and Western District of Washington, as well as law enforcement partners in those jurisdictions, investigated and charged the previous related criminal complaints.
Assistant United States Attorneys Damoun Delaviz and David J. Twombly and Department of Justice National Security Trial Attorney James Donnelly are representing the United States in this case.
An indictment merely contains allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Fayette County Woman Sentenced for Federal Fraud CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Crystal Renee Severson, 45, of Dixie, was sentenced today to one year of federal probation and ordered to pay $1,855 in restitution for fraud and related activity in connection with identification documents, features, and information.
According to court documents and statements made in court, from March 28, 2016, to March 16, 2022, Severson was employed an administrative assistant at the West Virginia Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists with duties that included receiving applications and application fees from individuals seeking to be licensed as nail technicians.
On or about January 10, 2022, Severson altered a $100 money order submitted by a licensure applicant by removing the payee’s name and address. As part of her plea agreement, Severson admitted that she replaced that information with the name and address of her mother and deposited the money order in her own personal bank account. Severson further admitted that her mother was unaware that she had altered the money order and had not given her permission to use her name on it.
Severson also admitted that she fraudulently deposited 19 other money orders submitted by licensure applicants between August 21, 2019, and November 23, 2021. The 20 money orders fraudulently deposited by Severson totaled $1,855.00.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) and the West Virginia Commission on Special Investigations.
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-26.
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Farmington Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Supplying Fatal Fentanyl DoseRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – U.S. District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr. on Thursday sentenced a Farmington, Missouri man to 10 years in prison for supplying fentanyl to a friend shortly before the man’s overdose death.
Judge Limbaugh also ordered James B. Link’s sentence to run consecutive to any sentence he receives for 10 pending cases in state court.
On June 14, 2025, Link exchanged messages with the victim about fentanyl pills. Link’s vehicle was spotted leaving the victim’s home shortly before the death. The next day, investigators interviewed Link, who admitted delivering blue and yellow pills containing fentanyl to the victim shortly before he died. Investigators found those same blue and yellow pills in Link’s house.
Link, now 32, pleaded guilty in April in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau to one count of distribution of fentanyl.
The Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Office, the Mineral Area Drug Task Force and the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Shelton prosecuted the case.
Dublin man who sexually abused minors in Ohio & Utah pleads guilty, faces up to life in prisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Dublin, Ohio, man arrested in Utah in November 2025 pleaded guilty in federal court here today to coercion and enticement of a minor, an offense that carries a mandatory-minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison.
Wade S. Christofferson, 73, admitted to coercing and enticing minors under the age of 10.
In November 2025, Christofferson was overheard on a sexually explicit FaceTime call with a minor victim. He had sent coded letters to the victim’s Utah home that referenced sexual activity for approximately six months.
A few weeks after the FaceTime call occurred, the Dublin Police Department received a report regarding the alleged sexual abuse of an Ohio minor by Christofferson that occurred when the victim was approximately 7 and 8 years old.
The defendant committed hands-on sexual abuse of the child in Utah and the second victim in Ohio approximately 20 times.
In his letters and calls, Christofferson taught the 7-year-old Utah victim code words like “snow” for vagina, “friends” for nipples, “asterisk (*)” for naked, a drawn “smiley face” for rubs and “SS” for “Secret Spanks.” He was overheard on a FaceTime call asking the victim if he could see her “snow” and “friends.” Christofferson wrote the victim “Top Secret” hand-written messages and advised they were only for the victim to read.
Dublin police officers executed a search warrant at Christofferson’s home in mid-November and seized his electronic devices. The FBI completed a forensic examination of Christofferson’s phone and discovered search history for “criminal defense attorneys sex crimes columbus ohio” and “In Ohio do clergy have to report child abuse confessions” as well as information about leaving the country.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Dublin Police Chief Justin Paez and other members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.
U.S. Attorney Gerace commended the significant contributions to this case by the FBI Salt Lake City Division, the Payson, Utah Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah.
Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.
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. Attorney’s 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.
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Dover Man Sentenced to 147 Months for Gun, Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – A Dover man was sentenced to 147 months in prison for drug dealing and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Hall imposed the sentence.
According to court documents, Kyle Scott, 38, was released from state prison on a prior drug conviction in early 2021. Two years later, law enforcement received information that Scott was again dealing drugs. Law enforcement began an investigation that included multiple drug purchases from Scott at the Dover home that he shared with his parents and minor daughter. In January 2024, law enforcement executed a warrant to search the home and discovered 307 grams of fentanyl and 757 grams of methamphetamine, as well as three loaded firearms, in Scott’s basement bedroom. Scott ultimately pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute 40 grams or more of Fentanyl and Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking. This is Scott’s fourth conviction for drug dealing.
“Fentanyl kills,” stated U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace. “But Kyle Scott did not let that stop him from peddling the deadly substance to people in the throes of addiction. This armed, career drug dealer will now be spending more than ten years in federal prison. That is a just sentence, and we thank our dedicated law enforcement partners at the DEA and DSP for taking yet another dangerous drug dealer off the streets.”
“Scott’s sentence sends a powerful message; justice will prevail against those who threaten our communities,” stated DEA Philadelphia Field Division Special Agent in Charge Thomas Hodnett. “This victory is a testament to the commitment and collaboration between DEA and the Delaware State Police.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Delaware State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Thurstlic-O’Neill prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 24-cr-00036.
DOJ Awards More Than $72,000 to Support Residential Substance Use Treatment in Rhode IslandRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE- The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs has awarded the Rhode Island Department of Public Safety a $72,173 grant through the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s FY25 Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Formula Grant Program.
This funding will support evidence-based substance use disorder treatment, recovery services, and re-entry planning within the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, helping prepare participants for successful reintegration into the community.
The Residential Substance Abuse Treatment for State Prisoners Formula Grant Program helps state correctional agencies provide treatment programs that reduce substance abuse, support rehabilitation, and improve public safety. The program includes substance use disorder treatment, recovery planning, and transitional services that address housing, employment, family reunification, and continued treatment following incarceration.
“Recovery and public safety are closely connected,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. “This funding strengthens evidence-based treatment and recovery services that help individuals build healthier futures and contribute to safer communities.”
“Substance use treatment is an important part of reducing recidivism and improving public safety,” said Colonel Darnell S. Weaver, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police and Director of the Department of Public Safety. “This grant will help ensure that individuals leaving incarceration have access to the recovery resources they need to successfully reenter our communities.”
The grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.
D.C. Resident Sentenced for Possessing a Machine GunRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Kelvin Leon, 27, a resident of the District of Columbia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 22 months in prison in connection with possessing a machine gun that he fired out the window of his Southeast Washington apartment, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Leon pleaded guilty on March 26, 2026, before Judge Amir H. Ali to one count of possession of a machine gun and one count of endangerment with a firearm. After serving his 22-month prison sentence, Leon will be deported to Venezuela.
According to court papers, on July 24, 2025, members of the Metropolitan Police Department’s Violent Crime Suppression Division responded to a residence at 2400 Marion Barry Ave. in Southeast Washington after an anonymous tipster reported that a man had fired a gun out of an apartment window. Officers executed a search warrant and recovered a privately manufactured pistol, bearing no serial number and untraceable by law enforcement. The semiautomatic firearm was fitted with a device that allowed it to fire continuously with a single pull of the trigger, converting it into a machine gun.
Leon later told investigators that he fired the weapon out of the window after an argument with two men over scooters in front of the apartment building. Leon stated that he had purchased the firearm about three weeks earlier and the conversion device about a week after that, and that he learned to install the device from online videos.
The investigation was conducted by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Washington Field Office.
The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emory V. Cole.
Officers recovered a privately manufactured pistol fitted with a device that allowed it to fire continuously with a single pull of the trigger, converting it into a machine gun.
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Council Bluffs Man Sentenced to 14 years’ Imprisonment for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Steven Potter, 54, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced on June 26, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chief United States District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Potter to 168 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Potter’s release from prison, he will serve a five-year term of supervised release. Potter also forfeited any claim to more than $30,000 and a vehicle seized during the investigation.
Potter was charged as a result of his involvement with a Mexico source of supply of methamphetamine known to supply the Omaha and Council Bluffs areas with methamphetamine via a local network of drug couriers. Potter was a local courier operating in Nebraska and Iowa who distributed the Mexican source’s drugs. On March 7, 2024, law enforcement observed Potter meet with suspected drug couriers at an Omaha location while conducting surveillance. Directly following the meetup, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle occupied by Potter. A search of the vehicle revealed more than 900 grams of methamphetamine. During a post-arrest interview, Potter admitted to delivering pound quantities of methamphetamine for the Mexican source for the past 8 months.
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. HSTF Omaha comprises agents and officers from HSI, FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, USPIS, the IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, and assistance of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nebraska.
Co-Conspirators Sentenced to 3 Years and over 11 Years in Prison for Defrauding Thousands of InvestorsRead the Press Release
A Nevada man and a Canadian and British national were sentenced today to 36 months in prison and three years of supervised release, and 136 months in prison and three years of supervised release, respectively, for participating in a scheme to defraud thousands of investors of tens of millions of dollars between 2018 and 2022.
According to court documents, Neil Suresh Chandran, 54, a foreign national residing in Nevada and California, created companies that he falsely claimed were about to be purchased by a consortium of billionaires at extraordinary valuations. Chandran and others solicited more than $45 million from over 10,000 investors based on these false representations.
Bryan Lee, 60, of Las Vegas, was the nominee owner and sole officer of ViMarket, a company controlled by Chandran, which received millions in investor funds. Lee knew the funds came from individual investors and knew that the representations made to those investors were false. Nonetheless, Chandran and Lee used investor funds for their own personal benefit, purchasing luxury cars and real estate.
“Neil Chandran and Bryan Lee deceived thousands of investors, exploited their trust, and stole their money,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Those who deceive investors, lie, and steal will be investigated and prosecuted. These two fraudsters deserve the sentence imposed. Their victims suffered because of their greed.”
“Schemes to defraud individual investors like the one carried out by Bryan Lee and Neil Suresh Chandran are personal crimes that have devastating consequences to the victims’ lives that last long after the crime is committed, and the money is spent,” said U.S. Attorney Lesley A. Woods for the District of Nebraska. “It takes a particularly cold and calculating criminal to perpetrate these schemes and to continue to lie to victims to keep the scheme alive. Individuals who defraud victims in Nebraska and elsewhere will be held accountable under federal law.”
“Chandran and Lee treated investor funds as their own personal piggy bank, using the money to purchase multiple houses and dozens of luxury vehicles,” said Assistant Director in Charge Darren Cox of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Their sentences reflect the commitment of the agents and prosecutors who fought for justice for the thousands of investors whom the defendants swindled out of millions.”
In April 2026, Chandran pleaded guilty to mail fraud and Lee pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud.
The FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Adam L.D. Stempel, Anna Forgie, and Tian Huang of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section; Chelsea Rooney and Adrienne Rosen of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section; and Assistant U.S. Attorney Don Kleine for the District of Nebraska prosecuted the case.
Cincinnati man allegedly involved in Northside shooting indicted by federal grand juryRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A federal grand jury has indicted a Cincinnati man who was allegedly involved in the May 26 shooting at the Northside transit center for illegally possessing a firearm.
Yecowniyah Beal, 26, is a previously convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. He allegedly possessed a rifle.
According to police reports of the May 26 incident, Beal was present at the shootings and was seen on surveillance videos brandishing his weapon. He was one of four individuals injured.
Beal’s prior criminal history includes attempted felonious assault with a weapon resulting from an incident in which Beal shot a victim in the leg outside of a nightclub and then shot into the air. He also has two other previous firearms or weapons convictions.
“We continue to track all shootings in Cincinnati and will bring federal charges against those involved whenever we can,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Our determination to reduce violent crime in this city remains steadfast.”
Illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon is a federal crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie announced the charges. Special Assistant United States Attorney Allison B. Oswall from Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson’s office is representing the United States in this case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Carlisle Man Indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Caleb McRoberts, age 33, of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury for failing to register as a sex offender after relocating to Ohio.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that from December of 2023 and continuing to the present, despite being required to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (“SORNA”), McRoberts failed to register his new address upon relocating to Ohio, as required by SORNA.
The United States Marshals Service (USMS) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Scalera is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The maximum penalty under federal law for this offense is 10 years of imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Canadian Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking More Than 850 Kilograms of Cocaine and Meth from U.S. into CanadaRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – A Canadian national was sentenced today to 240 months in federal prison for leading a criminal organization that – during a roughly one-month span – trafficked from the United States into Canada hundreds of kilograms of methamphetamine and cocaine worth up to $17 million.
Guramrit Sidhu, 63, of Brampton, Ontario, Canada, was sentenced by United States District Judge John A. Kronstadt.
Sidhu pleaded guilty on March 26 to one count of engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise. He has been in federal custody since October 2024.
According to his plea agreement, from September 2020 to February 2023, Sidhu led an organization responsible for trafficking drugs from the U.S. into Canada for distribution.
From September 13, 2022, to October 24, 2022, Sidhu orchestrated the distribution of eight separate drug loads, totaling approximately 523 kilograms (1,153 pounds) of methamphetamine and 347 kilograms (765 pounds) of cocaine, which law enforcement seized. These drug loads had an estimated wholesale value of approximately $15 million to $17 million.
After buying the bulk quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine in the U.S., Sidhu arranged for the narcotics’ transportation into Canada via long-haul semi-trucks for further distribution. Sidhu provided telephone numbers and serial numbers on bills of currency for couriers to use as a “token” for identification purposes during the delivery and transportation of the cocaine and methamphetamine.
Sidhu and co-conspirators then retrieved the cocaine and methamphetamine from locations within Canada for further distribution.
Sidhu is the eighth defendant to plead guilty in this matter. Several other defendants have pleaded guilty to criminal charges in this case and have been sentenced to federal prison terms ranging from 27 months to 108 months.
The FBI, the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (LA IMPACT), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, United States Customs and Border Protection, and law enforcement authorities in Mexico investigated this matter. Significant assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Canadian authorities to secure the arrest and October 2024 extradition of Sidhu.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. 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.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Larocque of the Transnational Organized Crime Section prosecuted this case.
Buffalo man going to prison for his role in cocaine and fentanyl conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that David Washington, 46, of Buffalo, NY, who was convicted of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl, was sentenced to serve 252 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara.
Beginning in February 2019, Washington conspired with others to sell cocaine and fentanyl. Washington resided at and maintained control over a residence on Bennett Village Terrace. In February 2020, investigators executed a search warrant at Washington’s Bennett Village Terrace residence and recovered over $77,000 in cash. Further investigation determined that Washington was associated with and controlled other residences on Rogers Street and Bailey Avenue in Buffalo. On February 21, 2020, a search warrant was executed at the Rogers Street residence, during which law enforcement recovered approximately three kilograms of fentanyl, 329 grams of a fentanyl mixture, 223 grams of crack cocaine, 1,002 grams of cocaine, 893 grams of heroin, $246,775 in cash. Also on February 21, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the Bailey Avenue residence, during which they seized $151,350 in cash. The total amount of cash seized was $1,133,505, which represents the proceeds of drug trafficking. The investigation also included controlled purchases of fentanyl from Washington, who was arrested for selling fentanyl while on pre-trial release awaiting trial in this matter.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy C. Lynch and Evan K. Glaberson. The sentencing are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Allen D. Davis II, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, Homeland Security investigations, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Anthony Patrone, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Amie Feroleto, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Erika Shields, and the California Highway Patrol.
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Brothers Charged with AssaultRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Two brothers from Cuba, New Mexico have been indicted on federal charges stemming from a violent assault that allegedly left a man seriously injured.
According to court documents, on March 3, 2026, Troy Barbone Jr., 43, and his brother Tyren Barbone, 40, enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, assaulted John Doe with a metal bar and shovel and the assault resulted in serious bodily injury.
The defendants are charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, they face up to 10 years in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Blue Ash man who placed hidden cameras in minor victims’ home pleads guilty to sexual exploitationRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Blue Ash man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to sexual exploitation of children for hiding spy cameras in the home of minor victims.
David Mitsnefes, 32, faces a term of imprisonment of 15 to 30 years. Mitsnefes admitted to surreptitiously capturing videos of a minor in their bedroom in various states of undress without their knowledge and attempting to capture videos of another minor.
According to court documents, between 2021 and 2025, on multiple occasions, the family of the teenaged victims found hidden cameras in the minors’ bedrooms. Mitsnefes used wifi to save videos of the minors to his iPhone. He also took the victims’ underwear and kept them in his bedroom.
In November 2025, the family’s Ring security camera caught an image of the suspect wearing a dark hoodie and pants entering the home while the family was out of town. A subsequent search of Mitsnefes’s electronic devices revealed videos of the victims as well as numerous images and videos depicting child sexual abuse material obtained over the internet. He possessed more than 5,000 images and 3,000 videos of child pornography on his electronic devices.
Mistnefes was charged federally and arrested in December 2025.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Blue Ash Police Chief Roger Pohlman and other members of the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force announced the guilty plea entered today before Senior U.S. District Judge Michael R. Barrett. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case.
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. Attorney’s 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.
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Armenian National Extradited to the United States Pleads Guilty to Ransomware Extortion ConspiracyRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— An Armenian national extradited from Ukraine to the United States pleaded guilty yesterday for his role in Ryuk ransomware attacks and an extortion conspiracy targeting companies throughout the United States, including a technology company operating in Oregon.
Karen Serobovich Vardanyan, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy and computer fraud.
According to court documents, between November 2019 through April 2020, Vardanyan illegally accessed computer networks of victim companies to deploy Ryuk ransomware on compromised servers and workstations. Ryuk ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to encrypt data on a victim's computer or network and prevents the victim from accessing the encrypted files until a ransom is paid.
As part of the scheme, ransom payments were extorted from victim companies in exchange for decryption keys to regain access to their data. A ransom note was placed on the computer systems demanding ransom payments in Bitcoin, a form of cryptocurrency, and provided an email address that victims could use to communicate with the cybercriminals.
Vardanyan worked with his co-conspirators to attack a company in Michigan that paid 200 bitcoin or over $1.1 million at the time of payment to restore access to their network. They also attacked a company in Wilsonville, Oregon, and in February 2020 attacked a school in Texas.
Vardanyan and his co-conspirators illegally accessed computer networks of victim companies and deployed ransomware on hundreds of compromised servers and workstations. Vardanyan and his co-conspirators are alleged to have received approximately 1,610 bitcoins in ransom payments from the victim companies, which was valued at over $15 million at the time of payment.
On Feb. 22, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a three-count indictment charging Vardanyan with conspiracy, computer fraud, and extortion.
Vardanyan faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for conspiracy. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release for computer fraud. Vardanyan will be sentenced on Sept. 22. 2026, by a U.S. district court judge.
As part of the plea agreement, Vardanyan has agreed to pay over $1.1 million in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Katherine A. Rykken, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing Vardanyan’s arrest and extradition from Ukraine. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the Ukrainian authorities for their assistance in this matter.
Armed Maryland mail thief sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Maryland man was sentenced to a year and 10 months in prison for mail theft and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
According to court documents, on Jan. 22, 2023, Jose Arnulfo Reyes, 27, of Oxon Hill, and another individual drove Reyes’ girlfriend’s car to the Fairfax Station Post Office, where they robbed a blue U.S. Postal Box. Law enforcement witnessed the theft and attempted to stop the vehicle, but Reyes fled at a high rate of speed before eventually crashing into a chain link fence. Reyes and his co-conspirator fled on foot.
Law enforcement recovered numerous items from the car, including a loaded handgun and U.S. Postal Service arrow key, a master key used to access a variety of mail repositories, including blue collection boxes, outdoor parcel lockers, and apartment mailbox panels in a given area. They also recovered more than thirty pieces of stolen U.S. Postal Service first-class mail, five stolen soft mail packages, and an iPhone belonging to Reyes and connected to his iCloud account that was using a GPS application to provide directions to the Fairfax Station Postal Office.
As a previously convicted felon, Reyes cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Cole Enmon prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-99.
Arizona Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and FentanylRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a federal jury has convicted John Stanford Roth, age 58, of Glendale, Arizona, of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance – Fentanyl following a three-day trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on July 8, 2026.
The two conspiracy charges each carry a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment, a $10 million dollar fine and at least five years up to life supervised release.
Roth was indicted by a federal grand jury in October of 2025.
Evidence at trial showed Roth worked with others as part of the drug trafficking organization headed by Matthew Shade to distribute cartel-sourced fentanyl and methamphetamine from Arizona to Sioux Falls and the surrounding area. Roth provided the drugs and other members of the conspiracy transported and sold them. The evidence revealed more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine was delivered to Sioux Falls for sale within approximately 8 months in 2024 and early 2025.
The organization’s leader, Matthew Shade of Tea, pleaded guilty to his role in the conspiracy and was sentenced in early May of this year to serve more than 21 years in federal prison. To date, thirteen defendants have been indicted in connection with the Shade organization. Roth is the tenth defendant to have been convicted; three more indicted defendants are awaiting trial.
“The dominoes are crashing down for the members of this crooked drug trafficking organization,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “This unanimous guilty verdict rendered by the jury, after carefully reviewing all the evidence, has tipped the scales toward justice even more.”
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Investigations Service and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Connie Larson and Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Roth’s sentencing is set for September 28, 2026. Following the guilty verdict, he was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Angelina County felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Lufkin convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Preston Allen, 59, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 9, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in February 2025, Allen was found in possession of multiple firearms while law enforcement officers attempted to serve a warrant at his Lufkin home. Further investigation revealed Allen was a convicted felon, having been previously found guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child in 2003 in Angelina County. As a convicted felon, Allen is prohibited 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 Angelina County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.
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Aaron Reitz takes oath as new U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of TexasRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Today Aaron Reitz took his oath as the new U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. He was sworn in by U.S. District Judge Nicholas J. Ganjei. Reitz will lead one of the largest and busiest U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the country.
“I’m honored to serve as the chief federal law enforcement officer and lawyer for this mission-critical district,” said Reitz. “Our office will relentlessly combat violent crime, illegal immigration, drug and human trafficking, corruption, and fraud. We will faithfully uphold the rule of law and protect the public. Things are about to get very bad for criminals in the Southern District of Texas.”
Reitz comes to the office from private practice with Hance Scarborough, LLP where he represented and counseled clients in litigation and investigations before federal and state courts and agencies, and advised corporations, executives, and public entities on complex constitutional, regulatory, administrative, and commercial disputes.
Prior to that, Reitz served as the presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed head of the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Policy. As the assistant attorney general over OLP, Reitz was charged with developing and implementing DOJ’s significant policy initiatives, handling special projects that implicate the interests of multiple DOJ components, and serving as the primary policy advisor to the U.S. Attorney General. As chief regulatory officer, Reitz also reviewed and coordinated all regulations promulgated by DOJ. Lastly, he identified and vetted candidates for federal judgeships and coordinated the nomination and confirmation process with the White House and Senate.
Before DOJ, Reitz served as Senator Ted Cruz’s chief of staff, where he oversaw domestic policy, legislative, communications, administrative, Commerce Committee, Judiciary Committee, and Foreign Relations Committee teams, as well as several regional offices throughout the state of Texas.
Reitz also previously served as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s deputy attorney general for legal strategy, where he planned, staffed, and executed the agency’s most consequential affirmative lawsuits and legal initiatives on matters including immigration, federal-state-local relations, election integrity, voting rights, Big Tech, consumer protection, energy, and the U.S. and Texas Constitutions.
Reitz clerked for now-Chief Justice Jimmy Blacklock on the Texas Supreme Court and practiced both corporate law and commercial litigation in Houston and Austin. He graduated from the University of Texas School of Law, where he was president of the Texas Federalist Society and editor in chief of the Texas Review of Law & Politics.
Before law school, he was an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He spent nearly five years on active duty and deployed to the northern Helmand Province of Afghanistan, where he was embedded with the Afghan National Army. Reitz is still in the Marine Corps Reserve as a major.
As U.S. Attorney, Reitz is the chief federal law enforcement officer for one of the largest districts in the United States. The SDTX typically prosecutes more cases against more defendants than most other USAOs nationwide, representing 43 counties and over 10 million people, and covering 44,000 square miles. The district is comprised of seven U.S. District Court divisions in Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen, and Laredo.
Albany Redesignated as Primary Office of the U.s. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New YorkRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – The Executive Office for United States Attorneys, in coordination with the General Services Administration, has approved the redesignation of the Albany office as the primary headquarters location of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York.
By bringing the district’s headquarters into closer alignment with the federal agencies whose largest regional presence is based in Albany, this transition creates a more unified and efficient operating landscape. The move positions our leadership within facilities that meet the modern demands of federal prosecution and support closer collaboration with the full range of federal partners. It strengthens routine coordination, enables a more effective All‑of‑Government approach, supports faster and more cohesive investigative work, and builds on the interagency cooperation that is critical to successful federal prosecution.
“The Northern District of New York continues to evolve in ways that honor our history and strengthen our future,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “Returning the primary office to Albany enhances our ability to work side‑by‑side with the federal agencies that anchor law enforcement in this region. This is a significant achievement for our district, and I am proud of the collaborative effort that made it possible.”
“Our mission remains steadfast: to uphold the law, protect the public, and serve the people of this district with fairness, integrity, and unwavering accountability,” Sarcone continued. “This redesignation advances that mission by placing our primary office where it can most effectively support today’s investigative demands and the long‑term success of our district.”
In the years following the opening of the James M. Hanley Federal Building in the late 1970s, the district’s primary office designation transitioned to Syracuse, reflecting an administrative realignment responsive to the needs and priorities of that period. The decision to now place the district’s primary office in Albany marks a return to a location that sits at the geographic and operational center of the Northern District’s 32 counties. Albany offers a more balanced vantage point for managing the full breadth of our work—from the critical efforts carried out across the North Country by our Plattsburgh branch, to the wide range of cases arising in Central New York through Syracuse, and the matters handled along the corridor into the Southern Tier in Binghamton. This central location strengthens oversight, supports coordinated districtwide operations, and better aligns our leadership with the realities of serving a region that stretches from the Canadian border to the Southern Tier.
The Northern District of New York was created by Congress in 1814, with court initially convening in Utica, Canandaigua, and Salem. Congress designated Albany as a place of court in 1818, and early U.S. Attorneys—beginning with Roger Skinner, appointed by President James Madison—operated from the capital region as the district expanded across upstate New York. Although the district later established major court locations in Syracuse, Binghamton and Plattsburg, Albany remained central to its development, connected to the state’s government, its civic institutions, and its longstanding federal presence.This redesignation returns the district’s primary office to its historical foundation, linking a 212‑year legacy to the operational needs of the present day. By restoring Albany as the headquarters of the Northern District of New York, the office reaffirms both its history and its future.
23 Charged with Illegal Reentry into United States Following Prior Deportation as Part of Federal Immigration Enforcement EffortRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – Over the past two months, a federal grand jury in Oklahoma City has charged 23 individuals with illegal reentry into the United States after previous deportation, announced United States Attorney Robert J. Troester.
These prosecutions are part of the Department of Justice’s ongoing efforts to enforce federal immigration laws and identify individuals who unlawfully return to the United States after being previously removed from the country. During the last two months, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma has charged 23 individuals with illegal reentry after deportation, several of whom were deported on multiple occasions.
The following defendants were charged in the last two months:
- ALVARO GRIMALDO-LUNA, 31, a Mexican national, arrested in Lincoln County, Oklahoma, on June 22, 2026. Grimaldo-Luna was previously deported in 2016.
- GENARO JIMENEZ-PEREZ, 48, a Mexican national, arrested in Oklahoma City on June 23, 2026. Jimenez-Perez was previously deported four times: in 2017, 2011, 2009, and 2008.
- FRANKLIN REYES-GOMEZ, 36, a Honduran national, arrested in Blaine County, Oklahoma, on June 27, 2026. Reyes-Gomez was previously deported in 2011.
- ARTURO VELASCO-SUSTAITA, 43, a Mexican national, arrested in Oklahoma City on June 28, 2026. Velasco-Sustaita was previously deported in 2013.
- ARMANDO VALLE-SANTANA, 49, a Mexican national, arrested in Blaine County, Oklahoma, on June 27, 2026. Valle-Santana was previously deported in 2022 and 2020.
- EDGAR RAMOS-HERNANDEZ, 29, a Mexican national, arrested in Del City, Oklahoma, on March 4, 2026. Ramos-Hernandez was previously deported in 2016.
- EFRAIN HERNANDEZ-MEDEL, 27, a Mexican national, arrested in Oklahoma City on June 17, 2026. Hernandez-Medel was previously deported in 2020.
- MARCOS ESCALERA-MARIN, 29, a Mexican national, arrested in Bethany, Oklahoma, on May 13, 2026. Escalera-Marin was previously deported in 2018 and 2015.
- EDUARDO ALEJANDRO RODRIGUEZ-HERNANDEZ, 47, a Mexican national, arrested in Oklahoma City on June 11, 2026. Rodriguez-Hernandez was previously deported five times: in 2015, 2010, 2007, 2000, and 1998.
- ALFREDO ELEOCADIO-ROSALES, 51, a Mexican national, arrested in Oklahoma City on September 21, 2024. Eleocadio-Rosales was previously deported in 2011 and 2010.
- RAUL HERNANDEZ-CORDERO, 44, a Mexican national, arrested in Oklahoma City on April 10, 2026. Hernandez-Cordero was previously deported six times: in 2017, 2015, 2011, 2008, 2005, and 2002.
- RUFO GERMAN ESPINOZA-MEZA, 49, a Mexican national, arrested in Oklahoma City on May 16, 2026. Espinoza-Meza was previously deported three times: in 2021, 2017, and 2010.
- ROBERTO GARCIA GUERRERO, 56, a Mexican national, arrested in Blaine County, Oklahoma, on May 8, 2026. Guerrero was previously deported six times: in 2011, 2010, 2007, 2002, 2001, and 1998.
- RAUL CANDIA-RAMIREZ, 30, a Mexican national, arrested in Blaine County, Oklahoma, on May 8, 2026. Candia-Ramirez was previously deported in 2025.
- CRISTIAN GILDARDO LOPEZ-MARQUEZ, 40, a Mexican national, arrested in Kingfisher County, Oklahoma, on March 28, 2026. Lopez-Marquez was previously deported three times: in 2014, 2011, and 2010.
- HELVAR BARRIOS-RODAS, 42, a Guatemalan national, arrested in Oklahoma City on March 29, 2026. Barrios-Rodas was previously deported in 2009.
- ANTONIO RODRIGUEZ MUNOZ, 49, a Mexican national, arrested in Lincoln County, Oklahoma, on April 26, 2026. Munoz was previously deported in 2020 and 2012.
- ELIUT DAVID SAMANIEGO-MONTELONGO, 38, a Mexican national, arrested in McClain County, Oklahoma, on March 16, 2026. Samaniego-Montelongo was previously deported three times: once in 2018 and twice in 2013.
- HECTOR ROCHA VILLA, 46, a Mexican national, arrested in Oklahoma City on March 2, 2026. Villa was previously deported five times: in 2023, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2007.
- JUAN JAQUEZ GARCIA, 52, a Mexican national, arrested in Oklahoma City on March 14, 2026. Garcia was previously deported in 2019.
- ISIDRO RAMOS GARDUZA, 33, a Mexican national, arrested in Goodwell, Oklahoma, on March 29, 2026. Garduza was previously deported twice in 2017.
- MYNOR ESTUARDO CHIQUIN-CAL, 26, a Guatemalan national, arrested in Oklahoma County on February 17, 2026. Chiquin-Cal was previously deported in 2018.
- ISMAEL LOPEZ BARRAZA, 43, a Mexican national, arrested in Oklahoma City on April 12, 2026. Barraza was previously deported five times: in 2021, 2015, 2014, 2010, and 2009.
If found guilty, the defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison, fines of up to $250,000 each, and removal from the United States following completion of any sentence imposed.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
These cases are the result of investigations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Hale, Jay Shank, and David McCrary are prosecuting the cases.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
8 July 2026
Yankton Man Sentenced to 45 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange has sentenced a Yankton, South Dakota man convicted of two counts of Production of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on July 6, 2026.
Robert Barbetti, age 34, was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison, 8 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200. Once released from federal prison, Barbetti must register as a sex offender.
Barbetti was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2024. He pleaded guilty on April 6, 2026.
The conviction stemmed from an investigation into several cyber tips which led to the discovery that between 2018 and 2023, Barbetti had been using various online social media platforms, including SnapChat and Wink, to target minor children and coerce them into producing child sexual exploitation materials at Barbetti’s direction and for his sexual gratification.
Barbetti’s criminal conduct included coercing a juvenile male living in Texas to perform sexual acts on his own prepubescent brother, record the sexual acts, and send them to Barbetti over the internet. Barbetti’s criminal conduct also included persuading a minor female living in Virginia to produce videos of herself naked from the waist down while committing indecent acts.
“This Administration has no higher priority than protecting innocent children,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons.
This case was investigated by the FBI, DCI, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Barbetti was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Waterbury Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking FirearmsRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that ANTHONY PRIMAVERA, 22, of Waterbury, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to 18 months of imprisonment and two years of supervised release for trafficking firearms.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2024, the FBI New Haven Safe Streets Task Force investigated a drug trafficking organization led by Primavera’s associate. The investigation included controlled purchases and the seizure of various narcotics, including multi-colored pills pressed to look like ecstasy and containing methamphetamine and metonitazene, a synthetic opioid with a potency similar to or greater than fentanyl. During the investigation, law enforcement seized more than six kilograms of methamphetamine pills, approximately 600 grams of metonitazene pills, and approximately 300 grams of pills containing a synthetic amphetamine. In October 2024, Primavera’s associate also sold a stolen pistol and a Polymer 80 handgun (“ghost gun”) to a convicted felon. The investigation revealed that Primavera had supplied the two firearms involved in the transaction.
Primavera was arrested on May 20, 2025. On March 10, 2026, he pleaded guilty to engaging in a firearms trafficking conspiracy.
Primavera, who is released on a $100,000 bond, is required to report to prison on October 14.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI Safe Streets Gang Task Force, the New Haven Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie T. Levick and Brendan J. Keefe.
Unlicensed Contractor Who Exploited Elderly Hurricane Ian Victim Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Luis Emilio Hernandez (45, Naples) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to four years in federal prison for wire fraud and illegal monetary transactions. As part of his sentence, the court also entered an order of forfeiture in the amount of $1,261,019, the proceeds of the fraud. Luis Emilio Hernandez entered a guilty plea on March 30, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, following Hurricane Ian, between November 2022 and approximately February 2024, the victim, an 85-year-old woman, and her husband (now deceased) were defrauded by Hernandez, who posed as a contractor to fix the victim’s residence in Naples which had been damaged by the storm.
The victim wrote personal checks to Hernandez for supplies and equipment supposedly needed by the defendant to fix the victim’s residence. The checks were never deposited, instead cashed against the victim’s account in amounts varying from $200 to $120,000, and in cashier’s checks payable to automobile dealerships. The memo line for each check was specified for items related to construction (windows, materials, paint, permits, etc.). A total of 35 checks were issued to the defendant in the amount of $1,261,019.
According to the Collier County Property Appraiser, no permits were pulled for the victim’s residence since February 28, 2018, when a permit for a roof was issued. The next permit was on May 30, 2023, when the residence was demolished. According to the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), the defendant had never applied for or received licensing of any sort in the State of Florida.
The defendant’s scheme consisted of him cashing checks from the victim, purchasing vehicles with those funds, then flipping those vehicles in trade-ins at multiple automobile dealerships, and purchasing other vehicles with additional funds from the victim’s checks and trade-ins.
This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service and the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Patrick Darcey and Jesus M. Casas.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
United States Attorney’s Office Reaches Settlement with Roll R Way Ensuring Access to Individuals with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced a civil settlement with Roll R Way, a skating center with three locations in York, Chambersburg, and Donora, to ensure equal access under Title III under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”).
According to U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller, the U.S. Attorney’s Office received several complaints that families with children with Type 1 Diabetes were refused entry into Roll R Way skating center. On separate occasions, each family wanted to enter with their child’s diabetes treatment supplies, which included a small amount of food and drink to regulate the child’s low blood sugar. Management of the skating center refused the families entry because of its “no outside food or drink” policy. The failure to accommodate prevented access to the business for these families and a policy without exception prevents other families with children with diabetes, food allergies, or other dietary restrictions from full and equal enjoyment of the goods and services of the skating center in violation of the ADA.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Roll R Way must revise its “no outside food or drink policy” to include a reasonable accommodation for those patrons with diabetes and dietary restrictions. Roll R Way will train their employees on the new accommodation policy and provide notice to the public to request an accommodation if needed. Roll R Way will also pay $500.00 to each complainant family.
Title III of the ADA prohibits public accommodations, like family amusement centers, from excluding people with disabilities from enjoying goods, services, privileges, facilities, and advantages provided. For more information regarding the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat discrimination, please visit ADA.gov. To learn more about the obligations of public accommodations under federal disability rights statutes, call the Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301, 800-514-0383 (TTY). Anyone in the Middle District of Pennsylvania may also report civil rights violation to the office’s Civil Rights Coordinator by calling 717-614-4911 or email usapam.civil.rights@usdoj.gov.
The settlement agreement was reached to avoid the costs and burdens of litigation and does not represent an admission of liability by Roll R Way. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Butler represented the government during the investigation and settlement.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton Announces Appointment of James McDonald as Deputy United States Attorney; SDNY Plans Leadership TransitionRead the Press Release
Appointment of James M. McDonald
Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that James M. McDonald will rejoin the Office as Deputy U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York for a period of transition.
“Mr. McDonald, an alumnus of the Office, is a remarkably accomplished, highly respected, and widely sought after counselor, strategist, and advocate, inside and outside the courtroom,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Jamie is President Trump’s choice to be the next U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and he is an outstanding choice to lead the women and men of the Office in their efforts to serve New York families and all Americans.”
Jamie McDonald’s experience as a lawyer and manager is vast. In addition to serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York, Mr. McDonald served as the Director of Enforcement at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, as a Deputy Associate Counsel in the Office of the White House Counsel, and as a law clerk to Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., of the U.S. Supreme Court and Chief Judge Jeffrey S. Sutton, Jr., of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
Prior to his appointment, Mr. McDonald was a Partner at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP where he was Co-Head of both the firm’s Securities & Commodities Investigations Practice and its Commodities, Futures and Derivatives Group. He currently serves as an Adviser to the American Law Institute’s Principles of Compliance, Risk Management, and Enforcement. Mr. McDonald previously served as a Visiting Scholar at Harvard Business School and as a Senior Fellow at New York University Law School’s Program on Corporate Compliance and Enforcement.
Mr. McDonald, originally from Oklahoma, graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law and from Harvard College.
SDNY Leadership Transition
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, who has led the Office since April 2025, was recently nominated by President Trump to serve as the Director of National Intelligence. To best serve the public and ensure a seamless transition in Office leadership, Deputy U.S. Attorney McDonald will begin to supervise the work and operations of the Office while Mr. Clayton attends to the Senate confirmation process.
During this transition period, the executive leadership team of Sean Buckley, Amanda Houle, Jeff Oestericher, and Karl Metzner will continue to lead the Office’s work.
“Under Sean, Amanda, Jeff, and Karl’s leadership, the Office has thrived,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Their strategic allocation of resources, coordination with the NYPD, the FBI, HSI and other law enforcement partners, and their mentorship of our AUSAs have made our streets safer, combatted the efforts of terrorists and drug cartels, and pursued perpetrators of sexual exploitation and hate crimes in all aspects of our society. We have steadfastly protected the interests of the United States, including rooting out fraud and abuse, and ensuring those entitled to benefits receive them. It has been my great pleasure to work with Sean, Amanda, Jeff, and Karl, and I know that, with the addition of Jamie, they will continue to be an extremely effective leadership team.”
Jay Clayton Applauds the Work of the SDNY and its Law Enforcement Partners
Statement of U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton:
“In my first days as U.S. Attorney in April 2025, I asked the members of the Office ‘Where would New York families want us to focus our resources?’ Their answers led to setting the following priorities for the Office:
- Removing career, gun-toting criminals from our streets;
- Combating the deadly fentanyl epidemic by bankrupting drug cartels and incarcerating gang leaders and their deadly soldiers;
- Pursuing foreign adversaries who are committed to harming Americans, sowing dissent, and undermining our freedoms; and
- Uncovering and prosecuting sex crimes and hate crimes across our communities.
We also turned our ‘white collar’ resources on the most egregious fraudsters, insider traders, and abusers of our financial systems, public trust, and benefits programs — focusing on individual accountability and the interest of victims.
Through the round the clock efforts of the women and men of the Office, and in partnership with the NYPD (the greatest police force in the world), our DOJ colleagues, the FBI, Homeland Security, the DEA, the Department of State, the Department of the Treasury, and our many other law enforcement colleagues, we have delivered on these priorities for our fellow New Yorkers and our fellow Americans. I am grateful to every member of the Office and the tens of thousands of officers, agents, and others who wake up every day with a commitment to ensuring our safety and protecting our freedoms. Their dedication to the public, expertise in the law, skills in advocacy, and most importantly, mutual support, are unparalleled.”
Below are some examples of the results of this team effort in our priority areas.
Removing Career, Gun-Toting Criminals from Our Streets
In April 2025, the SDNY joined with the Gun Violence Strategies Partnership (GVSP), an important New York City-led organization where representatives of over twenty city, state, and federal law enforcement bodies meet seven days a week to immediately and collectively address gun violence from the previous day. Dedicated SDNY personnel work continuously with the GVSP and the NYPD to identify gun crimes where federal charges will remove career, gun-toting criminals from our streets immediately and continuously.
Through our efforts to combat gun violence, in the past 15 months, over 250 individuals with career criminal histories have been charged with federal gun crimes and detained pending trial. More importantly, compared to 2024, the murder rate in New York City is down by 25% and trending lower. New York is our safest large city. This is what New York families want and deserve.
Combatting the Deadly Fentanyl Epidemic; Bankrupting Drug Cartels; Incarcerating Gang Leaders and their Deadly Soldiers
The illegal drug trade is a scourge on America. The international drug cartels are committed to flooding all aspects of our society — schools, businesses, public housing, etc. — with addictive drugs. These are billion dollar, often foreign government-enabled criminal organizations that have vast production and distribution networks. Hooking Americans, corrupting government and business leaders, and brutally defending their turf is their stock-in-trade. They knowingly embrace the death and destruction that follow.
We have joined the Administration’s whole of government approach to combatting these enemies of America. From New York City, Yonkers, White Plains, and Newburgh, to South and Central America, to China and the Middle East, our prosecutors and law enforcement partners are on a mission to bankrupt the cartels and take back our parks, schools, and housing projects. We are winning. Provisional reporting shows overdose deaths in New York in 2025 were down by approximately 25% compared to 2024 and continue to drop to their lowest levels in years. The Office is committed to continuing this trend.
In October 2025, together with the NYPD and the DEA, we shut down open-air drug dealing in Washington Square Park and charged over 15 individuals with federal drug crimes involving multiple overdose deaths. Children can now play safely in Washington Square Park, and we have taken that model to other parks and housing projects. Drug gangs in New York now know our truth: if you deal in fentanyl, you deal in death, and we will hold you accountable.
In April of 2026, we charged nine current and former Mexican officials with drug trafficking, weapons offenses, and related federal crimes. These allegations center on coordination with the Sinaloa Cartel, an organization responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of Americans. We also charged drug trafficking and weapons offenses involving Nicolas Maduro and other Venezuelan officials and Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The drug cartels affiliate with large-scale gangs, including Tren de Aragua (TDA), in their bloodthirsty efforts to expand and protect drug distribution. Our focus on incarcerating gang leaders and their soldiers has resulted in charges against more than 40 alleged gang members in the past year. In December 2025, we charged a top leader of TDA with racketeering, terrorism, and drug trafficking offenses. We also charged leaders of the Anti-Tren splinter gang with similar offenses and have overall secured convictions against more than 10 TDA-related gang members, including multiple convictions for murder, drug-trafficking, and sex-trafficking.
Some believe we must accept cartels, gangs, and deadly drugs as part of our community. They have been proven wrong.
Pursuing Foreign Adversaries Who Threaten our Safety and Seek to Sow Discontent
Hamas, Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, the IRGC, and ISIS are terrorist organizations and sworn enemies of the United States and western society, seeking to kill Americans at home and abroad. Together with partners across the federal government, we are bringing their leaders to justice.
In May 2026, Mohammad Al-Saadi, an alleged senior operative of Kata’ib Hezbollah and the IRGC, was arrested on terrorism charges involving multiple attacks and attempted attacks in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. Al-Saadi is now detained in the United States and awaits trial in Manhattan. This is one of several recent actions by our Office to disrupt the IRGC threat, including in the cybersecurity space.
These terrorist organizations rely on foreign governments and others for funding. Our Office is working with our federal partners to cut off their access to funds and to charge those who provide financial and other support for terror. We recently charged Reda Sabassi in connection with his efforts to divert funds raised through purported charitable campaigns to Hamas and for personal use, and, together with our federal partners, we are pursuing similar targets.
Our social media platforms and on-line networks are being exploited by terrorists, hostile foreign governments, and their proxies to commit offensive hacking of critical infrastructure networks and to radicalize young men and women and sow political and social discontent. This activity is pervasive. The costs to our foreign adversaries to radicalize and inflame using social media are low and the “benefits” to our adversaries can be great.
In March 2026, we charged two men with multiple federal terrorism charges for allegedly throwing bombs into a crowd outside the New York City Mayor’s residence (Gracie Mansion). Our Indictment alleges that these young men, residents of Pennsylvania, were radicalized on-line, including by watching ISIS propaganda, and intended to kill in upwards of sixty people.
We also continue in our investigations of efforts by foreign adversaries to wage influence campaigns within the United States, to affect U.S. public policy and opinion, and to interfere with government functions.
A great challenge we all face, and one our Office is facing head on, is protecting our sacred freedoms of speech, free association, and privacy while combatting foreign actors who use criminal means in efforts to exploit our open communications and other networks to harm us.
Uncovering and Prosecuting Sex Crimes and Hate Crimes Across Our Communities
Sex crimes, including the sexual exploitation of minors, are all too prevalent in our communities, including our schools, our hospitals, and our places of worship — the places we must trust most and must keep free from predators. Our Office has dedicated substantial resources to this mission and adopted a victim-oriented approach to uncovering and prosecuting sexual predators.
In the past 18 months, our Office has charged 41 individuals with federal sex crimes, including teachers, licensed therapists, bankers, and others in positions of significant trust, as well as gang members and others involved in violent crime. Our Office, including through our Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit, has focused on advocating for victims by holding accountable perpetrators of sex crimes from all corners of society, including drug dealers and gang members, well-resourced financial industry leaders, real estate professionals, and public media personalities. In addition, our prosecutors and our Civil Division AUSAs are working with our schools, hospitals, and other institutions to ensure that processes for identifying predators are improved and victims feel safe coming forward.
In the past 18 months, the Office has also prosecuted several significant hate-based crimes in New York City, including a defendant charged with three hate crimes in connection with repeated assaults of Jewish victims in New York City between 2024 and 2025; a violent attack on a visiting Israeli rabbi on the street outside a well-known kosher restaurant, allegedly based on his religion; and an alleged attack on a gay man in the Bronx. To further our work in this area, we hosted a conference with community leaders at NYU Law School on June 8, 2026. The conference, titled Combatting Hate Crimes in NYC, brought together approximately 100 leaders from a diverse range of religious, ethnic, and other backgrounds to discuss federal and state efforts to prevent, investigate, and prosecute hate crimes.
When someone is attacked because of who they are — because of their faith, their ethnicity, their race, their sexual orientation — the message is not just directed at that one victim. The message is sent to an entire community: you are not safe here. You do not belong here. You are vulnerable.
That message is unacceptable — in New York City, or anywhere else in the United States.
Prosecuting and Deterring Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
The world-leading success of our financial markets is a direct result of their integrity and the public trust. Our Office has had a remarkably active role in ensuring market integrity in the last 18 months, criminally charging 27 CEOs and corporate leaders with fraud, charging 12 individuals with insider trading, and doubling the number of insider trading investigations year over year. Beyond our financial markets, we have relentlessly pursued and charged those responsible for defrauding consumers, investors, and lenders of more than $1 billion in the past year alone, as well as those who cheat taxpayers by defrauding our local and federal government out of millions more.
Our Civil Division has continued its exemplary efforts to combat benefits fraud — a scourge that wastes billions of taxpayer dollars every year. In April 2025, we obtained a judgment after trial of nearly one billion dollars against Omnicare for fraudulently billing Medicare and Medicaid for drugs dispensed without a proper prescription. In December 2025, we entered into a $37.76 million health care fraud settlement with CVS Pharmacy, Inc. for dispensing more insulin than patients needed and improperly receiving reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid. And just last month, we obtained a $36.5 million settlement of a False Claims Act suit against Matrix Medical Network for submitting false and invalid patient diagnoses to the Government to artificially inflate its Medicare payments.
We have also improved our program that incentivizes companies to report misconduct so that it can quickly be addressed, individuals can be held accountable, and victims can be made whole. Since its launch on February 24, 2026, SDNY’s Corporate Enforcement and Voluntary Self‑Disclosure Program for Financial Crimes has quickly gained traction and yielded tangible results. Companies have a mechanism through which they can quickly commit to cooperation, restitution, and remediation and, in exchange, have prompt and predictable results. Following the announcement of our program, our self-reports have substantially increased. Importantly, several of the resulting investigations have led to the identification of criminal conduct well beyond the reporting companies that, absent the self-report, may have gone undetected.
A first public and flagship example of the benefits of this program to the public is Telekom Malaysia Berhad, which self-reported a fraud scheme and promptly received a declination conditioned on full cooperation, and, just weeks later, we were able to charge senior leaders at the company’s U.S. subsidiary with fraud.
Our efforts to root out misconduct and build public trust have extended to prosecution of public officials who prioritize greed over the public good. In January 2026, we charged a former high-ranking City Hall official with abusing his position to commit bribery and fraud. In February 2026, we secured an indictment charging the former commanding officer of the New York City Police Department School Safety Division and a Florida businessman with bribery offenses. We have also secured convictions and sentences of former high-ranking chiefs in the New York City Fire Department for soliciting and accepting bribes; 70 NYCHA employees charged with bribery, fraud, or extortion offenses; and defendants who have defrauded federal programs and charities out of millions.
Conclusion
“Working with the women and men of the SDNY and our partners on behalf of New York families and all Americans to keep them safe from harm, protect their freedoms, and improve their quality of life, has been an immense privilege. The Office is in great hands, has remarkable professionals, and will deliver more and more for the people of New York and America in the days to come.
I thank President Trump for entrusting me with this important role, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for his leadership, my colleagues at the SDNY for their unwavering commitment to the priorities of the Office, and the people of New York for their partnership, including, importantly, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and the women and men of the NYPD. New York is the greatest city on Earth, in the greatest country on Earth, because we support each other’s safety and freedom.”
U.S. Attorney Announces Return of Two Looted 8th Century Sculptures to the Republic of IndonesiaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today the return of two antiquities which were stolen from the Republic of Indonesia as part of an organized looting network and sold by antiquities dealer Douglas Latchford to an American collector (the “Collector”). In or about late 2021, the Collector voluntarily relinquished a total of 34 Cambodian and Southeast Asian antiquities purchased from Latchford. The two antiquities were returned to Indonesia today at a ceremony celebrating their repatriation at the Indonesian consulate.
“Today, we celebrate the return of Indonesia’s cultural heritage to the Indonesian people,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “This Office is committed to thwarting the illicit trafficking of looted and stolen art and antiquities. We will continue to partner with HSI to end callous profiteering from stolen artworks of cultural significance, and we thank the collector of these works for their voluntary safe return. It is with great pleasure that we send these artworks on the final leg of their journey home.”
The antiquities returned to Indonesia today are two 8th Century standing bronze Buddhist sculptures depicting Avalokiteshvara, approximately 16 and 20 inches tall. The sculptures were illicitly removed from archeological sites in Indonesia by a team of looters decades ago and then sold to Latchford, who was based in Bangkok. Between 2003 and 2007, Latchford sold these and other Southeast Asian antiquities to the Collector. Over the years, Latchford lied to and withheld information from the Collector to conceal that the pieces were stolen. The two bronze sculptures returned to Indonesia were the subject of a civil forfeiture action filed in this District, United States v. A Late 12th Century Bayon-Style Sandstone Sculpture Depicting Eight-Armed Avalokiteshvara, et al., 22 Civ. 229 (JMF), and identified as “Sculpture-12” and “Sculpture-27” in the civil forfeiture complaint.
Since 2012, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, in partnership with Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), has successfully investigated, identified, and repatriated dozens of stolen and illegally imported Cambodian and other Southeast Asian antiquities in the possession of individuals and institutions in the United States. Latchford was previously indicted in the Southern District of New York in 2019 for orchestrating a multi-year scheme to sell looted Cambodian and other Southeast Asian antiquities on the international art market. The Indictment was later dismissed due to Latchford’s death.
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Mr. Clayton thanked HSI for its outstanding work to recover and repatriate the stolen and looted cultural property.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Illicit Finance and Money Laundering Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cecilia Vogel is in charge of the case.
Two Men Sentenced for Distribution of Methamphetamine and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man and Berea man were sentenced on July 2, 2026, to 18 years and 7 years respectively for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Acting Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, Acting Special Agent in Charge Bobby Kuszynski of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
Shawn Beason, 36, of Louisville, Kentucky, was sentenced to 18 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Justin Cummins, 29, of Berea, Kentucky, was sentenced to 7 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On April 5, 2024, investigators were conducting surveillance of Shawn Beason. Beason was followed and observed in the Lowe’s parking lot located at 9800 Preston Crossings Boulevard, Louisville, Kentucky. Investigators observed Justin Cummins, enter the backseat of Beason's vehicle and remain there for approximately one minute before exiting and returning to his vehicle. Beason then departed from the area.
After Beason departed from the area, investigators conducted surveillance on Cummins and conducted a traffic stop of Cummins’ vehicle. Law enforcement recovered 536.9 grams of methamphetamine from the vehicle.
On February 24, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Beason’s residence. Two firearms were seized during the search: a Glock, 17 Gen 4, 9mm pistol and a Glock, 42, .380 caliber pistol. Beason was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses:
On July 27, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, Beason, was convicted of complicity to trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree (two counts).
On July 27, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, Beason, was convicted of enhanced trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree.
On July 27, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, Beason, was convicted of complicity to trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree.
On July 27, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, Beason, was convicted of complicity to trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree.
Based upon his criminal history, Beason qualified as a Career Offender and Armed Career Criminal and was sentenced to 18 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Louisville has been plagued by career criminals who remain armed and continue to sell drugs. This Department of Justice is determined and committed to imprison these incorrigible career criminals to make our communities safer. My hope is that Beason’s 18 year prison sentence sends a strong deterrent message to Louisville’s other career criminals to stop and stop now.”
Special Agent in Charge John Nokes stated, “The sentence Beason and his co-conspirator received in this case shows ATF’s commitment to keeping the public safe from career offenders and those who continue to plague our communities with harmful narcotics.”
Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department stated, “These criminals fueled the distribution of dangerous drugs on our streets. Thanks to the relentless efforts of our law enforcement partners, they have been held accountable, and our community is safer because of it.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the ATF Louisville Field Division, the Louisville Metro Police Department, the DEA Louisville Field Division, Homeland Security Investigations, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the Kentucky State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Louisville comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, and IRS, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
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Two Men Indicted for Staged-Collision CarjackingRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA –ALFRED SEYMOUR (“SEYMOUR”), age 19, a resident of Metairie, Louisiana, and DAMION JONES (“JONES”), age 20, a resident of Walker, Louisiana, were indicted on June 11, 2026 for carjacking, in violation of 18 U.S.C § 2119(1), and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii), announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to the indictment and information presented at a court hearing in the case, on January 22, 2026, JONES was driving a vehicle in which SEYMOUR was a passenger. JONES and SEYMOUR followed another vehicle on to I-10 and then intentionally struck the back of that target vehicle. When the driver of the target vehicle pulled over to inspect the damage, SEYMOUR and JONES pointed guns at the driver, forced two passengers out of the target vehicle at gunpoint, and then stole the target vehicle.
As to the carjacking offense, the defendants face up to 15 years in prison, up to a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. As to the charges of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison and up to life in prison, which must run consecutively to any other sentence, up to a $250,000 fine, and up to five years of supervised release. Each count also carries a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle reiterated that the indictment is merely an allegation and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney David Berman of the Violent Crime Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Updated 7/0/2026
Two Georgians Sentenced for Trafficking Fentanyl from ChinaRead the Press Release
ATHENS, Ga. – A Georgia inmate and a co-conspirator were sentenced to federal prison today for trafficking fentanyl and a synthetic designer drug from China into the state resulting from a Homeland Security Task Force investigation led by FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service.
“The defendants took part in an international drug trafficking scheme from behind bars, moving fentanyl and other dangerous drugs from China into Southwest Georgia,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes. “Our office, in collaboration with law enforcement, is dedicated to dismantling criminal organizations, whether they operate from prisons or across borders.”
“These defendants profited from the opioid epidemic and endangered thousands of lives by trafficking fentanyl,” said Robert Gibbs, Supervisory Senior Resident Agent of FBI Atlanta's Athens office. “Disrupting the manufacturers and distributers of this poison remains a high priority for the FBI and our law enforcement partners.”
“The defendants of this fentanyl trafficking ring will spend a significant time behind bars and will no longer be able to plague our communities with this dangerous drug,” said Inspector in Charge Rodney Hopkins of the Atlanta Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. “Postal Inspectors will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to dismantle criminal organizations that utilize the mail system for criminal misuse.”
Devito Duran Young, aka “Big” aka “Big Man,” 45, of Macon State Prison and Marietta, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 327 months in prison to be followed by eight years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance on April 1.
Trace Davrin Works, 29, of Mableton, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 262 months in prison to be followed by eight years of supervised release after he previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl on April 1.
The following co-conspirators pleaded guilty on April 15 and will be sentenced on August 6:
Andreaus Benard Oliver Sr., aka “Doomie Oliver,” 43, of Cordele, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a $2 million fine.
Andreaus Benard Oliver Jr., aka “Dray Oliver,” 27, of Cordele, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance on April 15 and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
Two co-conspirators were charged by a federal indictment returned on May 14, 2025, and unsealed on August 7, 2025, and remain at-large:
Xin Wang, 28, of China, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and she faces a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison with a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a $5 million fine for the fentanyl charge and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine for the conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance charge; and
Gao Yong, 29, of China, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. District Judge Tilman E. “Tripp” Self III is presiding over the case. There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Young conspired to acquire and distribute fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoids (marijuana) from China to the United States beginning in 2023. At the time, Young was an inmate at Macon State Prison in Oglethorpe, Georgia, and Oliver Sr. was incarcerated at the Macon Transitional Center located on the prison campus.
The shipments of the synthetic cannabinoids arrived at an address occupied by Oliver Jr. on 4th Avenue in Cordele. Wang and Yong are alleged to have facilitated the sale and distribution of the synthetic controlled substances from China to customers around the world, including to Oliver Sr. and Young.
Online advertisement of drugs for sale; this evidence was admitted as part of the forfeiture proceedings.
While in prison, Young placed multiple orders of fentanyl using encrypted chat applications he accessed using a contraband cellphone. Young directed Works to acquire the fentanyl and ship it to customer addresses, including addresses in the Middle District of Georgia, and both Young and Works paid for the drugs with cryptocurrency.
Oliver Jr. and other co-conspirators placed multiple orders for synthetic cannabinoids from Wang and Yong online and paid them with cryptocurrency, directing the packages to addresses in Cordele and his 4th Avenue residence, referred to as the “lab.”
After a package originating from China was intercepted by law enforcement, agents executed a search warrant at Oliver Jr.’s residence on July 22, 2024, and found more than 175 metal pans with sheets of paper; multiple jugs and bottles containing suspected cannabinoids; several measuring beakers; more than 350 dried sheets of paper soaked with cannabinoids; return address labels purporting to be from various attorneys; shipping labels addressed to inmates in jail and prison facilities around the country; cash; and ledgers indicating how many sheets had been processed. In addition, $170,000 in cryptocurrency was seized and forfeited from Wang as part of the investigation.
Interior of Oliver Jr.’s residence which served as an illegal drug conversion lab. This image shows papers soaked in pans with synthetic cannabinoid liquid. This photo was admitted during the criminal proceedings.
Young and Works are being held accountable for trafficking 2,610 fentanyl pills weighing 279.64 grams and Young is being held accountable for trafficking 5,502.55 grams of MDMB-4en-PINACA, a new synthetic cannabinoid.
This investigation and prosecution are part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative. The HSTF is a United States government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, transnational gangs, and transnational criminal organizations worldwide. This initiative identifies TCOs engaged in a wide range of criminal schemes that violate federal law, while dismantling cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks that fuel violence and instability that threaten the safety and security of the United States and its global partners. It also places a particular emphasis on criminal offenses involving children and ensures the use of all available law enforcement tools to prosecute offenders and/or facilitate the removal of criminal aliens from the United States. Atlanta Wilhelm HSTF is comprised of agents and officers from the ATF, CGIS, DEA, FBI, ICE-HSI, IRS-CI, DOL-OIG, DSS, USMS, USPIS, and USSS, as well as numerous state and local agencies, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia.
FBI and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) investigated the case, with assistance from the GBI and Georgia Department of Corrections.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Peach is prosecuting the case for the Government.
Three Texas Tax Preparers Sentenced to Prison as Part of False Tax Return SchemeRead the Press Release
Three Texas tax return preparers – a tax return preparation business owner and two of his employees – were sentenced today to 50 months, 26 months, and 18 months in prison for their roles in conspiring to file false tax returns on behalf of clients. Two other tax return preparers who admitted to filing false tax returns for clients as part of the same scheme still await sentencing.
“No matter the scheme, the agency, or the program involved, those who cheat on their taxes for personal enrichment undermine the very foundation of public trust,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “The Fraud Division is working across all fronts to detect, investigate, and prosecute criminal tax violations. We will protect the integrity of our tax system and ensure that those who seek to enrich themselves at the expense of honest citizens face the full weight of federal prosecution.”
“Though they used a pencil and paper rather than a gun and a mask, these defendants are nothing more than common thieves,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “The United States is ‘We the People,’ and when you steal from the people, we will hold you to account. Thank you to our partners at the National Fraud Enforcement Division for their great work here on behalf of the American people.”
According to court documents and statements made in court, from approximately January 2019 to October 2022, Mathews Chacko, Anish Pillai, and Subhala Suresh conspired to defraud the United States by filing tax returns for clients that contained false business expenses. These false expenses artificially reduced the taxes that the clients owed to the IRS, which enabled them to receive refunds to which they were not entitled. At times, Chacko and his co-conspirators included false business expenses on client returns without their clients’ knowledge, then sometimes provided false explanations to clients justifying the false items. At other times, Chacko and his co-conspirators informed clients by email that they were submitting false information to the IRS. Chacko admitted to causing a tax loss to the United States exceeding $3.5 million but less than $9.5 million. Pillai admitted that he caused approximately $1.5 million to $3.5 million in losses to the United States. Suresh admitted that she caused approximately $250,000 to $550,000 in losses to the United States.
Chacko pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the IRS. Pillai and Suresh both pleaded guilty to aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return. Chacko was sentenced to 50 months in prison, Pillai was sentenced to 26 months in prison, and Suresh was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Acting Assistant Deputy Chief Marissa R. Brodney and Trial Attorney Michael L. Jones of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Three Juveniles Arrested by Make DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Onyx Austin, 17, Pierce Arrington, 17 and Reggie Mateck, 16, were arrested and charged as adults in D.C. Superior Court in connection with an armed robbery committed on July 6, 2026, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
The three juveniles were charged on July 8, 2026. They made their initial appearance before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond and were presented on charges involving the armed robbery of two victims.
“There will be zero tolerance for those committing crimes in D.C., especially juveniles,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “For too long by virtue of their age, they have been able to escape real consequences for their criminal behavior. Their crimes not only harm individual victims but also upend the lives of law-abiding residents and undermine the safety of our neighborhoods. That is why it is essential to lower the age of accountability for these young criminals who are emboldened because of the D.C. Council’s refusal to recognize the violence that they are committing on other D.C. citizens. The rights of victims are paramount and criminals will face the full force of the law.”
According to the government’s evidence, on July 6, 2026, Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to a call for service near the 3300 Block of 7th St. Southeast for a report of an armed robbery where one suspect placed two victims in chokeholds. Another suspect pushed a handgun into a victim's ribs and threatened them. The suspects stole one victim’s wallet, both victims’ cell phones, and $1,700 from one victim’s bank accounts. Officers located and arrested the suspects at one of the suspect’s mother’s residences.
This case is being prosecuted under the Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful initiative. Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful is a law enforcement initiative in support of President Trump's Executive Order to crack down on gun violence, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department and U.S. Marshal Robert Anthony Dixon.
The case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Campbell.
Charges in a complaint are merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Three Indianapolis Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for String of Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Three men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a string of armed robberies carried out across Indianapolis in July 2024.
Emmanuel Collins, 27, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to three counts of interference with commerce by robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Jujuan Beecher, 25, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to four counts of interference with commerce by robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Tayveon Majors, 23, was sentenced in 2025 to five years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to two counts of interference with commerce by robbery.
According to court documents, on July 4, 2024, Collins, Beecher, and two unknown individuals robbed a GoLo gas station on East Washington Street. Collins and another individual pointed a firearm at the clerk and demanded money, forcing the employee behind the counter at gunpoint. Beecher guarded the door and acted as a lookout. The men fled on foot with approximately $350 in cash and a box of lottery tickets.
Five days later, on July 9, Collins, Beecher, and two other individuals robbed a Shell gas station on East New York Street in a similar manner, stealing approximately $1,000 in cash, lottery tickets, and cigarettes.
On July 13, Collins, Beecher, and another individual robbed a Phillips 66 gas station on Kentucky Avenue. Collins held the clerk at gunpoint while Beecher guarded the door, stealing $2,134 in cash. Majors acted as the getaway driver.
The final robbery occurred on July 18 at a Dollar Tree on Washington Street. Beecher and another individual entered the store, held the cashier at gunpoint, and demanded money while multiple customers were present. They took the register drawer containing approximately $230 in cash and fled in a vehicle. Majors again acted as the getaway driver.
Collins, Beecher, and Majors were arrested later that evening in the same getaway car. During a search of their vehicle, officers recovered three handguns used to commit the robberies.
“No one who is shopping for their family or simply working for a living should face the threat of armed robbery. In addition to the physical and emotional toll on the victims, these types of robberies also have broad repercussions for entire communities, forcing them to live in fear,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Through Operation Take Back America, our office will continue holding violent individuals accountable and making our neighborhoods safe.”
"These defendants used firearms and violence to terrorize innocent people for their own personal gain. Today's sentences send a clear message that those who commit violent crimes in our communities will be identified, investigated, and held accountable,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley. “The FBI remains committed to investigating violent crime and working with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation- Indianapolis Division and IMPD investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judges Jane Magnus-Stinson.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Third defendant sentenced to federal prison for theft of mail in AugustaRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: A federal judge has ordered a third defendant to be confined in federal prison after conviction for mail theft.
The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge J. Randal Hall and announced by Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
Torrance Urban Miller, 49, of Miami, was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release and fined $2,000 after pleading guilty to Theft of Mail.
Millers’ codefendants, Joshua Mister Holmes, 21, of Miami, and Coleshia Carter, 22, of East Point, Georgia, were previously sentenced after pleading guilty to Theft of Mail, Bank Fraud, and Aggravated Identity Theft.
There is no parole in the federal system.
As described in court documents and testimony, from January 2023 to January 2024, the defendants took part in a mail theft scheme in which they would steal mail from Augusta area U.S. postal receptacles looking for business checks. They would take the business checks they had stolen and create counterfeit checks which were then deposited into accomplices’ accounts and withdraw the money.
“Closing this case out with a substantial prison sentence is a victory for the business victims in and around Augusta,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “The tireless efforts of all of the agencies involved should be commended.”
The FBI, United States Postal Inspection Service and Richmond County Sheriff’s Office investigated the cases, which were prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia First Assistant U.S. Attorney David H. Estes.
Texas man gets max sentence for federal firearms violation related to attempted murder of police officerRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 22-year-old Premont man has been ordered to federal prison for possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Damian Rodriguez aka Diablo pleaded guilty March 31.
U.S. District Judge David Morales has now ordered Rodriguez to serve 60 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that described Rodriguez’s use of the firearm with the obliterated serial number to commit several crimes, including attempted murder of a local victim as well as a police officer. In handing down the sentence, Judge Morales noted the Rodriguez’s actions and sentenced him to the maximum possible sentence allowed under the law. At the sentencing hearing, Rodriguez was held responsible for the attempted murder of both the local victim and the police officer.
On Dec. 29, 2025, law enforcement was dispatched to a local residence in response to a call regarding multiple gunshots. Surveillance footage of the area revealed the shooter, later identified as Rodriguez, firing multiple gunshots into the residence from an adjacent alley. Further investigation revealed he had made multiple threats to the victim’s life on social media. Authorities recovered 11 shell casings at the residence, but the victim did not sustain any injuries.
Two days later, a local police officer discovered multiple threats on his life from Rodriguez’s social media accounts. Law enforcement learned Rodriguez had been walking in the area with a loaded gun and attempted to locate him. Rodriguez saw them and began shooting. During another incident the same day, shots had also been fired at law enforcement. The shell casings at those scenes matched those from the prior attempted murder scenes.
The investigation led to a residence where authorities located Rodriguez. Among his belongings was a Colt .223 caliber rifle with an obliterated serial number. Analysis and tests showed a match between the firearm and the shell casings from the prior shootings.
At the time of his arrest, Rodriguez had also made multiple comments regarding his attempts to shoot and kill the police officer.
Rodriguez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Police departments in Premont and Falfurrias, Brooks County Sheriff’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith is prosecuting the case.
Tampa Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Transporting and Possessing Computer Generated Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Bruce Raymond Robinson, Jr. (44, Tampa) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven to 15 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, for the transportation and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) depicting an actual minor. Robinson was found guilty following a bench trial on December 5, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Robinson knowingly transported and possessed CSAM. Robinson created the CSAM by editing thousands of pornographic images and videos to depict the face of a known minor female. Robinson shared this material with others online.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Tampa Police Department. It was being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Tampa Bay Pain Management Clinic to Pay $115,000 for Discriminating Against Disabled Veteran with Service AnimalRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida has reached an agreement with APC, INC., a pain management clinic with locations in Tampa and Brandon, to settle allegations that it violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by discriminating against a disabled veteran with a service animal. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office opened an investigation into APC after receiving a complaint from a disabled United States military veteran who uses a service animal to provide him with non-violent protection, rescue work, and assistance when he experiences seizures and episodes of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a result of the investigation, the United States determined that APC violated the ADA when it discriminated against the complainant and his wife by refusing to allow the complainant to attend a post-hospitalization medical appointment at APC’s Brandon office with his service animal. APC claimed to have a “no pets policy” and that their office is a “sterile environment.” APC’s denial caused the complainant to experience a PTSD episode, followed by repeated seizures during the car ride home and over the next several days, and to abruptly discontinue the medicine an APC physician had prescribed him while he was hospitalized.
“Service animals are not pets—they provide critical assistance for individuals with disabilities,” said United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “Many of our nation’s military veterans use service animals to assist them with service-connected disabilities. Our office does not tolerate discrimination against individuals with disabilities who use service animals and will ensure they receive equal access to healthcare.”
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, APC must pay $100,000 to compensate the complainant and his wife for the discrimination they faced. APC must adopt, maintain, and enforce a service animal policy and a non-discrimination policy regarding the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability. Both policies must be conspicuously posted in APC’s reception areas and on its website. APC must also provide training to all personnel on the non-discrimination requirements under the ADA and post a “Service Animals Welcome” sign in all public entryways of its facilities. For the next two years, APC must report any disability discrimination complaints it receives to the United States. Finally, APC must pay a $15,000 civil penalty to the United States to vindicate the public interest.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexandra N. Karahalios handled this case.
Title III of the ADA prohibits public accommodations, including professional offices of health care providers, from discriminating against individuals on the basis of disability in the full and equal enjoyment of their goods, services, facilities, privileges, advantages, or accommodations (“goods or services”). In general, Title III prohibits public accommodations from subjecting an individual on the basis of disability to a denial of the opportunity to participate in or benefit from its goods or services. Specifically, public accommodations must make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures that are necessary to afford their goods or services to individuals with disabilities who have service animals. Public accommodations are also prohibited from denying equal goods or services to individuals because of their relationship or association with someone with a disability.
Individuals who believe they may have experienced discrimination may contact the Civil Rights Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida by calling our Civil Rights Hotline at (813) 274-6095 or emailing us at USAFLM.Civil.Rights@usdoj.gov. To fill out our civil rights complaint form, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/civil-rights-complaint-form.
The Attorney General is authorized to investigate alleged violations of Title III of the ADA and to bring a civil action in federal court if the United States is unable to secure voluntary compliance in any case that involves a pattern or practice of discrimination or that raises issues of general public importance. Ensuring that professional offices of health care providers do not discriminate against patients with disabilities is an issue of general public importance.
For more information on the ADA, visit www.ada.gov or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free ADA Information Line at (800) 514-0301 (Voice) or (833) 610-1264 (TTY). Accessibility specialists are available to answer questions from individuals, businesses, and state or local governments. All calls are confidential.
Settlement AgreementStore Owner Sentenced for Operating Multi-Million-Dollar SNAP Fraud MillRead the Press Release
BOSTON – The owner of a small convenience in Boston was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars’ worth of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The defendant’s monthly SNAP redemptions in his 150 square foot store ranged from $100,000 – $500,000 per month, far outpacing full-service supermarkets which redeem approximately $82,000 per month in SNAP benefits.
The defendant also sold liquor and emergency food supplies intended for food-insecure children overseas.
Antonio Bonheur, 75, of Mattapan, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani to two years in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release. Bonheur was also ordered to pay restitution of $1 million in the form of a money judgment and approximately $400,000 in seized funds were ordered forfeited. In March 2026, the defendant pleaded guilty to one count of food stamp fraud and one count of wire fraud. Bonheur was arrested and charged in December 2025.
“SNAP is a lifeline for hardworking Americans – not a slush fund for criminals,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Antonio Bonheur came to the United States and repaid this country’s generosity by orchestrating a multi-million-dollar scheme that robbed taxpayers and stole from families who genuinely depend on this program to put food on the table. His so-called “convenience store” was a sham – a 150-square-foot fraud storage closet with bare shelves and virtually no food inventory. The only thing moving across his counter in any meaningful volume was stolen taxpayer money. Even more outrageous, while looting millions from SNAP, Mr. Bonheur was collecting SNAP benefits himself after state authorities accepted his claims of “poverty” with little meaningful scrutiny. That spectacular failure of oversight gave him exactly the opportunity he needed to exploit a system built on trust. Every dollar he stole had to be earned by an honest taxpayer first, and every dollar diverted weakened a program meant to protect our nation’s most vulnerable. This office will relentlessly pursue and prosecute those who treat public assistance programs as criminal profit centers to steal from the American people.”
“The outcome of this investigation should send a message of deterrence to those individuals who choose to steal taxpayer funds for personal use. Maintaining the integrity of USDA funding remains a priority for our agency. We appreciate the partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office in pursuing this type of fraud and holding bad actors accountable,” said Charmeka Parker, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations – Northeast Region.
“Food-stamp fraudster Antonio Bonheur came into our country and took total advantage of it, setting up a tiny shop in Mattapan that was essentially nothing more than a front for massive fraud. He stole millions from a taxpayer funded program aimed at helping the poor, to instead make himself rich, and double dipped on a critical safety net that he too claimed he needed to survive,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “The selfishness and unremitting greed on display in this case is astonishing, and this sentence makes it clear that fraud is never the ticket to lasting financial gain. The FBI and our partners are working hard to crack down on crooked businesses of all kinds, whether they’re cheating the public, the government, or as in this case, both.”
Bonheur owned Jesula Variety Store, which operated as a small variety store within a single street-facing storefront in the Mattapan neighborhood of Boston. Jesula Variety Store occupied approximately 150 square feet. The store had a single cash register, no shopping carts, no handbaskets, no refrigerators or freezers and only minimal food inventory.
According to the charging documents, for more than three years, Bonheur operated the store primarily as a vehicle for large-scale SNAP trafficking rather than a legitimate retail business. Despite the store’s limited size, inventory and food offerings, Jesula Variety Store exhibited extraordinarily high SNAP redemption volumes, far beyond what could reasonably be supported by legitimate food sales. Transaction data revealed that the store had exceptionally large and anomalous average monthly SNAP redemption rates when compared to similarly situated businesses of the same size, type and location. Specifically, Bonheur’s monthly SNAP redemptions for Jesula Variety Store regularly exceeded $100,000 – with many months exceeding $300,000 and, at times, $500,000. By comparison, one full-service supermarket in the same area redeems approximately $82,000 per month in SNAP benefits.
Additionally, transaction-level data showed that only approximately 10% of SNAP transactions were for amounts under $40, while more than 70% of transactions exceeded $95. Such transaction patterns are typically associated with large supermarkets, not small variety stores with limited food inventory.
During undercover operations conducted over the course of the investigation, SNAP benefits were trafficked for cash from Jesula Variety Store on four occasions. In each instance, the defendant worked the cash registers and personally exchanged SNAP benefits for cash. Bonheur also sold liquor in exchange for SNAP benefits.
Additionally, Jesula Variety Store also sold MannaPack meals, a donated food product manufactured by the nonprofit Feed My Starving Children. These meals are paid for entirely by charitable donations intended for shipment and distribution to food-insecure children overseas and are never authorized for retail sale. Bonheur sold donated MannaPack meals in his store for approximately $8 per package, profiting from food intended for humanitarian relief.
Jesula Variety Store carried little legitimate food inventory and generated minimal lawful revenue, therefore Bonheur relied almost entirely on USDA-funded SNAP redemptions as his source of income. To conceal the nature and source of these funds, Bonheur maintained numerous secondary bank accounts through which SNAP proceeds were transferred, withdrawn as cash and redeposited to create the appearance of legitimate business activity while obscuring the true source of funds. The scheme generated approximately $7 million in fraudulent SNAP redemptions, from which Bonheur personally retained roughly 20 percent of the proceeds.
Despite receiving millions of dollars per year in SNAP redemptions through Jesula Variety Store, Bonheur was issued a SNAP card for himself by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. In applying for his SNAP benefits, Bonheur made multiple false statements concerning his income and assets. Using those false representations, he obtained SNAP benefits that he then trafficked for cash through his own store while simultaneously operating the multi-million-dollar fraud scheme.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
U.S. Attorney Foley; USDA OIG SAC Parker; FBI SAC Docks; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The remaining defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
South Texan sent to prison after using child sexual abuse material to entice a minor to produce pornographic materialRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 20-year-old Edinburg man has been sentenced for distributing child pornography and coercion and enticement of a minor, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Carlos Genaro Rodriguez-Luna Jr. pleaded guilty April 23, 2025.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now sentenced Rodriguez-Luna to 262 months and 60 months for the coercion and enticement of a minor and distribution of child pornography convictions, respectively. They will run in part consecutively for a total 300-month term of imprisonment.
At the hearing, the court heard about the disturbing content Rodriguez-Luna collected and distributed to others. Additionally, the court heard how Rodriguez-Luna communicated with a 13-year-old minor victim discussing his disturbing fantasies.
In handing down the prison terms, the court noted the seriousness and gravity of the content involved in the case. Rodriguez-Luna was further ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to a known victim and will serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Rodriguez-Luna will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
The investigation began in December 2024 after authorities identified a social media account sharing images and videos of people performing self-inflicted harm and child sexual abuse material. Rodriguez-Luna was the owner of that account.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence where they located and seized several electronic items and his cell phone. Authorities observed a current conversation between Rodriguez-Luna and a 13-year-old female who he identified as his girlfriend. The investigation revealed Rodriguez-Luna distributed child pornography to the minor and discussed sexual assault fantasies. He also asked her to produce sexually explicit material and send to him.
Additional content on the devices included sexual acts committed on infants, toddlers and prepubescent children as well as other severe material he collected and distributed.
Rodriguez-Luna admitted to previously downloaded and viewed child pornography at his Edinburg residence.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
FBI McAllen conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Son of Las Cruces Bounty Hunter Charged in Federal Child Exploitation Case Following Search in Human Trafficking InvestigationRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Las Cruces man has been charged with federal child exploitation offenses after investigators allegedly discovered evidence on his cellular telephone during the execution of a search warrant related to a separate federal investigation.
According to court documents, on May 12, 2026, federal agents executed a search warrant at a Las Cruces residence as part of an ongoing investigation connected to Robert Jay Hernandez. During the search, the FBI seized multiple electronic devices, including a cellphone belonging to Hernandez’s adult son, Matthew Esai Hernandez, 37.
A forensic extraction of the phone, conducted pursuant to additional warrants, revealed evidence that Hernandez engaged in sexually explicit communications with individuals who represented themselves as minors and possessed Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
Hernandez allegedly used messaging applications, including Telegram and Kik Messenger, to solicit sexually explicit images. In one Telegram conversation, he confirmed the age of a minor and requested explicit photos. In multiple Kik conversations, he engaged in sexual messaging with individuals who stated they were minors and received CSAM images.
In a separate prolonged Telegram conversation spanning approximately 21 months, Hernandez allegedly received numerous CSAM images and videos depicting the sexual abuse of young children, and he continued to receive and possess such material throughout the communication.
Hernandez is charged with attempted coercion and enticement of minors, receipt of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, Hernandez faces a minimum of 25 years in prison and up to life in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
The Las Cruces Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maria Armijo and Grant Gardner are prosecuting the case as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Shoplifting Arrest Leads to Federal Firearm Conviction for Tallahassee FelonRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Lamar Bunch, 35, of Tallahassee, Florida, pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case demonstrates the dangers faced by our brave law enforcement partners every day as they confront criminals to keep our communities safe. It also underscores the urgency with which my office must continue to act to ensure armed serial offenders, like this defendant, are kept behind bars where they belong so they cannot continue terrorizing our streets with their criminality.”
Court documents reflect that an off-duty Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputy was working a security detail at Dillards when he observed the defendant shoplifting. The deputy made contact with the defendant outside of the store, and, while talking with him, the defendant opened his backpack where the deputy could see a pair of jeans inside the bag with the tags still on them. When the deputy attempted to detain the defendant, he fled on foot. The defendant was caught, arrested and a search of the defendant’s backpack yielded the stolen pair of pants with the size and price tags still attached and a 9-millimeter pistol.
The defendant was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions for burglary, robbery, and attempted burglary.
The defendant faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment.
The case involved an investigation by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the Tallahassee Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney James A. McCain.
Sentencing is scheduled for September 11, 2026, at 1:00 pm, in the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before United States District Judge Mark E. Walker.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Sex offender sentenced to 15 years for possessing nearly 10,000 sexually explicit videos and images of childrenRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 71-year-old Bacliff man has been ordered to federal prison for possession of child sexual abuse material for the second time, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Wesley Joseph Slanina pleaded guilty Dec. 17, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown has now sentenced Slanina to serve 186 months in federal prison. The sentence will be immediately followed by 10 years of supervised release, during which time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet.
At the hearing, the court held him accountable for possessing over 7,000 images and heard additional information that Slanina was previously convicted of possessing child sexual abuse material and using a government-issued laptop to access prohibited material. Slanina was further ordered to pay $71,000 in restitution to the victims and will also be ordered to re-register as a sex offender.
The investigation began in June 2019 when law enforcement discovered Slanina sharing multiple files containing child sexual abuse material using peer-to-peer software. The videos and images depicted children, including infants and toddlers, in various sexual acts.
On June 10, 2020, authorities executed a search warrant at his home and discovered and seized several electronic devices.
Forensic analysis of his personal computer and 129-gigabyte storage card resulted in the discovery of 2,503 videos and 7,172 images containing child sexual abuse material.
Slanina will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly A. Leo, Amanda Alum and Michael Day prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Seven Sentenced in Homeland Security Task Force Drug CaseRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that in separate sentencings, seven men have been sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley for their roles in a large drug trafficking organization operating in Madison.
Keean Moore, 49, Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced on May 22, 2026, to 11 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and fentanyl. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Moore pleaded guilty to the charge on February 27, 2026.
Jimmie Leuaxay, 33, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced on May 28, 2026, to a total sentence of 15 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and fentanyl and for possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Leuaxay pleaded guilty to these charges on February 26, 2026. Leuaxay was also ordered to forfeit 16 guns, ammunition, and more than $26,000.
James Dubois, 31, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced on May 28, 2026, to 66 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Dubois pleaded guilty to the charge on March 11, 2026.
James Land, 37, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced on June 4, 2026, to 6 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Land pleaded guilty to the charge on March 12, 2026.
Keean Moore Jr., 26, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced on June 16, 2026, to 5 years in federal prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a felon. The prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Moore Jr. pleaded guilty to the charges on March 24, 2026.
Travis Corrado, 46, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced on June 17, 2026, to 5 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Corrado pleaded guilty to the charge on March 24, 2026.
Shavarim Wicks, 48, Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced on June 17, 2026, to 5 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Wicks pleaded guilty to the charge on April 8, 2026.
In early 2024, law enforcement began investigating members of a drug trafficking organization operating in Dane County led by Jamar Purnell. During the investigation, officers worked with confidential informants to purchase significant quantities of drugs. Officers seized drugs and firearms during search warrants executed at residences and vehicles associated with the organization.
Wicks, Moore, and Leuaxay were identified as primary distributors for Purnell. They would deliver methamphetamine, heroin/fentanyl, and cocaine on behalf of Purnell. Wicks operated as Purnell’s primary distributor from early 2024 until his arrest on May 29, 2024.
On May 29, 2024, Wicks delivered 449 grams of methamphetamine and 3 grams of heroin/fentanyl to a confidential informant in Madison. Investigators arrested him later that day and searched the vehicle he was operating, finding 38 grams of heroin/fentanyl, 12 grams of cocaine, and $5,730 in U.S. currency, which included prerecorded buy money. Investigators also executed a search warrant at a residence in Madison where Wicks and Purnell trafficked drugs. There, investigators located 10,720 grams of methamphetamine and 166 grams of heroin/fentanyl.
On July 31, 2024, Moore delivered 549 grams of methamphetamine on behalf of Purnell to a confidential informant in Madison. On January 3, 2025, Moore delivered 454 grams of methamphetamine on behalf of Purnell to a confidential informant in Madison.
On September 12, 2024, Leuaxay delivered 446 grams of methamphetamine on behalf of Purnell to a confidential informant in Madison. On October 15, 2024, Leuaxay delivered 447 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Madison.
On March 18, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at Leuaxay’s residence in Madison and found seventeen firearms in the master bedroom. They also found 223 caliber ammunition, 357 ammunition, 45 caliber ammunition, and 9mm ammunition, 189 grams of cocaine, $26,225 in U.S. currency, and body armor.
Also on March 18, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at Moore’s residence in Madison and found 389 grams of methamphetamine, 226 grams of cocaine, 688 grams of marijuana, 22 caliber ammunition, and $2,000 in U.S. currency.
Dubois, Land, Corrado, and Moore Jr. were identified as drug distributors for the organization. Investigators attributed the following drug quantities obtained for further distribution: over 2,200 grams of methamphetamine and 190 grams of fentanyl for Dubois, over 1,300 grams of methamphetamine and 80 grams of fentanyl for Land, and over 1,100 grams of methamphetamine and 120 grams of fentanyl for Corrado.
Moore Jr. operated at the direction of his father, Moore. On August 9, 2024, Moore Jr. delivered 450 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Madison at the direction of Moore. On July 9, 2025, investigators arrested Moore Jr. on a federal arrest warrant. He was searched incident to his arrest and found in possession of a loaded Ruger .380 caliber pistol. Moore Jr. is a previously convicted felon and unable to legally possess a firearm.
Jamar Purnell, 49, Chicago, Illinois, was previously sentenced by Judge Conley to a total sentence of 20 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
A total of sixteen individuals were charged in connection with this drug trafficking organization. Treagir Sander, Kyle Haag, and Waylon Degenhardt have entered guilty pleas for their involvement and will be sentenced in the coming months. Alisha Lavine is scheduled for a plea hearing on July 14, 2026. Cases against Dajuea M. Purnell, William M. Marshall, Anthony E. Hohenstein, and Yasir W. Stackhouse are still pending, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The charges against Moore, Leuaxay, Dubois, Land, Corrado, Wicks, and Moore Jr. were the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Madison Police Department. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven P. Anderson and Kathryn Ginsberg prosecuted this case.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) Program 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 federal 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.
Sells Man Pleads Guilty to Abusive Sexual Contact of a ChildRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Mario JB Juan, 39 years old, of Sells, Arizona, pleaded guilty on June 26, to one count of Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 8, 2026, before United States District Judge Angela M. Martinez.
Juan admitted that in 2015, he knowingly engaged in sexual contact with the victim, who was under the age of 12 at the time. Juan was employed at the Head Start Program in Sells at the time.
A conviction for Abusive Sexual Contact of a Child carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life.
Anyone with information regarding this defendant or who may have also been a victim of this defendant is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.
The FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Tohono O’odham Nation Police Department. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 25-CR-01242-TUC-AMM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-121_Juan# # #
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.