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3 June 2026
Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Selling Illicit Chemical SubstancesRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that Jeffrey McIndoo, of Phoenix, and his company, JeffMac Investments LLC doing business as SARMS Pharm LLC (SARMS Pharm), has pleaded guilty to an information in connection with the illicit sale of potentially dangerous chemical substances known as “SARMs” - selective androgen receptor modulators that mimic the effects of anabolic steroids when ingested into the body. SARMs are not approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
“The Justice Department and its partners will continue to actively pursue companies and individuals who sell smuggled and potentially harmful substances to American consumers,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Smuggled SARMs have no place in the national marketplace, and we will endeavor to keep these substances out of the reach of consumers.”
McIndoo, the owner/operator of SARMS Pharm, admitted to introducing an unapproved drug into interstate commerce, while SARMS Pharm pleaded guilty to a conspiracy to smuggle SARMs from China into the United States. In total, between 2017 and 2022, SARMS Pharm earned gross profits totaling at least $3.5 million from selling SARMs. As part of its plea, SARMS Pharm agreed to forfeit $1.8 million the sum of the proceeds retained by the company.
The defendants pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Boyle for the District of Arizona. McIndoo faces a maximum penalty of one year in prison. As part of the plea agreements, JeffMac Investments LLC will shutter its business and will no longer smuggle or sell SARMS.
This case was investigated by FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations.
This case was prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel David Sullivan and Assistant Director Patrick Runkle of the Civil Division’s Enforcement & Affirmative Litigation Branch.
Anchorage man sentenced to 5 years for receiving child pornography and possessing AI-generated images depicting child sexual abuseRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced today to 5.8 years in prison for receiving child pornography, as well as creating artificial intelligence (AI) generated images depicting the sexual abuse of minors.
According to court documents, on Aug. 13, 2024, Anthaney O’Connor, 32, contacted law enforcement to report an active-duty airman’s sexual interest in minor children. O’Connor met this person, Caleb French, 28, on an online dating platform. O’Connor provided law enforcement with two images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) French sent him that depicted prepubescent children. He also provided law enforcement with several text messages between him and French where they discussed viewing CSAM together.
The text messages prompted law enforcement to request a full search of O’Connor’s cell phone, where they found messages claiming he could create virtual reality (VR) point of view (POV) CSAM using images of real children that French took in his community. Law enforcement also recovered more CSAM on his cellphone, including six AI/cartoon drawings depicting children.
On Dec. 19, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant on O’Connor’s residence to recover multiple digital devices. Law enforcement recovered an additional 20 images of CSAM from those devices, some of which were AI generated or depicted prepubescent children. In total O’Connor possessed 32 images and three videos containing CSAM.
On Jan. 21, 2025, O’Connor was indicted on one count of distribution of child pornography, one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. On July 31, 2025, O’Connor pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography.
During sentencing, the Court ordered O’Connor to serve 20 years on supervised release following the completion of his custodial sentence, as well as a $35,000 special assessment. In handing down the sentence, the Court emphasized the defendant’s significant criminal history and that the CSAM industry is consumer driven, highlighting the need for general deterrence so the public understands that possessing or receiving any sort of CSAM could result in serious federal penalties.
“Anthaney O’Connor not only received, consumed, and distributed depraved images depicting sexual abuse of young children, but actively collaborated to view the material in virtual reality,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “He boasted about his ability to generate virtual reality simulations using images of real children. Some of the material he possessed was generated by sophisticated artificial intelligence tools. AI used in this criminal manner adds a new element to child sexual abuse crimes. The Criminal Division is already at the cutting edge to curb this dangerous avenue for child sexual abuse.”
“Possessing and exchanging CSAM, including AI-generated images of children, is an abhorrent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Protecting children and dismantling this predatory industry is a top priority for my office, and Mr. O’Connor is another example of our aggressive efforts to stop such disgusting conduct. Let this serve as a clear reminder that we will relentlessly pursue anyone who endangers children, period.”
“Protecting our children from the depraved actions of individuals like O’Connor is a top priority for the FBI and our law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “O’Connor’s possession of real as well as AI-generated CSAM is alarming, abhorrent and will never be tolerated. The FBI will continue working aggressively with our partners to make sure those who harm our most vulnerable are held accountable for their crimes.”
French was charged with one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography through a separate case. On May 20, 2025, French pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography, and on Oct. 15, 2025, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison and 20 years on supervised release once his prison sentence is complete.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) investigated the case.
District of Alaska Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Caille Petersson and Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (“CEOS”) prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
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All Eight Defendants in Wiretap Investigation Sentenced to Prison for Their Roles in Trafficking in Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Firearms in Burlington County; Lead Defendant Sentenced to 225 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
CAMDEN, N.J. – Eight current or former Burlington County, New Jersey residents have been sentenced to prison in recent months after pleading guilty to narcotics and firearms offenses, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced. The defendants were charged as a result of a federal wiretap investigation.
On May 28, 2026, U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn sentenced the final defendant, Mansfield Johnson, a/k/a “Money Mike,” 40, of Florence, New Jersey, to 225 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release. Johnson previously pleaded guilty on September 22, 2025 before Judge O’Hearn to conspiring to distribute fentanyl, conspiring to traffic a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Johnson also admitted to dealing powder and crack cocaine.
Judge O’Hearn has now sentenced all eight defendants who were charged as a result of the federal wiretap investigation, as follows:
NameAgeCharge(s) to which pled guiltySentence receivedSentencing dateMansfield Johnson, a/k/a “Money Mike”40- Conspiracy to distribute 40g or more of fentanyl
- Conspiracy to traffic firearm
- Possess of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Conspiracy to distribute cocaine
- Conspiracy to distribute 40g or more of fentanyl (3 counts)
- Conspiracy to traffic firearm
- Conspiracy to distribute 28g or more of crack cocaine
- Conspiracy to traffic firearm
- Conspiracy to distribute cocaine
- Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl
- Conspiracy to traffic firearm
- Conspiracy to distribute cocaine
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From August 2023 through February 2024, Johnson and his co-conspirators distributed fentanyl, powder cocaine, and crack cocaine. Johnson, Hines, Stratton, and Fowler also conspired to illegally traffic a firearm, and they in fact sold a firearm to an undercover agent. Further, Johnson admitted to illegally possessing a different firearm, despite being a convicted felon. Johnson also used threats of violence to protect his drug trafficking.
Fowler previously had been convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, as a result of a different federal wiretap investigation, and his criminal conduct in this case violated his federal supervised release conditions.
Federal law enforcement agents and their state and local partners made these cases by intercepting telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, making controlled purchases of fentanyl, cocaine, and a firearm, using confidential sources, executing numerous search warrants, and other investigative techniques. A total of four firearms were recovered as a result of the investigation.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited Special Agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Trenton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy; Special Agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco and Explosives (ATF), Newark Field Division, Trenton Field Office, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Beau Kolodka; Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark, under the direction of Field Office Director John Tsoukaris; New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Acting Superintendent Jeanne Hengemuhle; Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw; Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Janetta Marbrey; Willingboro Township Police, under the direction of Chief of Police Ian Bucs; Burlington Township Police, under the direction of Public Safety Director Bruce Painter; Florence Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Brian Boldizar; Westampton Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Brian Ferguson; Edgewater Park Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police John B. Harris, Jr.; Pemberton Township Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Jonathan Glass; Burlington City Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Ryan P. Elbertson; Delran Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Matthew Gasper; Mount Holly Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Cliff Spencer; Bordentown Police Department, under the direction of Director of Police Frank Lombardo; Trenton Police Department, under the direction of Police Director Steve Wilson, with the investigation leading to the sentencings in this case.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa T. Wiygul of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Camden.
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Defense counsel:
M. Johnson: Troy Archie, Esq.
A. Johnson: Stanley King, Esq.
McCray: Megan Davies, Esq.
Fowler: Ikram Ally, Esq.
Phillips: Robert Wolf, Esq.
Hines: Jonathan Sobel, Esq.
Stratton: Michael Huff, Esq.
Hutchinson: John Brennan, Esq.
johnsonetal.supersedingindictment.pdfAlaska Man Who Received Images of Child Pornography and Possessed AI-Generated Images of Child Sexual Abuse Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
An Alaskan man was sentenced today to 70 months in prison and 20 years of supervised release for trafficking in child pornography, including images of pre-pubescent children.
Anthaney O’Connor, 32, of Anchorage, pleaded guilty on July 31, 2025, to receipt of child pornography, also known as child sexual abuse material or “CSAM.” According to court documents, O’Connor received CSAM from another offender, who was an active-duty Airman stationed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. The CSAM included images depicting prepubescent children. The two of them also planned to view CSAM together using a virtual reality system. In stored messages with this other offender, O’Connor explained that he could use images of real children and make them sexually explicit for use in this system, so that the user could experience a virtual simulation of what the images depicted. O’Connor also distributed CSAM to other individuals and possessed multiple images of obscene visual depictions of child sexual abuse of children that were created by artificial intelligence.
“Anthaney O’Connor not only received, consumed, and distributed depraved images depicting sexual abuse of young children, but actively collaborated to view the material in virtual reality,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “He boasted about his ability to generate virtual reality simulations using images of real children. Some of the material he possessed was generated by sophisticated artificial intelligence tools. AI used in this criminal manner adds a new element to child sexual abuse crimes. The Criminal Division is already at the cutting edge to curb this dangerous avenue for child sexual abuse.”
“Possessing and exchanging CSAM, including AI-generated images of children, is an abhorrent crime,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Protecting children and dismantling this predatory industry is a top priority for my office, and Mr. O’Connor is another example of our aggressive efforts to stop such disgusting conduct. Let this serve as a clear reminder that we will relentlessly pursue anyone who endangers children, period.”
“Protecting our children from the depraved actions of individuals like O’Connor is a top priority for the FBI and our law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Schlegel of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “O’Connor’s possession of real as well as AI-generated CSAM is alarming, abhorrent and will never be tolerated. The FBI will continue working aggressively with our partners to make sure those who harm our most vulnerable are held accountable for their crimes.”
The FBI and United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI) investigated the case.
Trial Attorney McKenzie Hightower of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Caille Petursson of the District of Alaska prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
2 June 2026
Worden man pleads guilty to drug chargesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Worden man who regularly sold methamphetamine out of his rural Yellowstone County home admitted to charges today, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
The defendant, John Paul Schmieding, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Schmieding faces five to 40 years in prison, a $5 million fine, four years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
U.S. District Judge William W. Mercer presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Schmieding will receive a date for his sentencing at a future appearance; he was released back to supervision pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that an investigation by local and federal law enforcement into bank fraud and stolen guns led officials to a meth trafficking operation run by Schmieding.
On Aug. 6, 2025, Billings police officers arrested a man suspected of trying to cash fraudulent checks at a local bank. A search of his vehicle turned up more fraudulent documents and a stolen handgun. From jail, in an effort to raise bond money, the man directed his girlfriend to sell off stolen guns and other items to Schmieding, who had been identified by the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Taskforce as someone with a history of trafficking meth in the Billings area.
Using a warrant, investigators began tracking the vehicles and cell phones used by the girlfriend and another woman, which led officers to the Billings home of Schmieding’s father and Schmieding’s residence in Worden. The two women later told investigators they had regularly purchased meth from Schmieding.
On Sept. 17, 2025, investigators served a search warrant on both locations, where they discovered a “large cache of stolen firearms” in the Billings home and meth and drug paraphernalia in Schmieding’s Worden residence. Specifically in Worden, officers discovered in the sink a torn vacuum pack plastic bag filled with water and containing meth residue. Agents cut the P-trap out of the sink and collected the water inside, which also tested positive for meth. They also discovered glass pipes with meth residue, a digital scale and cash.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin Rubich is prosecuting the case. The Billings Police Department, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Taskforce conducted the investigation.
Washington Man Sentenced for Hate Crime Charge After Stabbing a Black Woman Metro Bus PassengerRead the Press Release
A Washington man was sentenced today to a federal hate crime charge for violently assaulting and stabbing a Black female passenger because of her race. Adan Hernandez-Mayoral was sentenced to 54 months in prison and three years of supervised release for an incident in which he used a dangerous weapon, a knife, to cause bodily injury to the victim because of her race and color.
According to court documents, Adan C. Hernandez-Mayoral boarded a King County Metro bus on March 7, 2024, and immediately began making racially charged comments about Black people. Hernandez-Mayoral started antagonizing the victim, a Black woman, and yelled, “I don’t like Black people, f***in’ hate ’em.” The defendant referred to the woman as “Rosa Parks” and told her to move to the back of the bus. When the woman attempted to move away from him, Hernandez-Mayoral followed her, while hiding a knife behind his back. When the bus doors opened at a stop, Hernandez-Mayoral grabbed the woman, pushing her off the bus and into a fence. He immediately began beating her all over her body. He stomped on her after she fell to the ground. He then used the knife to repeatedly and violently stab the woman. The victim was wearing a thick coat, sparing her from more serious injuries. Hernandez-Mayoral fled the scene but was located and arrested by officers from the Kent Police Department later that evening.
“Today, we have delivered justice with the sentencing of Adan Hernandez-Mayoral for his brutal, racially motivated attack on the victim,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Assaults like these destroy our communities by breeding fear and distrust of public places and facilities. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute such cases to restore safety and confidence in our cities’ streets and transit systems.”
“Racially motivated attacks such as this one shock the conscience of our community,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd for the Western District of Washington. “This office will join with our state and local partners to ensure these crimes are investigated and those who commit them will be held accountable. Such hate has no place here.”
“The victim in this case was minding her own business on a familiar public transit route when a stranger made offensive comments about her race, threw her off the stopped bus, and then brutally assaulted her with a knife,” said Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington of the FBI Seattle Field Office. “Together with our partners like the Kent Police Department, the FBI will hold accountable those like Mr. Hernandez-Mayoral who engage in violent hate crimes.”
“This was a horrific and deeply disturbing racially motivated assault that targeted an innocent member of our community because of the color of her skin,” said Chief Rafael Padilla of the Kent Police Department. “I am pleased to have reached this conviction on her behalf. Hate-fueled violence has no place in Kent.”
On Dec. 23, 2025, Hernandez-Mayoral pleaded guilty to Hate Crime Causing Bodily Injury.
The case was investigated by the Kent Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica M. Manca for the Western District of Washington and Trial Attorney Tenette Smith of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, with valuable assistance from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Virginia Man Sentenced in D.C. to 81 Months for His Role in Fentanyl Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Michael Augment, 38, of Lorton, Virginia, was sentenced today in U.S. District Court to 81 months in prison in connection with conspiring to distribute fentanyl in the District of Columbia, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“Augment repeatedly sold fentanyl in quantities large enough to kill hundreds of people, flooding a city already ravaged by an opioid crisis with one of the most lethal drugs on the market,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “This sentence reflects the grave danger he posed to our community and our determination to hold fentanyl traffickers accountable.”
Augment pleaded guilty on March 4, 2026, before Judge Timothy Kelly to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. In addition to the prison term, Judge Kelly ordered Augment to serve five years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had requested an 87-month prison term.
According to court papers, between April 2024 and October 2024, Augment conspired with others to distribute fentanyl in Washington, D.C. During that period, he sold fentanyl to a law enforcement agent on multiple occasions. Those sales included about 157 grams for $4,000 and 278 grams for $8,750.
In July 2024, Virginia State Police stopped Augment's vehicle after he left a co-conspirator's apartment in the District. Officers recovered fentanyl and about $12,473 in cash, along with a ledger containing money orders totaling about $32,478. A subsequent search of Augment's home turned up about $27,000 in cash, a heat sealer, and a handgun case. Augment admitted responsibility for between 400 grams and 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA Washington Division with valuable assistance provided by Virginia State Police.
The matter was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nihar Mohanty and Solomon Eppel.
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United States Attorney Andrew S. Boutros Issues Rare Special Report Regarding Federal Grand Jury AppearancesRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, today issued a rare Special Report confirming what he has already stated publicly in response to intense press interest and inquiries: He has never appeared before any grand jury hearing or deliberating evidence on any matter since becoming U.S. Attorney on April 7, 2025.
As addressed in the Special Report, U.S. Attorney Boutros’s only appearances in the federal grand juries of the Northern District of Illinois were to welcome grand jurors when first impaneled, and thereafter, his only other appearances were in his official capacity as the Chief Legal Advisor to federal grand juries where he addressed generally the role, function, and importance of the grand jury in our constitutional system of government and laws. In the latter context, U.S. Attorney Boutros appeared only after informing the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, who supervises all federal grand juries in the District, that he would be doing so. Then, his appearances as Chief Legal Advisor to the grand juries consisted of him providing brief general comments about the important role of the grand jury under the U.S. Constitution, and the need for grand jurors to be fair and impartial. His comments coincided with the reading of a letter from the Chief Judge to the various grand juries; U.S. Attorney Boutros has not seen, read, or heard the contents of the Chief Judge’s letter.
As a condition to issuing today’s Special Report, U.S. Attorney Boutros obtained court-ordered authorization for the release of grand jury materials and minutes. Today’s Special Report is being made available to the public in the public interest as well as the interest of justice in light of wide-ranging speculation about U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros’s appearance in what some have dubbed the “Broadview 6” grand jury, which is the panel of grand jurors from the Special June 2024 Grand Jury hearing evidence on that specific matter. That speculation was created on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, in open court, when counsel for the one of the defendants in United States v. Rabbitt, et al., 25 CR 693 (Perry, J.) stated in relevant part in open court before going into closed session that: “We have a belief that the U.S. Attorney had personal contact with this grand jury. We have not been provided with that transcript. I believe there’s an update on that. If that did occur, we would like that as well.” Rabbitt, et al., Transcript, 05/26/2026, p. 22, lns. 13-16.
The Special Report conclusively shows that a transcription error by the court reporter transcribing the audio recording of the grand jury minutes from October 23, 2025, inadvertently and mistakenly stated “USA (inaudible),” instead of “AUSA Bond,” with the latter being a reference to Assistant United States Attorney Aaron Bond, the Chief of the Office’s Narcotics Section, who had appeared before the same grand jury on a different, unrelated matter on October 9, 2025. Thus, the grand jury minutes from October 23, 2025, reflect a classic case of mistaken identity, namely, that “USA (inaudible)” appeared before that grand jury on a matter when in fact, Chief of Narcotics Aaron Bond appeared before the same grand jury on a different matter on October 9, 2025. Steps are being taken to attempt to correct the relevant minutes.
The full Special Report can be read here.
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Note: The Special Report consists of grand jury materials that would otherwise be subject to grand jury secrecy pursuant to Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 6(e), including highly secretive grand jury “minutes,” which are those portions of a grand jury session where an Assistant U.S. Attorney speaks to grand jurors about the law or sometimes the application of the law to the facts, without a witness present. Prior to publishing these materials in the Special Report, U.S. Attorney Boutros obtained court-ordered authorization from the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
special_report.pdfU.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas Closes Out May with 350 New Immigration CasesRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 350 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 22 to May 28, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. Charges were brought against human smugglers and illegal aliens with past convictions for numerous DWIs, violent crimes, burglary, patronizing prostitution, and multiple prior removals.
Among the new cases, 172 were filed in Del Rio, where Jeremias Perez-Ramirez, an illegal alien from El Salvador, was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents and charged with illegal re-entry. Perez-Ramirez was recently deported for the fourth time in February. A felon, his criminal record contains three DWI convictions, two convictions for driving with a suspended or invalid license, and unlawful restraint.
USBP agents also arrested convicted felon and illegal alien from Mexico, Martin Roman-Barrera. Roman-Barrera was last deported in 2014, after he was convicted of aggravated battery in a public place and sentenced to three years of confinement. Prior to that, he was convicted of two DUI misdemeanors and driving on a suspended or revoked license.
In El Paso, federal prosecutors filed 152 new immigration cases, including an illegal re-entry charge against Ecuadorian national Luis Oswaldo Zhagui-Zhagui. Zhagui-Zhagui was removed from the U.S. for the third time in September 2025. In November 2021, his license was revoked after being convicted of his second DWI.
A Midland-Odessa man was arrested near Fort Hancock and charged with alien smuggling. USBP agents pulled over a blue Mazda CX-5 on Interstate-10 Westbound at mile marker 78. A criminal complaint alleges that the vehicle was driven by Eduardo Zepeda, who was transporting five illegal aliens. Zepeda had allegedly received a call at home from a friend in Mexico, recruiting him to pick up the illegal aliens and transport them to a hotel in El Paso for $500 per person.
In San Antonio, Mexican national Gaspar Rodriguez-Garcia was transferred into ICE custody from the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, where he had been serving a three-year sentence for his third DWI conviction. Rodriguez-Garcia has twice been convicted of illegal re-entry. He now faces an illegal re-entry charge for the third time.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.
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.
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Two Rochester men charged with narcotics conspiracy in superseding indictmentRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.–U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today a federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Quentin L. Yancey a/k/a Q, 39, and Johnny B. Mays a/k/a Blaze, 41, both of Rochester, NY, with narcotics conspiracy, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. In addition, Yancey is charged with using and maintaining a drug-involved premises, and six counts of money laundering.
According to the superseding indictment, between 2018, and May 26, 2022, Yancey and Mays conspired with Joseph S. Zaso and others, to sell heroin and fentanyl in the Rochester area. The superseding indictment further states that Yancey utilized two Lyell Avenue residences to conduct his drug trafficking activities. In addition, between June and September 2021, Yancey is accused of making three deposits totaling $42,910 into a federal credit union account in the name of a property management company to conceal the proceeds of his drug trafficking activities.
Yancey and Mays were arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge H. Kenneth Schroeder, Jr. and were detained. Joseph Zaso was previously charged and convicted and is awaiting sentencing.
This case 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 Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Louis A. Testani. The superseding indictment is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Chief Scott Forster, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Harry T. Chavis, Jr.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Two Mexican nationals indicted on cocaine chargesRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging two Mexican nationals with drug trafficking.
According to court documents, Victor Alfonso Martinez-Hernandez, 36, and Cesar Alejandro Madrid-Candelas, 19, were each indicted on one count of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Martinez-Hernandez and Madrid-Candelas are accused of possessing cocaine on May 20, 2026, with the intention of distributing it. Both defendants are from the City of Juarez in Mexico.
The Wichita Police Department is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting the case.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Patricia Rodriguez-Chavez, 46, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating 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.
###Two Felons Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Ship Methamphetamine and Fentanyl from California to FloridaRead the Press Release
Fort Myers, Florida – Clarence Black, Jr. (50, Tampa) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell to 20 years and 6 months years in federal prison for drug trafficking conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl while being on federal supervised release. Judge Chappell also sentenced Jarrek Fabrion Myrick (40, Fort Myers) to 15 years and 6 months in federal prison for drug trafficking conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
Black pleaded guilty on November 19, 2025, and Myrick pleaded guilty on January 27, 2026.
According to court documents, between January 25, 2025, and February 4, 2025, Black and Myrick traveled to California and shipped methamphetamine and fentanyl to the Tampa and Southwest Florida areas. The drug-laden parcels were intercepted. The total quantity of methamphetamine and fentanyl was approximately over 90 pounds.
Black was on supervised release for a prior federal conviction for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine at the time he committed the offenses. Myrick had a prior conviction for second-degree murder.
This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Tampa Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Morgan.
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.
Three School Employees from Mississippi and Missouri Sentenced for Embezzling Nearly $400,000 in Department of Education FundsRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN, MS – Two former school superintendents and a schoolteacher have been sentenced for stealing almost $400,000.00 from the Department of Education. These arrests, and ultimate prosecution, was an action on part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. The defendants in this were:
- Mario Willis, 58, of Southaven, Mississippi, was sentenced April 22, 2026, in federal court in Aberdeen, Mississippi before Judge Sharion Aycock. He had previously pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Embezzle Federal Program Funds and was sentenced to twenty months in federal prison beginning June 15, 2026. He was also sentenced to three years supervised release and ordered to pay $393,300.00 in restitution.
- Earl Joe Nelson, 57, of Biloxi, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Embezzle Federal Program Funds and was sentenced May 13, 2026, by Judge Sharion Aycock to 14 months in federal prison beginning July 13, 2026. Additionally, he was sentenced to three years of supervised release. Judge Aycock also ordered Nelson to pay a total of $143,300.00 to his victims for restitution.
- Monekea M. Smith-Taylor, 53, of St. Louis, Missouri, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Embezzle Federal Program Funds and was sentenced on this date Judge Sharion Aycock to 16 months in federal prison, three years of supervised release and additionally, she was ordered to pay $250,000 in restitution to the victims.
According to court documents, Mario Willis was the superintendent of Hollandale School District. From July 2019 to May 2022, Joe Nelson was the superintendent of Clarksdale Municipal School District. In October 2022, Nelson became the superintendent of Leake County School District. Monekea Smith-Taylor was a schoolteacher in the St. Louis, Missouri area. Nelson and Willis used their position as school superintendents to commit the crimes and, together with Smith, embezzled public funds for their own enrichment.
U.S. Attorney Scott Leary said, “This administration has emphasized the investigation and prosecution of those who steal taxpayer dollars. The embezzlement of school funds is just the type of crime the National Fraud Enforcement Division is calling on us to emphasize. We must remain diligent to ensure education dollars go where intended, to our children.”
“Mr. Willis abused his position of trust for personal gain, and with today’s action, will now be held accountable for cheating those he promised to serve – Hollandale School District’s school children and their families,” said Jamila Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Education Office of Inspector General [OIG] Eastern Regional Office. "The OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue those who misappropriate education funds for their own selfish purposes. Students and taxpayers deserve nothing less.”
Shad White, Mississippi State Auditor stated, "Thank you to my team that helped uncover the facts on this case and to the US Attorney’s Office for prosecuting. We will continue to work as hard as we can to hold anyone who steals taxpayer funds accountable.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clayton A. Dabbs is prosecuting the case.
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.
Three Companies to Pay More Than $4 Million to Settle Lawsuit Stemming from Gender Reveal that Caused Inland Empire WildfireRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An Ohio-based smoke bomb designer and importer, and two other companies have agreed to pay more than $4 million to the United States for costs and damages from the El Dorado Fire of 2020, which was ignited as part of a gender reveal photo shoot, burned nearly 23,000 acres, and caused a firefighter’s death.
Wholesale Fireworks Corp., a Hubbard, Ohio-based company, and its subsidiary, American Fireworks Warehouse LLC, agreed to pay $4 million to settle claims brought on behalf of the United States Forest Service.
A third defendant, Pink or Blue Gender Team Inc., a Florida-based company, has agreed to pay $50,000 to settle claims related to the fire.
The fire was ignited on September 5, 2020, by a pyrotechnic device at a couple’s gender reveal party in El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa. The fire spread to the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area of the San Bernardino National Forest, burning a total of 22,744 acres, damaging or destroying nine structures and 15 outbuildings, and killing one firefighter.
The couple responsible for the gender reveal party later pleaded guilty to criminal charges in San Bernardino County Superior Court.
In September 2023, the United States sued the three corporate defendants to recover Forest Service costs for fighting the fire and the damage it caused to federal land.
The United States alleged that the defendants were liable because the fire was caused by a gender reveal smoke bomb that Wholesale and AFW designed, imported, distributed, marketed, and advertised and Pink or Blue distributed, marketed, and advertised that ignited the dry vegetation.
The defendants further allegedly failed to safely design and label the smoke bombs and failed to properly warn customers about the fire risk of the smoke bombs, despite being aware of their dangers. These smoke bombs should never have been sold into California, where they are illegal.
Assistant United States Attorneys Yujin Chun and Katherine Hikida of the Civil Division handled this matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
San Jose Man Sentenced to over Ten Years in Federal Prison for Robbing and Assaulting A U.S. Postal Service Letter CarrierRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE – Robert Cordova, also known as Robert Cordona, was sentenced today to 129 months in federal prison for robbing and assaulting a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier. U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman handed down the sentence.
Cordova, 51, of San Jose, was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 23, 2025, on charges of federal robbery and assault. He pleaded guilty to both counts of the indictment on March 31, 2026. According to the plea agreement, Cordova admitted that he went inside a United States Postal Service (USPS) mail truck with the intent to steal mail. A USPS letter carrier approached him as Cordova was taking mail. Cordova punched the letter carrier in the face, knocking him to the ground. Cordova then got on top of the letter carrier and continued to punch him several times in the face and head.
According to court documents, the letter carrier sustained a broken nose, a fractured orbital socket, and had a permanent metal plate placed inside of his face due to his injuries. Judge Freeman found that Cordova qualified as career offender under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
“Today’s sentence underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting federal employees who serve the public every day. Anyone who attacks postal workers—or any public servant—will be held fully accountable,” said United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian.
“Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime committed in this case. Hardworking people come into your neighborhoods to deliver mail, they deserve respect and protection,” said U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) San Francisco Division Inspector in Charge Stephen M. Sherwood. “Postal inspectors will not relent from bringing anyone who harms a postal worker to justice. I want to thank the San Jose Police Department for their excellent response and teamwork and the Northern District of California U.S. Attorney's Office for their determination in prosecuting this case.”
The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service for transport to the Bureau of Prisons. In addition to the prison term, Judge Freeman sentenced Cordova to a 3-year period of supervised release.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Neal C. Hong is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Sahib Kaur. This prosecution is the result of an investigation by USPIS and the San Jose Police Department.
Salvadoran National Sentenced to 12 Months and One Day in Prison for Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Omar Adali Mojica-Manzano, 37 years old, of El Salvador, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to felony reentry of removed alien with a prior felony conviction, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Omar Adali Mojica-Manzano was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 Special Assessment. The supervised release term would go into effect should the Defendant remain in, or return to, the United States within that period following expected removal proceedings.
“An illegal alien in possession of cocaine violated our nation’s borders yet again despite being deported three previous times in 2014, 2022, and 2023. He clearly does not believe the laws of our country apply to him. His criminal history includes convictions for illegal entry, failure to provide vehicle registration, and alien unlawfully found in the United States after deportation. The Defendant needs to return to his home and not return,” U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the East Chicago Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.
Sacramento Man Charged with Bringing Explosive Material into Sacramento International AirportRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A criminal complaint was filed today charging Kimani Osayande Jones, aka Kimani Osayande Jackson, 49, of Sacramento, with unlawfully possessing explosive material in an airport, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, at about 9 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, Jones attempted to go through a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at the Sacramento International Airport and board a flight. He was wearing a scarf covering his face and latex gloves on his hands. In his carry-on bag, Jones had an M-type explosive device and a torch lighter capable of lighting the explosive, as well as a knife, scissors and scissor blades, an aerosol can, and zip ties. Jones also have five cellphones, one of which had a 15-minute timer ready to start, and another had a message from an unidentified number on the screen that stated, “we will be awaiting your call.” Jones was arrested, and the explosive device was safely removed by Sacramento County Sheriff Bomb Technicians and an FBI Special Agent Bomb Technician.
The explosive device was subsequently examined and tested, and the powder and fuse were determined to be viable and energetic. The explosive device had the potential to cause injury and, if the explosive device had detonated next to a window on a pressurized aircraft flying above 10,000 feet, it had the potential to damage the aircraft and cause a possible loss of cabin pressure.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elliot Wong is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Jones faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Romanian National to be Sentenced for Participation in Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Romanian national who participated in a large-scale fraud scheme that used fake business websites to steal more than $1.8 million from consumers across the country is scheduled for a sentencing hearing on June 4, 2026, at 9:40 a.m. in Las Cruces.
In his plea agreement, Claudiu Pesteleu, 44, a Romanian national illegally present in the United States, admitted that from May 2023 through June 2024, he participated in a nationwide fraud scheme that used fake websites impersonating legitimate businesses to trick victims into wiring money for various consumer products, including cars and equipment. Victims believed they were making legitimate purchases, but the funds were instead directed to bank accounts associated with shell companies created using fake passports and other fraudulent identity documents.
Pesteleu, whose role in the scheme was to help conceal the fraudulently obtained money, obtained fake identity documents and used them to establish sham businesses. He then opened bank accounts for these shell companies using the fraudulent documents. These shell companies and aliases included Zammer Equipment LLC (Matthias Zammer), Super Exotic Deals LLC (Samuel Der Saar), Premier E. Liquidators LLC (Fred Laport), Adler Pre Owned LLC (Boris Adler), Bittman Motors LLC (Fritz Bittman), Nikkos Cargo LLC (Nikos Adonis), and Becker Automotive LLC (Karl Becker). Pesteleu also used the alias Thomas Muller. Consumers were directed to wire funds to accounts associated with these entities, believing they were purchasing legitimate goods.
In total, approximately $1.8 million in fraudulently obtained funds was wired by victims to bank accounts controlled by Pesteleu. Pesteleu then conducted numerous financial transactions with the money to conceal the source of the funds and hinder law enforcement efforts to identify the scheme and seize the proceeds.
At the June 4 hearing, the parties are expected to present a revised plea agreement that stipulates a sentence of 30 to 39 months of imprisonment. U.S. District Judge Robert C. Brack will determine whether to accept the agreement and sentence Pesteleu in accordance with its terms.
If you believe you were a victim of Pesteleu, please contact the Homeland Security Investigations tip line at 866-347-2423.
If you would like to attend the sentencing hearing, please contact Victim Specialist Jacquie Gutierrez at (575) 522-2304 before the hearing date for more information.
Homeland Security Investigations Deming investigated this case with assistance from the Gainesville, Florida Police Department. Las Cruces Criminal Chief Richard Williams and Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant Gardner are prosecuting the case.
Richmond man pleads guilty to federal drug chargeRead the Press Release
RICHMOND, Va. – A Richmond man pled guilty today to possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl.
According to court documents, on Sept. 11, 2025, law enforcement searched two residences associated with Drequan Keymontay Peoples, 34. As investigators approached one of the residences, Peoples fled in a vehicle. Virginia State Police Troopers followed and ultimately apprehended Peoples. Peoples possessed a backpack that contained $42,290, 23 oxycodone pills, 20 Alprazolam pills, and two cellphones.
During the searches of the residences, investigators recovered approximately 958 grams of suspected cocaine, 252 grams of suspected heroin/fentanyl, marijuana, 340 grams of suspected liquid THC, 102 grams of suspected mushrooms, $2,429, nine firearms, and ammunition.
Peoples is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 29. He faces a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Virginia State Police 1T Tri-County Drug Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Henrico County Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Washington Field Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John C. Blanchard and Katherine E. Groover are prosecuting the case.
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. 3:26-cr-27 .
Randolph Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Cocaine Trafficking and Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Randolph man was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for cocaine trafficking and firearm charges, following a series of arrests targeting Brockton-based Harvard Street Gang and their Randolph-based affiliates.
Giovany Fouyolle, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy to 10 years in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release. Fouyolle pleaded guilty on March 25, 2026, to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Fouyolle’s co-defendant, Adonis Graham pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and is scheduled for sentencing on July 2, 2026.
Fouyolle and Graham were arrested on Dec. 17, 2025, after search warrants were executed at numerous residences and stash houses associated with the Brockton-based Harvard Street Gang and their Randolph-based affiliates. One of the places searched was a unit at the Imprint Apartments in Dorchester, which Fouyolle used as a stash location. Approximately 1,170 grams of cocaine, along with two loaded guns and $2,000 cash in bare kitchen cabinets, were located in the apartment.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations, Boston Field Division; the Abington, Acushnet, Ashland, Boston, Braintree, Bridgewater, Brockton, Chelsea, East Bridgewater, Medford, Quincy, Randolph, Raynham, Stoughton, Taunton and West Bridgewater Police Departments; Plymouth and Suffolk County Sheriff’s Departments; Massachusetts Department of Correction; Plymouth, Norfolk and Suffolk County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Cutshall and Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit prosecuted the case.
Ontario Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—An Ontario, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for transporting fentanyl from Portland to Malheur County, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
Joe Luis Parras, Jr., 43, was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison and four years of supervised release.
According to court documents, in May 2025, High Desert Drug Task Force (HDDTF) investigators learned that Parras would be traveling from Portland to Malheur County with a supply of fentanyl. Parras was pulled over by Oregon State Police for an active warrant and arrested. Pursuant to a search warrant, HDDTF investigators searched the car and found more than 200 grams of powdered fentanyl. Investigators also seized methamphetamine and additional fentanyl on Parras during his arrest.
On Dec. 9, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned an indictment charging Parras with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Parras pleaded guilty on March 10, 2026.
The HDDTF investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Maloney prosecuted the case.
The HDDTF is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using an intelligence-driven, multi-agency prosecutor-supported approach. HDDTF is supported by the Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) which is composed of members from the Oregon State Police, Malheur County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Land Management and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. HDDTF is supported by the Ontario Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Baker City Police Department, Baker County Sheriff’s Office, Nyssa Police Department, Payette Police Department, Fruitland Police Department, Payette County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho State Police, Nampa Police Department, Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell Police Department, Malheur County District Attorney’s Office and numerous other local and federal law enforcement partners.
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives, including the HDDTF.
Old Town Meth Trafficker Sent to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – Ronald Carl Peavy II, 49, of Old Town, Florida, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This drug trafficker’s days of running deadly narcotics in our community are over thanks to the excellent investigative work by the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office with support from the DEA. Meth has been a scourge that devastated entire communities for far too long, but under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche the Department of Justice is aggressively pursuing drug traffickers through Operation Take Back America to deliver the safe, drug-free streets our citizens deserve.”
Court documents reflect a Dixie County Sheriff’s Office deputy found the defendant’s car parked in the middle of an intersection in the early morning hours. After several minutes of the car not moving, the deputy approached and found the defendant asleep with the car running but placed in park. The deputy woke up the defendant and ensured he was not suffering from a medical problem. After smelling marijuana in the vehicle, the deputy searched the car and found two zippered cases, one of which contained more than 400 grams of methamphetamine, and the other contained approximately 77 grams of marijuana.
“The successful prosecution of this offender sends a clear message that drug trafficking has serious consequences,” said Dixie County Sheriff Darby Butler. “The substantial quantity of methamphetamine recovered in this case represented a significant threat to the safety of our community. Thanks to the diligence of our deputies and the strong collaboration between our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners, dangerous drugs were removed from our streets, and an offender was held accountable for his actions. We remain committed to working alongside our partners at every level to keep Dixie County safe.”
The case involved a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Dixie County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Hapner and James A. McCain.
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 for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Ocala Man Sentenced to over 11 Years for Possession with Intent to Distribute a Pound of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Tyrone Pierson (29, Ocala) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Thomas P. Barber to 11 years and 8 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Pierson pleaded guilty on January 2, 2026. Pierson’s co-defendant, Reshawn Graham, pleaded guilty on April 2, 2026, and is currently scheduled for sentencing on June 25, 2026. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, on October 7, 2025, an undercover law enforcement officer negotiated the purchase of a pound of methamphetamine with Graham. Later that day, Pierson met with the undercover officer and told the officer that the source of supply for the drugs had been delayed. The next day, Graham again reached out to the undercover officer and stated that Pierson now had the methamphetamine. Afterward, Graham and Pierson were arrested by law enforcement at a predetermined meeting location for the drug transaction. Pierson was wearing a bag that contained approximately 438 grams of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Marion County Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
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.
Oahu Man Charged with Threatening to Kill Governor of Michigan and Shoot up Michigan State CapitolRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – United States Attorney Ken Sorenson announced that Ronald Saville, 48, of Honolulu, was charged by criminal complaint on June 1, 2026, with sending interstate communications containing threats. Saville was located and arrested in Abilene, Texas on June 1, 2026. His initial appearance was held in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas on June 1, 2026, and he was ordered detained pending transportation to the District of Hawaii.
According to court records, on May 9, 2026, Saville emailed the Michigan State Police identifying himself, referencing the state capitol in Lansing, Michigan, and stating that he was “going to walk in with a gun at A.R. 15 and open fire and kill as many people as possible. I mean what I say I’m not a joke.” A short while later, Saville sent a second email to Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer stating, “just to let you know on Tuesday second, Lancy, Michigan is never gonna be the same again going to walk into the state capital shoot it up and kill as many people as possible than that I’m coming for you[.]”
Saville called the FBI on May 12, 2026, and told an FBI agent that he wanted to kill Governor Whitmer because of her political affiliation, that he had been conducting online research to plan a trip to Michigan to carry out his threat, and that he still intended to carry out his threat.
Saville was previously convicted twice in federal court in the District of Hawaii for making threats toward former United States President George W. Bush in 2006 and toward former United States District Judge Susan Oki Mollway in 2012.
If convicted, Saville faces up to 5 years in prison per count and a fine of up to $250,000, plus a term of supervised release.
The charges in the criminal complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. In the case of conviction, any sentence would be imposed by a United States District Judge based on the statutory sentencing factors and the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines.
FBI is investigating the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Heidi Turner is prosecuting the case.
Nurse Practitioner Convicted for Illegal Distribution of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
A federal jury in the Middle District of Tennessee convicted a Tennessee woman yesterday for illegally distributing controlled substances.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Heather Marks, 43, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner who was licensed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to distribute controlled substances. Marks prescribed controlled substances to patients seeking pain treatment at Lifeforce Pain and Wellness (Lifeforce), a pain clinic located in Carthage, Tennessee. Lifeforce was a small, rural clinic that purported to provide pain treatment. From September 2016 through May 2018, Marks and others overprescribed highly addictive opioids, including oxycodone and oxymorphone, to Lifeforce patients. Marks herself prescribed nearly a million opioid pills to almost 1,000 Lifeforce patients over the course of the conspiracy. These patients were often addicted to illegal drugs and the opioids Marks and others prescribed to them at Lifeforce. Marks ignored obvious signs of Lifeforce patients taking illegal drugs at the time she prescribed them opioids, which put these patients in danger of overdosing. Marks further prescribed opioids to Lifeforce patients who she knew were likely selling the opioids on the street. Lifeforce patients would often travel hundreds of miles to obtain opioid prescriptions at Lifeforce because they knew Marks would prescribe the opioids they needed to either abuse or sell on the street.
Lifeforce, the pain clinic in Carthage, Tennessee, where Marks illegally prescribed controlled substances.The jury convicted Marks of conspiracy to illegally distribute controlled substances and eight counts of illegally distributing controlled substances. She is scheduled to be sentenced on September 1, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count of conviction. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division; U.S. Attorney Braden H. Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee; Special Agent in Charge Terrence G. Reilly of the FBI; Special Agent in Charge Kelly Blackmon of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and Special Agent in Charge Chris Ramage of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) made the announcement.
FBI, HHS-OIG, and TBI investigated the case.
Assistant Chief Jim Hayes and Trial Attorneys Lauren Randell and Manu Sebastian of the Criminal Division’s Fraud 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.
The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Nurse Indicted and Arrested for Tampering with FentanylRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On May 28, 2026, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an 8-count indictment charging Jackeline Correa-Vázquez, 45 years old, with tampering with fentanyl, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
According to court documents, beginning on or about a date unknown but not later than March 28, 2023, defendant Jackeline Correa-Vázquez was licensed by the Puerto Rico Board of Nursing, Department of Health, as an Advanced Practice Nurse with a Clinical Concentration in Anesthesia. By virtue of her employment and position of trust within the medical field, Jackeline Correa-Vázquez engaged in a scheme where she repeatedly accessed and illegally obtained vials of Fentanyl Citrate, entrusted for legitimate patient care, tampered with those vials by removing the Fentanyl Citrate, and replacing it with clear liquid substances intended to conceal the theft. Through these acts, Correa-Vázquez abused her professional position, jeopardized patient safety, and falsified the integrity of controlled substances maintained by her employers.
“The defendant betrayed the trust of patients and her employers by tampering with critical medicine,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Today’s charges reflect the seriousness of these offenses and should make clear that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with our law enforcement partners, will work tirelessly to investigate and prosecute anyone who endangers the safety of patients seeking medical treatment.”
“The people of Puerto Rico place their trust in our healthcare institutions during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. When that trust is violated, the DEA will act decisively,” said Michael Mayer, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Caribbean Division. “This investigation demonstrates our commitment to protecting patients, safeguarding the integrity of controlled substances, and holding accountable anyone who abuses a position of trust for personal gain. Through our Fentanyl Free America initiative and the strong partnerships we maintain with healthcare providers and law enforcement agencies, we will continue to pursue those who jeopardize public safety and undermine confidence in our medical system.”
“The FDA oversees the U.S. drug supply to ensure that it is safe and effective, and those who knowingly tamper with medicines put patients’ health at risk,” added Acting Special Agent in Charge Juan Berríos, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office. “The FDA will continue to hold accountable those who compromise the safety and security of our healthcare system.”
Correa-Vázquez is charged with four counts of tampering with consumer products in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1365(a), which have a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. She is also charged with four counts of acquiring or obtaining a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, subterfuge in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 843(a)(3) which have a maximum penalty of four years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The defendant is scheduled for her initial court appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Héctor Ramos Vega of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Puerto Rico Police Department, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Puerto Rico Department of Health are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Myriam Y. Fernández-González, Chief of the Asset Recovery, Money Laundering & Transnational Organized Crime Section, and AUSA María L. Montañez-Concepción, Deputy Chief of Asset Recovery, Money Laundering & Transnational Organized Crime Section are 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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New Jersey Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl on the Dark NetRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A New Jersey man was sentenced to federal prison last Friday for conspiring to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
Mark T. Eager, 34, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release.
“This defendant showed a blatant disregard for human life by trafficking fentanyl across the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “My office will continue to pursue those who profit from poisoning our communities, and we will use every available resource and partnership to combat fentanyl trafficking and keep Oregonians safe.”
“This investigation brought together law enforcement agencies from across the nation,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle acting Special Agent in Charge April Miller. “Homeland Security Investigations special agents from Portland, Newark, and Houston contributed to the case, along with the Portland Police Bureau and HIDTA HIT officers, who were instrumental in identifying Eager. His 11-year sentence sends a clear message: no matter where you are in the country or the world, if you attempt to sell narcotics online to Americans, we will find you.”
“Fentanyl trafficking poses a grave threat to communities across the United States, and Homeland Security Investigations is committed to working with our partners to disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks responsible,” said HSI Houston Special Agent in Charge Lucia Cabral-DeArmas. “This case demonstrates the power of interagency collaboration under the Homeland Security Task Force initiative, leveraging resources from across the country to hold traffickers accountable and protect the American people. We will continue to pursue those who endanger lives through the distribution of dangerous synthetic opioids, and we remain steadfast in our mission to safeguard our communities from the violence and instability caused by transnational criminal organizations.”
“By following this offender’s digital trail, Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners nationwide executed federal search warrants, dismantled an active dark web fentanyl packaging operation and recovered deadly amounts of fentanyl, thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency, and a trove of electronic devices and packaging materials,” said HSI Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas. “This case is a powerful example of how coordinated, data-driven investigations can disrupt dangerous networks and help protect our communities from lethal synthetic opioids.”
According to court documents, from November 2023 through June 2024, Eager and his co-conspirator sold fentanyl on the Dark Net and Telegram. Eager operated as the vendor WRSEH10 and marketed the fentanyl as “China White Synthetic Heroin.”
In June 2024, HSI agents executed search warrants on two residences associated with Eager in Kearny, New Jersey, and seized over 360 grams of powdered fentanyl, counterfeit M30 pills, drug ledgers, cellular phones, two computers, and drug packaging consistent with three deliveries that were sent to Oregon.
On September 4, 2024, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a four-count indictment charging Eager with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and distribution of fentanyl.
On February 4, 2026, Eager pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl.
HSI Portland and HSI Houston investigated this case with assistance from HSI Newark, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Interdiction Task Force (HIT). Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin prosecuted the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey assisted the U.S. Attorney’s in Oregon in obtaining the search warrants that were executed in Kearny.
The Oregon-Idaho HIDTA program is an Office of National Drug Control Policy sponsored counterdrug grant program that coordinates with and provides funding resources to multi-agency drug enforcement initiatives.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Portland comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, USMS, IRS-CI, ATF, USPIS, CBP, TSA, U.S. Coast Guard, Oregon Air, Army National Guard Counterdrug program, and Oregon-Idaho HIDTA with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Nevada Man Pleads Guilty to Rigging Bids for Healthcare-Related and Other Air Force ProjectsRead the Press Release
A former employee of a shelving and storage distributor pleaded guilty today to two felonies for conspiring to rig bids and defraud the U.S. Department of War. As the defendant admitted in open court, his crimes related to the sale of shelving and storage products to the U.S. Air Force to service multiple healthcare and operations facilities.
According to the information and plea agreement filed in the Middle District of Georgia, Scott G. Srodes, 65, of Las Vegas, Nevada, and his co-conspirators submitted collusive bids for multiple projects at healthcare facilities at Air Force Base Moody in Valdosta, Georgia, and for aircraft maintenance facilities at Air Force Base Nellis in Las Vegas, Nevada. Srodes and his co-conspirators exchanged pricing information prior to submitting them, at times instructing each other exactly what price to quote for certain projects. The projects, which had a total value of more than $1.8 million, were funded through the Defense Logistics Agency’s Facilities Maintenance, Repair, and Operations Program. The guilty plea is the second in an ongoing investigation into bid rigging and fraud impacting U.S. military facilities in the United States.
“America’s warfighters deserve the best healthcare, and bid rigging that distorts healthcare procurement deprives them of free and fair competition,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Daniel W. Glad of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force and its partners will continue to hold accountable those whose schemes increase healthcare-related costs in the United States.”
“We will pursue and bring to justice those who cheat the federal procurement system, while we work to protect taxpayers and honest contractors from the harm caused by bid rigging,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia. “Our partnership with the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division demonstrates our resolve to root out fraud and uphold the law.”
“The Air Force Office of Special Investigations remains steadfast in our mission to protect the integrity of Department of Defense procurement processes and safeguard resources critical to the readiness and welfare of our Airmen,” said Special Agent in Charge Derrell Freeman of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Southeast Field Office. “Bid rigging schemes like this undermine fair competition, inflate costs for essential healthcare infrastructure, and ultimately harm the brave men and women serving in our military. Working alongside our partners at the Antitrust Division, DCIS, and DLA OIG, we will continue to vigorously investigate and hold accountable those who seek to defraud the United States.”
“Bid rigging on military healthcare contracts undermines the competitive process that protects taxpayer dollars and the service members these facilities exist to serve,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Sargenski of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Southeast Field Office. “This additional guilty plea reflects the scope of this investigation and the consequences awaiting those who conspire to defraud defense contracting programs. DCIS and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue every individual and company responsible for defrauding the programs that support our nation’s military.”
The Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Defense Logistics Agency Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Daniel P. Chung and Christian Neumeister of the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
The maximum penalty for a conspiracy to rig bids in violation of the Sherman Act for an individual is 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to defraud the United States is five years in prison and a $250,000 criminal fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Justice Department’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) is a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. To learn more about the PCSF, or to report information on bid rigging, price fixing, market allocation and other anticompetitive conduct related to government spending, go to www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.
Whistleblowers who voluntarily report original information about antitrust and related offenses that result in criminal fines or other recoveries of at least $1 million may be eligible to receive a whistleblower reward. Whistleblower awards can range from 15 to 30 percent of the money collected. For more information on the Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program, including a link to submit reports, visit www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards.
Nevada Man Pleads Guilty to Rigging Bids for Healthcare-Related and Other Air Force ProjectsRead the Press Release
ALBANY, Ga. – A former employee of a shelving and storage distributor pleaded guilty today to two felonies for conspiring to rig bids and defraud the U.S. Department of War. As the defendant admitted in open court, his crimes related to the sale of shelving and storage products to the U.S. Air Force to service multiple healthcare and operations facilities.
According to the information and plea agreement filed in the Middle District of Georgia, Scott G. Srodes, 65, of Las Vegas, Nevada, and his co-conspirators submitted collusive bids for multiple projects at healthcare facilities at Air Force Base Moody in Valdosta, Georgia, and for aircraft maintenance facilities at Air Force Base Nellis in Las Vegas, Nevada. Srodes and his co-conspirators exchanged pricing information prior to submitting them, at times instructing each other exactly what price to quote for certain projects. The projects, which had a total value of more than $1.8 million, were funded through the Defense Logistics Agency’s Facilities Maintenance, Repair, and Operations Program. The guilty plea is the second in an ongoing investigation into bid rigging and fraud impacting U.S. military facilities in the United States.
“America’s warfighters deserve the best healthcare, and bid rigging that distorts healthcare procurement deprives them of free and fair competition,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Daniel W. Glad of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force and its partners will continue to hold accountable those whose schemes increase healthcare-related costs in the United States.”
“We will pursue and bring to justice those who cheat the federal procurement system, while we work to protect taxpayers and honest contractors from the harm caused by bid rigging,” said U.S. Attorney William R. “Will” Keyes for the Middle District of Georgia. “Our partnership with the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division demonstrates our resolve to root out fraud and uphold the law.”
“The Air Force Office of Special Investigations remains steadfast in our mission to protect the integrity of Department of Defense procurement processes and safeguard resources critical to the readiness and welfare of our Airmen,” said Special Agent in Charge Derrell Freeman of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Southeast Field Office. “Bid rigging schemes like this undermine fair competition, inflate costs for essential healthcare infrastructure, and ultimately harm the brave men and women serving in our military. Working alongside our partners at the Antitrust Division, DCIS, and DLA OIG, we will continue to vigorously investigate and hold accountable those who seek to defraud the United States.”
“Bid rigging on military healthcare contracts undermines the competitive process that protects taxpayer dollars and the service members these facilities exist to serve,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason Sargenski of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Southeast Field Office. “This additional guilty plea reflects the scope of this investigation and the consequences awaiting those who conspire to defraud defense contracting programs. DCIS and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue every individual and company responsible for defrauding the programs that support our nation’s military.”
The Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Defense Logistics Agency Office of Inspector General investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Daniel P. Chung and Christian Neumeister of the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section are prosecuting the case, with the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Georgia.
The maximum penalty for a conspiracy to rig bids in violation of the Sherman Act for an individual is 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to defraud the United States is five years in prison and a $250,000 criminal fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Justice Department’s Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) is a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. To learn more about PCSF, or to report information on bid rigging, price fixing, market allocation and other anticompetitive conduct related to government spending, go to www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.
Whistleblowers who voluntarily report original information about antitrust and related offenses that result in criminal fines or other recoveries of at least $1 million may be eligible to receive a whistleblower reward. Whistleblower awards can range from 15 to 30 percent of the money collected. For more information on the Antitrust Whistleblower Rewards Program, including a link to submit reports, visit www.justice.gov/atr/whistleblower-rewards.
Navajo Nation Woman Pleads Guilty to Assault ChargesRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Navajo Nation woman pleaded guilty to shooting and seriously injuring a man in 2024.
According to court documents, on November 17, 2024, Beverleta Tayah, 54, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, assaulted John Doe at a residence on the Navajo Nation after she armed herself with a handgun and shot John Doe in the chest causing serious bodily injury.
Tayah pleaded guilty to two federal felony offenses—Assault resulting in serious bodily injury and Assault with a dangerous weapon, each of which carries up to 10 years in prison at sentencing. Tayah will also be subject to up to three years of supervised release following any prison sentence, as well as victim restitution for monetary expenses encountered by the victim that are directly related to Tayah’s criminality.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
Multiple Illegal Aliens Plead Guilty to Immigration ChargesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – Multiple aliens, unlawfully in the United States, recently pled guilty to illegal immigration crimes. These prosecutions are in connection with the Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty pleas with Acting Field Office Director Vernon Liggins, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE-ERO) – Baltimore Field Office.
On May 5, 2026, Israel Reyes-Medina, 39, of Mexico, pled guilty to illegal re-entry by a previously deported alien. Prior to this prosecution, federal authorities convicted Reyes-Medina of illegal entry and removed him from the United States on four previous occasions. On January 8, law enforcement found the Mexican citizen in Middle River, Maryland, during an area enforcement operation.
Then on May 27, Nery Adelso Asmen-Raymundo, 43, of Guatemala, pled guilty to illegal entry into the United States. Authorities removed Asmen-Raymundo from the U.S. on two prior occasions – once in November 2009, and again in March 2010. On April 23, law enforcement found the Guatemalan citizen and national in Baltimore.
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.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended ICE-ERO and FBI for its work in these investigations. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Mills who is prosecuting these federal cases.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.
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Monterey County Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Attempted Enticement of Two MinorsRead the Press Release
SAN JOSE - Edy Antonio, Jr. was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison for attempting to coerce and entice two minors to engage in sexual activity. U.S. District Judge Noël Wise handed down the sentence.
Antonio, 31, of Salinas, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 6, 2025, and pleaded guilty on February 9, 2026, to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. According to his guilty plea, on April 21, 2025, Antonio responded to an advertisement on a website dedicated to promoting commercial sex services. The advertisement depicted persons Antonio believed to be two minor girls, ages 12 and 14 years old. Antonio responded via text message and agreed to pay $500 to engage in sexual conduct with the minors. Antonio then traveled to the agreed location at a hotel in Salinas, where he was arrested by Salinas Police Department officers. The complaint describes that Antonio worked as a respiratory therapist at two hospitals in Salinas and Monterey.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Jeff Brannigan made the announcement.
Antonio has been in custody since March 3, 2026. He will begin serving his prison term immediately. In addition to the prison term, Judge Wise also sentenced the defendant to a 15-year period of supervised release which will begin after his term of imprisonment.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Griswold is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Elise Etter. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by HSI and the Salinas Police Department.
Mexican National Sentenced to Time Served for Reentry of Removed Alien OffenseRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Bernardo Chagala-Cosme, 34 years old, of a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to felony Reentry of Removed Alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Chagala-Cosme was sentenced to time served.
According to documents in the case, Chagala-Cosme is not a citizen of the United States. He was previously removed from the United States in September 2013, but he quickly reentered the United States. He was removed again in October 2013, and again in April 2015. Police found Chagala-Cosme in LaPorte in January 2026 after they responded to the scene of a car crash. Police followed a trail of leaking fluid, which led directly to the house where Chagala-Cosme was living. He had 0.5 grams of cocaine in his pocket, and his blood alcohol content tested at 0.35. Police discovered he was in the country illegally when they booked and fingerprinted him.
“The Defendant was a drunk illegal alien with cocaine in his pocket and found at the end of fluid trail after a car crash. He has been removed after two previous violations of our nation’s borders, and does not seem to think the rules apply to him. He clearly does not respect our nation’s laws or its sovereignty,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the LaPorte Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Luke N. Reilander.
Mexican National Sentenced to Time Served for Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Edgar Omar Ortiz-Alvarado, 44 years old, of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to felony reentry of removed alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Edgar Omar Ortiz-Alvarado was sentenced by Judge Simon to time served followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 Special Assessment. The supervised release term will go into effect if Ortiz-Alvarado remains in, or returns to, the United States within that period following expected removal proceedings.
“The Defendant is an illegal alien who has three prior convictions for operating while intoxicated/driving under the influence and multiple other traffic-related convictions. He has also been previously removed twice from the United States in March and April 2015. The Defendant disrespected our nation’s laws and sovereignty as he repeatedly violated our borders,” U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred said.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nadia Wardrip.
Mexican National Sentenced to Time Served for Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Luis Alfredo Meneses-Silva, 35 years old, of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to felony reentry of removed alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Luis Alfredo Meneses-Silva was sentenced to time served followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 Special Assessment. The supervised release term will go into effect if Meneses-Silva remains in, or returns to, the United States within that period following expected removal proceedings.
“The Defendant does not believe our nation’s laws apply to him and has been previously removed twice from the United States in 2017. He also has prior convictions for public intoxication and interference with official acts. He needs to return home and not violate our nation’s borders again,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nadia Wardrip.
Mexican National Sentenced to 6 months in Prison for Immigration OffenseRead the Press Release
HAMMOND – Victor Manuel Arellano-Cetina, 34 years old, of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Philip P. Simon after pleading guilty to felony reentry of removed alien, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Victor Manuel Arellano-Cetina was sentenced to 6 months in prison, followed by 1 year of supervised release, and a $100 Special Assessment. The supervised release term would go into effect should the Defendant remain in, or return to, the United States within that period following expected removal proceedings.
According to documents in the case, Arellano-Cetina’s history includes three prior deportations from the United States in 2010, 2023, and 2023.
“The Defendant has been deported three prior times and clearly does not respect our nation’s laws or her sovereignty. After his jail sentence, he needs to return to his home country and not come back,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Crown Point Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Emily Morgan.
Member of Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 19 ½ Years in Prison for Fentanyl Analogue Distribution and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 234 months in prison and five years of supervised release for the distribution of hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl analogues and money laundering.
According to court documents, Thomas Padovano, 52, of Newark, New Jersey, admitted that from approximately January 2014 through September 2020, he and other members of the drug trafficking organization agreed to import and distribute various controlled substances and controlled substance analogues, including fentanyl-related substances, methylone, and ketamine. Members of the conspiracy placed orders with a source in China and agreed to distribute, and did distribute, the controlled substances and analogues in New Jersey, both in bulk and in the form of counterfeit pharmaceutical pills that contained fentanyl analogues. Padovano additionally admitted to having engaged in financial transactions aimed at concealing the origin and true ownership of more than $300,000 in drug proceeds.
“Mr. Padovano led a drug trafficking organization that imported and distributed massive amounts of dangerous opioids in New Jersey, and then he laundered the profits,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These illegal narcotics destroy families and wreak havoc in the community. The Criminal Division will actively pursue offenders who distribute such poison in our neighborhoods.”
“Today’s sentence sends an important reminder: those who profit from trafficking deadly drugs and laundering the proceeds of their crimes will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey. “For years, Padovano helped lead an organization responsible for distributing massive quantities of fentanyl analogues and other dangerous controlled substances in New Jersey. This sentence — nearly twenty years in prison — reflects the devastating harm caused by that conduct and our office’s unwavering commitment to dismantling the organizations that fuel the illegal drug trade.”
“Padovano is behind bars for his direct role in unleashing the deadly scourge of fentanyl across America,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark Field Division. “This decisive outcome underscores HSI Newark’s unwavering commitment to protecting our communities and our relentless pursuit of justice alongside our law enforcement partners.”
The Newark Field Division of HSI led the investigation, with assistance from HSI in Philadelphia, the FBI Newark Field Office, U.S. Postal Inspection Service Newark Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection in New Jersey, New York and Kentucky, the Newark Police Department and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Chief Stephen Sola of the Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit in the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Hasapidis-Sferra for the District of New Jersey.
The Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section’s (MNF) mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.
MNF’s Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit investigates and prosecutes sophisticated money laundering schemes involving financial facilitators, gatekeepers, and other individuals and entities laundering criminal proceeds, and litigates complex civil forfeiture cases to recover assets on behalf of victims.
Medina Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Manufacturing and Selling Drugs Out of His HomeRead the Press Release
AKRON, Ohio – A 29-year-old Medina County man who was possessing controlled substances and manufacturing illegal drugs out of his home, which he intended to distribute throughout Summit and Medina Counties, has been sentenced to prison.
Andrew Meyers, of Medina, Ohio, was sentenced to 120 months (10 years) in prison after pleading guilty to:
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition; prior conviction in the state of Wyoming for Conspiracy to Manufacture, Possess, or Deliver Marijuana in 2019
- Possession with Intent to Distribute 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Ketamine
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana
- Engaging in Money Laundering Transactions in Property Derived from Unlawful Activity
He was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release after imprisonment and forfeit a property. U.S. District Court Judge Christopher A. Boyko imposed the sentence May 28.
According to court documents and evidence presented before the judge, investigations into suspected drug trafficking activity in Medina, Portage, and Summit Counties led federal agents to identify the defendant. In August 2024, during a search warrant execution of Meyers’ residence on Saxon Avenue in Akron, agents discovered a laboratory, packaging materials, digital scales, a drug press, and a money counter. Agents also seized 882.1 grams of MDMA and 363 grams of Ketamine. Other substances found, which are used for the manufacture of THC products, included 2,010.1 grams of Tetrahydrocannabinol, and 900.4 grams of delta-9-Tretrahydrocannabinol. Law enforcement also discovered a Glock 19, semiautomatic firearm and ammunition in his bedroom. Additional items seized throughout the investigation include a BMW motorcycle, a Suzuki dirt bike, a motorhome, and more than $15,000 in cash. Investigators also found that Meyers was attempting to hide the profits from his drug activities through the purchase and improvement of two properties in Akron.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI Akron Resident Agency.
The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph P. Dangelo for the Northern District of Ohio.
Maryland Man Sentenced for Role in HSTF Multi-Million Dollar Money Laundering Conspiracy CaseRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A Maryland man received a federal prison term, today, in connection with a multi-million-dollar money laundering scheme.
Judge Matthew J. Maddox sentenced Bright Boateng, 45, of Bladensburg, to nine years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiring to engage in a large, multi-member, money laundering conspiracy. Additionally, Judge Maddox ordered Boateng to pay $1,247,950 in restitution, and to forfeit $431,750. Boateng, who pled guilty to participating in the money laundering conspiracy on February 6, 2026, admitted that nearly $1.5 million in money laundering occurred pursuant to his direct participation in the conspiracy.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Akil Baldwin, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Maryland; Special Agent in Charge Kareem A. Carter, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) – Washington, D.C. Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge George Golliday, Environmental Protection Agency Office of Inspector General (EPA-OIG). This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud as well as the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF).
According to court documents, beginning in 2020, and continuing into November 2023, Boateng conspired with multiple individuals to launder proceeds of a large-scale wire fraud in connection with Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). The co-conspirators engaged in various financial transactions to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, and control of the wire-fraud proceeds, while carrying out the conspiracy.
The victims included government agencies, organizations, and companies, including an environmental trust, urban redevelopment program, medical center, transportation and logistics company, school district, college, and county government, among others.
As part of the scheme, Boateng and his co-conspirators worked together to create limited liability companies to serve as shell entities; open bank accounts and/or cause bank accounts to be opened in the name of shell entities; and receive and launder fraud proceeds.
Specifically, Boateng received money from at least seven different EIDLs and used a shell entity to obtain the illegal proceeds. Additionally, he stole the identity of another individual to open business and personal bank accounts that were used to receive fraud proceeds and engage in other financial transactions. Boateng also used a fraudulent Maryland driver’s license bearing his photo with another person’s information.
Court records show that Boateng has an extensive criminal history, with more than 20 criminal convictions and more than 40 arrests. Boateng’s criminal history consisted of a wide range of conduct, including theft, fraud, drugs, and violence.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland previously charged 14 defendants in connection with the money laundering conspiracy – 13 already pled guilty. Faizou Gnora, 28, previously of Alexandria, Virginia, remains a fugitive from justice.
The District Court previously sentenced:
- Victor Killen, 33, of Hyattsville, Maryland, to 63 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, restitution of $7,070,656.46, and a $3 million forfeiture order
- Gedeon Agbeyome, 31, of Montgomery County, Maryland, to 72 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, along with restitution of $2,938,424.65, and a $2.8 million preliminary order of forfeiture
- Lawrence Ogunsanwo, 33, to 40 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution of $5,648,816.23
- Lakeisha Parker, 33, of Baltimore, to 36 months in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release, and restitution of $8,306,930.95
- Martin Ogisi, 37, of Severn, Maryland, to 33 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution of $11,077,044.17
- Kevin Colon, 34, of Curtis Bay, Maryland, to 27 months in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and restitution of $2,515,159.63
- Areal Harris, 27, of Hanover, Maryland, to 24 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution of $3,159,482.83
- Lorena Perez Herrera, 29, of Washington, DC, to 24 months in prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution of $1,473,125.58
- Blondel Ndjouandjouaka, 31, of Silver Spring, Maryland, to 24 months in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release, and restitution of $733,941.48
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.
This prosecution is alsopart of the 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 Baltimore is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the United States Marshals Service (USMS); the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA (W/B HIDTA); the Maryland State Police (MSP); the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the HSI-led Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force, and thanked IRS-CI and EPA-OIG for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes praised the Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County Police Departments for their assistance. She also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bijon A. Mostoufi, Harry M. Gruber, and Jared M. Beim, who prosecuted the federal case, and Paralegal Specialist Joanna B.N. Huber for her assistance.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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Mississippi Woman Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Gulfport, MS – A Diamondhead, Mississippi woman was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment and ordered to pay $928,988.37 in restitution for wire fraud.
According to court documents, Bobbie Jean Margiotta, 65, worked as bookkeeper for a physician located in Hancock County, Mississippi. Over the course of nearly seven years, Margiotta stole $928,988.37 from the physician and his companies. Part of her scheme involved the use of interstate wires.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Buckner 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 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
Leader of Mexican Drug Trafficking Organization Pleads Guilty to Supplying Dozens of Kilograms of Fentanyl, Heroin, and Cocaine from Mexican Cartel into Horry CountyRead the Press Release
FLORENCE, S.C. – Rafael Contreras Ramos, 40, of Mexico, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute controlled substances in South Carolina.
Evidence presented at his change of plea hearing showed that Contreras was a leader of an international drug trafficking organization that was responsible for bringing more than 40 kilograms of cocaine, 14 kilograms of fentanyl, and 1 kilogram of heroin into South Carolina for further distribution. The organization operated primarily in Tucson, Arizona, and had ties to Las Vegas, Nevada, Burlington, North Carolina, and Horry County, South Carolina. The organization was supplied with narcotics and support by a Mexican cartel.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation identified Contreras’ organization as a source of supply to a local drug network operating in and around Horry County during a joint investigation with local, state, and federal agencies in 2021. Thereafter, agents confirmed through multiple overt and covert investigative techniques and operations that Contreras and his associates had been trafficking narcotics into Horry County since at least 2016 until its operation was disrupted by federal charges in 2022. Contreras and his associates are also responsible for collecting more than $5 million in drug sale proceeds during this time.
“With our Homeland Security Task Force partners, we are stopping the influx of dangerous, illegal narcotics at the source,” said U.S. Attorney Bryan Stirling for the District of South Carolina. “Dismantling drug organizations like this makes South Carolina safer.”
“The defendant played a direct role in flooding Horry County with illegal drugs, and the consequences were that of violence on our streets, addiction in our neighborhoods, and real harm to people,” said FBI Columbia Special Agent in Charge Kevin Moore. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are sending a strong message: we’re not only investigating individual dealers. We’re pursuing entire networks from local distribution all the way to the source, no matter their location.”
Contreras was arrested in Mexico and extradited to the United States for prosecution. He is currently detained awaiting sentencing. United States District Judge Joseph Dawson accepted his guilty plea and will sentence Contreras after a presentence report is prepared by the United States Probation Office. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life imprisonment. He will be deported to Mexico after serving his sentence.This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
This case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office, along with Horry County Sheriff’s Office, Myrtle Beach Police Department, and Horry County Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Everett McMillian is prosecuting the case.###
Leader of Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced to 234 Months for Fentanyl Analogue Distribution and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County man and one of the leaders of a drug trafficking organization responsible for the importation and distribution of hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl analogues was sentenced today to 234 months in prison, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
“Today’s sentence sends an important reminder: those who profit from trafficking deadly drugs and laundering the proceeds of their crimes will be held accountable. For years, Padovano helped lead an organization responsible for distributing massive quantities of fentanyl analogues and other dangerous controlled substances in New Jersey. This sentence—nearly twenty years in prison—reflects the devastating harm caused by that conduct and our Office’s unwavering commitment to dismantling the organizations that fuel the illegal drug trade.”
- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer
“Mr. Padovano led a drug trafficking organization that imported and distributed massive amounts of dangerous opioids in New Jersey, and then he laundered the profits,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva. “These illegal narcotics destroy families and wreak havoc in the community. The Criminal Division will actively pursue offenders who distribute such poison in our neighborhoods.”
“Padovano is behind bars for his direct role in unleashing the deadly scourge of fentanyl across America,” said HSI Newark Acting Special Agent in Charge Spiros Karabinas. “This decisive outcome underscores HSI Newark’s unwavering commitment to protecting our communities and our relentless pursuit of justice alongside our law enforcement partners.”
Defendant Thomas Padovano, 52, of Newark, New Jersey previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to drug trafficking conspiracy and concealment money laundering conspiracy. Judge Wigenton imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court. A co-defendant, William Panzera, was previously convicted by a jury and sentenced to 144 months in prison. Seven other co-conspirators have pleaded guilty in the case and are awaiting sentencing.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
From approximately January 2014 through September 2020, Thomas Padovano and other members of the drug trafficking organization agreed to import and distribute various controlled substances and controlled substance analogues, including fentanyl, fentanyl analogues, methylone, and ketamine. Members of the conspiracy placed orders with a source in China and agreed to distribute, and did distribute, the controlled substances and analogues in New Jersey, both in bulk and in the form of counterfeit pharmaceutical pills that actually contained fentanyl analogues. They also sent hundreds of thousands of dollars to China using wire transfers and Bitcoin to pay for the drugs. Padovano, who was one of the two leaders of the conspiracy, additionally engaged in financial transactions aimed at concealing the origin and true ownership of more than $300,000 in drug proceeds.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Wigenton sentenced Padovano to 5 years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Frazer and Assistant Attorney General A. Duva made the announcement. U.S. Attorney Frazer credited the special agents of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) – Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy, with the investigation. He also thanked HSI in Philadelphia, the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Newark Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Newark, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the Newark Police Department, and the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sammi Malek and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Hasapidis-Sferra of the Criminal Division in Newark and Trial Attorney Stephen Sola, Chief of the Money Laundering and Forfeiture Unit of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture (MNF) Section. Financial Investigator Kathryn Montemorra of MNF supported the investigation.
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 Newark comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS and local law enforcement officers with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
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Defense counsel: Michael Baldassare, Esq. for defendant Thomas Padovano;
Christopher D. Adams, Esq. for defendant Bartholomew Padovano.
padovanoetal.supersedingindictment.pdfLancaster County Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Pandemic Broadband Assistance Program of More Than $741,000Read the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Krandon Wenger, 25, of Lititz, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty today before United States District Judge Joseph F. Leeson Jr. to two counts of wire fraud, arising from a pandemic program fraud scheme in which he defrauded the government of more than $741,000.
The defendant was charged by information last month; with today’s plea, he has waived prosecution by indictment.
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.
As detailed in court filings and statements, the Affordable Connectivity Program (“ACP”) was funded by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and provided financial support to eligible, low-income households, so those households could continue to receive broadband services during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ACP authorized a monthly reimbursement of $30 per household, or $75 for households on tribal lands, to be paid to a household’s broadband access provider.
In March of 2022, the defendant, who owned and controlled a company called K20 Wireless, LLC (“K20 Wireless”), submitted an application for K20 Wireless to become an ACP broadband provider. After K20 Wireless’s application was approved in April 2022, the company began to enroll subscribers and submitted monthly certifications for ACP reimbursements.
Most of K20 Wireless’s reimbursement requests were for subscribers who purportedly lived on tribal lands and, therefore, received the higher reimbursements of $75 per month. However, these tribal ACP claims were false.
In reality, the defendant had caused employees and agents of K20 Wireless to change the residential addresses of K20 Wireless ACP subscribers from non-tribal lands to tribal lands, before submitting the claims. Because K20 Wireless was entitled to receive only $30 per month for these subscriber households, not $75, the defendant’s fraud scheme caused the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) to overpay K20 Wireless by approximately $741,726.
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on September 28 and faces a maximum possible term of 20 years in prison on each wire fraud count.
This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Francis A. Weber.
Lamar County Man Faces a Max of Life in Prison for Armed Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
MACON, Ga. – A Lamar County resident set for trial this week admitted that he possessed firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking at a plea hearing Monday and is facing up to life in prison for his crime.
Gregory Alexander Twymon, 35, of Barnesville, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime before U.S. District Judge C Ashley Royal on June 1. Twymon faces a mandatory minimum of five years up to a maximum of life in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date will be determined by the Court. There is no parole in the federal system.
“Armed drug traffickers will be brought to justice in the Middle District of Georgia," said U.S. Attorney William R. "Will" Keyes. "We thank the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office and ATF for helping us hold the defendant accountable and for their ongoing work to uphold the law and make our communities safer for everyone.”
“Criminals must understand that there are serious repercussions for the illegal possession of firearms and that ATF and our law enforcement partners will contribute all necessary time and effort to ensure criminals are brought to justice,” said ATF Resident Agent in Charge Robert Davis.
“This conviction reflects the hard work and dedication of our investigators, prosecutors, and law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to hold this offender accountable,” said Lamar County Sheriff Brad White. “Illegal drug activity threatens the safety and well-being of our communities, and we remain committed to identifying, investigating, and prosecuting those who choose to engage in the distribution of dangerous narcotics. We hope this outcome sends a clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be brought to justice.”
According to court documents and statements referenced in court, Lamar County Sheriff’s Office deputies executed a lawful search of Twymon’s Barnesville apartment on June 5, 2024. Officers located two safes in his bedroom, two cell phones, cash, digital scales, and marijuana. Inside the safes, officers found approximately 49 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine, 25 homemade methamphetamine pills, a 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number, a .25 ACP pistol, a loaded extended magazine that appeared to have been made from two magazines, and ammunition.
On June 6, 2024, Twymon was being transported to another jail facility when he asked to speak to a detective before leaving. Twymon told the detective that the bulk of the methamphetamine he picks up from a supplier is gone as soon as he gets home, that he only keeps what he wants of the methamphetamine, and that he took the guns from a guy and put them in his safe to keep them off the streets. A review of Twymon’s cell phones contained proof that he was actively purchasing and distributing methamphetamine, detailed his purchase of the 9mm pistol with the obliterated serial number in January 2024, and contained text messages about repairing the .25 ACP pistol after it was damaged by a cousin of Twymon’s. Twymon now admits that the firearms were in his possession for personal protection and the protection of the methamphetamine.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The ATF and the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julius Jefferson and Tamara Jarrett are prosecuting the case for the Government.
Lake County Man Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Firearms TraffickingRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Fernando Munguia, Jr. (24, Leesburg) has been sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber to four years in federal prison for making a materially false statement in connection with the acquisition of a firearm and causing a federal firearm licensee (FFL) to maintain false information in its official records. Munguia pleaded guilty on January 26, 2026. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court records, between January 1 and December 31, 2023, Munguia illegally straw-purchased multiple firearms. For the purchases, Munguia indicated on the mandatory background paperwork that he was the actual transferee/buyer of the firearms. Those statements, however, were false since Munguia had been paid to purchase the firearms on behalf of someone else. Nine of the firearms purchased by Munguia—along with other firearms— were subsequently intercepted by United States Customs and Border Protection on May 27, 2023, when another individual attempted to transport them from Eagle Pass, Texas across the border and into Mexico. Authorities intercepted Munguia’s firearms less than a month after he had purchased them.
The firearms and ammunition seized at the U.S. border on May 27, 2023.
A subsequent records check by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives showed that between January and November 2023, Munguia had purchased 44 firearms for a total of $23,334.25—an amount representing approximately two-thirds of his reported annual income. The records also showed that his purchases frequently involved multiple, identical firearms of the same model and caliber.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and United States Custom and Border Protection. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson.
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.
Justice Department Statement on Lighthiser Case in MontanaRead the Press Release
Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed a district court’s ruling to dismiss the case Lighthiser et al. v. Donald J. Trump et al., a case where plaintiffs sought to challenge President Donald J. Trump’s executive orders to unleash American energy, declare a national energy emergency, and to reinvigorate America’s clean coal industry.
“The appellate court unanimously affirmed what the district court said months ago — the plaintiffs lacked standing to bring this suit because they did not establish that the Executive Orders caused any injury or that any injury could be redressed by the courts,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “Working with our partner agencies, ENRD is on the front lines of advancing the President’s energy directives, using America’s abundant natural resources to our benefit including by having clean and healthy air and water.”
Justice Department Secures Motion to Allow Continued Construction of Idaho Gold Mine Critical to National DefenseRead the Press Release
Last week, the U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho denied a motion for a preliminary injunction to halt construction of the Stibnite Gold Project. Among other things, the project will establish a domestic source of the mineral antimony, which has an essential use in a range of defense applications, including munitions and military-grade antimony trisulfide, lead-acid batteries, advanced sensor and radar materials, and flame retardants. Historically, the United States has been dependent on foreign sources of antimony. China is the largest historical supplier and has restricted exports to the United States. This has left the National Defense Stockpile depleted.
“Antimony is among the minerals most vital to our national defense, and for too long the United States has relied on foreign adversaries to supply it,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “This decision allows construction to move forward on the most significant domestic source of antimony, and it reflects the Department’s commitment to defending projects critical to America’s national security.”
After years of environmental reviews, the U.S. Forest Service in January 2025 approved the Stibnite project, which is located in the Boise and Payette National Forests in central Idaho. A coalition of environmental groups challenged the approval and asked the court, before scheduled construction began, to halt work on the project’s access route and related facilities. The court denied that motion because plaintiffs had not made the required clear showing of imminent, irreparable harm. The ruling allows the authorized construction to proceed while the litigation continues.
Defense officials have identified the Stibnite project as the only domestic mine source capable of producing antimony in sufficient quantities to meet U.S. defense requirements in the near term. Over its life, the project is projected to produce roughly 115 million pounds of antimony, along with 4.2 million ounces of gold and 1.7 million ounces of silver. It will also reclaim a site disturbed by more than a century of historical mining, removing legacy mine tailings and restoring fish passage on the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River.
Attorneys with ENRD’s Natural Resources Section and Wildlife and Marine Resources Section, together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho, are handling this matter.
Justice Department Intervenes in Support of Law Enforcement Challenge to Colorado LawRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice moved to intervene in support of a lawsuit brought by local law enforcement officials challenging a Colorado law (HB21-1060). According to the government’s intervention motion, Colorado’s HB21-1060 interferes with public safety by distorting the process by which crime victims may temporarily remain in the country to assist with the prosecution of the offenses committed against them.
“Colorado’s law distorting the U-Visa process is deeply unfair to qualified U-Visa applicants who want to help law enforcement secure the safety of American communities,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “Congress created a scheme to incentivize cooperation with law enforcement while relying on local official discretion to ensure that only deserving applicants receive U-Visas. But Colorado is favoring the unhelpful alien over the crime victim who helps promote public safety and order. Federal law does not tolerate that backwards policy.”
U nonimmigrant visas (U-Visas) provide certain aliens who have been victims of serious crimes with temporary authorization to remain in our Nation to aid in the prosecution of criminal activity. To be eligible, among other requirements, an alien must submit an official certification from an appropriate law enforcement official stating that the alien has been, is, or likely will be helpful in the investigation or prosecution. Because only 10,000 U-Visas are available per year, the application process is highly competitive. But HB21-1060 skews that process. It requires officials to certify helpfulness even when an alien has not been, is not, and will not likely be helpful so long as the alien has not failed or refused to provide help reasonably requested. HB21-1060 also forbids certifying officials from considering relevant criteria, such as whether an alien lacks information about the criminal activity. And by eliminating certifying official discretion, HB21-1060 removes an important threshold check that ensures U-Visas go to only worthy applicants. Taken together, these Colorado requirements could force a Colorado official to provide the required certification even when an alien is not helpful, does not even possess information that could be helpful, and has engaged in separate conduct (such as known involvement in other serious criminal activity) that would warrant a discretionary refusal to certify.
As the proposed complaint-in-intervention explains, HB21-1060 is contrary to the U-Visa regime Congress enacted and is thus preempted under the Supremacy Clause.
Today’s action to intervene and support local law enforcement’s suit against Colorado demonstrates President Trump’s commitment to support crime victims and our Nation’s law enforcement officers, who work tirelessly to keep American communities safe. Laws that have the opposite effect and flout the judgment of Congress cannot stand.
Joint Law Enforcement Effort Disrupts Two Multi-State Drug Trafficking Operations; Nineteen Defendants Charged in Homeland Security Task Force InitiativeRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two multi-state drug trafficking organizations were taken down today with 13 federal arrests made in Maryland and West Virginia, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
“Thanks to the tireless, coordinated work of law enforcement across multiple states, our communities are now safer,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew Harvey. “Our focus now turns to ensuring these individuals are held fully accountable for the harm they caused.”
“Together ... we were able to collect evidence, execute search warrants, and mete out justice properly to safeguard our communities,” FBI Director Kash Patel said during a press conference in Martinsburg, West Virginia, following the takedown. “We took no shortcuts.”
“Tearing this drug operation out from our communities across two states means ridding our neighborhoods of the poison and violence that tears families apart. Months of painstaking investigative work conducted by every partner agency led to unleashing the full force of the law to destroy this network fueling violence and addiction,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “The FBI and our local, state, and federal partners state loud and clear: crime will pay a heavy price in this region, and we will not stop in the pursuit of keeping your community safe.”
According to two filed indictments, two drug trafficking operations were selling large quantities of cocaine and cocaine base in Berkeley and Jefferson Counties over a two-year period. One operation, led by Rohan Broadie, aka "Glama G," Aneteneh Zewde Terfe, and Marvin A. Taaff of the Baltimore and Greenbelt, Maryland areas, involved 15 defendants and used multiple residences to store and distribute drugs. Members of the group allegedly possessed firearms to support their trafficking activities and handled large amounts of cash in drug proceeds. Omari Obeng Stewart, aka "O," routinely traveled between Maryland and West Virginia to supply, coordinate, and sell cocaine and cocaine base throughout the region. Several defendants are charged in a drug conspiracy involving over five kilograms of cocaine and 28 grams of cocaine base. The second organization, led by brothers Jorfory and Joroy Twyman, of Ranson, West Virginia, worked together to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine and quantities of cocaine base in and around Jefferson County, West Virginia. During the investigation, law enforcement searched multiple homes and storage units, seizing tens of thousands of dollars, cocaine, and luxury items believed to have been purchased with drug proceeds.
“Today’s arrests demonstrate the power of partnership in action. Building public safety is a complex challenge that no single agency can accomplish alone. Each agency contributes unique authorities and expertise, and today, that collaboration has resulted in 14 alleged drug dealers being removed from our streets,” said Special Agent in Charge Eric Weindorf of Homeland Security Investigations Washington D.C. “The landscape is ever-evolving, but Homeland Security Task Force partnerships enable us to confront complex, multifaceted drug trafficking cases with a united front—leveraging our collective strengths to deliver real results.”
The defendants in both cases are:
- Omari Obeng Stewart, also known as “O,” 46, of Greenbelt, Maryland
- Rohan Lamante Broadie, also known as “Glama G,” 53, an illegal alien from Jamaica
- Aneteneh Zewde Terfe, 45, of Baltimore, Maryland
- Christopher Wallace Jones, Jr., 38, of Capitol Heights, Maryland
- Marvin A. Taaff, 39, an illegal alien from Jamaica
- Omo-Karo Cooper, 46, of Brandywine, Maryland
- Traci-Ann Simone Ward, 41, an illegal alien from Jamaica
- LeeAnn Lopez, 33, of Greenbelt, Maryland
- Gavin Anthony Johnson, 23, of New Carrollton, Maryland
- Dante McFalls, 37, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Tabatha McFalls, 40, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Stanley Delano Lum, 41, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Juan Vashaun Payne, also known as “Big Guy,” 51, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
- Christopher Pasco, 57, of Inwood, West Virginia
- Jorfory Twyman, also known as “Foy,” 47, of Ranson, West Virginia
- Joroy Twyman, also known as “Roy,” 47, of Ranson, West Virginia
- Jennifer Woodsmall, 48, of Summerville, South Carolina
- Chaz Plauche, 31, of Charles Town, West Virginia
- Unnamed fugitive
Six defendants remain at large. They are Omo-Karo Cooper, Tabatha McFalls, Juan Payne, Christopher Pasco, and an unnamed fugitive. Anyone with information can contact their local law enforcement office. Marvin Taaff was in custody prior to today’s arrests.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Omps-Botteicher is prosecuting the cases on behalf of the government.
Investigative agencies include the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the FBI, Pittsburgh Field Office; Homeland Security Investigations; the West Virginia State Police; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Martinsburg Police Department; the Ranson Police Department; the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; the U.S. National Guard, Martinsburg; the United States Postal Service - Office of Inspector General, Mid Atlantic Area Field Office; the Bureau of Prisons; the FBI, Washington Field Office; the FBI, Baltimore Field Office; the Montgomery County, Maryland Police Department; the Prince George’s County, Maryland Police Department; the Virginia State Police; the Drug Enforcement Administration, Washington Field Office; and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Information.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Jacksonville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Jacksonville, Florida – Trey Allan King (32, Jacksonville) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard to 10 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distribution of 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. King pleaded guilty on January 31, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, during the summer of 2024, King was a member of a drug trafficking conspiracy that sold marijuana and methamphetamine at different trap house locations in Jacksonville. Between July 18 and August 14, 2024, a confidential source bought approximately 1,055 grams of methamphetamine from members of the drug trafficking organization. On August 7, 2024, King himself sold the confidential source approximately 238 grams of actual methamphetamine in exchange for $1,500. The investigation further revealed that King regularly sold and delivered drugs on behalf of the organization, including from a mobile camper.
This case was investigated by The Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Nassau County Sherriff’s Office, and the Jacksonville Sherriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Rachel Lasry and Kelli A. Swaney.
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.