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21 May 2026
Armed Career Criminal Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Devin Adams, a multi-convicted felon, was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge D. P. Marshall, Jr.
A federal grand jury indicted Adams, 32, of Alexander, in a one-count Superseding Indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm. On October 29, 2025, Adams pleaded guilty to the charge in the Superseding Indictment. Judge Marshall also sentenced Adams to two years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that officers with the Little Rock Police Department observed a vehicle driven by Adams speeding and conducted a traffic stop. Officers learned during the traffic stop that Adams was on probation and had a search waiver on file. When asked by officers to exit the vehicle, Adams complied and advised officers he had two hydrocodone pills in his pocket. Upon a search of Adams’ person, officers located the two hydrocodone pills, an oxycodone pill, and a loaded Kel Tec, model P11 9mm firearm in his pants.
Adams has at least three prior convictions for a felony drug offense and is therefore classified as an armed career criminal. His criminal history includes one conviction for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and five convictions for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Little Rock Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Reese Lancaster.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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@USAO_EDAR
A National from Turkey Pleads Guilty to Encouraging and Inducing Illegal Aliens to Reside within the US IllegallyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Turkish National pleaded guilty to one count of knowingly encouraging and inducing illegal aliens to reside within the U.S. illegally.
Berk Balgic, 26, pleaded guilty today before Federal Magistrate Judge David P. Rush for knowingly encouraging and inducing illegal aliens to reside illegally within the United States. Mr. Balgic, who owned both Flaming Margaritas – Mexican Kitchen and Flaming Margaritas – American Kitchen in Branson, Mo., knowingly hired individuals who were within the United States either illegally or in conflict with their stated visas, to enter and remain in this country. Mr. Balgic, either himself or through others, directed these individuals to obtain false and fraudulent documents that appeared to support that they were in compliance with United States immigration laws, when in fact, they were not. Mr. Balgic received a material economic benefit from his illegal hirings by paying these works less than those who were either citizens of the United States or legally within this country.
On Aug. 20, 2025, agents with Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO), along with other federal agencies, executed search warrants at the residence and restaurants of Mr. Balgic. This coordinated law enforcement action successfully located evidence and identified at least 13 individuals that Mr. Balgic knowingly and illegally employed at his two restaurants. During the investigation, HSI agents determined that Mr. Balgic had been knowingly hiring illegal immigrants to work at his restaurants starting at least in August of 2024, and continuing until Aug. 20, 2025, when law enforcement executed warrants.
Within the plea agreement between the United States and Mr. Balgic, he admitted his criminal conduct and agreed to consent to a request for judicial removal from the United State at the time of his sentencing. Immediately after being sentenced by the district court, Mr. Balgic will be taken into custody and then processed through an expedited deportation process that will return him to his native country of Turkey.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs, Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Operation Take Back America
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.
4,000 Videos and 17,000 Images of CSAM Sends Booneville man to federal prison and paying over $100,000.00 to the VictimsRead the Press Release
OXFORD, Miss. – A Booneville, Mississippi man was sentenced today to four years in prison for possessing images and videos of children under 12 engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Additionally, he was sentenced to ten years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender where he lives, where he works, and where he is a student. United States District Judge Michael Mills also ordered $107,000 as restitution to this man’s victims.
According to court documents, Joshua Honeycutt, 42, was found with over 4,000 videos and 17,000 images of child sexual abuse material. Many of the images portrayed children between 5 and 10 years old.
The FBI, Mississippi Attorney General’s Office and Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department were all involved in the investigation of the case.
United States Attorney Scott Leary stated, “All children are safer now that this person has been locked up. Not only will he have to serve time in a federal prison, but he will also be forced to register as a sex offender everywhere he goes. While money does not begin to make up for the victimization of these children, the restitution in this case will help the victims get the assistance they need. I am thankful for the partnership our office continues to have with our Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Prentiss County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
“Every video viewed and image produced contributes to the ongoing harm and victimization of vulnerable children,” stated Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jackson Field Office, Robert Eikhoff. “Honeycutt exploited the innocence of our youth, and such conduct will not be tolerated. The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain dedicated to aggressively combating child sexual exploitation and protecting children from further abuse.”
“Child sexual abuse is a horrific crime that does extraordinary physical, mental, and emotional damage to the victim. And when it is recorded or photographed, that child’s trauma occurs over and over again,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “I appreciate the strong partnership our office has with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI. Together, we are dedicated to serving justice for the victims and making Mississippi a safer place for every child.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Childhood.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
20 May 2026
Woman Sentenced for Assault on the Choctaw Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Jackson, MS – On May 20, 2026, a Pearl River woman was sentenced to 50 months in federal prison for an assault that occurred on the Choctaw Indian Reservation. Additionally, once she is released, she will be placed on supervised release for three years.
According to court documents, Amery Renee Ketcher, 31, used a knife to assault another tribal member resulting in serious bodily injury. Ketcher was indicted by a federal grand jury in March of 2025 and pleaded guilty to the charge in February of 2026.
U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger and Gabriel Billie, Director of Choctaw Public Safety, made the announcement.
The Choctaw Police Department investigated the case.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin J. Payne, Brian K. Burns, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kalleigh McCoy.
United States Unseals Superseding Indictment Charging Raul Castro and Five Castro Regime Co-Defendants for 1996 Shoot-Down of Brothers to the Rescue AircraftRead the Press Release
Raul Modesto Castro RuzThe U.S. Department of Justice today announced the unsealing of a superseding indictment charging Raul Modesto Castro Ruz, 94, of Holguin, Cuba; along with Lorenzo Alberto Perez‑Perez of Las Tunas, Cuba; Emilio José Palacio Blanco; José Fidel Gual Barzaga; Raul Simanca Cardenas; and Luis Raul Gonzalez‑Pardo Rodriguez, for their alleged roles in the Feb. 24, 1996 shoot‑down of two unarmed U.S. civilian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue (BTTR), also known as Hermanos al Rescate, over international waters.
“Over three decades later, we are committed to holding those accountable for the murders of four brave Americans: Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “For the first time in nearly 70 years, senior leadership of the Cuban regime has been charged in the United States for alleged acts of violence resulting in the deaths of American citizens. President Trump and this Justice Department are committed to restoring a simple principle: if you kill Americans, we will pursue you. No matter who you are. No matter what title you hold.”
“Today’s superseding indictment of Raul Castro and five Castro regime co-defendants is a major step toward accountability in the 1996 murders of four Brothers to the Rescue members - including three U.S citizens - Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr, Mario de la Pena, and Pablo Morales,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “For 30 years these families have waited for answers - and this FBI never forgot. We will continue working with our Justice Department partners to bring to justice those who attacked our civilians.”
“For 30 years, the families of these men have waited. The Miami community has waited. Our country has waited. Today is a step toward accountability,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This passage of time does not erase murder. It does not diminish the value of these lives. And it does not weaken our commitment to the rule of law.”
BTTR was an organization based in Miami that conducted humanitarian flight operations across the Florida Straits to search for Cuban migrants in distress. As alleged, beginning in the early 1990s, Cuban intelligence agents infiltrated the organization and relayed detailed information about its flight operations back to the Cuban government. These reports were allegedly used by military leadership in planning the Feb. 24, 1996 operation.
The superseding indictment charges conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, two counts of destruction of aircraft, and four counts of murder.
According to the allegations, on Feb. 24, 1996, three BTTR aircraft flew from South Florida toward Cuba. Cuban military fighter jets under the chain of command overseen by Raul Castro fired air‑to‑air missiles at two unarmed civilian Cessna aircraft — destroying them without warning while they were flying outside Cuban territory, killing four U.S. nationals, including three U.S. citizens: Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña and Pablo Morales.
Rodriguez in a MiG fighter jetThe indictment further alleges that, in the weeks prior to the attack, Cuban military pilots conducted training exercises designed to locate and intercept slow‑moving civilian aircraft. On the day of the incident, three BTTR planes departed from Opa‑locka Airport for a planned humanitarian flight south of the 24th parallel. Two of the aircraft — tail numbers N2456S and N5485S — were allegedly targeted and shot down in international airspace, resulting in the deaths of all four victims.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment on the murder and conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals counts. Castro Ruz and Perez-Perez face up to five years in prison for each of the destruction of aircraft counts. The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of any defendant will be determined by a judge.
Luis Raul Gonzalez‑Pardo Rodriguez, 65, of Havana, Cuba, is in U.S. custody pending sentencing later this month in the Middle District of Florida for making false statements in an immigration document.
Luis Raul Gonzalez-Pardo Rodriguez and Lorenzo Alberto Perez-PerezThe U.S. Attorney’s Office also acknowledged the assistance of the Florida Attorney General’s Office. “We are grateful for the support provided by Attorney General James Uthmeier and his team during this investigation,” said U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones.
Today’s announcement is in conjunction with a ceremony at the Freedom Tower in Miami to honor the victims. Participants at today’s press conference included Acting Attorney General Blanche, U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones, U.S. Senator Ashley Moody, Deputy Director Christopher G. Raia of the FBI, and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abbie D. Waxman and Michael E. Gilfarb for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case, with the investigation led by the FBI Miami Field Office.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
United States Unseals Superseding Indictment Charging Raul Castro and Five Castro Regime Co-Defendants for 1996 Shoot-Down of Brothers to the Rescue AircraftRead the Press Release
MIAMI – The U.S. Department of Justice today announced the unsealing of a superseding indictment charging Raul Modesto Castro Ruz, 94, of Holguin, Cuba; along with Lorenzo Alberto Perez‑Perez of Las Tunas, Cuba; Emilio José Palacio Blanco; José Fidel Gual Barzaga; Raul Simanca Cardenas; and Luis Raul Gonzalez‑Pardo Rodriguez, for their alleged roles in the Feb. 24, 1996 shoot‑down of two unarmed U.S. civilian aircraft operated by Brothers to the Rescue (BTTR), also known as Hermanos al Rescate, over international waters.
“Over three decades later, we are committed to holding those accountable for the murders of four brave Americans: Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “For the first time in nearly 70 years, senior leadership of the Cuban regime has been charged in the United States for alleged acts of violence resulting in the deaths of American citizens. President Trump and this Justice Department are committed to restoring a simple principle: if you kill Americans, we will pursue you. No matter who you are. No matter what title you hold.”
“Today’s superseding indictment of Raul Castro and five Castro regime co-defendants is a major step toward accountability in the 1996 murders of four Brothers to the Rescue members - including three U.S citizens - Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr, Mario de la Pena, and Pablo Morales,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “For 30 years these families have waited for answers - and this FBI never forgot. We will continue working with our Justice Department partners to bring to justice those who attacked our civilians.”
“For 30 years, the families of these men have waited. The Miami community has waited. Our country has waited. Today is a step toward accountability,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “This passage of time does not erase murder. It does not diminish the value of these lives. And it does not weaken our commitment to the rule of law.”
BTTR was an organization based in Miami that conducted humanitarian flight operations across the Florida Straits to search for Cuban migrants in distress. As alleged, beginning in the early 1990s, Cuban intelligence agents infiltrated the organization and relayed detailed information about its flight operations back to the Cuban government. These reports were allegedly used by military leadership in planning the Feb. 24, 1996 operation.
The superseding indictment charges conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals, two counts of destruction of aircraft, and four counts of murder.
According to the allegations, on Feb. 24, 1996, three BTTR aircraft flew from South Florida toward Cuba. Cuban military fighter jets under the chain of command overseen by Raul Castro fired air‑to‑air missiles at two unarmed civilian Cessna aircraft — destroying them without warning while they were flying outside Cuban territory, killing four U.S. nationals, including three U.S. citizens: Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña and Pablo Morales.
The indictment further alleges that, in the weeks prior to the attack, Cuban military pilots conducted training exercises designed to locate and intercept slow‑moving civilian aircraft. On the day of the incident, three BTTR planes departed from Opa‑locka Airport for a planned humanitarian flight south of the 24th parallel. Two of the aircraft — tail numbers N2456S and N5485S — were allegedly targeted and shot down in international airspace, resulting in the deaths of all four victims.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment on the murder and conspiracy to kill U.S. nationals counts. Castro Ruz and Perez-Perez face up to five years in prison for each of the destruction of aircraft counts. The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentencing of any defendant will be determined by a judge.
Luis Raul Gonzalez‑Pardo Rodriguez, 65, of Havana, Cuba, is in U.S. custody pending sentencing later this month in the Middle District of Florida for making false statements in an immigration document.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office also acknowledged the assistance of the Florida Attorney General’s Office. “We are grateful for the support provided by Attorney General James Uthmeier and his team during this investigation,” said U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones.
Today’s announcement is in conjunction with a ceremony at the Freedom Tower in Miami to honor the victims. Participants at today’s press conference included Acting Attorney General Blanche, U.S. Attorney Reding Quiñones, U.S. Senator Ashley Moody, Deputy Director Christopher G. Raia of the FBI, and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Abbie D. Waxman and Michael E. Gilfarb for the Southern District of Florida are prosecuting the case, with the investigation led by the FBI Miami Field Office.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at www.sdfl.uscourts.gov or at http://pacer.sdfl.uscourts.gov, under case number 03-cr-20685.
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United States Attorney’s Office to honor 99-year-old Veteran Robert Gill as Hometown Hero during Award Ceremony on Thursday, May 21, 2026Read the Press Release
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – in celebration of Memorial Day and our nation’s upcoming 250th birthday, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois and U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft proudly recognize Robert “Bob” Gill, 99, from Jerseyville, as the recipient of the Hometown Hero Award.
Over the course of his 30-year military career, Gill served the United States in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Gill’s lifetime of extraordinary service is an inspiration to communities across Southern Illinois and throughout the nation.
Sgt. Gill will be honored at an award ceremony held at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 1:00 pm. Media is invited to attend.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Recognizes Local Patrol Officer for HeroismRead the Press Release
CLEVELAND – U.S. Attorney David M. Toepfer recently recognized a local patrol officer for his acts of heroism to save a mother and her children from a violent criminal.
Patrol Officer Ali Sabeiha, of the Elyria Police Department, was presented with the Freedom 250 Hometown Hero Award for the Northern District of Ohio. The award commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. The Hometown Hero Award honors the enduring ideals of liberty, service, and civic responsibility. This award is dedicated in recognition of a steadfast commitment to these ideals and an embodiment of the spirit upon which our Nation was founded.
On Jan. 21, 2026, Officer Sabeiha was on official duty responding to an armed robbery in Elyria. When the pursuit of the suspect’s vehicle ended, the suspect fled on foot. Armed with a firearm, he ran into a residential area where he encountered a mother entering her residence with her four young children. The suspect forcibly entered the home and took the mother hostage at gunpoint.
Despite the danger, and without hesitation or concern for his own safety, Officer Sabeiha rushed into the residence knowing that there were innocent lives at stake. Once inside, he confronted the armed suspect who was actively holding the mother at gunpoint. With exceptional composure, sound judgment, and tactical proficiency, Officer Sabeiha successfully incapacitated the suspect.
Dana Linden, Elyria Police Department“We are grateful for Officer Sabeiha’s actions that day to save a mother and her children from a violent and dangerous criminal. His professionalism in the face of danger is a testament to his unwavering commitment to keep the public safe. It is our honor to recognize him as the Hometown Hero that he is, and for his exemplary service to his department and our community.” - U.S. Attorney Toepfer
U.S. Attorney’s Office Presents Hometown Hero Award to Retired Pittsburgh Police Officer in Recognition of His Bravery and Dedication During Tree of Life Synagogue ShootingRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania this morning presented former Pittsburgh Bureau of Police (PBP) officer Daniel Mead with a U.S. Department of Justice/United States Attorney’s Office “Hometown Hero Award” during a brief ceremony held at PBP headquarters. Mead received the award in front of PBP’s command staff.
Offered in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, the Hometown Hero Award honors the enduring ideals of liberty, service, and civic responsibility, and is bestowed in recognition of brave men and women who exemplify steadfast commitment to these ideals and embody the spirit upon which our nation was founded.
The award was presented to Mead, now retired, in recognition of his courage and sacrifice during the October 27, 2018, Tree of Life Synagogue shooting, where Officer Mead and his partner, Michael Smidga, were the first to arrive at the Synagogue that morning in response to the harrowing 911 calls about an active shooter. Armed only with a handgun, Mead quickly approached the entrance of the Synagogue and observed the shooter inside of the building before being shot through the hand and needing to retreat. Mead was one of four police officers and SWAT operators to be shot and injured by the shooter, who killed 11 congregants and seriously wounded two others during his antisemitic attack.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is pleased to honor Daniel Mead with the Western District of Pennsylvania’s Hometown Hero Award in conjunction with the celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday,” said United States Attorney Troy Rivetti. “Nearly eight years after the shooting, our gratitude and admiration for the heroic bravery and selfless dedication of the first responders that day endures. On the morning of October 27, 2018, Officer Mead walked directly into the line of fire in fulfillment of his sworn duty to uphold the law and protect his fellow citizens. Today, we honor him. He is Pittsburgh’s Hometown Hero.”
U.S. Attorney Rivetti with Daniel Mead Daniel Mead with U.S. Attorney Rivetti, Officer Smidga, Tree of Life survivors, and PBP Chief Lando Daniel Mead with PBP command staffU.S. Attorney’s Office Presents Hometown Hero Award to Detective Sergeant Dayerrick IrelandRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Benson this morning presented Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeant Dayerrick Ireland with a U.S. Department of Justice/United States Attorney’s Office “Hometown Hero Award” during a ceremony held at the United States Attorney’s Office in Bangor. Ireland received the award in front of his family and Sheriff’s Office command staff.
The Hometown Hero award commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. Every U.S. Attorney in the country chose one recipient of the award, which honors the many contributions local law enforcement officers make to preserving and improving their communities and protecting their fellow citizens. The award honors the enduring ideals of service and civic responsibility and is bestowed in recognition of the brave men and women who exemplify steadfast commitment to these ideals and embody the spirit upon which our nation was founded.
U.S. Attorney Benson noted during his remarks that local law enforcement officers play a vital role in protecting Maine communities but acknowledged that these occupations involve long hours and tremendous sacrifice not only for the officers but for their family and friends.
Detective Sergeant Ireland is currently assigned to the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2022. In 2025, Det. Sgt. Ireland was selected as a full-time FBI Task Force Officer. During his time with the Sheriff’s Office and FBI, he has investigated child sexual assault/child pornography cases, fatal accidents, police-involved shootings, homicides, and many other felony-level crimes. Det. Sgt. Ireland’s tireless investigative efforts have led to the arrests and convictions of numerous individuals, both in Maine and in other states, who have engaged in acts of child sexual exploitation. Earlier this year, Det. Sgt. Ireland was recognized at the Maine Sheriffs’ Association award dinner as Deputy of the Year.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is proud to present this award to Dayerrick Ireland, and pleased that he could receive it in the company of his family and colleagues,” U.S. Attorney Benson said. “His work on behalf of some of the most vulnerable victims in our communities highlights the difference that one committed public servant can make.”
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Two Luzerne County Men Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
SCRANTON- The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jhaquil Moore, a/k/a “Twizz,” age 30, of Hughestown, Pennsylvania, and Keith Hayes, age 34, of Jenkins Township, Pennsylvania, were indicted on May 19, 2026, by a federal grand jury for drug trafficking offenses.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that between on or about February 1, 2026, and May 12, 2026, Moore and Hayes conspired to distribute quantities of cocaine in Luzerne County, and elsewhere. The indictment further alleges that on six occasions between February 2025 and April 2026, Moore and Hayes distributed quantities of cocaine within Luzerne County. The indictment further alleges that on May 12, 2026, Hayes possessed a stolen Glock 43x pistol, after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by more than a year in prison.
The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Luzerne County Drug Task Force, the Kingston Police Department, and the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney James M. Buchanan is prosecuting the case.
The maximum penalty under federal law for these offenses is imprisonment for twenty years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine. A sentence following the finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Indictments and Criminal Informations are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.
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Two Individuals Arrested for Publishing AI Deepfake Pornography in Violation of TAKE IT DOWN ActRead the Press Release
Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, two criminal complaints were unsealed charging Cornelius Shannon and Arturo Hernandez with violations of the TAKE IT DOWN Act, which was enacted one year ago and prohibits the nonconsensual publication of AI-generated digital forgeries (deepfake) pornography. Shannon and Hernandez allegedly posted thousands of images and videos that appeared to depict real people nude and/or engaging in sexual acts. The victims included actresses, singers and political figures. Hernandez also posted hundreds of depictions of non-public figures appearing to engage in sexual acts. Hernandez was arrested today in Bedias, Texas, and will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date. Shannon was arrested today in New Jersey and will appear this afternoon in Brooklyn before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Cross-Goldenberg.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the arrests.
“As alleged, the defendants used cutting-edge digital technology to create images that degraded and violated victims across the United States,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This case makes clear that posting deepfake pornography is not a victimless crime, and our Office will pursue the criminals who engage in this reprehensible conduct with all the legal resources that the federal government can bring to bear, including new authorities granted by Congress to address these emerging forms of psychological, reputational, and financial abuse.”
Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the FBI field offices in Houston, Texas, and Newark, New Jersey, for their assistance with the case.
“The individuals arrested today are being charged for their alleged roles in a scheme to create and distribute vile deepfake pornography using artificial intelligence,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. “This predatory conduct represents a disturbing abuse of technology that inflicts emotional harm on victims, violating their privacy, dignity, and security. The use of this emerging technology to victimize individuals is not innovative – it is criminal and will be pursued with the full force of the law.”
On April 28, 2025, Congress passed the TAKE IT DOWN Act, a bill that criminalizes the nonconsensual publication of intimate images, including deepfakes. The TAKE IT DOWN Act is an acronym that stands for “Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks Act.” The TAKE IT DOWN Act was intended to combat so-called revenge porn, or pornography posted of an intimate partner without their consent, and non-consensual deepfake material created to simulate a real person.
United States v. Cornelius Shannon
As detailed in court filings, Shannon has published deepfake pornographic material depicting female victims to an image- and video-sharing internet platform designed for creators to share adult and explicit content. Since May 19, 2025, Shannon has published at least 360 albums containing AI deepfake pornography depicting approximately 90 different female victims. The content published by Shannon has been viewed millions of times.United States v. Arturo Hernandez
Hernandez is similarly alleged to have published deepfake pornographic material depicting female victims to a website. Since approximately May 19, 2025, Hernandez has published approximately 113 albums on the website which contained deepfake content depicting approximately 50 different identifiable female victims, including individuals who are not public figures. The albums contain non-explicit images of identifiable individuals which morph into deepfake depictions of the individuals in various stages of undress or engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The content published by Hernandez has been viewed nearly a million times.
The charges in the complaints are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted of the charge, the defendants each face up to two years’ imprisonment.
If you are aware of non-consensually published intimate visual depictions posted on the internet, you can advise the authorities through the Internet Crime Complaint Center, https://www.ic3.gov/, or through the FBI tip line: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).
As part of its enforcement role, the Federal Trade Commission has launched TakeItDown.ftc.gov, a website allowing victims and survivors to submit complaints about platforms that have failed to act on valid requests for the removal of nonconsensual intimate images. The website also accepts complaints about platforms that have failed to create a process for people to request removal of these images.
The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s National Security & Cybercrime Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas J. Moscow and Molly N. Delaney are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Eastern District of New York Investigator Jeffrey Tarkin and Paralegal Specialist Emily Woodruff. Assistant United States Attorney Madeline O’Connor of the Office’s Asset Forfeiture Section is handling forfeiture matters.
The Defendants:
CORNELIUS SHANNON
Age: 51
Hasbrouck Heights, New JerseyARTURO HERNANDEZ
Age: 20
Bedias, TexasE.D.N.Y. Docket Nos. 26-MJ-96 and 26-MJ-97
hernandez_complaint_redacted.pdf shannon_complaint_redacted.pdfTwo Defense Contractors Arrested for Bribery and Major Fraud Conspiracy Scheme Affecting Department of War Technology Innovation ContractsRead the Press Release
Today, the Justice Department announced criminal charges against Leonard Pick, 62, of Palm Beach Shores, Florida, and Brian Kent, 59, of Tampa, Florida, for orchestrating a bribery and major fraud conspiracy that corrupted the competitive procurement process for a Department of War technology innovation lab in the Pacific. The defendants’ alleged conduct specifically affected the construction and operation of the U.S. Army Pacific Command’s Hawaii-Pacific Innovation Campus, which was intended to be a hub for testing new technologies for the Department of War.
The indictment, filed in the District of Hawaii on May 14 and unsealed today, alleges that, from January 2021 to October 2022, Pick and Kent conspired to bribe a U.S. Army employee with approximately $1.25 million over five years and fraudulently inflated government contracting costs to include the U.S. Army employee’s bribe payments. The indictment further alleges that, from approximately September 2020, up to and including October 2022, defendant Kent further defrauded the government by inflating government contract costs to include approximately $680,000 in payments intended for and sent to Kent’s personal consulting business.
“When defense contractors obtain government-funded work through bribery and fraud, they rob our military and the American people of the benefits of a fair, competitive procurement process,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Daniel W. Glad of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division and its partners in the Procurement Collusion Strike Force will vigorously prosecute those that seek to profit at the expense of American taxpayers.”
“Government contracts must be awarded based on fair competition, not secret bribes hidden in inflated costs,” said Acting Director of Criminal Enforcement Paul V. Courtney of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “Those who corrupt the procurement process and defraud the American taxpayer should know this: we will find you, prosecute you, and hold you accountable.”
“Corruption in our military procurement processes harms honest companies seeking to compete fairly, steals from our taxpayers, and erodes faith in our government institutions,” said U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson for the District of Hawaii. “We remain committed to holding accountable in federal court any defense contractors who attempt to undermine fair competition through bribery and corrupt practices.”
“The criminal conduct uncovered in this investigation represents a profound betrayal of the public trust,” said Special Agent in Charge David Porter of the FBI Honolulu Field Office. “The defendants used bribery and fraud to obtain significant defense contracts, prioritizing personal profit over national security. Let this serve as a clear warning — the FBI and our federal partners will aggressively pursue and hold accountable anyone who attempts to corrupt government procurement processes for personal gain.”
“Those who scheme for ill-gotten profits through unscrupulous and shady dealings should take heed of these very serious charges,” said Special Agent in Charge Stanley A. Newell of the Department of War, Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Transnational Operations Field Office. “Swindling the American taxpayers through corruption and fraud will never be tolerated by the dedicated professionals of DCIS and our partner agencies. We are steadfast in our commitment to ensure the integrity of the U.S. military procurement system and hold those who threaten it accountable.”
“Those who attempt to corrupt government processes for personal gain undermine public trust,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bjornstad of the U.S. General Services Administration Office of Inspector General Western Investigations Division. “GSA OIG special agents will continue working with our law enforcement partners to thoroughly investigate those who abuse positions of trust and responsibility.”
“Bribery and conspiracy within the defense supply chain are more than just financial crimes; they represent a direct threat to our mission readiness and the safety of our service members,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS will continue working tirelessly alongside our law enforcement partners to dismantle corrupt networks and safeguard the resources necessary to support our warfighters.”
Defendants Pick and Kent are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and major fraud against the United States, one count of bribery, one count of major fraud against the United States, and one count of wire fraud. Kent is also charged with a second count of major fraud against the United States. The maximum penalty for conspiracy to commit bribery and major fraud is five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for bribery is 15 years in prison and a fine of either $250,000 or three times the monetary value of the bribe, whichever is greater. The maximum penalty for major fraud against the United States is 10 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. The maximum penalty for wire fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The fines 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 fines. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
These indictments result from ongoing federal investigations into fraud and collusion in the defense contracting industry in Hawaii. The investigation is being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s San Francisco Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of the Army Criminal Investigative Division, the U.S. Department of Defense’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the U.S. General Services Administration’s Office of Inspector General, and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). Trial Attorneys Nolan Mayther, Andrew Schupanitz and Kylie McLaughlin, and Senior Litigation Counsel Mikal Condon, are prosecuting the case.
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.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Colombian Nationals Unlawfully in the United States Plead Guilty to Interstate Burglary Conspiracy Targeting Asian American Business OwnersRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.— Two Colombian nationals unlawfully residing in the United States pleaded guilty in federal court for their roles in a multi-state burglary conspiracy that targeted Asian American small business owners in Oregon and Washington.
Derinson Martinez-Grandas, 34, and Steven Alexander Quiroga-Solano, 27, each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen goods.
According to court documents, in early October 2025, Martinez-Grandas, Quiroga-Solano, and their co-conspirators burglarized four homes belonging to victims in multiple states, including Oregon and Washington.
Martinez-Grandas, Quiroga-Solano, and their co-conspirators traveled state to state and targeted homes for burglary by performing internet research on potential Asian American targets. They stayed in short-term rentals and identified and surveilled potential burglary victims, all Asian American small business owners, and then performed reconnaissance on the victims’ residences.
When they carried out the burglaries, the defendants employed signal jamming technology, perimeter countersurveillance, and communicated on seven-way group calls. They entered their victims’ homes by shattering glass doors. Once inside, they ransacked residences, stealing United States and foreign currency, jewelry, designer handbags, purses, wallets, travel documents, and other valuables. After the burglaries, the crew returned to their short-term rental to package the proceeds for transport, transfer, or transmittal.
Following a burglary in Salem, detectives learned that the defendants returned to their rental in Eugene and executed a search warrant at the rental that night. Investigators recovered money and property, believed to be stolen from the various residences, more than a dozen cell phones, believed to be used by the burglary crew, evidence of money wires to Bogota, Colombia, and various Colombian travel documentation, including passports. They also located commercial-grade Wi-Fi signal jammers that were plugged in and charging following their suspected use during the burglary that day.
A search of their devices revealed additional evidence of the conspiracy, including sending and receiving coordinates for the houses they burglarized, surveillance communications, and shared messages highlighting the burglary targets from the preceding days.
For instance, Quiroga-Solano researched Chinese restaurants two days before the burglary crew victimized a family owning a Chinese restaurant. He was in the vicinity of a victim’s home in Gresham the night before it was burglarized, which authorities believe was in preparation for the following day’s burglary. Martinez-Grandas secured short term rentals for the crew in Auburn and Eugene and mapped the address of the Salem home on the day of that burglary. Both Martinez-Grandas and Quiroga-Solano returned to the Eugene rental to package stolen property the night of the Salem burglary.
Martinez-Grandas and Quiroga-Solano each face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. They will be sentenced on July 14, 2026, before a U.S. district court judge.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Eugene Police Department with assistance from the Salem Police Department, the Auburn Police Department, and the Gresham Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren.
Two Business Executives Plead Guilty in Tech-Support Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
PROVIDENCE- Two individuals have pleaded guilty to charges stemming from their operation of a business that provided services to customers engaged in widespread telemarketing and tech-support fraud schemes targeting victims throughout the United States and abroad.
Former CEO Adam Young, 42, of Miami, FL, and former CSO Harrison Gevirtz, 33, of Las Vegas, NV, admitted to operating a business that provided telecommunications-related services, including telephone numbers, call routing services, call tracking, and call forwarding services, to customers they knew were engaged in tech-support fraud schemes. Young and Gevirtz each pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony, in violation of federal law. They are scheduled to be sentenced on June 16, 2026. The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Young and Gevirtz pleaded guilty after an investigation beginning in 2020 that led to the conviction of five India-based telemarketing fraudsters and a former employee of their call routing company. Indian citizens Sahil Narang, Chirag Sachdeva, Abrar Anjum and Manish Kumar, were convicted of charges related to telemarketing fraud schemes based in the Republic of India that targeted and defrauded Americans of millions of dollars, many of them vulnerable to fraud schemes due to age or infirmity. The investigation also contributed to the conviction of another individual, Jagmeet Singh Virk, in the U.S. District Court for the Norther District of California. The investigation further revealed that call centers based in India utilized Young and Gervitz’s business to route their “tech fraud” scheme calls and, in some instances, advised those fraudsters on methods intended to reduce complaints and prevent account terminations.
According to court documents, from approximately 2016 through 2022 Young, Gevirtz, and others knew that some of their customers were engaged in tech-support fraud schemes. The schemes used deceptive pop-up messages to convince computer users that their computer had been infected with viruses or malware. Victims were directed to call a phone number on the pop-up message or advertisement, which connected the victims to call centers, where they were persuaded to pay hundreds of dollars for unnecessary or fictitious technical-support services. In some instances, call center agents remotely accessed victims’ computers and obtained personal and financial information.
From 2017 through April 2022, after learning of their customers’ fraud schemes, Young and Gevirtz failed to report the schemes to law enforcement officials. According to statements filed with the court, the defendants received numerous complaints and inquiries from telephone providers and law enforcement concerning customers engaged in tech-support fraud. Despite that knowledge, they advised some of their customers about techniques the customers could use to avoid complaints by fraud victims and prevent account termination. Young and Gevirtz assisted some of those customers to buy and sell fraud calls amongst themselves.
Young and Gevirtz themselves owned and operated a call center in Tunisia from 2016 through April 2022 where some employees engaged in tech-support fraud.
"What the CEO and CSO of this well-known call tracking and analytics company did was downright despicable. By their own admission, they willfully profited from telemarketing and tech support scammers, here and abroad, who preyed on the elderly, exploited the vulnerable, and drained victims of their life savings and peace of mind. Behind every fraudulent call was a real person left frightened, humiliated, or financially shattered,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “Tech support scams cost Americans $2.1 billion last year, and Rhode Islanders reported losing at least $5.7 million. Let this be a warning: if you fuel and support these criminal networks that prey on unsuspecting consumers, the FBI will pursue you relentlessly to ensure you’re held accountable for the harm you helped inflict.”
Court documents further reflect that the defendants directed employees to promote their company’s services to customers engaged in tech-support fraud and, at times, introduced customers involved in the fraudulent activity with others who could support their fraudulent business.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Milind Shah, Sandra Hebert, Julianne Klein, and Lee Vilker.
The matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
20251107_gevirtz_young_final_statement_of_fact_.pdfTucson Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – Marc Anthony Giron, 26, of Tucson, was sentenced on May 5, 2026, by U.S. District Judge John C. Hinderaker to 96 months in prison. Giron previously pleaded guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
On Jan. 27, 2025, Giron sold 15,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover agent in Tucson. On Feb. 4, 2025, Giron sold an additional 20,000 fentanyl pills to the same undercover agent. During his arrest, law enforcement located a stolen firearm in his possession.
Giron admitted to law enforcement that he was selling fentanyl pills on behalf of a criminal organization based in Mexico.
Homeland Security Investigations-Arizona conducted the investigation with assistance from the Tucson Police Department and the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-25-01346
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-078_Giron
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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.
Trail Creek Man Sentenced to 60 Months in Prison for Controlled Substance OffenseRead the Press Release
SOUTH BEND – Tevin Keyshawn Lewis, 26 years old, of Trail Creek, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Damon R. Leichty after pleading guilty to distributing 40 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
According to documents in the case, on four separate occasions between December 2024 and May 2025, Lewis sold blue M30 pills containing fentanyl to another person in Michigan City. For each transaction, Lewis sold at least 50 pills. He distributed over 1300 pills across all the transactions.
Lewis was sentenced to 60 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.
“Tevin Keyshawn Lewis sold fentanyl, which remains one of the deadliest drugs on the market,” said U.S. Attorney Mildred. “He compounded his crime by selling fentanyl in pill form, which makes the poison look both safer and easier to ingest to his customers. Thankfully, our excellent team of investigators from DEA and the La Porte County Drug Task Force ended his illicit trade.”
“Illicit fentanyl remains the primary driver of fatal drug overdoses and poisonings in Indiana and across the United States. Anyone who is pushing this deadly, synthetic opioid drug into the hands of Hoosiers is a danger and a nuisance to our communities. Mr. Lewis committed evil and immoral acts through his drug dealing, which included the selling of counterfeit pharmaceutical pills, all containing illicit fentanyl. His cowardly, greedy actions brought him to the attention of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the La Porte County Drug Task Force, and the United States Attorney’s Office. And as a result, Mr. Lewis is being held accountable for his crimes. Drug dealers will never find a sanctuary for their criminal actions in northern Indiana,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the DEA North Central Laboratory and La Porte County Drug Task Force. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lydia T. Lucius.
Traffic Stop Leads to Federal Drug and Gun Charges Against Illegal Alien from Mexico Following Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – An illegal alien from Mexico is facing federal drug and gun charges following an investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.
Bryan Hernandez-Rendon, 30, is charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to allegations in the indictment and the criminal complaint, on December 16, 2023, officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle driven by Hernandez-Rendon for a traffic violation. During the stop, Hernandez-Rendon told the officers that he did not have a driver’s license and that there was a firearm in the vehicle. The officers searched the vehicle and recovered a KAHR Arms CW40 pistol and a clear bag containing 427.1 grams of methamphetamine from the passenger side floorboard.
Hernandez-Rendon appeared in court today and he will remain in federal custody. If convicted, Hernandez-Rendon faces a minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison for the drug charge and a mandatory minimum term of five years consecutive to any other sentence imposed and a maximum of life in prison on the gun offense. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney William Wiseman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte.
The charges against the defendant are allegations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) is an 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 CORE 23 (Charlotte) is comprised of agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), United States Marshal Service (USMS), United States Customers and Border Protection (CBP), United States ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the United States Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID), the Naval Criminal investigative Service (NCIS), the United States Coast Guard Investigative Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FIDC) Office of Inspector General (OIG), the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General (OIG), the North Carolina Insurance Bureau, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), the Raleigh Police Department, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, the Cary Police Department, the Nash Count Sheriff’s Office, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, the Halifax County Sheriff’s office, the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, the Craven County Sheriff’s Office, the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office, the Brunswick Count Sheriff’s Office, the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, the Wilmington Police Department, the Nags Head Police Department, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety (NCDPS), the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD), the Kannapolis Police Department, the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, the Waxhaw Police Department, the Gaston County Police Department, the Gastonia Police Department, the Huntersville Police Department, the Cornelius Police Department, the Matthews Police Department, the Pineville Police Department, the Stallings Police Department, the Kings Mountain Police Department, the Greensville County Multi-Jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU), the Cherokee County Sheriff’s office, the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, the Oconee County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, the Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) International Airport Police Department, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, the Anderson City Police Department, the Florence County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office, the Charleston County Airport Police Department, the Charleston Police Department, the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office, the Summerville Police Department, the Greensboro Police Department, the Winston-Salem Police Department, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the Alamance County Sheriff’s office, the Davie County Sheriff’s Office, the Eden Police Department, the Piedmont Triad Internal Airport Police Department, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office, and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Districts of North and South Carolina.
Texas Man Sentenced for Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – COREY TOLIVER, a/k/a “Woog” (“TOLIVER”) age 46, a Texas resident, was sentenced on May 19, 2026, after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute five hundred (500) grams or more of cocaine. TOLIVER was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment, eight years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle.
According to court documents, in April 2025, TOLIVER transported and possessed approximately two (2) kilograms of cocaine with intent to distribute them into, and within, the Eastern District of Louisiana.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Louisiana State Police and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman of the Narcotics Unit.
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Texas Man Pleads Guity to Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
Tampa, Florida – Esequiel Maldonado (47, Texas) has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine. He faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been set. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, Maldonado worked with his three co-conspirators to distribute cocaine. From Texas, Maldonado authorized sales of kilogram-quantities of cocaine, served as a broker, and set cocaine prices. A co-conspirator then distributed the cocaine in the Middle District of Florida and arranged for drug proceeds to be paid back to Maldonado.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Virginia State Police. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher F. Murray.
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.
Tahlequah Resident Sentenced for Unlawful Possession of Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Jonathon Roy Philpott, age 45, of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, was sentenced to fourteen months in prison for one count of Unlawful User of Controlled Substance in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
On July 9, 2025, Philpott pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, on February 4, 2025, knowing that he was an unlawful user of a controlled substance, Philpott knowingly possessed a semi-automatic rifle, a semi-automatic pistol, and 39 rounds of ammunition.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Philpott will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States.
Sussex County Woman Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Exploiting a Then-Four-Year- Old Child and Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A Sussex County, New Jersey woman was sentenced in United States District Court to 20 years in prison in connection with the exploitation of a child and production of child pornography, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer announced.
“There are few crimes more disturbing than the sexual exploitation of a young child. As the defendant admitted in court, she preyed on an exceptionally vulnerable four-year-old child, produced images of that abuse, and then distributed those materials online for others to view and share. This sentence reflects the extraordinary harm the defendant caused and demonstrates this Office’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and pursuing justice for victims who cannot protect themselves.”
- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer
“The victim here is the epitome of innocent; a defenseless four-year old. The egregious crime cannot be erased, but this sentence should show others who think they can exploit children, the FBI Newark Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force will track you down and you will be brought to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy.
Dominique Saczawa, 34, of Sparta, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Edward S. Kiel in Camden federal court to production of child pornography, distribution of child pornography, advertisement of child pornography, and possession of child pornography. Judge Kiel imposed the sentence on May 18.
According to documents filed in these cases and statements made in Court:
In August 2021, law enforcement determined that Saczawa had sexually exploited a then-four-year-old child by engaging in sexual contact with the child and then producing images and videos of that sexual contact. Saczawa also shared these videos and images with others online.
Saczawa later admitted to running a group chat within an online messaging application in which participants discussed and shared content and images of child pornography. As an administrator of this group, Saczawa solicited participants to share such content and participants would be expelled from the group if they did not share. The images Saczawa shared included images of toddlers potentially as young as one year old being sexually assaulted.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Kiel also sentenced Saczawa to 15 years supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Frazer credited FBI Newark’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, with the investigation.
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 the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The government is represented by Assistant United States Attorney Rachelle M. Navarro of the Bank Integrity, Money Laundering, and Recovery Unit in Newark.
Defense counsel: Stephen Natoli, Esq.
Superseding Indictment Returned for New Jersey Pastor and Self-Proclaimed Prophet Who Compelled Labor and Sex from CongregantsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. — A grand jury in the District of New Jersey returned a superseding indictment today charging Treva Edwards, 61, of Orange, New Jersey with two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, three counts of forced labor, and conspiracy to commit forced labor. The superseding indictment also charged his wife, Christine Edwards, 64, of Orange, New Jersey with conspiracy to commit forced labor.
According to the superseding indictment, Treva and Christine Edwards were the founders and pastors of a church they named “Jesus is Lord by the Holy Ghost,” which they operated out of a multi-unit apartment building in Orange, New Jersey, and where they conspired with each other and others to obtain the compelled labor of church members.
“Treva Edwards allegedly exploited faith, fear, and coercion to control vulnerable victims for his own benefit. As alleged in the superseding indictment, Edwards manipulated members of his church into providing uncompensated labor and subjected victims to physical, emotional, spiritual, and sexual abuse under the guise of religious authority. This Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals who, as alleged here, use positions of trust and influence to traffic, exploit, and abuse vulnerable people.”
- U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer
As charged in the superseding indictment, between 2010 and 2025, the defendants identified and recruited victims who were facing struggles in their personal lives, including financial and familial struggles, to join the church and live and worship at the church building. Treva Edwards told the victims that he was a prophet who could communicate directly with God and that disobeying him would result in spiritual retribution, as well as physical, emotional, and financial harm.
The Edwardses secured labor contracts to provide manual labor in and around Orange, New Jersey, including cleaning and gutting commercial and residential properties, shoveling snow, removing bulk trash, moving furniture, cleaning raw sewage, and exterminating rodent infestations. The Edwardses dispatched the victims to perform the contracted labor. They did not pay wages to the victims for their work and kept the money earned from their labor.
Treva Edwards preached to the victims that he communicated God’s will, that it was God’s will for them to work, and that members had to perform labor to serve God. The Edwardses convinced the victims that they would lose favor with God and “the Prophet” if they did not perform labor. Treva Edwards spread fear among the victims through verbal and emotional abuse and threats of reputational harm, homelessness, hunger, spiritual retribution, punishments, and more hard labor to gain their obedience and compel them to perform unpaid labor. The Edwardses instituted and enforced strict rules about when and whether the victims could eat or sleep, when and for how long they were to pray and work, and whether they could speak to non-members or leave the church building. They isolated the victims, monitored their communications and whereabouts, and convinced them that non-members were evil or possessed by the devil. They also deprived the victims of sleep and typically fed them only once a day after they completed their work.
According to the allegations in the superseding indictment, Treva Edwards controlled and subjected two victims to repeated physical and sexual assaults, impregnating one victim and instructing her to get an abortion, and telling the other victim that having sex with him was God’s will and would prevent her from becoming mentally ill.
The charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion against Treva Edwards carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. The forced labor charge against Treva Edwards carries a maximum penalty of twenty years or life in prison if the violation included aggravated sexual abuse. The conspiracy to commit forced labor charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer and Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy, and special agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, with the investigation leading to this indictment.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trevor Chenoweth and Susan Millenky for the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorney Francisco Zornosa of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are prosecuting the case.
The charges and allegations contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
HSI Newark is asking anyone with information about Treva Edwards, Christine Edwards, or their organization known as Jesus is Lord by the Holy Ghost (JLHG), to contact its tip line at (866) 347-2423 or email HSINewarkHumanTrafficking@hsi.dhs.gov. The tip line is monitored 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, there is an online tip form.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888.
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Defense counsel:
Treva Edwards: Laura Sayler, Esq., Newark, New Jersey
Christine Edwards: Wanda Akin, Esq., Newark, New Jersey
edwardsetal.supersedingindictment.pdfSuperseding Indictment Returned for New Jersey Pastor and Self-Proclaimed Prophet Who Compelled Labor and Sex from CongregantsRead the Press Release
A grand jury in the District of New Jersey returned a superseding indictment yesterday charging Treva Edwards, 61, Orange, New Jersey, with two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, three counts of forced labor, and conspiracy to commit forced labor. The superseding indictment also charged his wife, Christine Edwards, 64, also of Orange, with conspiracy to commit forced labor.
According to the superseding indictment, Treva and Christine Edwards were the founders and pastors of a church they named “Jesus is Lord by the Holy Ghost,” which they operated out of a multi-unit apartment building in Orange, where they conspired with each other and others to obtain the compelled labor of church members.
As charged in the superseding indictment, between 2010 and 2025, the defendants identified and recruited victims who were facing struggles in their personal lives, including financial and familial, to join the church and live and worship at the church building. Treva Edwards told the victims that he was a prophet who could communicate directly with God and that disobeying him would result in spiritual retribution, as well as physical, emotional, and financial harm.
The Edwardses secured labor contracts to provide manual labor in and around Orange, including cleaning and gutting commercial and residential properties, shoveling snow, removing bulk trash, moving furniture, cleaning raw sewage, and exterminating rodent infestations. The Edwards couple dispatched the victims to perform the contracted labor. They did not pay wages to the victims for their work and kept the money earned from their labor.
Treva Edwards preached to the victims that he communicated God’s will, that it was God’s will for them to work, and that members had to perform labor to serve God. The defendants convinced the victims that they would lose favor with God and “the Prophet” if they did not perform the prescribed labor. Treva Edwards spread fear among the victims through verbal and emotional abuse and threats of reputational harm, homelessness, hunger, spiritual retribution, punishments, and additional hard labor to gain their obedience and compel them to perform unpaid labor. The Edwardses instituted and enforced strict rules about when and whether the victims could eat or sleep, when and for how long they were to pray and work, and whether they could speak to non-members or leave the church building. They isolated the victims, monitored their communications and whereabouts, and convinced them that non-members were evil or possessed by the devil. They also deprived the victims of sleep and typically fed them only once a day after they completed their work.
According to the allegations in the superseding indictment, Treva Edwards controlled and subjected two victims to repeated physical and sexual assaults, impregnating one victim and instructing her to get an abortion, and telling the other victim that having sex with him was God’s will and would prevent her from becoming mentally ill.
The charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion against Treva Edwards carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. The forced labor charge against Treva Edwards carries a maximum penalty of 20 years or life in prison if the violation included aggravated sexual abuse. The conspiracy to commit forced labor charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. There is no parole in the federal system.
Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey, Special Agent in Charge Michael S. McCarthy of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Newark Field Office, and Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito for the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General made the announcement.
HSI Newark Field Office and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General Newark Field Office are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Francisco Zornosa of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trevor Chenoweth and Susan Millenky for the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case.
HSI Newark is asking anyone with information about Treva Edwards, Christine Edwards, or their organization known as Jesus is Lord by the Holy Ghost (JLHG), to contact its tip line at (866) 347-2423 or email HSINewarkHumanTrafficking@hsi.dhs.gov. The tip line is monitored 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Additionally, there is an online tip form.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888.
St. Clair County Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for CyberstalkingRead the Press Release
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A St. Clair County man has been sentenced for cyberstalking, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Catherine L. Crosby.
U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor sentenced Michael Ray Mullins, 45, of Trussville, Alabama, to 60 months in prison. In December 2025, Mullins pleaded guilty to cyberstalking and interstate transmission of a threat to kidnap or injure another person.
According to the plea agreement, on September 29, 2024, an officer with the Margaret Police Department responded to a domestic incident at a residence in Odenville, Alabama. The victim reported that Mullins, her former boyfriend, had threatened to kill her and her children. At the time of the report, the victim had bruises on her arm and back caused by Mullins. While officers were still at the residence, Mullins retrieved his belongings and was told by the victim not to return to the property. The next day, the victim reported to the Margaret Police Department that she had received threatening phone calls and text messages that morning from Mullins. Mullins repeatedly harassed and threatened the victim with violence. On October 6, 2024, Mullins called the victim 42 times in a 25-minute period. During this time, Mullins attempted to mask his identity intermittently by blocking the caller identification feature. Between September 29 and October 12, 2024, Mullins called the victim 367 times and sent her 326 text messages.
According to court filings, Mullins has been previously convicted of other domestic violence offenses, including domestic violence by strangulation; felony domestic violence, third degree; and violation of a protection order.
The FBI investigated the case along with the Margaret Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel S. McBrayer prosecuted the case.
South Dayton man going to prison for receipt of child pornographyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Joseph A. Buelow, 31, of South Dayton, NY, who was convicted of receipt of child pornography, was sentenced to serve 108 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J Vilardo.
In February 2024, the West Seneca Police Department seized Buelow’s phone, based on communications he was having online. A search of the phone recovered six images of child pornography that were saved on the phone and received by Buelow between August 2022, and November 2023. Some of the images depicted prepubescent minors and violence against children. In addition, Buelow admits that he engaged in the sexual abuse, exploitation, or attempted sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor on two or more occasions.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron J. Mango. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Brendan Dunford, the West Seneca Police Department, under the direction of Chief Brian Cosgrove, the Town of Tonawanda Police Department, under the direction of Chief Corey Flatau, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
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Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to over 7 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on May 18, 2026.
Robert Kent, 31, was sentenced to seven years and six months in federal prison, followed by five of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Kent was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in July 2025. He pleaded guilty on March 4, 2026.
Kent was part of a drug trafficking organization that was obtaining methamphetamine from Arizona and then distributing it in the Sioux Falls area. Kent’s role in the group was to distribute the methamphetamine in town. Investigators discovered Kent was responsible for dealing approximately one pound of methamphetamine during his involvement in the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by United States Postal Inspection Service and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Kent was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Sequoyah County Resident Sentenced for Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
MUSKOGEE, OKLAHOMA – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced that Shane Edwin Fahrenholz, age 59, of Gore, Oklahoma, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for one count of Possession of Firearm After Conviction of a Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence.
The charge arose from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office.
On October 8, 2025, Fahrenholz pleaded guilty to the charge. According to investigators, between August 26, 2024, and September 12, 2024, Fahrenholz knowingly possessed a .30-30 lever-action rifle after having been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence in the State of Nebraska.
The Honorable Ronald A. White, Senior Judge in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, presided over the hearing. Fahrenholz will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending transportation to a designated United States Bureau of Prisons facility to serve a non-paroleable sentence of incarceration.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan E. Soverly and Lewis M. Reagan represented the United States.
Selma Career Criminal Sentenced to over 15 Years for Sale of Crack Cocaine and GunsRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. – A federal judge sentenced Otha Gatlin, 48, to over 15 years in federal prison for Selling Crack Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Sell a Quantity of Cocaine Base (Crack) and a Quantity of Cocaine, and Possession of Ammunition by a Felon. On February 9, 2026, Gatlin pleaded guilty to the charges without a plea agreement.
“Repeat offenders need to learn the lesson. We welcome decent folk who behave in society. Those who don’t, can think about it for decades. Simple Lesson: Drugs Kill, Prison Awaits – Do Right.” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle.
Twice in August 2024, the Selma Police Department joined with the ATF, used a confidential informant and purchased crack cocaine from Gatlin. On October 29, 2024, officers arrested Gatlin in his hotel room. When officers searched the room, they located a digital scale, drug paraphernalia, more crack cocaine, methamphetamines, and an extended pistol magazine loaded with 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Gatlin already qualified as a career criminal based on his egregious criminal history that included numerous felony drug and assault convictions.
“This case means a lot to me personally because I was directly involved in this investigation and operation here in Selma.” said Chief Vause, Selma Police Department. “I’ve seen firsthand the damage that drug activity and repeat violent offenders can do to families, neighborhoods, and the overall sense of safety in a small community like ours.
The sentencing of this individual is the result of a tremendous amount of hard work, persistence, and teamwork. I want to personally thank the investigators and agents from the Selma Police Department, the ATF, the NCSBI, and the U.S. Attorney's Office for their dedication and commitment throughout this case. Cases like this do not happen overnight. They take long hours, strong partnerships, and people who are fully committed to protecting their communities.
As someone who cares deeply about this community, I believe our citizens deserve to feel safe in their homes, businesses, and neighborhoods. We will continue to aggressively target those involved in narcotics trafficking and violent criminal activity while continuing to build strong partnerships that help keep Selma moving in the right direction.”
W. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge James C. Dever III. The Selma Police Department, the ATF, and the NCSBI investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Hinderliter prosecuted the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:25cr65.
Russellville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute FentanylRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Douglas Scott Reeves, who has a lengthy criminal history, including a previous federal drug conviction, will spend the next 120 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today, by United States District Judge D. P. Marshall, Jr.
On December 5, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a four-count Indictment charging Reeves, 52, of Russellville, with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl, with an enhancement for a prior conviction for a serious drug felony; two counts of distribution of fentanyl; and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
On December 19, 2025, Reeves pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl with an enhancement for a prior serious drug felony conviction. Judge Marshall also sentenced Reeves to serve eight years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
Between 2021 and 2023, law enforcement officers received information that Reeves was obtaining fentanyl tablets and fentanyl powder, which he used to manufacture his own fentanyl tablets, for distribution. Officers conducted multiple controlled buys of fentanyl from Reeves at his residence in Russellville, which were recorded. On September 27, 2023, Reeves fled when officers executed a search warrant at his residence. During a search of Reeves’ residence, officers located fentanyl, psilocybin mushrooms, and drug distribution paraphernalia. Reeves admitted he distributed at least 280 grams of fentanyl and that he had used Narcan on at least 18 people while they were overdosing.
Reeves has an extensive criminal history that includes a federal conviction out of the Eastern District of Arkansas on February 14, 2013, for possession of equipment/chemicals to manufacture methamphetamine. His sentence included three years’ supervised release, and his supervised release was revoked twice. Reeves’ criminal history dates back to the early 1990s and includes multiple convictions for burglary, theft of property, and theft by receiving, criminal mischief in the first degree, fleeing, two convictions for possession of methamphetamine, and two convictions for delivery of methamphetamine.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Fifth Judicial Drug Task Force, Arkansas State Police, and the Russellville Police Department.
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Additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at
https://www.justice.gov/edar
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Richmond County men sentenced to prison for federal firearms chargesRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: Two Richmond County men have been sentenced to prison after investigators uncovered an illegal firearms accessory importation scheme.
Jafere Deshon Elliott, 23, and Korbynn Jevon Jackson, 23, both of Augusta, each pled guilty to Illegal Importation of Firearms or Ammunition and Illegal Possession of a Machinegun, said Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.
U.S. District Court Judge Dudley H. Bowen sentenced both defendants to 48 months in prison, and each man also must pay a fine of $2,000 and serve three years of supervised release upon completion of their prison terms.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“The extensive collaboration between multiple law enforcement and investigative agencies in this case is a shining example of exemplary police work and was instrumental in holding these criminals accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “These devices have no place on the streets or in the hands of those that would cause harm in the community.”
In February 2024, investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were contacted by Homeland Security Investigations agents to inform them that U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers intercepted a package shipped from China that contained 13 Machinegun Conversion Devices (MCD’s). The MCD’s were destined for an apartment in Augusta and agents learned that two weeks prior to the initial seizure, a package addressed to the same address and recipient was intercepted at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
“The illegal importation and possession of machinegun conversion devices pose a significant threat to public safety, and Homeland Security Investigations is proud to have worked alongside our federal, state, and local partners to disrupt this dangerous scheme,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “HSI remains committed to protecting our communities by preventing illegal firearms and accessories from reaching our streets and ensuring those who violate federal law are brought to justice.”
The investigation found that the defendants would order the MCD’s, commonly referred to as ‘auto sears,’ from a distributor to be packaged as toys and delivered to the defendants’ home. The MCDs were analyzed by the ATF and determined to meet the definition of an MCD.
"The interception of these weapon conversion devices demonstrates the vigilance and dedication of our CBP officers in preventing dangerous items from entering our communities," said Gregory Alvarez, Director of Field Operations for CBP’s Atlanta Field Office. "Through close collaboration with our federal partners, we are committed to protecting public safety and ensuring those who attempt to circumvent the law are brought to justice."
The case was investigated by the ATF, HSI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey L. Scanlon.
Repeat Sex Offender to Spend 15 Years in Federal Prison for Trading Child Sexual Abuse Material OnlineRead the Press Release
INDIANAPOLIS- Christopher David Sheese, 43, of Bloomfield, Indiana, has been sentenced to 15 years, eight months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release, after pleading guilty to distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, on June 29, 2024, investigators with the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, operating through the Bloomington Police Department, received a cyber‑tip indicating that Sheese had uploaded twenty‑one images and videos depicting child sexual abuse to the social media messaging application Kik. Using the account name “lovechicks0S6,” Sheese traded files involving the sexual exploitation of minors under the age of twelve—including infants and toddlers—with another Kik user.
Investigators later seized Sheese’s cell phone, which contained thousands of additional images and videos of child sexual abuse.
Sheese is a registered sex offender. In 2014, he was convicted in Owen County, Indiana for possessing a device containing thousands of files of child sexual abuse material. Five years later, he was convicted again for the same conduct after authorities discovered additional devices containing thousands more illicit files.
“This repeat sex offender remains a serious threat to children, having consistently demonstrated a refusal to cease this conduct and continuing to support a market rooted in the exploitation of society’s most vulnerable victims,” said Tom Wheeler, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We will use every tool available to protect children, support victims, and ensure that individuals who perpetuate this abuse are removed from our communities for as long as the law allows.”
Homeland Security Investigations and Bloomington Police Department investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Richard L. Young.
U.S. Attorney Wheeler thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Eakman, who prosecuted this case.
This investigation was conducted by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, a multiagency task force led by the Indiana State Police that investigates and prosecutes persons who use the internet to sexually exploit or entice children. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. Visit https://www.internetcrimesagainstkids.com to learn more about their efforts.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.
If you are a victim of child sexual exploitation, please contact your local police department. Resources for victims of child exploitation can be found on our website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdin/project-safe-childhood
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Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands HIDTA hosts ONDCP Director and Federal and State Law Enforcement Agencies to discuss Path to Zero, a USPIS law enforcement initiative to continue fighting drug trafficking in the Caribbean and the HSTFRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) hosted ONDCP Director Sara Carter and federal and state law enforcement agencies to discuss Path to Zero, a United States Postal Inspection Service law enforcement initiative to continue fighting drug trafficking in the Caribbean and the Homeland Security Task Force Initiative.
Combating drug trafficking through the mail is one of the highest priorities for postal inspectors. Across the country postal inspectors play a central role in disrupting the drug supply chain globally; working diligently with agency partners, all committed to fight drug trafficking. Postal inspectors will not allow the mail to be a back door for drug and firearms trafficking organizations operating in Puerto Rico, or in any American community.
Today, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (Postal Inspection Service) announced the results of operation “Path to Zero,” a Puerto Rico based drug interdiction initiative. Operation Path to Zero, led by the Postal Inspection Service’s Miami Division, and its San Juan Domicile, was launched in January 2026 and to date has resulted in the seizure of over 556 kilograms of cocaine found in over 448 USPS parcels destined for the mainland United States. Operation Path to Zero has been a partnership with, and supported by, Postal Inspection Service – Puerto Rico Police Task Force, the US Attorney’s Office – District of Puerto Rico, and the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations Division.
Puerto Rico serves as a gateway for a large portion of cocaine shipments sent through the U.S. Mail by foreign terrorist organization to the mainland United States. The Postal Inspection Service through Operation Path to Zero is closing this gateway for good, and has increased its resources in Puerto Rico, and implemented a strategy that is focused on the interdiction and removal of drugs from the mailstream at the source in Puerto Rico. The Postal Inspection Service has also increased its focus on the interdiction of firearms, criminal proceeds, and dangerous drugs, such as fentanyl, destined to Puerto Rico from the mainland United States.
“We will not allow for the U.S. Postal Service to be used to traffic drugs,” said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. “As a result of this operation we have removed a significant amount of illegal drugs from the mailstream before it could reach the mainland United States. We are not done. Postal inspectors will continue to work with our Homeland Security Task Force, the Puerto Rico Police Department and U.S. Attorney’s Office partners to stop the flow of drugs, firearms, and criminal proceeds through the mail.”
“Under President Trump’s leadership and newly-released National Drug Control Strategy, the United States continues to wage a relentless offensive against illicit drugs. This drug seizure operation shows how Puerto Rico has been targeted for exploitation by smugglers,” said Sara Carter, National Drug Control Policy Director. “No matter how drug traffickers try to smuggle drugs, we will stop them at every point of entry—including borders, waters, airspace and mail. I am grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their hard work.”
“Law enforcement agencies in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean continue the efforts to attack drug trafficking cartels, transnational organizations and violent crime,” said W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. “Our common goal is to make our communities safer, and with the help of ONDCP, HIDTA, and initiatives like Path to Zero and the Homeland Security Task Force we will continue producing great results and dismantling drug trafficking networks that only bring violence and death to our communities.”
“The HIDTA program is unique in its ability to support coordinated law enforcement strategies which maximize the effectiveness of local resources to reduce the supply of illegal drugs in our communities and the United States as a whole,” said John F. Kanig, Executive Director, Puerto Rico / U.S. Virgin Islands High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. “We are committed to working with our public safety and public health partners for a better future”.
The Postal Inspection Service utilized a variety of methods to identify drugs sent through the mail, including information from the public. The Postal Inspection Service offers rewards of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction for drug trafficking related offenses. Information on drug trafficking may be reports to postal inspectors at 877-876-2455 or online at www.uspis.gov.
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Pre-IPO Fraudsters Sentenced to 8, 10, and 11 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that the founders and operators of StraightPath Venture Partners LLC (“StraightPath”) and its affiliated entities were sentenced to significant prison time for defrauding their investors, skimming money off the top, and violating their fiduciary duties. MICHAEL CASTILLERO, a/k/a “Michael Alejandro,” and BRIAN MARTINSEN, who were also convicted of obstruction of justice, were each sentenced to 11 and 10 years in prison, respectively. FRANCINE LANAIA was sentenced to 8 years. CASTILLERO, MARTINSEN, and LANAIA were convicted in November 2025 following a two-week jury trial before U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman, who imposed today’s sentences.
“Our private markets are the lifeblood of small and medium-sized businesses as well as tomorrow’s global giants,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Small and medium-sized business drive domestic employment. Our global giants in tech, energy, finance, life sciences, and other industries contribute greatly to the welfare of every American and provide strength on the world stage. Those companies, their investors, their employees, and all Americans benefit from our private markets. We, along with our partners at the SEC and law enforcement, are committed to ensuring that our private markets function well and fairly, and we are committed to rooting out bad actors. The federal prison sentences imposed today send a message that private market frauds will be met with vigorous criminal prosecution.”
According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings:
From 2017 through April 2022, CASTILLERO, LANAIA, and MARTINSEN engaged in a scheme to defraud investors in nine related private funds known as the “StraightPath Funds.” Using “boiler room”-style call centers, the defendants marketed the funds as opportunities to invest in privately held companies at favorable prices before anticipated public offerings. Despite representing to investors that no upfront fees would be charged, the defendants acquired pre-IPO shares and resold them to investors at arbitrarily inflated markups without disclosure. The defendants also misled investors regarding the nature of their investments and hid the involvement of CASTILLERO and LANAIA, who had been previously barred from the securities industry by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). Moreover, in order to evade detection of their scheme, CASTILLERO and MARTINSEN destroyed records and otherwise obstructed the efforts of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to uncover the defendants’ fraud on investors.
Through the scheme, CASTILLERO, LANAIA, and MARTINSEN acquired nearly $400 million from investors. They pocketed approximately $25 million each over the course of the fraud, and they also diverted investor funds to pay their associates. Altogether, the defendants and their associates misappropriated approximately $130 million in investor funds, and spent the money on luxury goods, houses, cars, watches, and a boat.
The StraightPath entities and StraightPath Funds are no longer operational and are under the control of a court-appointed Receiver tasked with taking possession of StraightPath’s assets and overseeing a plan to return value to investors.
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In addition to the prison term, CASTILLERO, 48, of Palm City, Florida; LANAIA, 61, of Northport, New York; and MARTINSEN, 49, of Palm City, Florida, were each sentenced to 3 years of supervised release. They were also ordered to pay restitution of $115 million. The defendants were also ordered to forfeit specific real and personal property they obtained as a result of the fraud, and to pay the following forfeiture amounts: Lanaia: $24,259,128.80; Martinsen: $25,355,714.43; and Castillero: $24,279,516.80.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which has filed parallel civil actions.
This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Hobson, Allison Nichols, and Matthew Shahabian are in charge of the prosecution.
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.
Porcupine Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting A Young Girl in the Pine Ridge ReservationRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler has sentenced a Porcupine, South Dakota, man convicted of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. The sentencing took place on May 19, 2026.
Deshawn Pourier, 24, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Pourier was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Pourier was indicted for Receipt of Child Pornography and Possession of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in January 2025. He pleaded guilty on February 11, 2026.
Pourier sought images of naked young girls on the internet and ultimately communicated with a particular young girl using an alias. He convinced the girl to send compromising pictures of herself and soon began demanding more such images. When the young girl hesitated, Pourier threatened to share her previous images with others on social media. Feeling threatened, the young girl complied with the extortion and continued to send more nude images.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
Pourier was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Philadelphia Men Receive Lengthy Prison Sentences for Multiple Gunpoint Robberies and Robbery AttemptsRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that two Philadelphia men have been sentenced to prison for carrying out a string of commercial armed robberies and robbery attempts in and around the city.
Tyler Nichols, 31, was sentenced today to 20 years’ imprisonment, five years of supervised release, and $5,158.72 in restitution by United States District Judge Gail A. Weilheimer.
Co-defendant Dadisi Williams, 33, was sentenced by Judge Weilheimer last month to 15 years in prison, two years of supervised release, and $5,158.72 in restitution.
Nichols and Williams were charged by indictment in April of 2025 with four counts of robbery interfering with interstate commerce (Hobbs Act robbery) and two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Williams pleaded guilty to all charges against him this January; a federal jury convicted Nichols of all charges the same month.
As detailed in court filings and statements, Williams and Nichols committed the following offenses, all at gunpoint:
- the September 19, 2024, robbery of a Family Dollar on Lancaster Avenue in Philadelphia
- the September 27, 2024, robbery of an AutoZone on City Avenue in Lower Merion Twp.
- the October 6, 2024, attempted robbery of a Family Dollar on City Avenue in Philadelphia
- the October 11, 2024, attempted robbery of a Family Dollar on Haverford Avenue in Philadelphia
This case was investigated by the Philadelphia Police Department, Lower Merion Township Police Department, and FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Amanda Reinitz and Sandra Urban.
Perry Man Sent Back to Federal Prison for 10 Years for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Robert “Bobby” Shane Willis, 46, of Perry, Florida was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to distribution of 5 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: “Keeping our communities safe and our streets drug-free is a top priority for my office, and we will continue to back up the excellent investigative work by our state and federal law enforcement partners with aggressive prosecutions to send drug traffickers to prison where they belong.”
According to court records, on March 5, 2025, the defendant sold 6.6 grams of 97% pure methamphetamine during an undercover law enforcement operation. The defendant was on federal supervised release at the time of the offense, having been sentenced in 2018 to nine years in prison for multiple drug-trafficking and firearms offenses.
"Bobby Shane Willis has been involved in the illicit drug trade in Taylor County and the City of Perry for years, said Chief Jamie Cruse, Jr., Perry Police Department. “This is not his first conviction for such crimes, having chosen to follow a career as a criminal, participating in the drug trade and committing offenses that are closely associated with the illicit sale of drugs the entire time, and while on Supervised Release for the same offense. Willis' conviction and incarceration will remove him from a society to which he has distributed dangerous drugs for years.
The Perry Police Department is proud to partner with the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, The Drug Enforcement Administration, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in a concerted effort to remove Willis and other dangerous career criminals that continuously spread the poison of dangerous drugs to the youth and other Citizens of North Florida.”
Taylor County Sheriff Padgett said: “Bobby Shane Willis is an individual who has spent years committing crimes and putting the safety of our community at risk. Thanks to the hard work and strong partnership between the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Perry Police Department, and our federal law enforcement partners, he will no longer be able to prey on the citizens of this community. This ten-year sentence sends a clear message that those who repeatedly victimize others will be brought to justice.”
When he is released from prison, the defendant will serve 10 additional years on supervised release.
“This joint investigation removes a career offender from our North Florida streets,” said DEA Tampa Field Division Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar. “Methamphetamine has been all too present in this area, and we are committed to stopping the flow of this poison into our communities.”
This conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Perry Police Department, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney 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.
Park County man sentenced to 10 years in prison for hoarding cache of illegal incendiary devicesRead the Press Release
BILLINGS – A Park County man who built and stored incendiary devices in his trailer in Pray, Montana, and kept detailed plans on how to attack nearby Chico Hot Springs, was sentenced today to 120 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.
Kadin Hawkeye Lewis, 24, pleaded guilty in January 2026 to one count of possession of unregistered destructive devices.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.
The government alleged in court documents that a call to law enforcement on Sept. 19, 2022, led officers to Lewis’ travel trailer in Pray, an unincorporated community in Park County, Montana. Once inside the trailer, officers discovered the body of a man who had multiple gunshot wounds to the top and back of the head.
Officers obtained a search warrant for the trailer and inside found eight Molotov cocktails stored in a cabinet, each bottle assembled with fuel and wicks. Elsewhere in the trailer, officers found dozens of empty bottles and rags that could be used to assemble more Molotov cocktails, as well as several journals and other writings belonging to Lewis. On the walls, officers observed violent extremist and racially motivated drawings and writing.
In some of his journals, Lewis detailed his admiration of mass shooters and fantasized about using Molotov cocktails as destructive devices to attack Chico Hot Springs, a nearby resort. He wrote about using the Molotov cocktails and firearms to build up a “kill count” as high as possible, aiming for between “17 and 30 casualties.” He also identified other hot spring resorts throughout Montana by name and location and wrote that it was his hope his attack would inspire others.
The Molotov cocktail evidence from the trailer was collected and submitted to the FBI Laboratory. Explosives experts there determined the material inside the bottles was an ignitable liquid that, when lit, would function as an improvised incendiary device, commonly known as homemade firebombs or Molotov cocktails. A search of the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record found Lewis had never applied for or received permission to possess a destructive device.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Starnes prosecuted the case. The FBI and Park County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
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Online Predators Sentenced to 82 YearsRead the Press Release
Two conspirators imprisoned for scheme to obtain child pornography.
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Michael David Bledsoe, 47, of Lansing, Michigan and Joseph Brandon, 50, of Knoxville, Tennessee, were sentenced to a total of 984 months in prison following their convictions for conspiracy to sexually exploit children. During sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Jarbou commented this misconduct at issue was so severe as to be “off the charts.” Brandon was sentenced to 660 total months for his crimes, with each of his individual sentences required to be served consecutively. The Court sentenced Bledsoe to 324 total months for his misconduct. When they are released from prison, Brandon will spend 10 years and Bledsoe will spend 5 years on supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey said, “I don’t know how to make it any plainer than this: If you are sexually exploiting children, you will be found, prosecuted and sent to prison for a very long time. Stop harming our children or your life is essentially over.”
Bledsoe and Brandon met online through a chat group devoted to the discussion of predation of minor females. Through private messages, the two formed a criminal agreement in which Bledsoe promised to provide Brandon with social media and biographical information about minor girls in Michigan. In return, Brandon promised to “catfish” child pornography from the minors, by using a fake social media account where he posed as a 15-year-old girl.
Federal agents discovered the conspiracy after executing a search warrant on Bledsoe’s home and electronics. The search uncovered the illicit messages between Bledsoe and Brandon, as well as a trove of child pornography files. Investigators then used this information to obtain a search warrant for Brandon’s home in Tennessee, where they found thousands more images and videos of children being sexually abused.
“If you attempt to exploit our children through online deception and catfishing schemes, expect to spend decades in prison. This sentence sends a strong message to these defendants, who will have plenty of time to think about their appalling actions,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “These individuals conspired to manipulate and exploit vulnerable victims through calculated online tactics that have no place in our Michigan communities. Thanks to the diligent investigative work of our FBI Lansing Resident Agency, with the assistance from the FBI Knoxville Resident Agency, and additional assets throughout the Bureau, this disturbing scheme was uncovered, and the defendants were brought to justice.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Austin J. Hakes prosecuted it.
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.
Combatting online child sexual abuse remains a priority for the Department of Justice. To report an incident of actual or suspected online child sexual exploitation, call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's (NCMEC) 24-Hour Call Center at 1-800-843-5678, submit a CyberTip report to NCMEC at report.cybertip.org, or contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov.
Oklahoma City Man Sentenced to over a Decade in Federal Prison after Armed Robbery at Metro ApartmentRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – CHANSE TREYVON BURGE, 32, of Oklahoma City, has been sentenced to serve 137 months in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm after a previous felony conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to public records, on March 18, 2025, officers with the Oklahoma City Police Department (OCPD) responded to an armed robbery at a metro apartment. The victim reported that after a knock at the door, three individuals forced their way into the apartment. Burge held a firearm to the victim’s head while the other two searched the apartment. Burge also threatened to shoot the victim and struck her in the head multiple times with the firearm before the intruders fled. He was later arrested in a vehicle at a nearby hotel, where officers recovered a firearm.
On May 6, 2025, a federal grand jury charged Burge with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Burge pleaded guilty on September 26, 2025, and admitted he possessed a firearm despite his previous felony convictions.
At a sentencing hearing on May 18, 2026, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced Burge to serve 137 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the need to protect the public from further crimes by Burge. Public records reflect that Burge has a lengthy criminal history with previous felony convictions that include:
- possession of a stolen vehicle in Blaine County District Court case number CF-2015-93;
- possession of a firearm after juvenile adjudication and possession of marijuana in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2016-2176;
- possession of firearms after conviction or during probation in Canadian County District Court case number CF-2019-1958; and
- felon in possession of a firearm and obstructing an officer in Oklahoma County District Court case number CF-2019-4393.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and OCPD. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Laney Ellis prosecuted the case. SAUSA Ellis is an attorney with the City of Oklahoma City who is assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office as part of a partnership to enhance federal efforts to address and reduce violent crime within Oklahoma City.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
New Orleans Man Sentenced for Hobbs Act and Felon in Possession ViolationsRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JEREMIAH MILLS, (“MILLS”), age 28, was sentenced on May 12, 2026, by Chief United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter, after previously pleading guilty to a four-count indictment. Count One charged MILLS with Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a). Count Two charged MILLS with discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(iii). Count Three charged MILLS with attempted Hobbs Act Robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1951(a). Count Four charged MILLS with felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(8), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
MILLS was sentenced to 240 months as to Counts One, Two, Three and Four. This term of imprisonment consists of 120 months as to each of Counts One, Three and Four, to be served concurrently with each other, and a term of 120 months as to Count Two, to be served consecutively to the term of imprisonment imposed for Counts One, Three and Four. MILLS also received three years of supervised release as to all four counts, with all terms to be served concurrently with each other. He also was ordered to pay a $400 mandatory special assessment fee.
According to court records, on July 17, 2025, at approximately 4:32 a.m., MILLS entered the Food Mart convenience store at a gas station located on South Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana. MILLS brandished a firearm, a Brigade BM-F9 Rifle at the employee, and shouted, “if you move, I will kill you.” MILLS then discharged the rifle, firing one round of ammunition into the ceiling. MILLS then pointed the rifle at the employee. and demanded he open the register. The employee then opened the cash register and began dropping money inside a clear garbage bag for MILLS. MILLS then went behind the counter and began removing cigarettes and cigars. MILLS then removed two firearms, a Taurus 357 Magnum Revolver and a Smith & Wesson 357 Magnum Revolver from underneath the counter near the cash register. After obtaining the firearms, MILLS went back to the front door, retrieved his brown book bag, and fled the store towards Washington Avenue.
On July 20, 2025, at around 6:00 a.m., New Orleans police officers (NOPD) responded to a suspicious person incident at the Food Mart. Upon arrival, the same employee explained that the same suspect who committed the armed robbery at the Food Mart on July 17, 2025, had returned to the location, but the employee locked the door before the suspect could enter.
On July 20, 2025, at around 11:00 a.m., an NOPD detective conducting surveillance of MILLS’ New Orleans residence, observed MILLS pick up a package off his porch. The detective immediately recognized the man as MILLS. After obtaining a search warrant for the residence, NOPD conducted a callout over an intercom. After about two hours, MILLS exited the residence and was taken into custody. During a search of the residence, NOPD located the clothes that MILLS wore during the robbery, a brown backpack, cigars, cigarettes, cash, a Brigade BM-F9 Rifle, a Taurus 357 Magnum Revolver, and a Smith & Wesson 357 Magnum Revolver.
MILLS admits that he knowingly possessed the Brigade BM-F9 Rifle, the Taurus 357 Magnum Revolver, and the Smith & Wesson 357 Magnum Revolver, even though he was a convicted felon in Orleans Parish.
United States Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Orleans Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Troy L. Bell of the Violent Crime Unit.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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New Jersey Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jose Colon, age 52, of Bloomfield, New Jersey, was sentenced on May 19, 2026, to 300 months in prison by United States District Judge Malachy E. Mannion for three counts of production of child pornography and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, Colon communicated with multiple minor victims who he then enticed into creating images of themselves engaged in sexually explicit activity and then directed the children to send those images to him via cellphone. At the time that the Department of Homeland Security executed a search warrant for Colon’s cellular devices in 2024, Colon, who was a convicted felon and prohibited possessor, was additionally in possession of multiple illegal firearms, including a stolen handgun.
“Homeland Security Investigations remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting children from those who seek to exploit their vulnerability for personal gain,” said HSI Philadelphia Acting Special Agent in Charge Nathan Abel. “This sentence is a result of HSI’s relentless pursuit to prosecute predators who manipulate and coerce minors into illegal acts, and we will use every resource at our disposal to bring them to justice. Most importantly, our efforts in this case provided an opportunity to rescue five young victims and ensure they are no longer subject to this abuse. The safety and well-being of our nation’s children will always be our top priority.”
The Department of Homeland Security and the Stroud Area Regional Police Department investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Luisa Honora Berti is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
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New Jersey Man Indicted for Making Interstate ThreatsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that a New Jersey man was charged with making interstate threats to a Jewish organization located in New York, NY.
Cameron Patterson, 34, of Newark, New Jersey, was indicted on May 18 for transmitting interstate threats to injure the person of another. According to court records, Patterson sent three emails threatening physical harm to a New York-based Jewish non-profit organization on Oct. 6, 2024. The individuals who received these emails feared for their safety and reported the communications to law enforcement officers. A subsequent search of Patterson’s iCloud account revealed multiple images depicting or referencing violence, threats of violence, and mass shootings. Patterson, who was previously charged by complaint and released, will be arraigned on a date to be determined.
The charge of transmitting a threat in interstate or foreign commerce carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer for the District of New Jersey and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy of the FBI Newark Field Office with the investigation leading to these charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Millenky for the District of New Jersey and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
New Jersey Man Indicted for Making Interstate ThreatsRead the Press Release
NEWARK, N.J. – A New Jersey man was charged with making interstate threats to a Jewish organization located in New York, NY, United States Attorney Robert Frazer and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division announced.
Cameron Patterson, 34, of Newark, New Jersey, was indicted on May 18, 2026 for transmitting interstate threats to injure another person. According to court records, Patterson sent three emails threatening physical harm to a New York-based Jewish non-profit organization on October 6, 2024. The individuals who received these emails feared for their safety and reported the communications to law enforcement. A search of Patterson’s iCloud account revealed multiple images depicting or referencing violence, threats of violence, and mass shootings. Patterson, who was previously charged by complaint and released, will be arraigned on a date to be determined.
The charge of transmitting a threat in interstate or foreign commerce carries a statutory maximum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum fine of $250,000.
United States Attorney Frazer and Assistant Attorney General Dhillon credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy in Newark, with the investigation leading to these charges.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Susan Millenky of the Criminal Division in Newark and Trial Attorney Taylor Payne of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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patterson.indictment.pdfMexican National Sentenced to Four Years in Prison for Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A Mexican national was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for operating a scheme in which he claimed to be an IRS officer and misrepresented to victims that he was able to obtain hundreds of thousands of dollars for them from a fictitious IRS program. The government recommended a sentence of 96 months in prison.
“The defendant pretended to be an IRS agent and preyed on victims – many of whom were non-native English speakers – who struggled to pay their home mortgages,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “He exploited his victims’ financial vulnerabilities and stole hard-earned money from over a dozen victims.”
"This case serves as a reminder of the lengths fraudsters will go to exploit vulnerable individuals for their own financial gain,” said Phoenix Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown. “By inventing fake government programs and impersonating IRS officials, Velazquez built a false sense of trust to steal hard-earned money from unsuspecting victims. The IRS will never charge an upfront fee to process a form or secure a refund, nor do we make initial contact with taxpayers via social media or unsolicited text messages."
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Francisco Ivan Velazquez falsely held himself out to be an employee of the IRS and claimed to his victims that he could secure large monetary payments for them from the IRS. Velazquez asserted that these funds were available from a purported IRS program that allowed people who had previously lost a home to foreclosure to recoup money by applying to the IRS and filing certain documents. He advised the victims that, in exchange for a fee, he would submit an application for them to recover the funds. In some instances, Velazquez then helped present a false tax return to the IRS on behalf of a victim claiming the victim had federal tax withholdings of $100,000 or more and requested the withholdings be refunded. Velazquez’s criminal scheme sought at least $1.8 million from the IRS.
Government’s Exhibit 166: Photo of Francisco Ivan Velazquez in U.S. v. Francisco Ivan Velazquez, Case No. 2:22-cr-00090.
Velazquez was convicted at trial of three counts of wire fraud, one count of aiding the presentation of a false tax return, and two counts of impersonating an IRS officer. The jury did not return a verdict on four counts of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey ordered Velazquez to pay approximately $199,198.52 in restitution to the victims of his crimes.
First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office Acting Special Agent in Charge Scott Brown; Special Agent in Charge Krystofor Proev for the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation and TIGTA investigated the case. Trial Attorneys John C. Gerardi and Thomas W. Flynn of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Tax Section, prosecuted the case with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
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.
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Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Providing Material Support to Cartel Designated as Foreign Terrorist Organization Following a Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican National has pleaded guilty in federal court today for providing material support to a Michoacan, Mexico-based cartel which was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
Jose C. Valencia-Soriano, aka Jose C. Soriano-Valencia, 34, of Kansas City, Mo., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge D. Greg Kays to an information charging him with one count of providing material support to a designated FTO in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2339B(a)(1).
According to court documents, Valencia-Soriano admitted to providing material support to Cárteles Unidos, aka United Cartels, which is a Mexico-based transnational criminal and drug trafficking organization that controls large areas of Michoacán, Mexico. On Feb. 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of State, in consultation with the Attorney General, designated Cárteles Unidos, as both an FTO and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, after finding that the organization engages in terrorist activity.
Beginning on or around Feb. 20, 2025, and continuing until March 27, 2025, Valencia-Soriano admitted that he knowingly and intentionally provided material support and resources, including himself and currency, to Carteles Unidos. Specifically, Valencia-Soriano obtained large shipments of methamphetamine often concealed in liquids from Cárteles Unidos members. He then extracted the methamphetamine from the liquid, sold it for profit, and conspired to make the U.S. currency and profits from the drug distribution to fund Cárteles Unidos in Mexico and elsewhere. These cartel operations included using profits from selling illegal drugs in the United States to fund the acquisition of high-powered weaponry, and the hiring of armed fighters and mercenaries, which resulted in numerous civilian, military, and law enforcement casualties.
On Feb. 25, 2025, for instance, a search warrant was executed at Valencia-Soriano’s home within the Western District of Missouri. Inside, law enforcement found 102 pounds of crystal methamphetamine and roughly 460 pounds of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine that was still stored in liquids and awaiting processing to crystal form for final distribution. Investigators found two different areas of the home used for processing the methamphetamine. Finally, investigators also recovered three firearms, including two 5.56-caliber firearms, and more than $48,000 in bulk cash that Valencia-Soriano admitted was U.S. currency he procured through U.S.-based drug distribution with the intent to transfer it back to Mexico to further fund the operations of Cárteles Unidos.
“Jose C. Valencia-Soriano's guilty plea reflects the seriousness of conduct that involved providing support to a foreign terrorist organization," said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price of the Western District of Missouri. "Actions of this nature threaten the safety of American citizens and the national security of the United States. The Western District of Missouri puts on notice anyone who engages in or supports terrorism against the United States: this conduct will not be tolerated. We will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local partners to identify these individuals, disrupt and dismantle these networks, and bring their members to justice.”
Under federal statutes, Valencia-Soriano is subject to a sentence of 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Valencia-Soriano’s sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Foley. It was investigated by the Kansas City and St. Louis Field Divisions of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Rolla Area Drug Enforcement, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Homeland Security Investigations Knoxville (HSI), and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department also assisted with the execution of a search warrant.
Homeland Security Task Force
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 Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
McLaughlin Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for BurglaryRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced a South Dakota man convicted of Third Degree Burglary. The sentencing took place on May 18, 2026.
Jack Daniel Thomas, age 31, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and over $5,000 in restitution to several victims.
Thomas was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025. He pleaded guilty on September 16, 2025.
During the early morning hours of April 2, 2025, Thomas broke into several cars and the CHS storage shed in McLaughlin, South Dakota, in the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation. He stole over $1,000 worth of tools from the storage shed and an iPad from one of the vehicles. He had committed several similar offenses in the past.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal Court as opposed to State Court.
This case was investigated by the Corson County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Thomas was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence.
May 2026 Grand Jury for the District of NebraskaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced the federal Grand Jury for the District of Nebraska has returned 10 unsealed Indictments charging 12 defendants. Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Tristan Bush, age 40, of Grand Island, Nebraska, is charged in a two-count Indictment. Count I charges Bush with burglary of a United States Post Office on or about January 8, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a term 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Bush with possession with intent to deliver 50 grams of actual methamphetamine on or about January 18, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
Alrondo Martin Taylor, age 47, of Lincoln, Nebraska, is charged with possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on or about March 4, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
Jacob Alan Brun, age 39, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with escape from custody between on or about April 18, 2026, and on or about April 21, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Jose Antonio Rivera Cruz, age 34, of Omaha, Nebraska, is charged with assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating and interfering with a federal officer, with physical contact on or about April 14, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 8 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Antoine Singleton, age 43, Elisha Andrea Pool, age 33, and Steven J. Gray, age 43, all of Lincoln, Nebraska, have been charged in a two-count indictment. Count I charges Singleton, Pool, and Gray with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl beginning on or about August 1, 2025, and continuing to on or about February 24, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Singleton, Pool, and Gray with possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl on or about February 24, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $10,000,000 fine, a term of supervised release of not less than 5 years and up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
Victor Gilberto Perez, age 27, of Ralston, Nebraska, is charged in a seven-count Indictment. Count I charges Perez with being a felon in possession of a firearm, an Alpha Maxx, 5.56 mm pistol, on or about April 29, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count II charges Perez with being a felon in possession of one or more rounds of ammunition on or about April 29, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count III charges Perez with being a felon in possession of a firearm, a model Ruger 5.7 mm pistol, on or about April 29, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count IV charges Perez with being a felon in possession of fourteen (14) rounds of .380 caliber of ammunition on or about April 29, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 15 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count V charges Perez with possession with intent to distribute cocaine on or about April 29, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 20 years’ imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, a 3-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count VI charges Perez with possession with intent to distribute marijuana on or about April 29, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 2-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment. Count VII charges Perez with carrying or using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime on or about April 29, 2026. The maximum possible penalty if convicted is not less than 10 years’ and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a 5-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
The following individuals were charged with being an alien, who previously had been excluded, deported and removed from the United States and were found in the United States, without the Acting Attorney General of the United States or his designated successor having expressly consented to the defendant’s reapplication for admission into the United States:
Jose Miranda-Ramirez, age 44
Cruz Hernandez-Jacobo, age 38
Fernando Lugo-Tovar, age 41
Geovany Velasquez-Avila, age 30
The maximum possible penalty if convicted is 2 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, a one-year term of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing 2.5 Kilograms of Fentanyl and Possessing with Intent to Distribute 1.2 Kilograms of CocaineRead the Press Release
Manchester Man Pleads Guilty to Distributing 2.5 Kilograms of Fentanyl and Possessing with Intent to Distribute 1.2 Kilograms of Cocaine
CONCORD – A Manchester resident pleaded guilty today to distributing over 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl and possessing with intent to distribute over 1.2 kilograms of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Xavier Santana, 22, pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing at least 400 grams of fentanyl, three counts of distributing at least 50 grams of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine. U.S. District Judge Paul J. Barbadoro scheduled sentencing for August 31st, 2026.
According to the record, in late 2024 law enforcement learned that the defendant was selling drugs. Between January and May 2025, an undercover officer engaged in seven controlled purchases of fentanyl from Santana totaling over 2.5 kilograms. The quantities of fentanyl purchased each time ranged from 91 grams to a half kilogram. In July 2025, law enforcement searched the defendant’s residence and found over 1.2 kilograms of cocaine in Santana’s bedroom.
The charge of distribution of at least 400 grams of fentanyl provides a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life, a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life, and a maximum fine of $10 million. The charge of distribution of at least 50 grams of fentanyl provides a sentence of at least 5 years and up to 40 years, a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life, and a maximum fine of $5 million. The charge of possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine provides a sentence of at least 5 years and up to 40 years, a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life, and a maximum fine of $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The FBI led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cesar A. Vega and Alexander S. Chen are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Man with Dual Citizenship Sentenced for Sharing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
TULSA, Okla. – A man with dual citizenship in the United States and Pakistan was sentenced today for Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
U.S. District Judge Sara E. Hill sentenced Razwan Asghar, 41, to 121 months imprisonment, followed by ten years of supervised release. Upon his release, Asghar will also be required to register as a sex offender. Judge Hill further ordered Asghar to pay $3,000 in restitution.
In January 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a CyberTip from Kik that a user uploaded photographs consistent with child pornography. Officers issued a search warrant and discovered that the email address associated with the account was Asghar’s college email address. They further discovered that one of the IP addresses used by Asghar traced back to a public Wi-Fi at his workplace.
When officers spoke with Asghar, he admitted to using his cellphone to view child sexual abuse material, with some children being ages 4-5 years old. Asghar explained that he has “a lot of porn,” but working as a nurse keeps him busy. He told agents that he knew trading images and videos of children being sexually abused was illegal. However, Asghar believed it was not a crime because he was not sexually abusing a child.
After speaking with agents, court documents show that Asghar sold his car, left the United States, and flew to Bahrain to stay with his family. When Asghar returned to the United States, he was arrested at the Tulsa International Airport.
The images and videos found on his devices were sent to the National Child Victim Identification System, managed by the NCMEC, for identification. One individual was identified and allowed to submit a victim impact statement to the court. Restitution paid by Asghar will go directly to the victim who requested restitution.
Asghar was born in Bahrain and is a citizen of Pakistan. He is also a naturalized citizen of the United States and will remain in custody pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons.
The Tulsa Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Robert prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, local, and tribal 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.