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20 May 2026
Man Pleads Guilty to Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
A man who illegally reentered the United States from Guatemala pled guilty today in federal court in Sioux City.
Rigoberto Hernandez-Corado, also known as Rigoberto Corado-Hernandes, age 63, who was living in Rock Valley, Iowa, was convicted of illegal reentry.
At the plea hearing, Hernandez-Corado admitted he illegally reentered the United States without permission after having been previously removed from the United States on August 3, 2018. Hernandez-Corado was convicted in Sioux County, Iowa, in 2024 of domestic abuse assault, first offense, with a dangerous weapon. He was found in the Sioux County jail on January 13, 2026, where he was being held on a probation violation stemming from the 2024 sentence. While in custody, officials determined he was a citizen of Guatemala and had previously been deported from the United States to Guatemala.
Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Hernandez-Corado remains in custody pending sentencing. He faces a possible sentence of two years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and one year of supervised release.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick T. Greenwood and was investigated by the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
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.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 26-CR-04011. Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.
Mabelvale Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—Johnny Lee Underwood will spend the next 240 months in federal prison for distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, by United States District Judge Brian S. Miller.
On August 1, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a two-count Indictment charging Underwood, 27, of Mabelvale, with one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death and one count of distribution of fentanyl. On February 4, 2026, Underwood pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. Judge Miller also sentenced Underwood to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
On June 30, 2023, officers from the Little Rock Police Department responded to an emergency call regarding a suspected overdose. Upon arrival at the scene, officers observed paramedics attempt to revive the victim, but their efforts were unsuccessful. During their investigation, officers learned the victim ingested a blue pill that contained fentanyl earlier in the day. Officers located the victim’s wallet, and recovered a small, blue pill stamped with “M/30” and appeared similar to the brand-name pharmaceutical-grade oxycodone.
Additional investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed that Underwood sold approximately four counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to the victim and the victim’s girlfriend. Within hours of purchasing the pills from Underwood, the victim ingested a portion of a pill, overdosed, and died. An autopsy conducted by the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory determined the victim’s cause of death as fentanyl toxicity.
“Sadly, here is yet another proof that “One pill can kill”. Fentanyl and additional emerging synthetic opioids are deadly poisons being sent into our country from other nations who want to kill as many Americans as possible. These toxic drugs are harmful to our citizens, and especially so for those who are struggling with addiction,” said Ross. “But an addiction should not equate to death; and for those like Underwood who knowingly sell fentanyl and someone dies as a result, our office will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold you accountable.”
“Fentanyl continues to devastate families and communities across Arkansas, and those responsible for spreading this poison will be held accountable,” said Jason Van Goor, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Little Rock Field Office. “The FBI, alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will continue working tirelessly to remove dangerous drugs from our streets and pursue individuals who profit from putting lives at risk.”
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, with assistance from the Little Rock Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Amanda Fields.
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Leader of Gorilla Stone Mafia Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Two Gang-Related Murders on Staten IslandRead the Press Release
Today, John Pena, also known as “Tragedy,” “Don Tragg,” “Last Don” and “Money Baggz,” was sentenced by United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly to life imprisonment for murdering Mark Bajandas on March 10, 2021, and Francisco Gonzalez on June 22, 2021. Pena committed the murders in connection with his position as the leader of the Gorilla Stone Mafia (GSM), a subgroup of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation (UGSN), which is a faction of the nationwide Bloods street gang. Pena was convicted at trial in September 2024 of all six counts of a second superseding indictment charging him with racketeering; murder in-aid-of racketeering; causing death through use of a firearm; unlawful possession, brandishing and discharge of a firearm; being a felon in possession of ammunition; and conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana and crack cocaine.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James Barnacle, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.
“Pena sought revenge against rivals and maintained his leadership position in the Gorilla Stone Mafia gang by any means necessary,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Killing a man as he slept in bed and gunning down another victim in a hail of bullets are shocking examples of Pena’s ruthlessness and disregard for human life. Today’s sentence ensures he will spend the rest of his life in prison for his gruesome murders and for his role in the violence and drug trafficking unleashed on the citizens of a Staten Island community.”
“Today, justice was delivered in full. The leader of Gorilla Stone Mafia, a violent gang, has been sentenced to life in prison. This violent organization has terrorized our streets long enough. This should serve as a warning to every gangster who believes they are above the law: we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will put you away for the rest of your life. Our communities deserve to live without fear, and today, because of the FBI’s Metropolitan Safe Streets Task Force, they are one step closer,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.
Pena committed the crimes of conviction in connection with his leadership of GSM, which operated out of the Stapleton Houses, a public housing development on Staten Island. Members of GSM used intimidation, threats of violence, and acts of violence to preserve and protect GSM’s power, territory, and criminal activities. They also used drug trafficking as a means of obtaining money.
In the early morning hours of March 10, 2021, Pena fired multiple gunshots from close range killing Mark Bajandas, a former GSM member who had defected to the rival Bugatti set of UGSN. The murder occurred after Pena and Bajandas had attended a memorial earlier in the evening to commemorate the death of Avanti Brock, a former GSM member who was allegedly murdered by Bugatti approximately a year earlier. A witness testified that the defendant admitted killing Bajandas, boasting “I spliffed him and walked off like I was John Gotti.”
On June 22, 2021, Pena murdered Francisco Gonzalez, a former GSM member, by shooting him three times in the head while Gonzalez was asleep in bed next to Pena’s ex-girlfriend.
Law enforcement recovered writings from Pena’s jail cell at the Metropolitan Detention Center. These included statements in which he took responsibility for the murders of Bajandas and Gonzalez, lyrics in which he wrote that “I feel like the reaper,” and descriptions of turning his “opps,” i.e., “opposition,” into “ghost[s].” Pena also wrote about killing Gonzalez, including that Pena “left his brains on them sheets,” referring to his firing shots into Gonzalez’s head while Gonzalez was asleep in bed.
Witness testimony and evidence obtained from cell phones proved that GSM members enriched themselves by selling controlled substances in and around the Stapleton Houses and also in Vermont, and that Pena was involved in the sale and distribution of marijuana, crack cocaine and heroin.
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 government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Dana Rehnquist, Andrew M. Roddin and Elias Laris are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of former Paralegal Specialist Elizabeth Reed.
The Defendant: JOHN PENA (also known as “Tragedy,” “Don Tragg,” “Last Don” and Money Baggz”)
Age: 34
Staten Island, New YorkE.D.N.Y. Docket No. 21-CR-176 (S-2) (AMD)
Kechi man indicted for arsonRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with arson and firearms offenses and charging a woman for assisting him to commit a crime.
According to court documents, Johnny E. Griffith, 34, of Kechi was indicted on one count of arson, three counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, two counts of possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.
Serenity O. Napier, 22, of Wichita was indicted on one count of aiding and abetting possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Griffith allegedly intentionally and maliciously damaged duplexes on South Victoria Road in Wichita, Kansas, in October 2025. He is also accused of various crimes related to firearms. Napier allegedly assisted Griffith in possessing a firearm while knowing he is prohibited from legally possessing firearms based on a prior felony conviction.The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), the Wichita Police Department, and the Wichita Fire Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case.
OTHER INDICTMENTS
Salvador Bermudez-Herrera, 39, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case.
Marcus S. Castillo, 45, of Wichita was indicted on four counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Wichita Police Department and the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
Jesseca M. Granados-Diaz, 40, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case.
Jose Juarez-Gutierez, 40, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of reentry by a previously removed alien. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Hines is prosecuting the case.
Vincent Michael Knackstedt, 37, of Wichita was indicted on one count of theft of government property and one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. The Wichita Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are investigating the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###Kanawha County Woman Sentenced for Violating the Federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification ActRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Misty Dawn Baisden, 48, of St. Albans, a convicted sex offender, was sentenced today to time served for failing to update her registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA).
According to court documents and statements made in court, from on or about September 17, 2025, through on or about October 30, 2025, Baisden failed to report that she had begun working at a St. Albans business.
Baisden is required to register as a sex offender and keep her information current because of her conviction for conspiracy to engage in the sex trafficking of a minor in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on October 19, 2017. Baisden remains on supervised release as a result of that conviction.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the United States Marshals Service (USMS).
United States District Judge Thomas E. Johnston imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan T. Storage prosecuted the case.
SORNA is part of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006 and provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. SORNA seeks to strengthen the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs, in part by requiring registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 2:26-cr-2.
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Jury Convicts D.C. Man of Assaulting Romantic Partner with a FirearmRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Makhi Inge, 23, of the District of Columbia, was found guilty today in connection with his assault on the mother of his child in October 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
A Superior Court jury found Inge guilty of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Possession of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Prior Conviction), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (Obliterated Serial Number), and Carrying a Pistol Without a License.
According to the government’s evidence, on Oct. 26, 2025, Inge went to the victim’s apartment in Northwest to see her and his son. Inge argued with the victim and punched her. The victim attempted to de-escalate the situation and briefly left the apartment. When she returned, Inge started another argument and insisted the victim owed him money. Inge then pointed a firearm at the victim and told her that he would have shot her if she was not holding his son. The victim pleaded with Inge to allow her to leave to go to an ATM to pay him.
Once Inge allowed the victim to leave, she took her son and went to the corner store where she asked the clerk for help and called 911. While the victim was on the phone with the 911 operator, Inge came to the store, took the boy, and headed back to her apartment. The victim pretended to go back with Inge but then waited in an alleyway for police. When police arrived, they went to the victim’s apartment where they found Inge and the victim’s son. After searching the apartment, police found Inge’s firearm that he had hidden in the victim’s laundry.
Inge has previous convictions for multiple felony offenses and crimes of violence involving firearms. Inge faces a minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 21, 2026, before Superior Court Judge Carmen McLean.
Joining U.S. Attorney Pirro in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anne Cotter and Monisha Rao.
2025 FD3 014290
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Or at https://www.justice.gov/usao-dcJasper County felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Jasper convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Cammorn Joseph Brizendine, 36, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale May 20, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in January 2025, Brizendine was stopped for a traffic violation in Hardin County. Brizendine consented to a search of the vehicle, during which a portable lock box containing two firearms was located on the floorboard of the vehicle. Further investigation revealed Brizendine is a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reynaldo P. Morin.
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Indictments, Convictions through Guilty Pleas, and Sentencings in Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) ProsecutionsRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico, W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney, in conjunction with our partner agencies in the Homeland Security Task Force (“HSTF”) announce the following investigative and prosecutorial results for the week of May 11 through May 15, 2026. The HSTF is a permanent, interagency law enforcement task force created by executive order to combat transnational criminal organizations—including cartels, trafficking networks, and foreign terrorist organizations.
Indictments:
- On May 14, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Jesús Martínez-Cedeño with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances. According to court documents, in April 2026, the defendant knowingly and intentionally imported into the United States, from Colombia and other places, five kilograms or more of cocaine. Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Antonio L. Pérez-Alonso is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On May 14, 2026, a federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment charging Ezequiel Amaro-Rosario (Dominican) with re-entry of removed alien. On May 10, Amaro-Rosario who had been previously removed from the United States, attempted to enter and was found in the United States, without obtaining, prior to his re-embarkation at a place outside the United States, the express consent of the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission into the United States. United States Coast Guard Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) Cody A. McKinney is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
Convictions through Guilty Pleas:
- On May 11, 2026, Carlos Jadriel Rivera-León pleaded guilty to drug and firearm charges in case 23-353 (GMM). According to the indictment, the defendant was charged with participating in a violent drug trafficking organization that operated out of various public housing projects in and near Manatí, Puerto Rico, including the Enrique Zorilla Public Housing Project. Defendant was arrested on September 22, 2023. The court set defendant’s sentencing date for August 14, 2026. AUSAs Andrés Orr and Joseph Russell are in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On May 12, 2026, Ramsell Maldonado-Tatis, William Boria-Rosa and Orlando Resto-García pleaded guilty to drug and firearm charges in case 24-453 (MAJ). Wilfredo Hernández-Vizcarrondo, Carlos Delgado-Torres and Justin Landrau-Cirino pleaded guilty to drug charges in that same case. According to the indictment, the defendants were charged with participating in a violent drug trafficking organization that operated out of various Public Housing Projects in Carolina and San Juan, including the Sabana Abajo Public Housing Project. Defendants were arrested on December 11, 2026. The court set defendants’ sentencing date for August 5, 2026. AUSAs Laura Díaz and Joseph Russell are in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On May 13, 2026, Josué Isaac-Febus and Joshua Rivera-Cruz pleaded guilty to drug and firearm charges in case 24-453 (MAJ). Juan Tereforte-Bello and Eduardo Tolentino-Meléndez pleaded guilty to drug charges in that same case. According to the indictment, the defendants were charged with participating in a violent drug trafficking organization that operated out of various Public Housing Projects in Carolina and San Juan, including the Sabana Abajo Public Housing Project. Defendants were arrested on December 11, 2026. AUSAs Laura Díaz and Joseph Russell are in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On May 14, 2026, Michael García-Marquez pleaded guilty to drug and firearm charges in case 24-453 (MAJ). According to the indictment, the defendant was charged with participating in a violent drug trafficking organization that operated out of various Public Housing Projects in Carolina and San Juan, including the Sabana Abajo Public Housing Project. Defendant was arrested on December 11, 2026. The court set defendant’s sentencing hearing for August 12, 2026. AUSAs Laura Díaz and Joseph Russell are in charge of the prosecution of the case.
Sentencings:
- On May 12, 2026, Justin Carlo Padilla was sentenced by Chief Judge Raúl Arias Marxuach to 111 months of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to court documents, defendant was charged by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico on March 22, 2023, in case 23-114 (RAM), and pleaded guilty to the charges on February 11, 2026. AUSA Corinne Cordero Romo is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On May 12, 2026, Xavier González-Rivera was sentenced by Judge Pedro A. Delgado to 84 months of imprisonment and supervised release term of 6 years for distribution of controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to court documents, defendant was charged by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico on July 20, 2022, in Criminal case 22-327 and pled guilty to the charge(s) on January 27, 2026. AUSA Corinne Cordero in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On May 12, 2026, Justin Carlo Padilla was sentenced by Chief Judge Raúl Arias Marxuach to 111 months of imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release for distribution of controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. According to court documents, defendant was charged by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico on March 22, 2023, in Criminal case # 23-114, and pled guilty to the charge(s) on February 11, 2026. AUSA Corinne Cordero in charge of the prosecution of the case.
- On May 13, 2026, Roric Harvey Nuñez-García was sentenced by Chief Judge Raúl Arias-Marxuach to 30 months in prison for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a machinegun in cases 25-104 and 25-279. According to court documents, defendant was charged by a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico on March 5, 2025, in case 25-104 and on July 20, 2025, in case 25-279 and pleaded guilty to the charges on February 12, 2026. AUSA Joseph Russell is in charge of the prosecution of the case.
These prosecutions are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
HSTF San Juan comprises agents and officers from the following federal partners: FBI, ICE-HSI, CBP (OFO, AMO and Border Patrol), the U.S. Marshals Service for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, DEA, ATF, IRS, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of State, and the U.S. Secret Service, the Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands HIDTA, TSA, FAA, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Districts of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The HSTF also has the following state and local law enforcement partners as participating agencies: the Puerto Rico Police Department; the San Juan, Carolina, Guaynabo, Barceloneta, and Ponce Municipal Police Departments, the Puerto Rico National Guard – Counter Drug Program; the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Service (Hacienda); the Puerto Rico Port Authority; and the Virgin Islands Police Department.
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Illegal alien sex offender heads to prison for illegally reentering US againRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 34-year-old man from El Salvador has been sentenced for illegally entering the country without authorization, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Jose Angel Martinez Menjivar pleaded guilty Feb. 18.
U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison has now ordered Menjivar to serve 40 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
Menjivar has previous convictions for illegal reentry and indecent assault by touching.
He was first removed from the country in 2022. However, authorities discovered him again in Houston July 9, 2025, with no authorization to be in the United States.
Immigration Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Law prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Illegal Alien from England Sentenced for Entering the US Without InspectionRead the Press Release
BANGOR, Maine: A citizen of the United Kingdom was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Bangor for entering the United States without inspection.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John C. Nivison sentenced Ibrahim Ayyub Khan, 27, to time served. Khan pleaded guilty on May 5, 2026.
According to court records, Khan and three other men walked through the heavily wooded border between Quebec and Somerset County during the pre-dawn hours of April 3, 2026. Their point of entry was within a few hundred yards of the Saint Zacharie, Maine port of entry that was manned by agents of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Office of Field Operations (“OFO”). Upon exiting the woods, Khan and his companions began walking down the Golden Road heading east.
Passersby in the area reported to an OFO agent seeing the four men walking east on the Golden Road. The OFO agent reported the sighting to the U.S. Border Patrol (“USBP”) station in Jackman. A USBP agent and an OFO agent responded to the area of the sighting, located the four men and took them into custody without incident. When questioned about their citizenship, Khan and his three companions stated they were citizens of the United Kingdom. The four were subsequently transported back to the Jackman Border Patrol station.
USBP, OFO, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI investigated the case.
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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Guam Man Sentenced for Theft of Government Property After Stealing Deceased Wife’s Social Security BenefitsRead the Press Release
Hagåtña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announced that defendant Joseph Benavente Wusstig, age 59, from Yigo, Guam was sentenced to six months imprisonment for Theft of Government Property, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641. The Court also ordered three years of supervised release, $58,248 restitution to the Social Security Administration, forfeiture money judgment of $58,248, and a $100 special assessment fee.
From September 2018 to December 31, 2023, Wusstig unlawfully received $58,248 in disability benefits for his wife from the Social Security Administration (“SSA”). Wusstig had served as a representative payee for his wife. After she died in August 2018, Wusstig never informed the SSA and continued to receive and spend the benefits intended for his wife. SSA paid the disability benefits through direct deposit to a joint account held in their names. Wusstig accessed the funds primarily through ATM withdrawals and Point of Sale purchases made at convenience stores, restaurants, supermarkets and gas stations.
“The Social Security Administration provides disability insurance benefits to people who have a disability that stops or limits their ability to work and who have a sufficient work history,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “The loss of a family member, however, should not become an opportunity for unjust enrichment at taxpayer expense. Maintaining the viability of this important program is worthy of criminal enforcement action. We will continue to do so in an effort to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse.”
“Social Security disability benefits are intended to provide critical support to eligible beneficiaries, not to be exploited for personal gain,” said Michelle L. Anderson, Assistant Inspector General for Audit as First Assistant for the SSA Office of the Inspector General. “We will continue to aggressively pursue those who misuse federal benefit programs and safeguard the public’s trust in the Social Security Administration.”
This investigation was led by the SSA – Office of the Inspector General and prosecuted by First Assistant United States Attorney Marivic P. David for the District of Guam.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Guam Bingo Operators Receive Federal Prison Sentences for $34 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Hagåtña, Guam – SHAWN N. ANDERSON, United States Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, announces the following sentencings:
Jose Arthur D. Chan, (Art Chan) Jr., his spouse, Christine C. Chan, and Michael L. Marasigan received custodial sentences set forth below. On May 13, 2025, they were convicted by a jury in the District Court of Guam for Conspiracy to Operate Illegal Gambling Business in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 and 1955(a), Money Laundering Conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§1956(h), 1956(a)(1)(B)(i) and 1957, and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1349 and 1343. Christine Chan and Marasigan were also found guilty of multiple counts of Money Laundering in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957.
Jose Arthur D. Chan, Jr., age 77, from Dededo, sentenced on May 12, 2026, to 60 months in federal prison, joint and several restitution of $10,750,804 to the Aloha Shriners, $339,013 money judgment forfeiture, and $300 mandatory assessment fee.
Christine C. Chan, age 64, from Dededo, sentenced on May 12, 2026, to 70 months in federal prison, $10,750,804 joint and several restitution to the Aloha Shriners, $871,500 money judgment forfeiture, and $2,700 mandatory assessment fee.
Fugitive Michael L. Marasigan, age 54, from Dededo, was sentenced in absentia on May 18, 2026, to 262 months in federal prison, $10,750,804 joint and several restitution to the Aloha Shriners, $5,871,493 money judgment forfeiture, and $6,500 mandatory assessment fee.
Evidence at trial showed that between March 2015 and December 31, 2021, the Chan couple, Marasigan and other defendants participated in a conspiracy, fraud scheme, and illegal gambling operation involving the Guam Shrine Club (“GSC”) and its Hafa Adai Bingo parlor in Tamuning. Art Chan served as Vice-President and President of the GSC, a non-profit organization that purported to fund the travel expenses of children and one parent or guardian to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Hawaii for medical care. The defendants defrauded the public and bingo patrons based on false representations that bingo fundraising proceeds would be used for GSC’s charitable purpose. During the conspiracy, Hafa Adai Bingo generated approximately $34 million gross bingo proceeds. The defendants diverted and laundered $10,750,804 net bingo proceeds for their personal gain that should have gone to the Aloha Shriners, which has Shrine jurisdiction over Guam.
According to GSC bank records, during 2015-2020 approximately $140,378 of bingo proceeds were used to pay the Aloha Shriners and for air transportation, and in 2021, no bingo proceeds were used for GSC’s charitable purpose.
The following defendants entered guilty pleas and testified for the government at trial:
Juanita Capulong, age 73, from Tamuning, pled guilty to conspiracy to operate illegal gambling business; money laundering conspiracy, and money laundering, and on May 13, 2026, received a concurrent sentence of four years of probation. She was ordered to pay a $500 fee, restitution of $479,075.97 to the Aloha Shriners, and money judgment forfeiture of $138,854.
Minda C. San Nicolas, age 71, from Dededo, pled guilty to conspiracy to operate illegal gambling business, and money laundering, and on May 13, 2026, received a concurrent sentence of three years of probation. She was ordered to pay a $300 fee, restitution of $433,921.58 to the Aloha Shriners, and money judgment forfeiture of $147,599.
Alfredo Leon Guerrero, age 90, from Tamuning, pled guilty to money laundering conspiracy and on May 13, 2026, received a sentence of time served (one day), one-year supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 fee, and restitution of $1,095,907.95 to the Aloha Shriners.
Won Sun P. Min, age 62, from Sinajana pled guilty to money laundering conspiracy on February 8, 2023. On May 19, 2026, she was sentenced to time served (one day), three years supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 fee, restitution of $2,326,180.23 to the Aloha Shriners, and money judgment forfeiture of $906,400.
“These defendants traded on the reputation of the Shriners Children’s healthcare system to perpetrate their multi-million-dollar fraud,” stated United States Attorney Anderson. “It was an unconscionable means to personal gain. We will make every effort to enforce restitution and ensure that Marasigan and the Chans spend every day of their sentences in federal prison.”
“Being charitable demonstrates the best in people – it is selflessness in action. This is in stark contrast to the selfishness and greed displayed in this case, which deliberately preyed on the charity of our friends and neighbors and stole millions of dollars from those who needed it most,” said Special Agent in Charge Carrie Nordyke, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Seattle Field Office. “Financial crime is not victimless; real people suffer its devastating effects. Protecting our communities from financial crime is core to our agency, and we are fully committed to carrying out this mission each and every day.”
“These defendants defrauded their own community, taking charity money meant for sick children and using it for their own financial gain,” said FBI Honolulu Special Agent in Charge David Porter. “These crimes are particularly offensive because they undermine the public’s faith in charitable giving. The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue these cases and hold criminals accountable.”
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS-CI. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Marivic David prosecuted the case in the District of Guam.
Grand Jury Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments on May 13, 2026. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation, and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wood County Man Charged With Possessing Child Pornography
Dennis McCullough, 64, Wood County, Wisconsin is charged with possessing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on October 12, 2025, McCullough possessed a cell phone that contained images of child pornography.
If convicted, McCullough faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by the Wood County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger is handling the case.
This investigation was part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Minnesota Man Charged With Methamphetamine Trafficking
Daniel Baity, 48, Fridley, Minnesota, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that Baity possessed the methamphetamine on February 3, 2026.
If convicted, Baity faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.
The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Stelljes is handling the case.
This prosecution is part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s 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 federal law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
Madison Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Gun Possession
Derric Green, 51, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing controlled substances intended for distribution, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The indictment alleges that on October 15, 2025, Green possessed 500 grams or more of cocaine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution. The indictment further alleges that on the same day, Green unlawfully possessed four firearms as a felon and possessed the firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.
If convicted on the drug trafficking counts, Green faces a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. If convicted on the felon in possession count, Green faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking charge carries a minimum penalty of five years and a maximum penalty of life in prison, consecutive to any other sentence.
The charges against him are the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington is handling the case.
Mexican Citizen Charged with Illegally Reentering the United States
Fernando Ivan Llamas, 35, a citizen of Mexico found in Dane County, Wisconsin is charged with reentering the United States after having been previously removed. The indictment alleges that on November 9, 2025, Llamas, an alien, was found in the Western District of Wisconsin after having previously been removed from the United States and without having obtained the express consent of the United States Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States.
If convicted, Llamas faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison.
The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lennon is handling the case.
Honduran Citizen Charged with Illegally Reentering the United States
Yefri Josue Varela-Ramirez, a citizen of Honduras found in Beloit, Wisconsin is charged with reentering the United States after having been previously removed. The indictment alleges that on October 1, 2025, Varela-Ramirez, an alien, was found in Wisconsin after having previously been removed from the United States and without having obtained the express consent of the United States Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States.
If convicted, Varela-Ramirez faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson is handling the case.
Nicaraguan Citizen Charged with Illegally Reentering the United States
Luis Ruben Rivera-Nunez, 43, a citizen of Nicaragua found in Trempealeau County, Wisconsin is charged reentering the United States after having been previously removed. The indictment alleges that on December 23, 2023, Rivera-Nunez, an alien, was found in Wisconsin after having previously been removed from the United States and without having obtained the express consent of the United States Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States.
If convicted, Rivera-Nunez faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison.
The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Ginsberg is handling the case.
Federal prosecutions by the U.S. Department of Justice involving drugs and guns are part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Gary Man Sentenced to 68 Months in Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
HAMMOND- Kevin Robinson, 46 years old, of Gary, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and for distributing cocaine, announced United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred.
Robinson was sentenced to 68 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
“Like many before him, Kevin Robinson thought it was a good idea to possess guns he wasn’t allowed to have and deal drugs he wasn’t allowed to sell,” said U.S. Attorney Mildred. “And like many before him, he has learned that the brave federal agents and committed federal prosecutors of northern Indiana will not rest until criminals like him are convicted, sentenced, and serving their time in the Bureau of Prisons. I would like to thank the agents and prosecutors involved in this case for the work they put in to bring Robinson to justice. And I would like to reiterate a warning I’ve given many times before—if you want to trade poisons or possess illegal firearms, do it somewhere else. Northern Indiana will not tolerate it.”
“Despite having a prior felony conviction, the defendant repeatedly possessed firearms and sold them to law enforcement, demonstrating a complete disregard for Federal law. The sentence imposed in this case reflects the seriousness of the conduct and continued accountability for those that violate Federal law,” said ATF Chicago Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon.
According to documents in the case, on October 2, 2024, Robinson sold a firearm and cocaine to law enforcement. Robinson also sold firearms to law enforcement on three occasions in September and November 2024. Robinson has a felony conviction which prohibits him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ambris Saravanan and former Assistant United States Attorney Joel L. Mathur.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Fort Yates Man Indicted for First Degree MurderRead the Press Release
FARGO – United States Attorney Nicholas W. Chase announced that a federal grand jury has returned an Indictment charging Brutus Claymore, 36, Fort Yates, ND, an enrolled member of Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, with First Degree Murder, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1153 and 1111.
As alleged, after years long investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Missing and Murdered Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, on November 22, 2014, Claymore forcibly entered an occupied residence on Fort Yates, ND, at nighttime, and attempted to rob the residents therein. When one of the residents attempted to resist, Claymore stabbed the resident with a knife that resulted in death.
An indictment is an accusation and notice of charges. The defendant is presumed innocent under the law unless and until proven guilty.
Claymore’s trial has been scheduled for June 23, 2026, before the Honorable Daniel L. Hovland, District Judge of the United States District Court.
This case is part of the Department of Justice’s Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program, which aims to aid in the prevention and response to missing or murdered Indigenous people through the resolution of MMIP cases and communication, coordination, and collaboration with federal, Tribal, state, and local partners. The Department views this work as a priority for its law enforcement components. Through the MMIP Regional Outreach Program, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify MMIP cases and issues in Tribal communities and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. This prosecution upholds the Department’s mission to the unwavering pursuit of justice on behalf of victims and their families despite the passage of time.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Missing and Murdered Unit (MMU) and being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gary Delorme, US Attorney’s Office, District of North Dakota and Troy R. Morley, MMIP Assistant United States Attorney - Great Plains Region Tribal Liaison, District of South Dakota.
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Former United States Postal Employee Pleads Guilty to Federal Mail Theft ChargesRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A former postal employee pled guilty in federal court to charges connected to a check-fraud scheme.
Derrick Stewart, 34, of Baltimore, Maryland, pled guilty to federal mail theft by a postal employee, wire fraud, and aggravated identity theft stemming from conduct while he worked as a clerk at a mail processing and distribution center in Baltimore.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Executive Special Agent in Charge Kathleen Woodson, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Mid-Atlantic Area Field Office, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Washington D.C. Field Office.
According to court documents, beginning in September 2022, and continuing until December 2023, Stewart used his postal service position to embezzle mail, including checks. Stewart then falsely and fraudulently endorsed stolen checks with the identity theft victims’ names and signatures.
Surveillance video captured Stewart depositing stolen and fraudulently endorsed checks into his personal bank accounts. Then on December 2, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Stewart after he exited a postal facility. During the search, law enforcement recovered almost 200 pieces of mail containing more than $700,000.
Stewart faces a maximum sentence of 27 years in prison, including a mandatory sentence of two years consecutive to any other imposed sentence, for aggravated identity theft. The sentencing date is forthcoming.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the USPS-OIG and IRS-CI for their investigative efforts. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip Motsay and Ari D. Evans who are prosecuting the federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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Former Texas Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that a former corrections officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) in Rusk, Texas, pleaded guilty for his participation in a conspiracy to assault an inmate in his custody, identified by initials M.S., on Feb. 25, 2025. Samuel Thomas pleaded guilty to one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 241.
“This former corrections officer engaged in a conspiracy to beat and injure a man in his care and custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Today’s conviction reinforces the Justice Department’s commitment to protect victims from state officials who abuse their power.”
“Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message that corruption by those entrusted with public safety will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs for the Eastern District of Texas. “Correctional officers hold positions of tremendous responsibility and authority, and when that trust is abused, it undermines the integrity of our justice system and jeopardizes the safety of inmates and staff. Nobody is above the law, and this office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute corruption wherever it occurs.”
According to his plea agreement, Thomas acknowledged that he was on duty as a TDCJ correctional officer when he opened the door of inmate M.S.’s cell and allowed other conspiracy members to strike and injure M.S. to retaliate against M.S. for spitting on Thomas two days earlier. M.S. suffered bodily injury as a result of the actions of Thomas and the other conspiracy members.
Thomas pleaded guilty on May 19 before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to his plea agreement, Thomas faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Dallas Field Office, Tyler Resident Agency, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan Jackson and Emil Mikkelsen for the Eastern District of Texas and Trial Attorney Sarah Armstrong of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case
Former Pagan’s Motorcycle Gang Member Sentenced to 110 Months for Assault Against RivalsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former member of the Pagan’s Motorcycle Club was sentenced in federal court today for his involvement in separate assaults against members of rival motorcycle clubs.
Mark A. Cottman, aka “One Shot,” 51, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 110 months in federal prison without parole for assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering.
On Sept. 17, 2022, Cottman and 12 other members of the Pagan’s and their support club, the Los Valerosos, chased and forced a lone rival gang member from the road in Blue Springs, Mo. Various members of the Pagan’s and Los Valerosos were armed with firearms and at least one axe handle. Cottman, who was a Pagan’s prospect at the time, and the others confronted the victim on the side of the roadway and ultimately, the victim was shot seven times, with wounds to his knee, thigh, forearm, biceps, buttocks and back of his leg. Several weeks later, Cottman received his Pagan’s patch, becoming a member of the Pagan’s.
On July 20, 2023, Cottman and two other Pagan’s assaulted a lone rival motorcycle gang member at a bar & grill in North Kansas City, Mo. One of the Pagan’s told the victim that they were there to shut the victim’s club down, then flipped a table over knocking the victim to the ground. Once on the ground, Cottman and the two others began stomping, kicking and punching the victim. The victim later told law enforcement that those who assaulted him were wearing steel-toed boots. Cottman and the two others fled the bar & grill before any law enforcement arrived. The victim was later transported by ambulance to a local hospital, suffering from a head contusion, rib fracture, hemothorax (accumulation of blood in the area between the chest wall and lungs), a left pulmonary contusion, pneumothorax (collapsed lung) and a traumatic brain injury.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Independence, Missouri Police Department, the Blue Springs, Missouri, Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department.
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.
Former Haverhill Man Charged with Receiving Stolen Government MoneyRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A former Haverhill man was charged in federal court in Boston with receiving stolen Social Security disability benefits over a period of more than five years.
Christopher D. Leon, 56, was charged with one count of receiving stolen government money or property. Leon will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
As alleged in the charging document, Leon received approximately $87,817 in stolen Social Security disability benefits from November 2019 through August 2025.
The charge of receiving stolen government money or property provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the SSA Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. The Team is led by two senior federal prosecutors serving as Fraud Coordinators, whose mission it is to aggressively investigate and prosecute misuse of taxpayer-funded benefits in Massachusetts.
Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former FMC Lexington Correctional Officer Sentenced for Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Former Federal Medical Center Lexington Correctional officer, Ryan Carnahan, 32, pleaded guilty on Tuesday, before U.S. District Judge Karen Caldwell for deprivation of rights resulting in bodily injury and making a false report.
According to his plea agreement, on June 28, 2025, Carnahan was on-duty at FMC Lexington when he decided to make entry into the cell of a Special Housing Unit inmate after getting into a verbal altercation with the inmate. Carnahan, along with two other officers, made entry without the inmate or his cellmate being placed into handcuffs. When Carnahan entered the cell, he began slapping the inmate’s face. As a result of being slapped, the inmate hit Carnahan, who then grabbed the inmate and punched him.
After the incident, Carnahan wrote a report that the inmate had been handcuffed before he and the other officers went into his cell, and that Carnahan was searching the cell when the inmate slipped his handcuffs and assaulted him. Carnahan admitted in his plea agreement that he wrote these things knowing that they were false, but that he wrote the false report to impede the administration of justice regarding the investigation of the unlawful assault on the inmate.
Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Matthew Loux, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, Chicago Field Office; jointly announced the guilty plea.
The investigation was conducted by DOJ-OIG. The U.S. Attorney’s Office was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Greenfield.
Carnahan is scheduled to be sentenced on August 20. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.
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Former East Bay Financial Advisor Pleads Guilty to Operating A Long-Running $9.5 Million Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
OAKLAND – Edwin Emmett Lickiss, Jr., pleaded guilty in federal court today to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering in connection with a decades-long Ponzi scheme.
Lickiss, 78, of Danville, Calif., admitted that from 1998 through September 2024, he defrauded more than 93 investors of at least $9.5 million. To induce investments, Lickiss falsely claimed that he would place victim funds into exclusive, safe, tax-free bonds, with some generating returns in excess of 20 percent. Lickiss also issued fraudulent promissory notes on the letterhead of his former firm, Foundation Financial Group.
In fact, Lickiss used subsequent victim funds to make payments to those who had invested earlier, consistent with a Ponzi scheme. Lickiss also diverted victim funds for his own use, including cash withdrawals, home renovations, travel, and payments on vehicles, mortgages, and personal credit cards.
United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian, FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew Cobo, and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Oakland Field Office Special Agent in Charge Linda Nguyen made the announcement.
Lickiss was released pending a sentencing hearing, which is scheduled for August 28, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. before U.S. District Judge Jon S. Tigar. Lickiss faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the wire fraud count, and 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the money laundering count. Any sentence following conviction would be imposed by the court after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. § 3553.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has also filed a civil enforcement action against Lickiss in the Northern District of California.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Wolinsky is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Lynette Dixon. The prosecution is the result of an investigation by the FBI and IRS-CI. The U.S. Attorney’s Office thanks the Atlanta Regional Office of the SEC for its assistance in the investigation.
Former Doctor Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A former doctor pleaded guilty today to receipt of child pornography, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. announced.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Field Division.
Pleading guilty was Lincoln Erickson, 32, of Farmington Hills, Michigan. Erickson was arrested by FBI agents on December 10, 2025, and has remained in custody. Prior to his arrest, Erickson was a medical resident at a public university and worked in the Detroit metropolitan area.
According to court records, agents discovered on Erickson’s phone videos of minors engaged in sex acts and AI-generated pornography depicting nude children touching adult men. Erickson also attempted to convince another man to allow Erickson to bathe the other man’s children and admitted to making plans to travel to the man’s house for that purpose.
“This pervert was lurking among our trusted medical professionals. At the same time, he was feeding his disgusting appetites and plotting to abuse little children. Thankfully, the FBI caught him when they did,” U.S. Attorney Gorgon said.
“Any individual who records, possesses, or distributes child sexual abuse material should expect severe consequences under federal law,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “This defendant, a former doctor, possessed videos of children engaged in sexual activity. We look forward to seeing this predator sentenced. Our FBI Detroit Crimes Against Child Squad, alongside our partner task force officers from the Detroit Police Department, continues to do outstanding work to safeguarding our youth and holding accountable those who seek to harm our most vulnerable citizens in Michigan.”
Erickson is scheduled to be sentenced on September 15, 2026. As part of his sentence, Erickson will be required to register as a sex offender.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Zurek.
Former DOJ Attorney Indicted for Concealment, Theft of Government RecordsRead the Press Release
Fort Pierce, Florida – Carmen Mercedes Lineberger, 62, of Port St. Lucie, has been indicted in federal court for two counts of theft of government money or property, valued less than $1,000.00; destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations; and concealment, removal, or mutilation of public records. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida announced the charges.
The indictment alleges at the time of the offenses the defendant served as the Managing Assistant United States Attorney (MAUSA) of the Fort Pierce branch of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida. In separate instances in late-2025, the defendant altered the electronic file names of government records that she received in her official capacity as the MAUSA in order to conceal her unauthorized electronic transmission of those records to personal email accounts belonging to her without being detected. The altered government records included a document compiled by the defendant consisting of portions of internal DOJ electronic messages and an internal DOJ memorandum, and a DOJ report related to a criminal prosecution in the SDFL that had been court-ordered to remain under seal and prohibited from distribution or disclosure outside of DOJ.
As alleged in the indictment, the defendant concealed her actions by saving electronic copies of the government records in question under the misleading files names “chocolate cake recipe” and “bundt cake recipe” before electronically transmitting those records to her personal email accounts. As to the DOJ report, the indictment further alleges the defendant acted knowing that her transmission of the record outside DOJ directly violated the court order and impaired the proper administration of the underlying criminal prosecution.
Lineberger appeared in federal court today for her arraignment before Southern District of Florida Chief United States Magistrate Judge William Matthewman in West Palm Beach, Florida.
If convicted, Lineberger faces up to twenty years’ imprisonment for destruction, alteration, or falsification of records in federal investigations, three years’ imprisonment for concealment, removal, or mutilation of public records, and up to one year imprisonment on each count of theft of government property valued at less than $1,000.
The case is being jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice, Office of the Inspector General. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt from the Northern District of Florida, who was assigned as a special prosecutor to avoid conflicts of interest with the investigation and prosecution of this matter.
An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Former Corrections Employee Pleads Guilty to Sexually Abusing A DetaineeRead the Press Release
DETROIT – A former federal corrections employee pleaded guilty yesterday to sexually abusing a federal inmate, United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr. announced.
Gorgon was joined in the announcement by Matthew Loux, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s Midwest Region, and Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit FBI Field Office.
On February 5, 2025, Arthur Foster, 41, of Detroit, Michigan, while serving as a corrections employee at Cherry Health Community Treatment Center, a federal residential reentry center, told Victim Inmate-1 (VI-1) to meet him in the restroom. At the time, VI-1 was under Foster’s custodial authority. When she arrived in the restroom, Foster sexually abused her.
Federal law and prison rules mandate a zero-tolerance policy for sexual abuse, sexual assault and harassment in all U.S. correctional facilities.
“This defendant abused the public trust in the worst way by sexually assaulting a person under his care. This is crime hurts the victim, the institution, and our system of justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Gorgon.
“Sexual abuse by anyone, especially someone entrusted with the custody and care of inmates, is an intolerable abuse of power,” said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Today’s guilty plea makes clear that this former corrections employee betrayed public trust and violated the most basic standards of human dignity. Our office will continue to pursue every individual who abuses their position to commit acts of sexual violence against those in federal custody.”
“Inmates should never experience sexual abuse by corrections employees. The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General will continue to aggressively investigate allegations of sexual abuse by federal correctional employees and work with our partners to bring perpetrators to justice,” stated DOJ OIG Special Agent in Charge Loux.
The charge, sexual abuse of a detainee, carries a maximum sentence of up to 15 years’ imprisonment, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The investigation of this case was conducted by the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton P. Brown.
Florissant Man Accused of Stealing over $250,000 from Grocery ChainRead the Press Release
ST. LOUIS – A Florissant man who has been accused him of stealing more than $250,000 from a grocery chain was arrested Wednesday.
Richard Lind, 39, of Florissant, was indicted with five counts of wire fraud on April 22. He appeared in court Wednesday and pleaded not guilty.
The indictment says Lind worked as the site manager for a logistics company at the grocer’s distribution center. Lind’s employer supplied the physical labor and heavy equipment to unload trailers containing the grocer’s inventory, as well as software for tracking shipments.
Lind defrauded the grocery chain by creating false records for inventory shipments that had never occurred and false invoices seeking payment from the trucking companies for unloading those shipments, the indictment says. The trucking companies then sought reimbursement from the grocery chain. Lind voided the false records to conceal his scheme from his employer. He used the electronic payment authorization codes that resulted from his scheme to obtain cash payments at truck stops, triggering more than 600 fraudulent payments totaling more than $250,000, the indictment says.
Charges set forth in the indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The FBI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gwen Carroll is prosecuting the case.
Florence man and woman sentenced to prison for drug trafficking in MissoulaRead the Press Release
MISSOULA – A man and woman from Florence who trafficked methamphetamine in Missoula were sentenced to prison today, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.
Megal Vincienzo Daricek, 30, and Summer Dawn Walraven, 28, both pleaded guilty in January 2026, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Daricek also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Walraven was sentenced today to 48 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. Daricek was sentenced to 140 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided.
The government alleged in court documents that both Walraven and Daricek had traveled to Spokane, Washington, to pick up methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it in Missoula.
Members of the Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force executed a search warrant on April 4, 2025, on Walraven’s room at the Liv-A-Way Suites in Missoula after receiving a tip that she and Daricek were trafficking methamphetamine. While searching Walraven’s room, officers found over a pound of meth, numerous baggies, scales and other items that could be used in the distribution of illicit substances.
Walraven told officers she had purchased approximately two pounds of meth in Spokane with plans to traffic it in Missoula.
A month later, officers pulled over Daricek on May 2, 2025, continuing the Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force investigation into the transportation of methamphetamine from Spokane to Missoula. After initially denying that he had drugs in the car, Daricek admitted to officers that he used meth and had picked up “pound quantities” of it in Spokane. He also acknowledged that he had obtained a Glock .40 firearm during one of his transactions.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation.
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Fitchburg Detective Honored with Hometown Hero AwardRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin proudly announces that Detective Jordan Trundle of the Fitchburg Police Department has been awarded the inaugural Hometown Hero Award sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice in honor of America’s 250th birthday.
In a ceremony today, U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma presented Detective Trundle the award in recognition of his outstanding work as a Task Force Officer with ATF Madison’s Crime Gun Task Force. The task force was formed to reduce gun violence by removing handguns from felons, drug traffickers, and other prohibited persons. The task force also aims to eliminate dangerous machine guns and machine gun conversion devices from Wisconsin communities.
Since joining the task force in July 2024, Detective Trundle has worked tirelessly to make the Fitchburg Police Department a model agency for processing crime guns. Detective Trundle has worked to streamline his department’s procedures for documenting and analyzing firearms used in the commission of federal and state crimes. Detective Trundle has also led in service training sessions to ensure his fellow officers are educated on the new procedures. Through his efforts, Detective Trundle has personally opened approximately two dozen federal firearms cases which have led to eighteen indictments.
In addition to his contributions to the Crime Gun Task Force, Detective Trundle was recognized in May 2024 by the Fitchburg Police Department for his outstanding service during a shots fired incident. He has participated in training for the department’s Citizens Academy, including conducting demonstrations on building clearing tactics and K9 apprehension.
“Today we honor one of our absolute best,” said U.S. Attorney Elgersma. “The Western District of Wisconsin is proud to recognize Detective Trundle for his exceptional work and service to his fellow Wisconsinites. He is an extraordinary example of what a law enforcement officer can be, and I am grateful for his continued service.”
The Hometown Hero Award was created in honor of the 250th birthday of the United States of America. The U.S. Department of Justice is proud to honor law enforcement across the country with recognition of the extraordinary service to their fellow citizens.
Fraudulent Childcare Grant Leads to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud ConvictionRead the Press Release
Demietriek Scott, age 50, of New Orleans, Louisiana, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Brian A. Jackson to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall.
According to admissions made during his plea, Scott conspired with another to devise a scheme to obtain federal funds in the form of LaCAP grant money from the Louisiana Department of Education. Scott and his co-conspirator made a non-existent childcare provider appear operational and manipulated spreadsheets and data systems utilized by the Louisiana Department of Education to steal $74,250 in federal funds. This prosecution demonstrates the Trump Administration’s commitment to fighting fraud and the need for the recent creation of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
LaCAP grants are associated with monies that are paid in connection with a Presidentially Declared Major Disaster or Emergency. Scott’s conviction is punishable by a maximum penalty of thirty years in prison, a fine of $1,000,000, and a period of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Kurt L. Wall praised the work of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy S. Johnson leads the prosecution. “If you choose to steal money taxpayer money that is designated to help those in need, you will be prosecuted to the fullest,” U.S. Attorney Wall stated.
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.
Eleven Defendants Charged in Multimillion-Dollar Scheme to Evade Tolls and Parking and Traffic TicketsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced the arrests of eleven defendants in connection with a multimillion-dollar scheme to evade tolls and parking and traffic tickets using fraudulently obtained temporary license plates. The defendants are charged in a five-count indictment with offenses including wire fraud and access device fraud. All eleven defendants were arrested between May 19, 2026 and May 20, 2026, and nine of the eleven are expected to appear in White Plains federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik. Felix DeJesus Jimenez is expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brian S. Meyers in the Eastern District of North Carolina. RAMON ELIGIO DEJESUS PERALTA is expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Marty Fulgueira Elfenbein in the Southern District of Florida.
“For over five years, the defendants allegedly conspired to use fraudulently obtained temporary license plates, or ‘temp tags,’ to avoid fees, tolls, and parking traffic tickets,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Their schemes deprived New York State and New York City of millions of dollars in revenue. Hard-working, honest New Yorkers were footing their bills. This Office and our law enforcement partners are committed to protecting New Yorkers from fraud, waste, and abuse. The defendants allegedly spent years scheming to avoid tolls and tickets. Their bill has now come due.”
“These individuals allegedly turned temporary tags into tools for evading accountability, allowing drivers to dodge tolls, and lawful traffic penalties,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle. “Investigations found approximately a total of $15 million in unpaid parking violations, tolls, and vehicle registrations. Not only were millions of dollars in unpaid violations uncovered, but investigators also found that certain temporary registrations and license plates were linked to multiple criminal offenses. The FBI will not tolerate bad actors violating government rules.”
As alleged in the Indictments filed on May 13, 2026, in White Plains federal court:[1]
Licensed auto dealerships may issue temporary motor vehicle registrations (“temp tags” or “paper tags”) in connection with bona fide sales or leases of vehicles. In recent years, individuals have abused this system by setting up sham auto dealerships to generate fraudulent temp tags—unconnected to bona fide sales or leases of cars—that are then sold in, among other places, the Southern District of New York.
From at least in or about June 2017 through at least in or about March 2024, Felix DeJesus Jimenez, Julio Frias, Bladimir Tomas Valdez, Alba Nellys Rodriguez Gonzalez, Jefrey RAPHAEL Herrera Espinal, Sammy Rodriguez Francisco, Xavier Rodriguez Francisco, Clarisa Rodriguez Francisco, Cindy Rey, Luciano Moises Estrella, and RAMON ELIGIO DEJESUS PERALTA participated in a scheme to defraud New York State and New York City of revenue from vehicle registration fees, tolls, parking enforcement, and traffic enforcement, through the use of fraudulent temp tags.
As part of the scheme, the defendants created a series of companies for which they obtained used motor vehicle dealer licenses in the States of New Jersey and Georgia (the “Dealerships”). The defendants and their co-conspirators used those Dealerships to generate a total of more than 100,000 temp tags, a significant portion of which were registered to addresses in the Southern District of New York, and which they sold in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere at prices ranging from approximately $50 to $250 per tag, producing millions of dollars in profits. In selling temp tags, certain defendants represented at times, in sum and substance, that, by using a temp tag generated by a Dealership, customers would avoid having to pay tolls and/or tickets. Since at least in or around 2017, temp tags issued by the Dealerships have incurred at least approximately $11,800,000 in unpaid parking and traffic tickets in New York City and at least approximately $3,100,000 in unpaid E-ZPass tolls in New York State.
Temp tags issued by the Dealerships have been the subject of numerous complaints lodged with the New York Police Department and other law enforcement agencies, including by victims who have received bills for tolls and tickets that they did not incur. Additionally, temp tags issued by the Dealerships were involved in at least approximately 1,200 incidents reported to the NYPD, including at least six homicides.
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FELIX DEJESUS JIMENEZ, age 62, of Englewood, NJ, JULIO FRIAS, age 61, of Teaneck, NJ, BLADIMIR TOMAS VALDEZ, age 30, of Manhattan, NY, RAMON ELIGIO DEJESUS PERALTA, age 52, of Miami, FL, ALBA NELLYS RODRIGUEZ GONZALEZ, age 25, of Bergenfield, NJ, JEFREY RAPHEL HERRERA ESPINAL, age 26, of Yonkers, NY, SAMMY RODRIGUEZ FRANCISCO, age 25, of Yonkers, NY, XAVIER RODRIGUEZ FRANCISCO, age 23, of Waterbury, CT, CLARISA RODRIGUEZ FRANCISCO, age 27, of Yonkers, NY, CINDY REY, age 28, of Hazleton, PA, and LUCIANO MOISES ESTRELLA, age 42, of West Milford, NJ, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, two counts of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment, and one count of access device fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.
The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of each defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Field Office, Westchester County Resident Agency, the New York Police Department, the New York State Troopers, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission Special Investigations Unit, and the Georgia Department of Revenue Office of Special Investigations.
The case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jake Sidransky, Benjamin Klein, Stephanie Simon, and Daniel Listwa are in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Dubuque Resident Charged with Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
Andrew Robert Roos, age 35, from Dubuque, Iowa, has been charged with six counts related to allegations involving child exploitation. The charges are contained in an Indictment unsealed today in United States District Court in Cedar Rapids.
The Indictment alleges that, over the course of several years, Roos attempted to use, persuade, induce, and entice minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct, and that he distributed, transported, received, and possessed child pornography.
If convicted on all charges, Roos faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 120 years’ imprisonment and supervised release for life following any imprisonment.
Roos’s first appearance in federal court in Cedar Rapids for an arraignment is set for May 22, 2026.
As with any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Devra T. Hake and was investigated by the Dubuque Police Department, with assistance from the Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office. Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. The case file number is 26-CR-1009.
Dual U.S.-Nigerian citizen sentenced to over six years in prison for his role in a money laundering conspiracyRead the Press Release
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – A dual U.S.-Nigerian citizen residing in both Irvington, New Jersey, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria, was sentenced today to six years and six months in prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court documents, Eseosa Brigut Omoruyi, 36, was the sole owner and operator of Peller Goods, LLC, a business he created in July 2019 in New Jersey. From at least March 2020 through November 2024, Omoruyi participated in a money laundering scheme to receive funds from another conspirator through Peller Goods’ bank accounts in exchange for a percentage of each transaction. Omoruyi recruited Wilvert Telfo, 31, of Bayonne, New Jersey, to join the conspiracy and launder funds through his business, Royal Skoob Productions, LLC.
Over the course of the conspiracy, Omoruyi was involved in laundering approximately $3,442,230. Telfo was involved in laundering approximately $1,042,361. Among the money laundered by Omoruyi and Telfo were funds from a fraudulently obtained $174,400 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) from the U.S. Treasury Department to MediPro Corporation in Newport News. On July 3, 2020, the owner and operator of MediPro Corporation wired $70,000 of the EIDL funds to Royal Skoob Productions. At Omoruyi’s direction, on July 6, 2020, Telfo transferred $25,421.45 of the funds via cashier's check to another company, and on July 8, 2020, withdrew $25,905, which he further transferred.
Telfo pled guilty on March 23, 2023, to conspiracy to commit money laundering. He was sentenced on Aug. 9, 2023, to two years and six months in prison.
The FBI’s Norfolk Field Office and the IRS Criminal Investigation Washington D.C. Field Office investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mack Coleman prosecuted the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 4:25-cr-66.
Dominican National Pleads Guilty Pleads Guilty for Role in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Case Brought by New Hampshire Homeland Security Task ForceRead the Press Release
Dominican National Pleads Guilty Pleads Guilty for Role in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy in Case Brought by New Hampshire Homeland Security Task Force
CONCORD – Donaida Gonzalez, a.k.a. “Yijana Rodriguez,” age 54, a citizen of the Dominican Republic, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
According to court documents and statements, in early 2024, law enforcement agencies began investigating a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) based in Massachusetts and operating in New Hampshire. During the course of the conspiracy, the DTO trafficked multiple kilograms of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Gonzalez helped run the DTO’s “stash” house in Methuen, Massachusetts, which was used to store and package drugs before sale. Gonzalez has been detained since her arrest in October 2024.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substances carries a sentence of up to 20 years’ incarceration, not less than 3 years of supervised release, and a fine up to $1,000,000. 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 Department of Homeland Security led the investigation with valuable assistance from the Strafford County Sheriff’s Office and New Hampshire State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mike Shannon and Yasir Sadat are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.
Deputy Matthew J. Fleming Named New Hampshire’s Hometown HeroRead the Press Release
Deputy Matthew J. Fleming Named New Hampshire’s Hometown Hero
CONCORD – Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Deputy and Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Officer Matthew J. Fleming has been chosen as New Hampshire’s Hometown Hero, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces. He was recognized this morning at a ceremony at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, where friends, colleagues, and his police K9 Niko gathered to celebrate the honor.
The U.S. Attorney of each federal district has selected one public servant to receive this honor, recognizing America’s 250th anniversary. Deputy Fleming earned the recognition for his many years of service rescuing children from sexual abuse and preventing further victimization. His K9 Niko is an electronic storage detection dog, who is able to find electronic media which may contain evidence of child abuse.
Corpus Christi resident sentenced for receiving child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 46-year-old woman has been ordered to federal prison after exchanging child pornography over the internet, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
Melissa Sillers pleaded guilty Jan. 28.
U.S. District Judge David Morales has now sentenced Sillers to 156 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information regarding multiple online conversations Sillers had with different people during which she exchanged child sexual abuse material. In handing down the prison term, the court noted the increased harm that comes from those actively distributing this kind of material and the perpetual revictimization that occurs from it. Sillers will serve 15 years on supervised release following the completion of her prison term. During that time, she will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict her access to children and the internet. She will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. Restitution will be determined at a later date.
The investigation into Sillers began Oct. 4, 2022, when authorities discovered CSAM had been uploaded onto the internet. Law enforcement was able to identify Sillers as the source of the content.
Authorities obtained a search warrant for Sillers’s residence. They located and seized her cell phone.
A forensic examination revealed conversations between Sillers and various others during which they discussed sexual fantasies involving children and exchanged CSAM. The examination showed Sillers had distributed the material a month before her arrest.
Sillers has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance of Corpus Christi Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Coos Bay Man Pleads Guilty to Sexually Exploiting a Minor and Attempting to Sexually Exploit Another MinorRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.— A Coos Bay, Oregon, man pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court for causing a child to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM), attempting to cause an adult to produce CSAM with his minor child, and distributing CSAM to others.
Thomas Owen Barnett, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child.
According to court documents, between September and December 2023, Barnett encouraged a minor victim to create and send him CSAM. In September 2024, Barnett distributed CSAM of that minor victim on Kik, an online chat platform, and sought money in exchange. The same month, Barnett posed as the minor victim online and asked a man in a foreign nation to make and send him CSAM depicting the man’s very young child.
On February 20, 2025, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a four-count indictment charging Barnett with sexual exploitation of a child, attempted sexual exploitation of a child, as well as possession and distribution of child pornography.
Barnett faces a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and a supervised release term of five years to life. He will be sentenced on September 1, 2026, before a U.S. District Court judge. Additionally, Barnett has agreed to pay restitution to the victim and forfeit certain property.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the North Bend Police Department and the Coos County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by William M. McLaren, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Justice Department to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Cleveland Shootout Lands Convicted Felons in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
OXFORD, Miss. – Jamarcus Miller, 38, of Cleveland, Mississippi, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Debra M. Brown, to 80 months in prison. He had previously pleaded guilty to possessing ammunition as a prior convicted felon. Earlier this year, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Michael P. Mills sentenced Jamario Hodges, 32, also of Cleveland, to 70 months imprisonment followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Hodges had previously pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm.
The ammunition was recovered by the Cleveland Police Department when officers responded to a shooting at a local convenience store. Video surveillance showed Miller and Hodges, engaging in a shootout near gas pumps before fleeing the area. The shell casings near where Miller had been shooting were seized. When officers located Hodges, he was in possession of a firearm with a Glock switch.
Both Miller and Hodges were convicted felons. The two were charged separately by a federal grand jury for possessing ammunition or firearm as felons and pled guilty.
Miller and Hodges are also under state indictment for the shooting in the Circuit Court of Bolivar County, Mississippi, where the charges remain pending.
U.S. Attorney Scott Leary stated, “The Mississippi Delta is an important part of our district. There is no room here for violent criminals such as Jamarcus Miller and Jamario Hodges. They both put innocent people in danger with their actions and we are not going to allow that to happen. As prior convicted felons, a firearm should never have been in their hands. Our office, along with our partners in the federal and local law enforcement agencies, are making sure those who are violent offenders are arrested and taken off our streets.”
Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Jackson Field Office Robert Eikhoff stated, “Miller’s and Hodges’ actions instilled fear and put innocent members of the community at risk. Their conduct showed a blatant disregard for the law and the safety of the public. The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners, remains firmly committed to protecting the community and ensuring that repeat violent offenders are held accountable for their crimes.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Cleveland Police Department, along with the United States Marshals Service investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Addison prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Chinese national arrested in China as a result of efforts by U.S. and Chinese authorities to thwart drug imports through the Port of SavannahRead the Press Release
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SAVANNAH, Georgia: A Chinese national has been indicted in the United States in a scheme to import hundreds of kilograms of drugs through the Port of Savannah.
Wei Gong, a/k/a “David Gong,” 45, of Tianjin, China, is in custody in China since his arrest by Chinese authorities in February 2026 on related Chinese criminal violations. The United States provided information to Chinese authorities through official channels, which they used to investigate and ultimately arrest Gong.
Gong is charged in a recently unsealed indictment in the Southern District of Georgia with Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances, Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Importation of Controlled Substances, and Distribution of Controlled Substances, said Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The charges each carry statutory sentences of up to 20 years in federal prison, along with substantial financial penalties and a period of supervised release upon completion of any prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
The United States is seeking forfeiture of cryptocurrency seized during the investigation through both the criminal indictment and a recently unsealed civil forfeiture case.
“Wei Gong, through his ownership of a Chinese chemical company, imported more than 10 kilograms of dangerous drugs into the Southern District of Georgia and sought to bring in more than 1,000 kilograms through the Port of Savannah,” said U.S. Attorney Heap. “He also advertised other drugs for sale, including deadly fentanyl analogues. We are thankful for the professionalism and hard work of the Chinese Ministry of Public Security’s Narcotics Control Bureau in developing their case and taking Gong into custody.”
The recently unsealed indictment and civil complaint in the Southern District of Georgia establish that Gong imported ethylone and N,N-dimethylpentylone, both schedule I controlled substances and synthetic cathinones, into the Augusta and Savannah areas. Gong sold at least 10 kilograms to an undercover agent working for the Drug Enforcement Administration, and to Conway Rhinehart, 45, of Hephzibah, Georgia, who in January 2024 was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug distribution charges.
The investigation alleges that Gong’s wide-ranging activities started in 2020 until his arrest by Chinese authorities in February 2026. Gong discussed his ambitions to import hundreds of kilograms of dangerous drugs into southern Georgia, ultimately settling on a scheme to import more than 1,000 kilograms through the Port of Savannah. Gong accepted payment through cryptocurrency, which the DEA seized during its investigation.
The investigation alleges that Gong identified the source city for his drug supply and operated out of another city in China. He actively sought to avoid customs delays and shipment seizures and used others to aid him in importing drugs from China into the United States.
Gong’s cryptocurrency records indicate he engaged in millions of dollars in transactions during the time of the scheme. The civil complaint, which seeks to forfeit the seized cryptocurrency, also alleges that Gong violated customs and money laundering statutes.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
“The DEA Asia Pacific Division remains unwavering in its commitment to disrupting the drug supply chain that crosses borders and endangers American communities,” said David L. King, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Asia Pacific Division. “This coordinated action with the Chinese Ministry of Public Security reflects our shared resolve to hold traffickers accountable, seize their illicit proceeds, and dismantle networks that traffic fentanyl and other dangerous substances to the United States.”
“This arrest demonstrates the strength of international cooperation in disrupting global drug trafficking networks,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Working alongside our law enforcement counterparts in China, we were able to identify and hold accountable an individual responsible for attempting to exploit the Port of Savannah to introduce dangerous drugs into the United States. This case sends a direct message that those who traffic in poison, no matter where they operate, will be pursued through strong global partnerships.”
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Southern District of Georgia Senior Litigation Counsel J. Bishop Ravenel is prosecuting the criminal case and representing the United States in the civil case.
Canadian Steel Companies and Owner to Pay $19M to Settle False Claims Act Allegations Relating to Evaded Customs DutiesRead the Press Release
Two Canada-based steel companies, Farjess Inc. and Royal Canadian Steel Inc., along with their part-owner and president, Feroz Jessani, have agreed to pay $19 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly and improperly failing to pay duties owed on flat-rolled steel that was manufactured in Europe and Asia.
“Import duties serve an important role in protecting our national interests generally and the American steel industry in particular,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will zealously pursue anyone who fraudulently evades the duties owed on steel products imported into this country.”
“Our border is the frontline of American industry. Approximately half of all U.S.-Canada land trade flows through our district.” said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. for the Eastern District of Michigan. “And we will continue to protect our businesses from foreign fraudsters,”
“This settlement underscores the United States’ strong commitment to enforcing trade laws and maintaining the integrity of our supply chains. U.S. Customs and Border Protection is proud to have supported the Department of Justice in this cross-border investigation, ensuring that all duties owed to the government are collected and that fair competition is preserved,” said Acting Director Jonathan Restivo of Center of Excellence and Expertise (CEE), Base Metals. “This case sends a clear message that CBP, in partnership with our federal counterparts, will continue to uphold the rule of law and protect the interests of American businesses and consumers.”
“Since 1789, the United States has imposed tariffs and collected customs duties on imports to fund government operations, provide public services and protect American industry,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey of Homeland Security Investigations’ Detroit field office. “This record-setting settlement underscores HSI’s commitment to protecting American manufacturers and consumers from unfair trade practices and ensuring the integrity of our nation’s economic policies.”
To enter goods into the United States, an importer must declare, among other things, the country of origin of the goods, the value of the goods, whether the goods are subject to duties, and the amount of duties owed. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects applicable duties.
The settlement resolves allegations that, from May 2019 through January 2025, Farjess Inc., Royal Canadian Steel Inc., and Feroz Jessani avoided duties owed to the United States by knowingly misrepresenting to CBP that the country of origin of certain flat-rolled steel was Canada or the United States, when in fact they knew the true country of origin was China, Indonesia, Italy, Turkey, or Vietnam.
The settlement resolves a civil lawsuit filed by Shamsh Dhala, a broker who worked with Farjess Inc., under the whistleblower provision of the False Claims Act, which permits private parties to file suit on behalf of the United States for false claims and to share in a portion of the government’s recovery. The lawsuit was filed in the Eastern District of Michigan and is captioned United States ex rel. Dhala v. Royal Canadian Steel Inc. et al., No. 2:23-cv-12097 (E.D. Mich.). As part of today’s resolution, Mr. Dhala will receive approximately $3,610,000 of the settlement proceeds.
This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The Civil Division coordinated this action through the Department of Justice’s Trade Fraud Task Force, a cross-agency law enforcement effort. The Task Force was created to leverage all of the Department’s tools and authorities to prevent trade fraud that deprives the government of vital revenue, threatens critical domestic industries, undermines consumer confidence, and weakens national security. The Task Force is designed to pursue enforcement actions against parties who seek to evade tariffs and other duties, as well as smugglers who seek to import prohibited goods into the American economy. The Justice Department encourages whistleblowers to alert the government to credible allegations of fraud, including utilizing the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act or through the Department’s Corporate Whistleblower Program at CorporateWhistleblower@usdoj.gov using the form available here.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of the Associate Chief Counsel, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Justice Department’s Office of Foreign Litigation.
The matter was handled by Trial Attorney James Nealon and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Postulka for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Brookline Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Transfer of Obscene Material to a MinorRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Brookline man pleaded guilty yesterday to attempting to transfer obscene material to a minor.
William Kahn, 28, pleaded guilty to transfer of obscene material to a minor. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Sept. 22, 2026. Kahn was charged in December 2025.
Between June 2025 and August 2025, Kahn engaged in online conversations with an undercover agent purporting to be a 14-year-old girl. Kahn engaged in sexually explicit chat discussions with the purported minor, sent a photograph of an adult erect genitalia and discussed meeting in person with the purported minor.
The charge of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Brookline, Boston and Arlington Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.
The case is brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identity and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
Brevard County Man Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – Alex Robert Cookshott (56, Palm Bay) has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Anne-Leigh Gaylord Moe to 12 years and 7 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Cookshott pleaded guilty on December 17, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to court documents, throughout January 2025, Cookshott sold a confidential source methamphetamine in Palm Bay. The first transaction was for approximately two ounces of methamphetamine, and the second was for approximately six ounces of methamphetamine. Surrounding these deals, Cookshott obtained the methamphetamine from his source of supply to then sell to the confidential source. In total, Cookshott was responsible for distributing more than 220 grams of pure methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Megan Testerman.
Bourbonnais Woman Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Pandemic-Related FraudRead the Press Release
URBANA, Ill. – A Bourbonnais, Illinois, woman, Octavia Renee Murphy, 37, of the 700 block of Double Jack Street, was sentenced on May 19, 2026, to one year in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering. Murphy was also ordered to serve a two-year term of supervised release following her imprisonment and to pay $169,949.97 in restitution to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
On January 27, 2026, Murphy pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Colleen R. Lawless in Springfield, Illinois, to conspiring with others to defraud the SBA by submitting false applications for pandemic era relief, namely, Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) advances and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Murphy admitted recruiting relatives, co-workers, and friends to file fraudulent applications for EIDL advances and PPP loans falsely claiming that they operated small businesses prior to and during the pandemic. Murphy admitted that, when those applications were successful, those individuals paid kickbacks to her out of the fraud proceeds. Murphy further admitted that she filed false PPP loan forgiveness applications for those same individuals, as well as attempted to disguise and conceal the PPP loan that she personally received by transferring the money to another account and falsely claiming it was for “payroll”.
At the sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence establishing that Murphy was the leader and organizer of a fourteen-defendant conspiracy that defrauded the SBA of $169.949.97 by submitting false EIDL advance and PPP loan applications. The government also established that Murphy was gainfully employed by the State of Illinois at the Shapiro Developmental Center in Kankakee, Illinois, at the time of her fraud and was motivated by greed, not any financial need.
During the hearing, Judge Lawless rejected Murphy’s request for a minimum sentence of one day of imprisonment, stating that she could not ignore that Murphy was the leader of this large conspiracy to defraud the SBA and that Murphy’s conduct warranted a sentence of imprisonment. Murphy will remain on bond pending reporting to the Bureau of Prisons at a later date to serve her sentence.“Exploiting a program designed to assist small businesses in staying viable during a crisis is inexcusable.” said Acting United States Attorney Gregory M. Gilmore. “We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners and protecting the taxpayers by holding these fraudsters accountable for their actions.”
“Pandemic relief funds were meant to protect communities during a crisis, not to line the pockets of fraudsters,” said Ryan Presley, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Springfield Field Office. “By organizing a network to steal from taxpayers, the defendant chose personal greed over public need. This case shows that if you defraud emergency federal programs, we and our partners will hold you accountable.”
“Today’s sentencing reflects the coordinated efforts of our office, our investigative partners, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in addressing fraud involving federal relief programs,” said Basil Demczak, Special Agent in Charge of Amtrak Office of Inspector General’s Central Field Office. “We remain committed to protecting taxpayer funds and holding accountable those who exploited pandemic relief programs intended to support individuals and businesses in need.”
The statutory penalties for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and each count of wire fraud are up to thirty years of imprisonment, five years of supervised release, full restitution, and a $250,000 fine. The statutory penalty for money laundering is up to twenty years of imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Federal charges remain pending against the remaining thirteen defendants, with a trial date of July 6, 2026, scheduled before Judge Lawless in Springfield.
The Small Business Administration’s Office of Inspector General has estimated over $200 billion nationwide in fraudulent pandemic-relief payments under the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The case investigation was conducted by the Amtrak Office of Inspector General’s Central Field Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office. Supervisory Assistant U.S. Attorney Eugene L. Miller represented the government in the prosecution.
Boise Man Sentenced to 13.5 years in Federal Prison for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BOISE – U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced that Terry Benjamin Ellinger, 31, of Boise, was sentenced to 162 months in federal prison for Distributing Child Pornography.
According to court records, between September 27, 2023, and December 12, 2023, Ellinger used a social media application to communicate with an individual he believed to be the father of a seven-year-old boy. In the communications, Ellinger made sexually explicit statements regarding the sexual abuse of children and sent videos of child pornography.
The individual Ellinger was communicating with was an undercover law enforcement officer. Law enforcement identified Ellinger and arrested him on April 24, 2024. During a consensual interview with law enforcement, Ellinger admitted that he was “slightly into the idea of sex with a seven-year-old boy” and further admitted receiving and distributing child pornography using social media.
Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Ellinger to lifetime supervised release following his prison sentence. Ellinger pleaded guilty to the charge on September 16, 2025. As a result of his conviction, Ellinger will be required to register as a sex offender.
U.S. Attorney Davis made the announcement and commended the work of Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Boise Police Department, which led to the charges. Assistant U.S. Attorney David G. Robins prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) of the Department of Justice, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Boiling Springs Man Indicted for Child Exploitation OffensesRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Levi Stoner, age 20, of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury on child pornography and online enticement charges.
According to United States Attorney Brian D. Miller, the indictment alleges that between September 26, 2025, and December 5, 2025, Stoner enticed a minor child to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing videos of that conduct. It is also alleged that Stoner received images over the internet depicting child pornography of the minor child.
The Federal Bureau of Investigations investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Christian Haugsby is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc.
The total maximum penalties for the charged offenses include imprisonment for up to life, a term of supervised release of at least five years and up to life following imprisonment, and fines of $750,000. 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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Bissonnet sex trafficker convicted for conspiracy involving adult and child victimsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A federal jury has returned a guilty verdict against a Houston man on charges of conspiracy and sex trafficking of children as well as forcing and coercing adults to engage in commercial sex acts, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
The jury deliberated for less than three hours before finding Jonathan Smith-Byrd, 35, guilty on six counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion as well as three counts of enticing and coercing another to travel in interstate commerce for prostitution following a seven-day trial.
From January 2014 to October 2022, Smith-Byrd used force, fraud and coercion to cause five women to engage in commercial sex. Three of the victims were minors when he trafficked them.
He posted commercial sex advertisements on Backpage.com and trafficked the victims on the Bissonnet “track” in Houston - an area near I-59 Southwest Freeway and Bissonnet Street. Smith-Byrd also made them engage in sex acts across state lines such as Nevada, Louisiana, Florida, New Mexico and others using force and violence during travel to maintain control.
One or more of the victims made multiple attempts to escape, but Smith-Byrd responded with threats and severe physical assaults, causing the victims to lose consciousness and sustain serious injuries.
Testimony revealed details of the sex ads as well as Smith-Byrd’s horrible assaults, some by using a padlock put inside a sock and belt that was broken as a result of the beatings. One of the victims suffered sustained multiple fractures to her jaw, requiring reconstructive surgery and resulting in partial facial paralysis. The jury also saw evidence of the injuries to include hospital records, photographs and physical items used to brutalize the victims.
He kept 100% of the proceeds.
Smith-Byrd seemed to acknowledge in his defense that he may have assaulted some of the women, but that it was not trafficking, just domestic violence. He further attempted to convince the jury the women were acting as independent contractors in prostituting themselves and the case was simply a love triangle gone wrong. The jury did not believe his claims and found him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks presided over the trial and set sentencing for Aug. 3. At that time, Smith-Byrd faces up to life in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Lu and Sherin S. Daniel are prosecuting the case.
HTRA law enforcement includes members of the Houston Police Department, FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Attorney General’s Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor, DOL – Wage and Hour Division, Department of State, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General, Social Security Administration – OIG and Sheriff’s Offices in Harris and Montgomery counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties.
Established in 2004, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.
Bismarck Man Sentenced to 18 Months in Federal Prison for Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead 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 Failure to Register as a Sex Offender. The sentencing took place on May 18, 2026.
Dale David Glick, 31, was sentenced to one year and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. This sentence runs consecutively to a nine-month sentence for a supervised release revocation.
Glick was indicted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender by a federal grand jury in August 2025. He pleaded guilty on September 29, 2025.
Glick was previously federally convicted of Sexual Abuse of a Minor. As a result, he is required to register as a sex offender. Following his most recent release from federal prison on January 24, 2025, Glick registered his aunt’s address as his primary residence even though he was living with his girlfriend in McLaughlin, South Dakota. Glick moved to Bismarck, North Dakota in mid-May. He only updated his registration on June 26, 2025, following his arrest for violating his federal supervised release.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
Glick was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to serve his federal sentence.
This case was brought as a part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Unit, 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 https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Belarusian Woman Pleads Guilty to Illegally Exporting U.S.-Sourced Aviation Components to RussiaRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON — Yana Leonova, 33, a Belarusian citizen most recently residing in Russia, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in connection with procuring and illicitly exporting numerous avionics and other aircraft equipment from the United States to Russia, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
Leonova, aka “Yana Liavonava,” pleaded guilty before the Honorable Loren L. AliKahn to violating the Export Control Reform Act. Following the plea hearing, Judge AliKahn scheduled sentencing for Aug. 10, 2026.
“Anyone who thinks they can exploit U.S. supply chains to arm our adversaries should look carefully at what happened to Yana Leonova,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “Leonova used shell companies, false paperwork, and foreign intermediaries to conceal the unlawful export of U.S.-origin aircraft components to Russia. Investigators traced the scheme across multiple jurisdictions and brought her to justice. There is no distance far enough to protect those who threaten our national security interests.”
“No matter where you are, the FBI will not stop to ensure you face justice when you violate U.S. laws,” said FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeff Berkebile of the Kansas City, Mo., Field Office. “Today’s actions in federal court ensure that the defendant will be held accountable for their actions in skirting our laws for their own benefit. We thank all parties and partners involved in this case and commend their efforts to ensure justice has been done.”
According to court documents and admissions during the plea hearing, following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, in May 2022, Leonova and her U.S. and Armenian co-conspirators illicitly procured aircraft components from U.S.-based distributors.
Leonova and her co-conspirators repeatedly concealed and misstated the true end users and end destinations of the aircraft components ordered by Leonova by submitting false information on documents.
Using companies located in Armenia and elsewhere, Leonova and her co-conspirators transshipped the components to Russia without the required licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce, in violation of federal law. In addition, Leonova, her former Russian employer, and her co-conspirators caused payments in U.S. dollars to be transmitted from foreign bank accounts to bank accounts in the United States.
The exported items were for use on private aircraft operated or maintained by Leonova’s former employer, a company identified on the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Entity List for engaging in or enabling activities contrary to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.
In November 2025, Leonova was extradited to the United States from France in connection with this case.
This case is being investigated by FBI Kansas City and BIS/OEE Atlanta and New York. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emma Dinan Ellenrieder and John W. Borchert of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and Acting Deputy Chief Sean R. Heiden of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. Significant assistance was provided by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart D. Allen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.
Further significant assistance on the extradition was provided by French authorities and the Department of Justice Office of International Affairs. The Department expresses deep appreciation for the support of our French allies.
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Avondale Man Faces Federal Charges for Vandalizing ICE Property in ArizonaRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – A man was taken into custody May 7, 2026, after being indicted for attempting to set fire to a property owned by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Surprise, Arizona, in February.
A federal grand jury handed down an indictment charging Gabriel Mendoza-Acoltzi, 19, of Avondale, Arizona, with Malicious Damage to Federal Property and Willful Depredation Against Property of the United States. According to court documents, Mendoza-Acoltzi broke a window and attempted to light the building on fire just after 1 a.m. on Feb. 21, 2026.
Last week, U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael T. Morrissey granted the United States’ request that Mendoza-Acoltzi be detained pending further court proceedings.
According to court documents, a video camera in the area of the ICE property captured Mendoza-Acoltzi’s Honda Civic entering the parking lot around 12 am on Feb. 21. Mendoza-Acoltzi can be seen exiting the vehicle and placing a propane tank next to the ICE building. Later video shows Mendoza-Acoltzi swinging the propane tank at a window on the building, breaking the glass, and using a long torch connected to the tank to light the window shades inside the lobby on fire.
Video from the scene also shows Mendoza-Acoltizi moving between the sidewalk and the rock landscaping at the ICE property. When responding to the incident, investigators observed a profane anti-ICE message spelled out with landscaping rocks on the sidewalk.
A conviction for Malicious Damage to Federal Property carries a penalty of five to 20 years in the Bureau of Prisons, up to a $250,000 fine, and one to three years of supervised release.
The FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and the City of Surprise Police and Fire Departments conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan McCarthy and Stephen Marlowe of the District of Arizona, Phoenix, is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
CASE NUMBER: 26-CR-455
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-079_Mendoza-Acoltizi
surveillance video surveillance video
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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.
Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Kansas City Company of over $500,000Read the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Arizona man pleaded guilty in federal court today to defrauding a Kansas City company of over $500,000 in vehicles.
Ernesto Dominguez Texas, 31, purchased ten vehicles worth over $500,000 using two false names and falsely representing that he worked for a car dealership. This successful prosecution is one of many federal fraud cases pursued under the leadership of President Donald Trump and through the establishment of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
In December 2023, Texas created an online account with Company 1, a Kansas City company that facilitated the online purchase and sale of used vehicles. In 2023, Company 1 had a policy that car dealerships did not have to pay before ordering vehicles. Company 1 guaranteed payment to the selling dealership for vehicles sold through its online marketplace.
Texas used a false name and the name of a legitimate dealership, Company 2, to purchase ten vehicles priced at $507,655. Company 1 emailed invoices for the ten vehicles to Texas. Texas picked up the vehicles from the selling dealerships in Arizona, using the invoices and a second false identity. Texas forged papers and notary signatures to retitle the vehicles in Arizona and sell them.
Under federal statutes, Texas is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole for wire fraud. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of Texas will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen D. Mahoney. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Arizona Department of Transportation Enforcement and Compliance Division.
National Fraud Enforcement Division
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.
Antitrust Division Secures Seed Tying and Loyalty Program Commitments from BayerRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice announced that during the course of the Antitrust Division’s ongoing investigation into exclusionary conduct in corn and soybean seed markets, Bayer CropScience LLC has removed potentially anticompetitive provisions from its loyalty program. These changes benefit American consumers, farmers, and independent seed companies, which license seed technology from Bayer to produce seeds to meet the needs of farmers. In response to the Division’s concerns, Bayer has committed to not reinstate these provisions for seven years.
“American farmers deserve competitive markets, not contractual restrictions that limit choice and innovation," said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. "This Department of Justice will use every appropriate tool to protect farmers and preserve competition.”
“Enforcement in agriculture is a top priority for the Antitrust Division,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We are focused on conduct that poses competitive harm to both farmers and consumers.”
“I commend Acting Attorney General Blanche and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) for securing commitments from input giant Bayer CropScience LLC to remove unfair provisions from its loyalty program for certain seeds,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “These actions build upon our 2025 USDA-DOJ Memorandum of Understanding strengthening competition in agricultural supply chains for our farmers, who are among the best in the world. We must celebrate this great progress, while acknowledging there’s much more work to be done!”
“Loyalty programs that discourage customers from switching to alternative sellers pose a danger to competition,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Sarrine of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “We are pleased that Bayer has taken these actions addressing competitive concerns of the Division about Bayer’s loyalty program.”
Bayer has made two important changes to its “Premier Performance Program,” a key subject of the Division’s scrutiny. First, Bayer’s Premier Performance Program previously required independent seed companies to meet sales targets for both corn and soybean to achieve discounts under its loyalty program. This contractual restraint raised concerns that Bayer was anticompetitively tying corn seed and soybean seed. Bayer dropped the tie between corn seed and soybean seed for the 2025 planting year. In response to the Division’s concerns, Bayer has now committed to not reinstate the tie for seven years.
Second, the Premier Performance Program formerly included incentives that could limit independent seed companies’ willingness to license technology from Bayer’s competitors. Bayer eliminated these potentially anticompetitive provisions from its loyalty program. In response to the Division’s concerns, Bayer has committed to not reinstate these incentives, or any substantially similar incentive program, for seven years.
Anyone with information about anticompetitive conduct in agricultural industries or any other violations of the antitrust laws is encouraged to contact the Antitrust Division’s Citizen Complaint Center at 1-888-647-3258 or antitrust.complaints@usdoj.gov.
Bayer CropScience LLC — headquartered in Creve Coeur, Missouri — is one of the largest seed companies in the world. It is the primary source for traited corn seed sold by independent seed companies.
Abilene Man who Produced Child Pornography as a Registered Sex Offender was Sentenced yesterday to 50 years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
An Abilene man who Produced Child Pornography as a Registered Sex Offender was sentenced yesterday to 50 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.
Kai Isaiah Ranaglia-Nelson, 25, was indicted in December 2025 and pleaded guilty in January 2026 to Production of Child Pornography. He was sentenced yesterday to 600 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Brantley Starr.
“Despite previously being convicted of sexually extorting minors, the defendant preyed on young kids to coax them into producing and sending him child pornography. In the Northern District of Texas we will make sure that these criminals get ejected from the community and sit in federal prison for as long as possible under the law. The Judge sent an unshakable message to the community: if you prey on North Texas kids, you will go to federal prison for a very long time.” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould.
In 2020, Nelson pleaded guilty to two counts of Sexual Extortion and one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor in Arizona. In that case, Nelson groomed and exploited multiple children. Despite receiving a five-year prison sentence and being released on supervision in 2023, Nelson resumed exploiting children shortly after his release.
In late 2025, as a part of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators, law enforcement identified Ranaglia-Nelson after he used Snapchat to entice and coerce a thirteen-year-old child into producing multiple sexually explicit videos. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country.
FBI Dallas Field Office (Abilene RA), the Abilene Police Department, and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office handled the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Whitney James prosecuted the case.
These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant, and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.