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18 May 2026
Activity in the U.S. Attorney's OfficeRead the Press Release
Drug Trafficking
Giovanny J. Hernandez, 36, of Jackson, Wyoming, was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment with one year of supervised release to follow for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. According to court documents, in March 2025, law enforcement began investigating Samuel Pratts and Giovanny Hernandez for distributing controlled substances in Teton and Sublette Counties. In April 2025, both men were arrested on state drug charges after authorities discovered more than 300 grams of methamphetamine in Pratts’ vehicle and on his person. Evidence also showed the pair traveled to Colorado in a rental vehicle obtained through Hernandez’s airport job to purchase a pound of methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Teton County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson Police Department investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer prosecuted the case. Hernandez was charged on August 19, 2025, and pleaded guilty on January 8, 2026. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on May 6 in Casper. Case No. 25-CR-00015
Firearm Offenses
Donald Joseph Bordelon, 33, with no known address, was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on Aug. 9, 2025, a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) officer encountered Bordelon beside a disabled vehicle on the Wind River Indian Reservation, and observed what appeared to be the imprint of a concealed firearm at Bordelon’s waist under his clothing. The officer learned Bordelon was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions. The vehicle also bore improper license plates. The officer contacted the Wyoming Highway Patrol (WHP) because Bordelon was a non-Indian. The WHP responded and searched the vehicle, locating a loaded 9mm pistol, a spent shell casing, and a gun safe containing firearms magazines. The BIA and the WHP investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. Bordelon was indicted on Sept. 16, 2025, and pleaded guilty on Feb 3. 2026. U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl imposed the sentence on May 5 in Casper. Case No. 25-CR-00139
Antonio David Harrinton, 23, of Casper, Wyoming, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment with three years of supervised release to follow for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, Harrington, a convicted felon on Intensive Supervised Probation following 2022 convictions for aggravated assault and conspiracy to commit burglary out of the Natrona County District Court, was subject to warrantless searches as part of his probation conditions. On July 18, 2025, probation agents and law enforcement searched Harrington’s phone and later his mother’s Casper residence where Harrington was living. Prior to the search, Harrington admitted a firearm was hidden in his room. Agents recovered a 9mm Smith & Wesson pistol with an obliterated serial number, high-capacity magazines, and ammunition. The Casper Police Department and the Bureau for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the crime. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy W. Gist prosecuted the case. Harrington was indicted on Sep. 16, 2025, and pleaded guilty on Feb. 18, 2026. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin imposed the sentence on May 8 in Cheyenne. Case No. 25-00130
About the United States Attorney’s Office
The United States Attorney’s Office is responsible for representing the federal government in virtually all litigation involving the United States in the District of Wyoming, including all criminal prosecutions for violations of federal law, civil lawsuits brought by or against the government, and actions to collect judgments and restitution on behalf of victims and taxpayers. The Office is involved in several programs designed to make our communities safer. They include: Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a DOJ initiative that combats the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. The threat of sexual predators soliciting children for sexual contact is well-known and serious.
Operation Take Back America
Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. It also streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Victim Witness Program
The Victim Witness Coordinator for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming is dedicated to ensuring victims of federal crimes and their family members are treated with compassion, fairness, and respect.23 Members of the Criminal Organization known as La Familia Nunca Muere (the Family Never Dies) Charged with Racketeering and Murder as part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) InitiativeRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On May 12, 2026, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 23 members of a racketeering enterprise known as La Familia Nunca Muere (LFNM) with racketeering—murder, drug trafficking, and firearms violations. This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion.
“This criminal Enterprise used gun violence and murder as mere business tools to maintain power and control. The filing of RICO charges gives us the capacity to systematically dismantle the violent gangs that fuel bloodshed and keep families living in fear,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “These charges are a key part of our unified strategy to eradicate drug driven gang violence in our communities. Through RICO charges prosecutors can charge and bring to justice the entire criminal Enterprise as one organization—we can reach every participant from leadership to street level shooters and show a pattern of coordinated crime across gangs rather than isolated acts. It allows us to tell the full story of how different gangs coordinated murders, drug trafficking, and intimidation to advance a shared enterprise, instead of presenting each case as a stand-alone crime. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, together with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue these gangs wherever they operate and will not relent until our neighborhoods are safe.”
“Violence of this magnitude will not become the norm in Puerto Rico, and the DEA, alongside our law enforcement partners, is committed to confronting it head-on,” said DEA Caribbean Division Special agent in Charge Michael Mayer. “This investigation targeted individuals who believed they could use murder and intimidation to strengthen their criminal organization and spread fear throughout our communities. What they encountered instead was a united effort by federal and local agencies working side by side, sharing intelligence, resources, and manpower to dismantle those responsible. This case represents far more than arrests and indictments, it represents our collective determination to protect the public, disrupt violent criminal networks, and restore safety to the communities affected by this violence.”
“The FBI will continue working aggressively alongside our federal and state partners to identify, investigate, and dismantle violent criminal organizations that threaten our communities,” said Carlos R. Goris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “This case reflects the value of interagency collaboration to support efforts aimed at pursuing individuals linked to drug trafficking, violence, and the illegal use of firearms. Those who use fear and violence to operate should understand that law enforcement will continue working relentlessly to bring them to justice.”
The indictment alleges that the defendants were members and associates of a criminal organization engaged in drug distribution and acts of violence, including murder. The transnational criminal organization referred to as La Familia Nunca Muere (LFNM), composed of Las FARC (also known as Las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Cantera and Las FARC Company), Cantera Nueva Generación (CNG) and other gangs from the areas of San Juan, Bayamón, Comerío, Trujillo Alto and Carolina including its members and associates, constituted an “Enterprise,” as defined by 18 U.S.C. § 1961(4) (“the Enterprise”), that is, a group of individuals associated in fact, whose members functioned as a continuing unit for a common purpose of achieving the objectives of the Enterprise. The Enterprise was engaged in, and its activities affected interstate and foreign commerce.
According to court documents, from 2019 to the present, the Enterprise distributed heroin, cocaine base (commonly known as crack), cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet), and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) at the Villa Kennedy, Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas, El Mirador de las Casas, and Las Margaritas Public Housing Projects (PHPs), and other areas. Also, according to the indictment, members of the organization committed acts of violence to further the objectives of the Enterprise. These acts of violence served to promote and enhance the prestige, reputation and position of the Enterprise amongst rival criminal organizations, protect members and associates from law enforcement and rival drug trafficking organizations, and preserve and protect their operation.
As part of the racketeering conspiracy, defendant [1] Emmanuel Pacheco-Marín was the principal leader of LFNM, overseeing the LFNM members and associates under Las FARC; [2] Edison Merced-Olivera and [3] Alberto Valdez were leaders of the LFNM, overseeing the LFNM members and associates under Las FARC. These three leaders conspired with others to import cocaine from the Dominican Republic into Puerto Rico, and to further distribute narcotics within Puerto Rico and the continental United States.
On or about October 6, 2025, [1] Pacheco-Marín and [2] Merced-Olivera, after learning about the murder of a Las FARC leader – Héctor Alcántara-Domínguez, a.k.a. “Mariachi” – ordered the members of the Enterprise to find the people responsible for “Mariachi’s” murder and to execute them in retaliation. On that same date, at least 14 members of the Enterprise planned, kidnapped, tortured, executed and disposed of the bodies of five individuals: N.B., W.J.G.R., J.D.S.M., J.R.P., and E.D.M. in retaliation for the murder of “Mariachi.” The fact that the Enterprise murdered these five individuals does not mean that any or all of those victims were involved in the murder of “Mariachi.”
The 14 individuals charged with murder in aid of racketeering, who, if convicted, are facing up to life in prison and who are eligible for the death penalty are:
[1] Emmanuel Pacheco-Marín, a.k.a. “Bebo Las Farc/Bebo/Manuel/Cabezón/Viejo
[2] Edison Merced-Olivera, a.k.a. “Chino/Chino Pai/Chino Oriental/El Loco/
Chino Las Margaritas/China/Pai/Pay”
[4] Segismar Rodríguez-Rivera, a.k.a “Segis/Seji/Ceji/Segui”
[5] Rafael Prek-Vargas, a.k.a “Gordito/Goldito”
[6] Nefty Oquendo-Rosario, a.k.a. “Mencho/N”
[8] Fernando Hilario-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Bazuka/Bazu/Nando de Playita/Boti/Bazukaso/
Mi Alma Gemela”
[9] Jean Carlos Ramos-Valdivia, a.k.a. “Caponi/El Cantante/El Flaco”
[10] Pedro J. Cintrón-Álvarez, a.k.a. “Torombolo/Toro”
[12] Adam Miranda-Rivera
[13] Efraín Ortiz-Rivera, a.k.a. “Topi/Topy/El Malnacido 357/Topo 2024”
[14] Jonathan Selander-Tanco, a.k.a. “Pollo/Gallina/Gato/Ojos Claros”
[15] Wilson Álvarez-Barrera, a.k.a. “Wilson Fama/Fama/La Fama”
[16] Adnell Dones-Valdivia, a.k.a. “Crispan/Crispancito”
[18] José Yariel Ortiz-Santiago, a.k.a. “Sangre”
The other defendants charged in the conspiracy to participate in a racketeering Enterprise are:
[3] Alberto Valdez, a.k.a. “Pelota/Pelotero”
[7] Steven González-Sánchez, a.k.a “El de los Tatuajes/Tatuajes”
[11] Jorge Torres-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Polly/Poyi/Ponce/Pollina”
[17] Luis Alfonso Amezquita-Falú, a.k.a. “Diablón”
[19] Christian López-Díaz, a.k.a. “Christian 25/Chris 25”
[20] Carlos Zalduondo-Díaz, a.k.a. “Colo”
[21] Sergio Meléndez-Maldonado, a.k.a. “Cape”
[22] Jessica Rosario-Burgos, a.k.a “La Mother”
[23] Nallelys Colón-Borrero, a.k.a “Naye/SylellaN”
The indictment also charges eight additional counts, including: murder in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute heroin, crack, cocaine, fentanyl, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a machinegun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The charged defendants occupied different roles in the Enterprise, to wit, principal leader, leaders, drug point owners, enforcers, runners, sellers, lookouts and coordinators. All are facing narcotics, firearms, ammunition and RICO forfeiture allegations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Camille García from the Asset Recovery, Money Laundering, and Transnational Organized Crime Section, and Laura Díaz-González from the Gang Section are in charge of the prosecution of the case.
If convicted of the RICO charges, the defendants face up to life imprisonment and, as noted above, 14 defendants charged with the murders of N.B., W.J.G.R., J.D.S.M., J.R.P., and E.D.M. are eligible for the death penalty. The penalties for a conviction on drug trafficking charges are a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years up to life imprisonment. Defendants convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking face a mandatory consecutive sentence of five years up to life imprisonment. Defendants convicted of possessing a machinegun in furtherance of drug trafficking face a mandatory consecutive sentence of 30 years up to life imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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 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, 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.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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15 May 2026
York County Man Sentenced to 12 Months and One Day in Prison for Threatening U.S. CongressmanRead the Press Release
HARRISBURG - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Troy Lamont Rishell, age 48, a resident of York, Pennsylvania, was sentenced on May 14, 2026, to 12 months and one day in prison for threatening a United States Congressman.
According to U.S. Attorney Brian D. Miller, Rishell left eight voicemails with the District Office of a United States Congressman. In those profanity-laced messages, Rishell threatened to assault and murder the United States Congressman, with intent to intimidate him while the Congressman was engaged in the performance of his official duties.
The United States Capitol Police and the United States Secret Service investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney K. Wesley Mishoe prosecuted the case.
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Woman Sentenced to 21+ Years in Prison for Production of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A Charlotte woman was sentenced yesterday to 262 months in prison for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Aisha Khan, 40, who is a naturalized U.S. citizen from Pakistan, was also ordered to serve a lifetime of supervised release.
“It is unfathomable to me how someone can do things like this to a child,” said U.S. Attorney Russ Ferguson. “I am proud of my office for standing up for defenseless children who cannot stand up for themselves.”
According to court records, in 2023, HSI began an investigation into Khan after discovering evidence the defendant had produced CSAM of a minor female. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that, between October and December 2021, Khan had produced multiple images and videos depicting a prepubescent minor victim engaging in sexually explicit conduct. After producing the CSAM, Khan distributed it to another individual.
On February 25, 2025, Khan pleaded guilty to production of child pornography. She is in federal custody and will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.
In making today’s announcement, U.S. Attorney Ferguson credited Homeland Security Investigations in Charlotte and Wilmington for their investigation of the case, and thanked the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Agency in Wilmington, and the Jacksonville Police Department for their assistance.
Assistant United States Attorneys Nick J. Miller and Sara Kinlaw of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Charlotte 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 Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
West Tennessee Man Sentenced to 17 Years in Prison for Federal Drug OffenseRead the Press Release
Jackson, TN – John David Forrest, 36, of McKenzie, Tennessee, has been sentenced to 17 years in federal prison for distributing over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in the spring of 2024, Forrest sold methamphetamine to confidential informants who were working for law enforcement on multiple occasions. During the last controlled buy, Forrest sold an informant 55 grams of methamphetamine that was later found to be 99% pure. Officers were later able to obtain and execute a search warrant at Forrest’s home, which revealed more methamphetamine (around 112 grams that was 95% pure), six firearms, ammunition, a set of digital scales, drug packaging materials, and $657 in cash. At the time he committed these offenses, Forrest was on parole for a felony drug conviction out of Carroll County, Tennessee.
Following his guilty plea in federal court to distributing over 50 grams of actual methamphetamine, United States District Judge S. Thomas Anderson sentenced Forrest to 17 years in prison and five years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, “Forrest is a recidivist drug dealer who was selling methamphetamine in dangerous purity and in possession of multiple firearms while on parole. Every minute of his 17-year sentence is well deserved and will ensure better public safety for the citizens of West Tennessee.”
This case was investigated by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, and the 24th Judicial District Drug Task Force in Tennessee.
Assistant United States Attorney Josh Morrow prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Waterbury Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearm Offenses After His Arrest in BrattleboroRead the Press Release
BURLINGTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that Joshua Bedard, 38, of Waterbury, Vermont, has been charged by criminal complaint with possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and distribution of cocaine and cocaine base. On May 12, 2026, Bedard appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Bedard be detained pending trial.
According to court records, Bedard was involved in the distribution of cocaine and cocaine base on at least two separate occasions in April of 2026 in the greater Brattleboro, Vermont area. During one of the distributions, Bedard was observed in possession of a revolver. Bedard was arrested for these distributions on May 12, 2026 in Brattleboro. At the time of his arrest, Bedard was driving a rental vehicle. Inside the rental vehicle, law enforcement located approximately 400 grams of cocaine and a loaded revolver.
The United States Attorney’s Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Bedard is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Bedard faces up to life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum of 5 years of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the Vermont Drug Task Force, the FBI Vermont, the FBI’s Western Massachusetts Gang Task Force, the Brattleboro Police Department, and the Hartford, Vermont Police Department.
The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Bedard is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.
Wasilla men sentenced for running illegal guide-outfitter out of KodiakRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Two Wasilla men were sentenced Tuesday for running an illegal guide-outfitter business out of Kodiak that resulted in the harvest of Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears in violation of the Lacey Act. One defendant received a six-month prison sentence and $20,000 fine for a felony conviction, and the other received a four-year probationary sentence and $30,000 fine for a misdemeanor conviction.
According to court documents, in March 2021, Theodore Turgeon, 29, and his co-defendant, Charles Emmi, 29, created a business called “The Rock Outfitters LLC” to provide “coastal and great lakes passenger transportation.” Turgeon and Emmi attempted to obtain a transporter license from the Alaska Department of Commerce Big Game Commercial Services Board but were denied because of Turgeon’s 2018 federal conviction for violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
In June 2022, within months of the Big Game Board’s denial, Emmi obtained a transporter license under the guise of a new business, “The Rock Kodiak,” which did not list Turgeon as an owner. Emmi and Turgeon also jointly owned a boat, the M/V Sound Choice, that they used to facilitate the illegal guide service. Neither defendant ever held a big game guide-outfitter license in the State of Alaska.
On Nov. 9, 2022, Turgeon and Emmi collected $16,000 from a four-person hunting party to provide transporter services to hunt waterfowl and Sitka black-tailed deer out of Kodiak. This trip took place sometime between Nov. 17 and 22, 2022.
During the trip, Turgeon illegally provided one client, who was a resident of Texas, with guide services when he outfitted the client with his personal rifle, sighted the scope on his rifle, accompanied the client into the field and spotted two deer for the client. Turgeon further assisted the client in the field with quartering and packing the doe and buck out of the field, all in violation of Alaska law. Turgeon and Emmi transported this client to port, and the client took the harvested meat and other animal parts to Texas.
United States Attorney's Office, District of Alaska; U.S. v. Emmi et al., Case #: 3:25-cr-00038In addition to illegal guiding on this trip, Emmi and Turgeon also submitted false records to the Big Game Board. Alaska law requires transporters to submit a Transporter Activity Report (TAR) to the Big Game Board. A TAR documents who was transported, to where, and what type of game and weight was harvested. The TAR that they submitted for the November 2022 hunt listed only two of the four transported clients and under-reported the harvested game by at least two deer.
In May 2024, Emmi and Turgeon contracted with three clients, who were residents of Arizona, South Carolina and Oregon, and collected $13,500 from the clients to provide transportation services out of Cordova to hunt black bear. Emmi and Turgeon illegally guided all three clients by assisting with spotting black bear from the M/V Sound Choice, directing the clients where to offload from the skiff and stalk black bear, and remaining in the field. All three clients successfully harvested black bear with Emmi and Turgeon’s illegal guiding services.
United States Attorney's Office, District of Alaska; U.S. v. Emmi et al., Case #: 3:25-cr-00038 United States Attorney's Office, District of Alaska; U.S. v. Emmi et al., Case #: 3:25-cr-00038During the May 2024 trip, Turgeon admitted to clients that he illegally guided them during the hunt, and stated, “f[***] the State of Alaska’s regulations.”
On Dec. 9, 2026, Emmi pleaded guilty to four misdemeanor counts of Lacey Act violations, commercial activity in illegally taken wildlife and Turgeon pleaded guilty to four felony counts of Lacey Act violations, commercial activity in illegally taken wildlife.
Turgeon’s full sentence, as handed down by the Court, is as follows:
- Six months in federal prison;
- Three years on supervised release following his prison sentence;
- $20,000 fine;
- Forfeit $14,982.61 in lieu of forfeiting the M/V Sound Choice and forfeit the rifle and scope used in November 2022 illegal hunt;
- And a worldwide hunting and fishing ban, and barred from obtaining a transporter or guide license for his period of supervised release.
Emmi’s full sentence, as handed down by the Court, is as follows:
- Four years on federal probation;
- $30,000 fine;
- Forfeit $14,982.61 in lieu of forfeiting the M/V Sound Choice;
- 100 hours of community service;
- And a worldwide hunting and fishing ban, barred from obtaining a transporter or guide license for his period of probation.
In handing down the sentence the Court emphasized the importance of abiding by State of Alaska’s wildlife regulations to safeguard the wildlife population for the enjoyment of future generations.
“Mr. Turgeon expressed complete disdain and blatantly disregarded the laws protecting our natural resources,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Guide outfitting is an important part of Alaska’s outdoor community and ensuring it is done lawfully to protect future resources is paramount. This case should serve as a reminder that committing Lacey Act violations in Alaska could result in federal criminal convictions and hefty penalties.”
“The Lacey Act is critical to protecting America's wildlife resources from exploitation and depletion,” said Assistant Director Doug Ault, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “Illegal guided hunts threaten Alaska's natural resources and disadvantage ethical hunters and guides who operate lawfully. This sentencing sends a clear message that those who violate federal wildlife laws will be held accountable.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ainsley McNerney prosecuted the case.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office announces restitution claims to victims of John Rimmasch and Wasatch Railroad ContractorsRead the Press Release
In July 2022, a federal jury found John Eldon Rimmasch and Wasatch Railroad Contractors guilty of wire fraud and knowing endangerment. The case arose after Wasatch entered a contract to restore a historic railcar owned by the National Park Service. Wasatch failed to complete the restoration, and in the process endangered its employees, contractors, and guests by exposing them to asbestos without proper safety measures. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is notifying eligible victims that restitution is now available for medical testing.
After the jury trial concluded, the judge in the case conducted several restitution hearings to determine what compensation should be provided to the identified victims. Because exposure to asbestos can lead to serious asbestos-related health effects, including but not limited to mesothelioma, which may not manifest itself for a long period of time, the Court ordered Mr. Rimmasch to pay money to the Clerk of U.S. District Court to provide medical testing of the victims.
In addition to the funds paid to the Court by Mr. Rimmasch, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and Wyoming Workforce Services agreed the victims could apply for workmen’s compensation for the medical testing.
On May 7, 2026, letters were mailed to eligible victims notifying them of the available restitution. Several years have passed since the initial restitution notification; therefore, it’s possible some victims have moved and the mailing address we have on file is no longer valid. If you received a notification identifying you as an eligible victim and would like instructions on how to file a claim, please contact Vicki Powell at the U.S. Attorney’s Office at (307) 772-2124 or email vicki.powell@usdoj.gov.
“While no amount of money can undo the harm caused by unlawful asbestos exposure, this restitution process reflects our commitment to ensuring victims receive the medical testing and support ordered by the Court,” said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith. “Our office remains dedicated to holding offenders accountable and pursuing every available avenue to secure compensation for those affected by this conduct.”
U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Phoenix Highlight Email Scams and Preventive Measures as Part of National Senior Fraud Awareness DayRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – As part of National Senior Fraud Awareness Day, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona and the FBI Phoenix Division’s fraud team are reminding the public to remain vigilant as sophisticated scammers are capable of targeting virtually all businesses and individuals in the digital age. If you or a loved one become a victim of one of these scams, our offices encourage you to contact law enforcement and your bank as soon as possible after the incident, ideally within 24 hours, to help minimize financial losses.
Unfortunately, in today’s world, no one is immune from the threats posed by scammers, who caused an estimated $20.9 billion in losses last year, according to the FBI’s 2025 Internet Crime Report– up more than $16 billion from 2020. Notably, Arizona ranked sixth in the country for total losses, amounting to nearly $631 million, behind only California, Texas, Florida, New York, and New Jersey.
Between staying connected with family and friends, shopping and banking online, and working remotely, we all depend on the security of our digital information. Protecting our digitally connected world has been, and remains, a key priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and FBI Phoenix.
Some of the most common scams include Business Email Compromise (“BEC”)– also known as email account compromise (“EAC”), spoofing and phishing, tech/customer support, government impersonation, non-payment/non-delivery, and grandparent scams.
Behind investment fraud, BEC scams accounted for the second largest loss amount across the nation in 2025—approximately $3 billion. BEC scams target businesses and individuals across industries that perform legitimate transfer-of-funds requests. In BEC scams, a scammer that has compromised a third party’s email account (through social engineering or computer intrusion), makes the scammer’s own account mimic the characteristics of the third party’s account that a victim would expect to see (including name, address, phone number, email address, logos, and font) to trick the victim into sending money to the scammer.
For example, a scammer that has compromised the email account of a real estate title insurance company might target a home buyer shortly before a real estate closing, instructing the buyer to send the down payment to a bank account in the name of the title company. The email, however, is not from, and the bank account does not belong to, the actual title company– both belong to the scammer. Because the email and bank information are nearly identical to the actual title company, the fraud is very difficult to detect and the buyer complies with the instructions, sending the funds to the scammer.
If you are the victim of a scam that involves sending money to a supposed bank or other financial institution, you should immediately (timing is imperative, as after 24 hours the probability of recovery is severely limited) take the following steps:
- Call your financial institution; report that you have been the victim of a scam. Provide the date, time, amount, and details of the transaction (including the sending account number, receiving financial institution and account number, and transaction number); and ask the financial institution to send a recall of the transaction and provide a Hold Harmless Letter to the receiving financial institution.
- File a Complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (“IC3”) at https://www.ic3.gov/ by clicking the red “File A Complaint” button. Be sure to include all available information about the scam: date, time, amount, and reference number for the transaction; sending financial institution and account number; receiving financial institution and account number; and details of the scam.
Immediately taking these steps after discovering you have become a victim can trigger the Internet Crime Center’s Recovery Asset Team to start the Domestic Financial Fraud Kill Chainor International Financial Fraud Kill Chain processes to attempt to freeze the fraudulent account and recover any stolen funds. It is imperative that a victim take these steps immediately after discovering that he or she has been scammed. With every minute that passes, the likelihood that a financial institution and/or law enforcement can recover any stolen funds decreases substantially.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-075_cybercrime
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.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Participates in Special Naturalization Ceremony Celebrating 250th Birthday of the United StatesRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - This morning, members of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania gathered with the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, staff members with the Court and the Clerk’s Office, and members of the community at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall to participate in a Special Naturalization Ceremony in observance and celebration of the United States of America’s 250th birthday.
Sponsored by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, the ceremony saw 70 individuals from 27 countries naturalized as United States citizens and included several current and former members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office among its participants. Assistant United States Attorney Paul E. Skirtich presented the motion to the Court for the grant of citizenship that led to the administration of the Oath of Allegiance by Chief United States District Judge Cathy Bissoon. United States Attorney Troy Rivetti provided brief remarks on the history of Western Pennsylvania during colonial times, and the region’s role in the formation of the United States. Former Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Vasquez Schmitt sang both the national anthem and “America the Beautiful.”
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is honored to have been a part of this historic ceremony in recognition of our nation’s 250th birthday,” said United States Attorney Troy Rivetti. “Any naturalization ceremony is, of course, memorable for those being naturalized as well as for all participating, but today’s event was a particularly special one and served as a wonderful reminder of the United States’ rich history and the wonderful and intricate background of our citizens that forms the fabric of our nation.”
U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 108 Border-Related Cases This WeekRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 108 border-related cases this week, including charges of bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city).
In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.
A sample of border-related arrests this week:
- On May 9, Moises Quintana Luna and Alma Beltran Ponce, Mexican citizens, were arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 151 pounds of methamphetamine concealed throughout the defendants’ vehicle as they tried to cross the border at the Tecate Port of Entry.
- On May 11, Banucio Balderas-Ladino, a Mexican citizen, was arrested and charged with Deported Alien Found in the United States. According to a complaint, Border Patrol agents found Balderas-Ladino, an unauthorized alien who was previously deported in 2019 through Arizona, hiding in bushes north of the border, about two miles east of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry.
- On May 14, Rene Marquez, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and charged with Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers found two Vietnamese nationals concealed in a non-factory compartment in the rear of the defendant’s vehicle. One of the unauthorized aliens said she felt scared, hot and was doused in gasoline while being transported to the San Ysidro Port of Entry. Marquez has four prior drug-importation convictions in the Southern District of California.
The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners.
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Adds 281 New Immigration Cases in Western District of TexasRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 281 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from May 8 to May 14, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons. Charges were brought against human smugglers, alleged visa fraudsters, and illegal aliens with past convictions for numerous DWIs, violent crimes, drug trafficking, and multiple prior removals.
Among the new cases, an illegal alien from Mexico residing in Crane, south of Odessa, is charged with fraud and misuse of visas, permits and other documents. Encarnacion Lopez-Sanchez aka Ignacio Hernandez-Gomez has been wanted in Mexico for sexual assault of a minor. Lopez-Sanchez allegedly was admitted into the United States through Del Rio using a border crossing card that limits his entry to within 25 miles of the border. Furthermore, he allegedly obtained an I-94 immigration form with an expiration date of July 9, 2025. An investigation led to the determination that Lopez-Sanchez has been working at an energy company in Crane despite being prohibited from employment. He allegedly submitted to the company a fraudulent Employment Eligibility Verification form and a fraudulent Employee Withholding Certificate. A criminal complaint also alleges Lopez-Sanchez has sent money to sources in Mexico on several occurrences.
In El Paso, a U.S. citizen who was previously convicted at the state level and sentenced to five years in prison for smuggling of persons in 2024, is now federally charged with alien smuggling. Yovani Garcia-Cruz allegedly served as a pick-up driver in a smuggling operation that resulted in the discovery of 14 illegal aliens in a stash house earlier this year. A criminal complaint alleges that Garcia-Cruz sent proof of life videos of illegal aliens to another individual and has smuggled aliens into the United States on at least three occasions.
Erik Rangel-Martinez, an illegal alien from Mexico, was charged with alien smuggling after allegedly attempting to escape back into Mexico with 11 other illegal aliens approximately a mile and a half east of the Bridge of the Americas Port of Entry in El Paso. A criminal complaint alleges that Rangel-Martinez was expecting to be paid $100 to help smuggle illegal aliens into the United States using a ladder at the international border fence.
A criminal complaint alleges that, on Monday, Jaime Rodriguez-Corral presented himself to be a United States citizen to Customs and Border Protection in the pedestrian lane at the Bridge of the Americas POE. Rodriguez-Corral allegedly stated he was on his way home to Nebraska and presented a Mexican driver’s license and U.S. Consulate request sheet. The CBP officer, noticing that the documents lacked a proof of citizenship, processed system queries and received an alert. Further investigation revealed Rodriguez-Corral to be a Mexican citizen previously removed from the United States in May 2020. A felon, his criminal record includes convictions for possession of a fraudulent identification card and multiple assaults.
In Guadalupe County, a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper conducted a traffic stop on Santiago Florencio Velazquez-Tobon, who was allegedly driving without a license. According to a criminal complaint affidavit, the trooper requested assistance from San Antonio ICE Enforcement Removal Operations to positively identify a suspected foreign national. The immigration record check showed that Velazquez was an illegal alien from Mexico who had been previously removed in November 2014. A review of Velazquez’s criminal history revealed prior convictions for inflicting corporal injury on a spouse/cohabitant, willful child cruelty with possible injury or death, threatening a witness, assault with a deadly weapon, and unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon. He now faces an illegal re-entry charge in San Antonio.
Erlin Omar Martinez-Carcamo was found in the Hays County Jail on March 23 and identified as an illegal alien from Honduras. ICE lodged a detainer on Martinez-Carcamo, who is now federally charged with illegal re-entry. The Honduran national has been convicted of three DWIs since 2022, along with reckless driving, bail jumping, and failure to identify.
Isaias Garcia-Reynoso, an illegal alien from Mexico who was previously deported in 2023, was found in Williamson County on May 8. In 2017, Garcia-Reynoso was convicted and sentenced to probation for deadly conduct. He was convicted of a DWI in 2022 and now faces an illegal re-entry charge in Austin.
U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested Christopher Jesus Carbajal-Lopez, an illegal alien from Honduras and convicted felon, near Maverick. In January 2024, Carbajal-Lopez was convicted in North Carolina for assault with a deadly weapon. He was sentenced to 60 days of confinement before being removed to Honduras on Feb. 14, 2024. He now faces an illegal re-entry charge in Del Rio.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico Weekly Immigration and Border Crimes ReportRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced its immigration enforcement statistics for this week. These cases are prosecuted in partnership with the El Paso Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and assistance from other federal, state, and county agencies.
In the two-week period ending May 15, 2026, the United States Attorney’s Office brought the following criminal charges in New Mexico:
- 90 individuals were charged with Illegal Reentry After Deportation (8 U.S.C. 1326)
- 12 individuals were charged with Alien Smuggling (8 U.S.C. 1324)
- 75 individuals were charged with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325)
- 69 individuals were charged with Illegal Entry (8 U.S.C. 1325), violation of a military security regulation (50 U.S.C. 797) and Entering Military, Naval, or Coast Guard Property (18 U.S.C. 1382), arising from the newly established National Defense Area in New Mexico.
Many of the defendants charged pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1326 had prior criminal convictions for battery resulting in injury, assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, possession of narcotics, DUI, theft, drug trafficking, alien smuggling, resulting in injury, DUI, alien smuggling, and prior immigration offenses.
Protecting law enforcement officers is a key part of border security. During this time period, while detained on suspicion of alien smuggling by Border Patrol, Caleb Brown shoved and then punched an agent in the face. A second agent intervened and was also struck by Brown. Brown was eventually subdued and arrested. In a second incident, agents responded to a sensor activation near the border and began searching for the suspected illegal aliens. One agent eventually located Edel Hernandez-Altamirano, a Mexican national illegally present in the United States. When the agent attempted to detain him, Hernandez-Altamirano rushed at the agent with a glass liquor bottle and struck him in the head. The agent ultimately took Hernandez-Altamirano to the ground, however, Hernandez-Altamirano began grabbing rocks and attempting to strike the agent and even bit him on the forearm.
So far, in Fiscal Year 2026, 23 El Paso Sector Border Patrol Agents have been assaulted, following 88 assaults in Fiscal Year 2025. U.S. Border Patrol is collaborating closely with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office to ensure that those who assault federal officers are brought to justice. This interagency cooperation is crucial in protecting the men and women who serve on the frontlines of our nation's border security efforts and in deterring future attacks on law enforcement personnel.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
These statistics represent prosecutions by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico only. The numbers do not include individuals apprehended by immigration enforcement officials and subjected solely to administrative process.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the District of New Mexico. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The District of New Mexico consists of 33 counties and shares 180 miles of international border with Mexico. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from Albuquerque and Las Cruces work directly with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to prosecute immigration-related and other federal offenses.
U.S. Attorney's Office Recognizes National Police Week, May 10-16, 2026Read the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—In honor of National Police Week, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon recognizes the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement. This year’s commemoration is observed from Sunday, May 10, through Saturday, May 16, 2026.
“National Police Week is about gratitude for and remembrance of those men and woman who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. We are grateful for our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners and their families for their daily service, sacrifice, and commitment to keeping our community safe,” said U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford.
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which every year falls on May 15, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.
The names of 363 officers killed in the line of duty were added to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. These names were read on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C.
Each year, during National Police Week, our nation celebrates the contributions of law enforcement from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment to keeping our communities safe.
To learn more about National Police Week, please visit www.policeweek.org.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford Appointed to Attorney General's Advisory CommitteeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.— Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has appointed U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford of the District of Oregon to serve on this Administration’s inaugural Attorney General’s Advisory Committee (AGAC). Established in 1973, the AGAC is composed of 18 U.S. Attorneys from across the country, providing geographic, operational, and subject-matter representation in advising the Attorney General and senior Department of Justice leadership on national priorities and other critical issues.
“I am deeply honored to serve on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and advance the Department of Justice’s priorities,” said U.S. Attorney Bradford. “I look forward to working alongside my distinguished colleagues on the AGAC’s important mission and making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.”
Mr. Bradford joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon in 2009 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and served in a variety of leadership roles within the office, including Chief of the White Collar Unit, Chief of the Economic, National Security, and Cyber Crimes Unit, and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division.
In 2022, Mr. Bradford served as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Regional Cybercrime Attaché in Southeast Asia where he trained justice sector partners within the region to combat cybercrime. Prior to his return to Oregon as the U.S. Attorney, Mr. Bradford was the Acting Chief of the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section in the National Security Division in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Attorney Pirro Announces New Enforcement Measures Targeting Teen TakeoversRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro announced a more aggressive enforcement approach to address “teen takeover” gatherings that threaten public safety in the District of Columbia.
“Teen takeovers have disrupted neighborhoods, forced businesses to close temporarily, and diverted valuable law enforcement resources from the residents of the District,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “These incidents have become increasingly common in areas such as Navy Yard and NoMa and are often accompanied by criminal conduct, including assaults, robberies, fights, and other disorderly behavior. Even with the juvenile curfew being enforced by Mayor Muriel Bowser, there is still action that must be taken immediately. The D.C. Council refuses to deal with the problem, and their lack of action creates an extremely dangerous situation for the people of the District and the teens themselves. Law abiding taxpayers should not subsidize chaos caused by parental neglect. Parents do your job, or we will do ours.”
As part of this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will increase enforcement of existing laws addressing parental responsibility when minors engage in criminal conduct in the District. Under the District’s curfew law and D.C. Code § 22-811 (Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor), adults who facilitate, enable, or knowingly permit a minor to engage in delinquent acts may face criminal penalties of up to six months of incarceration. Charges may be pursued regardless of whether the juvenile is separately prosecuted.
The Office will work with its Metropolitan Police Department partners to seek parental citations when a minor’s curfew violation is connected to a takeover-related incident. These enforcement actions may include mandatory parental notification, court-ordered parenting classes, or family counseling as part of the resolution of the case.
Two Morgantown Residents Sentenced to Prison for Trafficking Large Amounts of Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and CocaineRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Two West Virginia residents have been sentenced for their roles in a drug trafficking organization that sold large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine in North Central West Virginia, announced U.S. Attorney Matthew L. Harvey.
Jeffrey Marsh, 47, of Morgantown, was sentenced to 78 months in prison. Bobbie Jo Phillips, 39, also of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to time served after serving 22 months in federal prison. Phillips and Marsh worked within the drug trafficking operation, led by Rodney Johnson, in the Morgantown, West Virginia, area. Phillips’ residence was searched during the investigation, and officers seized a handgun, cash, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia.
Johnson was sentenced to 188 months in prison in March 2025. Of the 25 defendants in this case, 23, including Johnson, Phillips, and Marsh, have been sentenced to a combined 196 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
This case was investigated by the Mon Metro Drug Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. The task force consists of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the West Virginia State Police; the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office; the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office; the Morgantown Police Department; the WVU Police Department; the Granville Police Department; and the Star City Police Department.
Fentanyl has been designated by President Donald Trump as a weapon of mass destruction due to its extreme lethality which poses a grave threat to public safety, even in trace amounts. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime, and repel the invasion of illegal immigration.
Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.
Two District Men Sentenced for 2024 Daytime Shooting of over 15 Rounds in Southeast D.C.Read the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Vance McIlwain, 34, and Kenneth Johnson, 33, both of Washington, D.C., were sentenced today to ten years and six years in prison, respectively, for charges stemming from a daytime shooting in a residential neighborhood in southeast D.C., announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
McIlwain pleaded guilty to aggravated assault while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence on March 16, 2026, in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Today, Judge Jason Park sentenced McIlwain to serve ten years of incarceration, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Co-defendant Johnson also pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to six years of incarceration, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
On November 8, 2024, at about 3:50 p.m., McIlwain and Johnson were captured on CCTV conspiring to shoot the victim. Inside of an apartment building hallway, Johnson was captured on video passing a cross-body bag to McIlwain, which contained a gun. They both made their way to the apartment building’s entryway landing. McIlwain stepped out of the building and removed the gun from the bag but then returned to the entryway and handed the gun to Johnson. Johnson re-racked the gun and gave it back to McIlwain. McIlwain walked down the alley, turned the corner, and began firing over 15 rounds of ammunition at the victim, who was sitting on a front porch. McIlwain shot the victim seven times, including in the chest, the lower back, and the knee. He was transported to the hospital, where he underwent multiple surgeries and survived. A stray bullet also went into a neighbor’s house, and another was found on the front porch.
Following the attack, McIlwain ran back to the apartment building and handed the gun to Johnson. McIlwain then continued to run from the scene. Johnson entered one of the apartment units. Johnson was found inside the apartment unit and was arrested. McIlwain was arrested about an hour and a half later in the area. Both have been in custody since their respective arrests.
Joining the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department, especially the Seventh District Special Mission Unit. They also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance. They acknowledged the work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erica Rudolf and Amanda Claire Hoover, who investigated and prosecuted the case.
2024 CF1 011350
2024 CF1 011353
Tallahassee Drug Trafficker Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine & CocaineRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Tedrick Childs, 46, of Tallahassee, Florida, has pleaded guilty in federal court to distribution of cocaine and distribution of methamphetamine. The plea was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “Ridding our streets of the drug traffickers like this defendant peddling deadly narcotics has been a principal objective of Operation Take Back America, and I am incredibly proud to deliver yet another successful prosecution under this DOJ initiative. The citizens of the Northern District of Florida deserve to live in drug-free, safe communities, and my office will continue to aggressively prosecute the criminals standing in the way of that objective.”
Court records indicate that the defendant was identified by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a poly-drug trafficker in the Tallahassee area. During an undercover operation, DEA purchased cocaine and methamphetamine from the defendant between November and December 2025. In 2017, Childs was convicted in federal court for distribution of cocaine, and he was serving a term of supervised release as part of his sentence in that case when he sold drugs in 2025.
Childs faces up to 30 years’ imprisonment on the distribution of cocaine count, and not less than 15 years’ imprisonment up to Life imprisonment on the distribution of methamphetamine count.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Eric K. Mountin.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at the United States Courthouse in Tallahassee before Chief United States District Judge Allen C. Winsor.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
St. Mary’s man sentenced to 3 years for illegal wildlife guiding schemeRead the Press Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – A St. Mary’s man was sentenced last week to three years in prison and is required to pay over $64,000 in restitution for running illegal guiding services and collecting thousands in fraudulent proceeds from the scheme.
According to court documents, in October 2021, Michael Beans, 36, began openly advertising guide-outfitter and transporter services for the 2022, 2023 and 2024 bull moose hunting seasons on specific social media hunting forums. At all times relevant to the case, Beans was not licensed by the state of Alaska as a big game guide-outfitter nor transporter.
Beans contacted prospective hunters by text, phone or social media messaging platform, and communicated that he would reduce the hunting rates if hunters paid in full early or assisted Beans by advancing fees months before the hunt occurred. In some messages, Beans conveyed costs of the hunt and then received deposits to formalize the booking through mobile money transferring applications or other electronic financial services.
Between October 2021 to December 2022, Beans fraudulently collected more than $59,000 in deposits, advanced payments and other funds from roughly 37 non-Alaska resident hunters for guide-outfitted and/or big game transporter services for bull moose hunts when not licensed to do so by the state of Alaska.
On Sept. 1, 2022, the first group of hunters arrived in St. Mary’s from across the country. Beans cancelled all contracted hunts without meeting any of the hunters in person. Beans did not refund any hunters for the cancelled hunts, except for $700 returned to one hunter.
From Sept. 19 to Sept. 24, 2022, three hunters arrived in St. Mary’s to hunt with Beans. The defendant tried to cancel the hunt, but the hunters located Beans in St. Mary’s and he took them on the hunt consistent with their agreement. Acting as the guide-outfitter or transporter, Beans assisted the hunters in killing three bull moose, even though he was not licensed to do so.
On Oct. 1, 2024, Beans pleaded guilty to one count of Lacey Act violations and one count of wire fraud. In handing down the sentence, the Court also ordered Beans to serve three years on supervised release upon completion of his prison sentence. Beans is also required to pay $64,110 in restitution that will be broken out to each victim in this case.
“Mr. Beans egregiously exploited unsuspecting hunters and orchestrated a hunt that resulted in the illegal killing of three bull moose,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “His actions not only violate the law but are also an affront to the law-abiding guide-outfitters who respect Alaska’s wildlife community. My office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners statewide to ensure that the regulations governing hunting in Alaska are enforced and upheld, and those who flagrantly violate them are brought to justice.”
“Alaska's guide and transporter licensing requirements exist to protect wildlife resources, ensure lawful hunting practices, and maintain a level playing field for licensed operators who follow the law," said Assistant Director Doug Ault, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. "Illegal guided hunts for bull moose and other species undermine those safeguards and threaten public trust in Alaska's world-renowned hunting system. In this case, Mr. Beans not only operated without proper licensure but also deceived dozens of hunters, collecting substantial payments for hunts he largely failed to deliver and leaving many victims without refunds. This sentencing reflects our commitment to aggressively investigating wildlife crimes and holding violators accountable.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services and the Alaska Wildlife Troopers investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ainsley McNerney prosecuted the case.
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South Texas Man Sentenced to 9 Years Imprisonment in Homeland Security Task Force Drug Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Baytown man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 108 months in prison for trafficking methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons.
According to court documents, Terry Lynn Clay, 57, conspired in June 2021 to traffic 992.4 grams of 100% methamphetamine and 526 grams of cocaine. An investigation revealed that Clay purchased the methamphetamine from Timothy Bland in Houston on June 9, 2021. Later that day, Clay gave the narcotics to his associate Tonya Vonci Middleton-Harris for further trafficking. Texas Department of Public Safety arrested Clay and Middleton-Harris shortly after the exchange.
Clay was taken into state custody upon arrest and transferred into federal custody on Feb. 8, 2022. On Oct. 29, 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
Clay is the last of 10 defendants to be sentenced in this case, presided over by U.S. District Judge Jason K. Pulliam. Middleton-Harris was sentenced to 24 months in prison on March 4. Bland is now serving a 235-month sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Spears prosecuted the case.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Social Media Influencer Indicted for Evading Taxes by Making False Statements on his Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – On April 21, 2026, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a two-count indictment against Charles Lewis Davis, 33, of Phoenix, for making false statements on his tax returns. This prosecution is part of the Department of Justice’s pursuit to protect American taxpayer dollars and critical government programs.
Davis owns and operates Forever Investments LLC, a social media entity that posts videos involving Davis to YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, among other social media platforms. The indictment alleges that Davis failed to report the full income he earned from that work in 2020 and 2021 by withholding information from his tax preparer regarding an additional $807,142 and $390,566 in those respective years. He is alleged to have stored the unreported income in his personal and business bank, brokerage, and cryptocurrency accounts.
Davis made his initial appearance in federal court on May 13, 2026, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. A conviction for making a false statement on a tax return carries a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
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.
IRS-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin M. Rapp, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.
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-00412
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-076_Davis
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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.
SDTX adds 206 more cases in ongoing border enforcement effortsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A total of 211 individuals have been charged in immigration and border security-related crimes from May 8-14, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.
The Southern District filed a total of 49 criminal complaints for illegal entry, while another 133 people face charges of felony reentry after prior removal. Most of those individuals have previous convictions, such as narcotics, immigration offenses, violent crimes and more. The cases also include 26 people allegedly involved in human smuggling, while the remaining matters relate to other immigration crimes and firearms charges.
As part of the newly filed complaints, two Mexican nationals have been charged with illegal reentry into the country. According to the charges, authorities previously removed German Omar Elbir-Palma in December 2025 before discovering him near Escobares this week. A separate case alleges law enforcement discovered Alejandro Perez-Miramontes near Hidalgo. According to their respective complaints, both men have prior felony convictions for illegal reentry. Perez-Miramontes also has multiple prior convictions for burglary, while Elbier-Palma was previously convicted of domestic assault. If convicted of the new illegal reentry charges, they each face up to 20 years in federal prison.
Also announced this week was the sentencing of two illegal alien felons for unlawfully reentering into the country. Mexican nationals Jose Alcantar Esquivel Moreno and Esequiel Rueda-Ramirez received 54 and 48 months, respectively. Both have been removed from the country multiple times. Moreno has a previous felony conviction for aggravated assault-family violence, while Rueda-Ramirez has prior convictions for evading arrest, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to deliver cocaine and illegal reentry.
Also of note was the sentencing of Mexican national Luis Miguel Sanchez-Martinez in Houston. The court imposed a 42-month sentence, noting his dangerous behavior and lack of respect for the law. Sanchez-Martinez has multiple convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol and was first removed in 2020.
The cases are referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal histories, including convictions for human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than 10 million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.
An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Romanian National Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that IOAN ROSTAS, 36, a citizen of Romania, has been charged by federal criminal complaint with illegally reentering the United States after being deported.
As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, in March 2023, Rostas, who was in immigration removal proceedings in New York and placed into the Alternative to Detention (“ATD”) program, absconded from the ATD program. In September 2023, an immigration judge ordered Rostas removed from the U.S. to Romania in absentia. In October 2023, law enforcement in Berkeley County, West Virginia, arrested Rostas, who was using a false identity, and charged him with obstructing an officer. On October 25, 2023, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Pennsylvania arrested Rostas pursuant to a previously lodged ICE detainer. He was removed from the U.S. on November 17, 2023.
It is further alleged that on April 26, 2026, police in Manchester, Connecticut, encountered Rostas sitting in a parked vehicle that law enforcement in Georgia had been seeking in connection to group that had been committing retail thefts along the east coast of the U.S. Rostas initially provided an officer with a forged international license bearing someone else’s name, and a search of the vehicle revealed a second forged international license with another person’s name, a large amount of new clothing with tags and security devices still attached, and 10 bottles of perfume with “tester” stickers attached. Rostas was arrested and charged with state forgery, larceny, interfering with an officer, and criminal impersonation offenses. He was later released on bond and turned over to ICE in Hartford pursuant to an ICE detainer.
Rostas, who has been detained since his arrest, appeared yesterday in Hartford federal court.
If convicted of the charge of unlawful reentry, Rostas faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years.
U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that a complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This matter is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Neeraj N. Patel.
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.
Prior felon arrested on new drug chargeRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Michael Hatten, 55, of Buffalo, NY, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine.
According to the complaint, since November 2025, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office has been investigating a drug trafficking organization operating in Buffalo. During the investigation, law enforcement determined that Hatten was involved in the drug trafficking activities. On March 30, 2026, investigators conducted a traffic stop of Hatten’s vehicle, during which they recovered approximately 11 grams of fentanyl. Also on March 30, they conducted search warrants at a Zelmer Street residence in Buffalo, and an Adam Street residence in Lockport, NY. During the execution of the search warrants, investigators seized more than $25,000 in cash and drug paraphernalia. A search warrant was also executed at an East Ferry Street residence in Buffalo. During that search, law enforcement seized approximately 42 pounds of suspected crystal methamphetamine, 11 pounds of suspected fentanyl and approximately 1,900 grams of suspected cocaine, drug paraphernalia
At the time of his arrest, Hatten was on federal supervised release following a 2019 federal conviction for conspiracy to distribute narcotics.
Hatten made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donna Duncan. The complaint is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam and the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff John Garcia.
The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Operators of Day Treatment Program for Children Agree to $15.2 Million Civil Judgment to Resolve Medicaid Fraud AllegationsRead the Press Release
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The operators of a day treatment program for children with behavioral and mental health needs have agreed to a civil judgment of $15,248,240.66 in favor of the United States to resolve allegations that they defrauded the Kentucky and Ohio Medicaid programs.
The judgment, announced today by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is part of a civil settlement resolving allegations that Recovery Center of Kentucky, LLC, Recovery Center of Ohio, LLC, Recovery Center of Maryland, LLC, their parent company, Recovery Center of USA, and CEO, Dr. Warrick Stewart, violated the False Claims Act, a federal statute that prohibits the submission of false claims for payment to Government programs, such as Medicaid.
According to the settlement agreement, Recovery Center of Kentucky and Recovery Center of Ohio operated the Aspire Day Program, which provided day treatment services to children with behavioral and mental health needs in Elizabethtown, Lexington, Louisville, and Radcliff, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio. Day treatment services for children typically include individual and group therapy, among other behavioral health services, and can be provided in collaboration with other activities like education. While the Kentucky and Ohio Medicaid programs cover day treatment, they only pay for children’s time spent receiving behavioral health services; they do not pay for any non-healthcare activities. The Government alleged that, from August 2022 through June 2025, the Recovery Centers nonetheless sought Medicaid payments for time spent on children’s education, recreation, and lunch breaks at the Aspire Day Program. As a result, the Recovery Centers allegedly received millions in Medicaid reimbursements to which they were not entitled.
Additionally, the Government alleged that Recovery Center of Kentucky falsely represented the qualifications of some of their clinicians on claims to Kentucky Medicaid in order to receive higher reimbursements. According to the settlement agreement, day treatment services provided by lower-level healthcare workers at Aspire Day Program were billed as if they had higher-level licenses. Moreover, some employees did not have the qualifications to provide day treatment services at Aspire Day Program at all, but Recovery Center of Kentucky nonetheless billed Medicaid as if the services were provided by a licensed professional.
The Government alleged that the parent company, Recovery Center of USA, and CEO, Dr. Warrick Stewart, are liable for these false claims because they directed Recovery Center of Kentucky’s, Recovery Center of Maryland’s, and Recovery Center of Ohio’s compliance with federal healthcare programs, staffing decisions, and submission of claims to Kentucky and Ohio Medicaid.
“Vulnerable populations, like children who need behavioral health services, deserve to be treated by qualified clinicians,” said Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky. “Our office is committed to investigating behavioral healthcare fraud to ensure that Kentuckians receive necessary medical care and that Medicaid programs only pay for covered services.”
“HHS OIG remains committed to combatting Medicaid fraud and enforcing compliance with billing requirements,” said Susan Edwards, Chief Counsel to the Inspector General at the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG). “In connection with today’s settlement, Recovery Center has entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with HHS OIG. This agreement imposes strengthened compliance obligations to ensure Recovery Center establishes and maintains robust systems that protect Medicaid funds and uphold the delivery of appropriate, compliant services to beneficiaries.”
The civil judgment will be satisfied by the terms agreed to in the civil settlement agreement based on Defendants’ limited ability to pay, including remitting payments from Defendants’ future distributions and terminating ownership rights to some of Dr. Stewart’s property.
The civil judgment and settlement agreement resolve a lawsuit brought by private citizens under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. Under those provisions, a private party can file a civil action on behalf of the United States, thereby bringing allegations of fraud to the Government’s attention, and share in any financial recovery. As part of this resolution, the individuals who filed the qui tam complaint are eligible to receive a portion of the settlement proceeds. The civil case is captioned United States ex rel. Harned, et al. v. Aspire Day School, LLC, et al., Case No. 3:23-cv-41-GFVT.
The investigation was conducted by investigators from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky. This matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Stubblebine, with assistance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
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Oklahoma City Trio Charged with Drug Trafficking Conspiracy after Seizure of Nearly 180 Pounds of Methamphetamine by Law EnforcementRead the Press Release
OKLAHOMA CITY – ELTRAMANE NEAL, 47, WILLIE JEFFERSON, JR., 43, and DONTE PARKER, 44, all of Oklahoma City, have been charged for their roles in a conspiracy to possess and distribute nearly 180 pounds of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
According to court documents, on May 14, 2026, law enforcement was conducting surveillance on Jefferson and Parker and observed them meeting at a residence in northeast Oklahoma City. A short time later, agents observed Neal arrive at the residence, where Neal and Parker loaded a black tote into Neal’s vehicle. After Neal left the residence, a traffic stop was conducted on the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 99 pounds of methamphetamine, most of which was contained inside the black tote. While waiting for a search warrant for the residence, officers conducted a traffic stop on Jefferson and found a key to the residence and a large amount of U.S. currency. While executing the search warrant at the residence, law enforcement recovered approximately 80 more pounds of methamphetamine.
Today, Neal, Jefferson, and Parker were each charged by Complaint with conspiracy to possess 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Each appeared in federal court this afternoon. If found guilty, they face up to life in federal prison and fines of up to $10,000,000.
The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations, and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Oklahoma City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Anderson is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
Ohio Man Sentenced to 25 Years for the Production of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
ASHLAND, Ky. – A Gallipolis, Ohio, man, Henry Ritscher, 44, was sentenced on Friday to 25 years by Chief U.S. District Judge David Bunning for the production of child pornography.
According to his plea agreement, on September 6, 2025, Ritscher produced child pornography of a minor child in Johnson County. Specifically, the victim discovered a video depicting her showering and changing clothes, which appeared to be taken from a covert position in Ritscher’s bathroom. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on the same day and uncovered multiple electronic devices, including a covert camera hidden in a cell phone charging block that was used to produce the bathroom video. Ritscher provided a statement to law enforcement in which he admitted to covertly recording the victim and using the videos to satisfy his sexual fantasies.
Jason Parman, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; and Olivia Olson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI, Louisville Field Office, jointly announced the sentence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Blankenship is prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.
This case was prosecuted 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 Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Northern District of Indiana Announces Major Progress in Fight Against CrimeRead the Press Release
FORT WAYNE, SOUTH BEND, AND HAMMOND – On May 5, 2026, the Honorable Adam L. Mildred completed his fourth month as U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana. To mark the date, U.S. Attorney Mildred shared statistics demonstrating the year-on-year increase in federal criminal law enforcement efforts.
“We are proud to announce a great period of progress and renewed momentum for the Office, reflecting the hard work of the attorneys, litigation support team and our critical local, state, and federal law enforcement partners with whom we share this fight,” U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred said.
“During the first four months of 2026, this Office brought 80% more indictments and charged twice as many defendants as it did during the same period of 2025. Both our narcotics and violent-crimes indictments increased by over 60%, our child-exploitation charges doubled, and our white-collar/fraud charges quadrupled. Meanwhile, we have aggressively pursued long prison sentences for those ultimately convicted of federal crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.
“Since being appointed, my focus has been on the core mission of protecting the citizens of the Northern District of Indiana and vigorously enforcing the law. Our office focuses on prosecuting violent offenders and gangs, child predators and those that peddle poison in our communities. We seek to fight terrorists and enemies of our nation, both foreign and domestic. We address critical illegal immigration issues and are committed to the total elimination of drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations. We also represent the civil interests of the United States and defend the foundational rights of all Americans, particularly the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred said.
“These sorts of increases put criminals on notice—if you choose to commit federal crimes in the Northern District of Indiana, you will be hunted down and held accountable by the exceptional law enforcement professionals who have dedicated their lives to keeping Indiana safe,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred.
The following notations of recent sentences illustrate the types of cases captured by those statistics:
United States v. Miguel Angel Vera-Rosales: Mexican national with a previous felony conviction sentenced to 20 months for illegal reentry into the United States.
United States v. Annamarie Fleischman: Roanoke woman sentenced to 600 months in prison following her conviction for sexually exploiting children and distributing child pornography.
United States v. Keith Hall: Kokomo man sentenced to 188 months in prison for possessing child pornography.
United States v. Michael Deckinga: Dyer man sentenced to 180 months in prison for distributing child pornography.
United States v. Lucas Kern: Huntington man sentenced to 168 months in prison for possessing child pornography.
United States v. Devin Melvin: Michigan man sentenced to 270 months in prison for organizing and leading a fentanyl trafficking group.
United States v. Robert Crayton: Illinois man sentenced to 216 months in prison for conspiring to distribute and possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine.
United States v. Michael O. Beers: Fort Wayne man sentenced to 190 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl and various firearms offenses.
United States v. Aguila Binion: South Bend man sentenced to 144 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon and for possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute.
United States v. Mark A. Lyons: Gary man sentenced to 158 months in prison for possessing over 25 pounds of methamphetamine and a firearm.
United States v. Jahmal Sanders: Hammond man sentenced to 192 months in prison for possessing a stolen firearm as a felon.
United States v. Gary Schmucker: Warsaw man sentenced to 46 months in prison for possessing a firearm while an unlawful drug user following a standoff with police.
United States v. Jerry Boomershine: Elkhart man sentenced to 51 months in prison for bank robbery.
United States v. Bethany A. Cataldi: Chesterton woman sentenced to 97 months in prison and ordered to pay over $19 million in restitution for committing health care fraud.
United States v. Christine Reese: Crown Point woman sentenced to 84 months in prison for committing health care fraud and aggravated identity theft by fraudulently posing as a psychologist.
United States v. Janis A. Sexton: Ossian woman sentenced to 60 months in prison and ordered to pay over $1.6 million in restitution for conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering against multiple defendants.
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New Jersey Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Daniel Lanfrit, age 50, was sentenced May 13, 2026, to 60 months’ imprisonment and 10 years’ supervised release for possession of child pornography. First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), made the announcement.
When he pleaded guilty, Lanfrit admitted that he had traveled to Canada and then arrived at a port of entry to seek admission back into the United States. The defendant traveled with his cell phone and a tablet. When the defendant’s devices were searched at the port of entry, both devices contained images of child pornography. The defendant possessed nearly 400 images of child pornography.
First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “This defendant’s conduct shows his sick perversion, bordering on obsession, when he went on vacation to Canada and brought two devices containing child pornography. The images were available to him wherever he was and whenever he wished. The images of child pornography were distinct and different on each device, explaining why the defendant needed to take both with him on vacation so he could have access to his full collection. When the defendant arrived back in the United States, we discovered the devices containing the child pornography and moved to prosecute him. I thank Customs and Border Protection and HSI for their work in bringing this individual to justice.”
HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan: “Daniel Lanfrit’s possession of nearly 400 images of child sexual abuse material fueled the exploitation of children, inflicted lasting harm on vulnerable victims, and posed a serious threat to the safety of our communities. Every one of these horrific images represents a real child who was abused. HSI Syracuse, working alongside the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York and our law enforcement partners, will continue to protect children and the public from further harm, and hold accountable those who fuel this cycle of victimization.”
In addition to the imprisonment and supervised release terms, United States District Judge Anthony J. Brindisi in Utica also ordered Lanfrit to pay $15,000 in restitution to the victims. Lanfrit also will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
HSI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carling Dunham prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
Multiple defendants indicted for immigration violationsRead the Press Release
SAVANNAH, Georgia: Multiple defendants have been indicted by the May term of the federal Grand Jury in the Southern District of Georgia with Re-entry after Removal or Deportation, a charge applied to an illegal alien present in the United States after at least one prior removal.
Margaret E. “Meg” Heap, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, announced the indictments. Those facing federal charges include:
- Alejandro Mendoza-Hernandez, 39, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States, arrested in Long County.
- Didier Mora-Tino, 38, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States, arrested in Ware County.
- Marcos Saraya-Canales, 26, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States, arrested in Evans County.
- Porfirio Suarez-Olan, 40, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States, arrested in Atkinson County.
- Luis Angel Velasquez-Montes, 27, a citizen of Mexico illegally present in the United States, arrested in Chatham County; and,
- Kenny Omar Diaz-Diaz, 35, a citizen of Honduras illegally present in the United States, arrested in Chatham County.
The charges carry statutory penalties up to two years in prison, followed by referral to immigration authorities for deportation.
Criminal indictments contain only charges; defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The cases are being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant United States Attorneys Timothy P. Dean, Lauren C. Olsen, and Makeia R. Jonese.
Michigan Home Health Care Agency Owner Convicted of $1.6M Medicare Fraud Scheme and Kickback ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A federal jury in the Eastern District of Michigan convicted a Michigan nurse and home health care agency owner yesterday for operating a $1.6 million scheme to defraud Medicare.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Ruby Scott, 55, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, owned and operated Delta Home Health Care LLC (Delta). From 2018 through 2021, Scott bribed a discharge nurse at a Detroit hospital to identify Medicare patients and fax their confidential records to Delta, unbeknownst to the patients. Scott had developed the kickback relationship with the hospital discharge nurse at a home health company she had previously co-owned, but she offered the nurse an additional $100 patient to induce her to refer patients to her new company. Scott paid the discharge nurse over $130,000 by CashApp, PayPal, check, and cash. Scott used these stolen profiles to bill Medicare for home health services, exploiting the diagnostic and personal information of patients who were unaware their data had been compromised.
The evidence at trial showed that Scott paid the discharge nurse approximately $300 for each patient Scott successfully billed to Medicare. In billing claims for patients who were obtained through kickbacks, as well as other claims between 2018 and 2024, Scott falsely represented to Medicare that a doctor had certified patients as meeting the Medicare requirements to receive home health services, including being homebound, when evidence proved no doctor had ever evaluated these patients for home health services. In many instances, Scott used the identities of real doctors to fabricate the existence of these evaluations when, in reality, these doctors had never even met the patients and did not know that Scott was using their information to fraudulently bill Medicare. A witness testified one patient for whom Delta received thousands of dollars in payments had never received services from Scott’s company. Delta failed to maintain patient files for over one-third of the patients for which it submitted claims to Medicare, for whom Medicare paid Delta over $1.2 million. Scott caused approximately $1.6 million in losses to Medicare, which a witness testified drains the Medicare trust fund and could make it difficult for Medicare to pay on claims that are true and accurate.
The jury convicted Scott of five counts of health care fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and pay illegal health care kickbacks, and four counts of paying illegal health care kickbacks. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 24 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison as to each health care fraud count, a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison as to each kickback count, and a maximum penalty of five years in prison as to the conspiracy count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division; Special Agent in Charge Reuben Coleman of the FBI Detroit Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Thomas Ethridge of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.
The FBI Detroit Field Office and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Kelly M. Warner and Ahmad Huda of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.Memphis Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Distribution and Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Terry Curtis, 41, to 27 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl and possession of firearms. D. Michael Dunavant, United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.
According to information presented in court, in April 2022, narcotics officers with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office detected a package containing 2 kilograms of methamphetamine and 497 grams of fentanyl being shipped to Curtis’s home. After the package was received by Curtis at his home, officers served a search warrant. They recovered the substances as well as two loaded firearms, pill presses, scales, cash, and other drug paraphernalia indicative of drug distribution. The investigation revealed Curtis had been selling a pound of methamphetamine daily.
In September 2025, Curtis pled guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On May 13, 2026, United States District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Curtis to 324 months of federal imprisonment, to be followed by ten years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
U.S. Attorney Dunavant said, "Because illicit fentanyl is closer to a chemical weapon than a narcotic, President Trump has designated fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction (WMD). Its lethality is significant, and those who ship and traffic deadly poison into our communities will be severely punished and incapacitated.”
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Narcotics Division and the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer Musselwhite and Bryce Phillips prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States government.
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.
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For more information, please contact the Media Relations Team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.
Maryland Tax Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Preparing False ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Maryland woman was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in prison for preparing false tax returns for clients.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Zewdi Tsegay, of Burtonsville, Maryland, operated a tax preparation business initially called Taxes R Us LLC. From 2017 through 2023, Tsegay prepared and filed with the IRS false tax returns on behalf of clients. These tax returns included false business losses that resulted in either the clients receiving tax refunds that they were not entitled to receive or the clients’ tax liabilities being decreased. After Tsegay learned she was under investigation, she changed the name of the business to Taxes 4 You, LLC.
In March 2020, the IRS conducted an undercover operation at Tsegay’s return preparation business. Tsegay initially prepared the undercover agent’s tax return correctly, which reflected that the undercover agent owed taxes. Tsegay then added a fictitious business loss to the undercover agent’s tax return, which resulted in the return improperly claiming a refund. Following a search warrant at her tax preparation business, Tsegay continued to prepare and file false returns on behalf of clients under the name of another individual. Further, from 2021 to 2023, Tsegay was required to file tax returns for herself, but she willfully failed to do so by the statutory deadline.
In total, Tsegay caused a tax loss to the United States between $250,000 and $550,000.
Tsegay pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of a false tax return. In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Theodore D. Chuang ordered Tsegay to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $178,480 in restitution to the United States.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Catriona Coppler and Richard Kelley of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section prosecuted the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Man Sentenced to 30 years in Prison and 15 Years of Supervised Release for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On May 14, 2026, United States District Court Judge Aida Delgado Colón sentenced Luis Ángel Domenech‑Acabá to 360 months (30 years) in prison, to be followed by 15 years of supervised release for child exploitation. On February 25, 2026, after a three-day jury trial, Luis Ángel Domenech‑Acabá, 35, from San Juan, was found guilty of production and possession of child pornography. This sentence was imposed consecutively with a state sentence of six years for lewd acts in a separate case.
According to the evidence presented at trial and reviewed by the jury, from September 2017 to September 2018, Domenech‑Acabá sexually exploited a female minor, who was 15 years old at the time. The evidence showed that he used a cellular phone and internet messaging services to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce the minor to engage in sexual activity for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct.
During trial, the government presented testimony and digital evidence establishing that, using cellphones and other devices, Domenech‑Acabá produced images and videos depicting a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. He also possessed images and videos of the minor and of other minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, which he kept in a secured folder on his cellular phone.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow of the District of Puerto Rico and Yariel Ramos, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daynelle Álvarez‑Lora and Emelina Agrait Barreto of the Crimes Against Children, Human Trafficking, and Immigration Unit prosecuted the case.
This case was 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 the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Liberty County felon sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after taking firearm from law enforcement officers during courtroom scuffleRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Liberty convicted felon has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Allen Joe Fregia, Sr., 48, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on May 14, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on April 29, 2025, Fregia was a defendant in a Liberty County courtroom where he had just been sentenced to prison by a State District Judge. As he was being escorted out of the courtroom by several law enforcement officers, Fregia became enraged and noncompliant, and a scuffle ensued. During the altercation, Fregia removed a firearm from an officer’s gun holster. The officer was able to retrieve the firearm as other officers were able to subdue Fregia. During the altercation, an officer suffered injuries that required medical attention. Fregia, a previously convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing the firearm.
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 Texas Rangers, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy Coleman.
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Knoxville Man Charged in Federal Court with Fentanyl and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On May 15, 2026, Seayon Weston, 39, of Knoxville, TN, was charged via criminal complaint with fentanyl and firearms offenses in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee at Knoxville.
The complaint charges Weston with possessing with the intent to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A), possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of 18 U.S.C. 924(c), and being a felon in possession of firearms in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). The Honorable Jill E. McCook, United States Magistrate Judge, authorized the complaint.
According to the affidavit of DEA Special Agent Jason Klingler filed in support of the complaint, law enforcement’s investigation into Weston’s activities culminated in a search warrant execution at Weston’s Knoxville residence on May 14, 2026. The affidavit details certain aspects of the search warrant execution, including the seizure of approximately 471 grams of suspected fentanyl, drug processing and packaging materials, including dozens of used rubber gloves, cash, and three firearms. One of the firearms was a mini-Draco 7.62 semi-automatic pistol, according to the affidavit. The affidavit included photographs of some of the seized evidence.
The criminal indictment was the result of an investigation by elements of the Knoxville Police Department, including KPD’s Special Operation Squad, Organized Crime Unit, and Drug Related Death Task Force. The Drug Enforcement Administration assisted with the investigation and search warrant execution and is the lead agency in this federal prosecution.
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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces.
This case is part of “Operation Knoxville Thunder” in furtherance of DEA’s Fentanyl Free America initiative, which is a comprehensive enforcement initiative and public awareness campaign designed to combat the synthetic opioid crisis.
On December 15, 2025, the President issued an Executive Order designating fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Quencer and Alan Kirk will represent the United States in this prosecution.
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Kalder CEO Pleads Guilty to Securities FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that GÖKÇE GÜVEN, the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of Kalder Inc. (“Kalder”), pled guilty to one count of securities fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the investors in Kalder, a technology startup. As part of her plea, GÜVEN agreed to forfeit nearly $7 million in proceeds from her illegal scheme. GÜVEN pled guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn.
“Gökçe Güven defrauded more than a dozen venture capital investors through material misrepresentations about Kalder’s revenue and brand partners, then lied to obtain an immigration benefit,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “In our startup markets, ambition is not a substitute for honesty. If you lie to investors in any market—public or private; venture or late-stage growth; fintech; biotech; energy; financial services; industrial; etc.—you will be held accountable.”
As alleged in the Superseding Information and other public filings in this case:
GÜVEN was the founder and CEO of Kalder, a New York-based technology startup focused on business loyalty and rewards programs. GÜVEN promoted Kalder as a “fintech-marketing platform” that brands could use to create and monetize customized reward programs. In April 2024, GÜVEN began raising Kalder’s “seed round,” soliciting investments from dozens of venture capitalists. GÜVEN provided prospective investors with false statements, misleading claims, and fabricated documents regarding Kalder’s revenue and brand partners. GÜVEN transmitted to potential investors a pitch deck that misrepresented, among other things, that Kalder had 26 brands “using Kalder” and 53 brands in “live freemium” (that is, using basic Kalder services free of charge). As to some brands, Kalder had only entered into pilot programs to provide services for a limited time period and typically at a heavily discounted price. Other brands had no agreement with Kalder whatsoever—not even for free services. Kalder’s pitch deck also falsely reported that Kalder’s recurring revenue had steadily grown month over month since February 2023 and that by March 2024, Kalder had reached $1.2 million in annual recurring revenue. GÜVEN concealed the true financial condition of the company from multiple investors by maintaining two sets of books—one internal set containing Kalder’s accurate monthly and annual financial information that was prepared by Kalder’s outside accounting firm, and a second set with false and inflated numbers that was transmitted to investors and prospective investors. GÜVEN also transmitted to prospective investors a forged contract between Kalder and a purported brand partner to further deceive her investors. Through these lies and misrepresentations, GÜVEN raised approximately $7 million from more than a dozen investors.
GÜVEN, a citizen of Turkey, also made false statements and fabricated documents as part of a visa application. Following the expiration of her student visa, GÜVEN caused Kalder to sponsor her for an O-1A visa, which is typically issued to individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics. GÜVEN’s application repeated the same sorts of misrepresentations that GÜVEN had provided to Kalder’s investors. GÜVEN also supplied letters of support and reference purportedly signed by business executives but that, in fact, GÜVEN had digitally signed herself without the executives’ knowledge or consent. GÜVEN was ultimately issued an O-1A visa in the fall of 2025.
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GÜVEN, 26, of New York, New York, and Turkey, pled guilty to one count of securities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. GÜVEN is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan on September 17, 2026.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Mr. Clayton also expressed appreciation for the assistance of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
The case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison Nichols and Alexandra N. Rothman are in charge of the prosecution.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Justice Department Secures Landmark Resolution to End Pediatric “Gender-Affirming Care” and Create Detransition ClinicRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice announced the first resolution secured under the Department’s ongoing national investigation into violations of federal law in connection with the provision of sex-rejecting procedures on minors (often euphemistically called “gender-affirming care”). Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) has entered into agreements with the Department and the Texas Attorney General that include commitments to not perform such procedures on children, which include the administration of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. TCH has also agreed to collectively pay over $10 million in damages and civil penalties and to dedicate millions to the provision of medical care to children harmed by the provision of such procedures (i.e., “detransitioners”).
“The Justice Department will use every weapon at its disposal to end the destructive and discredited practice of so-called ‘gender-affirming care’ for children,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Today’s resolution protects vulnerable children, holds providers accountable, and ensures those harmed receive the care they need.”
Under the terms of the agreements, which the Department of Justice reached in coordination with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, TCH will pay $10 million to resolve allegations that it submitted false billings to public and private payors to secure insurance coverage for pediatric sex-rejecting procedures. The Department alleges this conduct violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the False Claims Act, and federal fraud and conspiracy laws. Critically, in addition to terminating these services, TCH has committed to establishing the first-of-its-kind clinic dedicated to restorative care for detransitioners.
In connection with the settlements, the United States acknowledged that TCH took significant steps entitling it to credit for cooperation with the Department in its investigation. At all times during the investigation, TCH remained cooperative, proactive, and solution-driven, as highlighted by its multi-million-dollar commitment to providing care to the victims who most need it.
“The Department of Justice is committed to protecting America’s children,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “Today’s resolution furthers that commitment and puts providers of so-called 'gender affirming care' on notice that this Department will vigorously enforce federal law where children are put at risk.”
“I am grateful that Texas Children’s wants to be part of the solution and no longer the problem,” said Brett A. Shumate, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Division. “Its commitment to providing detransitioner care is emblematic of just that. While the Department is satisfied with the resolution announced today, our division will continue to work tirelessly to protect America’s children and hold accountable pharmaceutical companies and medical providers who have taken advantage of vulnerable children under the guise of ‘care.’”
These matters and the investigations into sex-rejecting procedures on minors are being led by the Justice Department’s Civil Division Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch and Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section.
The claims resolved by the United States in the settlements are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability. Both entities have denied all allegations.
The two agreements are available here and here.
Justice Department Files Complaint to Protect Law Enforcement, Challenging Connecticut Mask Ban, Identification Requirements, and Use-of-Force Policies for Federal OfficersRead the Press Release
Today, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont, Attorney General William Tong, Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin, and Deputy Chief State’s Attorney Eliot Prescott, challenging their unconstitutional attempt to regulate federal law enforcement officers through the so-called “Act Concerning Democracy and Government Accountability,” also known as Senate Bill 397.
“Law enforcement officers risk their lives every day to keep Americans safe, and they do not deserve to be doxed or harassed simply for carrying out their duties,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Connecticut’s anti-law enforcement policies regulate the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents. These laws cannot stand.”
“This week — Police Week — we honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice to ensure the safety of our Nation’s communities,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “This Department of Justice will not stand by idly in the face of lawless efforts that endanger our brothers and sisters in blue.”
“Connecticut’s attempt to regulate federal officers is dangerous and unconstitutional,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “State interference with federal operations is precisely what the Supremacy Clause was intended to prevent, as the Supreme Court has recognized for centuries.”
Among other things, the law prohibits federal officers from wearing facial coverings in the performance of their official duties, requires federal officers to clearly display their badge and name tag when performing official duties, and to adhere to Connecticut’s preferred use-of-force policies when performing official duties. Not only is the law an illegal attempt to regulate the federal government, but, as alleged in the complaint, the law threatens the safety of federal officers who have exhibited extreme bravery in enforcing our Nation’s laws despite an unprecedented wave of harassment, doxing, and even violence. Threatening officers with prosecution for simply protecting their identities and their families also chills the enforcement of federal law and compromises sensitive law enforcement operations. The danger is acute.
Last year, the Attorney General instructed the Justice Department’s Civil Division to identify state and local laws, policies, and practices that facilitate violations of federal laws or impede lawful federal operations. Today’s lawsuit is the latest in a series of lawsuits brought by the Civil Division targeting illegal policies designed to thwart federal law enforcement across the country, including in New York, New Jersey, and California.
Johnstown Felon Indicted on Numerous Firearm Charges, Including Possession of Machinegun and Unlicensed Manufacturing/Dealing of FirearmsRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Johnstown on charges of violating federal firearms laws, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
The six-count Indictment named Louie Guadalupe, 34, as the sole defendant.
“Gun violence—and, particularly, the increasing rate of that violence involving machinegun conversion devices such as Glock switches and drop-in auto sears—poses a serious threat to the safety of our citizens and to law enforcement,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “The Indictment unsealed today reflects the collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local law enforcement partners aimed at reducing this threat to our communities. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our partner federal agencies remain committed to working closely with our state and local counterparts to disrupt the cycle of gun violence and hold accountable those who put dangerous and illegal firearms on our streets.”
“Selling illegal firearms, and switches that transform guns into a fully automatic weapon, means deadlier shootings, more chaotic crime scenes, and increased danger to innocent bystanders,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “Trafficking these devices quickly becomes a critical public safety issue. The FBI and our Safe Streets Task Force partners will use every resource at our disposal to get these extraordinarily dangerous devices out of our communities.”
“Firearms trafficking puts guns in the hands of the criminals who threaten our communities,” said Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division. “That those firearms included very dangerous machinegun conversation devices makes this case particularly severe. Thanks to our close cooperation with our law enforcement partners, we exposed this criminal enterprise that endangered the Johnstown area.”
“In light of the recent, senseless acts in our community, the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office is committed to facilitating efforts that prevent gun violence before it occurs through collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies,” said Cambria County District Attorney Jessica Aurandt. “The indictment of Louie Guadalupe is a manifestation of those collaborative efforts—the result of which removed several firearms and Glock switches from the streets of Johnstown. The DA’s Office would like to express our gratitude to the Johnstown Police Department, Cambria County Detective Bureau, Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their incredible diligence and hard work throughout this investigation.”
According to the Indictment, from on or about March 12, 2026, and continuing thereafter until around April 15, 2026, Guadalupe willfully engaged in the business of manufacturing and dealing in firearms without a license. The Indictment further alleges that, on three dates during March of 2026, Guadalupe unlawfully possessed a firearm after previously having been convicted of a felony. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon. Lastly, on or about April 1, 2026, and April 15, 2026, Guadalupe is alleged to knowingly and unlawfully have possessed and transferred a machinegun.
The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to 15 years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Arnold P. Bernard Jr. is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Cambria County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation leading to the Indictment.
An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Jamestown woman sentenced for assaulting a federal officerRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Alyssa Sheldon, 30, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer, was sentenced to serve one year of probation by U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer.
On May 17, 2022, an arrest warrant was executed, and Sheldon was taken into custody. On May 18, 2022, made an initial appearance the U.S. Courthouse in the Western District of New York. During the proceeding, Sheldon was ordered remanded into custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. While being escorted back to her cell, Sheldon attempted to escape from custody. She resisted the escorting officer, kicking him below his waist. Sheldon continued to resist and attempted to spit in the officer’s face.
This case was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua A. Violanti. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Philip Tejera.
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Jamestown man sentenced for his role in narcotics conspiracyRead the Press Release
BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Curtis Snyder, 53, of Jamestown, NY, who was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, was sentenced to serve 84 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo.
Snyder was an associate and co-conspirator of Rocco Beardsley, who sold large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances in the Jamestown area. On April 9, 2019, an individual identified as J.A. was discovered deceased from an apparent overdose at a residence in Jamestown and Beardsley was believed to be involved in the overdose. About a month after J.A.’s overdose death, Beardsley sent Snyder to the residence of another individual to force this individual to make a video regarding Beardsley’s lack of involvement with J.A.’s overdose death. In exchange, Snyder would receive a “bundle” of heroin/fentanyl. The individual complied and made the video, stating that Beardsley was not present at J.A. residence the date of J.A.’s overdose death.
Rocco Beardsley was previously convicted and sentenced.
This case was part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Buffalo comprises agents and officers from Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Department of Homeland Security Emergency Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua A. Violanti and Jeffrey E. Intravatola. The sentencing is the result of an investigation by the Jamestown Police Department, under the direction of Jamestown Police Chief Timothy Jackson, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Farhana Islam, New York Field Division, and the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office, under the direction of Sheriff James Quattrone.
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Jamaican national sentenced to prison for lottery scam that devastated southwest Washington retireeRead the Press Release
Tacoma – A Jamaican citizen was sentenced late yesterday in U.S. District Court in Tacoma to three years in prison for wire fraud for his lottery scheme that cost an elderly victim more than $600,000, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Roshard Andrew Carty, 34, was arrested in Jamaica on August 21, 2025, and arrived in the Western District of Washington for arraignment on October 23, 2025. He pleaded guilty in February 2026. At the sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Tiffany M. Cartwright said, “Even as (the victim) hesitated and tried to resist,” Carty persisted in contacting her through a variety of means.
“This defendant was relentless in defrauding a vulnerable victim,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd. “At every turn when she tried to end the contact, he persisted playing on her isolation and her fear of losing the money she had already lost. He stole the money she was counting on to survive in retirement, so that he could buy luxuries and live large in Jamacia. It is despicable conduct deserving of this punishment.”
According to records filed in the case, Carty first contacted the 73-year-old southwest Washington victim in 2020. He posed as an employee of Publisher’s Clearinghouse and claimed the victim won $22 million and a car in the lottery, but that she needed to pay taxes and fees to access her winnings. He convinced the victim that the FBI was recording the call and told her she was not to tell anyone about the big win. Between August 2020 and February 2024, he convinced the victim to send more than $600,000 to various money couriers throughout the United States, who ultimately sent the money to Carty in Jamaica.
Carty’s requests for cash started small and grew over time. He directed the victim to remove small amounts of cash from her accounts and send them to U.S. locations via FedEx. Carty told the victim the money was lost or stolen and demanded more. Carty told the victim to borrow against her home so she could send more money. Carty convinced the victim to sell her home to cover additional “costs and fees” to claim her prize. In all, Carty stole more than $600,000 from the victim by having her mail the money to various couriers in the U.S.
Carty was relentless in contacting the victim using various phone numbers and texting programs. He contacted her thousands of times throughout the fraud. When she tried to cut off contact, he tried sending tow trucks, and pizza deliveries, and asked her landlord for a welfare check to try to get back in touch with the victim.
“Mr. Carty relentlessly and cruelly manipulated and intimidated his elderly victim to deprive her of her life savings for his own profit," said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. "His lies in pursuit of her money even went so far as to abuse the trust and credibility of law enforcement by claiming the FBI was recording a call. Ultimately, the victim lost her home without receiving any of the fictitious prize money Mr. Carty had promised. We hope this case sends a message to would-be lottery scammers that the FBI will work just as relentlessly with our partners to hold fraudsters accountable, even when they reside beyond the borders of the United States.”
The southwest Washington victim was not the only one uncovered by law enforcement, and investigators fear Carty may return to fraud after his prison term. As the government pointed out in its sentencing memorandum, “Carty’s conduct here shows he is relentless, callous, and has an aptitude for deception—he is unlikely to be deterred by the reality that his conduct left people like Victim 1 destitute. Carty knew Victim 1, Victim 2, and likely others were insolvent because of him, and yet he persisted in his scam. And unlike with U.S.-based defendants, the U.S. Probation Office cannot effectively monitor Carty when he returns home.”
Carty was indicted in November 2024. Following his August 2025 arrest in Jamaica, Carty consented to extradition to the United States. He pleaded guilty in February 2026.
The U.S. Embassy in Jamaica has a page devoted to lottery scams based in that country. Find it here. The bottom line: You never should pay to receive a prize and any request for advance fees is a scam.
The case was investigated by the FBI. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Watts Staniar and David T. Martin. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Government of Jamaica to secure the arrest and extradition of Carty.
Iraqi National Arrested and Charged with Providing Material Support to Iranian-Backed Terrorist Organizations and Directing Attacks Targeting U.S. Citizens and InterestsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today the arrest of Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national and senior member of Kata’ib Hizballah, a U.S. designated foreign terrorist organization (FTO). Al-Saadi was charged by complaint with six counts of terrorism-related offenses for his activities as an operative of Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), including his involvement in nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks throughout Europe and the United States. Al-Saadi was arrested on the charges contained in the complaint, which was unsealed today, transferred into U.S. custody overseas, and transported to the United States. Al-Saadi was presented earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court and ordered detained pending trial.
“Thanks to the dedication and vigilance of law enforcement, this alleged terrorist commander is now in U.S. custody,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “As alleged in the complaint, Al-Saadi directed and urged others to attack U.S. and Israeli interests and to kill Americans and Jews in the U.S. and abroad, and in doing so advance the terrorist goals of Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. These charges show American law enforcement will never let such evil go unchecked and will use all tools to disrupt and dismantle foreign terrorist organizations and their leaders.”
“The FBI’s successful FTOC of Mohammad Al-Saadi, another high-value target responsible for mass global terrorism, is just the latest success in this administration’s historic work to bring terrorists to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This was a righteous mission executed brilliantly by our agents, investigators, CIRG tactical units and interagency partners who delivered yet again. We are greatly appreciative of the work of our allies around the world—especially to Ambassador Tom Barrack, who led this joint sequenced operation and has been instrumental in bringing this successful mission home to the United States.”
“As alleged, Al-Saadi coordinated a wave of attacks across Europe, including bombings, arson, and assaults targeting American communities and interests,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The complaint further alleges that Al-Saadi discussed attacking locations in New York, California, and Arizona and presented a serious threat to our national security. We will continue to work closely with international partners to hold terrorists accountable in U.S. courts.”
“Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, a commander for the terrorist organization, Kata’ib Hizballah, faces serious charges for his role in numerous attacks against U.S. interests across the globe, including his efforts to kill on U.S. soil,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. “As alleged, for years, Al-Saadi committed himself to furthering the terrorist goals of Kata’ib Hizballah and the IRGC, two terrorist organizations dedicated to harming the United States and its allies. More recently, Al-Saadi attempted to carry out attacks in the United States, including in New York City. Al-Saadi attempted to disrupt American society through intimidation and violence. In a righteous and just contrast, his prosecution will highlight the best of our country. Those who engage in or support terrorism against Americans and on U.S. soil should take note: the whole of the federal government is committed to dismantling terrorist organizations and bringing their members to justice. I commend our law enforcement partners for their outstanding investigative work resulting in the arrest of Al-Saadi, who will now face justice in a U.S. court.”
“In the span of just three months, Mohammad Al-Saadi allegedly directed 18 terrorist attacks throughout Europe—including against United States citizens and interests—and planned to conduct a similar attack here in our country,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “The FBI New York’s Joint Terrorism Task Force maintains its unwavering resolve to hold accountable leaders of foreign terrorist organizations who utilize mass fear and suffering to further their anti-American agenda.”
“This case puts into stark relief the global threats posed by the Iranian regime and its proxies like Kata’ib Hizballah—Foreign Terrorist Organizations that have repeatedly targeted Jewish communities across Europe and the United States since the war began,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we disrupted a plot against a Manhattan synagogue, and in partnership with the synagogue’s leadership, ensured its security when the threat was elevated. The NYPD’s work in this case, from officers assigned to the JTTF, to intelligence analysis provided through our international liaison program, helped protect the streets of our city. The NYPD has the most robust municipal counterterrorism and intelligence capacity of any city in the world, which is only strengthened by our partnership with federal agencies on cases like this one.”
Al-Saadi is a commander for Kata’ib Hizballah, a U.S. designated FTO operating in Iraq that is closely aligned with the IRGC. The IRGC, which is also a U.S. designated FTO, is an Iranian military and counterintelligence agency that operates under the authority of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The IRGC has publicly stated its desire and intention to conduct operations targeting those perceived to be enemies of the Iranian regime, and it has plotted and conducted attack operations targeting, among others, U.S. citizens residing abroad and in the United States, including attacks that resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens. Iran and the IRGC use other terrorist and paramilitary proxies in the region to take lethal action and to carry out operations against the United States and its allies. These proxies include Kata’ib Hizballah, which has received extensive training, funding, logistical support, weapons, and intelligence from the IRGC’s external operations force, the IRGC Qods Force (IRGC-QF).
As alleged in the complaint, Al-Saadi worked closely with Qasem Soleimani, the longtime commander of the IRGC-QF who was killed during a U.S. airstrike in or about 2020, as well as Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was the leader of Kata’ib Hizballah until he was killed in the same airstrike that killed Soleimani. Below are photographs from one of Al-Saadi’s social media accounts of Al-Saadi with Soleimani, including at a military-related facility:
In addition, as alleged, Al-Saadi has called on others to attack and kill Americans, including in retribution for Soleimani’s and al-Muhandis’s deaths. On or about July 2, 2020, for example, Al-Saadi published on one of his social media accounts the following image of the U.S. capitol in rubbles projected against the faces of Soleimani and al-Muhandis, with the text “our revenge for the martyred leaders is ongoing. No negotiations with the occupier.”
In recent months, Al-Saadi has also allegedly directed and urged others to attack U.S. and Israeli interests, including by killing Americans and Jews, to further the terrorist goals of Kata’ib Hizballah and the IRGC. In or about February 2026, for example, Al-Saadi posted on one of his social media accounts a message in Arabic, which read in part, “Do not abandon the blood of your Imam of the time, oh Shiites of Iraq. Kill everyone who supports America and Israel. Do not leave any of them remaining. Civil and military targets, as well as voices of discord, kill them everywhere.”
As alleged, over the last several months, Al-Saadi and his associates have planned, coordinated, and claimed responsibility for at least 18 terrorist attacks in Europe (the “European Terrorist Attacks”), as well as two additional attacks in Canada, in the name of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, a component of Kata’ib Hizballah. On or about March 9, 2026—the day of the first of the European Terrorist Attacks—Al-Saadi posted on one of his social media accounts a message calling on “warriors of Islam” to engage in “jihad,” or violent holy war. From that point on, Al-Saadi and his associates allegedly have carried out attacks against U.S. interests. Al-Saadi and Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya have also published videos of the attacks.
For example, on or about March 15, 2026, individuals carried out an attack involving explosives against the Bank of New York Mellon, an American bank, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The next day, on or about March 16, 2026, AL-SAADI posted a propaganda video of the attack, in which Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya claimed responsibility for the attack. The video also showed aspects of the attack planning, including maps of the location of where the attack would be and a message which read: “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful This is the Final Warning[.] To all the peoples of the world, especially in the European Union, Immediately distance yourselves [] from all American and Zionist interests, facilities, and what is affiliated with them.”
Similar attacks continued in or about March and April 2026, accompanied by videos allegedly published by Al-Saadi in which Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya claimed responsibility for the attacks. In one such attack, on or about April 12, 2026, an arson was allegedly committed against a synagogue in Skopje, North Macedonia. On or about April 16, 2026, Al-Saadi posted a video showing the site of that attack with a red target symbol and surveillance footage of the synagogue on fire, as depicted in the screenshots below with the logo of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya in the upper right corner of the images (circled in red):
In another attack, on or about April 29, 2026, two Jewish men—including a dual U.S.-British citizen—were stabbed and seriously injured in London, United Kingdom.
In addition, in or about April and May 2026, Al-Saadi, on behalf of Kata’ib Hizballah and the IRGC, allegedly attempted to coordinate and carry out terrorist attacks to kill individuals in the United States, including by targeting Jewish institutions in New York, New York, and elsewhere. On or about April 3, 2026, Al-Saadi spoke to an undercover law enforcement officer (“UC-1”) whom Al-Saadi believed could carry out attacks in the United States. That day, Al-Saadi texted UC-1 photographs and maps showing the exact location of a prominent Jewish synagogue located in New York, New York (the “New York Synagogue”), as well as two additional U.S.-based Jewish institutions in Los Angeles, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona, respectively, and directed UC-1 to carry out terrorist attacks against those targets. Al-Saadi also spoke on the phone with UC-1, and discussed with UC-1, with respect to the New York Synagogue, whether UC-1 would use an improvised explosive device or “set the place on fire.” Fortunately, no such attacks occurred at the time.
Al-Saadi, 32, of Iraq, has been charged with: (i) conspiring to provide material support to Kata’ib Hizballah, a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (ii) conspiring to provide material support to the IRGC, a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iii) conspiring to provide material support for acts of terrorism of attempting and conspiring to murder nationals of the United States, and bombing and conspiring to bomb a place of public use, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison; (iv) providing material support for acts of terrorism, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison; (v) conspiring to bomb a place of public use, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison; and (vi) attempted destruction of property by means of fire or explosive, which carries a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The statutory maximum and mandatory minimum penalties are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
The case was investigated by FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, and the FBI Washington Field Office, Counterterrorism Division, and with the assistance of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section, the Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the NYPD, and the New York State Police.
This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey W. Coyle and Sarah L. Kushner are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Paul Casey and James Donnelly of the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Iraqi National Arrested and Charged with Providing Material Support to Iranian-Backed Terrorist Organizations and Directing Attacks Targeting U.S. Citizens and InterestsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Acting Attorney General for the United States, Todd Blanche, Assistant Attorney General for National Security, John A. Eisenberg, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Kash Patel, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI, James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge of the Washington Field Office of the FBI, Darren Cox, and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced today the arrest of MOHAMMAD BAQER SAAD DAWOOD AL-SAADI, an Iraqi national and senior member of Kata’ib Hizballah, a U.S. designated foreign terrorist organization (“FTO”). AL-SAADI was charged by Complaint with six counts of terrorism-related offenses for his activities as an operative of Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (“IRGC”), including his involvement in nearly 20 attacks and attempted attacks throughout Europe and the United States. AL-SAADI was arrested on the charges contained in the Complaint, which was unsealed today, transferred into U.S. custody overseas, and transported to the United States. AL-SAADI was presented earlier today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn in Manhattan federal court and ordered detained pending trial.
“Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood Al-Saadi, a commander for the terrorist organization, Kata’ib Hizballah, faces serious charges for his role in numerous attacks against U.S. interests across the globe, including his efforts to kill on U.S. soil,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “As alleged, for years, Al-Saadi committed himself to furthering the terrorist goals of Kata’ib Hizballah and the IRGC, two terrorist organizations dedicated to harming the United States and its allies. More recently, Al-Saadi attempted to carry out attacks in the United States, including in New York City. Al-Saadi attempted to disrupt American society through intimidation and violence. In a righteous and just contrast, his prosecution will highlight the best of our country. Those who engage in or support terrorism against Americans and on U.S. soil should take note: the whole of the federal government is committed to dismantling terrorist organizations and bringing their members to justice. I commend our law enforcement partners for their outstanding investigative work resulting in the arrest of Al-Saadi, who will now face justice in a U.S. court.”
“Thanks to the dedication and vigilance of law enforcement, this alleged terrorist commander is now in U.S. custody,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “As alleged in the complaint, Al-Saadi directed and urged others to attack U.S. and Israeli interests and to kill Americans and Jews in the U.S. and abroad, and in doing so advance the terrorist goals of Kata’ib Hizballah and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. These charges show American law enforcement will never let such evil go unchecked, and will use all tools to disrupt and dismantle foreign terrorist organizations and their leaders.”
”As alleged, Al-Saadi coordinated a wave of attacks across Europe, including bombings, arson, and assaults targeting American communities and interests,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The complaint further alleges that Al-Saadi discussed attacking locations in New York, California, and Arizona and presented a serious threat to our national security. We will continue to work closely with international partners to hold terrorists accountable in U.S. courts.”
“The FBI’s successful FTOC of Mohammad Al-Saadi, another high-value target responsible for mass global terrorism, is just the latest success in this administration’s historic work to bring terrorists to justice,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This was a righteous mission executed brilliantly by our agents, investigators, CIRG tactical units and interagency partners who delivered yet again. We are greatly appreciative of the work of our allies around the world—especially to Ambassador Tom Barrack, who led this joint sequenced operation and has been instrumental in bringing this successful mission home to the United States.”
“In the span of just three months, Mohammad Al-Saadi allegedly directed 18 terrorist attacks throughout Europe—including against United States citizens and interests—and planned to conduct a similar attack here in our country,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “The FBI New York’s Joint Terrorism Task Force maintains its unwavering resolve to hold accountable leaders of foreign terrorist organizations who utilize mass fear and suffering to further their anti-American agenda.”
"As a senior member of a designated foreign terrorist organization, al-Saadi allegedly directed the planning and coordination of 18 terrorist attacks and attempted terrorist attacks targeting U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world," said Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office Darren Cox. "Thanks to the FBI's diligence, the defendant will face justice on American soil. The FBI and our partners remain steadfast in our pursuit of all terrorists who threaten our country and our allies."
“This case puts into stark relief the global threats posed by the Iranian regime and its proxies like Kata’ib Hizballah—Foreign Terrorist Organizations that have repeatedly targeted Jewish communities across Europe and the United States since the war began,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Working with our law enforcement partners, we disrupted a plot against a Manhattan synagogue, and in partnership with the synagogue’s leadership, ensured its security when the threat was elevated. The NYPD’s work in this case, from officers assigned to the JTTF, to intelligence analysis provided through our international liaison program, helped protect the streets of our city. The NYPD has the most robust municipal counterterrorism and intelligence capacity of any city in the world, which is only strengthened by our partnership with federal agencies on cases like this one.”
According to the allegations contained in the Complaint, and statements made during court proceedings:[1]
AL-SAADI is a commander for Kata’ib Hizballah, a U.S. designated FTO operating in Iraq that is closely aligned with the IRGC. The IRGC, which is also a U.S. designated FTO, is an Iranian military and counterintelligence agency that operates under the authority of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The IRGC has publicly stated its desire and intention to conduct operations targeting those perceived to be enemies of the Iranian regime, and it has plotted and conducted attack operations targeting, among others, U.S. citizens residing abroad and in the United States, including attacks that resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens. Iran and the IRGC use other terrorist and paramilitary proxies in the region to take lethal action and to carry out operations against the United States and its allies. These proxies include Kata’ib Hizballah, which has received extensive training, funding, logistical support, weapons, and intelligence from the IRGC’s external operations force, the IRGC Qods Force (“IRGC-QF”).
As alleged in the Complaint, AL-SAADI worked closely with Qasem Soleimani, the longtime commander of the IRGC-QF who was killed during a U.S. airstrike in or about 2020, as well as Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was the leader of Kata’ib Hizballah until he was killed in the same airstrike that killed Soleimani. Below are photographs from one of AL-SAADI’s social media accounts of AL-SAADI with Soleimani, including at a military-related facility:
In addition, as alleged, AL-SAADI has called on others to attack and kill Americans, including in retribution for Soleimani’s and al-Muhandis’s deaths. On or about July 2, 2020, for example, AL-SAADI published on one of his social media accounts the following image of the U.S. capitol in rubbles projected against the faces of Soleimani and al-Muhandis, with the text “our revenge for the martyred leaders is ongoing. No negotiations with the occupier.”
In recent months, AL-SAADI has also allegedly directed and urged others to attack U.S. and Israeli interests, including by killing Americans and Jews, to further the terrorist goals of Kata’ib Hizballah and the IRGC. In or about February 2026, for example, AL-SAADI posted on one of his social media accounts a message in Arabic, which read in part, “Do not abandon the blood of your Imam of the time, oh Shiites of Iraq. Kill everyone who supports America and Israel. Do not leave any of them remaining. Civil and military targets, as well as voices of discord, kill them everywhere.”
As alleged, over the last several months, AL-SAADI and his associates have planned, coordinated, and claimed responsibility for at least 18 terrorist attacks in Europe (the “European Terrorist Attacks”), as well as two additional attacks in Canada, in the name of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya, a component of Kata’ib Hizballah. On or about March 9, 2026—the day of the first of the European Terrorist Attacks—AL-SAADI posted on one of his social media accounts a message calling on “warriors of Islam” to engage in “jihad,” or violent holy war. From that point on, AL-SAADI and his associates allegedly have carried out attacks against U.S. interests. AL-SAADI and Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya have also published videos of the attacks.
For example, on or about March 15, 2026, individuals carried out an attack involving explosives against the Bank of New York Mellon, an American bank, in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The next day, on or about March 16, 2026, AL-SAADI posted a propaganda video of the attack, in which Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya claimed responsibility for the attack. The video also showed aspects of the attack planning, including maps of the location of where the attack would be and a message which read: “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful This is the Final Warning[.] To all the peoples of the world, especially in the European Union, Immediately distance yourselves [] from all American and Zionist interests, facilities, and what is affiliated with them.”
Similar attacks continued in or about March and April 2026, accompanied by videos allegedly published by AL-SAADI in which Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya claimed responsibility for the attacks. In one such attack, on or about April 12, 2026, an arson was allegedly committed against a synagogue in Skopje, North Macedonia. On or about April 16, 2026, AL-SAADI posted a video showing the site of that attack with a red target symbol and surveillance footage of the synagogue on fire, as depicted in the screenshots below with the logo of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamiya in the upper right corner of the images (circled in red):
In another attack, on or about April 29, 2026, two Jewish men—including a dual U.S.-British citizen—were stabbed and seriously injured in London, United Kingdom.
In addition, in or about April and May 2026, AL-SAADI, on behalf of Kata’ib Hizballah and the IRGC, allegedly attempted to coordinate and carry out terrorist attacks to kill individuals in the United States, including by targeting Jewish institutions in New York, New York, and elsewhere. On or about April 3, 2026, AL-SAADI spoke to an undercover law enforcement officer (“UC-1”) whom AL-SAADI believed could carry out attacks in the United States. That day, AL-SAADI texted UC-1 photographs and maps showing the exact location of a prominent Jewish synagogue located in New York, New York (the “New York Synagogue”), as well as two additional U.S.-based Jewish institutions in Los Angeles, California, and Scottsdale, Arizona, respectively, and directed UC-1 to carry out terrorist attacks against those targets. AL-SAADI also spoke on the phone with UC-1, and discussed with UC-1, with respect to the New York Synagogue, whether UC-1 would use an improvised explosive device or “set the place on fire.” Fortunately, no such attacks occurred at the time.
* * *
AL-SAADI, 32, of Iraq, has been charged with: (i) conspiring to provide material support to Kata’ib Hizballah, a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (ii) conspiring to provide material support to the IRGC, a foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison; (iii) conspiring to provide material support for acts of terrorism of attempting and conspiring to murder nationals of the United States, and bombing and conspiring to bomb a place of public use, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison; (iv) providing material support for acts of terrorism, which carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison; (v) conspiring to bomb a place of public use, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison; and (vi) attempted destruction of property by means of fire or explosive, which carries a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The statutory maximum and mandatory minimum penalties are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies, and the FBI Washington Field Office, Counterterrorism Division, as well as the assistance of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Counterterrorism Section, the Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the NYPD, and the New York State Police. Mr. Clayton also offered particular thanks to the U.S. Department of State, and in particular Ambassador Thomas Barrack and Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun.
This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey W. Coyle and Sarah L. Kushner are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorneys Paul Casey and James Donnelly of the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Houston Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge for Burglarizing ATM in Hardin CountyRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Houston, Texas, man pled guilty yesterday to burglarizing a Hardin County bank’s ATM and stealing over $48,000.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Jeremy Thompson of the Elizabethtown Police Department made the announcement.
Jesse Kayembe, 26, of Houston, Texas, and others working with him, stole a truck in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Kayembe drove the stolen truck to the WesBanco Bank in Elizabethtown, hooked it to the ATM, and drove forward, ripping open the ATM door and vault. Kayembe and another individual took the cash drawers from the ATM, resulting in a loss to the bank of over $48,000.
Kayembe pled guilty to one count of bank larceny. He is scheduled to be sentenced on September 22, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Additionally, Kayembe will be required to pay restitution.
United States Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner stated, “Across the country banks have unfortunately been the victims of numerous incidents where criminals ripped open ATMs and stole cash. These crimes cause significant economic harm and disruption to banks and their customers. Our office will simply not stand for this brazen criminality. I commend our law enforcement partners for catching this criminal.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson said, "Financial institutions are a vital part of the American way of life. When reckless criminals steal from banks to feed their personal greed, it not only causes disruption and damage to the business, but also puts bank customers and innocent bystanders in harm’s way. The FBI will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners every day to keep our communities safe."
Elizabethtown Police Chief Jeremy Thompson stated, “This conviction and sentencing is an incredible example of collaboration between local and federal law enforcement. Intelligence led policing allowed us to know the suspects were in our area committing crimes. This should send a message to criminals everywhere; crime will not be tolerated in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Louisville Field Office and the Elizabethtown Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily Lantz is prosecuting the case.
###
Homeland Security Task Force investigation leads to additional narcotics seizures, current total of more than 700 pounds of suspected cocaine with street value of $5.8 millionRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Ongoing investigation stemming from the arrest earlier this week of two Southwest Ohio relatives has led investigators to taking an additional 244 kilograms of suspected cocaine from the alleged drug traffickers.
Damian Galan, 31, of Cincinnati, and Diego Galan, 19, of Fairfield, appeared in federal court on Monday following their weekend arrests by agents with the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF). Their case was announced at that time and involved approximately 80 kilograms of cocaine.
During subsequent searches of properties, investigators discovered an additional 244 kilograms of suspected cocaine in locations near Columbus. In total, the case thus far involves 325 kilograms, or approximately 716 pounds, of narcotics. The street value of the drugs seized is more than $5.8 million dollars.
According to charging documents, the DEA Cincinnati District Office, the Cincinnati Police Department and other agencies within the Cincinnati Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) received information regarding the Galans’ potential drug trafficking throughout the Southern District of Ohio and elsewhere.
Surveillance of the men, as well as additional investigation, led law enforcement officials to locations in the Columbus area on May 9. Those involved in the organization were seen traveling in tandem to locations suspected of storing narcotics and drug proceeds.
The defendants then allegedly traveled to Diego’s residence in Fairfield, where they moved the four storage containers observed being placed in their vehicle.
Law enforcement officials executed search warrants at both Galan residences. They discovered four kilograms of suspected cocaine and a firearm at Damian Galan’s home. The search of Diego Galan’s residence recovered the storage bins – which contained approximately 77 kilograms of suspected cocaine – along with bulk cash, firearms and suspected methamphetamine.
The men were arrested in the early morning hours of May 10.
They are each charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, a federal crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio and members of the HSTF, including the DEA, Cincinnati Police Department, FBI, HSI and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office’s Regional Narcotics Unit (RENU), announced the charges. Executive Assistant United States Attorney Christy L. Muncy is representing the United States in this case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Cincinnati comprises agents and officers from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
Guatemalan National Unlawfully Residing in the United States Sentenced to Federal Prison for Traveling to Washington to Sexually Abuse a MinorRead the Press Release
EUGENE, Ore.—A Guatemalan national unlawfully residing in Culver, Oregon, was sentenced to federal prison yesterday for traveling hours across state lines to sexually abuse a minor victim.
Leonias Juber Ramos-Garcia, 26, was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release.
According to court documents, in February 2025, Ramos-Garcia gave the minor victim a note with cash and professed his affection for the minor. In March 2025, Ramos-Garcia sent sexually explicit messages to the minor victim and secured a hotel in Central Oregon where he sexually abused the victim. In April 2025, Ramos-Garcia traveled from Oregon to Washington and booked a second hotel where he again sexually abused the victim.
On November 18, 2025, Ramos-Garcia pleaded guilty to traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI, with assistance from the DEA and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. It was 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 are encouraged to contact HSI at (866) 347-2423 or submit a tip online at report.cybertip.org.
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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Assault on Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – JACOBO EDUARDO US-REAL (“US-REAL”), age 19, was sentenced on Thursday, May 7, 2026, by United States District Judge Jay C. Zainey, after previously pleading guilty to assaulting a federal officer, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 111(a)(1), announced United States Attorney David I. Courcelle.
US-REAL, who has been detained since his arrest on February 9, 2026, was sentenced to 5 months imprisonment. Once US-REAL has served his sentence, he will be deported.
According to court records, on January 14, 2026, three federal law enforcement officers of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) were conducting targeted enforcement operations in Metairie, Louisiana to apprehend removable aliens. The three ICE ERO officers are referred to herein as Officers 1, 2, and 3. Officer 1 is referred to as “M.O.V.” in the indictment.
While conducting these operations on Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie, Louisiana, Officer 1 observed a red Nissan Rogue occupied by three males pull into a parking space in the vicinity. Officer 1 observed the three males exit the vehicle and enter a nearby retail store. Officer 1 ran a computer check of the license plate on the Nissan Rogue and learned that the registered owner of the vehicle was the driver with a registration address in Kenner, Louisiana. Through further computer database checks of driver’s identifying information, Officer 1 learned that the driver is a Guatemalan citizen who was previously ordered removed from the United States by an immigration judge in 2017.
Suspecting that the Nissan Rogue contained one or more aliens unlawfully present in the United States, the officers conducted a stop to determine the immigration status of the vehicle occupants. As the stop unfolded, the officers noticed the rear passenger side passenger abruptly exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. The officers continued with the stop, with the driver and the front passenger, later identified as US-REAL, remaining in the vehicle. During the stop, US-REAL unlocked the front passenger side door and Officer 2 removed US-REAL from the vehicle. Once out of the vehicle, US-REAL began struggling with Officer 2 in an attempt to flee. Officer 2 placed US-REAL on the ground to detain him. Officer 1 moved from the driver side to the passenger side of the vehicle to assist Officer 2. Officer 1 commanded US-REAL to stop resisting in Spanish, but US-REAL continued, so Officer 1 deployed Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray. Officers 1 and 2 handcuffed US-REAL and placed him inside a government vehicle.
Officer 1 approached the government vehicle in which US-REAL was detained to render aid to US-REAL by using bottled water to decontaminate the irritant effects of the OC on US-REAL’s face. As Officer 1 opened the rear vehicle door and reached into the vehicle and attempted to apply the bottled water to US-REAL’s face, US-REAL bit Officer 1’s left middle finger. US-REAL then used his head to push against Officer 1’s chest to escape. The force of the headbutt pushed Officer 1 backwards, and US-REAL pushed his way out of the government vehicle, he repeatedly attempted to bite Officer 1 and fled on foot while still in handcuffs and ultimately escaped.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America (https://www.justice.gov/dag/media/1393746/dl?inline), 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).
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Veters and Assistant U.S. Attorney Shannon Kippers of the General Crimes Unit.