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1 September 2026
Clearfield County Resident Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Distributing Fentanyl Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – A resident of Westover, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 84 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, on his conviction of distribution of fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury or death, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines imposed the sentence on James Gill, 41, who pleaded guilty to the charge in March 2026.
According to information presented to the Court, in and around February 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Gill and co-defendant Mandi Litzinger distributed a quantity of fentanyl that resulted in serious bodily injury and death. In July 2026, a federal jury convicted Litzinger on charges of distribution of fentanyl, which the jury also determined resulted in the serious bodily injury and death of another individual, and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Litzinger is scheduled to be sentenced on November 19, 2026.
Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and Pennsylvania State Police for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Gill.
Cincinnati man pleads guilty to vandalizing Vice President Vance’s Cincinnati homeRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati man pleaded guilty in federal court here today to vandalizing Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati home.
Specifically, William D. DeFoor, 26, pleaded guilty to engaging in acts of physical violence against government officials or property and causing willful injury or depredation to property of the United States.
“Acts of violence directed against our political leaders, their families, or property, have no place in our society and will not be tolerated. Our elected leaders, at all levels of government, must be permitted to carry out their duties free from threats, vandalism, and other forms of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Perpetrators like DeFoor, who put that freedom at risk, particularly through violent, destructive actions, will, like here, be vigorously prosecuted.”
DeFoor was charged by criminal complaint and indicted by a federal grand jury in January and has remained in custody since his arrest.
According to court documents, around midnight on Jan. 5, United States Secret Service (USSS) agents observed DeFoor running along the front fence of the protected residence. DeFoor breached the property line at the driveway and attempted to break the driver’s side window of an unmarked federal law enforcement vehicle blocking the driveway entrance. DeFoor used a hammer and struck a vehicle window three times.
DeFoor refused law enforcement commands to stop and drop the weapon. DeFoor ignored all commands and began to use the hammer to break large, historic glass windows across the front of the protected residence. DeFoor’s hammer strikes also caused damage to the enhanced security assets on each window owned by the United States government and valued at approximately $28,000.
The defendant then attempted to flee on foot and was detained by USSS agents and Cincinnati police officers.
Engaging in acts of physical violence against government officials or property and causing willful injury or depredation to property of the United States are each federal crimes punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Rees, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Cincinnati Police Acting Chief Adam Hennie announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. Executive Assistant United States Attorney Christy L. Muncy is representing the United States in this case.
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Cape Cod Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Federal Child Sexual Exploitation Crimes in WyomingRead the Press Release
CHEYENNE, Wyo. Kenneth Charles Trenholm, 36, of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, was sentenced today to 30 years in federal prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for two counts of sexual exploitation of a child. U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson imposed the sentence in Cheyenne.
The sentence follows a multiagency investigation into peer-to-peer file sharing and the online extortion of minors. According to court documents, investigators initially traced illicit digital downloads to a lodging facility in Douglas, Wyoming. A subsequent report involving the digital exploitation of a 13-year-old victim enabled law enforcement to identify and arrest Trenholm.
According to court documents, Trenholm used digital communication platforms to solicit illicit materials from several minors and groom them to produce sexually explicit content. He then utilized threats of distribution to coerce a victim to send further explicit content.
“The damage done by these crimes is devastating, and a court sentence cannot undo it. However, today’s judgment makes it certain that child abusers will face full accountability,” said U.S. Attorney Darin Smith. "We owe a great deal to the victim's family for their courage, and to the officers who worked tirelessly on this case."
The case was investigated by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Assistant U.S. Attorney Mackenzie R. Morrison prosecuted the case.
Butler Man Sentenced to Four Years of Prison for Threatening to Assault and Murder President Trump, Other U.S. Officials, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement AgentsRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Butler, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to four years of imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for his conviction on charges related to his threats to assault and murder United States President Donald J. Trump, other United States officials, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
United States District Judge W. Scott Hardy imposed the sentence on Shawn Monper, 33. Monper pleaded guilty in April to two counts of threatening to assault and murder United States officials and federal law enforcement officers with the intent to impede, intimidate, interfere with, and retaliate against the officials and agents on account of, and while engaged in, the performance of official duties. As part of his plea agreement, Monper also accepted responsibility for the other counts for which he was charged.
“The United States Attorney’s Office and law enforcement within this district take threats against public servants and law enforcement very seriously,” said United States Attorney Rivetti. “The speed with which Monper was identified, charged, arrested, and detained before he had the opportunity to act on his violent threats demonstrates our joint commitment to protecting those who serve our country. The sentence imposed not only ensures that Monper will be in prison and under judicial supervision for years to come, but also sends a strong message to deter others from making such threats.”
“Serious offenses will be met with serious consequences. Today’s sentencing proves anyone threatening elected officials and law enforcement will not be able to hide behind a profile name,” said FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec. “When speech crosses a line into threats, FBI Pittsburgh and our partners will use every available resource to track down those responsible and hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
According to information presented to the Court, on April 8, 2025, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Threat Operations Section received an emergency disclosure regarding threats posted to YouTube by user “Mr Satan.” A subsequent federal investigation confirmed that the internet activity associated with “Mr Satan” corresponded with Monper’s residence in the Western District of Pennsylvania and revealed that Monper sought and obtained a firearms permit shortly following President Trump’s inauguration. In February 2025, Monper commented using his “Mr Satan” account: “I have bought several guns and been stocking up on ammo since Trump got in office.” Further, in March 2025, Monper commented using his account: “Eventually im going to do a mass shooting.” One week later, Monper commented: “I have been buying 1 gun a month since the election, body armor, and ammo.”
Investigators determined that Monper posted several threatening statements regarding President Trump, other United States officials, and ICE agents during the period between January 15, 2025, and April 5, 2025, including, in February: “Nah, we just need to start killing people, Trump, Elon, all the heads of agencies Trump appointed, and anyone who stands in the way;” in early March: “im going to assassinate him myself” during a YouTube video titled “Live: Trump’s address to Congress;” in mid-March: “ICE are terrorist people, we need to start killing them;” and then, in early April: “If I see an armed ice agent, I will consider it a domestic terrorist, and an active shooter and open fire on them.”
In imposing sentence, Judge Hardy described Monper’s actions as “extremely serious criminal conduct” and stated that the sentence demonstrates that “such conduct will not be tolerated and will be answered with serious consequences.”
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna prosecuted this case on behalf of the United States.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Butler Township Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Monper.
Barre Woman Sentenced for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Barre woman was sentenced on Aug. 28, 2026 in federal court in Worcester for stealing over $100,000 in Social Security benefits.
Jennifer Valley, 51, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman to one day of prison deemed served and three years of supervised release with 10 months of home confinement. Valley was also ordered to pay $100,218 in restitution. In May 2026, Valley pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money after being charged in April 2026.
From October 2022 through August 2025, Valley stole approximately $100,218 in Social Security retirement benefits that were intended for a beneficiary who had died and with whom she had previously lived. Prior to the beneficiary’s death, Valley had been appointed as the beneficiary’s representative payee to manage their Social Security benefits and provide regular accountings to the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Valley failed to report the beneficiary’s death to SSA. Instead, in June 2023, she submitted a representative payee report to SSA stating that all the benefits received during the previous 12 months had been spent for the benefit of the deceased, including $23,157 in funds improperly paid after death during that period. Additionally, in December 2023, Valley updated the deceased’s mailing address with SSA to her new address to conceal the beneficiary’s death.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Amy Connelly, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Nagelberg of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
On March 26, 2026, United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the creation of the Benefit & Voter Fraud Team, a district-wide initiative established in response to the rampant fraud being uncovered across Massachusetts. Members of the public are encouraged to report suspected benefit fraud in Massachusetts by calling 1-855-SCAM-MA-1 (855-722-6621).
On April 7, 2026, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The Fraud Division is investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within federal benefit programs.
Baltimore Man Sentenced in HSTF Drug-Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal judge sentenced a Baltimore man, today, for his role in a drug-trafficking organization (DTO) operating in a Baltimore open-air drug market.
U.S. District Judge Brendan A. Hurson sentenced Damon Toogood, 47, to 57 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Law enforcement learned about Toogood’s connection to the DTO while conducting a federal Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) drug investigation.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
According to Toogood’s guilty plea, in December 2024, law enforcement began investigating suspected narcotics trafficking and narcotics sales on a West Baltimore block. Investigators identified this block as an open-air drug market, with vehicles stopping to make narcotics purchases from dealers on the street and subsequently driving off.
Then in April 2025, investigators started making controlled purchases of fentanyl from the narcotics dealers on the block. One individual was later identified as Toogood. During the investigation, law enforcement observed Toogood repeatedly interacting with other street-level dealers on the block and making numerous suspected narcotics sales. Between March 19, and May 21, investigators made approximately 10 undercover purchases from the open-air drug market on the block. Law enforcement received approximately 790 gel caps, containing more than 124 grams of fentanyl.
As an example, on April 15, an undercover police officer went to the block to make a controlled purchase of narcotics. After arriving, the undercover officer exited his vehicle and approached Toogood. The undercover officer requested 50 gel caps, so Toogood went to another individual on the street to collect a baggie containing gel caps of narcotics.
Toogood then handed the undercover officer a baggie containing 50 gel caps in exchange for cash. Subsequent forensic analysis showed the gel caps contained more than 15 grams of fentanyl. Then on April 22, the undercover officer returned to the block to make another controlled purchase.
After arriving, the undercover officer approached Toogood about purchasing 50 gel caps. Toogood walked down the block to another individual to obtain a baggie containing the gel caps. Toogood, thereafter, handed the undercover officer a baggie containing the gel caps for cash. The gel caps later tested positive for 14.3 grams of fentanyl. Law enforcement conducted an additional three controlled purchases on April 29, May 7, and May 21. During these controlled buys, the undercover officer purchased 100 gel caps each time in exchange for cash. The 300 gel caps tested positive for a total of 84.3 grams of fentanyl.
This prosecution is part of the HSTF initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Baltimore is comprised of agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); the United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the District of Maryland; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); the United States Marshals Service (USMS); the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA (W/B HIDTA); the Maryland State Police (MSP); the Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD) with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and BPD for their work in the investigation, along with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, for its valuable assistance. Ms. Hayes also thanked Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Rigney who is prosecuting this federal case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md.
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Babb man pleads guilty to child sex abuseRead the Press Release
GREAT FALLS – A Babb man who sexually abused a child admitted to the charge Monday, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Bradley Dale Evans, 49, pleaded guilty to one count of abusive sexual contact. Evans faces up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Jan. 14, 2027. Evans remained in custody pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that between January 2020 and June 2024 Evans sexually abused a child under the age of 12 in a home near Babb.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Hendricks is prosecuting the case. The FBI conducted the investigation.
American citizen who worked as an agent for the PRC sentenced to two years in prisonRead the Press Release
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Thomas Weir Pauken II, 51, an American citizen who lived and worked in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), was sentenced today to two years in prison for acting as an agent of a foreign government within the United State.
“Thomas Pauken knowingly assisted a foreign adversary in actively subverting the government of the United States for his own financial gain,” said Theophani K. Stamos, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This was not an isolated act; Pauken continued his course of conduct to aid China for seven years. It is unconscionable that an American citizen would not only undermine the interests of the United States, but also facilitate others in doing so.”
“Pauken exploited his U.S. citizenship and corresponding ability to travel to the U.S. without restriction in order to support Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) operations, recruiting, and gathering of sensitive information from potential assets,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Pauken betrayed his country for money. The National Security Division is committed to holding accountable anyone who aids or abets Chinese espionage efforts.”
“Thomas Pauken admitted to working at the direction of China’s Ministry of State Security to attempt to infiltrate U.S. political circles while also providing new recruitment targets for his Chinese handlers,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “This case illustrates the lengths to which the Chinese Communist Party will go to undermine our democratic institutions, and it also demonstrates the FBI’s resolve to defend the homeland from threats to our national security. The sentencing provides a clear warning: anyone operating as an agent of a foreign government against the U.S. will be found by the FBI and held accountable.”
According to court documents, from at least 2019 until February 2026, Pauken worked at the direction and control of people he knew worked for the PRC, including a person he met in 2017 identified as “Cathy.” Cathy provided Pauken with taskings, including meeting with potential intelligence assets, providing them with devices such as a laptop and cellphone to communicate with Cathy, providing taskings for the assets on what information was required, and providing Cathy with reports from the assets.
Pauken received at least $100,000 for his work with Cathy. Cathy also paid for Pauken to travel several times between 2019 through 2025 from China to meet with individuals in the United States who could provide Pauken, and ultimately Cathy and the MSS, with information.
Pauken worked for two other people in China whom he met in 2017 and knew as “Richard” and “William.” They told Pauken that reports he wrote for them went to Japan, but Pauken believed they worked for the PRC government.
Pauken also sold reports to a group of Chinese individuals from Wuhan who sought information about technology and the U.S. Department of Justice. The Wuhan clients wanted Pauken to find an expert to help them engage in cyber espionage.
The FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office investigated the case with the assistance of the FBI Washington Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gavin R. Tisdale the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Eli Ross of the Counterintelligence & Export Control Section of the National Security Division are prosecuting the case.
Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:26-cr-103.
American Citizen who Worked as an Agent for the PRC Sentenced to Two Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Thomas Weir Pauken II, 51, an American citizen who lived and worked in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), was sentenced today to two years in prison and 36 months of supervised release with no overseas travel for acting as an agent of a foreign government within the United States.
“Pauken exploited his U.S. citizenship and corresponding ability to travel to the U.S. without restriction in order to support Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) operations, recruiting, and gathering of sensitive information from potential assets,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Pauken betrayed his country for money. The National Security Division is committed to holding accountable anyone who aids or abets Chinese espionage efforts.”
“Thomas Pauken knowingly assisted a foreign adversary in actively subverting the government of the United States for his own financial gain,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Theophani K. Stamos for the Eastern District of Virginia. “This was not an isolated act; Pauken continued his course of conduct to aid China for seven years. It is unconscionable that an American citizen would not only undermine the interests of the United States, but also facilitate others in doing so.”
“Thomas Pauken admitted to working at the direction of China’s Ministry of State Security to attempt to infiltrate U.S. political circles while also providing new recruitment targets for his Chinese handlers,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. “This case illustrates the lengths to which the Chinese Communist Party will go to undermine our democratic institutions, and it also demonstrates the FBI’s resolve to defend the homeland from threats to our national security. The sentencing provides a clear warning: anyone operating as an agent of a foreign government against the U.S. will be found by the FBI and held accountable.”
According to court documents, from at least 2019 until February 2026, Pauken worked at the direction and control of people he knew worked for the PRC, including a person he met in 2017 identified as “Cathy.” Cathy provided Pauken with taskings, including meeting with potential intelligence assets, providing them with devices such as a laptop and cellphone to communicate with Cathy, providing taskings for the assets on what information was required, and providing Cathy with reports from the assets.
Pauken received at least $100,000 for his work with Cathy. Cathy also paid for Pauken to travel several times between 2019 through 2025 from China to meet with individuals in the United States who could provide Pauken, and ultimately Cathy and the MSS, with information.
Pauken worked for two other people in China whom he met in 2017 and knew as “Richard” and “William.” They told Pauken that reports he wrote for them went to Japan, but Pauken believed they worked for the PRC government.
Pauken also sold reports to a group of Chinese individuals from Wuhan who sought information about technology and the U.S. Department of Justice. The Wuhan clients wanted Pauken to find an expert to help them engage in cyber espionage.
The FBI’s Philadelphia Field Office investigated the case with the assistance of the FBI Washington Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gavin R. Tisdale the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Eli Ross of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence & Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
After Two Trials and Gun Convictions in Less Than Two Weeks, Philadelphia Man Sentenced to 12½ Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Arthur Thompson, 40, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to 150 months’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release by United States District Judge Karen Spencer Marston for illegally possessing guns and ammunition as a felon.
At back-to-back trials earlier this year, two federal juries convicted the defendant of separate firearms offenses.
On March 31, 2026, Thompson was convicted of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon.
As detailed in court filings and proven at trial, on December 20, 2022, two Philadelphia police officers saw the defendant commit a traffic violation and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. Thompson stopped his car, got out, tossed a loaded firearm, and ran away from the officers. After a brief foot chase, the defendant was detained and later charged locally with firearms violations.
Thompson was federally indicted in January 2025 and then charged by superseding indictment in December. He had previously been convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year and was not permitted to possess a firearm or ammunition.
On April 10, 2026, Thompson was convicted once again of possession of a firearm by a felon.
As detailed in court filings and proven at trial, on October 18, 2023, investigators with the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General’s Gun Violence Task Force (“GVTF”) carried out an operation to locate Thompson, who was the subject of an active arrest warrant. Investigators conducting surveillance on the 3000 block of North Percy Street in Philadelphia saw two people, who they believed were the defendant and his girlfriend, in a parked car, which drove away from that location a few hours later.
GVTF members maintained constant visual surveillance of the vehicle, which subsequently pulled over to drop off the female passenger. After the male drove off, investigators relayed its location and path of travel to Philadelphia Police Department (“PPD”) Highway Patrol officers, who initiated a vehicle stop. After the male driver was removed from the vehicle and positively identified as Arthur Thompson, the PPD officers arrested him on the active warrant.
GVTF investigators obtained and executed a search warrant on the vehicle, recovering a loaded 9mm handgun.
These cases were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General Gun Violence Task Force, and the Philadelphia Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert E. Eckert and Samantha A. Arena and Special Assistant United States Attorney Tracie J. Gaydos.
31 August 2026
Venezuelan Man Sentenced to Prison for Attacking CBP OfficerRead the Press Release
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey today announced that Carlos Cadena Duran, 26, a citizen of Venezuela, was sentenced by United States District Judge Robert J. Jonker to 9 months in prison for assaulting, resisting, and impeding federal officers in the performance of their official duties.
On November 26, 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers transported Cadena Duran from Detroit to the Calhoun County Jail. Although restrained, Cadena Duran managed to unbuckle his seatbelt and began banging his head, legs, and torso on the barrier between the front and back seats of the vehicle. As the officers attempted to secure Cadena Duran to prevent him from hurting himself, he threatened the officers. Cadena Duran kicked and attempted to headbutt one of the officers, then grabbed and pulled the officer’s belt buckle.
Cadena Duran first entered the United States by crossing the Texas border illegally in 2023. He was taken into DHS custody on November 21, 2025, when he was encountered by CBP officers while reentering the United States on the Ambassador Bridge. Upon completion of his sentence, he will be brought before an immigration court for removal proceedings.
U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey said, “This case provides another example of the danger our immigration officers must face every single day. My office will support their work by bringing assault charges whenever this danger escalates into violence against them.”
“CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility remains committed to supporting and protecting the law enforcement professionals who carry out CBP’s mission every day, often under challenging and unpredictable circumstances,” said Special Agent in Charge Robinson Colombini, CBP Office of Professional Responsibility. “Assaults on federal officers will not be tolerated, and OPR will continue to work closely with our federal partners to ensure these incidents are thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed. We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan and our partners for their continued commitment to pursuing accountability in cases involving violence against our law enforcement personnel.”
CBP Office of Professional Responsibility - Detroit investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Daniels prosecuted it.
Uintah County Man Sentenced to over 12 Years’ Imprisonment After Supplying Fentanyl that Resulted in DeathRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Uintah County man was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison after distributing fentanyl that caused the death of another individual.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Howard C. Nielson Jr., comes after Jerod Arthur Young, 50, of Fort Duchesne, Utah, pleaded guilty on March 26, 2026, to distribution of fentanyl. In addition to his term of imprisonment, he was ordered to serve three years of supervised release
According to court documents and statements made at Young’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on November 15, 2023, in Fort Duchesne, Young intentionally sold fentanyl to a victim for profit, which resulted in her death. During the investigation, law enforcement determined from the victim’s phone that she communicated with Young and engaged in a financial transaction with him around the time of her death. The pill near her body when she was found deceased tested positive for fentanyl, and a medical examiner determined that the cause of the victim’s death was fentanyl toxicity. As stated in court documents, Young voluntarily called law enforcement while in treatment and stated he believed he was the person that sold the victim the pills that killed her.
Young has a criminal history of drug trafficking convictions (1997, 2015, 2023), the latter of which was pending, and he was on pretrial release when he sold deadly fentanyl to the victim.
“No measure of justice can erase the loss of a life,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah. “However, we hope Young’s lengthy prison sentence sends a strong message to those who push dangerous drugs into our communities, and that it offers the victim’s family a starting point for healing after such a tragic loss.”
“Behind every fentanyl death is a loved one whose life is forever changed,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. “We will not lose sight of the human cost of this epidemic and will work with our partners to bring those who traffic this poison into our communities to justice.”
The case was investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Vernal Resident Agency.
Assistant United States Attorney Sam Pead of The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects $13,102,601 in Civil and Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2025Read the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. - U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser announced that the District of Kansas (USAO-KS) collected $13,102,601 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, $12,029,108 was collected in criminal actions and $1,073,493 was collected in civil actions.
Additionally, the USAO-KS worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $30,886 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $17,240 was collected in criminal actions and $13,646 was collected in civil actions.
U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser said, “From recovering restitution for victims to using forfeiture procedures to eliminate the capacity of criminals to function, the forfeiture and financial litigation functions of our office are central to our mission. We will use all of the powerful tools available to us to seek justice for victims and recover funds owed to the United States.”
Here are some of the significant recoveries made during FY 2025 with links to detailed case descriptions:
• Shan Hanes – recovered $8,370,553.47. A majority of the $8 million was recovered through a forfeiture of funds traced to a blockchain virtual currency address. The remaining funds are attributed to turnover of real estate sales proceeds and garnishment of accounts.
• Nagy Shehata – recovered $428,901.45. Prior to Shehata’s criminal conviction, the Asset Forfeiture Division initiated a forfeiture action against various properties, including real property owned by him and his wife in Overland Park that he purchased with crime proceeds. The property sold in May 2025, with the United States receiving $428,901.45. These funds were turned over to the District Court Clerk for payment on the restitution owed to the victim.
• Kirk and Lynn Ritter – recovered $227,567.49. The Ritters were sentenced in January 2025 to charges of wire fraud and theft of government funds. They were ordered to pay $216,067.49 in restitution, $11,000 in fines, and $400 in assessments. They voluntarily paid the restitution amount in full prior to sentencing and paid the remaining fines and assessments shortly thereafter.The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Kansas, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $34,857,365 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2025. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
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U.S. Attorneys and Department of Justice Join Departments of Transportation and Homeland Security and White House Fraud Task Force to Launch Historic Interagency Effort to Crack Down on Fraud in Trucking IndustryRead the Press Release
Eight U.S. Attorneys and the Department of Justice (DOJ) today joined Secretary Sean P. Duffy of the Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Secretary Markwayne Mullin of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — as well as Administrator Derek Barrs of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Vice Chairman Andrew Ferguson of the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud — to announce a historic interagency effort to crack down on fraud in the trucking industry. Federal officials were also joined by Marcus Coleman and his daughter Dalilah, who was critically injured in a 2024 crash with an illegal alien behind the wheel.
“The safety of American roadways affects everyone across the country,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Foreigners and illegal aliens have exploited America’s trucking industry, often putting unqualified, improperly trained, non-English speaking drivers on our highways. Some may be hauling drugs or weapons for international crimes networks. The drivers and companies that allow for this dangerous activity will no longer get a pass. The Department of Justice is proud to join federal, state, and local partners in Joint Task Force Crossroads for America to dismantle the fraud schemes harming American truckers, drivers and community safety. Together, we will prosecute culprits, and protect America’s roads.”
“USDOT has spent the last year-and-a-half strengthening the rules of the road and removing dangerous foreign drivers from our trucking industry,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “To fully root out the scourge of fraud, hold criminals accountable, and restore safety, we need the support of federal law enforcement. I am so grateful for President Trump raising the alarm on this issue, and to Vice President Vance for leading the charge to crack down on fraud nationwide. From states failing to follow the law to shady training schools and illicit companies, together we will tackle every link in the chain.”
“Thanks to the recklessness of sanctuary politicians, there is a growing and alarming trend of illegal aliens being granted commercial driver’s licenses. Many of them don’t speak English or understand the rules of the road, and yet they’re driving among us, endangering our loved ones,” said U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “As a result, far too many Americans have lost their lives because an illegal alien was behind the wheel. Under the strong leadership of President Trump, DHS and ICE are delivering on our mission to protect Americans by taking these dangerous threats OFF our roadways and getting them OUT of our country. Additionally, our partnership with the Department of Transportation will help root out CDL fraud so that illegal aliens are no longer able to obtain CDLs and put American lives at risk. The Trump Administration will ALWAYS put the American people first.”
“Here’s a basic concept: Americans have a right to feel safe on the roads their taxes pay for. Unfortunately, the previous administration disagreed and turned a blind eye to criminal enterprises that allowed drivers who couldn’t pass a basic English test to obtain a commercial driver’s license,” said White House Fraud Task Force Executive Director Scott Brady. “That ends today thanks to the leadership of Vice President Vance, who is focused on protecting American lives on our nation’s roadways.”
“Criminals who exploit our nation’s transportation systems through fraud and deception are not only breaking the law–they are putting the safety and security of the American public at risk,” said Homeland Security Investigations Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon. “HSI will bring the full weight of our investigative authorities, financial expertise and global law enforcement capabilities to this historic, whole-of-government effort. Alongside our federal partners we will aggressively pursue the individuals and criminal networks that use fraudulent documents, illicit financial schemes and other unlawful means to circumvent our laws and profit at the expense of public safety.”
The U.S. Attorneys joining Secretaries Duffy and Mullin and others to make today’s announcement were:
- U.S. Attorney Jerome Gorgon for the Eastern District of Michigan;
- U.S. Attorney Adam Mildred for the Northern District of Indiana;
- U.S. Attorney Tim Verhey for the Western District of Michigan;
- U.S. Attorney David Toepfer for the Northern District of Ohio;
- U.S. Attorney Dominick Gerace for the Southern District of Ohio;
- U.S. Attorney Tom Wheeler for the Southern District of Indiana;
- U.S. Attorney Steven Weinhoeft for the Southern District of Illinois; and
- U.S. Attorney Greg Gilmore for the Central District of Illinois.
Building on Vice President Vance’s agenda to root out fraud across the country, the coalition announced the Joint Task Force Crossroads of America — a multi-state partnership to secure our highways and strengthen border security. Partnering across federal, state, and local agencies, the Task Force will target criminal networks and fraud to reduce highway fatalities and protect Americans.
Actions Include:
DOJ
- Formation of Joint Task Force Crossroads of America to safeguard the nation’s highway system and strengthen the security of our borders.
USDOT
- Emergency removal of 110 commercial driver’s license (CDL) schools associated with more than 5,000 drivers who failed English language proficiency tests
- Launching a nationwide audit of third-party CDL skills testers and states’ oversight of the testers
- Results from 40-state investigation of additional training schools
DHS
- Synchronized single-day sweep targeting more than 200 training schools across 23 states
- Joint coordination with USDOT
- HSI and ICE updates on ongoing investigations targeting CDL-related businesses and schools
This unprecedented interagency campaign represents the Trump Administration's most aggressive effort in history to root out fraud, waste, and abuse in trucking. By aligning USDOT’s regulatory authorities with federal law enforcement operations, the administration is taking aggressive action to safeguard American roads against unqualified and unvetted illegal truckers.
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OPERATIONS
Today, the Department of Justice is announcing the formation of the Joint Task Force Crossroads of America. This multi-state Task Force is being formed to safeguard the nation’s highway system and strengthen the security of our borders. The Task Force teams up the United States Attorney’s Offices in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio with our state and local enforcement, prosecutors, and federal partners including the Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, FBI, DEA, HSI, ICE, and ATF.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION OPERATIONS
In the past year-and-a-half, USDOT has knocked over 28,000 drivers off our roads for failing to speak English, forced states to cancel over 30,000 licenses illegally issued to foreign drivers, and purged over 8,000 unqualified training schools from our FMCSA registry. In July, the Department announced a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to further crack down on fraudulent and illegal practices in CDL schools.
Today, FMCSA announced three enforcement actions to stop fraudulent commercial driver training and testing practices that have allowed drivers not proficient in English to operate commercial vehicles.
Action I: The Emergency Removal of Training Providers
FMCSA reviewed roadside inspection records for commercial drivers cited for not meeting English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements. The agency then compared those drivers with records in the Training Provider Registry (TPR) to identify training providers that repeatedly certified drivers who did not meet federal qualification standards.
FMCSA will now execute the emergency removal of more than 110 Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) providers from the TPR. These providers must immediately cease all operations as a training provider, including administering curricula, utilizing facilities for instruction, and conducting behind-the-wheel training.
Action II: Performing Targeted Investigations and Proposing Removals
In July, FMCSA sent 175 investigators in 40 states to conduct nearly 400 investigations of ELDT providers. The investigations uncovered several serious cases of non-compliance:
- Inadequate Space: The range did not have adequate space to complete necessary maneuvers.
- Unlicensed Instructors: The instructor did not have the correct license to conduct the training.
- Missing Documentation: The facility did not maintain records of any assessments.
- Fraudulent Classrooms: The training provider claimed their classroom was inside of a school bus in the back of a trailer when asked about where their classroom instruction took place.
These targeted efforts resulted in more than 160 notices of proposed removals from FMCSA’s TPR. Drivers certified by these 160+ ELDT providers are linked to 239 commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities.
Action III: Conducting a Nationwide Audit of Third-Party Skills Testers
CDL skills tests must be given in English, yet more than 28,000 drivers have been placed out of service for ELP violations since June 2025, showing clear compliance failures among third-party testers and a failure by states to conduct effective oversight of the third-party testers.
FMCSA can hold states accountable for authorizing testers who fail federal requirements. If a state’s CDL program is non-compliant, the following process applies:
- Annual Program Review: FMCSA conducts a yearly review of each state's CDL program.
- Preliminary Finding: If deficiencies are found, FMCSA issues a formal notification of noncompliance to the state's Governor and State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA).
- State's Response Window: The state has 30 days to create a mutually agreed-upon Corrective Action Plan (CAP) detailing how it will fix the issues.
- Final Determination & Consequences: If the state fails to correct the problems, FMCSA issues a final determination of substantial noncompliance. This triggers a mandatory withholding of federal highway funds, starting at up to 4% in the first year and increasing to 8% for each subsequent year of noncompliance.
- Decertification: For serious issues, FMCSA may begin the decertification process. A decertified state cannot issue, renew, transfer, or upgrade any CDLs.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY OPERATIONS
HSI, in conjunction with U.S. Attorney Office and U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is leading a national criminal investigation initiative targeting public safety vulnerabilities and criminal activity in the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and commercial trucking sector. The initiative focuses on CDL fraud, unauthorized employment, identity-document fraud, financial crime, money laundering, labor exploitation, and potential links to human smuggling, drug trafficking, and cartel activity.
HSI activity includes:
- On August 31, 2026, HSI will conduct a synchronized surge at more than 200 driving schools across 23 Special Agent in Charge offices, targeting CDL-related businesses, schools, carriers, and employers. This surge will consist in the service of Notice of Inspections across 23 states.
- HSI, in coordination with USDOT FMCSA and USDOT OIG, disseminated over 1,000 CDL-related business leads stemming from known or suspect business engaged in unsafe practices on the roadways and transportation-sector exploitation.
- Field offices have issued more than 80 Notices of Inspection, opened multiple investigations, and identified indicators of fraudulent CDL issuance, unauthorized employment, identity fraud, shell companies, and broader transportation-sector exploitation.
Ongoing HSI Investigations include:
- Unauthorized Employment: HSI is investigating a trucking company suspected of using B1/B2 visa holders for domestic cargo transport. To date, three drivers have been arrested and several firearms seized.
- DMV Employee CDL Fraud: HSI is investigating state motor vehicle employees suspected of accepting payments to help illegal aliens bypass driver’s license and CDL requirements. Investigators have arrested numerous subjects for official misconduct and misappropriation of state identification documents.
- Fatality-Linked I-9 Enforcement: HSI investigated a freight company linked to the fatality of a state law enforcement officer.
- CDL Medical Certification Fraud: HSI and USDOT-OIG are investigating medical practitioners suspected of improperly certifying medical exams required for illegal aliens to obtain CDLs.
- Labor Exploitation: HSI is investigating companies exploiting visa holders, engaging in visa fraud, labor exploitation, financial crimes, and drug trafficking associated with CDL businesses.
Planned and ongoing Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) field activity includes:
- Miami Field Office: Coordinating a joint operation during the week of August 24 with Florida DOT, FMCSA, and the Office of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement.
- Chicago Field Office: Coordinating a joint operation with Indiana State Police from August 25-27 focused on weigh stations and including ERO/DOT officers.
- National Surge Operation: ERO anticipates conducting a nationwide surge operation on August 31, focusing on Maine, Michigan, and Wisconsin by coordinating a joint enforcement and inspection response with USDOT, leveraging both ERO officers and FMCSA-certified inspectors to conduct commercial vehicle enforcement activity and inspection checkpoints at separate locations.
ERO is also conducting national and field-level enforcement efforts related to CDL holders and commercial transportation activity, including:
- Operation ICE Wall: A multi-stage enforcement operation targeting trucking companies and drivers with final orders, prior removals, or reinstatements of prior removal orders.
- Operation Guardrail: An initiative focused on illegal aliens holding commercial driver’s licenses.
- Operation Freightliner: An ERO Public Safety and Partnership Division-led operation across ERO areas of responsibility with active 287(g) partners. This operation uses an intergovernmental approach, coordinating with federal and 287(g) partners to locate, interdict, and identify aliens operating commercial vehicles in violation of the law.
The Task Force seeks to enhance roadway safety; reduce fatalities, serious injuries, and criminal activity; deter illegal trucking practices; promote consistent, data‑driven enforcement strategies across jurisdictions; and hold accountable those who would harm the United States and its citizens.
Six Indicted After Homeland Security Task Force InvestigationRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Six individuals have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.
Brandon A. McAfee, 40, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Arthelle McClain, 70; Joe F. Fuller, Jr., 44; Shelia M. M. Gordon, 64; Anthony S. S. Conaway, 48; and Marshall D. Jackson, 49, of Kansas City, Mo., were charged in a 16-count indictment that was returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo. on Aug. 25, 2026. That indictment was unsealed and made public last week with arrests and initial court appearances for five of the defendants.
The federal indictment alleges the defendants conspired with one another to distribute fentanyl and cocaine between November 2025 and August 2026.
Jackson is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Investigators recovered approximately 3,533 grams of cocaine, 1,555 grams of fentanyl, 1,049 grams of carfentanil and fentanyl, 237 grams of unknown pills, 555 grams of MDMB-4EN-Pinica, 55 grams of diphenidine, 364 grams of marijuana, 198 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol, and phencyclidine during last week’s arrest operation. Additionally, investigators recovered nine total firearms, one of which had an obliterated serial number, another was stolen, and one was equipped with a machinegun conversion device, also known as a “switch.”
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Jennings. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force, the Saint Joseph Police Department, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Homeland Security Task Force
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
Sauk County Woman Sentenced to Prison for Straw Purchasing FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jade McClaren, 42, Rock Springs, Wisconsin, was sentenced last week by U.S. District Judge William Conley to one year and one day in federal prison for lying on a form during the purchase of a firearm. McClaren pleaded guilty to this charge on April 20, 2026.
“Straw purchasing” is when a gun buyer lies to a firearms dealer to purchase a gun for someone else. Most often straw purchases occur either because the straw buyer can pass the required background check and the actual buyer cannot, or because the actual buyer wants to avoid having their name associated with the gun transaction. Straw purchasing is a serious threat to public safety because it undermines background check laws and contributes to the illegal gun market.
On June 2, 2026, McClaren purchased a handgun from a gun store purporting to be the actual purchaser of the handgun. She later admitted that she was really purchasing the handgun for Brandon Bent, an individual she knew could not legally purchase a firearm. Bent has been charged in Sauk County with first degree intentional homicide. The case against him remains pending and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
At McClaren’s sentencing, Judge Conley agreed with the government’s argument that this was the worst-case and most tragic outcome of a straw purchase. Judge Conley found that McClaren knew Bent was a danger and she still made the decision to buy a gun for him. Judge Conley concluded that the sentence must reflect the consequences of the straw purchase and sentenced McClaren to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
“Straw purchasing of firearms puts guns into the hands of people who are prohibited from owning them, increasing the risk of violent crime. It also undermines community safety by making it harder for law enforcement to track and prevent illegal firearm trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Elgersma. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with ATF and local law enforcement to reduce gun violence by holding accountable not only those who use firearms during crimes, but also those who illegally supply guns to offenders.”
The charge against McClaren was the result of an investigation conducted by the Lake Delton Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, which is comprised of agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.
Federal prosecutions by the U.S. Department of Justice involving drugs and guns are part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe.
Ohio State University Agrees to $2.1M Settlement to Resolve Allegations that it Failed to Disclose Employees’ Ties to the People’s Republic of China in Applications for Federal Research FundingRead the Press Release
Ohio State University (OSU), a public university in Columbus, Ohio, has agreed to pay a total of $2,100,000 to resolve civil allegations that it failed to disclose OSU employees’ affiliations with and support from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in connection with federal research funding.
“American universities that benefit from the federal government’s support for scientific research and advancement must fully disclose all foreign funding in their grant applications,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department's Civil Division. “We will continue to hold accountable any university that fails to comply with disclosure requirements designed to protect research security and federally-funded scientific achievements.”
“Together with the Department of Justice and NASA, we have secured a major financial recovery on behalf of the American public,” said Robert Steinau, Senior Official at the NASA Office of Inspector General. “The settlement and accompanying compliance agreement send a clear message: We will not tolerate institutions that conceal foreign ties and compromise national security. Our cutting-edge research must not fall into the hands of our adversaries.”
“The National Science Foundation invests billions of taxpayer dollars each year in research that advances American innovation and national security, providing a substantial portion to support America’s colleges and universities,” said Acting Inspector General Megan E. Wallace of the National Science Foundation. “Federal agencies rely on grant recipients, including colleges and universities, to fully disclose their funding sources and personnel commitments, including foreign support. When recipients fail to make those disclosures, they undermine the integrity of the federal grant process and can put taxpayer dollars and U.S. research interests at risk. The NSF Office of Inspector General is committed to protecting the nation’s investment in science and technology by detecting and preventing fraud and holding recipients accountable for meeting their obligations. We thank the Justice Department’s Civil Division and our investigative partners for their work in protecting federally funded research.”
This settlement relates to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and National Science Foundation (NSF) grants that provided funding to OSU from November 2012 to August 2023. In the funding application process, NASA and NSF required OSU to disclose, among other things, foreign government support received by any principal investigator (PI) or co-PI on the grant application. Further, since 2011, federal law prohibits the use of grant funds for collaborations with the PRC, PRC Universities, or any PRC-owned companies. The settlement resolves allegations that OSU failed to disclose the collaboration and affiliation with, or funding received from, the PRC by certain OSU employees working on NASA and NSF grants. Specifically, the settlement resolves allegations that since 2014, annual Faculty Activity Reports submitted to OSU identified affiliations with PRC universities and state-run research organizations, but OSU did not disclose this information to NASA or NSF. In addition, OSU learned in 2019 that a PI on NASA grants was a participant in a Thousand Talents Program, a program established by the PRC to recruit individuals with knowledge or access to foreign technology intellectual property, but OSU did not notify NASA or NSF until four years later in 2023. The United States identified additional OSU employees who worked on those grants and were affiliated with, or collaborated with, or received funding from, the PRC.
This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, NASA OIG, NSF OIG, and the FBI.
The matter was handled by Fraud Section Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Reimer. Investigative support was provided by NASA OIG, NSF OIG, and the FBI.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
New York Judge Blocks State of New York’s Unconstitutional Climate Superfund ActRead the Press Release
Note, the press release has been updated to include a quote from the Associate Attorney General.
Today, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York ruled that the State of New York may not impose strict liability on energy companies for their alleged contributions to global greenhouse gas emissions. In 2024, New York enacted the “Climate Change Superfund Act,” which purported to impose billions of dollars on domestic and foreign energy companies that extract fossil fuels or refine crude oil. A coalition of states and trade organizations sued, alleging that the Act is preempted by the federal Clean Air Act and by the federal foreign affairs power, and that the Act violates the Constitution. After the case was consolidated with a suit filed by a different coalition of trade organizations, the Justice Department filed a statement of interest and presented oral argument in support of the plaintiffs. The court agreed that the New York Climate Change Superfund Act is preempted by the Clean Air Act and by the federal foreign affairs power, and the court held that the Climate Act is invalid.
“The court held that federal law preempts New York’s attempt to regulate global environmental concerns, marking a significant step in advancing President Trump’s energy agenda and lowering energy prices for Americans,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “We will continue to fight to uphold the rule of law, unleash American energy, and protect our national security.”
“The Department of Justice is delivering on President Trump’s order to protect American energy from state overreach,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “New York’s law would have expropriated $75 billion from energy companies around the world during an energy emergency and in direct defiance of American foreign policy and federal law. We will continue to fight for affordable, reliable energy for all Americans.”
President Trump directed the Attorney General to take action to stop the enforcement of state laws that unreasonably burden domestic energy development so that energy will once again be reliable and affordable for all Americans. The Justice Department’s support in this case advances President Trump’s directive in Executive Order 14260, Protecting American Energy from State Overreach.
The government has also filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York challenging the same expropriative Climate Change Superfund Act. And the government has filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Vermont challenging Vermont’s Climate Superfund Act, which seeks to recover an unspecified amount from the same energy companies targeted by the New York Act. In those suits, the government alleges that the New York Climate Change Superfund Act and the Vermont Climate Superfund Act are preempted by the federal Clean Air Act and by the federal foreign affairs power, and that they violate the U.S. Constitution. The Justice Department seeks a declaration that these state laws are unconstitutional and an injunction against their enforcement.
Missouri man who had methamphetamine in rental car sentenced to prisonRead the Press Release
TOPEKA, KAN. – A Missouri man was sentenced to 240 months in prison for transporting methamphetamine across state lines.
According to court documents, Jason James Jones, 39, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
In May 2023, a Geary County Sheriff’s deputy stopped Jones while he was driving a rental car through Kansas. During a search, law enforcement found what was later confirmed by a laboratory to be 2.2 kilograms of methamphetamine. Jones admitted he was taking the methamphetamine to Missouri with the intention of distributing it.
“Drug trafficking creates a significant threat to public safety. A recent study by the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area indicates that methamphetamine has upended fentanyl as the number one contributor to violent crime and property crime in the region,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “The 2026 HIDTA Threat Assessment also showed most of the methamphetamine coming in is produced in Mexico and brought by people driving privately owned vehicles.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Geary County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham prosecuted the case.
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Maryland Union Leader Convicted of Defrauding Union to Enrich HerselfRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Greenbelt, Maryland, convicted the former president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) local 2419 union, Kimberly Goodwin, 54, of Bowie, Maryland, of participating in a wire fraud conspiracy and eight counts of money laundering.
“Kimberly Goodwin was a union leader entrusted to safeguard finances and represent the interests of dues-paying members, but instead led a scheme to steal from them and convert the money for personal use. This was a substantial betrayal of the trust of hard-working Americans,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The Criminal Division is proud to partner with the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General to uncover this fraud and prosecute those involved, including Goodwin, who led the conspiracy and held a union leadership position.”
“Kimberly Goodwin abused her position of trust as a union president to steal nearly $1 million from the very members she was elected to represent, funneling their money to a sham consulting company for services that were never rendered,” said Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. “This conviction, along with the earlier conviction of her co-conspirator, sends a clear message that those who exploit their fiduciary responsibility to union members for personal enrichment will be held accountable.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Goodwin served as the president of the AFGE local 2419 union from January 2017 to August 2019. At the time of her service, the union represented approximately 500 federal employees of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As part of the fraud scheme, under Goodwin’s authority, the union transferred approximately $1 million received from NIH from multiple employee grievance lawsuits into the local 2419 bank account. She then used her power as signatory of the union bank account – which she retained as part of her scheme to defraud the union even after her tenure as president had expired in 2019 – to transfer the money to a sham consulting company that she owned. Through a series of bank and wire transfers and cash withdrawals, she transferred approximately $1 million to her own account between 2019 and 2022 for services that were never provided by her consulting firm, or whose invoiced value far exceeded the true value of the service rendered.
As shown at trial, Goodwin also secretly instituted new rules to the local 2419 bylaws that allowed her sham consulting firm to receive illegitimate payment for claimed work on union issues such as training, contract negotiations and collective bargaining. Indeed, evidence presented at trial established that there had not even been a meeting of local 2419 since 2020, and that local 2419 ran out of money and went into receivership in 2022. Evidence also showed that, while she controlled the union’s bank account, Goodwin spent union money for personal shopping including a $7,400 massage chair and other personal expenditures.
Goodwin is the second defendant convicted in this case. Goodwin’s co-conspirator, the Secretary-Treasurer of AFGE Local 2419, Kelleigh Williams, was convicted in 2025 of wire fraud conspiracy for her part in the fraud scheme.
The Department of Labor Office of Inspector General National Capital Region Office of Investigations and the Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Ben Tonkin and Vincent J. Falvo of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section are prosecuting the case.
Manchester Man Sentenced to a Decade in Federal Prison for Fentanyl and Cocaine TraffickingRead the Press Release
CONCORD – A Manchester resident was sentenced today in federal court for distributing over 3.7 kilograms of fentanyl and possessing with intent to distribute 1.2 kilograms of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Erin Creegan announces.
Xavier Santana, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Paul J. Barbadoro to 120 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release. On May 20, 2026, Santana pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing at least 400 grams of fentanyl, three counts of distributing at least 50 grams of fentanyl, and one count of possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of cocaine.
“Working with our law enforcement partners, we took a large-volume fentanyl dealer off the streets,” said U.S. Attorney Creegan. “Fentanyl has devastated communities across the country, and this sentence reflects the severity of the defendant’s crimes. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to hold drug traffickers accountable.”
“Removing a large-scale fentanyl trafficker like Xavier Santana from our streets—and sending him to prison for the next decade—is a decisive victory for the people of New Hampshire,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division. “If you think you can profit from poisoning our communities, think again. The FBI and our partners will track you down, shut you down, and put you behind bars. We will not tolerate the criminals driving the opioid crisis. Our mission is to protect our families, and we will not back down.”
According to public records and statements made in court, in late 2024, law enforcement learned that the defendant was selling drugs. The FBI conducted a series of controlled buys of drugs from Santana, first with a confidential source. The source purchased about 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl from Santana. The FBI then had an undercover officer participate in additional controlled buys of fentanyl from Santana totaling over 2.5 kilograms. Sometimes law enforcement was able to purchase a half-kilogram of fentanyl at a time. In July 2025, law enforcement searched the defendant’s residence and found over 1.2 kilograms of cocaine in Santana’s bedroom.
The FBI’s Major Offender Task Force led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander S. Chen and Cesar A. Vega prosecuted the case.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF New Hampshire comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, IRS, DEA, ATF, USMS, and DSS with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire.
Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Attempting to Pay Teenage Girls for SexRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Jose De Jesus Anguiano of San Diego was sentenced in federal court today to 168 months in prison plus 10 years of supervised release for coercing or attempting to coerce at least four children, ages 13 to 17, to engage in sexual activity in exchange for money, marijuana, or alcohol.
Anguiano pleaded guilty on February 24, 2026, to one count of Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. According to his plea agreement, Anguiano also admitted similar conduct with three other minors, including that from at least April 28, 2022, through August 29, 2024, he repeatedly solicited minors for sex and on at least one occasion raped a 14-year-old girl after agreeing to meet with her to provide her with marijuana.
As a part of his scheme, Anguiano would insert himself into the youth population through social media, offering to be underage girls’ hookup for “weed,” “booze” and money.
Anguiano’s conduct came to the attention of the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force when, on August 29, 2024, he himself brazenly called the police. Anguiano had arranged to meet with a minor for sex in an alley. When Anguiano arrived, the minor’s trafficker held Anguiano up at gun point in an attempted carjacking. Anguiano then dialed 911 for help from the San Diego Police Department. When officers arrived on scene, they quickly put together the facts and called in the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force.
“There’s an irony in a child predator calling the cops on another criminal,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, “But more important is the justice this sentence serves. It’s a clear reminder to predators that the law is not your shield or your weapon. The law belongs to the victims.”
“This sentence proves that combating the trafficking and exploitation of children remains an utmost priority for my team and me at the California Department of Justice,” said Attorney Rob General Bonta. “Crimes against children will never be tolerated in California, and I remain dedicated to holding perpetrators of child exploitation accountable. I am grateful for the hard work of my team in the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force that made securing this prison sentence possible.”
In the government’s sentencing memo, prosecutors noted that Anguiano “had become so brazen in his criminal acts that he had no hesitation of harassing children into having sex with him, over several years, attempting to recruit friends or siblings, photographing one victim behind a police car, and calling the police on another victim whose trafficker car-jacked him when he arrived in an alley to pay for sex with the minor.”
The mother of one of the victims submitted a statement to the court explaining that, “Sexual assault does not simply end when the assault is over. The effects can continue long after the physical event has ended. It can affect a survivor’s ability to trust, their sense of safety, their relationships, their emotional well-being, and the way they see themselves and the world around them.”
At the end of her statement, the mother wrote that Anguiano “did not get to take away my daughter’s future. You hurt her. You violated her trust. You changed her. You changed me. You changed our family. You forced us to make decisions we never should have had to make…. But you did not take away her ability to heal…. [She] is still here. She is loved. She is supported. She is healing.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndzie M. Carter and Derek Ko.
If you believe you or someone you know has been a victim of human trafficking, investigators ask that you contact the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
DEFENDANT Case Number 25cr01293-BJC
Jose De Jesus Anguiano
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Coercion and Enticement of a Minor, 18 U.S.C., Section 2422
Maximum penalty: Life imprisonment with a 10-year mandatory minimum; $250,000 fine
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES
San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force
San Diego Police Department
Chula Vista Police Department
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Homeland Security Investigations
The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force is a cooperative effort involving the California Department of Justice, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, National City Police Department, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Probation Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego Police Department, Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Special Victims Unit. Formed in April 2025, the SVU is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving sex trafficking and child exploitation, civil rights, and labor trafficking. The SVU oversees the Southern District of California liaisons to the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and Project Safe Childhood
Life Sentence for Wilmington Kidnapper and Murderer Affirmed on AppealRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. – On August 27, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit summarily affirmed the conviction and life sentence of Kimon Burton-Roberson, 32, of Wilmington, for a brutal, gang-related kidnapping and murder.
Burton-Roberson, a member of the Shotgun Crips street gang, pleaded guilty in December 2024 to conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and Chief U.S. District Judge Colm F. Connolly sentenced him to life in prison in December 2025. The Third Circuit’s decision ensures that Burton-Roberson will spend the remainder of his life in federal custody.
According to court documents and trial evidence, Burton-Roberson and several gangmates invaded the home of a 35-year-old Wilmington resident in July 2021. The gang beat and bound the victim, and drove him across state lines to Yeadon, Pennsylvania, where Burton-Roberson executed him with an assault rifle before attempting to destroy forensic evidence.
“Kimon Burton-Roberson stole a man’s life in a brutal act of gang violence,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace. “We are gratified by the decision of the Third Circuit, which, we hope, will bring closure to the victim’s family and broader community. This now-final life sentence is a message to Delaware’s street gangs: gang violence can strip you of your freedom for life, and where justice requires that outcome, we will fight for it until the final bell.”
“Protecting our communities, crushing violent crime, and holding dangerous offenders accountable are some of the FBI’s highest priorities. This decision reaffirms gang violence will be severely punished,” said FBI Baltimore Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul.
“I am proud of the work of our police officers and our partner agencies, who worked collaboratively to deliver justice on behalf of the victim in this case,” said Wilmington Police Major Andrea Janvier, who oversees investigative operations for the agency. “We also appreciate the efforts of our partners at the United States Attorney's Office, who worked tirelessly to ensure the defendant received the harshest penalty possible.”
The investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force, alongside the Wilmington Police Department, the Yeadon Borough Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and Delaware Probation and Parole.
U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace defended the conviction and sentence on appeal. The case was prosecuted in the District Court by U.S. Attorney Wallace and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle L. Morgan and Kevin P. Pierce.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 22-CR-17-CFC.
Justice Department Secures Denaturalization of Convicted Rapist from IndiaRead the Press Release
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York entered judgment revoking the naturalization of convicted rapist Gurmeet Singh.
“American citizenship is not a shield for criminals,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Gurmeet Singh, a convicted rapist from India, is no longer a U.S. citizen. He concealed a rape and kidnapping during the naturalization process, and a federal court has now revoked his citizenship. This Department took this case across the finish line, and we will continue to move expeditiously on denaturalization referrals. Fraudulently obtained citizenship will not protect criminals from justice.”
“Singh unlawfully obtained the privileges of U.S. citizenship by concealing horrible criminal acts,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department will continue to protect the integrity of the citizenship process and hold accountable those who defraud our immigration system.”
“The Court’s judgment, which requires the defendant to surrender his wrongfully obtained citizenship, sends a strong message to those who obtain citizenship through deceit, and demonstrates the Administration’s resolve to pursue denaturalization proceedings in all cases permitted by law and supported by the evidence,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr for the Eastern District of New York.
A native of India, Singh entered the United States in February 1992 as a visitor for a temporary period not to exceed six months. He then remained in the United States without authorization for years until a family-based immigrant visa petition allowed him to become a permanent resident in June 2000.
In May 2011 — mere weeks before he filed his application to naturalize as a U.S. citizen — Singh, a taxicab driver at the time, drove a female passenger who fell asleep during her ride home to a location with no witnesses. When his passenger awoke, she found Singh on top of her with a knife against her throat. He threatened her, bound and gagged her, blindfolded her, removed her clothes, and raped her. Afterwards, the victim escaped from the cab and ran to someone in the streets at dawn for help.
Singh concealed these acts throughout his naturalization proceedings, leading to his becoming a U.S. citizen on Oct. 19, 2011. After naturalizing, Singh was convicted in New York of Rape in the First Degree and Kidnapping in the Second Degree as a Sexually Motivated Felony and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
The Aug. 26 order revoking Singh’s naturalization follows a complaint the Justice Department filed on Feb. 2.
This case was prosecuted by Trial Attorney Christopher Lyerla of the Civil Division’s Office of Immigration Litigation and Assistant U.S. Attorney Layaliza Soloveichik for the Eastern District of New York.
Jeannette Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening to Murder Federal Law Enforcement OfficersRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Jeannette, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court to making threats to murder U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents, and a special agent and two task force officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced.
Dale Ankney, 72, pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Christy Criswell Wiegand to three counts of retaliating against federal law enforcement officers by threat.
In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that a review of Ankney’s publicly available social media account revealed posts in which Ankney advocated acts of violence against federal law enforcement, specifically, ICE and IRS agents. On June 17, 2026, an FBI special agent and two FBI task force officers attempted an interview of Ankney at his residence. After displaying FBI credentials, identifying themselves as associated with the FBI, and indicating that they wanted to speak to Ankney regarding his threatening statements online, Ankney became agitated and instructed the FBI to leave, including telling the agents “I will cap your ass.” as they returned to their vehicle. The following day, the FBI arrested Ankney at his residence on a federal criminal complaint. Ankney waived his rights and clarified that “cap” meant that he was threatening to shoot the FBI. In conjunction with the arrest, the FBI executed a federal search warrant upon Ankney’s residence, from which they seized 21 firearms, two firearm silencers, firearm magazines, and ammunition.
Judge Wiegand scheduled Ankney’s sentencing for January 7, 2027. The law provides for a maximum total sentence on each count of up to 10 years in prison, 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, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant United States Attorney Brendan J. McKenna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the United States.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration conducted the investigation that led to the prosecution of Ankney.
Incarcerated Ambridge Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Machinegun and is Sentenced to Five Years of PrisonRead the Press Release
PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A resident of Ambridge, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty in federal court on August 27, 2026, to one count of possession of a machinegun and was sentenced to 60 months of incarceration on his conviction, United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.
Senior United States District Judge David S. Cercone imposed the sentence on Nasean Hunt, 21.
According to information presented to the Court, on July 9, 2023, Hunt was found in possession of a loaded Glock 17 pistol equipped with a “switch” or auto-sear that rendered the semi-automatic handgun capable of fully automatic fire. Hunt had gunshot residue on his hands at the time of his apprehension. Hunt is already serving a sentence of 15 to 40 years of imprisonment for a conviction in Beaver County for conspiracy to commit murder of the third degree in connection with his possession of the machinegun on this date. Hunt’s federal sentence will run concurrently with the sentence he currently is serving.
Assistant United States Attorney Barbara K. Doolittle prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ambridge Borough Police Department, and the Beaver County Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Hunt.
Illegal Alien Indicted in Marriage-Related Immigration FraudRead the Press Release
RALEIGH, N.C. - On August 25, a federal grand jury indicted Miguel Angel Olivera‑Borda, 38, a Peruvian national illegally present in the United States, after reviewing evidence presented by federal prosecutors. The indictment alleges that Olivera‑Borda knowingly made false statements in his application to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States, a process that requires applicants to provide accurate information about their personal history and marital status. Prosecutors further allege that Olivera‑Borda falsely claimed in 2026 that he continued to reside with his United States citizen wife, even though the couple allegedly separated in 2020 and never re‑established a bona fide marital relationship.
If convicted, Olivera-Borda faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison. Ellis Boyle, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina, made the announcement. Homeland Security Investigations is investigating the case.
A copy of this press release is located on our website. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No. 5:26-CR-169-FL-BM.
An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Huntington Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Cecil Monroe Bowman, 72, of Huntington, pleaded guilty today to possession with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 2, 2026, law enforcement officers had an arrest warrant for Bowman and encountered him with a vehicle in a Huntington gas station parking lot. A K9 unit alerted to the vehicle, and officers seized a quantity of a methamphetamine mixture from the vehicle during a subsequent search.
Bowman is scheduled to be sentenced on December 14, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.
At the time of this offense, Bowman was serving a term of supervised release following his conviction for possession with the intent to distribute heroin in United States District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia on June 28, 2021.
United States Attorney Moore Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Huntington Violent Crime and Drug Task Force and the Huntington Police Department.
United States District Judge Robert C. Chambers presided over the hearing. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Taylor is prosecuting the case.
A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia. Related court documents and information can be found on PACER by searching for Case No. 3:26-cr-69.
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Felon Who Pulled Gun During Altercation Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
Edward Hankerson, age 40, from Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced today to five years in federal prison, after an April 17, 2026, guilty plea to Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Domestic Violence Misdemeanant.
Evidence in the case revealed Hankerson’s criminal possession of a firearm was discovered on September 24, 2025, when law enforcement responded to a report of two individuals fighting outside of a mini mart. When law enforcement arrived, the parties had left the area. During the investigation, officers obtained surveillance footage of the incident which showed that Hankerson pulled a gun from his waistband and pointed it at the other individual. However, the magazine had fallen out of the gun when Hankerson drew it from his waistband, so when he attempted to fire the gun, it did not discharge. Hankerson then pistol-whipped the victim before leaving the scene on foot. A short time later, law enforcement observed Hankerson leaving his residence where he was taken into custody. Hankerson admitted to the altercation and pulling the firearm on the individual.
Hankerson’s criminal history includes convictions for possession of a controlled substance, operating while intoxicated as well as two convictions for domestic battery causing bodily harm.
Hankerson was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand to 60 months’ imprisonment. He must also serve a 3-year term of supervised release after the prison term. There is no parole in the federal system.
Hankerson is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Sioux City, Iowa Police Department and the United States Department of Justice’s Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Forde Fairchild.
Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.
The case file number is 25-4070.
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Dunnellon Man Arrested for Threatening Communications to the NAACPRead the Press Release
Ocala, Florida – Jeremiah James Schwier (47, Dunnellon) has been arrested and charged by criminal complaint with interstate transmission of a threat to injure. If convicted, Schwier faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement.
According to the complaint, between April and May 2026, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) received approximately 60 telephone calls from phone numbers that were later determined to be associated with Schwier. Those calls were sexual in nature and used inflammatory language. On May 20, 2026, a caller with a similar voice told NAACP staff that he would walk into their office with an “AK 57, or whatever you call those things.” By August 2026, the NAACP received 14 similar calls threatening to kill former President Obama and the NAACP President and Chief Executive Officer. Federal investigators obtained Schwier’s cellphone records and confirmed that Schwier had made the calls to the specific NAACP phone number that had received the threats. The records also confirmed that the timing of numerous calls placed by Schwier were generally consistent with the threats received by the NAACP.
Investigators arrested Schwier on August 26, 2026. He has been detained pending the resolution of the criminal case.
A criminal complaint is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of the federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Angela M. Palacios.
Crawfordville Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
Tallahassee, Florida – Anthony Wayne Lanier, 33, of Crawfordville, Florida was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to Attempted Enticement of a Minor and Attempted Transmission of Obscene Material to a Minor. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case demonstrates the kinds of threats our kids face online from predators, like this defendant, who seek to sexually exploit and victimize them. Thankfully, our excellent state and federal law enforcement officers are committed to tracking down those offenders wherever they lurk, and my office is aggressively prosecuting these cases to keep them locked behind bars and away from our kids.”
Court documents reflect that on November 20, 2025, the defendant communicated online with an individual he believed to be a child, but was actually an undercover law enforcement officer. The defendant repeatedly asked the child to send inappropriate photos, asked to commit sexual acts on the child and her friend, and sent a picture of his genitalia. The defendant then drove to an agreed upon location where he believed he would be meeting the child, but he was instead arrested by law enforcement upon arriving. Once he is released from prison, Lanier will be on supervised release for a twenty-year term.
The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Tallahassee Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.
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 and led by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Divisions Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), it 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.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Convicted Felon in Medford Charged with Possessing Firearms, Silencers, and a Destructive DeviceRead the Press Release
MEDFORD, Ore.—A federal grand jury in Medford returned an indictment charging a Medford, Oregon, man with possessing nine firearms while being a convicted felon, possessing unregistered firearms silencers, and possessing an unregistered destructive device.
Michael Scott Beugli, 32, appeared in court today to be arraigned on a superseding indictment and to seek release. Beugli pleaded not guilty and was detained pending trial.
According to court documents, on February 24, 2026, a witness saw Beugli throwing firearms out of his residence in Medford, Oregon. Beugli is a convicted felon not allowed to possess firearms. Beugli fled the premises, and law enforcement located nine guns and additional homemade silencers at Beugli’s residence.
About a month after this incident, Beugli sent threatening messages to the witness. On March 25, 2026, ATF responded to an explosive device detonating in a car at the witness’s residence. Beugli was located nearby in a home with similar devices and explosive materials. Beugli had not registered any silencers or destructive devices with ATF as required by law.
Beugli made his initial appearance in federal court on August 17, 2026, before a U.S. magistrate judge. He was arraigned on the one count indictment charging felon in possession of a firearm, pleaded not guilty, and ordered detained pending a jury trial scheduled to begin on September 28, 2026.
If convicted, Michael Beugli faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, 3 years’ supervised release, and a fine of $250,000.
U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms is investigating the case in coordination with the Medford Police Department, the Jackson County Sherrif’s Office, the Ashland Police Department, and the Oregon State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara T. Shaw is prosecuting the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
An indictment is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Convicted Felon Fraud Promoter Sentenced to Federal Prison for Scheme Involving $6.5 Million in Stolen ChecksRead the Press Release
ATLANTA - Shamarri Tache Brooks, a multi-convicted felon and rapper, was sentenced to federal prison for a fraud scheme involving thousands of checks stolen from the mail.
“In addition to personally committing bank fraud, Brooks brazenly marketed and sold fraud tutorials and trafficked thousands of stolen checks worth millions of dollars. Thankfully, Brooks’s ineptitude matched his boldness—his efforts to negotiate the checks failed, sparing his victims from any known loss,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “Although Brooks sought to teach his followers how to commit fraud, the real lesson here is that crime does not pay. We will catch you, and you will go to prison—even if your scheme is unsuccessful.”
“This defendant built a criminal enterprise around stealing checks, exploiting bank accounts, and teaching others how to commit fraud. His actions put millions of dollars at risk and victimized individuals and financial institutions across our community,” said Marlo Graham, Special Agent in a Charge of FBI Atlanta. “This sentence reflects the serious consequences of turning fraud into a business, and the FBI and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue those who profit from stealing from others.”
“The sentencing in this case brings the defendant to justice for facilitating a scheme that stole thousands of checks worth millions of dollars,” said Special Agent in Charge Kyle A. Myles, of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General (FDIC OIG), Atlanta Region. “The FDIC OIG remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold those who commit financial crimes accountable, as we seek to preserve the integrity of the Nation’s financial system and protect depositors.”
“The defendant’s brazen criminal conduct disrupted the lives of countless victims and, by sharing his fraud techniques with others for a fee on social media, he created even more victims,” said Rob Donovan, U.S. Secret Service Atlanta Field Office. “Brooks’s sentence is the reflection of the severity of his crimes and is the result of the cooperation of our local and federal law enforcement partners. We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the dedicated men and women of each of the agencies involved to bring this case to the appropriate end – the defendant in prison.”
“Brooks’s sentencing sends a clear signal to fraudsters that bank fraud and mail theft will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ulrich of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “Our special agents, in collaboration with our federal and local law enforcement partners, are committed to thoroughly investigate these federal crimes to protect the sanctity of the U.S. Mail and maintain the integrity of these essential services.”
According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the indictment, and other information presented in court: From at least January 2022 through November 2025, Brooks committed bank fraud by negotiating checks stolen from the mail. As part of the scheme, Brooks used social media to recruit individuals with existing bank accounts to use as depository accounts for stolen checks. Brooks altered the stolen checks to list the cooperating accountholders as the intended recipients or payees of the checks. Brooks deposited altered checks at ATMs throughout the Atlanta area, often wearing balaclava-style masks with a logo stating “No Free Sauce.”
Brooks also promoted and sold tutorials for committing various forms of financial fraud, including check fraud. He sold a collection of these tutorials under the name “Sauce Book” or “SB.” Brooks also sold images of stolen checks, referred to as “slips,” as a part of his fraud business.
Although Brooks and his associates stole checks with a combined face value of $6,574,288, law enforcement recovered many of these checks from Brooks’s home, and there is no evidence that Brooks succeeded in negotiating the remainder.
On August 27, 2026, Shamarri Tache Brooks, a/k/a Juney Knotzz, 34, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was sentenced to six years in prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. On May 7, 2026, Brooks pleaded guilty to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft. His lengthy criminal history includes convictions for drug trafficking, weapon possession, obstruction of law enforcement, and battery.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General. The Dunwoody Police Department and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration provided valuable assistance in the investigation.
To protect yourself from becoming the victim of mail theft and check fraud, law enforcement recommends the following steps:
- Pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Do not leave mail in your mailbox overnight or for long periods of time.
- If you are heading out of town, submit a USPS Hold Mail™ request asking your local Post Office to hold your mail until you return.
- Sign up for Informed Delivery® at USPS.com to receive daily email notifications of incoming mail and packages.
- Contact the sender if you do not receive a check, credit card or other valuable mail you are expecting.
- Consider buying and using security envelopes to conceal the contents of your mail.
- When mailing checks or other important mail use Signature Confirmation™ for the intended recipient.
- Use the letter slots inside your local Post Office to send mail.
- When using checks, educate yourself about the steps you can take to prevent fraudsters from exploiting stolen checks, such as setting up positive pay with your financial institution.
If you think you were targeted by fraudsters, file a report with your bank and request copies of all fraudulent checks. If you believe you are the victim of mail theft-related check fraud, report to your local police, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General at https://hotlineform.uspsoig.gov/en-US/Hotline or the United States Postal Inspection Service at uspis.gov/report or (877) 876-2455.
Assistant United States Attorney Jessica C. Morris prosecuted the case.
For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6185. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.
Capitol Hill Armed Robber Gets 16.5 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – Dereon Butler, 19, of Washington, D.C., was sentenced to 16.5 years in prison after pleading guilty to his participation in an armed robbery spree that occurred in December 2024, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“This defendant was just 17 years old when he and his co-conspirators drove into a Capitol Hill neighborhood and deliberately targeted innocent residents to rob,” said U.S. Attorney Pirro. “In all, eight people were held at gunpoint and ten were stripped of their valuables. This kind of violent conduct has no place in our community, and today, he is being held fully accountable.”
Butler pleaded guilty in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, on June 4, 2026, to three counts of armed robbery. At the time of the offenses, Butler was charged as an adult pursuant to Title 16. Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur ordered Butler to serve the prison term to be followed by five years of supervised release.
According to the government’s evidence, early in the morning, on December 2, 2024, Butler and his co-conspirators drove two stolen vehicles, a gray Kia Sorento and a red Lexus sedan, to a Capitol Hill neighborhood with plans to locate and target commuting pedestrians to rob them at gunpoint. In all, ten different unsuspecting pedestrians were approached, throughout numerous locations, and eight had a firearm brandished at them. These victims were robbed of their wallets, purses, cell phones, and other personal belongings. Butler fled the scene before police arrived.
He was arrested on July 22, 2025, and has been in custody since.
Joining in the announcement was Interim Chief Jeffery Carroll of the Metropolitan Police Department.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Pirro and Interim Chief Carroll commended the work of those who investigated the case from the Metropolitan Police Department. They also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Levy, who prosecuted the case.
2025 CF3 008425
Burlington, Vermont Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Trafficking Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
RUTLAND – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Vermont stated that on August 27, 2026, Christopher Dezotelle, 43, most recently of Burlington, Vermont, was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary Kay Lanthier to a term of 72 months’ imprisonment to be followed by a 4-year term of supervised release. Dezotelle previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute cocaine base and 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to court records, Dezotelle, a life-long Vermonter with an extensive criminal history, conspired to distribute narcotics around Burlington, Vermont, between May 2024 and June 2024. A confidential informant working with law enforcement made recorded controlled purchases from Dezotelle and his coconspirator during law enforcement’s investigation. These sales involved fentanyl and cocaine base. The investigation culminated in a search of Apartment 3 at 95 Grant Street in Burlington. Inside the apartment, law enforcement found approximately 259 grams of fentanyl, 92 grams of powder cocaine, 22 grams of cocaine base, and smaller amounts of other controlled substances, including methamphetamine. Law enforcement also seized $4,406 in cash.
First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the collaborative investigatory efforts of the Burlington Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua L. Banker. Dezotelle was represented by Chandler Matson, Esq.
Aunt and U.S. Airman Nephew Arrested in Immigration Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An aunt and nephew from Colorado were arrested over the weekend for their involvement in an immigration fraud scheme.
Myra Paule Schulenburg, 46, was charged by a federal grand jury with conspiracy to commit immigration fraud. Her nephew, John Paule Rivera, 30, was charged with conspiracy to commit immigration fraud, making false statements under oath on immigration documents, making false statements to a federal agency, unlawfully procuring citizenship, and misuse of citizenship evidence.
Schulenburg, a Colorado resident, was born a citizen and national of the Philippines and later became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Rivera entered the United States on a J1 exchange visitor visa in March 2017. A few months later, Schulenburg submitted a petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) claiming to be Rivera’s mother so he could become a lawful permanent resident (commonly known as having a “green card”). They attached an altered birth certificate from the Philippines as proof of their relationship. The petition and altered birth certificate were submitted to the USCIS National Benefits Center in Lee’s Summit, Mo. to be processed. Schulenburg’s petition was approved and Rivera became a lawful permanent resident.
After becoming a lawful permanent resident, Rivera joined the U.S. Air Force. He would not have been able to join the Air Force if not for his fraudulently obtained lawful permanent resident status. Because he was serving in the Air Force, Rivera was able to apply to become a naturalized U.S. citizen without having to wait the amount of time usually required. Rivera applied to become a naturalized U.S. citizen while stationed at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. In his application, Rivera specifically denied ever giving any U.S. Government officials information or documentation that was false, fraudulent, or misleading, or lying to them to gain immigration benefits while in the United States. He signed that application for naturalization under penalty of perjury and submitted it to the USCIS National Benefits Center in Lee’s Summit to be processed. With that false testimony, Rivera’s application was approved and he became a U.S, citizen upon taking the naturalization oath on Oct. 11, 2022, in Springfield, Mo.
After becoming a U.S. citizen, Rivera submitted a petition with USCIS on behalf of his actual mother so she could become a lawful permanent resident. He attached his authentic birth certificate from the Philippines as proof of their relationship. That petition and birth certificate were submitted to the USCIS National Benefits Center in Lee’s Summit to be processed. Rivera’s petition was flagged and resulted in the investigation that led to these arrests.
The charges contained in the indictment are simply accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury who will be responsible for determining whether the defendants are guilty or not.
Under federal statutes, Schulenburg is subject to a sentence of up to five years in prison on the conspiracy charge. Rivera is subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison on some of the immigration charges and faces the possibility of being denaturalized. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Michael J. Nichols. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office – Homeland Security Investigations, the USCIS National Benefits Center, and the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations.
Area Political Consultant Pleads Guilty to Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that William F. Dunbar Sr., 42, of Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, entered a plea of guilty this afternoon before United States District Judge Kelley Brisbon Hodge to two counts of tax evasion, one count of making and subscribing a false tax return, and one count of aiding and assisting the presentation of false tax returns.
Dunbar was charged with those offenses by information, arising from his evading the assessment of taxes and filing of six years of false returns for himself and Person #1.
As detailed in court filings and statements, the defendant, a political consultant, has owned and operated Dunbar Public Affairs & Associates (“DPAA”), a political consulting firm in Philadelphia, from 2022 to the present.
For each of the tax years 2019 through 2024, Dunbar annually prepared and filed federal and state individual income tax returns for himself and Person #1, his spouse, through TurboTax, the online tax preparation service. Each of the tax returns contained a written declaration that it was made under the penalties of perjury. However, each of the tax returns contained material falsehoods.
In particular, Dunbar grossly and falsely inflated the gifts to charity on both his and Person #1’s returns and grossly and falsely inflated the business expenses on his returns. He did so for the purpose of evading the assessment of taxes as the false charitable gifts and business expenses eliminated, or substantially reduced, the tax liability on both his and Person #1’s returns and, in most years, generated tax refunds for them.
The stipulated total tax loss to the United States from the false returns for defendant Dunbar and Person #1 from 2019 through 2024 was between $350,000 and $750,000.
The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on January 11 and faces a maximum possible term of 16 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine. Full restitution also may be ordered.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the FBI and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen.
Another out-of-state man heads to federal prison after cross-country narcotics dealRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 52-year-old Michigan man has been ordered to federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute 14 kilograms of cocaine.
Jose Taurus Burks pleaded guilty March 31, 2025.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has ordered Burks to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
On May 9, 2023, Walter Lee Houze drove a Volkswagen Tiguan to the Border Patrol checkpoint in Sarita. Burks was in the passenger seat. Authorities referred the vehicle to secondary inspection where a K-9 alerted to its rear cargo area.
A search revealed 14.26 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside a black suitcase intermingled with clothing and laundry detergent beads belonging to Houze.
Burks admitted he was going to be paid to travel from Michigan to assist Houze in purchasing and transporting cocaine from Hidalgo County.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Houze, 61, of Chesterfield, Michigan, was sentenced Aug. 12, 2025, to 10 years in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell prosecuted the case.
28 August 2026
Wisconsin Man Charged in Federal Court with Possessing Child Pornography on International Flight to ChicagoRead the Press Release
CHICAGO — A Wisconsin man was charged today in federal court with possessing child pornography on a flight from Tanzania to Chicago.
ECA BARUANI, 36, of Green Bay, Wisc., possessed videos of child pornography on his cell phone when he flew from the United Republic of Tanzania to O’Hare International Airport in Chicago on Thursday, according to a criminal complaint filed today in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Upon arrival at O’Hare, Baruani was selected for secondary customs inspection by United States Customs and Border Protection, the complaint states. After observing what appeared to be images of child pornography on Baruani’s cell phone, CBP officers handed the phone to Homeland Security Investigations special agents for a manual search, the complaint states. HSI agents searched the phone and discovered multiple videos of prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct with adults, the complaint states. Baruani was taken into custody.
The complaint charges Baruani with one count of possession of child pornography. The charge is punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Baruani was expected to make an initial appearance on Friday afternoon in federal court in Chicago.
The complaint was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Matthew Scarpino, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago office of HSI. The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Pope.
The public is reminded that a complaint is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If you believe you are a victim of sexual exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by logging on to www.missingkids.com or by calling 1-800-843-5678. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
baruani_complaint.pdfWest Sacramento Man Sentenced to over 4 Years in Prison for Being a Felon with a GunRead the Press Release
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Richard Lee Dazo, 40, of West Sacramento, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Daniel J. Calabretta to four years and three months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced.
According to court documents, on Aug. 13, 2024, law enforcement officers conducted a probation search of Dazo and his motel room. A firearm was in plain view on the bed. Although Dazo claimed it was fake; it was identified as a CO2 -powered pellet gun designed to resemble a 357 magnum revolver and loaded with four 357 rounds of magnum ammunition and two rounds of .38 special ammunition. Nearby was a knife handle with metal knuckles and an automatic-release blade. A purse-style bag in the room contained separate baggies of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin. Under the bed, officers found a loaded Remington 870 12-gauge shotgun with a 16-inch barrel, along with additional shotgun shells.
Dazo is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition due to prior felony convictions. This is his third conviction for being a felon with a firearm. Dazo pleaded guilty on Dec. 4, 2025.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the West Sacramento Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew De Moura and Assistant U.S. Attorney Caily Nelson prosecuted the case.
This case is also part of the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney program, a partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local District Attorney’s Offices. These attorneys remain employed by the District Attorney’s Offices but work on federal investigations and can prosecute cases in both state and federal court, strengthening efforts to combat transnational organized crime and violent crime in the region. Currently, the District Attorney’s Offices of Fresno, Sacramento, Stanislaus, and Yolo Counties are participating. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt De Moura serves as a Deputy District Attorney in Yolo County.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Warden Teacher Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
Spokane, Washington – First Assistant United States Attorney Pete Serrano announced that on August 26, 2026, Andrea Lee Campos-Hernandez, age 26, was sentenced to 180 months in prison for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice also imposed a 10-year term of supervised release to follow the prison term, as well as imposing a $10,000 special assessment pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act (AVAA), and a $5,000 special assessment pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
According to court documents, Campos-Hernandez pleaded guilty to producing child pornography in connection with her sexual abuse of a 13-year old boy from February 2021 to July 2022. Campos-Hernandez took pictures and recorded video of the two of them engaged in sexual intercourse and sent the minor victim pictures of herself partially nude and in underwear. In an emotional statement to the Court, the mother of the victim told Judge Rice, “One of the most painful memories I carry is hearing my son cry alone in his room in the middle of the night. I did not know what was going through his mind or how deeply he was hurting because he could not bring himself to talk about it.”
“Today I am speaking because you no longer get to control my voice,” the victim said at sentencing to Campos-Hernandez. “You took away parts of my childhood that I will never get back.” The victim’s sister asked the Court for a sentence that “sends a clear message that every child deserves the same protection, compassion, and justice, regardless of the gender of the victim or offender.”
“The sentence imposed in this case sends a clear message to anyone seeking to harm the children of our community,” said Serrano. “As a teacher, every family entrusted their children to Ms. Campos-Hernandez. Her violation of that sacred trust extended by each family and each student places her victimization on another level. Although not seen as often, female sexual offenders exist, and justice demands they be treated the same as their male counterparts.”
"As children return to school, we are especially reminded what a consequential role teachers play in the lives of students,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “Andrea Lee Campos-Hernandez violated her responsibility to protect and enrich this young person by taking advantage of both her position of trust and a family friendship to inflict lasting harm on a child. I commend the courage of the victim who stepped forward to tell his story, as well as the investigators and prosecutors who hold child predators like Ms. Campos-Hernandez accountable."
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Warden Police Department. The Grant County Prosecutor’s Office prosecuted Campos-Hernandez on the related state crimes, eventually participating in a global resolution of both the state and federal charges. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ann T. Wick.
2:24-cr-00082-TOR
Walmart Agrees to Pay $50 Million for Illegally Filling Unlawful Opioid PrescriptionsRead the Press Release
Note, the press release has been updated to include a quote from DEA Assistant Administrator Cheri Oz.
The Justice Department, together with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), today announced a $50 million settlement with Walmart Inc. (Walmart) to resolve allegations that Walmart pharmacies illegally filled thousands of invalid prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances in violation of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
“Today’s settlement proves this Department is committed to putting Americans’ flourishing first,” said Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward. “Congress enacted laws to promote responsibility and accountability for companies who dispense controlled substances to protect Americans. This Department will never shy away from vigorously enforcing pharmacies’ obligations to comply with those protections, ensuring that potential profits never justify aiding our Nation’s opioid epidemic.”
“This $50 million settlement makes clear that pharmacies have a responsibility to identify and prevent the unlawful dispensing of controlled substances,” said DEA Assistant Administrator Cheri Oz. “Filling illegitimate opioid prescriptions puts patients and communities at risk and undermines the safeguards designed to prevent the diversion and misuse of potentially addictive medications. This settlement addresses past conduct while establishing clear compliance obligations designed to strengthen safeguards and help prevent these failures from happening again.”
The government’s complaint — filed on Dec. 22, 2020, and amended in 2022 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware — alleged that since June 26, 2013, Walmart filled invalid prescriptions through the knowing actions of individuals on its compliance team and the knowing actions of its pharmacists. The United States alleged that members of Walmart’s compliance team knew that certain prescribers were operating as “pill mills” but filled invalid prescriptions written by those prescribers anyway. Members of the compliance team allegedly knew of the prescribers’ egregious conduct because Walmart’s own pharmacists reported the conduct to Walmart’s corporate compliance team, including through thousands of “refusal-to-fill” forms. The compliance team, however, prioritized other goals over CSA compliance. As one director on the compliance team acknowledged in an email, rather than analyzing the refusal-to-fill reports, the compliance team viewed “[d]riving sales and patient awareness,” as “a far better use of our Market Directors and Market manger’s time.”
Walmart pharmacists also allegedly filled prescriptions they knew were invalid. The pharmacists knew these prescriptions were invalid because they were either written by a known “pill mill” prescriber or the prescriptions had obvious red flags such as dangerous combinations of opioids, “cocktails” of opioids and non-opioids, excessively repeated fills of high-dosages of often-abused opioids, or repeated requests for early fills of often-abused controlled substances.
In addition to the monetary payment announced today, Walmart has entered into a memorandum of agreement with DEA to address its future obligations in dispensing controlled substances. This agreement requires Walmart to establish a hotline for both employees and patients to report suspected illegal dispensing of controlled substances, proactively monitor the dispensing patterns of its pharmacies to identify and address potentially illegal dispensing, and establish a process to evaluate prescribers suspected of illegal prescribing.
The United States is represented in this matter by attorneys from the Justice Department’s Civil Division Enforcement & Affirmative Litigation Branch (Trial Attorneys Katherine Ho, Kathleen Brunson, and Meredith Reiter), as well as from the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Delaware (Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dylan Steinberg and Elizabeth Vieya), Eastern District of North Carolina (Andrew Kasper), Middle District of Florida (Carolyn Tapie), Eastern District of New York (Elliot Schachner). Former Enforcement & Affirmative Litigation Branch Investigator Amanda Graf provided support for this matter.
Additional information about the Enforcement & Affirmative Litigation Branch and its enforcement efforts can be found at https://www.justice.gov/civil/enforcement-affirmative-litigation-branch.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.
Walker County Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Prison for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – A Walker County man has been sentenced for committing child exploitation crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Phillip W. Williams Jr.
U.S. District Court Judge Annmarie C. Axon sentenced Larry King, II, 29, of Quinton, Alabama, to 600 months in prison followed by a life term of supervised release. In March, King pleaded guilty to attempted sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography.
“Protecting children and aggressively prosecuting those who seek to exploit them is a top priority of my office,” said U.S. Attorney Williams. “This 50-year sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct and ensures he will spend decades in prison, where he will no longer have the opportunity to prey upon our most vulnerable – our children. I commend our prosecutors, and the agents with HSI and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency for their dedication to investigate and prosecute these horrific crimes and hold the defendants accountable.”
“Crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children are among the most disturbing and damaging offenses HSI investigates,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “This 50-year sentence sends a clear message that those who prey on children, trade in child sexual abuse material, or use online platforms to exploit minors will be identified, investigated, and brought to justice. HSI is proud to stand with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and all our law enforcement partners in the continued fight to protect children and hold offenders accountable.”
According to the plea agreement, on March 19, 2024, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Snapchat, a social media provider, reported to NCMEC that King had shared an image of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). During the investigation, ALEA learned King was at a residence in Quinton, so on May 9, 2024, ALEA executed a search warrant on that residence. The agents seized King’s cell phone and Xbox gaming system. A forensic examination of King’s cell phone revealed 798 images and 988 videos of CSAM.
Agents also discovered Telegram chats between King and a minor female. In the chats, King attempted to purchase videos of child pornography from the minor and sent $15 to the minor’s CashApp account. King did not receive the requested video although the payment was made. There were other Telegram chats between King and a second individual that related to King’s purchase of Mega links containing suspected CSAM. Additionally, a Snapchat conversation of a sexual nature was located between King and a presumed 16-year-old female.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
If you suspect or become aware of the possible sexual exploitation of a child, please contact law enforcement. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) or online at www.cybertipline.org.
Homeland Security Investigations, Birmingham, investigated the case along with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Assistant United States Attorneys R. Leann White and Sara Judah prosecuted the case.
United States Extradites to Chile One of Its Most Wanted Fugitives – An Alleged Tren de Aragua Leader Charged in Chile with Criminal Association, Extortion, and Kidnapping Resulting in HomicideRead the Press Release
Venezuelan national and illegal alien Rafael Enrique Gamez Salas, 40, has been extradited from the United States to Chile, at the request of the Government of Chile, so that he may be prosecuted on seven charges stemming from his alleged role as a leader of “Los Piratas,” the primary Chilean cell of the Venezuelan transnational criminal organization Tren de Aragua (TdA).
Chile accuses Gamez Salas, who was surrendered to Chilean authorities on Thursday, of directing multiple extortions and kidnappings on behalf of TdA, one of which resulted in the highly publicized murder of a former Venezuelan military officer. This extradition brings Gamez Salas, who also has criminal convictions in the United States for human smuggling and illegal reentry after deportation, one step closer to facing justice in Chile after illegally attempting to seek refuge in the United States.
“The United States is not a safe haven for dangerous criminal aliens,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Rafael Enrique Gamez Salas should never have been in our country in the first place, but under the Biden administration, open-border policies left the doors wide open, and hundreds of suspected and convicted Tren de Aragua terrorists poured into this country. Gamez Salas’s extradition is evidence of the strong cooperation with our Chilean partners to combat transnational crime, dismantle foreign terrorist organizations like Tren de Aragua, and hold members accountable for their heinous criminal acts.”
“At the time of TdA leader Rafael Enrique Gamez Salas’s arrest on the Chilean extradition charges, he was finishing a sentence here for illegal re-entry into the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Instead of deporting him to Venezuela, which does not extradite its own nationals, he now will be sent to Chile to face charges there that include murder, kidnapping, and extortion. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs worked extensively with Chilean authorities to extradite this defendant and ensure that another violent, illegal alien who came here unlawfully will be punished for breaking our laws and then go to Chile to face the charges levied there. When governments work cross borders together, all communities benefit and become more safe.”
“Thanks to the previous administration’s open borders, a murderous terrorist was allowed to enter our country,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “I commend our law enforcement partners in the United States and Chile for removing this criminal, who will hopefully never see the outside of a prison again.”
Gamez Salas, also known as “Adrian Rafael Gamez Finol” and “Turko,” is accused of overseeing the criminal activities of Los Piratas in Chile. According to Chilean authorities, he planned and coordinated kidnappings, homicides, extortions and other offenses on behalf of the TdA affiliate, which included instructing subordinates to obtain necessary resources to execute the offenses and ensuring that financial resources generated for Los Piratas were transferred abroad. Chile sought Gamez Salas’s extradition so that he may stand trial for one count of criminal association, two counts of extortion, two counts of unjustified firearm discharge, one count of kidnapping resulting in homicide and one count of kidnapping for extortion, arising from separate crimes against multiple victims.
Chile alleges, among other things, that Gamez Salas, acting under the supervision of senior TdA leadership, directed and planned the February 2024 kidnapping and murder in Santiago, Chile, of a former Lieutenant in the Venezuelan military.
According to Chile, members of Los Piratas arrived at the victim’s apartment building in the middle of the night armed with firearms and in a car equipped with a blue light in an apparent attempt to impersonate officers of the Chilean Investigative Police. After using a battering ram to force entry into the victim’s apartment, the perpetrators handcuffed the victim and forcibly removed him from the building and into a car.
Around one week later, in response to a tip from a witness, authorities discovered the victim’s body by drilling into the concrete floor of a makeshift dwelling in a housing development elsewhere in Santiago, Chile. The victim’s body was found covered in lime, concealed inside a suitcase, buried in concrete more than three feet deep and sealed beneath a concrete slab.
An autopsy determined that the victim’s cause of death was asphyxia due to hanging, and the victim’s body showed signs of suspension by the upper extremities, lesions consistent with torture and partial postmortem dismemberment. Testimony obtained in the Chilean investigation revealed that the victim’s kidnapping and murder was allegedly ordered by leaders of TdA and directed to be paid for from outside of Chile.
Additionally, in an intercepted conversation, Gamez Salas allegedly told other Los Piratas members that he had been assigned “from above” the task of coordinating and executing the crime.
In support of its other charges against Gamez Salas, Chile also alleges that he played a leading role in an April 2024 deadly armed confrontation that killed a Chilean police officer; February and June 2024 kidnappings for extortion; and a March 2024 attempted kidnapping, among other offenses.
In 2023, Gamez Salas was removed from the United States to Venezuela for having entered the United States illegally. He subsequently illegally reentered the United States and was prosecuted for human smuggling by the Val Verde County District Attorney’s Office in Texas. He was convicted in February 2025, after which he was indicted in the Southern District of Texas for illegally reentering the United States. He pled guilty to the illegal reentry charge in April 2025 and was serving his prison sentence in the Central District of California when he was arrested on Chile’s provisional arrest request in this matter. Gamez Salas was also subject to an order of removal to Venezuela, which does not extradite its own nationals.
On June 30, following Chile’s submission of a formal extradition request, Gamez Salas consented to extradition, and U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles F. Eick for the Central District of California certified his extradition to the Secretary of State. The U.S. Department of State subsequently issued a surrender warrant authorizing Gamez Salas’s extradition. The extradition matter for Gamez Salas was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Lulejian for the Central District of California and Trial Attorneys Reena T. Mittelman and Ruxandra Barbulescu of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs. The U.S. Marshals Service provided significant assistance in this case and ensured a smooth and safe transfer of custody to Chilean authorities so that Gamez Salas could be transported back to Chile to face trial.
Previously, in September 2025, the United States extradited to Chile another alleged TdA member, Edgar Javier Benitez Rubio, who was charged in Chile with multiple offenses arising from this same kidnapping and murder of the former Venezuelan Lieutenant. That extradition matter was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
U.S. Extradites to Chile Most Wanted Alleged Tren de Aragua Leader Charged with Directing Extortions and Fatal KidnappingRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – An illegal alien from Venezuela has been extradited at the request of the Government of Chile so that he may be prosecuted on seven charges stemming from his alleged role as a leader of “Los Piratas,” the primary Chilean cell of the Venezuelan transnational criminal organization Tren de Aragua (TdA).
Rafael Enrique Gámez Salas, 40, who was surrendered to Chilean authorities on Tuesday, is accused of directing multiple extortions and kidnappings on behalf of TdA, one of which resulted in the highly publicized murder of a former Venezuelan military officer.
This extradition brings Gámez, who also has criminal convictions in the United States for human smuggling and illegal reentry after deportation, one step closer to facing justice in Chile after illegally attempting to seek refuge in the United States.
“The United States is not a safe haven for dangerous criminal aliens,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Rafael Enrique Gámez Salas should never have been in our country in the first place, but under the Biden administration, open-border policies left the doors wide open, and hundreds of suspected and convicted Tren de Aragua terrorists poured into this country. Gámez Salas’s extradition is evidence of the strong cooperation with our Chilean partners to combat transnational crime, dismantle foreign terrorist organizations like Tren de Aragua, and hold members accountable for their heinous criminal acts.”
“At the time of TdA leader Rafael Enrique Gámez Salas’s arrest on the Chilean extradition charges, he was finishing a sentence here for illegal re-entry into the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Instead of deporting him to Venezuela, which does not extradite its own nationals, he now will be sent to Chile to face charges there that include murder, kidnapping, and extortion. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs worked extensively with Chilean authorities to extradite this defendant and ensure that another violent, illegal alien who came here unlawfully will be punished for breaking our laws and then go to Chile to face the charges levied there. When governments work cross borders together, all communities benefit and become more safe.”
“Thanks to the previous administration’s open borders, a murderous terrorist was allowed to enter our country,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “I commend our law enforcement partners in the United States and Chile for removing this criminal, who will hopefully never see the outside of a prison again.”
Gámez, also known as “Adrián Rafael Gámez Finol” and “Turko,” is accused of overseeing the criminal activities of Los Piratas in Chile. According to Chilean authorities, he planned and coordinated kidnappings, homicides, extortions and other offenses on behalf of the TdA affiliate, which included instructing subordinates to obtain necessary resources to execute the offenses and ensuring that financial resources generated for Los Piratas were transferred abroad.
Chile sought Gámez’s extradition so that he may stand trial for one count of criminal association, two counts of extortion, two counts of unjustified firearm discharge, one count of kidnapping resulting in homicide and one count of kidnapping for extortion, arising from separate crimes against multiple victims.
Chile alleges, among other things, that Gámez, acting under the supervision of senior TdA leadership, directed and planned the February 2024 kidnapping and murder in Santiago, Chile, of a former Lieutenant in the Venezuelan military.
According to Chile, members of Los Piratas arrived at the victim’s apartment building in the middle of the night armed with firearms and in a car equipped with a blue light in an apparent attempt to impersonate officers of the Chilean Investigative Police. After using a battering ram to force entry into the victim’s apartment, the perpetrators handcuffed the victim and forcibly removed him from the building and into a car.
Around one week later, in response to a tip from a witness, authorities discovered the victim’s body by drilling into the concrete floor of a makeshift dwelling in a housing development elsewhere in Santiago, Chile. The victim’s body was found covered in lime, concealed inside a suitcase, buried in concrete more than three feet deep and sealed beneath a concrete slab.
An autopsy determined that the victim’s cause of death was asphyxia due to hanging, and the victim’s body showed signs of suspension by the upper extremities, lesions consistent with torture and partial postmortem dismemberment. Testimony obtained in the Chilean investigation revealed that the victim’s kidnapping and murder was allegedly ordered by leaders of TdA and directed to be paid for from outside of Chile.
Additionally, in an intercepted conversation, Gámez allegedly told other Los Piratas members that he had been assigned “from above” the task of coordinating and executing the crime.
In support of its other charges against Gámez, Chile also alleges that he played a leading role in an April 2024 deadly armed confrontation that killed a Chilean police officer; February and June 2024 kidnappings for extortion; and a March 2024 attempted kidnapping, among other offenses.
In 2023, Gámez was removed from the United States to Venezuela for having entered the United States illegally. He subsequently illegally reentered the United States and was prosecuted for human smuggling by the Val Verde County District Attorney’s Office in Texas. He was convicted in February 2025, after which he was indicted in the Southern District of Texas for illegally reentering the United States.
He pleaded guilty to the illegal reentry charge in April 2025 and was serving his prison sentence in the Central District of California when he was arrested on Chile’s provisional arrest request in this matter. Gámez was also subject to an order of removal to Venezuela, which does not extradite its own nationals.
On June 30, 2026, following Chile’s submission of a formal extradition request, Gámez consented to extradition, and United States Magistrate Judge Charles F. Eick for the Central District of California certified his extradition to the Secretary of State. The U.S. Department of State subsequently issued a surrender warrant authorizing Gámez’s extradition.
Assistant United States Attorney John J. Lulejian and Trial Attorneys Reena T. Mittelman and Ruxandra Barbulescu of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs handled this extradition matter.
The United States Marshals Service provided significant assistance in this case and ensured a smooth and safe transfer of custody to Chilean authorities so that Gámez could be transported back to Chile to face trial.
Previously, in September 2025, the United States extradited to Chile another alleged TdA member, Edgar Javier Benítez Rubio, who was charged in Chile with multiple offenses arising from this same kidnapping and murder of the former Venezuelan Lieutenant. That extradition matter was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 71 Border-Related Cases This WeekRead the Press Release
SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 71 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 August 22, Adan Alejandro Cardenas, a United States citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 251 pounds of cocaine concealed in the bed of the 2014 GMC Sierra truck he was driving as he applied for entry to the U.S. at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
- On August 24, Christopher Jaymes Boegeman, a United States citizen, was arrested and charged with Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain. According to a complaint, Boegeman presented a U.S. passport card belonging to another person on behalf of his passenger as he applied for admission in the vehicle lanes at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. The complaint said the passenger was a woman from India who had paid the defendant a smuggling fee.
- On August 26, Nancy Beatriz Ortega Olazagasti, a Mexican citizen, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 153 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in a non-factory compartment under the floor of the driver side and passenger side seats of the 2020 Nissan Rogue she was driving as she applied for entry to the U.S. at the Tecate Port of Entry.
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 Hosts 33rd Annual Four Corners Indian Country Conference in Glendale, ArizonaRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine hosted the 33rd Annual Four Corners Indian Country Conference in Glendale, Arizona this week.
The three-day event, held at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Conference Center, brought together over 150 attendees from Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico to train and collaborate on strategies to improve victim services, strengthen relationships between prosecutors, law enforcement, and communities, and discuss issues of concern to the four corners region.
Started in 1992, the Four Corners Indian Country Conference already has a rich history in providing a forum for practitioners to express concerns, discuss solutions, and share resources. This year’s conference featured speakers, cultural presentations, and state-based breakout sessions to facilitate the exchange of ideas.
“For over 30 years, the Four Corners Indian Country Conference has played an important role in building relationships across state lines and tribal borders to better serve victims,” said United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “We are honored to have had the opportunity to continue that tradition by hosting this year’s event in Arizona.”
The District of Arizona handles one of the most robust Indian Country dockets in the country and serves as the exclusive felony prosecutor for nearly all of the 22 federally-recognized tribes whose reservations fall in whole or in part in Arizona.
Next year’s conference will be hosted by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Utah.
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-150_Four Corners
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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.Two Nigerian Nationals Extradited from Nigeria to the United States to Face Sextortion Charges in North Carolina and MississippiRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that two Nigerian men have been extradited to the United States from Nigeria to face prosecution in two separate cases for the financially-motivated sextortion of minors that resulted in the death of teenagers in both the Northern District of Mississippi and the Middle District of North Carolina.
“The defendants were arrested in Nigeria as part of a wider operation with the FBI to apprehend sexual extortionists targeting minors in the United States,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The Department of Justice and this Administration have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting America’s children from exploitation and sexual abuse. We have strengthened our international law enforcement partnerships to dismantle the foreign criminal networks behind financially-motivated sextortion and identify and prosecute the perpetrators of child sexual exploitation who are directly linked to dozens of American teen deaths by suicide.”
“Today’s announcement represents two more high-value targets returned to the U.S. by this FBI through Foreign Transfers of Custody,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Two Nigerian subjects arrested in Nigeria in 2023 - Adebola Festus Adekunle and Mudasiru Afeez Olawale – have now been returned to the United States to face justice after allegedly participating in financially-motivated sextortion of minors - one resulting in the death of a child. Adekunle is charged with the sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, the production of child sexual abuse material, coercion and enticement of a minor, and interstate threats with intent to extort – and Olawale is charged with offenses relating to sexual exploitation of minors, coercion and enticement of minors, distribution of child pornography, and more. They’ve been overseas for three years, but this FBI and our DOJ partners went and got them. Sextortion is a heinous crime targeting innocent people, often young children - and this FBI will stop at nothing to pursue every single individual who harms vulnerable Americans.”
“Several weeks ago we announced an undercover operation dealing with child exploitation, which resulted in 70 arrests,” said U.S. Attorney Scott Leary for the Northern District of Mississippi. “Unfortunately, here we are again in an unrelated child victimization case. This time a child died. The dedication involved in this case cannot be overstated. This tragedy was immediately investigated by the Mississippi Attorney General, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office, the Starkville Police Department and the FBI. The evidence led agents to Nigeria. Undeterred, the FBI worked with DOJ’s Office of International Affairs for years, and eventually the defendant was extradited from Nigeria to face justice in the United States. We are thankful for the hard work of Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice. Working together, state, federal and international agencies brought us here today.”
“Today’s announcement makes clear that we will not rest in our pursuit of justice for victims of sextortion: Three years after the indictment, and almost five years since the conduct occurred, the defendant will finally appear in a U.S. court to face the charges against him,” said U.S. Attorney Dan Bishop for the Middle District of North Carolina. “We are grateful to all the agents, attorneys, and others whose tenacity and steadfast pursuit of justice contributed to the defendant’s extradition.”
“Financially motivated sextortion inflicts lasting harm on victims and their families,” said Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis of the FBI Charlotte Field Office. “These schemes often begin with threats and manipulation, but their impact extends far deeper — causing emotional and psychological devastation. The extradition of this suspect proves the FBI’s commitment to pursue those who exploit vulnerable individuals, wherever they may be, and ensures they are held accountable for the profound and lasting damage they cause.”
“Sextortion is a serious crime with devastating consequences. Its impact on victims and their families is profound and long‑lasting,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Eikhoff of the FBI Jackson Field Office. “The extradition of Adekunle sends a clear and unmistakable message: crossing state lines does not erase criminal charges, and international borders do not shield individuals from accountability.”
Northern District of Mississippi Charges
Adebola Festus Adekunle, 26, of Lagos, Nigeria, has been extradited to the United States from Nigeria to face prosecution in an indictment for the financially motivated sextortion of a Mississippi minor, which lead to the victim’s death.
Adekunle is charged with the sexual exploitation of a minor resulting in death, coercion and enticement of a minor, and interstate threats with intent to extort. He appeared in federal court in Oxford, Mississippi, for an initial appearance today.
Adekunle was arrested in Nigeria on Aug. 14, 2023, as part of a wider operation with the FBI to apprehend sexual extortionists targeting minors in the United States.
Adekunle faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and mandatory minimum prison sentences on at least two charges. The child exploitation resulting in death charge carries a minimum penalty of 30 years in prison.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Jackson Field Office, the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Section and International Operations Division, and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Parker S. King for the Northern District of Mississippi is prosecuting the case.
Middle District of North Carolina Charges
Mudasiru Afeez Olawale, 24, of Nigeria, was extradited from Nigeria to the United States to face charges related to the financially motivated sextortion of one minor, and the financially motivated sextortion and death of another minor victim.
Olawale was charged by indictment in August 2023, with offenses relating to sexual exploitation of minors resulting in death, enticement of minors, interstate threatening communications, and distribution of child pornography. He appeared in federal court in Greensboro, North Carolina, before U.S. Magistrate Judge L. Patrick Auld today.
Olawale was arrested in Nigeria on Aug. 9, 2023, as part of a wider operation with the FBI to apprehend sexual extortionists targeting minors in the United States.
Olawale faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and mandatory minimum prison sentences on at least two charges. The child exploitation resulting in death charge carries a minimum penalty of 30 years in prison.
This case is being investigated by FBI Charlotte’s Greensboro Resident Agency and the Surry County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann Nee for the Middle District of North Carolina is prosecuting the case.
DOJ’s Commitment to Detering Financially Motivated Sextortion
Both cases are a result of Operation Artemis, the FBI’s surge against financially motivated sextortion rings operating from Nigeria. In coordination with domestic and international law for enforcement partners, the FBI deployed agents, analysts, and forensic experts to Nigeria to confront perpetrators of these deadly schemes — directly linked to dozens of American teen deaths by suicide. This same focused, multi-agency approach now drives a broader national effort to dismantle the foreign criminal networks behind sextortion and other predatory schemes. The U.S. Government’s Financially Motivated Sextortion Campaign Team coordinates across agencies, prioritizes victims, and brings every available tool to bear in its fight to bring to justice those who prey on American families.
Adekunle and Olawale were extradited to the United States on Aug. 27, with the assistance of the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the FBI Legal Attaché in Abuja, and FBI agents from both the Jackson and Greensboro Resident Agencies, who traveled to Nigeria and took them into U.S. custody. The support and assistance of Nigerian security authorities was essential to this effort, notably that of Nigeria’s Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Justice’s International Criminal Justice Cooperation Department, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
All charges in the indictment are merely accusations and that defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
If someone you know is being victimized by sextortion, please report to local law enforcement and to the FBI. Learn more about sextortion and find resources for parents, caregivers, and teachers.
Two Chinese Nationals Sentenced to Federal Prison for Leading Trans-Pacific $16.2 Million Apple Device Return FraudRead the Press Release
LOS ANGELES – Two Chinese nationals – one of them an illegal alien – living in the Inland Empire were sentenced to federal prison today for leading a large-scale, trans-Pacific scheme to defraud Apple Inc. through the fraudulent “returns” of thousands of counterfeit iPhones, iPads, and other Apple goods that caused the Cupertino-based technology company at least $16.2 million in losses.
Wenhui Huang, 41, of Chino Hills, the group’s ringleader and an illegal immigrant, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by United States District Judge André Birotte, Jr., who also ordered him to pay $16,239,254 in restitution.
Huang pleaded guilty in May 2025 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud, one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods, and one count of engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from specified unlawful activity.
Judge Birotte today also sentenced Yang Song, 39, of Corona, the group’s second-in-command, to 57 months in federal prison, and ordered him to pay $16,997,415 in restitution.
Song pleaded guilty in June 2025 to 21 counts of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, and conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit goods, in addition to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering for a separate scheme involving the funneling of proceeds of various frauds to overseas.
Huang and Song are the final defendants to be sentenced in this case.
According to court documents, from at least December 2015 to March 2024, Huang, Song, and others coordinated with co-conspirators in China to smuggle counterfeit Apple iPhones, iPads, and other devices to them and other U.S.-based co-conspirators.
The counterfeit Apple devices smuggled to Huang, Song, and others in the U.S. were designed to look like genuine Apple devices and included identification numbers matching the numbers on real Apple products that had been sold in North America, were owned by real people, and were under warranty through Apple’s manufacturer warranty and AppleCare+, Apple’s extended warranty program.
The real identification numbers and serial numbers on the counterfeit devices that defendants returned were designed to essentially impersonate the real Apple devices owned by real people throughout the United States – and therefore deceived Apple into replacing the counterfeit devices with real devices under Apple’s warranty programs.
Once the counterfeit devices were smuggled into the U.S., the defendants fraudulently returned the counterfeit iPhones, iPads, and other devices to Apple as if they were genuine and had been legitimately purchased, were eligible for Apple’s warranty programs, and as if they were the lawful possessor of the Apple devices.
The defendants knowingly and fraudulently represented that the counterfeit Apple devices they returned were genuine but were broken or non-operational and were covered by the company’s warranty programs.
Some of the false reasons given to Apple store employees were because the devices purportedly would not power on, were physically damaged, or had other defects. But the defendants knew that the Apple devices they were returning were counterfeit and fraudulently used the identification numbers and serial numbers of real people’s Apple devices to victimize both Apple and the device owners.
As part of the scheme, the defendants visited multiple Apple stores throughout Southern California, including stores in Beverly Hills, Sherman Oaks, Pasadena, Irvine, Northridge, Manhattan Beach, Brea, Rancho Cucamonga, Cerritos and at shopping malls such as The Grove in Los Angeles, South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, Fashion Island in Newport Beach, and The Americana at Brand in Glendale. In many cases, they visited as many as 10 different Apple stores where they would allegedly return counterfeit devices.
Once at the Apple stores, Apple employees either replaced or repaired the counterfeit Apple device with a genuine Apple device during the same visit or, on other occasions, took the defendants’ counterfeit devices and shipped them to a repair center.
Apple then shipped to the defendants a genuine replacement Apple device or a repaired device to either an Apple store, where the defendants returned to pick up the new device, or at the dozens of mailboxes at UPS Stores that the defendants rented across Southern California to receive counterfeit devices from China and receive genuine replacement devices from Apple.
After successfully returning the counterfeit Apple devices for genuine ones, the defendants shipped the genuine devices to co-conspirators both in the United States and abroad, primarily in China, where the genuine Apple devices were resold at a substantial profit.
Federal prosecutors secured six convictions in this case, including for Yushan Lin, 32, and Shuyi Xing, 36, both of Corona, whom Judge Birotte on Wednesday sentenced to 18 months of home detention and 38 months in federal prison, respectively, and ordered to pay $16,239,254 and $17,343,549 in restitution, respectively. Lin and Xing fraudulently returned and attempted to return at least 1,584 counterfeit devices to Apple, causing at least $1,116,544 in actual losses to the company in their part of the overall conspiracy.
Two other defendants, Zhengxuan Hu, 28, of Alhambra, an illegal alien, and Junwei Jiang, 39, of East Los Angeles, were previously sentenced to prison terms of 24 months and 36 months, respectively, for their role in the scheme and were ordered to pay $16,239,254 in restitution.
Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation investigated this matter. The United States Postal Inspection Service and the Los Angeles Police Department provided substantial assistance.
Assistant United States Attorney Andrew M. Roach of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.
Tohono O'odham Man Sentenced to Nearly 5 Years in Prison for Domestic Violence Assault by StrangulationRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – On Tuesday, Jarret Haines, 37, of Sells Arizona, was sentenced by United States District Judge Jennifer Zipps to 57 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Haines previously pleaded guilty to Assault by Strangulation.
On Jan. 24, 2025, Haines, an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation, assaulted the victim by punching her multiple times in the face and then fastening a large zip tie around her neck until she lost consciousness. Her son called 911 and Tohono O’odham law enforcement promptly intervened.
“On the heels of the annual Four Corners Conference taking place this week in Glendale, Arizona, prosecutions such as this underscore the USAO’s dedication to working with our partners to protect indigenous victims of intimate partner violence within our native communities,” said United States Attorney Timothy Courchaine.
The Tohono O’odham Police Department conducted the investigation, in conjunction with the FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Micah Schmit, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-25-01431-TUC-JGZ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-148_Haines# # #
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.