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20 August 2026
Beaumont felon sentenced to federal prison after leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle with a stolen gunRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Beaumont convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms possession in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Christopher Eugene Stelly, 23, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on August 20, 2026.
Stelly was arrested on September 30, 2025, after leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle in Beaumont. According to reports, law enforcement officers at the intersection of North Major Drive and Dishman Road noticed a stolen vehicle stopped at a traffic light near them. The car suddenly accelerated through the red light and officers pursued in a high-speed chase. Stelly eventually stopped the vehicle and fled on foot into an apartment complex on French Road where he was apprehended. Stelly had a firearm in his pocket that had been reported stolen in 2018. Further investigation revealed Stelly is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.
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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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Baltimore Man Sentenced for Role in Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy HSTF CaseRead the Press Release
Baltimore, Maryland – A federal judge sentenced a Baltimore man to prison, today, in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy.
U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher sentenced Jeremy Bethea, 47, to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances. Through an investigation, law enforcement caught Bethea and his co-conspirators with more than 400 grams of fentanyl, more than 28 grams of cocaine base, commonly referred to as “crack cocaine,” and a quantity of cocaine intended for distribution. Bethea pled guilty to the charges in April 2026.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) – Washington Division, and Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD).
According to court documents, from August 2022, through October 2023, Bethea conspired with others to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine. Bethea and his co-conspirators regularly obtained quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine to sell to customers in the Baltimore area.
Beginning in November 2022, and continuing through May 2023, undercover investigators conducted 15 controlled purchases of fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine from Bethea. In January 2023, Bethea sold more than 40 grams of fentanyl to an undercover investigator.
Additionally, from June 2023 through August 2023, investigators received authorization to utilize a federal wiretap to intercept communications from three cellphones. The cellphone users included Bethea and other members of the conspiracy.During the wiretap investigation, law enforcement intercepted numerous conversations between Bethea and his co-conspirators discussing and coordinating fentanyl, crack cocaine, and powder cocaine sales.
Then on April 17, 2023, as a result of the intercepted calls, BPD officers stopped a vehicle en route to a planned drug transaction. During the traffic stop, law enforcement encountered Bethea and recovered several hundred gelcaps from the source of supply. A DEA laboratory performed an analysis of the substance found inside the recovered gel caps and confirmed it as fentanyl with a total weight of more than 400 grams.
During the investigation, law enforcement also discovered that Bethea used a Sharp-Leadenhall residence to store fentanyl, cocaine, and crack cocaine for distribution. On August 22, law enforcement executed a search warrant on the residence. Investigators uncovered 105 grams of crack cocaine packaged for retail sale and more than 300 grams of marijuana at the location.
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 DEA and BPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Tsuei 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, visit justice.gov/usao-md.
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Baldwin County Man Sentenced for Armed RobberyRead the Press Release
MOBILE, AL – Ira Cornell Bodiford, Jr., 39, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Terry F. Moorer to 324 months in prison for an armed robbery of a convenience store.
According to court documents, on December 19, 2023, Baldwin County deputies responded to an armed robbery at a convenience store in Magnolia Springs. Witnesses reported that a man wearing a disguise approached the clerk and pointed a semi-automatic handgun equipped with an extended magazine at him, demanding money.
Law enforcement reviewed surveillance footage of the robbery and identified the vehicle used by the robber. The vehicle was traced to a location in Foley, where deputies recovered Bodiford, the vehicle, stolen cash, and the firearm used in the robbery. Deputies also retraced the vehicle’s route and discovered blue latex gloves along the roadside. Bodiford was seen wearing blue latex gloves in the store’s surveillance footage. Forensic testing matched DNA recovered from the gloves to Bodiford.
Bodiford has several prior felony convictions, including Second-Degree Robbery, Third-Degree Burglary, and Domestic Violence Strangulation.
Following his release from prison, Bodiford will serve five years of supervised release under the supervision of the United States Probation Office.
U.S. Attorney Sean Costello of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys George May and Tandice H. Blackwood prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.
Albany, New York Woman Charged with ISIS-Inspired Terror Plot Targeting New York State CapitolRead the Press Release
Note: See the complaint here.
Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, New York, made her initial appearance today in federal court on charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, ISIS.
“As alleged, Bowie plotted to deploy an explosive device at the New York State Capitol, intending to kill public officials and to destroy ‘as much of the building as possible’ before fleeing to ISIS‑controlled territory in Syria,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “The National Security Division and our law-enforcement partners are committed to the painstaking work of preventing plots like this from succeeding and securing convictions against those who attempt such plots.”
“The American people represent an undying spirit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — values fundamentally opposed by foreign terrorist organizations such as the one this defendant allegedly pledged her support to,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York. “I am incredibly proud to work side by side with the men and women of the FBI and our law enforcement partners who identified, investigated, and ultimately stopped this defendant before she was able to act on her plot to bring terror to the Capital Region and the United States. My office looks forward to aggressively prosecuting this case and delivering justice for the American people.”
“The FBI detected and stopped an alleged plot to attack the New York State Capitol and kill elected officials,” said Operations Director Matt Fodor of the FBI National Security Branch. “According to the criminal complaint, the defendant in this case swore allegiance to ISIS and wanted to follow up with additional horrific acts of terrorism. This case is yet another example of how this FBI is built to not only identify threats of terrorism quickly, but to stop their alleged plots before they are able to harm the American people. I want to commend the FBI Albany Field Office, the Justice Department, and our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work in this case. Cooperation and partnership are essential to protecting the U.S. homeland.”
On Aug.19, Bowie was apprehended by law enforcement as she gained possession of what she believed to be an explosive device, with the intent of targeting the New York State Capitol and New York State Senators.
Bowie buying items necessary to build an explosive deviceThrough the course of the investigation and as alleged in the government’s complaint, investigators learned that Bowie had intended to conduct the attack before fleeing to Syria to join others in ISIS-controlled territories. She was observed making several visits to the New York State Capitol grounds and taking several photographs of the building. In describing the New York State Capitol building as her target, Bowie stated: “I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting. I want them to lose a lot of important documents as well” and “I want it to have a affect on the American system. And destroy some of the taghut.”
Bowie doing reconnaissance on New York CapitolAccording to the complaint, Jessica Bowie has expressed anti-American messages online. On one account identified as belonging to Bowie, she said, “Praise be to Allah for September 11th” and “When I can migrate, I will poison these infidels.” Further, Bowie recorded and disseminated to others online her “Bayah,” or formal oath of allegiance to ISIS.
The case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the U. S. Secret Service, New York State Police, and Albany Police Department.
Trial Attorney Ryan D. White of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Belliss and Joseph Hartunian for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case.
Albany New York Woman Charged with Attempting to Provide Material Support or Resources to a Designated Foreign Terrorist OrganizationRead the Press Release
ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jessica Bowie, 35, of Albany, NY, made her initial appearance today in federal court on charges of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, ISIS.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III; Assistant Attorney General for the National Security Division John A. Eisenberg; FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office Craig L. Tremaroli; U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office Charles T. Perras; Anthony Patrone Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office, Homeland Security Investigation, New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James; Albany County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff Craig Apple and Albany Police Department Chief Brendan Cox made the announcement.
August 19, 2026, Bowie was apprehended by law enforcement as she gained possession of what she believed to be an explosive device, with the intent of targeting the New York State Capitol and New York State Senators.
“The American people embody an enduring spirit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — values fundamentally opposed by foreign terrorist organizations like the one this defendant allegedly pledged her support to,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III for the Northern District of New York. “This arrest will send a strong message to anyone across the country who has been radicalized by our enemies. This administration has deployed the necessary resources for law enforcement to identify, investigate, and disrupt plots of terror well before harm can occur. I am incredibly proud to work alongside our law enforcement partners, who ultimately stopped this defendant before she could act on her plan to bring terror to the Capital Region and the United States. My office looks forward to aggressively prosecuting this case and delivering justice for the American people.”“As alleged in the criminal complaint, Ms. Bowie swore her allegiance to ISIS and developed a detailed plan to attack the New York State Capitol to kill lawmakers and disrupt our government,” said Craig Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albany Field Office. “Make no mistake about it, Ms. Bowie’s alleged plot was serious, it was dangerous, and thanks to FBI Albany’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), it was foiled. Let this investigation send a clear message that FBI Albany, together with our Joint Terrorism Task Force partners, will relentlessly investigate and arrest anyone supporting and conspiring with terrorists.”
Through the course of the investigation and as alleged in the government’s complaint, investigators learned that Bowie had intended to conduct an attack on the New York State Capitol building then flee to join others in ISIS-controlled territories. She was observed making several visits to the New York State Capitol grounds and taking several photographs of the building. In describing the New York State capitol building as her target, Bowie stated: “I want to destroy as much of the building as possible and kill the senators while they are meeting. I want them to lose a lot of important documents as well” and “I want it to have a affect on the American system. And destroy some of the taghut.”
According to the complaint, Jessica Bowie has expressed anti-American messages online. On one account identified as belonging to Bowie, she said, “Praise be to Allah for September 11th” and “When I can migrate, I will poison these infidels.” Further, Bowie recorded and disseminated to others online her “Bayah,” or formal oath of allegiance to ISIS.
Bowie appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daniel J. Stewart on August 20, 2026, and was detained pending further proceedings. The charge carries a statutory maximum prison term of 20 years, a fine of up to $250,000 and a lifetime of supervised release. The charge in the complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from the U. S. Secret Service, Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Police, Albany County Sheriff’s Office and Albany Police Department.
Trial Attorney Ryan White of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Belliss and Joseph Hartunian for the Northern District of New York are prosecuting the case.
Agency Village Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for AssaultRead the Press Release
ABERDEEN - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann has sentenced an Agency Village, South Dakota, man convicted of Assault by Striking, Beating, and Wounding. The sentencing took place on August 17, 2026.
Donald Philip Red Owl, age 45, was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison, 1 year of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $25.
Red Owl was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2025. He pleaded guilty on June 1, 2026.
The conviction stemmed from an incident on October 28, 2024, when Red Owl struck his 15-year-old daughter in the face when she refused to give her cell phone to him.
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Ebert-Webb.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.
Red Owl was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
6 Indicted for Madisonville-Area Drug Distribution Ring Following a Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Led by DEA and MPDRead the Press Release
Madisonville, KY – Following a joint state and federal investigation led by the DEA and the Madisonville Police Department, a federal grand jury in Bowling Green, Kentucky, returned an indictment on August 12, 2026, charging six Madisonville-area individuals with drug distribution-related charges.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Chief Steve Bryan of the Madisonville Police Department made the announcement.
According to the 13-count indictment, Traviel Civils, 34, of Madisonville, Kentucky; Teron Cox, 41, of Earlington, Kentucky; James Gunn, 69, of Greenville, Kentucky; Adam Pettus, 41, of Earlington, Kentucky; Brooke Poe, 44, of Madisonville, Kentucky; and Robert Rice, 46, of Madisonville, Kentucky, were charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances involving 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine.
Civils was charged with seven additional counts of distribution of controlled substances involving cocaine and methamphetamine. Pettus was charged with 10 additional counts of distribution of controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances involving cocaine and methamphetamine. Rice was charged with two additional counts of distribution of controlled substances and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances involving methamphetamine. Cox was charged with two additional counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances involving cocaine and methamphetamine. Gunn was charged with one additional count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances involving methamphetamine.
All defendants other than Cox recently made an initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. These defendants remained detained in federal custody pending trial. Cox remains in state custody and will make an initial appearance at a later date.
If convicted, the defendants each face a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. There is no parole in the federal system. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being investigated by the DEA and the Madisonville Police Department with assistance from the ATF, Kentucky State Police, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and Madisonville Vice Narcotics Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office is prosecuting the case.
The case is also being worked in conjunction with Hopkins County Commonwealth’s Attorney Hannah Kington-Jarvis.
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 Louisville comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, and IRS, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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58-Year-Old Hatillo Man Arrested for Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On August 18, 2026, special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Carlos Cabrera González, a 58-year-old male from Hatillo, Puerto Rico, on criminal charges for child exploitation, announced Héctor Ramírez-Carbó, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
On August 12, 2026, a federal grand jury indicted Cabrera González on charges of receipt, transportation, and possession of child exploitation material.
According to court documents, from in or about February 2024, to May 2026, defendant Cabrera González knowingly received and transported child exploitation material via electronic devices. Moreover, the defendant, using electronic devices, such as a Samsung A12 mobile device, a Samsung Tab A tablet, and a Lenovo IdeaPad Laptop, possessed images of child pornography, including child pornography of a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
“We will continue to investigate, prosecute, and bring to justice any individual who victimizes children in our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Héctor Ramírez-Carbó of the District of Puerto Rico. “There’s no greater priority than safeguarding our children from predators who seek to exploit or harm them. Viewing and possessing child sexual abuse material constitutes some of the most offending criminal conduct.”
“The exploitation of children is a heinous crime that leaves lasting trauma, and ICE HSI is committed to relentlessly pursuing those who seek to victimize the most vulnerable among us,” said HSI San Juan Special Agent in Charge Yariel Ramos. “These offenses carry severe penalties under federal law, and we will utilize every resource at our disposal to hold perpetrators accountable. As students return to the classroom, I urge all parents, guardians, and educators to remain vigilant regarding online safety. Please familiarize yourselves with the ‘Know2Protect’ campaign and its resources to help us create a safer digital environment for our children.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emelina Agrait Barreto of the Crimes Against Children, Human Trafficking and Immigration Unit, is prosecuting the case. The Puerto Rico Crimes Against Children Task Force led by HSI is in charge of the investigation.
If convicted for the charges the defendant faces the following penalties: (1) receipt of child exploitation material – five to 20 years in prison; (2) transportation of child exploitation material – five to 20 years in prison; and (3) possession of child pornography – a maximum of 20 years of imprisonment. All charges of conviction are to be followed by a term of supervised release after the term of imprisonment. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
For more information about HSI’s efforts to protect children from sexual predators, visit Know2Protect.gov. To report suspicious activities, call 787-729-6969 or send an email to IntelHSISanJuan@hsi.dhs.gov.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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19 August 2026
‘764’ Extremist Group Member Sentenced for Production of Child Pornography and Distribution of Animal Crushing VideosRead the Press Release
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On August 19, 2026, Kyle William Spitze, 27, of Friendsville, TN was sentenced today to 77 years in prison for production of child sexual exploitation material (CSAM), abetting the distribution of animal crushing videos, and possessing and accessing with the intent to view CSAM. Should he be released from prison, he will be subject to supervised release for life and required to register with state sex offender registries and comply with special sex offender conditions.
“The Department has pledged to take out online predator networks and today’s sentence is one step toward justice for the families and children harmed by 764,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “These types of crimes are the worst of the worst: preying on vulnerable children in the name of a violent and twisted ideology. Federal law enforcement will not stop until nihilistic violent extremist groups and their depraved members are identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that this FBI and our Department of Justice partners will relentlessly hold accountable any individual who preys on children,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “As we’ve made clear from the beginning: this FBI is laser focused on identifying, locating, and arresting any participants in Nihilistic Violent Extremist networks – and we have dedicated personnel across all 50 states working on these high priority investigations. We arrested 500% more NVE offenders with our partners last year for a reason – because we have a renewed mission to bring these predators to justice, and that’s exactly what we’ll do. I want to thank our FBI Nashville Field Office and the Knoxville Resident Agency who pursued this case and succeeded in bringing justice to the victims and their families.”
“Spitze is one of the original members of the nihilistic violent extremist groups ‘Harm Nation’ and ‘764,’ and was committed to bringing about the downfall of society through terrorism, specifically by targeting children and other vulnerable people and extorting them to engage in criminal sexual conduct, self-harm, and mass casualty events,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “Today’s sentence of 77 years, the longest federal sentence ever imposed on a nihilistic violent extremist, sends a strong message that civil society will not tolerate such depravity. The National Security Division will work tirelessly with our law-enforcement partners to identify and prosecute these predators and keep our children safe from this new form of terrorism.”
“This sentence reflects the abhorrent nature of the defendant’s crimes, which targeted impressionable children and caused unimaginable harm,” said U.S. Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III for the Eastern District of Tennessee. “NVE members and leaders are a threat to our communities, and our office is committed to prosecuting those individuals to the fullest extent.”
“Employing and pressuring children, among the most vulnerable members of our society, to produce sexually explicit and harmful material is unconscionable,” said Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly of the FBI Nashville Field Office. “The FBI, alongside our local, state, and federal partners, will relentlessly pursue those associated with Nihilistic Violent Extremism networks who target and exploit children. We will use every lawful tool available to disrupt and dismantle these networks, prevent the spread of their depraved ideology, and protect children from further harm.”
According to court-filed documents, Spitze, also known as “Crimhn,” “Criminal,” and “Criminaloli,” was a member of the Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) group “764,” and an administrator of the 764 network “HarmNation.” NVE groups such as 764 and HarmNation use online social media platforms to produce and distribute extreme gore media and child sexual abuse material depicting vulnerable, juvenile populations; often conducting group, coordinated extortion of under-aged victims to comply with the groups’ depraved and perverse demands.
In December of 2023, the FBI started looking into tips that HarmNation members were distributing child sexual abuse material. Spitze was identified as one of those members and found to have hosted a social media channel where he uploaded images and videos of nude minor girls who had self-mutilated with cuts and gashes, with variations of Spitze’s “Crim” or “Criminal” monikers written in blood on themselves or carved into their bodies. The channel also hosted images of animal mutilation, with a variation of “Crim” written in the images.
In February of 2024, investigators obtained a search warrant for Spitze’s cellphone, which contained similar images and videos, particularly of two minor victims, one of which had written “crim” on her chest scrawled in her own blood. The minor victim later admitted to FBI that she was threatened by Spitze to produce the images for him to upload on a separate social media channel. Spitze admitted to investigators that he had a terrorist motive in committing his crimes.
Spitze pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child sexual exploitation material, one count of abetting the distribution of animal crushing videos, and one count of possessing and accessing with the intent to view child sexual exploitation material.
The FBI Knoxville Resident Agency investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Kolman for the Eastern District of Tennessee prosecuted the case. Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and James Donnelly for the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section provided assistance.
The Justice Department remains vigilant against the threat of Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) networks like 764 that operate within the United States and around the globe. NVEs often target vulnerable individuals, including minors, using social media platforms to share CSAM and gore material, and groom victims toward committing acts of violence. Victims are often extorted, coerced, compelled, and blackmailed into complying with NVE demands, including self-mutilation, online and in-person sexual acts, harm to animals, sexual exploitation of siblings and others, acts of violence, threats of violence, suicide, and murder. For more information on how to protect children and others, read about the online risks here: https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/parents-and-caregivers-protecting-your-kids and the FBI’s March 2025 public service announcement.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006, by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims.
For more information about PSC, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.justice.gov/psc/resources.html and click the tab "resources.”
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Welcomes Three Newly Sworn Assistant United States AttorneysRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Ellis Boyle administered the oath of office to three Assistant United States Attorneys who will serve in the Eastern District of North Carolina. Covering 44 counties from the Triangle to the coast, the Eastern District handles a broad range of federal criminal and civil matters, partnering closely with local communities and law enforcement agencies. The newly appointed prosecutors will help uphold the rule of law, protect constitutional rights, and strengthen public trust across this diverse and expansive district.
Tucson Man Sentenced to 87 Months in Prison for Voluntary ManslaughterRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Santiago Luis Valencia, Jr., 36, of Tucson, was sentenced earlier this month by Chief United States District Judge Jennifer G. Zipps to 87 months in prison. Valencia previously pleaded guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter.
On June 15, 2024, Valencia assaulted the victim at a private residence on the Pascua Yaqui Tribe after initiating a physical altercation. During the fight, the victim suffered a head injury that resulted in his death the following day. Both Valencia and the victim were enrolled members of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
The FBI Phoenix Division’s Tucson office and the Pascua Yaqui Police Department conducted the investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-24-04265-TUC-JGZ
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-140_Valencia# # #
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.Texas Man Sentenced to 70 Months for Conspiracy to Commit Bank FraudRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Khalil Robinson, 20, of Pearland, Texas, was sentenced on August 13, 2026, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for conspiracy to commit bank fraud. United States District Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Robinson to 70 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After Robinson’s release from prison, he will begin a 10-year term of supervised release. Judge Rossiter ordered Robinson to pay $147,520.20 in restitution to identified victims of the bank fraud conspiracy.
Between February 2024 and April 2025, Robinson and others, conspired to steal mail from United States Postal Service (USPS) blue collection boxes around the United States. Checks taken from the stolen mail were resold on Telegram or altered and deposited into bank accounts created by individuals recruited into the conspiracy. In September 2024, USPS Inspectors began receiving reports of mail being placed in blue collection boxes at the Elmwood Post Office and Saddle Creek Post Office in Omaha and not arriving at its intended destination. The Lincoln, Nebraska postmaster also reported multiple blue boxes being pried into and multiple arrow lock keys stolen throughout Lincoln. On January 13, 2025, Omaha police officers found Robinson in possession of stolen mail and recovered a counterfeit key from the blue collection box Robinson broke into. On Robinson’s phone and social media accounts, postal inspectors found evidence of Robinson manufacturing arrow lock keys, recruiting individuals to open bank accounts, and images of checks from Nebraska, Virginia, and Kentucky totaling $167,000. The total value of checks postal inspectors can attribute to the bank fraud conspiracy is approximately $1,968,868. The actual loss attributable to the conspiracy is $813,458.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service.
Texas Man Sentenced to 57 Months in Prison for Transportation of Illegal Aliens Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
TUCSON, Ariz. – Moises Gabriel Castillo, Jr., 40, of Weatherford, Texas, was sentenced last week by United States District Judge Rosemary Márquez to 57 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Castillo previously pleaded guilty to Transportation of Illegal Aliens for Profit Placing in Jeopardy the Life of Any Person, Causing Serious Bodily Injury and Resulting in Death.
On July 24, 2024, Castillo, an interstate truck driver, caused a collision between the commercial semi-truck he was driving and another semi-truck on Interstate 10 near Rita Road, Tucson. At the time, Castillo was transporting four passengers inside his truck who were later determined to be illegal aliens, unlawfully present in the United States. During the crash, one passenger was ejected and two others, one of whom was 16 years old, suffered serious bodily injury. The ejected passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The surviving aliens stated they were paying to be smuggled further into the United States, and Castillo admitted that he expected to be paid for transporting them.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Arizona Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: CR-24-07586-TUC-RM
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-139_Castillo# # #
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.Tennessee Man Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting Two U.S. Postal EmployeesRead the Press Release
LITTLE ROCK—George Elliot Gibson, III, will spend the next 48 months in federal prison for assault with the intent to rob two United States Postal employees. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down today by United States District Judge D. P. Marshall, Jr.
On September 11, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Gibson, 28, of Bartlett, Tennessee, in a seven-count Indictment with two counts of assault of a United States Postal employee, one count of attempted robbery of United States property, one count of assaulting and impeding a United States Postal employee, and one count of unlawful possession of a postal key. On March 10, 2026, Gibson pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with the intent to rob a United States Postal employee. In addition to the 48-month sentence, Judge Marshall also sentenced Gibson to serve two years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.
An investigation revealed that on June 11, 2022, Gibson pulled alongside a United States Postal mail carrier that sitting in the Postal vehicle while delivering mail in North Little Rock. Gibson demanded the mail carrier give him the drop box key, but the mail carrier refused and drove off. Gibson encountered the mail carrier on a different route later that day and demanded the key once again, and this time Gibson brandished a firearm at the mail carrier.
Later that same day, Gibson approached a different mail carrier who was delivering mail to an apartment complex in North Little Rock. When Gibson approached the mail carrier, he was holding a black rifle in his right hand and demanded the mail carrier immediately give him the postal key. After initially refusing, the mail carrier eventually gave the postal key to Gibson. Following the robbery, law enforcement officers from the North Little Rock Police Department conducted a traffic stop and arrested Gibson. At the time of his arrest, officers located on the floorboard of the vehicle the air rifle that resembled an AR-15 rifle that was used in the robbery. Gibson later admitted to having what appeared to be a firearm during the first attempted robbery and during the robbery of the postal key.
This case was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service with assistance from the North Little Rock Police Department. This case was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Arkansas.
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This news release, as well as additional information about the office of the
United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available on-line at
http://www.justice.gov/edar
X (formerly known as Twitter):
@USAO_EDAR
Sumter County Woman Pleads Guilty in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, S.C. —Sha’Juan Princess Johnson, 24, of Sumter County, has pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine and crack cocaine.
Evidence obtained in the investigation revealed that the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office were investigating a drug conspiracy involving Johnson’s co-defendant Jalik Tucker, after narcotics agents made several undercover buys of methamphetamine and fentanyl from him. During this same time, law enforcement identified two locations in Sumter County and one location in Richland County that the co-defendant was using to distribute drugs. They obtained search warrants for all three locations. One of the locations was Johnson’s home in Sumter.
During the execution of a search warrant at the address, officers found Johnson in the residence. In one of the bedroom’s closets, the police found fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, crack cocaine, a glass measuring cup with a powder residue, multiple digital food scales, a box of baking soda, an electric mixer with a powder residue, and sandwich bags. Further investigation revealed that neighbors had observed a car, driven by Johnson’s co-defendant, coming and going from the residence.
Johnson’s cellphone contained pictures of illegal narcotics and text messages she had with others referring to illegal narcotics.
Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. She also faces a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment. United States District Judge Mary Geiger Lewis accepted the guilty plea and will sentence Johnson after receiving and reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration, the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, and the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney William K. Witherspoon is prosecuting the case.###
Statement of the Department of Justice Antitrust Division on the Closing of Its Investigation of the Merger of Seismic Software Inc. and Highspot Inc.Read the Press Release
Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward Jr. of the U.S. Department of Justice issued the following statement today in connection with the closing of the Antitrust Division’s investigation into the proposed merger between Seismic Software, Inc. (Seismic) and Highspot Inc. (Highspot):
“After a targeted review of key competitive questions, the Antitrust Division made the decision to close its investigation, reducing the Second Request compliance burden on the merging companies. The resolution of this matter using a targeted approach is an excellent example of the Antitrust Division efficiently reviewing a proposed merger with an expedited focus on key dispositive issues.”
On Feb. 12, Seismic and Highspot announced that they had signed a definitive agreement to merge. Both firms offer sales enablement software platforms to businesses. The Antitrust Division opened an investigation and issued Second Requests to the merging companies.
“Merging companies often claim that AI is a disruptive force and rationale for consolidation among close competitors in industries subject to historically high barriers to entry,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General G. Charles Beller of the Justice Department's Antitrust Division. “The Division critically evaluates such claims based on the facts in each individual case, including reviewing whether ordinary-course documents and data from the merging companies and third parties substantiate such claims.”
Based on the particular facts surrounding Seismic and Highspot’s proposed merger, the Division and the merging parties entered into a timing agreement that prioritized the production of evidence the Division considered to be relevant to AI entry and repositioning. The Division used this and other material to evaluate its concerns and the merging companies’ arguments.
Over the course of the following three months, the Division conducted a thorough investigation, reviewing documents, analyzing data, and interviewing industry participants. In particular, the Division analyzed whether the proposed merger may harm competition for sales enablement software platforms. Although the merging companies and other legacy providers have competed in this space without meaningful entry from larger, more diversified tech companies operating in adjacent markets, the Division considered whether entry from newer, AI-native firms may be timely, likely, and sufficient to make any risk of harm to competition unlikely. Multiple types of evidence indicated that AI-native firms are growing quickly to win sales enablement software platform customers and are increasing competitive pressure on legacy providers.
Following this review, the Division decided that its investigation could be closed.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 84 Months for Assaulting Postal WorkerRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for assaulting a U.S. Postal Service worker.
Courtney J. Ellis, 45, was sentenced to seven years, followed by three years supervised release for assaulting a postal worker while they were performing their official duties. Ellis pleaded guilty to the assault earlier this year.
According to court documents, on June 18, 2025, Ellis struck the victim on the head with a wooden board while he was delivering mail to Ellis’s address. The victim, who was delivering mail along that route for the first time, was wearing a USPS uniform and driving a marked USPS delivery vehicle. After striking the victim, Ellis yelled that he didn’t belong in the neighborhood and followed him back to his vehicle where he continued to yell at and threaten the victim.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Springfield Felon Sentenced to 70 months in Prison for Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A Springfield, Illinois, man, Kevin Gladney, 33, was sentenced on August 18, 2026, to 70 months imprisonment for possessing a firearm as a felon, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents and statements in court, in February 2022, Gladney possessed a stolen .45 caliber semi-automatic firearm, which included a shoulder brace, among other modifications; that firearm and a drum magazine were loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition. The firearm was recovered after Gladney threw it from the car he was driving as he fled from police before ultimately crashing his vehicle. Gladney’s DNA was located on the firearm by forensic scientists with the Illinois State Police.
Also at the hearing, U.S. District Judge Sue E. Myerscough found that Gladney was eligible for an obstruction of justice sentencing enhancement due to his flight from police during the traffic stop that led to his arrest. Judge Myerscough noted that Gladney’s reckless driving and flight from police placed police officers and the public at risk.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Gladney in July 2023, and he was arrested in Texas in July 2024. He has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest. He pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Eric I. Long in April 2026.
The statutory penalties for possession of a firearm by a felon are up to 15 years’ imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The Springfield Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Seberger represented the government in the prosecution.
Six Chinese Nationals Indicted for Operating Multiple Illegal Marijuana Grow HousesRead the Press Release
LAS VEGAS – A federal grand jury in Las Vegas returned a 10-count indictment today charging six defendants, all Chinese nationals including three illegal aliens, and all residing in Las Vegas, for their alleged participation in a large-scale illegal marijuana grow operation with one grow house located near a public park.
“Transnational criminal networks that exploit our domestic markets and compromise community safety will be dismantled,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “This operation demonstrates that what appear to be localized grow operations are frequently backed by global criminal enterprises engaged in labor exploitation, weapons offenses, and multi-million-dollar money laundering schemes. We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to dismantle these sophisticated criminal enterprises that exploit public resources for illicit profit.”
“The Las Vegas Homeland Security Task Force continues to answer the call and hold accountable criminal organizations,” said Special Agent in Charge David Olesky of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Los Angeles Field Division, which oversees Nevada. “In this case, Chinese Organized Crime was intent on cashing in, operating four illegal marijuana grow houses throughout the Las Vegas area. What is especially concerning is that one of those marijuana grows were located within distance of a public park which posed major risks to the health and welfare of community. DEA will continue to work with our federal partners to cripple these illegal drug networks and safeguard Las Vegas residents.”
“ATF works side-by-side with local, state, and federal law enforcement every single day,” said Special Agent in Charge John Wester, San Francisco Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). “Through joint task forces, we bring together our resources to tackle violent crime in an efficient and strategic manner. Through our participation in Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF), ATF helps disrupt major gun and drug trafficking and cartel operations alongside DEA, FBI, HSI, and local partners. ATF will continue to work alongside our partners to ensure that Las Vegas is a safe place.”
“This case is another great example of what is possible through the unified efforts of the U.S. Marshals Service and Homeland Security,” said U.S. Marshal Gary Schofield. “The Deputies who are working side-by-side with the Task Force Officers are proud of the work they are accomplishing together. Every day is a good day to fight the good fight and bring these criminals forward to face justice for their crimes.”
According to court documents, from January 2025 to February 2026, Changtian Mai; Hoi Man Mak, also known as Antares Mak; Shengsheng Feng; Zhifeng Mai; Jianwen Mai; and Jianquan Mai had active roles in the growing of 1,000 or more marijuana plants and maintaining of four houses that were used as illegal marijuana grow sites throughout Las Vegas.
Changtian Mai; Hoi Man Mak, also known as Antares Mak; Shengsheng Feng; Zhifeng Mai; Jianwen Mai; and Jianquan Mai are each charged with one count of conspiracy to manufacture a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a protected area; one count of manufacturing a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a protected area; and six counts of manufacturing a controlled substance. Additionally, Changtian Mai is charged with two counts of money laundering. Arraignment has been scheduled for September 1, 2026.
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by the FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS-CI, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by the District of Nevada.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of U.S. 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. The Las Vegas HSTF comprises agents and officers with the FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, IRS-CI, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the United States Marshals Service, and Nevada Gaming Control Board with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Shiprock Man Sentenced for StabbingRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to two years in prison for an assault which resulted in serious bodily injury.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on August 31, 2025, Tony Tsosie, 57, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was involved in an assault in Shiprock, New Mexico. Tsosie was arrested on September 3, 2025, and pleaded guilty on April 14, 2026, to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He will serve one year of supervised release following his prison sentence.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.
Sex Offender from Dracut Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A registered sex offender from Dracut pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and unlawfully possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
Tyler Bullock, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Myong J. Joun scheduled sentencing for Dec. 2, 2026. Bullock was arrested and charged in November 2025.
Bullock was identified as an individual who had, on several occasions, sent money to an India-based network in exchange for CSAM. During a search of Bullock’s residence, Bullock admitted to soliciting and paying for CSAM. A forensic review of Bullock’s devices revealed videos and photographs depicting both real and AI-generated CSAM.
During the search of the residence, a Ruger P85 9mm pistol loaded with a magazine that contained several rounds of ammunition as well as a knife bearing the Schutztaffel lightning bolts and a swastika were located in a small safe under a rug in a bedroom. According to court documents, the pistol was reported stolen in transit from New Hampshire to Arizona. A copy of Mein Kampf and an additional 42 rounds of ammunition were also located in the same bedroom.
Additionally, according to the charging documents, a partially assembled rifle was located in an upstairs bedroom along with numerous WWII-era German military medals, patches and memorabilia containing Nazi symbolism.
Bullock is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition as a result of a 2016 conviction for the Purchase or Possession of Child Pornography in Lowell District Court.
The charge of possession child pornography after a prior offense provides for a sentence of no less than 10 years and up to 20 years in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and William Ferrari, Deputy Assistant Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service Office of Investigations made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the United States Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexandra W. Amrhein and Eric L. Hawkins of the Major Crimes Unit are prosecuting the case.
Rapid City Man Convicted of Child Pornography Charges Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, man convicted of Distribution of Child Pornography, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography. The sentencing took place on August 14, 2026.
Jesse Luiz Jaso, 22, was sentenced to five years in federal prison for each count, followed by five years of supervised release. Each sentence was ordered to run concurrently. Further, Jaso was ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, a $1,000 fine and will be required to register as a sex offender under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
Jaso was indicted for Distribution of Child Pornography, Receipt of Child Pornography, and Possession of Child Pornography by a federal grand jury in February 2024. He was found guilty of all counts on May 21, 2026, following a 2-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City.
In February 2023, a Rapid City Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Detective received a Cybertip from Snapchat that Jesse Jaso was distributing child pornography. Through the investigation and subsequent search and seizure of Jaso’s phone, law enforcement learned he had been communicating with individuals online, purchasing child pornography, and soliciting others to exchange child pornography.
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 the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.
This case was investigated by the South Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the Rapid City Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Jaso was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Previously Deported British Citizen Who Illegally Reentered U.S. is SentencedRead the Press Release
David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that JOHN O’ROURKE, also known as JOHN CASEY, 27, a citizen of the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Vernon D. Oliver in Hartford for unlawfully reentering the United States.
According to court documents and statements made in court, O’Rourke has used several other aliases including “John O’Rouke,” “Michael Casey,” “John Joyce,” “Robert Davanzo,” “David Collins,” and “James McCormack.” On October 7, 2024, U.S. Border Patrol apprehended O’Rourke, under an alias, and four other individuals near Fort Covington, New York, close to Canadian border. An investigation revealed that O’Rourke did not have legal status in the United States and, on October 15, 2024, he was removed by foot from New York to Canada.
O’Rourke subsequently unlawfully reentered the U.S. On February 18, 2025, O’Rourke was arrested under the name John Casey in Bridgeport, Connecticut, and charged with state offenses including evading responsibility and breach of peace. On March 2, 2026, O’Rourke was arrested under the name John Casey in Pleasonton, California, on an arrest warrant issued by a judge in Torrington, Connecticut, charging O’Rourke with larceny in the first degree, making home improvements without a valid home improvement certificate, and mispresenting or impersonating a registered contractor. O’Rourke also has a pending state case in Danbury, Connecticut for larceny.
Additional investigation revealed that O’Rourke has pending cases stemming from arrests under various aliases in Suffolk County, New York, in November 2023; Everett, Washington, in September 2025; Linden, New Jersey, in December 2025; and Snohomish County, Washington, in January 2026. He also is being sought by law enforcement in Surrey, England.
O’Rourke has been detained in state custody since his arrest on March 2, 2026. On May 14, 2026, he pleaded guilty in federal court to unlawful reentry of a removed alien.
O’Rourke’s pending state cases in Danbury, Torrington, and Bridgeport are expected to be resolved next month. Judge Oliver sentenced O’Rourke to 10 days of federal imprisonment consecutive to his state sentences, after which he will be transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody and removed to the United Kingdom.
This matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neeraj. N. Patel and Michael S. Deel.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Portland Man Pleads Guilty to Possessing Cocaine and Crack Cocaine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Maine: A Portland man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to possessing cocaine and crack cocaine with intent to distribute.
According to court records, on July 8, 2024, Portland police officers arrested Anthony Lobor, 27, on a state arrest warrant. Later that day, investigators searched Lobor’s residence under a search warrant and found cocaine, crack cocaine, several cell phones, cash, seven firearms, and ammunition.
Lobor faces up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1 million, and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will be sentenced after the completion of a presentence investigative report by the U.S. Probation Office. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Portland Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
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Poplar Bluff Woman Caught with Gun, Meth Sentenced to 40 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
CAPE GIRARDEAU – A convicted felon from Poplar Bluff, Missouri who was caught with a gun after selling methamphetamine to investigators was sentenced Wednesday to 40 months in prison.
On Dec. 3, 2025, the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force and the Butler County Sheriff’s Department conducted a court-approved search of the home of Dorothy Mae Neeley. Neeley had recently sold a small amount of meth to someone working with the Task Force. She was arrested on an unrelated warrant and turned over about 5 grams of a mixture containing meth, according to her plea agreement. She also told investigators that she had a firearm in her bedroom, and they found a disassembled sawed-off shotgun. Neeley is a convicted felon, having been imprisoned four times, and is thus barred from possessing a firearm.
Neeley, 50, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau in May to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force and the Butler County Sheriff’s Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Willis prosecuted the case.
Phoenix Man Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulently Obtaining $1 Million in PPP LoansRead the Press Release
PHOENIX, Ariz. – A Phoenix man who received over $1 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans by submitting fraudulent applications was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Sharad H. Desai to 15 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Jamar Johnson, 54, previously pleaded guilty to Wire Fraud.
Johnson admitted that he submitted false applications in order to obtain PPP loans on behalf of his entity, CBL Worldwide II. For example, in one of the applications, Johnson stated that the company had 73 employees and over $4.8 million in annual payroll expenses. In reality, CBL Worldwide II had zero employees and no payroll expenses. As a result of his fraudulent misrepresentations, Johnson received two PPP loans totaling $1,007,650.
Johnson spent the money on himself, including by purchasing cryptocurrency, a vehicle, and cosmetic dentistry. At sentencing, Johnson was ordered to pay full restitution to the Small Business Administration (SBA).
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted in March 2020 to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief under the CARES Act was the authorization of hundreds of billions of dollars in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation in this case, with substantial assistance from the SBA, Office of Inspector General. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
CASE NUMBER: 25-CR-00738-PHX-SHD
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-141_Johnson# # #
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.Parker Man Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for EscapeRead the Press Release
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a man from Parker, South Dakota, convicted of Escape. The sentencing took place on August 17, 2026.
Michael Sherard, 39, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Sherard was indicted for Escape by a federal grand jury in May 2026. He pleaded guilty on June 22, 2026.
Sherard was serving a sentence for a felony conviction for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. In January of 2026 he was transferred to a halfway house in Sioux Falls to serve the remainder of his sentence. In April, he left the facility to go to work and did not return. He was later arrested in Sioux Falls and charged with a new offense of possession of a controlled substance.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Sherard was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Pair from Galesburg Sentenced for Trafficking in Methamphetamine and MarijuanaRead the Press Release
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Two individuals from Galesburg, Illinois, Jordan Eskridge, 31, and Breana Crider, 28, were sentenced on August 12, 2026, for conspiring to traffic in and trafficking in methamphetamine and marijuana, and Eskridge was also sentenced for possessing a firearm as a felon. Eskridge was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Crider was sentenced to 121 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release.
At the sentencing hearing before U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow, the evidence showed that Eskridge and Crider conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana. During the law enforcement investigation, officers located 3,821 grams of methamphetamine and 497.8 grams of marijuana, along with two firearms. At the time, Eskridge was prohibited from possessing firearms due to multiple prior felony convictions.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Eskridge and Crider in May 2025. Eskridge has remained in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service since his arrest that month. Crider was released on bond with conditions in June 2025 but was later arrested and taken into custody in April 2026 due to violation of conditions.
Eskridge and Crider each pleaded guilty to two counts involving conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine and marijuana and possession with intent to distribute both substances. Eskridge also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a felon.
The statutory penalties for possessing 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and conspiring to distribute or possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine are 10 years to life imprisonment, followed by at least five years of supervised release, and a potential fine of up to $10 million dollars. The statutory penalties for possessing less than 50 kilograms of marijuana with intent to distribute and conspiring to distribute or possess with intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana are not more than 5 years’ imprisonment, followed by at least two years of supervised release, and a potential fine of up to $250,000 dollars. The statutory penalties for possessing a firearm as a felon are up to 15 years of imprisonment, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine.
Members of the Galesburg Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Springfield Field Office, investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Searle represented the government in the prosecution.
The case against Eskridge and Crider is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Omaha Man Who Used Chat GPT to Plan a Robbery Sentenced to 121 months for Bank Robbery and Brandishing a FirearmRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that Deron Lewis-Payne, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska, was sentenced on August 13, 2026, in federal court in Omaha for one charge of bank robbery and a second charge of brandishing a Llama Mini-Max .45 handgun during a crime of violence. District Court Judge Robert F. Rossiter, Jr. sentenced Lewis-Payne to 121 months’ imprisonment: 37 months for the robbery charge and 84 months on the brandishing charge to be served consecutively. There is no parole in the federal system. After Lewis-Payne’s release from prison, he will begin a five-year term of supervised release.
On February 10, 2026, Lewis-Payne, entered the i3Bank at 15645 Spaulding St. in Omaha and robbed the bank while brandishing a black semi-automatic handgun and demanding money from two bank employees.
He pointed the handgun at the tellers and told them he would kill them if they did not comply, prompted them to empty their cash drawers, and warned them not to include any dye packs with the cash. The tellers complied and Lewis-Payne took approximately $9,175.00 in cash before fleeing.
i3 Bank surveillance captured his unmasked face and distinctive outfit, including red Nike slides. The footage clearly depicted his face and the handgun used. Residential surveillance cameras located near the bank captured the vehicle he used, including the plates and distinctive features to include a toolbox and particular rust spots.
After the robbery, video surveillance footage and transaction records from multiple retailers at Westroads Mall showed that Lewis-Payne went on shopping spree in which he used cash to buy shoes and clothing apparel. When officers located him near one of his residences, he ran abandoning banded cash in his wake. A search of his residences revealed another currency band, the vehicle used, and most of the outfit he wore during the robbery, including the distinctive red Nike slides.
Lewis-Payne admitted to driving the vehicle, but denied involvement with the bank robbery. He consented to a search of his phone. Officers examined the contents and determined Lewis-Payne used ChatGPT to plan the robbery, including advice on law enforcement response times, how to strip and repair a Llama Mini-Max .45 handgun, and for advice on obtaining ammunition as a felon. Additionally, his Google maps history showed he had most recently searched for directions to i3 Bank.
The handgun was never recovered. Officers recovered $2,397.00 of the $9,175.00 taken during the robbery.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
North Carolina Man Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
WILMINGTON, Del. (August 19, 2026) – A federal grand jury has returned a one-count indictment charging a North Carolina man with possession with intent to distribute cocaine two kilograms of cocaine.
According to the indictment, James F. Pyrtle, 55, possessed approximately two kilograms of cocaine—a distribution level quantity—in the trunk area of his vehicle while driving near Concord Pike. Also present in Pyrtle’s vehicle were several thousand dollars in cash that returned a positive hit for the presence of narcotics.
Pyrtle is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(B)(ii)(II). If convicted, Pyrtle faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and maximum penalty of forty years. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“Stopping significant quantities of illegal drugs from reaching Delaware neighborhoods is a top priority for our office,” said U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace. “Thanks to the diligent work of the Delaware State Police, two kilograms of cocaine were prevented from entering our communities. We will continue working alongside our state and local partners to pursue and prosecute those who bring illegal drugs across our borders.”
This drug seizure again demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to holding drug dealers accountable and protecting our communities. Cocaine and other dangerous substances continue to affect too many lives,” said Colonel William D. Crotty, Delaware State Police Superintendent. “It is through strong partnerships and investigative efforts that we continue to make strides in this fight. The Delaware State Police continues to collaborate with our federal and local allies to disrupt the flow of lethal drugs and prevent them from reaching our communities.”
U.S. Attorney Benjamin L. Wallace and Delaware State Police Superintendent, Colonel William D. Crotty, made the announcement. Delaware State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney M. David Tamubssi Jr. is prosecuting the case.
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. 1:26-cr-110.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Nine Members of Drug Trafficking Organization SentencedRead the Press Release
Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Carlos E. Mendoza has sentenced the last of nine co-defendants for charges related to an Orlando Drug Trafficking Organization. Each of the defendants previously pleaded guilty. U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe made the announcement. See details below:
Name
(Age, Residence)
Charges
Sentencing Date
Sentence Imposed
Jonnathon Enrique Perez-Colon
(38, Davenport)
Drug trafficking conspiracy; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; conspiracy to commit money laundering5/27/202625 yearsShaquille Omy Carino-Maysonet
(27, Orlando)
Drug trafficking conspiracy; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking4/14/2026 20 yearsAlberto Gabriel Velez-Concepcion
(31, Orlando)
Drug trafficking conspiracy; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking7/8/2026 17 years and 7 monthsOmar Echebalier Lugo-Villalobos
(31, Orlando)
Drug trafficking conspiracy; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking5/6/2026 16 years and 3 monthsJose Miguel Quinones-Echevarria
(35, Orlando)
Drug trafficking conspiracy; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking4/14/2026 15 yearsYamauris Gabriel Sanchez
(29, Orlando)
Drug trafficking conspiracy; possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; conspiracy to commit money laundering6/3/2026 12 years and 3 months Neizliann Rivera-Rivera (27, Orlando)Conspiracy to commit money laundering5/27/2026 8 yearsYailyn Nicaury Galva-Zapata (24, Azalea Park)Maintaining a drug-involved premises8/19/20265 yearsJanitza Marie Rojas-Ramos
(38, Davenport)
Conspiracy to commit money laundering6/3/2026 Time served and 3 years of supervised releaseAccording to court documents, these individuals were part of a Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO) known as the “6’s,” that operated in the City of Orlando. The DTO was led by Jonnathan Enrique Perez-Colon, a/k/a “Chuy,” and used three residential properties to weigh and package dealer packs of cocaine and fentanyl in small baggies, which were later delivered to lower-level drug dealers located in various distribution areas. Specifically, members of this DTO would “cut” and pre-package these narcotics in “packs.” These “packs” contained several dozens of small baggies containing cocaine, fentanyl, or a mix of fentanyl and cocaine called “hot shots” that provided drug users with a half-stimulant (“up”) and a half-depressant (“down”) effect. Each narcotic was packaged in a specific-colored small baggie. Once ready for delivery, some members of the DTO—who were also responsible for the DTO’s operations at the residential properties—would deliver these packs to the DTO’s street-level dealers to be sold to customers at the distribution areas.
Throughout their investigation in 2022 and 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Orlando Police Department (OPD) identified the residential properties and the distribution areas where the 6s sold their narcotics. Investigators also identified the leader of the DTO as Jonnathan Perez-Colon, who also stored and packaged narcotics at a residence maintained by Neizliann Rivera-Rivera. Other DTO members who operated and resided at the stash houses were identified as Omar Lugo-Villalobos (a/k/a “Musol”), Yamauris Sanchez, Jose Quinones-Echevarria (a/k/a “Flako”), Yailyn Galva-Zapata and Shaquille Carino Maysonet (a/k/a “Shaq”). Law enforcement also identified the DTO members who operated the distribution locations where the narcotics were sold to customers, including Quinones-Echevarria and Alberto Velez-Concepcion (a/k/a “Gordo”). The investigation also revealed that Perez Colon resided in Davenport with Janitza Marie Rojas-Ramos, who laundered proceeds of the DTO for Perez-Colon through several different financial institutions.
On January 6, 2023, the DEA and OPD executed multiple simultaneous search warrants at the residential stash houses and distribution points. Agents seized over 1,200 individual baggies containing cocaine and/or fentanyl. They also recovered a larger amount of cocaine and fentanyl being used to resupply the dealers, which the DTO attempted to flush down the toilet as agents made forcible entry into one of the stash houses:
Above: 368 grams of fentanyl being packaged at one of the stash houses
Above: 366 grams of fentanyl and cocaine and 215 grams of methamphetamine,
which Sanchez attempted to flush when DEA and OPD executed the warrant
In total, agents seized more than 2,000 grams of cocaine, over 800 grams of fentanyl, and at least 215 grams of methamphetamine. Additionally, agents recovered a “kilo press” used to press kilogram bricks of narcotics, two Glock pistols, two Smith & Wesson handguns, two rifles, and $15,720 in drug proceeds, all of which were ordered forfeited by the court.
In addition to the narcotics investigation, agents from the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated the financial transactions related to the DTO and determined that Perez Colon, Sanchez, Rojas Ramos, and Rivera-Rivera each knowingly and willfully agreed to launder drug proceeds. The IRS identified more than $225,000 in laundered funds, and over $50,000 in wire transfers to individuals in the Dominican Republic used to pay for drugs.
“Members of this drug trafficking organization distributed dangerous drugs such as fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine throughout the City of Orlando,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe. “The diligent pursuit and hard work by our local and federal law enforcement partners have brought these illegal activities to an end, and the defendants to justice.”
“This drug trafficking organization operated with complete impunity, distributing dangerous substances in Central Florida,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, DEA Tampa Field Division. “The amount of fentanyl we seized could potentially contain 800,000 deadly doses. Orlando communities will be safer with these criminals off the streets.”
“Drug traffickers may move product, but they always leave a financial trail—one that our IRS-CI Special Agents are uniquely trained to uncover,” said Ron Loecker, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office. “This case showcases how powerful it is when IRS-CI’s investigative efforts join forces with federal, state, and local partners.”
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Orlando Police Department; and the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, Florida Field Office, Financial Crimes Task Force, which is comprised of the St. Cloud Police Department, the Kissimmee Police Department, the Winter Park Police Department, the Casselberry Police Department, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Michael P. Felicetta, Dana E. Hill, Michael Sartoian, and Noah P. Dorman. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole M. Andrejko is handling the forfeiture.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Region 20 (Tampa) comprises agents and officers from multiple law enforcement agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Mississippi Man Pleads Guilty to Evading $2 Million in TaxesRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Mississippi man pleaded guilty today to evading the payment of more than $2 million in federal income taxes.
According to court documents, Eric Brian Rosenberg tried to hide money from the government after he learned that an IRS revenue officer was trying to collect the income taxes that he owed.
Between 2016 and 2020, in a practice known as “check churning,” Rosenberg repeatedly removed most of the funds from his checking account by purchasing a cashier’s check, and holding that check until he wanted cash. When Rosenberg wanted money, he would deposit the cashier’s check into his bank account, withdraw the cash he wanted, and remove the unspent funds via another cashier’s check. Later, Rosenberg took additional steps to avoid paying the taxes he owed by forming a company, opening a bank account in the company’s name, depositing money into that nominee bank account, and continuing to churn checks. At the same time, from 2016 through 2021, Rosenberg spent over $1 million gambling at casinos.
Rosenberg pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 16, 2026, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and United States Attorney Baxter Kruger of the Southern District of Mississippi made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Matthew Hicks of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Stan Harris for the Southern District of Mississippi are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. The core mission of the Fraud Division is to zealously investigate and prosecute those who steal or fraudulently misuse taxpayer dollars. Department of Justice efforts to combat fraud support President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking and Arson OffenseRead the Press Release
Brad D. Schimel, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on August 18, 2026, Bobby McNeil (age 46) was sentenced to a total of 30 years’ imprisonment.
McNeil was convicted at trial of five felony counts: Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, or Coercion; Arson in Furtherance of a Federal Felony; Arson of a Building/Rental Property; Interstate Transportation for the Purpose of Prostitution; and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. The evidence presented at trial established that between 2021 and 2022, McNeil used force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion to compel an adult female victim to engage in commercial sex acts on the south side of Milwaukee. Further evidence showed that McNeil committed a retaliatory act of arson by throwing a Molotov cocktail into the home of another adult who attempted to help the trafficking victim escape from McNeil.
Following his term of imprisonment, McNeil will also spend five years on supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution.
At the sentencing McNeil, United States District Court Judge Lynn Adelman stated that McNeil’s abuse of the victim was “extreme and borderline sadistic.” Judge Adelman also stated that McNeil’s prior record is “rife with violence, especially against women” and that the sentence “is necessary to protect the public from [McNeil’s] violent and predatory behavior.”
“McNeil is a dangerous and violent individual who preyed upon and exploited another human being for his own profit. His utter cruelty and willingness to use violence to control his victim make clear that he poses a serious danger to the community” said Attorney Schimel. “The 30-year sentence is well deserved, and the appropriate place for McNeil is in federal prison.”
“ATF’s investigative team brought certified fire investigation and firearms expertise to this case, helping hold McNeil accountable for weaponizing fire as retaliation and illegally possessing a firearm,” said ATF Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Olson, of the St. Paul Field Division. “Thirty years in federal prison is a significant sentence that reflects the severity of his crimes and the danger he posed to the community. We appreciate the dedication and partnership of the Milwaukee Police Department, FBI, and U.S. Attorney’s Office in achieving justice in this case.”
"The FBI worked alongside our partners to provide investigative tools which assisted in the conviction and lengthy sentencing of Bobby McNeil who terrorized his victims,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Alan Karr. "The FBI is committed to pursuing justice for victims of human trafficking through our continued collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.”
“Today’s sentence holds a violent and predatory individual accountable for his actions and brings justice to the victim,” said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. “No one should have to endure the abuse and exploitation suffered in this case. I am proud of the dedication and collaboration of our law enforcement partners in holding McNeil accountable and working to keep our community safe.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Milwaukee Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Abbey Marzick and Porchia Lewand prosecuted the case.
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Mexican Illegal Alien Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Prison for Federal Drug CrimeRead the Press Release
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Braulio Villa-Chairez, also known as “Raul,” 32, a Mexican national living illegally in the United States, was sentenced today to 12 years and six months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has an immigration detainer on Villa-Chairez and he will be subject to deportation proceedings upon the completion of his prison sentence.
According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in March 2024 until in or around about October 2024, Villa-Chairez conspired with other individuals to distribute methamphetamine. As part of his guilty plea, Villa-Chairez admitted that he assisted the conspiracy by shipping methamphetamine to West Virginia and elsewhere.
In July 2024, Villa-Chairez shipped two separate packages containing a total of 1.97 kilograms of methamphetamine “ice” from Houston, Texas, to a customer in West Virginia after receiving instructions from a co-conspirator. On or about July 18, 2024, Villa-Chairez picked up a package containing $4,800 sent by the customer, notified a co-conspirator that he had obtained the package, and re-shipped it to Washington state.
In August 2024, Villa-Chairez shipped a package containing approximately 963.8 grams of methamphetamine to Alabama. In October 2024, Villa-Chairez assisted a co-conspirator who was delivering approximately 5.905 kilograms of methamphetamine “ice” and approximately 4.402 kilograms of methamphetamine by vehicle to West Virginia by providing him with directions to a hotel and a casino in Kanawha County.
As part of his guilty plea, Villa-Chairez also admitted that he has lived illegally in the United States under the name “Jose Jesus Villa-Chairez” and has been convicted of two federal felony offenses under that name. Villa-Chairez has been previously deported from the United States three times and illegally re-entered the country a fourth time prior to his current offense.
Villa-Chairez and two other Mexican nationals living illegally in the United States were indicted by a federal grand jury as the result of a joint investigation by federal and local law enforcement into a conspiracy that was responsible for delivering large quantities of methamphetamine to West Virginia and elsewhere from Houston. Co-defendant Silvester Barcenas, 24, was sentenced on February 11, 2026, to four years and nine months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine. Lead defendant German Francisco Diaz, also known as “Trulio,” 41, remains a fugitive. An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Israel Chaires-Villa, 24, a Mexican national, was sentenced on November 20, 2025, to three years and 10 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for to possession with intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine. Chaires-Villa pleaded guilty in a separate indictment resulting from the joint investigation.
ICE has immigration detainers on Barcenas and Chaires-Villa, and each will be transferred to ICE administrative custody for removal proceedings upon the completion of his prison sentence.
“This case is a stark example of what happens when our immigration laws are ignored,” said United States Attorney Moore Capito. “This defendant was deported three times, illegally returned to the United States, and then trafficked nearly 60 pounds of methamphetamine into our communities. Our country cannot tolerate a revolving door where individuals repeatedly violate our border, return illegally, and profit from poisoning Americans. If you come into this country illegally and deal deadly drugs, expect federal law enforcement to find you, prosecute you, and put you behind bars.”
Capito made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Network Team (MDENT), which is composed of the Charleston Police Department, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, the Nitro Police Department, the St. Albans Police Department and the South Charleston Police Department.
Chief United States District Judge Frank W. Volk imposed the sentence. Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy B. Wolfe prosecuted 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. 2:24-cr-176.
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Massachusetts Man Charged with Distributing Synthetic Opioids Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Rockland, Mass. man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly operating an online drug trafficking business that distributed potent synthetic opioids to customers across the country through the U.S. mail, including a shipment that allegedly resulted in the overdose death of a woman in Las Vegas in April 2025.
Jaden Zion Andre, 23, was indicted on one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue resulting in death; three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue; and four counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The defendant will appear in federal court in Boston on Aug. 25, 2026. He is currently in state custody on unrelated charges.
According to the charging documents, Andre advertised and sold highly potent synthetic opioids and controlled substance analogues through online accounts and forums – including a Telegram channel called “MontanaSnacksLLC,” a Proton Mail account called “SnackSeason” as well as on Reddit pages. Customers allegedly communicated directly with Andre through those accounts to request samples, place orders and arrange payment and shipping. It is alleged that Andre then disguised the drugs inside ordinary snack packaging – including bags of cheese balls, chips, popcorn, rice crisps and Pirate’s Booty – and mailed the packages from post offices throughout Massachusetts to customers nationwide.
In April 2025, a package allegedly shipped through MontanaSnacksLLC was delivered to a woman in Las Vegas who had requested a narcotics sample; she was found dead later that day, and a substance recovered from her bedroom subsequently tested positive for N-pyrrolidino ethylene isotonitazene, an analogue of a Schedule I controlled substance.
According to the charging documents, Andre’s trafficking operation continued through May 2026, with investigators connecting additional packages from MontanaSnacksLLC or SnackSeason to overdose death investigations in Florida, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Those deaths remain under investigation.
Numerous other alleged drug shipments were intercepted or purchased during the investigation, including four packages mailed on May 26, 2026, each containing a controlled substance concealed inside sealed bags of Pirate’s Booty. A subsequent search allegedly recovered electronic records linking Andre to the operation, including USPS shipping labels, customer and tracking information, cryptocurrency-related records and photographs of suspected synthetic opioids bearing the “SnackSeason” name.
The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue resulting in death provides for a sentence of no less than 20 years and up to life in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and a controlled substance analogue each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jeffrey Grimming, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations; Jarod A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; and Justin Page, Acting Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; United States Postal Inspection Service, Las Vegas and Pittsburgh Field Offices; Federal Bureau of Investigation, Las Vegas Division; Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (Florida); Pennsylvania State Police; Butler City Police Department (Pennsylvania); Richmond Hill Police Department (Georgia); and the Massachusetts State Police. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael E. Robinson of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit is prosecuting the case.
This case was investigated and prosecuted by the Boston Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations , and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.
Marine to serve prison time for child pornographyRead the Press Release
WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 121 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to crimes related child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, Gavin Onuffer, 28, of Haysville pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cybertip concerning CSAM activity from an IP address connected to Onuffer’s home. While executing a search warrant on Onuffer’s cellphone, law enforcement found CSAM images depicting prepubescent girls subjected to sexual conduct.
“People who take pleasure in viewing, creating, or distributing images of little children being sexually exploited are a danger to our society and belong behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “We ask the public that if you know someone who engages in this type of behavior to please make a report to law enforcement.”
The Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) and Wichita Police Department investigated the case.
Project Safe Childhood
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.###
Lubbock Ponzi Schemers Face up to 70 Years in Federal Prison Following Guilty Verdict in San AntonioRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A federal jury convicted two Lubbock men in San Antonio Tuesday afternoon for their roles in a massive Ponzi fraud scheme with their already convicted co-defendant Brooklynn Chandler Willy of San Antonio, announced U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Joshua Allen and Michael Cox jointly owned and controlled four investment companies: Ferrum Capital LLC, Ferrum II LLC, Ferrum III LLC, and Ferrum IV LLC. Allen, Cox, Willy and others acting at their direction, solicited victims to invest in these entities. Willy, who pleaded guilty to 10 counts in March, was the owner of Chandler Capital Holdings and Queen B Advisory LLC doing business as Texas Financial Advisory (TFA). Among other services, TFA purported to provide asset management and financial planning services.
Allen, Cox and Willy conspired to mislead the victims concerning the security of the investments and concealed their high commissions. Additionally, Allen and Cox lied about the nature of the investments. Hundreds of victims collectively lost millions of dollars. Much of that money went to pay earlier investor-victims, thereby concealing the scheme and attracting additional victims. Much of the money also directly benefited the co-conspirators themselves.
On Tuesday, concluding a weeklong trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, the jury convicted both Allen and Cox of all four counts: conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and securities fraud.
“In the midst of this Ponzi scheme, Allen and Cox collected a handsome fee by telling various egregious lies, even using their self-proclaimed faith and reputation in their community to con the investors they victimized,” said U.S. Attorney Simmons. “This case shows that within the Western District of Texas and across the Department of Justice, we are resolved to prosecute cases like these where individuals have preyed on the innocence and trusting nature of everyday Americans as Michael Cox and Joshua Allen did here.”
“This case took years to unravel: tracing the money, interviewing witnesses, and working with our FBI partners to find more victims of this despicable Ponzi scheme. Allen and Cox preyed on their closest friends, their community, and many others across the country. They took millions of dollars to enrich themselves while devastating lives along the way. To say they violated trust is grossly insufficient — they destroyed it,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus Jr. of IRS CI’s Texas Field Office. “Our work with the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office cannot undo the victims’ suffering, but this verdict may provide some measure of satisfaction that these criminals will pay for their financial crimes. The women and men of IRS-CI will continue to band together with their law enforcement partners to pursue those who commit financial crimes and steal from trusting individuals.”
“These convictions send an important message,” said FBI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Daniel Faith. “When someone chooses greed over integrity and abuses the trust of others for illicit personal gain, there are serious consequences.”
Now convicted on all four counts, Allen and Cox both face up to 70 years in prison. They were taken into federal custody immediately following the verdict. Their sentencing hearings have not been scheduled at this time.
Willy’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Dec. 14. She faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the six wire fraud charges, on the one wire fraud conspiracy charge, and on the one money laundering conspiracy charge. She also faces up to 10 years for engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from the wire fraud scheme and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison for aggravated identity theft, which, by statute, would run consecutive to any other punishment.
IRS-CI and the FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe Blackwell and Sam Shapiro are prosecuting the case.
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Local High School Teacher Sentenced to 33 Years for Sex Trafficking 16-Year-Old Girl from Mississippi to New OrleansRead the Press Release
NEW ORLEANS, LA – U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle announced that AARON TEROD JOHNSON (“JOHNSON”), age 38, from New Orleans, was sentenced today to 33 years imprisonment before United States District Judge Lance M. Africk.
On December 10, 2025, a jury unanimously found JOHNSON guilty of both Sex Trafficking of a Minor, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1591(a)(1) and 1591(b)(2); and Coercion and Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Prostitution, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2422(b).
According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, JOHNSON, a New Orleans schoolteacher, learned on social media that a 16-year-old girl had run away in February 2024. The next day, JOHNSON found and saved a screenshot of her social media page on his cellular phone. The day after she was reported missing again, in March of 2024, JOHNSON contacted the victim and learned that she was stranded in Vicksburg, Mississippi. Late on the evening of March 14, 2024, JOHNSON drove from his home in New Orleans to Vicksburg, picked up the victim and her friend at 1:30 a.m., and immediately returned to New Orleans using backroads. In the vehicle, JOHNSON told the victim that he would not hurt her because he was a teacher and she was the age of his students. On the ride back, JOHNSON offered the victim alcohol and marijuana.
According to the court documents, the victim and her friend believed JOHNSON would take them to the house of their acquaintance. Instead, JOHNSON brought the minor to his apartment in New Orleans, where he had sex with her in exchange for $200. Shortly thereafter, JOHNSON told the victim that she had to have sex with him again for free or he would kick her out. JOHNSON pressured the victim by, among other things, reminding her that he had taken a risk in going to pick her up. When the victim refused, JOHNSON made the victim, and her friend stand outside in the rain.
Over the next two weeks, JOHNSON continued to contact the victim, even after she blocked his phone number. On one occasion, JOHNSON went to a home where the victim was staying and had sex with the victim in exchange for $100 in cash. On another occasion, JOHNSON learned that the victim was hungry and offered to take her to get seafood. When they arrived at the restaurant, JOHNSON asked the victim what she would do in exchange for food.
Evidence introduced at trial also showed that JOHNSON attempted to pay another minor female for sex in March and April 2024. Even after this juvenile disclosed via text message that she was fifteen years old, JOHNSON continued to pursue her.
United States District Judge Lance M. Africk sentenced JOHNSON to 33 years in prison, to be followed by a life-time term of supervised release. The Court also ordered that JOHNSON participate in the sex offender registration and notification program.
“Today’s sentencing confirms that AARON TEROD JOHNSON, has been held accountable for his atrocious actions,” stated U.S. Attorney David I. Courcelle. “As an educator, JOHNSON violated the trust bestowed upon him to protect children; instead he preyed upon a 16-year-old runaway. Human trafficking is a horrific crime that often occurs in the shadows and is commonly underreported. However, due to the courage of the victim of this crime, as evidenced by her cooperation with law enforcement, this ugly, heinous crime was fully exposed. Thanks to the extensive and productive collaboration by our exceptional, dedicated and tenacious prosecution team, Homeland Security Investigations partners, and Victim Assistance specialists, JOHNSON has received his just and deserved punishment.”
“As a schoolteacher at the time of his crimes, JOHNSON knew how vulnerable children are and chose to use that knowledge to exploit a runaway minor instead of protecting her,” said Matt Wright, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations – New Orleans. “That kind of calculated abuse of a position of trust is among the most egregious conduct we see in human trafficking and child exploitation cases. While no sentence can undo the trauma he inflicted, I am proud of the tireless commitment of our special agents and law enforcement partners who worked to ensure this predator was brought to justice.”
U.S. Attorney Courcelle praised the work of Homeland Security Investigations, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, the United States Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives in investigating this matter. This case was prosecuted by Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Task Force Leader, AUSA Maria M. Carboni.
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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Updated 8/22/2026
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Ken Sorenson Takes Oath as Senate-Confirmed United States Attorney for the District of HawaiiRead the Press Release
HONOLULU – Ken Sorenson took the oath of office as the United States Attorney for the District of Hawaii on August 18, 2026, following his confirmation by the United States Senate and the signing of his commission by the President.
Before his confirmation, United States Attorney Sorenson served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for 39 years, including 30 years in Hawaii, leading investigations and prosecutions into notable espionage, public corruption, murder, racketeering, drug trafficking, complex fraud, terrorism, and environmental cases. He began serving as Hawaii’s Acting United States Attorney in January 2025 and was appointed by the United States District Court in March 2026 to continue to serve as Hawaii’s United States Attorney pending his confirmation before the United States Senate.
“It was an honor and privilege to serve the people of Hawaii as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for three decades. To be selected to continue to lead the federal law enforcement community as Hawaii’s chief federal law enforcement official is a mandate and mission I embrace,” said United States Attorney Ken Sorenson. “While the Office I lead is small in numbers, we are proud of the overwhelming positive influence we exert every day to promote the safety and welfare of Hawaii’s citizens by taking violent criminals, child predators, drug traffickers, fraudsters, spies, racketeers, corrupt public officials, and other criminals off of the streets. I pledge to continue to aggressively protect Hawaii with the outstanding assistance of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and the exceptional Assistant U.S. Attorneys and staff in my office, whose skill, dedication, and commitment to public service make our good work possible every day.”
Kansas man sentenced for drug and firearm possessionRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man who led law enforcement on a high-speed chase across state lines was sentenced to 132 months in prison for illegal drug and firearms possession.
According to court documents, Marquis V. Bridgeman, 28, of Mission pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a machine gun and one count of possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.
In December 2024, Bridgeman committed a drive by shooting in Kansas City, Kansas, involving another driver. The other driver wasn’t injured. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) traced the license plate to an apartment in Mission, Kansas, where they spotted the vehicle used in the shooting. Investigators saw Bridgeman exit the apartment and drive away in another vehicle. When a trooper attempted to stop Bridgeman, he led a high-speed chase across the state line and into Kansas City, Missouri. Eventually, law enforcement used tactical intervention to disable the vehicle and took Bridgeman into custody.
Inside the vehicle Bridgeman was driving during the chase, officers found keys to the other vehicle and two firearms, one of which was a Glock with a Glock-switch making it function as a machine gun. By comparing the casings recovered from the drive by shooting, investigators determined the Glock to be the weapon fired at the victim. Law enforcement searched the vehicle used in the drive by shooting and found a pistol and a bag with 140 grams in fentanyl. Inside Bridgeman’s apartment troopers found six firearms, approximately 98 grams of cocaine, 1,396 fentanyl pills, and approximately $50,000 in cash.
“While drug dealers with guns always cause grave concern, we are further alarmed seeing more criminals with firearms that are illegally converted into machine guns capable of firing more rounds and causing more destruction within a short time,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Some people apparently think these illegal machine gun conversion devices are fun to collect and use; however, they are likely committing federal crimes without being properly licensed and could end up spending a good amount of time in federal prison.”
The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel prosecuted the case.
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Illegal alien sent to prison for role in black-market peso exchange money laundering schemeRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 52-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to prison for his role in two-year, multimillion-dollar trade-based money laundering conspiracy to move drug trafficking proceeds through Texas to Mexico.
Gabriel Arturo Castillo of Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, pleaded guilty April 8.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered Castillo to serve 48 months in federal prison. As an illegal alien, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
Castillo participated in a sophisticated international money laundering conspiracy to transfer proceeds from the sale of illegal drugs in the United States to cartels in Mexico without physically transporting money across the U.S.-Mexico border. The conspirators concealed those funds through the movement of goods between the two countries.
As part of the black-market peso exchange scheme, the criminal conspiracy received large quantities of drug proceeds in various cities in the United States. The proceeds then were either deposited into various bank accounts or transported to Laredo.
From there, the drug proceeds were sold to business owners in Mexico who used the U.S. currency to purchase products from stores in the United States, including perfume sellers. Once the businesses received payment, the merchandise Mexican business operators purchased was transported from Laredo to Mexico.
Finally, Mexican business operators paid for the drug proceeds by transferring pesos in Mexico to the drug trafficking organizations. By doing so, the conspirators sought to conceal the source of the drug proceeds and to allow the Mexico-based drug dealers to receive their profits in their native currency, pesos.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia, provided significant assistance in this matter. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and August 2025 extradition of Castillo.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lance Watt and Amanda Gould prosecuted the case along with Trial Attorneys Keith H. Liddle and Stephanie Williamson of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics, and Forfeiture Section.
Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Distributing FentanylRead the Press Release
BOSTON – A Dominican national, unlawfully residing in Lawrence Mass., pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Boston to drug charges after serving a federal prison sentence and being deported in 2023.
Angel Martinez, a/k/a Aneudy Rios, 56, pleaded guilty to distribution of and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns scheduled sentencing on Nov. 19, 2026. In October 2024, Martinez was indicted by a federal grand jury.
Martinez is currently on supervised release for 2019 federal drug distribution charges that resulted in 60 months in prison. After serving his sentence, Martinez was deported from the United States. In September 2024, Martinez unlawfully returned to the United States and sold fentanyl to a cooperating witness in Haverhill, Mass. which was captured on video.
The charge of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $1 million. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Boston Field Office made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by North Andover Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip C. Cheng of the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
Illegal Alien Arrested with over 100 Pounds of Meth and Loaded Gun Sentenced to 10 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Demetrio Lagunes-Xocua, 32, a Mexican national illegally in the United States, was sentenced this week to 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro for his participation in a drug trafficking operation in which he transported a significant amount of methamphetamine across the country for distribution in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The defendant was charged by indictment in May 2025 with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien. In April of this year, Lagunes-Xocua pleaded guilty to both charges.
As detailed in court filings and statements, on April 20, 2024, in Upper Uwchlan Township, Chester County, the defendant was found to be driving a tractor trailer containing more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine and a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Lagunes-Xocua subsequently admitted that he was driving from Colorado to Pennsylvania to deliver the load of drugs.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania State Police, and Chester County Detectives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Mills.
Hyattsville Resident Pleads Guilty to Participating in COVID-Relief Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Greenbelt, Maryland – A Maryland woman pled guilty in federal court, today, for her role in a scheme to fraudulently obtain more than $2.3 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds.
Carmen Hernandez, 49, of Hyattsville, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the scheme. This prosecution is part of the Trump Administration’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the guilty plea with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge John T. Perez, Federal Reserve Board Office of Inspector General (FRB-OIG).
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act — a federal law enacted in March 2020 — provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. It authorized up to $659 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for employee retention and certain business expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which was administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The business must use PPP loan proceeds on payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities.
According to her guilty plea, in 2014, Hernandez and her co-conspirators opened a tax-preparation business, Integrated Multi Services Inc. (IMS), in Silver Spring, Maryland, that they registered under Hernandez’s name. Beginning in May 2020, and continuing until at least May 2023, Hernandez and her co-conspirators knowingly and willfully engaged in a scheme to fraudulently obtain PPP loans guaranteed by the SBA.
As part of the scheme, Hernandez solicited IMS clients and others to use IMS’s services to apply for PPP loans. Hernandez also instructed PPP-loan applicants about what documents they needed to provide IMS in support of their PPP-loan applications. One of Hernandez’s co-conspirators submitted PPP loan applications that contained false information and fabricated supporting documents, including tax documents and business records to obtain larger loans for their clients. In some cases, the PPP-loan applications listed businesses that did not exist in any legitimate capacity. Hernandez and her co-conspirators then charged borrowers kickbacks based on a percentage of the funds received.
In total, Hernandez and her co-conspirators caused the submission of at least 120 fraudulent PPP-loan applications on behalf of at least 80 PPP loan borrowers, resulting in at least $2.3 million in fraudulent PPP loans.
Additionally, as she admitted in her guilty plea, Hernandez caused the submission of two false PPP-loan applications for herself. These loans, submitted in June 2020, and March 2021, contained multiple material representations and were supported by fabricated tax documents. As a result of these fraudulent PPP-loan applications, Hernandez obtained $37,224 in PPP funds that she was not eligible to receive.
Hernandez is facing up to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district judge determines sentencing after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
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.
U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI and FRB-OIG for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bijon A. Mostoufi and Alex P. Treiger who are prosecuting the case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to report fraud, please visit justice.gov/usao-md and justice.gov/usao-md/report-fraud.
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Homeland Security Task Force Investigation Leads to Guilty Plea by Pensacola Armed Drug TraffickerRead the Press Release
Pensacola, Florida – Marquis Dy’Monte Bethea 32, of Pensacola, pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the plea today.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This case demonstrates the excellent investigative work by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, with support from our federal law enforcement partners, to identify and remove an armed drug trafficker from our streets. The Homeland Security Task Force is continuing to deliver wins for public safety in the Northern District of Florida, and my office remains committed to aggressively prosecuting these armed drug traffickers until our citizens get the safe, drug-free streets they deserve.”
Court documents reflect that in September 2025, the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop for an infraction. The defendant was the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. After a drug detection K9 positively alerted to the presence of narcotics, law enforcement searched the vehicle. During the search, deputies located a loaded pistol, $10,350 cash, and over 200 grams of methamphetamine.
Bethea faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, on the drug distribution count, and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, and up to life imprisonment, for the firearm count, consecutive to the sentence imposed on Count 1.
Sentencing is scheduled before United States District Judge T. Kent Wetherell, II in Pensacola, Florida on September 24, 2026.
The plea was the result of a joint investigation by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey M. Tharp.
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 comprises agents and officers from multiple agencies with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
HSI Arrests Five in Federal Sex Trafficking of Minors Undercover Operation in OmahaRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Lesley A. Woods announced that a three-day undercover operation led by HSI resulted in the arrest and indictment of five men in Omaha, Nebraska, last week. The defendants have been indicted by a federal grand jury in the District of Nebraska with the following charges:
- Jocsan Aparicio-Santos, 39, of Lincoln, Nebraska, was charged with Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child and Penalties for Registered Sex Offenders.
- Logan Trigg, 29, of Omaha, was charged with Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child and Penalties for Registered Sex Offenders.
- Bryan E. Dady, 48, of Omaha, was charged with Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child and Penalties for Registered Sex Offenders.
- Tillian Hutton, 25, of Omaha, was charged with was charged with Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child.
- Law Eh, 39, of Omaha, was charged with was charged with Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child and Possession of Child Pornography.
The possible penalties for Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child is a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release of five years to life, and a special assessment of $5,000. The penalties for the charge of Penalties for Registered Sex Offenders are 10 years’ consecutive to the underlying sentence. The maximum possible penalties for Possession of Child Pornography are 20 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, supervised release of five years to life, and special assessments totaling of $26,928.
Indictments are charging documents that contain one or more individual counts that are merely accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Over the course of August 12 through August 14, 2026, the operation utilized online advertisements about sexual acts for sale. Investigators acting in an undercover capacity communicated with interested individuals seeking sex acts with minors. The subjects charged in the operation showed up to an agreed upon location to allegedly engage in sexual acts with a 14-year-old. Investigators encountered dozens of additional individuals who communicated about sexually exploiting minors. However, these individuals did not appear in person.
These cases are under investigation by HSI. The following agencies assisted HSI with this operation: HSI Denver, Kansas City, Wichita, and Sioux City; the Omaha Police Department; the Colorado Bureau of Investigation; and the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office.
The Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement, and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking.
If you see something, say something. The public can provide tips to the HSI tipline at 1-866-347-2423.
Gearhart Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of Children and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
PORTLAND, Ore.—A Gearhart, Oregon, man was sentenced to federal prison today for sexual exploitation of children and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Joseph Biamont, 36, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison and 10 years’ supervised release, announced U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford for the District of Oregon.
“This defendant violated the victim’s privacy and trust and stole the innocence of a child. My office is proud to bring these cases and hold Biamont, and criminals like him, accountable,” said United States Attorney Scott E. Bradford, “The trauma he caused these victims is immeasurable and long lasting. The 15 year sentence will not repair the harm but will prevent him from causing more harm for a long time.”
According to court documents, Biamont surreptitiously recorded a minor victim for years. He took extraordinary steps to hide his actions and placed cameras in places where he could capture videos of the minor nude. Biamont possessed 71 videos of this victim that depict child sexual abuse material. He also possessed videos of other children’s child sexual abuse material.
On May 6, 2025, a federal grand jury in Portland returned a 6-count indictment charging Biamont with five counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of possession of child pornography. He was arrested on those charges on May 15, 2025 in Seaside, Oregon.
On February 24, 2026, Biamont pled guilty to sexual exploitation of children and possession of child pornography.
This case was investigated by the Clatsop County Sheriff’s Office, Gearhart Police Department, and the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez .
This case was brought in collaboration with Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse, launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Anyone who has information about the physical or online exploitation of children are encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
Federal law defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. It is important to remember child sexual abuse material depicts actual crimes being committed against children. Not only do these images and videos document the victims’ exploitation and abuse, but when shared across the internet, re-victimize and re-traumatize the child victims each time their abuse is viewed. To learn more, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at www.missingkids.org.
Gainesville Felon Sentenced for Federal Drug & Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
Gainesville, Florida – DaMorie Lamontay Miles, 20, of Gainesville, Florida, was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison for one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and one count of receipt, possession, transfer, or production of a firearm which is not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.
U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This successful prosecution and sentence notches another win for the Department of Justice, and continues to fulfill the promise made by President Donald J. Trump and Attorney General Todd Blanche that we will devote the full might of the federal government toward delivering safe, drug-free streets for our citizens.”
Court records reflect that the defendant was communicating via text message and social media with others to buy and sell marijuana and to obtain a machine gun conversion device (MCD). The defendant was arrested after a search of his residence discovered over 600 grams of marijuana and the MCD.
“Our goal is to make Gainesville a safer place, and that means keeping dangerous drugs and illegal firearms out of the hands of those who would use them to harm others,” said Gainesville Police Chief Nelson Moya.
Miles’ sentence will run consecutive to another state sentence involving the possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and the possession of a weapon or ammunition by a Florida delinquent.
The case involved an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Gainesville Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christie S. Utt.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Florida is one of 94 offices that serve as the nation’s principal litigators under the direction of the Attorney General. To access public court documents online, please visit the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida website. For more information about the United States Attorney’s Office, Northern District of Florida, visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndfl.
Former West Virginia Sheriff’s Office Deputy Indicted for Alleged Deprivation of Rights of InmateRead the Press Release
A deputy with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office was charged yesterday in an indictment with one count of alleged deprivation of rights under color of law arising out of his alleged sexual assault of a female inmate in his custody.
According to the indictment, on July 29, 2025, Cass Aaron Close, 56, violated the civil rights of the victim when he sexually assaulted her. At the time of the assault, Close was on duty as a Kanawha County Sheriff’s deputy and the victim was in his custody at the Kanawha County Judicial Annex. If convicted of all the charges, Close faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Moore Capito for the Southern District of West Virginia, and Special Agent in Charge Richard Evanchec of the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office with assistance from the West Virginia State Police.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Herrald for the Southern District of West Virginia and Trial Attorneys Cassandra Hughes and Tenette Smith of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Former Union Treasurer Pleads Guilty to Embezzling Union FundsRead the Press Release
ALBUQUERQUE – The former treasurer of a New Mexico labor organization pleaded guilty to embezzling union funds for unauthorized personal expenses and concealing the misuse through false financial reports submitted to the Department of Labor.
According to court records, from 2014 through February 2024, Max Jaramillo, 58, served as treasurer of the National Postal Mail Handlers Union, Local 331, where he was entrusted with safeguarding union funds and accurately reporting the union’s financial activities. From January 2015 through November 2023, Jaramillo used union funds for unauthorized personal expenses and concealed his misuse of the money by submitting false and incomplete financial reports to the Department of Labor and the union’s members. On March 15, 2023, Jaramillo submitted an annual report to the Department of Labor that falsely represented and omitted material information about how union funds had been spent. Among the unauthorized expenditures, Jaramillo used $49.98 in union funds to purchase a bottle of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for himself on July 1, 2022.
Jaramillo pleaded guilty to embezzlement by an officer of a labor organization. At sentencing, he faces up to 20 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.
The Department of Labor’s Office of Labor Management Standards investigated this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico is prosecuting the case.