District of Kansas

WICHITA, KAN. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas (USAO-KS) announces a Wichita Police Department (WPD) detective, who dedicates himself to improving public safety by working to eradicate communities of drug trafficking, as a recipient of the Hometown Hero award.

The Hometown Hero award commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. It honors the enduring ideals of Liberty, Service, and Civic Responsibility. Across the country, the U.S. Department of Justice is recognizing members of law enforcement who exhibit a steadfast commitment to these ideals and embody the spirit upon which our nation was founded.

USAO-KS selected Detective Kevin D. Real as the honoree for the District of Kansas. U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser presented him with an award certificate and a challenge coin on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Real is a 29-year veteran of the Wichita Police Department, and in 2024, was named the Kansas Narcotics Officers Association’s Officer of the Year. Through his expertise in research and surveillance and keen deductive reasoning skills, Real has successfully facilitated the arrests of suspects directly connected to organized criminal networks involved in trafficking methamphetamine and heroin, and in firearms smuggling. His efforts have significantly disrupted trafficking operations, and to date, Real has seized over 400 pounds of methamphetamine intended for distribution on the streets of Wichita.

“Detective Real goes into drug houses and dangerously comes face-to-face with individuals who have a propensity for violence. This work requires courage, skill, and resilience,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “We are grateful for his efforts in holding drug traffickers accountable and ensuring communities are safer for everyone.”

“Detective Kevin Real represents the best of the Wichita Police Department,” said Wichita Police Chief Joe Sullivan. “For nearly three decades, he has taken on dangerous work that most people never see, but our community feels the impact of every day. The hard work he’s done has removed drugs, guns and violent offenders from Wichita neighborhoods, and this recognition from the U.S. Attorney’s Office is well deserved.”

Real has experience working with local, state, and federal agencies. He formerly served as an FBI-credentialed Project Safe Streets Task Force Officer where he worked on investigations that were complex, time-intensive, involved multiple interviews and search warrants, and included evidence collection across several jurisdictions.

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WICHITA – A Kansas couple admitted culpability in crimes related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

According to court documents, Addilynn Jean Onuffer, 22, of Haysville was sentenced to 160 months in prison after pleading guilty to distribution of child pornography.

Her husband and co-defendant Gavin Onuffer, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. He is scheduled to be sentenced August 3, 2026.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cyber tip about CSAM from an IP address connected to the home of Gavin and Addilynn Onuffer. Investigators obtained a search warrant for Gavin’s cell phone and found files containing images of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Evidence showed his wife sent him the images. 

“In her plea agreement, Addilynn said she sent her husband CSAM images simply because he wanted them,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “We all have a duty to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. Instead of holding each other accountable and stopping perverse activity, this couple engaged in their prurient interests together. There is no excuse for this behavior.”

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.

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WICHITA, KAN. – An Alabama man was sentenced to 72 months in prison after law enforcement discovered fentanyl and firearms in his vehicle.

According to court documents, Russell Scott IV, 38, of Gulf Shores, Alabama, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

In September 2023, a Wichita police detective saw Scott speeding on Interstate 35 and made a traffic stop. During a probable cause search, law enforcement found approximately 3,000 fentanyl-laced pills and nine firearms in Scott’s vehicle.

“Although deaths caused by fentanyl overdoses are down from record highs, this poison continues to put lives at risk,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “The defendant admitted his intention before his arrest was to distribute thousands of fentanyl pills. I would like to thank the Wichita Police Department for helping to keep so much of this potentially deadly substance off our streets.”

The Wichita Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi prosecuted the case.

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging a convicted sex offender with possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). 

According to court documents, Jesse William Laws, 46, of Leavenworth was indicted on one count of possession of child pornography.

Laws is accused of knowingly viewing or accessing CSAM in November  2025  and therefore allegedly a violation of his terms of release related to a previous conviction in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana for receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography in  2006, and a conviction in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri for possession of child pornography in 2017. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey McCormick is prosecuting 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.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Adrian German Marrufo-Morales, 43, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case.

James D. Hall, 35, of Kansas City, Kansas, was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case.

Raul Leyva-Ramirez, 45, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case.

Sergio Manuel Martinez-Sanchez, 53, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of reentry by a previously removed alien. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Hines is prosecuting the case.

Obed Rocha-Flores, 41, an illegal alien from Mexico, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Mexican national was sentenced to 120 months in prison for orchestrating a kidnapping-for-hire plot to collect on a drug debt.

According to court documents, Carlos Niebla-Machado, 51, who was illegally residing in Kansas City, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted kidnapping.

In February 2024, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) learned from confidential sources that Niebla-Machado was allegedly selling large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl from California in the Kansas City metro area. Niebla-Machado told the KBI sources he wanted to have a person kidnapped who owed him a $300,000 drug debt. 

In June 2024, an undercover KBI agent met with Niebla-Machado. Niebla-Machado provided the agent with the victim’s full name, age, home address, photographs, and background information. Niebla-Machado said he wanted the victim’s fingers cut off and a torch used on the victim’s face to coerce the victim to sign over property.  Niebla-Machado gave the agent a firearm and a 2004 Dodge Ram truck as a down payment for the kidnapping. The agent asked Niebla-Machado if he wanted to be involved in torturing the victim. The defendant said he was too old for that, but he wanted to visit the rural Kansas location where the victim would be held. There, the defendant planned to question the victim about the locations of houses he wanted the victim to sign over. 

Investigators contacted the victim and disclosed the kidnapping-for-hire plot. The victim agreed to cooperate and talked about having given Niebla-Machado home furniture, electronics, $20,000 in cash, a Dodge pickup truck, and a tow truck towards an approximate $100,000 debt.  The victim said the defendant kept adding interest to the debt.

On July 1, 2024, the undercover agent informed Niebla-Machado that the victim had been kidnapped and was being held captive. The agent picked up Niebla-Machado in Missouri and drove him to a location in rural Kansas.  Once they arrived at the location, KBI agents arrested the defendant.  

“Unfortunately, there are people in our country who view violence as a way of life and have no problem inflicting torture,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “After listening to the gruesome details of the torment Niebla-Machado planned for the kidnapping victim, it’s apparent that had he been speaking with a willing violent criminal rather than an undercover agent, this case would have likely ended in tragedy.” 

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Trent Krug and Christopher Oakley prosecuted the case.

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Four defendants in a kidnapping received prison sentences in a crime where the victim was bound and blindfolded for approximately 10 hours. 

According to court documents, Tahreon L. Allen, 23, of Lawrence, Kansas, Jean Willy Petit Frere, 26, of Lawrence, Kansas, Mustafa D. Muhammad-Springs, 22, of Kansas City, Kansas, and Tamara U. Jackson, 25, of Kansas City, Missouri, all pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping.

Allen was sentenced to 262 months in prison. 

Muhammad-Springs was sentenced to 204 months in prison.

Petit Free sentenced to 135 months in prison.

Jackson was sentenced to 54 months in prison. 

In May 2023, Tahreon L. Allen, Jean Willy Petit Frere, and a third suspect forced a 65-year-old man from his home in Lawrence, Kansas, at gunpoint and demanded he give them money. They bound the victim’s hands with duct tape and put a pillowcase over his head. The kidnappers stole money from the victim and stole two vehicles. They transported him to various locations before eventually meeting up with Muhammad-Springs in Kansas City, Kansas, where Petit Frere and the third suspect withdrew from the conspiracy. The victim was driven back to his home in Lawrence, where a third vehicle was stolen.  

After returning with the victim to the Kansas City area, Muhammad-Springs called Tamara Jackson and asked her to find a place where the victim could be concealed. She orchestrated putting the victim into the basement of the apartment where she was residing in Kansas City, Missouri. As Muhammad-Springs and a co-conspirator attempted to transfer the victim, who still had the pillowcase over his head, back into one of the victim’s stolen vehicles, they were confronted by bystanders, who physically removed the victim from the vehicle. Muhammad-Springs and the co-conspirator then fled in the stolen vehicle, which was later found abandoned in Kansas City, Missouri.

 Allen was arrested later that day after he drove one of the victim’s vehicles to his place of employment.

“The victim spent hours bound, blindfolded, and in mental anguish fearing that at any moment his captors would end his life, but the perpetrators didn’t care. Their utter depravity means our society is safer with them behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser.

The Lawrence Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel prosecuted the case.

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TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging a Missouri man with producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

According to court documents, Joshua David Kolb, 43, of Independence, Missouri, was indicted on one count of production of child pornography, one count of coercion and enticement of a minor, two counts of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct, and one count of interstate communications with a threat to injure. 

Kolb allegedly directed a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct to create visual depictions. He is also accused of traveling from Missouri to Kansas on multiple occasions for the purpose of having sex with a minor. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Audrey McCormick is prosecuting 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.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Noah Luke Atteberry, 30, of Kansas City, Kansas, was indicted on two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case.

Mitchell J. Garlach, 38, of Olathe was indicted on one count of felon in possession of a firearm. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case.

Eric Marcell Thomas Jr, 20, of Kansas City, Missouri, was indicted on one count of illegal possession of a machine gun. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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TOPEKA, KAN. – Two Kansas men received prison sentences following separate Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigations into reports of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

According to court documents, Douglas Harpster, 53, of Salina pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor – possession of child sexual abuse material.  

Harpster was sentenced to 78 months in prison and a ten-year term of supervised release.

In October of 2022, the FBI received a tip that a computer IP address with a geolocation in Salina was downloading known CSAM files using an Internet files haring platform. The user was identified as Harpster. FBI agents executed a search warrant on Harpster’s home and seized multiple electronic devices and electronic storage devices.  A review confirmed his files contained over 1,500 thumbnails or cached images depicting minors, including those under the age of 12, engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

In a separate case, according to court documents, Eric Holloway, 53, of Clay Center pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor – possession of child sexual abuse material, with statutory sentencing enhancement as the defendant has a prior conviction for a crime of sexual violence.

Holloway was sentenced to 135 months in prison and a lifetime term of supervised release.

“Child sexual abuse material is a plague on our communities. If you possess, create, and/or distribute these perverse images you should expect to be prosecuted,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the cases. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Walton prosecuted the cases.

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.

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) investigation into a drug trafficking ring connected to a Mexican drug cartel resulted in convictions and prison sentences for defendants in the Kansas City metro area. 

In January 2020, federal agents opened an investigation into a methamphetamine trafficking operation headed by Jose Santos Macias-Roman, 46, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States after overstaying his visa. Investigators learned that Macias Roman arranged the transportation of liquid methamphetamine from Sinaloa, Mexico to the Kansas City, Kansas area. Between February 2020 and July 2023, law enforcement conducted multiple controlled methamphetamine purchases from Macias Roman and members of his drug trafficking organization. Investigators learned the traffickers converted the methamphetamine from liquid into crystal form before distributing the finished product to customers. 

Over time, law enforcement identified several members of the drug trafficking network and their stash houses, two of which contained active methamphetamine conversion labs. As a result of the investigation, law enforcement seized over 70 kilograms of methamphetamine, approximately $35,000 in cash, and three firearms. 

“The Homeland Security Task Force model is directly focused on targeting transnational criminal organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “This case is a perfect example of coordinated law enforcement resources to achieve justice. We will continue to build collaborative relationships with state, local, and federal partners to eliminate transnational and other threats to our communities here in Kansas and elsewhere.”

Macias Roman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 300 months in prison. 

Juan Ramirez-Gonzalez, 37, an illegal alien from Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 300 months in prison.

Ezequil Castro-Aviles, 40, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States after overstaying his visa, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 172 months in prison.

Manuel Alexis Soltero-Alvarez, 31, an illegal alien from Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 168 months in prison.

Manuel Arturo Faudoa, 26, of Dodge City, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 144 months in prison.

Gerardo Sierra-Martinez, 21, an illegal alien from Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of money laundering. He was sentenced to 97 months in prison.

Marcos Antonio Valencia, Jr., 35, of Kansas City, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He was sentenced to 72 months in prison.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Jackson County, Missouri Drug Task Force, Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Nebraska Highway Patrol, and the Midwest High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program investigated the case.  
Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug prosecuted the case.

This operation is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from FBI; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas.

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TOPEKA, KAN. – A former employee at a Kansas post office pleaded guilty to illegally taking mail that was supposed to be delivered to customers.  

According to court documents, Gayli Harman, 44, of Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado, formerly of Manhattan, Kansas, pleaded guilty to one count of obstruction of mail. 

Harman worked for the U. S. Postal Service in Westmoreland in the Sales, Service, and Distribution department. Between June 2021 and March 2023, Harman opened mail that wasn’t addressed to her and removed items from some of the packages. She also hid mail causing it not to be delivered. Investigators found 16 pieces of mail hidden throughout the Westmoreland Post Office. Harman also issued herself a post office box without paying. 

The estimated loss value to customers is approximately $530.00. 

“Even with the heavy usage of email, Americans still depend on the mail system numerous ways in their daily lives. Although the total dollar amount here might not be overwhelming, the damaged trust in our mail system cannot be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “We encourage customers to report when their packages don’t arrive or items are missing, because the follow up investigations can help to root out bad actors for prosecution.” 

The U.S. Postal Service - Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting the case.

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Colorado man was sentenced to 120 months in prison for selling a fully automatic weapon to a Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) agent who was working undercover. 

According to court documents, Kyle Simmonds, 35, of Fort Morgan, Colorado, pleaded guilty to one count of illegal possession of a machine gun.

In August 2025, the KBI began investigating Simmonds on suspicion of distributing narcotics and firearms.  During a text message exchange with an undercover agent, Simmonds discussed selling an illegal machine gun and sent photos of a firearm. Simmonds and co-defendant Damien Zamora then traveled from Colorado to Decatur County, Kansas, to meet with the undercover agent. The agent saw a Heckler & Koch, model MP7 A2, 4.6x30 caliber machine gun in their vehicle which the agent recognized from the photos Simmonds sent.

Zamora confirmed the firearm was fully automatic and that he builds these guns. Simmonds told the agent it was illegal to own this weapon. The agent gave Simmonds money for the firearm and for narcotics. 

Zamora pleaded guilty to illegal possession of a machine gun and is awaiting sentencing. 

“Make no mistake. I am a staunch supporter of the Second Amendment,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “However, because I understand the damage these weapons can inflict, I know that guns, particularly automatic weapons, and selling drugs do not mix well. We will hold anyone selling illegal firearms accountable. These criminals have no regard for the possible loss of life when cavalierly selling fully automatic weapons to whoever is willing to pay their prices.”  

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler prosecuted the case.

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WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging an illegal alien from Guatemala for allegedly trying to lure a minor into engaging in criminal sexual conduct.

According to court documents, Nicolas Perez-Paxtor, 40, was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation and one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. 

In February 2026, Perez-Paxtor is accused of attempting to persuade or coerce a minor under the age of 18 years old to engage in prostitution. 

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are investigating the case.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Ramiro Erik Flores-Hernandez, 44, an illegal alien from Mexico was indicted on four counts of distribution of cocaine and two counts of attempt to commit possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Kansas Highway Patrol are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case.  

Samuel Juarez-Leal, 23, an illegal alien from Mexico was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. 

Luis Luna-Magdaleno, 51, an illegal alien from Mexico was indicted on one count of reentry by a previously removed alien. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case.  

Inocencio Rodriguez-Antonio, 30, an illegal alien from Mexico was indicted on one count of reentry by a previously removed alien. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case.  

Juventino Hernandez-Zalazar, 37, an illegal alien from Mexico was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case.  

Dennis D. Dees, 39, of WaKeeney was indicted on one count of possession of child pornography and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), and the U.S. Secret Service are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting 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.

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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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser of the District of Kansas champions National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW), an initiative to raise awareness about the importance of providing crime victims with resources and support. Since 1981, U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime has designated this time to challenge the nation to confront and remove barriers to achieving justice for victims of crime. The theme for 2026 is:  

                                                           
While NCVRW applies to all victims of crime, U.S. Attorney Kriegshauser is drawing added attention to those victims whose images were used to create child sexual abuse material (CSAM) either as actual images or through generative artificial intelligence (GenAI). USAO-KS wants the public to know that federal, state, and local agencies are actively working to bring those who produce, share and/or possess CSAM before a court of law. 

“Whether the image is real or fake, creating, sharing, and possessing CSAM is a crime. It’s our job to prosecute these offenses, and we will work diligently so that the people engaging in this behavior are convicted and sentenced to federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Kriegshauser. 

USAO-KS is committed to educating the public about the legal parameters surrounding the use of GenAI. In 2025, Congress passed the TAKE IT DOWN Act to protect victims from the nonconsensual online publication of intimate visual depictions of individuals, both authentic and computer-generated digital forgeries. This Act includes enhanced criminal penalties when the victim is a minor.

“When it comes to the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes, our office is filing an increasing number of cases against defendants under the age of 25,” said Kriegshauser. “We are encouraging parents to talk to their teenagers and young adult children so that they understand this behavior is not a joke. It’s a felony.”

This week, U.S. Attorney Kriegshauser gave interviews warning of the dangers of CSAM on morning talk radio shows in Wichita and Kansas City. The USAO-KS also held a joint press conference with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) in Kansas City, Kansas. The topics included trends in the numbers of CSAM cases reported to law enforcement and sextortion. Sextortion is when an online predator coaxes victims into providing sexually explicit content then blackmails them by threatening to share this content with the public. 

“Thousands of FBI agents, intelligence analysts, and professional staff work daily to combat the threat of child exploitation,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jeff Berkebile of the FBI-Kansas City Office. “Collectively, these crimes contribute to one of the most pervasive and urgent problems facing our world today: children being targeted and abused online. We must all work together to stop it. What we do, and how we teach our children to recognize and avoid this danger, will make all the difference.”

U.S. Attorney Kriegshauser also voiced a public service announcement on NCVRW that was sent to college radio stations throughout Kansas. 

Here are some resources that parents and other trusted adults can use to help protect our children from predators.

• https://www.dhs.gov/know2protect/training
• https://icactaskforce.org/OCEPI#:~:text=The%20Online%20Child%20Exploitation%20Prevention,online%20sexual%20exploitation%20and%20abuse.

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TOPEKA, KAN. – A former employee of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (PBPN) pleaded guilty to misapplying thousands of dollars the tribe received in federal grants and using the money to purchase sports memorabilia.  

According to court documents, Matthew Waits, 41, of Topeka pleaded guilty to one count of misapplication of federal grant funds. 
Waits previously worked for the PBPN as manager and program director of the Diabetes Prevention Program. In January 2023, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) / Indian Health Service awarded federal grants and assistance to the tribe. Waits misapplied more than $5,000 in grant money by using it to buy sports memorabilia, which is not an authorized purchase under the rules of the grant and in violation of federal law. 

He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 22, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

“Diabetes patients are susceptible to long-term damage to their heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. It was the defendant’s job to teach people how to avoid this chronic disease. Waits took money intended to help save lives and used it to purchase materials to enhance his hobby shop that sold collectables such as Pokemon cards and sports memorabilia,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (HHS – OIG) are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Maag and Lindsey Debenham are prosecuting the case.

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WICHITA, KAN. – A convicted sex offender was sentenced to 120 months in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

According to court documents, Jacob Navarrette, 34, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.
In April 2020, a federal judge in the U.S District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma sentenced Navarrette for possession of child pornography. As part of his sentence, Navarrette went to stay at a transitional center in Wichita, Kansas. In 2024, a staff member found a contraband cellphone under Navarrette's mattress. The phone contained an instant messaging app and messages between the defendant and a person who self-identified as a 17-year-old minor. This minor sent explicit photos of himself at Navarrette's request. Navarrette later admitted to installing the app and using it to speak sexually with many people, including minors.

 “Unfortunately, Navarrette was back to committing child sex abuse crimes before he finished serving time for the offense that landed him in prison in the first place,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “This case is an example of why continued monitoring of sex offenders is crucial to protect our society and our children.”

Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) 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.

###

KANSAS CITY, KAN – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging an illegal alien from Mexico with having a firearm. 

According to court documents, Luis Estrada-Andrade, 22, was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting the case.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Alfredo Bustamante-Pineda, 46, an illegal alien from Mexico was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case.

Francisco Javier Gandarilla-Baray, 35, an illegal alien from Mexico was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case.

Alexis Guzman-Olea, 22, an illegal alien from Mexico was indicted on one count of reentry of previously removed alien. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask is prosecuting the case.

Apolonio Melesio-Rios, 48, an illegal alien from Mexico was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case.

Edgar Montoya-Jakes, 45, an illegal alien from Mexico was indicted on one count of reentry of a previously removed alien convicted of an aggravated felony. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting the case.

Santiago Ramos-Zeferino, 37, an illegal alien from Mexico was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas woman was sentenced to 240 months in prison after being caught with a massive quantity of fentanyl pills that she admitted she intended to sell. 

According to court documents, Mana Elena Reyes, 51, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. 

Between April 2023 and May 2023, Reyes had multiple discussions about purchasing and selling methamphetamine and fentanyl with an individual she was unaware was an undercover officer with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office (SGSO). Deputies then followed her as she drove from Kansas to Oklahoma and back. The Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP) conducted a traffic stop and a search of Reyes’ vehicle yielded approximately 115,000 fentanyl pills and more than 4,000 grams of methamphetamine along with heroin, fentanyl powder, and cocaine. 

“The United States Sentencing Commission reports that arrests for fentanyl trafficking have steadily increased over the past few years. Upon conviction, the average prison sentence handed down is 74 months, so this defendant will serve more than three times that average,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Our office is extremely pleased with the outcome in this case and will continue to seek stiff penalties for drug trafficking. Illegal drugs, particularly fentanyl and methamphetamine, are a scourge and will not be tolerated in our communities.”

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office (SGSO) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated the case with assistance from the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak prosecuted the case.

###

TOPEKA, KAN. – A partnership of federal and local law enforcement taking part in “Operation Sob Story”, an investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force, resulted in prison sentences for four Topeka area gang members for offenses such as drug trafficking and illegal firearms trafficking.  

According to court documents, in 2023, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) launched a joint investigation into several known members of the Crips. 

The individuals include:

•    Marcos Esteban Arredondo, 25,  •    Pedro Galicia-Hernandez Jr, 35,  •    Daequan Rayton, 28, and 
•    Elijah Eugene Wilson, 23. 

Marcos Arredondo pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Arredondo sold cocaine, fentanyl, and a firearm to a confidential source acting on behalf of law enforcement.  He was sentenced to 123 months in prison.

Pedro Galicia-Hernandez Jr. pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. He was sentenced to 151 months in prison. A confidential source made multiple controlled buys of fentanyl from Galicia-Hernandez in amounts of between 500 and 1,500 pills. Law enforcement received a tip that Galicia-Hernandez was returning to Kansas after a trip out of state and informed the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP). During a traffic stop, a state trooper found a bag in the vehicle Galicia-Hernadez was in with what was later determined be 16,246 fentanyl pills.

Daequan Rayton pleaded guilty to one count of illegal possession of a machine gun and two counts of illegal possession and transfer of machine guns. He was sentenced to 60 months in prison.

Elijah Wilson pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession and transfer of machine guns, two counts of failure to register as a dealer and manufacturer of machine guns, and one count of unlawful trafficking in firearms. He was sentenced to 45 months in prison.

A confidential informant bought machine guns from Rayton on two occasions. Subsequent evidence collected by investigators showed a connection between Rayton and Wilson. While executing a search warrant on Wilson’s home, agents found a 3D printer capable of producing firearms and silencers, machine conversion devices, hand tools for making firearms and silencers, a machine gun, and a silencer. 

In February 2024, the SCSO responded to a call involving “shots fired” at a park in Topeka. Witness information led authorities to Rayton. In his vehicle, law enforcement found a privately manufactured pistol that had an extended magazine loaded with “full metal jacket” rounds. The firearm had no serial number, and deputies took Rayton into custody.

Forensic lab tests later showed Wilson’s DNA inside the weapons Rayton sold to the confidential informant and analysis showed the weapon in Rayton’s possession when he was arrested was made using Wilson’s equipment. 

“During my tenure as U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas, I have been focused on enhancing state and federal collaboration.” Said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “This operation serves as an example of the great achievements that are possible with seamless law enforcement collaboration through the Homeland Security Task Force. We will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle criminal networks to make our communities safer.” 

“The sentences send a clear message that those who traffic drugs and machine guns will face serious federal consequences,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge, Bernard “Butch” Hansen, of the Kansas City Field Division. “This HSTF-led, multi-agency effort reflects the strength of intelligence-driven coordination between ATF, our law enforcement partners, and the United States Attorney’s Office. I commend the outstanding work of our agents and task force officers whose efforts helped dismantle a dangerous criminal operation and deliver a strong deterrent to others.”

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough prosecuted the case.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force 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 these organizations commit, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security investigations; FBI; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division, with the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas leading the prosecution.
###

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man pleaded guilty to defrauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) by falsely claiming severe weather destroyed crops that he had actually sold instead. 

According to court documents, David L. Mongeau, 54, of Holcomb pleaded guilty to one count of false statements related to crop insurance and one count of bank fraud/attempted bank fraud.

Mongeau owned Mongeau Enterprises, a farming operation in western Kansas. In 2019, he obtained a crop insurance policy through the USDA’s Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) which is subsidized by the federal government. In January 2020, Mongeau submitted a claim indicating he lost a portion of his corn crop in Rooks County, Kansas, due to hail and excess wind. He failed to disclose having sold more than 33,000 bushels of corn to agricultural commodity traders. The sales included corn that he indicated as a loss when filing a crop insurance claim. As a result, Mongeau received an overpayment, causing $241,645 in losses for the FCIP. 

Mongeau obtained farm loans from the First National Bank of Syracuse (now doing business as Dream First Bank of Garden City). He pledged numerous pieces of farm equipment along with crops as collateral to secure the loans. Mongeau either traded in or sold collateral and failed to notify the bank about the dispositions. As a result, the bank did not know the collateral was no longer available, and the bank suffered more than $300,000 in losses. 

“Kansas is part of the ‘Breadbasket of America’ because of the important role our farmers play in feeding the nation,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “We all know that farming is a challenging profession with a litany of potential obstacles, so the Federal Crop Insurance Program serves as a safety net through difficult times. Mr. Mongeau took what was supposed to be a helping hand and exploited that generosity for his own personal gain.”   

“Fraud against federal crop insurance programs is a direct abuse of taxpayer-funded support intended to help farmers recover from legitimate losses,” said Inspector General John Walk for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Inspector General. “As alleged, the defendant sought to profit by falsely claiming losses while selling the same crops, undermining the integrity of a program that producers depend on. USDA OIG will continue to pursue those who attempt to exploit these programs and work with our law enforcement partners to ensure they are held accountable. We thank the United States Attorney’s Office and HSI for their continued collaboration in this case.”

Mongeau is scheduled to be sentenced on July 1, 2026. 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General is investigating the case.

###
 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An Oklahoma man pleaded guilty after lying to U.S. customs officials while attempting to board a flight to the People’s Republic of China with proprietary information belonging to his employer. 

According to court documents, Junjie Zhang, also known as Jeff Zhang, 57, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement. 

Zhang, a naturalized United States citizen originally from China, worked for an aviation company in Wichita. His position as a senior material and process engineer provided him access to confidential data and proprietary information. In 2018, Zhang’s employer reported him to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after an incident during a work trip to China where he displayed suspicious behavior. 

In September 2019, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stopped Zhang at an airport in Dallas, Texas, as he was attempting to board a flight to China. During an interview, agents asked if he had any work-related information on his electronic devices to which he responded, “no”. Zhang told the agents the thumb drive and laptop he carried only contained personal information.  However, when CBP agents examined the devices, they discovered documents belonging to Zhang’s employer marked “Proprietary” and “Confidential” along with graphs and blueprints associated with the aviation company’s work. Zhang then changed his story to say that his employer had given him permission to have the documents. 

CBP alerted the FBI who contacted Zhang’s employer. The company informed the FBI that Zhang was not authorized to have confidential documents on his personal devices or to leave the country with that information.  

“Americans invest heavily into technological research and development. Intellectual property theft causes U.S. companies across numerous sectors to lose billions of dollars a year. Often that cost ultimately falls on consumers. Not only are Internet hackers a risk for this theft but so are insider threats from rouge employees,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “The Department of Justice works tirelessly to safeguard the hard-earned intellectual property of Americans and their companies from theft.” 

The proprietary data on Zhang’s devices is estimated to be valued at more than $100,000.

Zhang is scheduled to be sentenced on July 23, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Rask and Taylor Hines are prosecuting the case.

###

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas pharmacist for allegedly taking prescription drugs from a former employer for his personal use. 

According to court documents, Logan Marshall Abbott, 33, of Maize was indicted on one count of acquiring and obtaining a controlled substance by deception/subterfuge. 

Abbott is accused of using his position as a pharmacist to illegally acquire amphetamine (Adderall), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), methylphenidate (Ritalin), and oxycodone from his employer without authorization. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Marcus S. Castillo, 45, of Wichita was indicted on three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Wichita Police Department is investigating the case.

Ramiro M. Ciprian-De La Cruz, 32, an illegal alien from Guatemala was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation.  Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case.

David Colorado-Loredo. 47, an illegal alien from Mexico was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case.

Brooklyn Edward McKnight, 28, of Marquette was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###

WICHITA, KAN. – A Wichita man was sentenced to 120 months in prison for selling methamphetamine to an undercover police officer. 

According to court documents, Wayne F. Fleming, 41, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.

In May 2021, Fleming sold drugs multiple times to an undercover officer with the Wichita Police Department. Testing by the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center showed the total amount Fleming sold to the officer to be more than 200 grams of pure methamphetamine. 

“Mr. Fleming was federally indicted in 2021, but before a plea agreement was reached, Mr. Fleming went to state prison to serve time for offenses unrelated to the federal case,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “The Department of Justice doesn’t forget. Not long after his release from a state prison, Mr. Fleming is now an inmate in a federal prison.”

The Wichita Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak prosecuted the case.

###

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 110 months in prison for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM) images sent to him over the Internet from a man later convicted of child sexual abuse crimes. 

According to court documents, a federal judge found Frank Castro, 50, of Kansas City, Kansas, guilty of one count of receipt of child pornography after a bench trial.

In September 2020, Castro exchanged social media messages with Antonio Galicia in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Galicia offered to send Castro a video himself sexually abusing a young child. Galicia sent Castro a video file containing CSAM which Castro viewed.

While the Milwaukee Police Department was investigating Galicia for a series of child sex crimes, officers found evidence of the video transmission to Castro and passed the information on to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). 

As part of his sentence, a federal judge ordered Castro pay a $10,000 special assessment to a government fund designated to assist victims of CSAM because of the harm done to them. 

“Predators who molest children inflict further trauma when they capture then share images of the abuse over the Internet, thereby making victims feel repeatedly exploited,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “The Defined Monetary Assistance Victims Reserve helps victims trying to rebuild their lives, and the money comes from financial penalties imposed by the courts on convicted sex offenders.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Audrey McCormick and Scott Rask prosecuted 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.

###

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with creating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). The former high school wrestling coach was initially charged through complaint on three criminal counts then prosecutors pursued an additional count at indictment after the discovery of a fourth alleged victim. 

According to court documents, Ryan Brungardt, 37, of Salina is charged with three counts of production of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography. 

Brungardt is a former wrestling coach for Salina Central High School in Salina. Brungardt is accused of clandestinely using a cellphone to record minors while they showered in a locker room during the Tournament of Champions, a wrestling tournament which was held at Newton High School in Newton, Kansas, in January 2024.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Salina Police Department, and Newton Police Department are investigating the case.
Investigators are reviewing additional seized cellphone videos suspected to have been recorded at wrestling meets and tournaments in Newton, Hays, Garden City, and Salina, Kansas during the 2023-2024 wrestling season. Anyone who believes they witnessed crimes or suspicious activity at these events is asked to contact the KBI at (785) 600-8790 or report at www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

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.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 96 months in prison after smuggling contraband into a prison. 

According to court documents, Jermel Fleming, 33, of Lawrence pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.

In February 2024, Fleming and an accomplice drove to the Hutchinson Correctional Facility in Hutchinson, Kansas. Fleming threw a package containing a controlled substance over the prison wall then left. A lab test showed the substance to be approximately 247 grams of pure methamphetamine. 

“Illegal drugs threaten the security of correctional staff and inmates because of the elevated risk of violence and overdoses,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Offenders caught smuggling contraband into prisons are vehemently prosecuted. If you decide to give drugs to someone who is behind bars, then you are likely to end up in a cell as well.” 

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak prosecuted the case.

###
 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal jury convicted a Kansas man of illegally having a firearm as a convicted felon. Federal law enforcement initiated a criminal investigation after seeing photos posted on social media of him holding weapons. 

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Joseph R. Isaac, 28, of Kansas City, Kansas, was found guilty of one count of felon in possession of a firearm.

Isaac, a rap artist known professionally as SleazyWorld Go, is not legally allowed to possess firearms following a previous conviction for armed robbery in Kent County, Michigan, in 2016. On Friday, March 13, 2026, a jury found him guilty of knowingly possessing a Romarm/Cugir 7.62x39mm pistol. 

Isaac is scheduled to be sentenced on June 30, 2026. A federal district court judge will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Hines are prosecuting the case. 

###

TOPEKA, KAN. – A previously convicted sex offender was sentenced to 137 months in prison for possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) while he was on supervised release for similar offenses.

According to court documents, Michael Pinkerton, 48, of Topeka pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation of a minor – possession of child pornography.

In September 2010, a U.S. District Court judge in the Western District of Missouri sentenced Pinkerton to 120 months in prison followed by 60 months of supervised release after convictions for attempted receipt of child pornography and attempted possession of child of pornography. 

In April 2024, while Pinkerton was living in Kansas on supervised release, two U.S Probation Office officers went to his home in Topeka. They observed Pinkerton attempting to hide something and asked him what it was. Pinkerton admitted to having an unauthorized smartphone that contained saved images of CSAM. Investigators later confirmed the phone contained CSAM.

“After child sex offenders complete their prison sentences, tools like supervised release and registries are used to monitor them and try to keep our communities safe from deviant behavior.  These mechanisms worked in this case thanks to the proactive work of our probation officers,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Probation Office, and Topeka Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Walton prosecuted 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.

###

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas woman was sentenced to 48 months in prison for drug trafficking. 

According to court documents, Shakorra D. Bonds, 36, of Wichita pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance.

In March 2024, the Kansas Bureau of lnvestigation (KBI) received information that Bonds was selling fentanyl in Wichita. Agents coordinated a purchase of controlled substances from Bonds which resulted in the sale of 1,000 fentanyl pills.  In her plea agreement, Bonds admitted to selling pills that she knew contained fentanyl. 

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drug overdoses are the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 44, with fentanyl as a major culprit in causing many lives to be tragically cut short,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “We at the Department of Justice are grateful for our state and local law enforcement partners who work hand in hand with us to try to rid our communities of this toxic substance.” 

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak prosecuted the case.

###
 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned two separate indictments involving firearms against Honduran nationals illegally residing in the United States.

According to court documents, Joni Javier Claro-Rivera, 30, was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and one count of illegal possession of a machine gun. Claro-Rivera is accused of possessing four firearms and ammunition.

In a separate case, according to court documents, Francisco Perez-Perez, 51, was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Perez-Perez is accused of having two firearms and ammunition. 

The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the cases.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the cases.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Jose Manuel Garcia-Cartagena, 45, an El Salvadorian national illegally residing in the United States was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting the case.

Julio Cesar Lopez-Cruz, 33, a Guatemalan national illegally residing in the United States was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting this case. 

Edy Adolfo Pacheco-Arita, 40, a Guatemalan national illegally residing in the United States was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation.  Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry Fadler is prosecuting the case.

Delfino Rojas-Morgas, 48, a Mexican national illegally residing in the United States was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jabari Wamble is prosecuting the case.  

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

###
 

TOPEKA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Topeka returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with offenses related to drug trafficking and illegal firearms.

According to court documents, Danny Ray Stano Jr., 44, of Topeka was indicted on one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 

Stano allegedly had five firearms that he is not allowed by law to possess, and he is also accused of conspiring to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.  

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jared Maag is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###

WICHITA, KAN. – A former Kansas wrestling coach was charged through criminal complaint for allegedly creating child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) by clandestinely filming minors showering during a high school sporting event.

According to court documents, Ryan Brungardt, 37, of Salina is charged with two counts of production of child pornography and one count of attempted production of child pornography. 

Brungardt is a former employee at Lakewood Middle School and former wrestling coach for Salina Central High School in Salina. Brungardt is accused of using a cellphone to record three minors while they showered in a locker room during the Tournament of Champions, a wrestling tournament which was held at Newton High School in Newton, Kansas, in January 2024. 

The defendant made his initial court appearance for the criminal complaint on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brooks G. Severson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas. A detention hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), Salina Police Department, and Newton Police Department are investigating the case.

Investigators are in the process of reviewing additional seized cellphone videos in this case that are suspected to have been recorded at wrestling meets and tournaments in Newton, Hays, Garden City and Salina, Kansas during the 2023-2024 wrestling season. Anyone who believes they witnessed crimes or any suspicious activity at these events is asked to contact the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (785) 600-8790 or report at www.kbi.ks.gov/sar.

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.

A complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas businessman made his initial appearance after a federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging him with trafficking marijuana from his commercial properties and charging him with illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. 

According to court documents, Justin Lane, 36, of Maize was indicted on the following charges:

•    One count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance,  •    Six counts of using or maintaining drug premises, •    Two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime,  •    Six counts of distribution of marijuana,  •    One count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and 
•    Eight counts of possession of an unregistered firearm. 

Lane is owner of High Hopes ICT, a business with multiple locations in the Wichita area. Starting on a date unknown and continuing through November 2025, Lane allegedly distributed marijuana from his stores on North Mead Street, West 13th Street North, West Street, West Douglas Avenue, North Maize Road, and South Greenwich Road. Lane is also accused of having firearms and silencers that he is not allowed by law to possess. 

Another defendant in this case, Sauntsye D. Love, 40, of Wichita was indicted on one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. 

The Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are investigating the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###

WICHITA, KAN.  – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a United States postal worker with embezzling from his employer. 

According to court documents, Dalton R. Garcia, 33, of Brewster, Kansas, was indicted on one count of misappropriation of postal funds.

From August 2025 to September 2025, Garcia is accused of using his position as an employee of the U.S Postal Service to embezzle money and property valued at more than $1,000.

The U.S. Postal Service - Office of Inspector General is investigating the case. 

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Michael J. Madden, 41, of Wichita was indicted on two counts of felon in possession of ammunition. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case.

Damion Guy, 40, was indicted on one count of distribution of child pornography. The Wichita Police Department and the Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force are investigating 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.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser of the District of Kansas is concerned about incidents of persons threatening federal agents and/or persons using their vehicles to aggressively chase or interfere with federal agents engaged in their official duties. As a result, USAO-KS is spreading public awareness on the difference between legal protest and criminal behavior. 

U.S. Attorney Kriegshauser issued the following statement: 

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Kansas strongly supports and seeks to protect freedom of speech and the right to peacefully protest. We also believe it is imperative that protests be carried out in a responsible and legal manner to reduce the chance of injury to either law enforcement or to the public. Interfering with federal agents who are carrying out their duties can be charged by our office, depending on the conduct. Making threats against federal officials can be charged by our office, depending on the conduct.  Individuals engaged in these activities should be aware that they are subject to prosecution in federal court. Recently, in the District of Kansas we have charged these types of crimes as federal felonies.

We at the U.S. Attorney’s Office- District of Kansas are actively following reports on interactions between federal agents and the general public in our state. Our commitment is to review allegations with an impartial lens that scrutinizes the actions of everyone involved, law enforcement and the public, to determine if those actions are in accordance with the law. 

We are aware that on February 14, 2026, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents were in Olathe conducting a targeted search for an identified individual. During that time, ICE agents had an encounter with two other local residents who were involved in tracking and following ICE agents while using their vehicle in an exceedingly aggressive manner. The license plate of the vehicle was determined to be associated with a previously deported individual for whom a Warrant for the Arrest of an Alien was issued, and the vehicle was stopped. The 19-year-old driver of the vehicle was ultimately determined to be a United States citizen. After reviewing the arrest for interference, we determined that the individual involved admitted to following federal agents in his vehicle while screaming at them, and he admitted to driving recklessly to where he almost struck the agent with his vehicle. Our office has decided not to pursue charges at this time given the specific circumstances. However, that decision may change if additional information is obtained. 

This is just one instance of an increasing number of reports we have seen lately of the public following agents while using their vehicles in an aggressive manner. Increasingly, some of those following agents in potential reckless or criminal manner are young people, an age group that is generally more impressionable and more likely than older adults to act rashly when swept up with emotions. We encourage parents to have discussions with their children about what forms of conduct are appropriate as they exercise their constitutional right to freedom of speech so that they do not commit federal crimes. Federal agents enforcing immigration law can arrest United States citizens who commit federal offenses in their presence such as threats or interference inhibiting their duties.

Again, we support the right to peacefully protest. However, we will not allow illegal conduct that endangers the safety of law enforcement and other members of the public.”

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 200 months in prison for selling methamphetamine as part of a drug trafficking network.

According to court documents, Chaz Hicks, 28, of Kansas City, Kansas pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

In February 2022, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) received information that Hicks was selling methamphetamine in the Kansas City, Kansas area. Hicks sold methamphetamine to undercover officers multiple times, sometimes with a firearm on his lap.  

ATF agents observed Hicks’ movements which included frequent stops at a house on Ruby Ave in Kansas City, Kansas, the home of Ernest Lucas. By monitoring individuals coming and going from the Ruby Avenue house, law enforcement saw a travel pattern connecting it to a second house on Mersington Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri. 

In July 2022, ATF served a search warrant at the Ruby Avenue house and located 12 firearms, ammunition, over $11,000 in cash, and approximately 274 grams of methamphetamine. Investigators searched the Mersington Avenue house on the same day and found approximately 102 pounds of methamphetamine, eight firearms, electronic scales and other drug paraphernalia.

Co-defendants Ernest Lucas, 52, Abraham Gallegos, 45, Spencer Allen, 48, and Jason Smith, 50, have all pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. They are awaiting sentencing.

“When the public reports criminal activity and no immediate action is taken, sometimes people mistakenly assume law enforcement doesn’t take the allegations seriously. The reality is that building a solid case often takes time,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Thanks to a tip from the community, federal agents initiated an investigation against the defendants then collected enough evidence to make arrests and secure convictions across a larger network.” 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case with assistance from the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle McFarlane is prosecuting the case.

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned indictments charging two men with assaulting U.S. Department of Justice employees who were carrying out their duties as correctional staff. 

According to court documents, Devario Talley, 35, and Brett Roelandt, 35, were both indicted on two counts of forcible assault inflicting bodily injury.

Talley and Roelandt, who are federal inmates, allegedly attacked and injured two employees of the Federal Bureau of Prisons on December 26, 2025.  

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the cases.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra is prosecuting the cases.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Ataven Tatum, 46, of Kansas City, Kansas, was indicted on one count of felon in possession of a firearm. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case.

Derek Marsocci, 63, of Centerview, Missouri, was indicted on one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Faiza Alhambra is prosecuting 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.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###

WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas business owner with allegedly defrauding her clients by failing to make tax payments estimated at over $1.5 million.

According to court documents, Nicole Clem, 42, of Augusta was indicted on 19 counts of wire fraud, seven counts of money laundering, three counts of aggravated identity theft, and 21 counts of failure to pay employment taxes.

Clem, as owner of a business named Bookkeeping N Beyond, is tasked with collecting funds from her clients to pay their employee payroll taxes to the federal government and state government.  From November 2017 to June 2024, Clem is accused of either making no tax payments or partial tax payments on behalf of her clients and allegedly using the money for her own personal use. 

IRS – Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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WICHITA, KAN. – In separate, unrelated cases, a federal grand jury in Wichita returned indictments charging two Kansas men with threatening violence against federal officials. 

According to court documents, Adam Lee Osborn, 60, of Wichita was indicted on one count of interstate communications with a threat to injure and one count of influencing, impeding, and retaliating against a federal official by threatening. 

On January 23, 2026, Osborn allegedly indicated via social media that he intended to murder Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. 

In a separate case, Joaquin Hernandez, 23, of Wichita was indicted on one count of interstate communications with threat to injure and one count of retaliating against a federal official by threatening. 

On January 22, 2026, Hernandez is accused of posting a video on social media threatening to assault and murder federal law enforcement agents with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carrying out their duties in Wichita.

“Threats of political violence will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser.  “In a democracy, we settle our differences at the ballot box after robust public debate. For our system of government to work, it’s vital that certain lines are not crossed when it comes to self-expression.  Threats of political violence destabilize the very core of our system of governance.”

The Wichita Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are investigating both cases. 

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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WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging a Kansas woman with illegally taking controlled substances from her employer’s inventory.

According to court documents, Janice Mae Brown, 39, of Russell was indicted on one count of acquiring a controlled substance by deception.

Beginning at a date unknown and continuing through March 2025, Brown is accused of using her position as a pharmacy technician to remove amphetamine (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) from a pharmacy without proper authorization.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Miguel De La Cruz, 22, a Guatemalan national residing illegally in Arkansas City was indicted on one count of resisting, opposing, impeding, and interfering with a federal officer. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. 

Jose Garcia-Villa, 43, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was indicted on one count of illegal reentry after deportation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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KANSAS CITY – KAN. – Today the U.S. Attorney’s Office – District of Kansas observes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and joins the Departments of Justice (DOJ) and Homeland Security (DHS) in reaffirming the administration’s commitment to combating all forms of human trafficking and protecting victims and survivors. Human Trafficking Prevention Month presents an opportunity for DHS and DOJ, through Homeland Security Task Forces (HSTF) to intensify operational efforts, raise public awareness, and strengthen partnerships across federal, state, and local agencies to disrupt trafficking networks, protect vulnerable individuals, and ensure traffickers are brought to justice. 

“This Department of Justice is working tirelessly alongside our partners to dismantle human trafficking networks, help survivors, and protect vulnerable populations from being exploited,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Under this administration we have seen an increase in human trafficking prosecutions, and during Human Trafficking Prevention Month we reaffirm our commitment to prosecuting traffickers and encourage Americans to report instances of human trafficking in their communities.”

“Through the Homeland Security Task Force, President Trump is taking the fight directly to human trafficking networks and disrupting their modern-day slave trade while seizing their assets and arresting their kingpins and foot soldiers. The American people should not have to live in fear of cartels, gang bangers, and foreign terrorists preying upon the most vulnerable among us,” the United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said in a statement. “The Homeland Security Task Force is the largest coordinated campaign against transnational criminal organizations in U.S. history, and I’m proud to co-lead it with Attorney General Bondi.”

“During Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the FBI reiterates our work with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and national victim-based advocacy groups in joint task forces to protect our communities across the country,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “The horrifying reach of human trafficking spreads far and wide. Homeland Security Task Forces are fighting back to disrupt these perilous networks and put a stop to that reach. The FBI will continue our investigations and bring justice to those exploited by human traffickers.

“Oftentimes Hollywood movie culture reinforces myths that human trafficking exists only in a dark, underground world. The truth is that forced labor victims work in restaurants, cleaning services, construction sites, factories, and in private homes as domestic servants,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Stopping these crimes requires knowing the signs of human trafficking and also dispelling misconceptions that make us less perceptive and dismissive when we should see red flags. All this helps us catch and prosecute the traffickers.”

In January 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. Section 6 of this order directed the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security to jointly establish HSTFs in every state nationwide. The HSTF objective is to end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) throughout the United States; dismantle cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks; end the scourge of human smuggling and trafficking, with a particular focus on such offenses involving children; and ensure the use of all available law enforcement tools to faithfully execute the immigration laws of the United States. 

Since January 20, 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office - District of Kansas has:

•    Secured convictions of six former cult members for engaging in a conspiracy to exploit minor victims by keeping them in forced labor for years. Five of the six defendants received prison sentences.

In January 2026, DHS and DOJ are surging resources to fight and raise awareness about human trafficking, including: 

•    Identifying ongoing investigations and prioritizing featured operations across 45 federal locations and 10 state locations with an emphasis on border states. 
•    Coordinating with FBI Human Trafficking Squads and multi-agency Human Trafficking Task Forces to conduct victim recovery. 
•    Partnering with AMTRAK and FAMS to increase law enforcement resources and distribute posters with QR codes for reporting human trafficking in all station bathrooms and trains. 
•    Running advertisements related to $250 million recovery from Backpage to distribute to victims and additional victim restitution efforts by DOL-OIG.
•    Organizing Human Trafficking seminars and outreach events with DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking at high schools and colleges to highlight the role of HSTFs in addressing human trafficking. 

On August 25, 2025, HSTF officially launched its effort to protect the Homeland with a September Surge encompassing 400 operations nationwide. In just 43 days, HSTF nationwide operations resulted in 3,266 arrests and seizures including:

•    1,041 Sinaloa members, •    856 Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (“CJNG”) members, •    641 MS-13 members, •    456 Tren de Aragua members, •    1,067 weapons
•    More than $3,250,000 in currency
•    Approximately 91 metric tons of narcotics

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Nebraska contractor was sentenced to 87 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $700,000 in restitution to victims after accepting money from customers for construction projects across multiple states then failing to do the work. 

According to court documents, Bobby Bates Sr., 43, of Grand Island, Nebraska, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. 

From February 2023 to October 2023, Bates, as the owner of Built Rite Construction, used a social media group called “Building Barndominiums” to solicit clients for construction projects.  Bates required customers to provide initial deposits of up to 50 percent of the estimated overall construction cost. He instructed customers to pay via wire or checks into his bank accounts. After collecting funds, Bates either failed to complete construction or never began construction. As victims contacted him, he gave false excuses and promises or did not respond to messages about uncompleted projects. 

Bank records show Bates used payments from customers for personal expenditures instead of for the respective construction projects. A federal judge ordered Bates to pay restitution of $703,016 to more than ten victims located in Missouri, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, Alabama, Illinois, and South Dakota.

“Anyone who has done a construction project understands that there is a level trust required with a contractor, particularly when there are upfront payments. Fraud like this damages an entire industry because consumers fear being swindled by con artists like Bobby Bates,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Here, the victims handed over their hard-earned money to someone they thought they could trust. We hope victims take solace in that Mr. Bates is not only going to prison but also ordered to pay back every dime he stole from them. The Financial Litigation Program with my office is standing by to do everything possible to make good on this court ordered restitution amount.” 

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask prosecuted the case.

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Missouri man was sentenced to 21 months in prison for submitting false information on applications for disaster relief loans resulting in a loss of $522,000 for the Small Business Administration (SBA).  The Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") was intended to provide financial relief to business owners dealing with economic losses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to court documents, Dion Daniel, 36, of Kansas City, Missouri, pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud. As part of his sentence, Daniel must pay $552,214 in restitution.

In 2020, Daniel lied on multiple PPP loan applications about the number of employees and the amount of monthly payroll expenses at his two Missouri-based businesses. He submitted Internal Revenue Service (IRS) forms with the loan applications that had not been filed with the IRS.

Daniel attempted to conceal spending loan proceeds for his personal use instead of for business expenses. He wrote checks to individuals who did not work for him. After they cashed the checks, Daniel gave them part of the money and kept the rest for himself.

“Although we are now years removed from the COVID-19 pandemic, prosecutions continue of individuals who abused the Paycheck Protection Program,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “To those of you who committed perjury to get government money you weren’t entitled to, don’t think because you haven’t yet faced justice that you’re in the clear. We’re federal prosecutors. We don’t overlook crimes, nor do we forget about the people who commit them.”

“When the CARES Act was enacted into law nearly six years ago, the federal government simplified the loan application process to get relief into the hands of desperate small businesses as quickly as possible.  Unfortunately, fraudsters found ways to exploit the process,” said IRS-Criminal Investigation St. Louis Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “Our special agents are experts at uncovering where funds originated and where they were spent.  We’re proud to use our expertise alongside our law enforcement partners to bring accountability for hardworking taxpayers.”  

The IRS-Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Oakley prosecuted the case.

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An indictment unsealed yesterday in the District of Kansas charged a Honduran man and Kansas woman for conspiring to submit, and submitting, a sponsorship application with false statements to the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to gain custody of an Unaccompanied Alien Child (UAC) after the child entered the U.S. illegally.

“This indictment represents the Justice Department’s ongoing commitment to prosecuting individuals who fraudulently pose as suitable UAC sponsors to obtain custody of vulnerable children,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This conduct represents a violation of the societal responsibility to safeguard children. Our efforts are a continuation of the Department’s commitment to hold accountable those who commit crimes related to the exploitation of UACs, and will serve to strengthen ORR’s UAC program and ensure it is not manipulated.”

“We are determined to protect the most vulnerable members of our society,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser for the District of Kansas. “This task often takes a multi-faceted approach involving multiple agencies and superior coordination. Given Task Force Alpha’s efforts, we are seeing real results, and my office is happy to be on the front line.”

According to the indictment, Romulo Hernandez Murillo, 45, a Honduran national without legal authorization to be in the U.S., agreed to pay defendant Lisa Marie Lopez Perdomo, 48, of Syracuse, Kansas, to assist him with applying to sponsor and obtain custody of a Honduran UAC. The agreement included being permitted to misrepresent himself by using Lopez’s address on the application to sponsor the minor. The defendants intended for the UAC to reside with Hernandez and work in the United States. In furtherance of his fraudulent sponsorship application, Hernandez submitted and signed, under the penalty of perjury, documents falsely claiming he resided at Lopez’s address. An employee of the HHS-funded care provider where the UAC was staying ultimately recommended that Hernandez’s application be denied after an investigation uncovered Hernandez’s false representations.  

The defendants are both charged with one count of making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement and one count of conspiracy to commit the same offense. If convicted of either offense, the defendants face 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.

This investigation was coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 435 domestic and international arrests, which includes those of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 385 U.S. convictions; more than 330 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhood.

HHS’s Office of Inspector General and DHS’s Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case with assistance from the Kansas Department of Labor, Special Investigations Unit; the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations; and the Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. Additionally, HSI’s Center for Countering Human Trafficking in Washington, D.C., and ORR have provided invaluable assistance along with the United States Marshals Service.

Acting Deputy Chief Christian Levesque and Trial Attorney Matthew Thiman of the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart for the District of Kansas are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging two brothers with illegal firearms trafficking. 

According to court documents, Markeese Fluker, 27, of Independence, Missouri, and Markel Fluker, 29, of Kansas City, Missouri, were indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit unlawful trafficking in firearms and four counts of possession and transfer of machine guns.

Markeese Flucker is also charged with one of count of possession and sale of a stolen firearm.  

From September 2025 to December 2025, the Fluker brothers are accused of conspiring to provide firearms to people who they allegedly knew were legally prohibited from possessing firearms and that their acquiring firearms would result in a felony offense.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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KANSAS CITY, KAN.  – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging a Kansas man with producing child sexual abuse materials. 

According to court documents, Garrett Gayoso, 25, of Baxter Springs was indicted on one count of sexual exploitation of a child – production of child pornography.

Gayoso allegedly enticed and coerced a minor under 16 years of age to engage in sexually explicit activity for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.

After his initial appearance, Gayoso went before a federal judge for a detention hearing and was ordered to be remanded into custody until his trial which will take place in Wichita. 

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating 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.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Jesus Meraz-Leyva, 44, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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WICHITA, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for distributing child sex abuse materials (CSAM).

According to court documents, Benjamin Charles Fisher, 44, of Clearwater pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography.

Fisher admitted to using a social media messaging platform to correspond with other sex offenders to trade child sexual abuse materials. He used multiple alias accounts and connected to the internet from his home and from his work while committing his crimes.

As part of his sentence, a federal judge ordered Fisher to pay $30,500 in restitution.

“Our office is extremely pleased with the sentence in this case which is the statutory maximum for the offense,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “By using different names and logging onto the internet from multiple locations, Mr. Fisher thought his crimes would go undetected and unpunished by the justice system. What he didn’t plan on was the tenacity of our highly skilled law enforcement partners and prosecution, which is why Mr. Fisher will be spending the next 20 years in prison. It does not matter how someone tries to cover up their activity, we are committed to getting justice in these cases.”

The Wichita Police Department and Kansas Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hart prosecuted 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.

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WICHITA – Three defendants received lengthy prison sentences after pleading guilty in separate, unrelated drug trafficking cases. 

“The hefty sentences these defendants received reflect how serious our office is about prosecuting drug trafficking crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser. “Illegal drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine destroy lives and ruin families. We are putting criminals who are operating drug trafficking networks in Kansas on notice to prepare for severe consequences.”

According to court documents, Dashea G. “Baby Cherry” Henderson, 38, of Wichita was sentenced to 156 months in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug trafficking crime.  

Henderson admitted to his part in a drug trafficking network to distribute fentanyl. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.

In a separate case, Timothy Daniel Finley, 64, of Wichita was sentenced to 220 months in prison after pleading guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 

According to court documents, in March 2023, the Wichita Police Department received information that methamphetamine was being sold at a house on South Hydraulic Avenue. After executing a search warrant, officers found approximately 2,661 grams of methamphetamine, $68,736 in cash, eight firearms, three digital scales, and other materials conducive with drug dealing in a bedroom belonging to Finley.

The Wichita Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.

Nicole Rae Kiesel, 39, of Garden City was sentenced to 120 months in prison after she pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. 

According to court documents, in May 2024, Finney County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a vehicle in which Kiesel was a passenger. After a canine detected the presence of narcotics, deputies did a vehicle search and found drug paraphernalia fentanyl and methamphetamine. All three vehicle occupants were taken into custody, but Kiesel was transported to the hospital after complaining of pain. While at hospital, she unsuccessfully tried to flush items she hid on her person. Later, 600 fentanyl pills were discovered in and around a wheelchair where she had been sitting. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case.

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WICHITA, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Wichita returned an indictment charging two Indian nationals with allegedly defrauding a victim while posing as federal law enforcement officials. 

According to court documents, Venkateswara Reddy Chagamreddy, 27, of San Antonio, Texas, and Sai Praveen Kommana, 29, of Frisco, Texas, were indicted on one count of wire fraud conspiracy and one count of interference with commerce by threat.

From May 2025 through September 2025, Chagamreddy and Kommana are accused of conspiring with others to defraud a victim in Kansas. The members of this conspiracy posed as agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). They allegedly convinced the individual to purchase $255,287 in gold and give it to them, falsely thinking it was going to a government agency for safekeeping.

The members of this conspiracy, including the indicted men, allegedly primarily target elderly retired individuals, falsely asserting they are with a government agency and telling victims that their identity has been compromised in ways that could result in jail time and major financial loss for victims. Prosecutors accuse the members of this conspiracy of convincing victims to transfer their assets, primarily in gold, to the federal government to protect themselves against further crimes.

The FBI will never call, email or otherwise contact private citizens to demand payment, threaten arrest, or request personal or sensitive information. Fraud can be reported via tips.fbi.gov or 1-800-CALL-FBI. The FBI encourages people who have been victims of internet crimes and/or financial fraud and schemes to report via ic3.gov. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katie Andrusak is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – The U.S. Senate confirmed Ryan A. Kriegshauser as the United States Attorney for the District of Kansas following his nomination by President Donald J. Trump. As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Kriegshauser is the chief federal law enforcement officer in Kansas.

Mr. Kriegshauser had been serving as Interim U.S. Attorney since July 28, 2025, and was re-appointed by the District Court of Kansas, effective November 25, 2025, while awaiting confirmation.  

The U.S. Attorney’s office for the District of Kansas employs Assistant U.S. Attorneys and support staff who work in Kansas City, Kan., Topeka, and Wichita. The office is organized into Civil, Criminal, and Administrative divisions. The jurisdiction covers all 105 counties in Kansas, with a population of approximately 2.8 million. 

“I am deeply honored with the special trust and confidence placed in me by the President of the United States, the United States Attorney General, and the judges in the District of Kansas,” Ryan A. Kriegshauser said. “Additionally, the support of Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall was pivotal in my selection and confirmation. I look forward to continuing my efforts to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Office and the Kansas justice system by extending more resources and support to our federal, state, and local partners. We want our partners to see us as accessible and approachable so that in working together, we can most effectively protect and serve our Kansas community.”

Mr. Kriegshauser is from Johnson County, Kansas. Before serving as U.S. Attorney, he was a partner in private practice at the Kriegshauser Ney Law Group, focusing on constitutional claims, commercial litigation, and administrative law. Before re-entering private practice in 2018, Mr. Kriegshauser was deployed to Afghanistan with the U.S. Navy. 

His previous public service roles include General Counsel at the Kansas Securities Commissioner's Office, overseeing financial prosecutions, and Deputy Assistant Kansas Secretary of State for the Office of Legal Counsel and Policy. He has prosecuted as Deputy County Attorney in Jefferson County, Kansas, as well as serving as a municipal prosecutor in Osawatomie and Edwardsville, Kansas.   

Mr. Kriegshauser earned his B.A. from Georgetown University and his J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. In addition to practicing law, Mr. Kriegshauser continues to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserve as a Commander. 

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KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A federal grand jury in Kansas City, Kansas, returned an indictment charging two Kansas men for allegedly defrauding the Small Business Administration (SBA) by submitting false information on applications for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. 

According to court documents, Joseph Campbell, 61, of Olathe and John Duncan, 65, of Topeka are both charged with one count of wire fraud conspiracy.

Campbell was also indicted on six counts of money laundering, six counts of making a false statement in a loan application, and two counts of making a false statement. 

Campbell, as owner of multiple businesses, and Duncan, as Campbell’s employee, are accused of submitting false information to receive approximately $273,000 in PPP loan proceeds and approximately $1,761,100 in EIDL loan proceeds then allegedly utilizing the funds in an unauthorized manner including for personal benefit.

IRS - Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting the case.

OTHER INDICTMENTS

Jorge Armando Chavez-Sanchez, 38, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was indicted on one count of reentry of a previously removed alien convicted of a felony. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case.

Manuel De Jesus Chavez-Suarez, 48, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. 

Jordan C. Davis, 44, of Kansas City, Missouri, was indicted on one count of escape from custody. The U.S. Marshal Service is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting the case. 

Manuel Humberto Marquez-Bencomo, 52, a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States was indicted on one count of unlawful reentry after deportation. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ola Odeyemi is prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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