Western District of Kentucky
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Illegal Alien Sentenced to 70 Months for Money Laundering and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A foreign national was sentenced yesterday to 70 months in federal prison after being convicted of multiple money laundering offenses and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Two other foreign nationals were also sentenced yesterday for their roles in assisting in the money laundering offenses.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Detroit Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, Acting Special Agent in Charge Colin W. Jackson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police (KSP), Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), and Chief Richard Sanders of the Jeffersontown Police Department made the announcement
On March 5, 2026, Jose Malagon Castro, 49, a citizen of Mexico and unlawfully in the United States, was sentenced to 70 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, fined $30,000, and forfeited $516,800, for twenty-four counts related to money laundering and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Castro was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States.
Also sentenced on March 5 were Kelin Hernandez Barahona, 31, a citizen of Honduras and unlawfully in the United States, and Suri Rosmeri Hernandez Del Cid, 28, a citizen of Guatemala and unlawfully in the United States. They were each sentenced to just over 11 months incarceration with 3 years supervised release for their roles in assisting Castro’s money laundering operation.
Between at least January 2020 and continuing until at least December 2024, here in the Western District of Kentucky, Castro utilized his Money Service Business (MSB) operated at three grocery store locations, El Rey I, II and III, to launder drug trafficking proceeds. Specifically, Jose Malagon Castro transmitted himself or had his cashiers, Kelin Hernandez Barahona, and Suri Rosmeri Hernandez Del Cid, transmit drug proceeds through his MSB service to multiple beneficiaries and locations in Mexico. Forensic accounting conducted by the IRS determined that Castro laundered to Mexico over 1.9 million dollars of drug proceeds for a single drug trafficking organization. On December 4, 2024, law enforcement executed multiple search warrants for Castro’s businesses, residences, and vehicles and seized $516,800 in money laundering proceeds and multiple firearms to include: an Aguirre Y Aranzabal (AYA), model 4/53, 12-gauge shotgun; a Marlin Firearms Company, model 336W, 30-30 rifle; a Henry Repeating Rifle Company, model H004GE Golden Eagle, .22lr rifle; a Maverick Arms, model 88, 12-gauge shotgun; a Colt, model King Cobra, .357 magnum revolver; a Smith & Wesson, model CSX, 9mm pistol; and ammunition.
Co-defendants, Vanessa Avila Galaviz, 29, a citizen of Mexico, and Kelin Hernandez Barahona, 32, a citizen of Honduras, have never appeared before the Court following their indictment and remain fugitives at large.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Castro laundered over 1.9 million dollars in drug proceeds to Mexico on behalf of a drug trafficking organization. That 1.9 million dollars of laundered drug money represents a significant amount of poison that was sold in our community. Castro will now spend 70 months in prison before being expelled from the United States.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the IRS, ATF, DEA, HSI, FBI, KSP, LMPD, and the Jeffersontown Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mac Shannon and Joseph Ansari are prosecuting this case.
This investigation is part of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) “Third Party Money Laundering (3PML) Fentanyl Initiative.” The initiative is a collaboration between IRS-CI and the Transaction Record Analysis Center (TRAC). Through advanced data analytics the “3PML Fentanyl Initiative” identifies money launderers working on behalf of Mexican Drug Trafficking Organizations and provides law enforcement with the resources necessary to pursue these investigations.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative. The HSTF is a United States government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, transnational gangs, and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) worldwide. This initiative identifies TCOs engaged in a wide range of criminal schemes that violate federal law, while dismantling cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks that fuel violence and instability that threatens the safety and security of the United States and its global partners. It also places a particular emphasis on criminal offenses involving children and ensures the use of all available law enforcement tools to prosecute offenders and/or facilitate the removal of criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Nashville is comprised of agents and officers from IRS, ATF, DEA, HSI, and FBI and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky.
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Louisville Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Charges for Defrauding CustomersRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville woman pled guilty on February 19, 2026, to defrauding over 50 customers in connection with her pool business.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Gerina D. Whethers, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Tracy Davenport, 51, of Louisville, and others working at her direction, engaged in a scheme to induce customers into signing a contract for a pool installation and paying a large down payment up front. Davenport used those funds for purposes other than what was agreed upon.
Davenport pled guilty to wire fraud, bankruptcy fraud, and money laundering in a nineteen count Indictment. She is scheduled to be sentenced on May 20, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Additionally, Davenport will be required to pay not less than $3,398,536.75 in restitution.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “This fraudulent conduct had a significant financial and emotional impact on many people. This defendant created numerous truly innocent victims who worked hard and, in some cases, worked their entire lives to be able to purchase a pool only have their money stolen. I am thankful to our law enforcement partners for everyone’s contributions toward attempting to right this wrong.”
“I want to applaud the extensive and outstanding work of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky. The continued support of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners towards this case is a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships. These collaborations were all instrumental in this case’s resolution,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Gerina D. Whethers. “I also want to particularly commend Commonwealth Attorney’s Detective Michael Smithers, who was instrumental in ensuring justice was served. His pursuit of this effort was over and beyond his day-to-day duties with us. His dedication to the victims in this case ensured the tools were there for this prosecution to be done at the federal level.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Louisville Office and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, and the United States Trustee’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Elver, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, is prosecuting the case.
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Lead Defendant in Bowling Green Methamphetamine Conspiracy Sentenced to 200 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – On February 25, 2026, Scottie Starks, Jr., the lead defendant, in a Bowling Green methamphetamine conspiracy was sentenced to serve 200 months in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Director Tommy M. Loving of the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force made the announcement.
According to court records, Scottie Starks, Jr., 46, was supplying methamphetamine to Cristopher Patterson, Bryan Murphy, and Isaac Hayes. He was responsible for trafficking over 5 kilograms of methamphetamine and 1 kilogram of cocaine. Starks, a convicted felon, also possessed a handgun illegally. Starks had previously been convicted in Warren County, Kentucky on May 21, 2012, of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance (greater than 4 grams of cocaine); also in Warren County, Kentucky on September 24, 2007, of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and tampering with physical evidence; and again in Warren County, Kentucky on January 24, 2000, of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and first-degree possession of a controlled substance. Starks also pled guilty to possessing his handgun in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
Starks was sentenced on February 25, 2026 to serve 200 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine (2 counts), possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Several of Starks’ co-defendants previously sentenced for their roles in connection to this drug conspiracy. Patterson was sentenced on November 13, 2025, to serve 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Hayes was sentenced on January 20, 2026, to serve 2 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. Murphy is scheduled for final sentencing on March 5, 2026.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner commended the strong cooperation between state and federal law enforcement in achieving a significant result. Mr. Bumgarner further stated, “Starks is a career drug trafficker who has had multiple opportunities to put aside his drug trafficking career. Despite repeated state drug trafficking convictions, Starks continued to distribute poison into our community. Hopefully, Starks’ 16 year and 8-month sentence sends a strong message to other career drug traffickers to stop dealing and stop now. Otherwise, they will be joining Starks in federal prison for nearly a generation.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes stated, “Scottie Starks used violence and drug trafficking to torment this community and will now face a lengthy prison sentence for his crimes. ATF is proud to partner with the WCDTF and the WDKY USAO to remove armed drug traffickers from our community.”
Bowling Green/Warren County AHIDTA Drug Task Force Director Tommy M. Loving stated, “This case brings closure to a lengthy investigation into a major drug trafficker who was responsible for distributing crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana throughout Warren County and South Central Kentucky. It stands as a clear example of what can be achieved when agencies work together with a unified mission. Through the strong partnerships we share with the ATF, the United States Attorney’s Office, and our state and local law enforcement partners, we are able to disrupt significant drug operations and make our communities safer.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
The case was investigated by the ATF Bowling Green Field Office and the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Federal Charges Filed in a 30-Year-Old Cold Case Involving the Kidnapping and Murder of 7-Year-Old Morgan VioliRead the Press Release
BOWLING GREEN, KY – A federal criminal complaint and arrest warrant were filed in U.S. District Court on February 26, 2026, charging Robert Scott Froberg, 61, with the 1996 abduction and death of 7-year-old Morgan Violi.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, FBI Special Supervisory Agent William Kurtz, Chief Michael Delaney of the Bowling Green Police Department and Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 8th Judicial Circuit Kori Beck Bumgarner made the announcement at a press conference held on February 27, 2026, at the Bowling Green Police Department.
According to the complaint, Morgan Violi was abducted July 24, 1996, while playing with her sisters and friends at the Colony Apartments in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Witnesses saw a white man grab Morgan, put her in a maroon Chevrolet van and drive away. Two days later, the van suspected to be involved in the abduction was found south of Nashville, Tennessee, and searched for evidence. Morgan’s body was found on October 20, 1996 — three months after her abduction — in the woods in White House, Tennessee. For years, Morgan’s kidnapping and murder went unsolved.
The complaint alleges that with recent advancements in forensic testing of DNA evidence, a hair found in the abandoned van was tested by the FBI laboratory and returned an association with Robert Scott Froberg, who was then serving a lengthy sentence in the Alabama Department of Corrections. With that lead, investigators determined that Froberg had escaped from jail in April 1996, traveled to Pennsylvania where he was arrested, and then escaped again. Froberg then traveled to Dayton, Ohio, and stole a maroon Chevrolet van approximately a half a mile from his parent’s house. Froberg traveled south, exiting I-65 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where he spotted Morgan playing in her apartment complex, snatched her and drove south.
According to the complaint, Froberg was recently interviewed by law enforcement and confessed to driving Morgan into Tennessee and strangling her, causing her death.
U.S. Attorney Bumgarner stated, “Morgan Violi’s family never gave up on her, and neither did the Bowling Green community or its law enforcement community. For years, this community has feared that Morgan’s abductor lived silently among us and that one of our kids could be next. Investigators in the FBI and the Bowling Green Police Department have worked tirelessly to bring justice for Morgan. They applied new technology, reexamined old evidence, and never stopped searching for the truth. Yesterday, we filed a criminal complaint charging Robert Scott Froberg with her kidnapping, resulting in her death.”
If convicted, the defendant faces only two potential sentences: life in prison or the death penalty. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and Bowling Green Police Department.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner and First Assistant United States Attorney Brian Butler are prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Criminal Complaint
U.S. Attorney’s Office Collects over $35.5 Million in Fiscal Year 2025Read the Press Release
Louisville, KY – U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office collected more than $35.5 million in Fiscal Year 2025. Of this amount, $4,309,149.70 was collected in criminal actions and $31,208.840.42 in civil actions.
Additionally, the Office worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $6,012.405.23 in cases pursued jointly by these offices. Of this amount, $57,235.63 was collected in criminal actions and $5,995,169.60 was collected in civil actions.
“These exceptional recoveries reflect our Office’s unwavering commitment to victims of crime,” said U.S. Attorney Bumgarner. “I am proud of our team’s determination to deliver meaningful results in both criminal and civil proceedings. This Office will continue to aggressively pursue the collection of every dollar owed to crime victims, victims of fraud, and federal agencies.”
Notable recoveries in the past fiscal year include $800,000 paid in United States v. Robert Hunt, Case No. 1:25-cr-10 and $340,000 in United States v. James Worthington, Case No. 3:24-cr-104. The Office recovered more than $16 million for violations of the False Claims Act and $9.5 million for unpaid taxes owed by a debtor in bankruptcy. The office also collected more than $1 million in state foreclosure actions involving federal liens.
In addition to the criminal and civil collections, last fiscal year the Office worked with partner agencies and divisions to collect $1,148,244 in asset forfeiture actions. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Venezuelan Men for Bank Larceny OffensesRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah, Kentucky, returned an indictment on January 14, 2026, charging two Venezuelan nationals with two counts of bank larceny.
Both defendants are Venezuelan nationals that were illegally in the United States.
U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Paducah Police Chief Brian Laird, and McCracken County Sheriff Ryan Norman made the announcement.
According to the indictment, on October 2 and 3, 2025, Leonel Ramones-Ramos, 24, and Luis Olivares-Davila, 21, both citizens of Venezuela, stole more than $1000 in United States currency from two credit unions located in McCracken County.
On February 13, 2026, Ramones-Ramos made an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. He is being held in federal custody. Olivares-Davila is facing other charges in the Northern District of Texas and will make an initial appearance at a future date. He is being held in federal custody pending those charges. If convicted, the men face maximum sentences of 10 years in prison and forfeiture of at least $80,000 in United States currency. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI Paducah Satellite Office, HSI, the McCracken County Sheriff’s Department, and the Paducah Police Department are investigating.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Illegal Venezuelan Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bank Larceny OffensesRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – Two men from Venezuela were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in an attempted theft from a Calvert City, Kentucky ATM.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Police Chief Mike Canon of the Calvert City Police Department made the announcement.
Jhoandiris Jimenez-Barrio, 27, illegally entered the United States in September 2022. He was apprehended at the border but released into the United States. Yirvel Yonaiker Rios-Castro, 21, illegally entered the United States in November 2024. He was also apprehended at the border and also released into the United States.
On January 31, 2025, Jimenez-Barrio and Rios-Castro, both citizens of Venezuela and illegal aliens in the United States, attempted to steal money from an ATM located in Calvert City, Kentucky. That day, the Calvert City Police Department responded to an ATM alarm, and the men fled the scene traveling between 70 and 80 mph in a vehicle driven by Jimenez-Barrio. The men struck another vehicle and fled the wreck on foot. The Calvert City Police Department apprehended the men at a nearby service station. A search of their vehicle yielded a cordless drill, drill bits, latex gloves, a mask, and duct tape.
Jimenez-Barrio was sentenced yesterday to 32 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit bank larceny and attempted bank larceny. On November 17, 2025, Rios-Castro, 21, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release for conspiracy to commit bank larceny and attempted bank larceny. Jimenez-Barrio and Rios-Castro were ordered to pay $67,039.67 in restitution.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “This case is a prime example of the damage catch-and-release of illegal aliens has done to the United States. Both of these men illegally entered the United States and committed a serious felony crime resulting in a substantial loss to the victim of their crime. Moreover, American taxpayers are now saddled with the cost of incarcerating criminals who should not have been in the United States in the first place. Kentucky’s citizens lost because these criminals were released into our community.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI Paducah Satellite Office, HSI, and the Calvert City Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Hancock and Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
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Five Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Fraud Offenses and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an Indictment on February 4, 2026, charging five Louisville residents with fraud and money laundering offenses.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky made the announcement.
According to the Indictment, Donnita Wilson, 32; Aariel Matthews, 27; Raul Tellez Ojeda, 32; Lazaro Alejandro Castello Rojas, 37; and Robert Danger Correa, 41; were charged with Mail Fraud (14 counts), Mail Fraud Conspiracy (one count), Honest Services Mail Fraud (14 counts), Honest Services Mail Fraud Conspiracy (one count), Unlawful Production of Identification Documents (14 Counts), and Money Laundering Conspiracy (one count).
The indictment alleges the defendants devised and executed a scheme that solicited illegal fees between $200 and $1,500 from legally present, non-U.S. citizens who were applying for driver’s licenses on the promise that they would be expedited through the process without undergoing testing requirements. In furtherance of the scheme, the indictment alleges that certain conspirators altered information in government databases to bypass important steps in the application process and, thereby, issue invalid licenses to the non-U.S. citizens. The indictment alleges the defendants perpetrated this scheme for their own financial gain, and betrayed the trust placed in them by Kentucky’s Transportation Cabinet.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “This indictment represents the culmination of an investigation into a scheme by Kentucky Transportation Cabinet employees and others to illegally circumvent Kentucky’s process for issuing driver’s licenses, thereby issuing invalid licenses to lawfully present, non-U.S. citizens who had not first demonstrated their qualifications to drive on our roads. Proper vetting of individuals seeking a driver’s license is a prerequisite to ensuring the safety of Kentucky’s roadways and ensuring the legitimacy of state-issued identification. As alleged in the indictment, this fraudulent scheme involved kickbacks and bribes leading to numerous legally present, non-U.S. citizens obtaining unlawfully issued drivers licenses.”
Several defendants were arraigned on February 9, 2026, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 20 years for each count of mail fraud, mail fraud conspiracy, honest services mail fraud, and money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, the Kentucky State Police, the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Owensboro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin McKenzie is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Indictment
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Louisville Man Sentenced as an Armed Career Criminal to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced on February 4, 2026, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Clarence Stiff, 44, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On October 27, 2023, Stiff was detained by Louisville Metro Police Department detectives and ATF task force officers, who were attempting to execute a search warrant for Stiff’s DNA. Stiff fled from the detectives. The officers caught Stiff after a brief foot chase. Stiff had a loaded Ruger, New Model Blackhawk, .45 caliber revolver in his sweatshirt pocket.
Stiff was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On December 22, 1999, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Kentucky, Stiff was convicted of assault in the first degree.
On December 22, 1999, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Kentucky, Stiff was convicted of assault under extreme emotional disturbance and wanton endangerment in the first degree.
On September 4, 2007, in Clark Superior Court, Indiana, Stiff was convicted of dealing in cocaine.
On December 20, 2007, in Oldham Circuit Court, Kentucky, Stiff was convicted of promoting contraband in the first degree.
On September 5, 2013, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Kentucky, Stiff was convicted of manslaughter in the first degree (two counts), burglary in the first degree, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, wanton endangerment in the first degree, and tampering with physical evidence.
On August 15, 2013, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Kentucky, Stiff was convicted of robbery in the second degree (two counts), assault in the second degree, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.
On August 15, 2013, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Kentucky, Stiff was convicted of torture of a dog/cat with serious physical injury/death.
On April 10, 2023, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Kentucky, Stiff was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, and receiving stolen property (firearm).
Based upon his criminal history, Stiff was sentenced as an Armed Career Criminal. A defendant is an Armed Career Criminal if (1) the defendant possesses a firearm after having a felony conviction and (2) the defendant has three previous convictions for a violent felony or serious drug offense or both, committed on occasions different from one another.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Stiff has terrorized the citizens of Louisville since 1999. He has repeatedly left victims and tragedy in his wake. No more! Stiff will spend the next 15 years in federal prison thanks to the dedicated work of the Louisville Metro Police Department, ATF and the United States Attorney’s Office. This office, along with LMPD and ATF, will continue to investigate and prosecute these violent career criminals aggressively and we will continue to make Louisville safer.”
LMPD Chief Paul L. Humphrey stated, “A dangerous repeat offender who victimized our community for years is now off the streets. This outcome is the direct result of outstanding police work and the strong partnerships we maintain with the ATF and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Our agencies remain united in our commitment to protecting the public and ensuring that those who threaten the safety of our neighborhoods are held accountable.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes stated, “This investigation demonstrates the impact a strong partnership between ATF, LMPD, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office can have on public safety. Clarence Stiff is a repeat violent offender, and his 15-year federal sentence will make Louisville a safer community.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by LMPD and ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Paducah Woman Convicted at Trial on Nine Federal Charges for False Claims and Wire FraudRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Paducah woman was found guilty of nine federal charges for false claims and wire fraud on Friday.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office made the announcement.
Natasha Harris-Johnson, 52, of Paducah, filed eight tax returns for the 2018 and 2019 tax years on behalf of trusts she created, altogether demanding nearly $30 million in tax refunds she was not entitled to. Harris-Johnson also filed a fraudulent application with the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) for Economic Injury Disaster Loan (“EIDL”) funds during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in Harris-Johnson receiving approximately $160,000 in SBA funds she was not entitled to. Harris-Johnson used the EIDL funds for personal expenses and has not paid back any portion of the loan.
On Friday January 16, 2026, Harris-Johnson was found guilty of all nine counts she was charged with at the conclusion of a week-long jury trial in Paducah, Kentucky. She is scheduled to be sentenced on April 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Our office along with our law enforcement partners will vigorously pursue fraud against the federal government. I am particularly proud of the strong advocacy on behalf of the United States by Assistant United States Attorneys Corinne Keel and Josh Judd.”
“The criminal who perpetrated this scheme systematically defrauded the government and the taxpaying public,” said Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Detroit Field Office. “At the IRS, protecting taxpayer money is a matter we take very seriously and keep at the forefront of our mission every day. IRS-CI will continue to actively pursue those who steal from the hardworking taxpayers of the United States by preparing false claims for refunds to which they are not entitled.”
Harris-Johnson faces a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison for each of eight false claims counts and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for the single wire fraud count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the Bowling Green Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, which is a branch of the Detroit Field Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Corinne E. Keel and Joshua Judd prosecuted the case with the assistance of paralegal Cristy Crockett.
On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to 15 years for Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Jefferson County, Kentucky, man was sentenced this week to 15 years in federal prison after being convicted of multiple drug and firearm offenses.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.
On January 21, 2026, Priestlen Mitchell, 33, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for three counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, three counts of possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of distribution of controlled substances, one count of receipt or possession of an unregistered firearm, and one count of commission of an offense while out on pretrial release in United States District Court.
Between May 7, 2021, and May 8, 2021, Mitchell, a convicted felon, possessed a Century Arms Inc., model Micro Draco, 7.62x39 caliber semiautomatic pistol, an Armalite, model M15A2, 5.56 caliber rifle, and ammunition. Mitchell also possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and oxycodone.
On January 26, 2023, Mitchell possessed a Mossberg, O.F. & Sons, Incorporated, model 500, 12-guage shotgun and ammunition. He also possessed with the intent to distribute marijuana.
On February 2, 2024, Mitchell Glock, model 19x, 9-millimeter pistol, an AR style short-barreled rifle, a Ruger, model Five Seven, 5.7x28 caliber pistol, a Girsan, model Regard MC, 9-millimeter pistol, and ammunition. Mitchell also possessed with the intent to distribute heroin, MDMA, psilocybin (mushrooms), hydrocodone, oxycodone, alprazolam, and marijuana. Mitchell also distributed fentanyl on that same day. At the time Mitchell committed these offenses he was on pretrial release in federal court for the previous offenses.
At the time Mitchell possessed the firearms, he was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On July 15, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mitchell was convicted of burglary in the third degree.
On August 16, 2012, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mitchell was convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
On February 23, 2012, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Mitchell was convicted of burglary in the third degree.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Mitchell is a dangerous person, plain and simple. He received a substantial sentence because he continually demonstrated by his conduct that he has no respect for the judicial system or our citizens. The Western District of Kentucky is better because Mitchell will not see the light of day for 15 years.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
The ATF and KSP investigated the case with assistance from the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Dahl and Emily Lantz are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Franklin Man Sentenced to 60 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Franklin man was sentenced on January 20, 2026, for multiple child exploitation offenses.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Colin W. Jackson of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, and Sheriff Jere Hopson of the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
Joseph Roush, 27, was sentenced to 60 years in federal prison, followed by a term of lifetime supervised release, for one count of distribution of child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography, and one count of sexual exploitation of a child. The Court ordered Roush to pay $69,000 in restitution, $3,000 to each of the identified victims.
Over the course of several years, Roush possessed and distributed tens of thousands of images and videos containing child sexual abuse material. Investigators located approximately 20,000 images and videos across his numerous devices. Roush participated in the hands-on sexual exploitation of children in other countries via an online streaming platform and used a child entrusted to his care to produce images containing child sexual abuse material.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “While our prosecutors sadly see the worst in humanity, Roush stands out as particularly sadistic. Roush systematically abused and forever altered the lives of innocent children throughout the world. The destruction that Roush left in his wake cannot be overstated. His 60-year sentence is essentially a life sentence. My hope is he spends every last day of his life incarcerated and reflecting upon his despicable acts. And to every other pedophile out there, I hope that you look at Roush and immediately stop your immoral and horrific conduct because we will find you and you will spend the rest of your life in prison next to Roush.”
“I was impressed with the spirit of cooperation between our Detective and the Federal Agents he worked with. The joint effort led to making our community a safer place,” stated Sheriff Jere Hopson.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by HSI and the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Federal Grand Jury Returns Two Indictments Charging Nine Individuals with Drug Trafficking OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – On January 7, 2026, a federal grand jury in Louisville returned two indictments charging nine Louisville residents and one Detroit, Michigan resident with drug trafficking offenses.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Acting Special Agent in Charge Colin W. Jackson of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.
According to one indictment, Reginald Forsythe, 46, of Louisville, Damon Lewis, 50, of Louisville, Timothy McAtee, 46, of Louisville, Aiyisha Daniels, 43, of Detroit, James Henderson, 70, of Louisville, and Crystal Adams, 54, of Louisville are charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine. Forsythe is also charged with one count of concealment money laundering. The drug conspiracy and money laundering activity occurred between September 3, 2024, and January 7, 2026.
According to the other indictment, Isaiah Washington, 43, Chelsea Brown, 42, and James Leffler, 38, all of Louisville, are charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Both indictments stem from a months-long multi-agency investigation which identified and dismantled a drug trafficking organization responsible for the flow of large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine from Detroit, Michigan to the streets of Louisville and beyond. As part of the investigation, 10 federal residential search warrants were executed in Louisville and 5 more search warrants were executed in Detroit on January 10, 2026, in a coordinated law enforcement action involving multiple federal and state agencies.
All defendants have been arrested and made their initial court appearances this week before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky.
If convicted, all defendants face a sentence of a minimum of 10 year and a maximum of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The cases are being investigated by the Louisville Metro Police Department, DEA Louisville, DEA Detroit, ATF, IRS, KSP, FBI, HSI, U.S. Marshal Service, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, St. Matthews Police Department, the Louisville Airport Police Department, and the Bardstown Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Erwin Roberts, Mac Shannon and Robert Bonar are prosecuting the cases.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Nashville is comprised of agents and officers from the FBI, ATF, HSI, ERO, DEA, IRS, USMS, USPIS, USSS and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Western District of Kentucky.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to 25 years for Methamphetamine and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Jefferson County, Kentucky, man was sentenced yesterday to 25 years in federal prison after being convicted of multiple drug and firearm offenses in a week-long trial in September.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents Stephen Piercy was sentenced to 25 years followed by 10 years of supervised release. According to evidence presented at trial, from January 1, 2021, through August 29, 2023, Piercy, conspired with other individuals to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine. Piercy was further convicted of distributing over 50 grams of methamphetamine on 5 dates from March through July of 2023; possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime on two dates; possessing with the intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine on August 29, 2023; and possessing a firearm with the knowledge that he was prohibited from doing so due having been previously convicted of a felony. At sentencing, Piercy was held responsible for a total of 1.32 kilograms of methamphetamine either distributed or possessed with the intent to distribute. The jury also found that Piercy had previously been convicted of the following serious drug felony.
On October 3, 2008, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Louisville, Kentucky, Piercy was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Methamphetamine has been plaguing our communities for too long. With our law enforcement partners, we are committed to pursuing and aggressively prosecuting substantial drug traffickers like Stephen Piercy. I hope Piercy’s trial conviction and resulting substantial 25-year sentence acts as a deterrent to other drug dealers.”
“Drug traffickers who push highly addictive drugs such as methamphetamine onto our streets have no place in our society,” stated Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “FBI Louisville sees the devastating impacts these substances have on the communities in which we live, and we will continue to use every available resource to identify, disrupt, and dismantle dangerous drug trafficking networks.”
“This sentence shows what we can accomplish when LMPD and our federal partners work together. Drug traffickers who fuel violence in our city will face serious consequences, and we will continue joining forces to protect Louisville’s neighborhoods,” stated Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI and LMPD investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua R. Porter and Erwin Roberts are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal Aaron Cooper.
This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Nelson County Woman Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of ChildrenRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Nelson County woman was sentenced on January 5, 2026, for two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of distribution of child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville made the announcement.
Kathlen Flener, 27, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a term of 30 years of supervised release, for two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of distribution of child pornography. The Court ordered Flener to pay $6,000 in restitution, $3,000 to each victim.
Flener used an online social media application to distribute two sexually explicit images of the minor victims to an adult male living in Australia.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by HSI with assistance from the Kentucky State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Yannelli prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Nebraska Man Indicted by Federal Grand Jury for Possessing with Intent to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an Indictment on January 7, 2026, charging a Nebraska man with a federal narcotics offense.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Chief Richard Sanders of the Jeffersontown Police Department, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.
According to the Indictment, Jacob Talamantes, 23, of Nebraska, was charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in Jefferson County on or about December 22, 2025. On December 27, 2025, a criminal complaint and supporting affidavit were filed that allege that on December 22, 2025, law enforcement received information that a narcotics shipment was coming to the Jeffersontown, Kentucky area. Law enforcement conducted surveillance and soon spotted the vehicle they expected would contain the narcotics. Officers did a takedown on the vehicle as it pulled into a parking spot on a business lot located in Jeffersontown, Kentucky. A Kentucky State Police canine was deployed and alerted to the positive presence of narcotics odor emanating from the vehicle. Upon search of the vehicle, investigators recovered a large quantity of suspected methamphetamine in various containers that were wrapped in gift wrap and disguised to look like Christmas presents. Talamantes was the driver of the vehicle.
The Indictment also alleges that Talamantes had a previous conviction on May 25, 2022, for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute in the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska. If convicted, the previous conviction increases his potential mandatory minimum sentence from 10 years to 15 years imprisonment under 21 U.S.C. § 851. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The defendant remains in state custody and will make an initial appearance at a later date before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the DEA, Jeffersontown Police Department, and the Kentucky State Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Previously Convicted Louisville Man Sentenced to 40 Years and 6 months in Federal Prison for Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced on December 15, 2025, for online coercion and enticement of a minor, sexual exploitation of a child, and transportation of a minor for sex.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul L. Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
Nathaniel Covington, 25, was sentenced to 40 years and 6 months in federal prison, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, for online coercion and enticement of a minor, sexual exploitation of a child, and transportation of a minor for sex. The Court ordered Covington to pay $3,000 in restitution to the victim.
Covington used an online social media application to meet a fourteen-year-old girl. He arranged to have the girl taken from Tennessee to Louisville, Kentucky for a sexual encounter. Once in Kentucky, Covington used his cellular phone to record himself engaged in sexual acts with the minor. Several days after Covington took the victim from Tennessee, an amber alert was issued for the child and Covington was found in Clarksville, Indiana with her. Covington was previously convicted in 2019 in Ohio for Unlawful Sexual Conduct with a different fourteen-year-old.
“Covington is a dangerous child predator,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner. “A 2019 Ohio conviction for Unlawful Sexual Conduct did not deter disgusting deviant behavior. Because of the important contributions from the Louisville Metro Police Department and the FBI, Covington will not have the opportunity to prey on any more children for at least four decades. Covington’s 40 years and 6 months federal sentence should be a siren to likeminded deviants that if they engage in this reprehensible conduct dire consequences will soon follow.”
“The relentless pursuit of child sex predators is one of the FBI’s top priorities,” stated Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “While this sentence should send a clear message to offenders who prey upon our community’s innocent children, it does not mean we will let up. We will not stop until every criminal who seeks to exploit or abuse our children is found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
LMPD Chief Paul L. Humphrey stated, “Detectives with the Louisville Metro Police Department’s Office of Sexual and Physical Investigations (OSPI) focus on prosecuting the most heinous criminals, and this case shows their impact. Working with our partners in law enforcement ensured that a dangerous predator is now off the streets for decades. OSPI will continue pushing every case forward to protect victims and ensure those who commit these horrific crimes face full accountability.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Louisville Metro Police Department with assistance from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations, Blount County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jeffersonville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys A. Spencer McKiness and Danielle Yanelli prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
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Justice Department Announces Results of Operation Relentless JusticeRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY - The Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Relentless Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track, and arrest child sex predators. The nationwide crackdown resulted in over 205 child victims being located and the arrests of over 293 child sexual abuse offenders. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of two weeks by all 56 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Department’s Criminal Division, and U.S. Attorneys’ offices around the country.
“We will not allow evil criminals who prey on children to evade justice,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Our federal agents have worked tirelessly alongside our state and local partners to track down these vile predators, and now our prosecutors will ensure they receive severe punishments to match their horrific crimes."
“Operation Relentless Justice shows no child will be forgotten and that all predators targeting the most vulnerable amongst us will be held accountable,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This year, the FBI has led multiple nationwide surges across the U.S. to find and arrest hundreds of child predators. We will not stop until every child can live a life free of exploitation. We will utilize the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state, and local partners to protect communities across the nation from such horrific crimes.”
According to the criminal complaint, Van Laurence Barker, 33, was charged with one count of attempted online enticement of a minor and one count of distribution of child pornography. The defendant is scheduled for arraignment before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky on January 13, 2026. If convicted, Barker faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Assistant U.S. Attorney Danielle Yannelli, of the U.S. Attorney’s Louisville Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.
“Barker’s arrest reflects the FBI’s exceptional work in protecting the most vulnerable victims of our communities—our children,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky. “This is work that the FBI prioritizes day-in-and-day-out, and is highlighted through the success of Operation Relentless Justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office stands shoulder to shoulder with the FBI and all of our law enforcement partners across the Commonwealth to ensure that people like Van Laurence Barker are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office stated, "FBI Louisville, along with our law enforcement partners throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky, will not stand by while the children of our state are preyed upon by predators. These child predators and the crimes they commit will be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. This effort, while highlighted under Operation Relentless Justice, remains a constant priority for the FBI and we will continue to hold these criminals accountable.”
Those arrested are alleged to have committed various crimes, including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material; online enticement and transportation of minors; and child sex trafficking. Some of the alleged offenders include an airman out of Dallas, TX, who was arrested with his wife for producing child sex abuse material (CSAM), as well as a Police Officer from Raleigh, NC, who distributed CSAM to an undercover officer while discussing his interest in engaging in sexual contact with children. In another case involving enticement of a minor, the Miami Field Office arrested a Guatemalan national who was previously deported in 2011, and had previous arrests for battery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and carrying a concealed weapon.
As sextortion cases continue to rise, this operation highlights arrests of individuals who target vulnerable children online including the five leaders of Greggy’s Cult, as well as a Virginia man who persuaded a 14-year-old to produce CSAM. The victim attempted suicide after he allegedly told her to kill herself.
This effort follows two other successful operations, including Operation Restore Justice in May, which resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sex abuse offenders, including one from the Western District of Kentucky, and Operation Enduring Justice in August, which resulted in the rescue of 133 children and the arrests of 234 offenders, including one from the Western District of Kentucky.
The FBI's Victim Services Division (VSD) assisted victims during this operation and provided services, to include forensic interviews, referrals for medical and mental health resources, and coordination with partners. VSD's mission is to inform, support, and assist victims in navigating the aftermath of crime and the criminal justice process with dignity and resilience.
These operations underscore the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. attorneys’ offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI's tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Jonathan Ernspiker, 42, of Louisville, Kentucky, was sentenced yesterday to 15 years in prison, followed by 6 years of supervised release, for firearms trafficking, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, for conspiring to sell 18 firearms and approximately 58 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential law enforcement source on November 20, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division made the announcement.
United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Ernspiker’s 15-year sentence demonstrates that the United States Attorney’s Office and ATF have absolutely no tolerance for drug trafficking and illegal firearms trafficking. Drug trafficking and illegal firearms trafficking significantly contribute to the violence plaguing our community. Hopefully, Ernspiker’s sentence sends a strong deterrent message to others engaged in or contemplating engaging in similar conduct.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes stated, “Firearms trafficking undermines the basic safeguards that are in place to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals. When combined with the distribution of dangerous narcotics such as methamphetamine, it creates an environment that threatens the safety and stability of communities throughout the Commonwealth. Jonathan Ernspiker’s significant prison sentence sends a clear message: the ATF, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our local law-enforcement partners remain fully committed to aggressively pursuing and prioritizing investigations of this nature.”
Ernspiker was prohibited from possessing firearms due to the following prior felony convictions.
On March 26, 2017, in Bullitt County Circuit Court, Ernspiker was convicted of convicted felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance in the first degree.
On November 4, 2013, in Bullitt County Circuit Court, Ernspiker was convicted of fleeing or evading police in the first degree and manufacturing methamphetamine in the first degree.
On May 3, 2013, in Bullitt County Circuit Court, Ernspiker was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree.
On October 1, 2008, in Bullitt County Circuit Court, Ernspiker was convicted of criminal mischief in the first degree.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the ATF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua R. Porter prosecuted the case with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Adela Alic.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to over 8 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Gun and Machine Gun Possession, and Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced on October 21, 2025, for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal possession of a machine gun, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Dominique Thompson, 30, was sentenced to 8 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a Ruger, Model AR-556, 5.56 caliber pistol, a Glock, Model 17 Gen5, 9-millimeter pistol, ammunition, a machine gun, and for possessing the Ruger in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Thompson was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On May 23, 2023, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Thompson was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, illegal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree Schedule I heroin, and illegal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree Schedule II fentanyl (two counts).
On March 18, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Thompson was convicted of receiving stolen property and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Thompson has related and pending charges in Jefferson Circuit Court alleging criminal attempt murder of a police officer and wanton endangerment in the first degree.
Mr. Bumgarner stated, “This is an extremely important case for our office and demonstrates our responsibility and commitment to protecting our law enforcement officers that courageously serve our community. This case also demonstrates our commitment to working with the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Louisville Metro Police Department and ATF to aggressively prosecute firearms crimes.”
“Violent crime targeting members of our community, including law enforcement officers, will not be tolerated. ATF remains committed to eradicating Machinegun Conversion Devices (MCD) from our streets because of the increased threats they pose. This case and the resulting sentence reflect the strength of the partnership between federal and local law enforcement,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the Louisville Field Division.
"This man’s long criminal history, including charges of attempting to kill an LMPD officer, underscores the serious threat he poses to our community,” said LMPD Police Chief Paul Humphrey. “We remain committed to working with our federal partners to keep dangerous criminals off our streets so families can feel safe."
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the ATF and LMPD.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez prosecuted the case.
This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Louisville Man Sentenced as a Career Offender to 15 Years and 10 months in Federal Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced on October 30, 2025, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Johnathan Hankins, 35, was sentenced to 15 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by six years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it.
Hankins’ conviction stems from two instances in which he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Jefferson County. On March 11, 2024, Hankins sold 444 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Again, on May 22, 2024, Hankins sold 212 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Each methamphetamine transaction was audio and video recorded. The total amount of methamphetamine from both of the controlled purchases was 656 grams. The methamphetamine was tested at the DEA laboratory, where it was confirmed to be methamphetamine.
Based upon his criminal history, Hankins was sentenced as a Career Offender. A defendant is a career offender if (1) the defendant was at least eighteen years old at the time the defendant committed the instant offense of conviction; (2) the instant offense of conviction is a felony that is either a crime of violence or a controlled substance offense; and (3) the defendant has at least two prior felony convictions of either a crime of violence or a controlled substance offense. Hankins had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On or about October 27, 2010, in Jefferson Circuit Court, under Case Number 09-CR-2427, Hankins was convicted of robbery in the second degree.
On or about October 27, 2010, in Jefferson Circuit Court, under Case Number 09-CR-3555, Hankins was convicted of robbery in the second degree.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the ATF, with assistance from the DEA Louisville Field Division and the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case.
This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts 7 Louisville Men for Firearm Related OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on November 4, 2025, charging several individuals with firearm related offenses.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Anthony Adams, Jr., 21, of Louisville, was charged with stealing 52 firearms, trafficking 46 firearms, and possessing an additional stolen firearm. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Roeneil Jones, 22, of Louisville, was charged with possessing two stolen firearms, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and firearms trafficking of two firearms. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Jones was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On March 12, 2024, in Jefferson Circuit Court, in Case Number 23-CR-0607, Jones was convicted of complicity to receiving stolen property over $1,000 under $10,000, complicity to wanton endangerment in the first degree (four counts), complicity to fleeing or evading police in the first degree (motor vehicle), complicity to fleeing or evading police in the first degree (pedestrian), and complicity to receiving stolen firearm.
Christopher White, 26, of Louisville, was charged with possessing a stolen firearm, and firearms trafficking. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Dillon Sutherland, 34, of Louisville, was charged with possessing five stolen firearms, and firearms trafficking of four firearms. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Terry Sutherland, 37, of Louisville, was charged with possessing four stolen firearms, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. T. Sutherland was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.
On July 13, 2010, in Jefferson Circuit Court, in Case Number 09-CR-3249, T. Sutherland was convicted of robbery in the first degree.
Robert Malone, 33, of Louisville, was charged with possessing a stolen firearm, illegal possession of a machine gun, and firearms trafficking. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Gary White, Sr., 54, of Louisville, was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. White, Sr. was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.
On September 19, 2012, in Jefferson Circuit Court, in Case Number 10-CR-3865, White, Sr. was convicted of burglary in the third degree.
Defendants Adams, Jr., Jones, White, Malone and White, Sr. have made their initial court appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Defendants D. Sutherland and T. Sutherland are in custody at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections awaiting resolution of charges in Jefferson County. Upon the resolution of their charges, D. Sutherland and T. Sutherland will make their initial court appearances before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky.
If convicted, a federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
Mr. Bumgarner advised that this case is being investigated by the ATF and LMPD and congratulates both agencies for their strong cooperation and dedication to investigating and prosecuting firearms trafficking in Louisville.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alicia P. Gomez is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Hopkinsville Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Charge for Damaging Church StatueRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Hopkinsville man pleaded guilty yesterday to damaging religious property.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, on January 28 and 29, 2025, Marley R. Taylor, 27, of Hopkinsville, destroyed a statue of Mary holding baby Jesus located at a Catholic church by using an axe to chop off both statues’ heads. Taylor admitted that he intentionally decapitated the statue of Mary and Jesus because he believed people prayed to the statue as an act of worship. The statue had been hand carved from marble and imported from Italy.
Taylor pleaded guilty to damage to religious property in a one count Information. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 10, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. If the court accepts the terms of the plea agreement, Taylor faces a penalty of not more than 3 years in prison and payment of not less than $35,935 in restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“The violent destruction of religious property due to hatred for another’s faith is both intolerable and un-American,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice stands firmly against anti-Christian bias and will hold accountable anyone who targets Americans because of their religious beliefs.”
“We cannot and will not accept attacks on the free exercise of religion, nor the desecration of sacred religious symbols. Mr. Taylor intentionally desecrated two of Christianity’s most revered symbols, statutes of Mary and Jesus, as an attack on the Christian faith. His motives and his conduct have earned these federal charges. Let this be a warning that no attack on the exercise of religion—regardless of faith—will be tolerated in the Western District of Kentucky,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner.
“Mr. Taylor not only intentionally and severely damaged two religious statues at a place of worship, but by doing so, he also violated a key principle of our nation, the freedom of all to express religious beliefs afforded under the U.S. Constitution,” said Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office. “As our mission conveys, the FBI will work tirelessly alongside our partners to ensure Constitutional rights provided to every American are protected.”
“I would like to thank our federal partners for their constant support in helping us protect the citizens of Hopkinsville from those that choose to threaten our quality of life,” said Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department. “Citizens have the right to live in a society where their beliefs and safety should never be violated by those who threaten either with violence. We will continue working together to ensure our commitment to make Hopkinsville a safer community remains successful.”
This case is being investigated by the FBI Bowling Green Satellite Office and the Hopkinsville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, and Trial Attorney Julia White of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
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Jefferson County High School Teacher Charged with Distributing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal criminal complaint and arrest warrant were issued on October 9, 2025, charging a Jefferson County high school teacher with distributing and possessing child pornography.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to the criminal complaint, in August 2025, Brian Hinds, 51, distributed child sexual abuse material depicting prepubescent boys to a law enforcement officer working online undercover. During an interview conducted on October 9, 2025, Hinds admitted to both sending and receiving child sexual abuse material through online messaging applications. Hinds is employed as a theater teacher at duPont Manual High School’s Youth Performing Arts School.
While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have not presently identified any victim that is a current or former student of duPont Manual High School. If local victims are later identified, authorities will directly and immediately make contact with victims or the parents/guardians of minor victims.
Hinds is scheduled to make his initial appearance today, October 10, 2025, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted on the charges in the complaint, Hinds faces a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and LMPD.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys A. Spencer McKiness and Stephanie Zimdahl are prosecuting the case.
If you have any information about Hinds that may contribute to this investigation, please contact the FBI Louisville Field Office at [email protected].
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville, Kentucky man was sentenced on September 22, 2025, to 9 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and over 40 grams of fentanyl.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.
On September 22, 2025, Christopher Payne, 30, was sentenced to 9 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Payne pled guilty on June 12, 2025, to one count of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, between April 3, 2024, and July 9, 2024.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI and KSP investigated the case, with assistance from the Louisville Metro Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Frank Dahl III prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.
This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Taylor County Farmer Sentenced to Federal Prison for Crop Insurance FraudRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Taylor County, Kentucky, man was sentenced on August 26, 2025, to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison for crop insurance fraud.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Special Agent in Charge Miles Davis of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General made the announcement.
According to court documents, Robert “Robbie” Thomas Hunt, 61, of Campbellsville, Kentucky, was sentenced to 12 months and 1 day in prison, followed by 2 years of supervised release, for committing crop insurance fraud from 2014 through 2021. Hunt was also ordered to pay restitution of $1,686,002 and was fined $250,000. Hunt pleaded guilty to crop insurance fraud on March 27, 2025.
Between 2014 and 2021, Hunt sold crops under the names of other people and significantly underreported his true production on crop insurance claim forms, resulting in over $1.6 million in fraudulent insurance overpayments.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Inspector General, and Risk Management Agency, Special Investigations Staff.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Weiser prosecuted the case.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to 7 years in Federal Prison for Conspiracy and Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced on August 28, 2025, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Joseph Cook, 46, was sentenced to 7 years in prison, followed by 6 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it.
Between August 20, 2024, and August 22, 2024, Cook conspired with other persons to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Cook supplied 111.35 grams of methamphetamine to codefendant, John Jecker, on August 20, 2024. Again, on August 20, 2024, Cook possessed 111.35 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it and supplied the 111.35 grams of methamphetamine to codefendant, Jecker. Finally, on August 22, 2024, Cook possessed 799 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it. The methamphetamine was stored in a safe in Cook’s apartment. The total amount of methamphetamine from both the conspiracy and possessed by Cook was 910.35 grams. The methamphetamine was tested at the DEA laboratory, where it was confirmed to be methamphetamine.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the ATF, with assistance from the DEA Louisville Field Division, and the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case.
This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Louisville Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville, Kentucky man was sentenced on August 21, 2025, to 14 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and distribution of over 50 grams of methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
Antonio O’Neal, 40, admitted as part of an open plea on May 21, 2025, to one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from January 1, 2021, through August 16, 2023, and five counts of distribution of methamphetamine on April 1, April 24, May 1, May 8, and May 10, 2023. Specifically, O’Neal was held responsible for distributing 960 grams of methamphetamine which was purchased through law enforcement-controlled purchases.
Based on this conduct and his criminal history, the Court imposed a sentence of 14 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI and LMPD investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Joshua Porter and Frank Dahl III prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.
This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Louisville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced on August 27, 2025, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Tremell Smith, 34, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 6 years of supervised release, for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute it.
Mr. Smith’s conviction stems from two instances in which he sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant. On March 11, 2024, Smith sold 460 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Again, on March 19, 2024, Smith sold 231 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant. Each methamphetamine transaction was audio and video recorded. The total amount of methamphetamine from both of the controlled purchases was 691 grams. The methamphetamine was tested at the DEA laboratory, where it was confirmed to be methamphetamine.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the ATF, with assistance from the DEA Louisville Field Division and the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case.
This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two in Gold Bar Scam Conspiracy that Targeted Senior VictimsRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on August 5, 2025, charging a man and woman for their roles in a “gold bar scam” conspiracy that impacted senior victims in Kentucky and across the United States.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd, Cincinnati Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Antonio Peña, 39, who has ties to both Florida and New York, and Brandi Durst, 43, of Florida, were charged with one count each of wire fraud conspiracy and money laundering conspiracy. Specifically, the indictment alleges that between April 2024 and July 2025, both Peña and Durst traveled around the United States and collected gold bars from victims who were convinced to liquidate their retirement funds and buy gold. Unindicted co-conspirators would deceive victims into believing that they were victims of a prior identity theft scam, and that purchasing gold would help protect their assets. Peña, Durst, and others posed as Federal Reserve agents or other government officials, supposedly picking up the gold for safekeeping, only to steal victims’ savings and launder the proceeds.
On August 14, 2025, Peña and Durst were arraigned before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, each defendant could face a maximum of up to 40 years in prison, in addition to owing fines and victim restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
“As alleged in the indictment, these defendants preyed upon folks who were simply trying to secure their retirement nest egg,” said U.S. Attorney Bumgarner. “They will be held accountable to the maximum extent of the law.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by IRS-CI and FBI with assistance from HSI.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Corinne E. Keel is prosecuting the case.
This case was investigated and prosecuted as part of the National Elder Justice Task Force and the Kentucky Elder Justice Task Force. The Department of Justice’s mission of its Elder Justice Initiative is to support and coordinate the Department’s enforcement and programmatic efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect and financial fraud and scams that target our nation’s older adults. Kentucky’s task force is comprised of investigators, prosecutors, and others at the local, state, and federal level with a common objective of protecting seniors across Kentucky.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Cuban Man Living in Louisville Charged with Assaulting ICE OfficersRead the Press Release
Louisville, Kentucky – A federal indictment was returned today that charged Laryen Torres-Carmona, a Cuban national, for assaulting two U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers who were attempting to effect a lawful arrest.
U.S Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Acting Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville made the announcement.
“This complaint and indictment allege that Torres-Carmona committed crimes while paroled into our country, overstayed his welcome, then strangled a domestic partner, and ultimately assaulted two ICE officers attempting to make a lawful arrest,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner. “This conduct will not be tolerated in the Western District of Kentucky.”
“Threats and assaults on federal agents and officers, who are working diligently night and day to uphold the nation’s laws, will never be tolerated,” said Homeland Security Investigations Nashville acting Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting. “HSI remains steadfast in its mission to hold accountable those who threaten the safety of our law enforcement personnel and the communities they protect and serve.”
According to the indictment, Laryen Torres-Carmona, 25, is charged with two counts of forcibly assaulting, resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating, or interfering with two Immigration Enforcement Operations (ERO) Deportation Officers (DO) who were employees of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an agency of a branch of the United States government, while they were engaged in the performance of their official duties.
Last week a criminal complaint and supporting affidavit were filed that alleged that Torres-Carmona, was permitted to enter the United States on July 25, 2023, as a parolee with an expiration of June 27, 2025. While in the United States on parole, Torres-Carmona was arrested by Louisville Metropolitan Police Officers on charges of theft by unlawful taking and criminal trespassing. In July 2025, after his parole had expired, Torres-Carmona was arrested again for strangulation during an event of domestic violence.
The criminal complaint further alleges that on August 26, 2025, Torres-Carmona reported to United States Citizenship and Immigration Service’s Louisville office. As alleged, Torres-Carmona shoved two ICE officers and continued resisting officers attempting to effectuate his arrest. Based upon these actions, Torres-Carmona was charged in the criminal complaint with a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 111(a), making it unlawful to assault, resist, oppose, impede, intimidate, or interfere with federal officers or employees, including ICE officers.
The defendant made his initial appearance on the complaint last week before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. He was arraigned on the indictment today. The Court ordered the defendant detained pending trial. If convicted, Torres-Carmona faces a combined maximum sentence of 16 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the HSI Louisville Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Ansari is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
A criminal complaint and indictment are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Bowling Green Man Sentenced to over 18 years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine Distribution and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Bowling Green, KY – A Bowling Green man was sentenced on August 26, 2025, to serve 18 years and 4 months in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture and 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Director Tommy Loving of the Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force made the announcement.
According to court documents, on or about February 15, 2024, in Warren County, Kentucky, Joshua O. Duncan, 40, possessed with the intent to distribute 4,667 grams of methamphetamine and 574.08 grams of fentanyl. In furtherance of his drug trafficking, Duncan also possessed a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver, a Springfield Armory .45 caliber semiautomatic pistol, a Ruger .380 caliber semiautomatic pistol, and a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semiautomatic pistol. Duncan was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On August 21, 2018, in Logan Circuit Court, Duncan was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, greater than 2 grams of methamphetamine.
On August 27, 2012, in Logan Circuit Court, Duncan was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, cocaine.
On March 11, 2010, in Logan Circuit Court, Duncan was convicted of first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance, first offense, cocaine.
Based on this conduct, and Duncan’s criminal history, the Court imposed a sentence of 18 years and 4 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
“Joshua Duncan is a longtime drug dealer in and around Warren County that was given plenty of chances to reform his behavior. Unfortunately, he doubled down on his criminal ways, distributing even more methamphetamine and fentanyl into our community while armed with four handguns. Warren County is safer today because of this lengthy sentence—the culmination of fantastic work between local, state, and federal agents,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner.
ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes said, “We are proud to partner with the Warren County Drug Task Force and will continue to prioritize our investigative resources to focus on those who wish to deal in dangerous drugs and violence in Central Kentucky. This significant sentence is an example of what should be expected by our strong collaborative effort.”
“We are pleased to see justice served in the case of a significant drug trafficker selling poison in Bowling Green and Warren County. This case underscores the continued cooperation of law enforcement partners—local, state, and federal—working together to bring cases before the United States Attorney for prosecution and sentencing without the possibility of parole. The community can be assured that he will not be trafficking drugs for the next 18 years,” said Director Tommy Loving.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The ATF Bowling Green Field Office and Bowling Green/Warren County Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (AHIDTA) Drug Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II of the United States Attorney’s Office Bowling Green Branch prosecuted the case.
This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Louisville Physician Agrees to Pay $250,000 to Settle False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Dr. James Charasika, a Louisville physician, agreed to pay $250,000 to resolve allegations that he and his practice, Louisville Patient Centered Medical Home (LPCMH), submitted false claims to Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE related to improper billing of services provided by nurse practitioners, announced U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky.
Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE pay for medical services provided by nurse practitioners, but the amount of payment is different than if the service is provided by a physician. The United States alleged that Dr. Charasika and LPCMH violated the False Claims Act by billing government programs as if he provided medical services when, in fact, the services were provided by nurse practitioners. For Medicare, if particular conditions are satisfied, services provided by a nurse practitioner may be billed as if they were performed by a physician, but the United States alleged that Dr. Charasika and LPCMH did not satisfy those conditions.
The claims resolved by this settlement include claims that were brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Under the Act, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States of America v. Louisville Patient Centered Medical Home, P.S.C., et al., Case No. 3:20-cv-3390-CRS (WDKY). Under the qui tam provisions, the relators received more than $35,000 from the settlement proceeds.
“This office is committed to investigating allegations of healthcare fraud and protecting federal healthcare programs,” said U.S. Attorney Bumgarner. “I appreciate the whistleblowers coming forward in this case and encourage others who see fraud to do the same.”
“The alleged conduct affects the integrity of the government healthcare programs that our most vulnerable citizens rely on,” said Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman. “I’m grateful for the opportunity for our team to work with our federal partners to investigate allegations of healthcare fraud.”
The Kentucky Office of Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit helped investigate this matter and received more than $68,000 of the settlement amount due to the alleged false claims submitted to Medicaid. The United States Department for Health and Human Services Office of Counsel to the Inspector General and Office of Investigations also helped obtain this settlement.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Thompson handled this matter.
The claims resolved by settlement agreement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Man in Connection with Overdose DeathRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned a superseding indictment today charging a Louisville man with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, and Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Tyler Cull, 25, was charged with distributing a mixture and substance containing fentanyl in Jefferson County and Hardin County on December 14, 2024, which resulted in the death of a victim. Cull was previously indicted on April 2, 2025, for possessing with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. This occurred on March 26, 2025, in Jefferson County, Kentucky.
On June 12, 2025, Cull was ordered detained by a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. He remains in federal custody pending trial. If convicted of distribution resulting in death, he faces a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
“Today marks the first step in the formal process of holding Tyler Cull accountable for pushing poison into our Commonwealth, causing the death of a remarkable person,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner. “Our Office will aggressively pursue this prosecution to ensure justice for the victim’s family and to put all others in the Commonwealth on notice that you will face the weight of federal prosecution if your cavalier drug distribution kills one of our brothers or sisters.”
“This federal indictment is what zealous collaboration looks like,” said Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman. “Those Kentuckians who we have a duty to protect, and one particular grieving family in Hardin County, deserve no less.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the DEA, Kentucky Office of the Attorney General, Lyndon Police Department, and Elizabethtown Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua R. Porter and Frank Dahl, III are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal Aaron Cooper.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office for Western District of Kentucky to Participate in Community Events During National Night OutRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky will join their law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities in National Night Out events in Louisville, Kentucky.
“Our prosecutors and staff come to the office everyday with one goal in mind: to serve the citizens of Louisville and the broader Western District,” said U.S. Attorney Bumgarner. “We look forward to participating in National Night Out to get to know those we serve and have some fun in the process.”
The U.S. Attorney's Office will promote community safety and awareness by engaging with residents at Louisville Metro Police Department events in neighborhoods across the city. The office will also host a resource booth with crime prevention information at LMPD's Eighth Division event at Walker Warren Park in the Douglas Hills neighborhood.
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.
National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.
Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.
For more information, visit https://natw.org/.
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Illegal Alien Sentenced to 2 Years and 2 Months in Federal Prison for Illegal Reentry into the United States and Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – On July 31, 2025, an illegal alien was sentenced to 2 years and 2 months in federal prison for unlawful reentry into the United States and illegal possession of firearms.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, Sam Olson, Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago, U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Alvaro Mandujano-Rodriguez, 32, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced to 2 years and 2 months in prison for illegal possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and reentry after deportation or removal. According to the plea agreement, on or about October 7, 2023, Mandujano-Rodriguezwas an alien found in the United States after having been last denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about November 29, 2013. On October 7, 2023, Mandujano-Rodriguez was unlawfully in possession of an AR-15 rifle of an unknown make and model, and a MAG Tactical Systems MG-G4, multi-caliber rifle, and ammunition. Mandujano-Rodriguez is prohibited from possessing a firearm because he was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States.
“Thanks to the strong work of this federal-local partnership, another dangerous illegal immigrant has been removed from the streets of Louisville,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by HSI, ATF, and LMPD.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Shannon prosecuted the case.
This conviction is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case is also part of the Prohibited Firearm Possessor Initiative (PFP), a collaborative partnership between all levels of law enforcement and prosecutors to reduce violent crime and firearm offenses. On January 23, 2024, Louisville Metro initiated a gun crime reduction initiative focused on investigating and prosecuting illegal firearm possession. The PFP partners include the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to over 15 Years for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Louisville, Kentucky man was sentenced on July 29, 2025, to over 15 years in federal prison for engaging in a conspiracy to distribute of over 50 grams of methamphetamine and distribution of over 50 grams of methamphetamine after having previously been convicted of a serious drug trafficking offense.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
Heuey Kirksey III, 35, admitted in a plea agreement on March 11, 2023, to one count of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine from October 4 to November 13, 2023, and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine on October 19 and November 2, 2023. Specifically, Kirksey was held responsible for distributing 907 grams of methamphetamine which were purchased through law enforcement-controlled purchases. He was arrested following the indictment on these charges on August 29, 2024. Kirksey also admitted to having previously been convicted of the following serious drug felony.
On October 1, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Kirksey was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the 1st degree greater than two grams of heroin.
Based on this conduct and his criminal history, the Court imposed a sentence of 15 years and 8 months prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release.
“Kirksey pushed significant quantities of methamphetamine onto the streets of Louisville and will now pay the price by spending more than 15 years behind bars,” said U.S. Attorney Bumgarner.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The FBI and LMPD investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Joshua Porter prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.
This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Honduran National Sentenced to Federal Prison for 2 Years and 1 Day for Illegal Reentry, Social Security Fraud, and Identity Theft OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A Honduran national was sentenced on July 31, 2025, to federal prison for illegal reentry after deportation or removal, social security number fraud, and aggravated identity theft.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of Homeland Security Investigations, Nashville, and Sam Olson, Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago, U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement made the announcement.
According to court documents, Vidal Ricardo Murillo-Zuniga, 34, a citizen of Honduras, was sentenced on July 31, 2025, to two years and one day in prison for one count of illegal reentry after deportation or removal, one count of social security number fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft. On or about January 22, 2025, Murillo-Zuniga was an alien found in the United States after having been denied admission, excluded, deported, and removed from the United States on or about May 29, 2013. Additionally, on or about June 13, 2024, Murillo-Zuniga committed social security number fraud in Nelson County, Kentucky, when he used another person’s social security number to obtain employment at Mammy’s Kitchen. On that same date, he committed aggravated identity theft when he used another person’s name, date of birth, and social security number during and in relation to the social security number fraud to obtain employment.
“As part of Operation Take Back America, we are committed to charging illegal immigrants who have previously been removed. That is all the more the case for defendants, like Mr. Murillo-Zuniga, who victimize American citizens by stealing their identities,” said U.S. Attorney Bumgarner.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by HSI and ICE ERO.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Ansari prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Former Soldier for Child Exploitation Offense at Fort CampbellRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A federal grand jury in Paducah returned an indictment on June 10, 2025, charging a former soldier with sexual abuse of a minor at the Fort Campbell military installation.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Zachary Martin Young, 54, of Swansea, South Carolina, was charged with one count of sexual abuse of a minor. Specifically, between March 1999 and February 2000, at the Fort Campbell military installation, Young knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a minor victim who had attained the age of 12 years but had not attained the age of 16 years. According to court filings, Young was a soldier at the time of the offense and later retired from the U.S. Army in 2014.
On July 29, 2025, Young was arraigned before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. If convicted, he faces a sentence of not more than 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the FBI Hopkinsville Satellite Office and the Army CID.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Tennessee Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Henry County, Tennessee man was sentenced on July 21, 2025, to 11 years in federal prison for possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Sheriff Nicky Knight of the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Matt Hilbrecht of the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, and Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police made the announcement.
Trey Cowans, 30 years old, admitted in a plea agreement that on April 17, 2024, agents arranged to purchase 2 pounds of methamphetamine from him using a confidential source. Cowans was apprehended when he arrived at the pre-determined location for the purpose of engaging in drug distribution and found to be in possession of 2 pounds of methamphetamine. Through a separate search of a location in Tennessee, Cowans was also found to be in possession of 20.7 pounds of methamphetamine. Based on this conduct and his criminal history, the Court imposed a sentence of 11 years in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system.
“Cowans was a significant drug distributor in the Calloway County area that is now off the streets because of first-class law enforcement efforts of the DEA, Calloway County Sheriff’s Office, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, and Kentucky State Police Drug Enforcement and Special Investigations,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner. “This prosecution is yet another example of the strong work that can be done when federal, state, and local partners join forces for a common good.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
This conviction is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Madisonville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Madisonville, Kentucky man was sentenced on July 22, 2025, to 10 years in federal prison for possessing over 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Chief Steve Bryan of the Madisonville Police Department made the announcement.
Michael Skinner, 65, admitted in his plea agreement that he was stopped by law enforcement on August 3, 2024, based on excessive window tinting. A K-9 subsequently alerted to the presence of narcotics coming from the vehicle, resulting in the discovery of 80.77 grams of methamphetamine hidden under the hood of the vehicle. Skinner admitted to distributing methamphetamine and to frequent prior drug distribution. As a result of his conduct and his criminal history, the Court imposed a sentence of 10 years in federal prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty and the Madisonville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
This conviction is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Clarksville, Tennessee Man Sentenced to 1 Year and 8 Months in Federal Prison for Defrauding EmployerRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Clarksville, Tennessee, man was sentenced on June 21, 2025, to 1 year and 8 months in federal prison for engaging in a scheme to defraud his former employer.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Louisville Field Office made the announcement.
Timothy Allen Pew, 43, was sentenced to 1 year and 8 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for seven counts of wire fraud. According to court documents, between March 2023 and January 2023, Pew committed wire fraud by engaging in a scheme to embezzle over $250,000 from his employer. Pew, who was employed as a purchasing manager for a manufacturing company in western Kentucky, embezzled the funds from the company by using a company credit card to transfer money to his personal PayPal account.
Pew was also ordered to pay $257,400.08 in restitution.
“Pew engaged in a brazen pattern of lies and deception from the outset, lying to his employer about his prior relevant experience, engaging in multiple fraudulent transactions on the company credit card once employed, and then creating a paper trail to cover it all up,” said U.S. Attorney Bumgarner. “This sentence reflects the egregiousness of Pew’s conduct.”
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the FBI Hopkinsville Satellite Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Louisville Woman for Defrauding Pool Business CustomersRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A federal grand jury in Louisville returned an indictment on July 16, 2025, charging a Louisville woman with engaging in a scheme to defraud customers of her pool installation business, Davenport Extreme Pools and Spas Inc.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, and Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Cincinnati Field Office, made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Tracy Davenport, 50, was charged with 13 counts of wire fraud, 5 counts of money laundering, and 1 count of bankruptcy fraud. The indictment alleges Tracy Davenport, and others working at her direction, engaged in a scheme to induce customers into signing a contract for a pool installation and paying a large down payment up front. Tracy Davenport then used those funds for purposes other than what was agreed upon.
The defendant will make her initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky at a later date.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and IRS-CI, with assistance from the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Jefferson County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, and the United States Trustee’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Elver is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Two Louisville Men Sentenced for Distribution of over 21,000 Fentanyl Pills and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Two local men were sentenced last week for conspiracy to possess fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman, Chief Barry Wilkerson of the St. Matthews Police Department, and Sheriff Joe Milam of the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Jamie Shelby, Jr., 26, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Kevon Smith, 25, was sentenced to 5 years and 10 months in prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess fentanyl with intent to distribute and possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
Between April 12, 2024, and July 9, 2024, Shelby, Jr. and Smith conspired with each other to possess fentanyl with intent to distribute it and distributed fentanyl. The investigation involved four controlled purchases for a total of 4,200 fentanyl pills from Shelby, Jr. and Smith. During the execution of a search warrant at Shelby Jr.’s residence on July 12, 2024, over 17,000 fentanyl pills and four firearms were seized. The firearms seized included a Glock, Model 43X, 9-millimeter pistol; a Springfield, Model 911, .380 caliber pistol; a Glock, Model 22, .40 caliber pistol; and a Sig Sauer, Model P320, 9-millimeter pistol. The estimated street value of the over 21,000 fentanyl pills seized in the case is $106,000.
Shelby, Jr. had been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On September 26, 2019, in Harrison Superior Court, Harrison County, Indiana, Shelby, Jr. was convicted of the offense of conspiracy to commit robbery.
On March 12, 2020, in Clark Circuit Court 3, Clark County, Indiana, Shelby, Jr. was convicted of the offense of domestic battery committed in the presence of a child less than sixteen years old.
“These defendants earned every second of the sentences imposed for their callous disregard of the people of the Western District of Kentucky,” said U.S. Attorney Bumgarner. “The pattern of fentanyl pouring across the border and into our community must stop; with these sentences, two more distributors of illicit substances are off our streets.”
“Counterfeit pharmaceuticals laced with deadly doses of fentanyl continue to devastate our communities. But thanks to the strong partnerships with our federal, state, and local partners, the dangerous criminals responsible for trafficking this poison for profit have been taken off our streets. The DEA remains committed to protecting lives and holding those who profit from this crisis accountable,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the ATF Louisville Field Division, the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, the St. Matthews Police Department, and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case.
This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Two Louisville Men Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Two Louisville men were sentenced on July 9, 2025, to 10 years in federal prison for trafficking in methamphetamine, metonitazene, and fentanyl.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Bruce A. Mills, 34, and Frank H. Brown, 35, were both sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Both defendants were also fined $3,000. Mills and Brown conspired together between January 8, 2024, and May 9, 2024, to distribute 775.642 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 14.356 grams of metonitazene, and 34.84 grams of fentanyl. The execution of multiple search warrants by HSI and LMPD on May 9, 2024, October 21, 2024, and October 24, 2024, resulted in the seizure of methamphetamine, metonitazene, fentanyl, six firearms, multiple vehicles, and drug proceeds, including approximately $40,000 and jewelry.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the HSI and LMPD.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mac Shannon prosecuted the case.
This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces 5 Individuals Charged as Part of Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud TakedownRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – Today, United States Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky announced criminal charges against five defendants in connection with alleged schemes to defraud Medicaid and divert controlled substances. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2025 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The charges stem from conspiracy to illegally use a DEA registration number issued to another, conspiracy to obtain a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge, health care fraud, theft of medical products, tampering with consumer products, obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or deceit, and burglary involving controlled substances.
“Health care providers must be trusted to appropriately prescribe highly-addictive medications only to those in need. Doing otherwise only exacerbates the opioid epidemic that has ravaged our Commonwealth and destroyed families,” said U.S. Attorney Bumgarner. “As alleged in each of the charging documents, these defendants breached that trust and illegally diverted controlled substances. While these defendants are professionally obligated to help communities, the charging documents allege that they have unfortunately done the opposite. They will be held to account.”
“This record-setting Health Care Fraud Takedown delivers justice to criminal actors who prey upon our most vulnerable citizens and steal from hardworking American taxpayers,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Make no mistake – this administration will not tolerate criminals who line their pockets with taxpayer dollars while endangering the health and safety of our communities.”
The charges announced today by U.S. Attorney Bumgarner are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in criminal charges against 324 defendants for their alleged participation in health care fraud and illegal drug diversion schemes that involved the submission of over $14.6 billion in alleged false billings and over 15 million pills of illegally diverted controlled substances. The defendants allegedly defrauded programs entrusted for the care of the elderly and disabled to line their own pockets. The United States has seized over $245 million in cash, luxury vehicles, and other assets in connection with the takedown.
The following individuals were charged in the Western District of Kentucky:
Ashley Barnett, 41, of Louisville, Kentucky, Laura Webb, 37, of Springfield, Kentucky, and Rachel Goldstein, 43, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, were charged by information. According to the information, Barnett and Webb, both doctors of veterinary medicine, were charged in a conspiracy to illegally use a DEA registration number issued to another. In addition, Barnett and Goldstein were charged with conspiracy to obtain a controlled substance by misrepresentation, fraud, forgery, deception, or subterfuge. As part of the conspiracy, Barnett, Goldstein, and others conspired to issue prescriptions for over 25,000 Schedule II controlled substances, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, in the names of various canines, including some deceased and fictitious canines, when in reality, Barnett and Goldstein were the recipients of the controlled substances. Barnett was also charged with theft of medical products for taking and concealing buprenorphine from her employer prior to the controlled substances being made available for retail purchase by a consumer. Finally, Barnett and Goldstein were charged with health care fraud in connection with a scheme whereby Barnett requested Goldstein fill Goldstein’s dextroamphetamine prescription, a Schedule II controlled substance, and provide it to Barnett. Goldstein caused the submission of the claim for the dextroamphetamine prescription to Medicaid. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Ansari of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
Kristina Coomer, 43, of Louisville, Kentucky, was charged by information with theft of medical products. According to the information, Coomer, an employee of a retail pharmacy in the supply chain for oxycodone, took, carried away, and concealed oxycodone from the pharmacy, prior to the controlled substances being made available for retail purchase by a consumer. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Ansari of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
Matthew Ryan Elkins, 40, of Crestwood, Kentucky, was charged by indictment with tampering with consumer products, obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or deceit, and burglary involving controlled substances. According to the indictment, Elkins, an advanced practice registered nurse-certified registered nurse anesthetist, tampered with one pre-filled, capped syringe containing fentanyl citrate and bupivacaine, prescribed to a patient by removing a portion of the listed ingredients and replaced it with another liquid. Elkins was also charged with obtaining and attempting to obtain three injectable vials containing a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, by misrepresentation, deception, and subterfuge. Finally, Elkins was charged with burglary involving controlled substances when he entered a business registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration with the intent to steal any material and compound containing any quantity of a controlled substance. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin McKenzie of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
Nationwide, cases are being prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys' Offices in the Western and Eastern Districts of Kentucky, the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, and Texas Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the District of Arizona, Central District of California, Northern District of California, Southern District of California, District of Columbia, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Middle District of Georgia, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Maine, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Western District of Michigan, Northern District of Mississippi, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nevada, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Western District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, District of North Dakota, Northern District of Ohio, Southern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, District of South Carolina, Middle District of Tennessee, Western District of Tennessee, Northern District of Texas, Southern District of Texas, Western District of Texas, District of Vermont, Eastern District of Virginia, Western District of Washington, and Northern District of West Virginia; and State Attorneys General’s Offices for California, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. The Health Care Fraud Unit’s Data Analytics Team used cutting-edge data analytics to identify and support the investigations that led to these charges.
The Western District of Kentucky, in particular, worked with the following law enforcement organizations to investigate and prosecute the cases filed during the enforcement period: the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Office of Criminal Investigations, the Kentucky State Police, the Louisville Metro Police Department, and the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Office of Inspector General.
Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website: https://www.justice.gov/criminal/criminal-fraud/2025-national-health-care-fraud-takedown.
A complaint, information, or indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Two Shelbyville, Kentucky Men Found Guilty of Federal Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – On June 27, 2025, following a five-day trial, a federal jury convicted two Shelbyville, Kentucky men of possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine, possessing firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, and possessing firearms as convicted felons.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, U.S. Marshal Gary B. Burman of the of the U.S. Marshal Service for the Western District of Kentucky, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on December 15, 2022, Benjamin Quintero Martinez, 31, and Rodolfo Reyes Martinez, 27, aided and abetted by each other and others, possessed with intent to distribute over 1 kilogram of fentanyl, including possessing a pill press used to manufacture illicit pills containing fentanyl, over 200 grams of methamphetamine, and over 200 grams of cocaine. The defendants also possessed 7 firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Both defendants were prohibited from possessing firearms because they had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On July 7, 2014, in Shelby Circuit Court, Quintero Martinez was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, cocaine, less than 4 grams, 1st degree, 1st offense, and tampering with physical evidence.
On January 4, 2016, in Henry Circuit Court, Quintero Martinez was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense (two counts).
On May 22, 2017, in Shelby Circuit Court, Quintero Martinez was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, 1st degree, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of handgun by a convicted felon, tampering with physical evidence, and trafficking in a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm.
On June 29, 2017, in Shelby Circuit Court, Quintero Martinez, was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, methamphetamine, less than 2 grams, 1st degree, 1st offense.
On February 28, 2019, in Marshall Circuit Court, Reyes Martinez was convicted of complicity to escape, 2nd degree.
On July 19, 2022, in Shelby Circuit Court, Reyes Martinez, was convicted of convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
Both are scheduled for sentencing on September 25, 2025, before a United States District Judge for the Western District of Kentucky. Quintero Martinez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years, Reyes Martinez faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, and both face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
The ATF, USMS, and LMPD investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Dahl and Josh Porter are prosecuting the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.
This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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Federal Grand Jury in Louisville Returns 4 Indictments Charging 22 Defendants with Drug Trafficking, Firearms, and Money Laundering OffensesRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – On May 6, 2025, a federal grand jury in Louisville charged a total of 20 defendants from across Kentucky and California in 3 separate indictments involving methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking offenses and firearms offenses. On May 21, 2025, a federal grand jury charged 4 defendants, 2 of whom were previously charged, in an indictment involving methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking and money laundering offenses. The indictments charging all 22 defendants were the result of a lengthy investigation conducted by multiple law enforcement agencies.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Homeland Security Investigations Nashville, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations, Cincinnati Field Office, U.S. Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Chicago Director of Field Operations Lafonda Sutton-Burke, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
The following 9 defendants were charged in the first indictment on May 6, 2025:
- James Havlicheck, 34, of California
- Rodney Hollie, 38, of California
- Joseph Nguyen, 38, of California
- Minh Ngo, 40, of California
- Kevin Nguyen, 30, of California
- Johnathan Nguyen, 35, of California
- Ordell Smith, Jr., 38, of Louisville
- Vanray O’Neal, 38, of Louisville
- Darren Render, 33, of Louisville
According to the first indictment, Havlicheck, Hollie, Joseph Nguyen, Ngo, Kevin Nguyen, and Johnathan Nguyen were charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a methamphetamine for a conspiracy beginning as early as April 2024 and continuing through July 19, 2024. Havlicheck and Ngo were also charged with one count of distribution of methamphetamine 50 grams or more.
Smith, Jr. was charged with four counts of distribution of methamphetamine 50 grams or more.
O’Neal was charged with three counts of distribution of methamphetamine 50 grams or more and two counts of firearms trafficking.
Render was charged with four counts of firearms trafficking, four counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, three counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of distribution of heroin, and two counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Render was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.
On April 2, 2020, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Render was convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
If convicted, Havlicheck, Hollie, Joseph Nguyen, Ngo, Kevin Nguyen, Johnathan Nguyen, Smith, Jr., and O’Neal face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Render faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison. All the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The following 9 defendants were charged in the second indictment on May 6, 2025:
- Antonio Taylor, 39, of Louisville
- Terry Matthews, 44, of Louisville
- Dylan Bradley, 21, of Louisville
- Demetrius Brown, 42, of Louisville
- Dominic McCray, 30, of Louisville
- Joshua James, 42, of Louisville
- Gregory Jackson, 34, of Louisville
- Thai Quoc Tran, 24, of Louisville
- Devon Wilson, 43, of Louisville
According to the second indictment, Taylor, Matthews, Bradley, Brown, McCray, James, and Jackson were charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl for a conspiracy beginning as early as August 21, 2024, and continuing through October 23, 2024.
Taylor was also charged with one count of distribution of 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, eight counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Taylor was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On or about May 21, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Taylor was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon and trafficking in a controlled substance first degree unspecified less than ten dosage units (two counts).
Matthews was also charged with one count of distribution of 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, three counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, two counts of distribution of fentanyl, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count firearms trafficking, one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and one count of distribution of a controlled substance. Matthews was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offense.
On March 9, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Matthews was convicted of flagrant non-support.
Bradley was also charged with three counts of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Brown was also charged with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture, one count of distribution of a fentanyl mixture, and one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Brown was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On or about July 17, 2017, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Brown was convicted of assault in the second degree, criminal mischief in the first degree, receiving stolen firearm, and wanton endangerment in the first degree.
McCray was also charged with one count of possession of an unregistered firearm.
James was also charged with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.
Jackson was also charged with one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.
Tran was also charged with one count of distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Wilson was also charged with one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Wilson was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On July 16, 2024, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Wilson was convicted of flagrant non-support.
On January 9, 2017, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Wilson was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, schedule I heroin less than two grams.
If convicted, Taylor, Matthews, Bradley, Brown, James, Jackson, and Tran face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. McCray faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Wilson faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Matthews and McCray have not been federally arrested and are not yet before the Court.
The following 2 defendants were charged in the third indictment on May 6, 2025:
- Mark Foster, Jr., 33, of Louisville
- Devante Rice, 30, of Louisville
Foster was charged with two counts of distribution of controlled substances, nine counts of distribution of fentanyl, ten counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, seven counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, one count of illegal possession of a machine gun, and one count of firearms trafficking. Foster was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On or about March 30, 2018, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Foster was convicted of receiving stolen property (firearm) and illegal possession of a controlled substance in the first degree, heroin.
On or about June 15, 2021, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Foster was convicted of complicity to trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, opioids, complicity to trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, methamphetamine, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and tampering with physical evidence.
Rice was charged with eleven counts of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, one count of firearms trafficking, and two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm. Rice was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On January 10, 2014, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Rice was convicted of burglary in the second degree and receiving stolen property over $500.
On April 30, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Rice was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.
On August 8, 2023, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Rice was convicted of complicity to possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, theft by unlawful taking – firearm (two counts), and theft by unlawful taking over $500 but under $10,000.
If convicted, Foster faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 70 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. Rice faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison on each count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and the single count of firearms trafficking and a 10-year maximum sentence for the two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The following 4 defendants were charged in the fourth indictment on May 21, 2025:
- Antonio Taylor
- Joshua James
- Celotia Evans, 39, of Louisville
- Jaremei Hinkle, 24, of Louisville
According to the fourth indictment, Taylor, James, Evans, and Hinkle were charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl for a conspiracy beginning as early as June 2024 and continuing through July 11, 2024.
Hinkle was also charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute of 400 grams or more of a fentanyl mixture.
James was also charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture.
Taylor is also charged with engaging in monetary transactions derived from specific unlawful activities and laundering of a money instrument during his purchase of a vehicle.
If convicted, Taylor, James, Evans, and Hinkle face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. All the defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
There is no parole in the federal system.
Evans and Hinkle have not been federally arrested and are not yet before the Court.
The cases are being investigated by the FBI, HSI, ATF, DEA, IRS-CI, CBP, USPIS, KSP, and LMPD.
These cases were investigated and prosecuted by the Kentucky Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) as part of Operation Take Back America. HSTFs, which were established by President Trump in Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion, are joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide federal initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Louisville Man Sentenced to 2 Years and 7 Months in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing Firearms and a Machine GunRead the Press Release
Louisville, KY – A local man was sentenced on June 12, 2025, to 2 years and 7 months in federal prison for possession of firearms and ammunition by a convicted felon and illegal possession of a machine gun.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.
According to court documents, Caleb Pace, 29, was sentenced to 2 years and 7 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for illegally possessing a Glock, Model 17, 9-millimeter pistol; a Kel-Tec, Model P50, 5.7 x 28-millimeter pistol; a Glock Switch (machine gun conversion device); and ammunition.
On March 22, 2024, LMPD Detectives were conducting surveillance at 314 N 43rd Street. Pace was observed on a surveillance camera armed with firearms. Detectives conducted a vehicle stop, and a search of the vehicle produced three firearms including the firearms that Pace was observed possessing on the surveillance camera. Pace was prohibited from possessing a firearm because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses.
On December 17, 2010, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Pace was convicted of burglary in the second degree.
On February 10, 2015, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Pace was convicted of burglary in the third degree, complicity to wanton endangerment in the first degree (seven counts), complicity to criminal mischief in the first degree, and assault under extreme emotional disturbance.
“This is great work by ATF and LMPD to take another dangerous felon off the streets of Louisville. Equally important, a pistol capable of automatic fire was seized by law enforcement and will no longer be passed around among those wishing to do significant harm to others,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner.
“Machine gun conversion devices - commonly known as ‘Glock switches’- are illegal to possess under federal law. These devices enable a semi-automatic pistol to fire fully automatic, discharging approximately 30 rounds in just two seconds. Their possession presents a serious threat to public safety and to law enforcement officers. The ATF remains committed to working closely with the United States Attorney’s Office and our local partners to prioritize investigations and enforcement actions targeting individuals who possess or use these dangerous devices,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the Louisville Division.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the ATF and LMPD.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erwin Roberts prosecuted the case.
This conviction is a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case is also a part of the Prohibited Firearm Possessor Initiative (PFP), a collaborative partnership between all levels of law enforcement and prosecutors to reduce violent crime and firearm offenses. On January 23, 2024, Louisville Metro initiated a gun crime reduction initiative focused on investigating and prosecuting illegal firearm possession. The PFP partners include the Louisville Metro Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Jefferson County Attorney’s Office, the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.
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Hopkinsville, Kentucky Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
Paducah, KY – A Hopkinsville, Kentucky man was sentenced on June 11, 2025, to 10 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd, Cincinnati Field Office, IRS Criminal Division, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, Chief Jason Newby of the Hopkinsville Police Department, and Sheriff Tyler DeArmond of the Christian County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement.
According to court documents, Troy Clark, 45, sold methamphetamine on three separate occasions. Specifically, Clark sold 46.46 grams of pure methamphetamine on November 24, 2021, 100.1 grams of pure methamphetamine on December 3, 2021, and 104.18 grams of pure methamphetamine on January 25, 2022. On January 27, 2022, a state search warrant was executed at Clark’s residence. Clark was in possession of approximately 2 ounces of methamphetamine that he intended to distribute.
For his role in the offenses, Clark was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for three counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
There is no parole in the federal system.
This case was investigated by the DEA Paducah Post of Duty, the IRS-CI, Kentucky State Police, the Hopkinsville Police Department, and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
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