Western District of Missouri
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Erie, Kansas Man Charged with Attempted Enticement of a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity and Offense by a Registered Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Erie, Kan. man has been charged by criminal complaint for attempting to entice a minor to engage in sexual activity and committing that offense as a registered sex offender.
Richard V. Mitchell, 63, appeared in federal court today on a two-count criminal complaint.
According to court documents, Mitchell requested a minor child be transported from the Western District of Missouri to Erie, Kan. to engage in sexual activity with Mitchell. Mitchell is a registered sex offender in the State of Kansas.
The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett and Kelly Collins. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Project Safe Childhood
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."
Kansas City Woman Indicted for SNAP Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City woman was indicted by a federal grand jury for one count of theft of government money and four counts of wire fraud related to fraudulently obtaining government benefits. This charge is one of many federal fraud cases pursued under the leadership of President Donald Trump and through the establishment of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
Viridiana Luna-Mejia, 34, made fraudulent statements and representations to the Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS) to obtain Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits from 2021 through 2026. The SNAP program is intended to assist low-income individuals who might otherwise experience food insecurity by providing monthly benefits to purchase approved foods and beverages. SNAP recipients are subject to income restrictions and are required to truthfully report all income sources for the household to remain eligible. Recipients must re-certify their eligibility every six months while receiving benefits.
Luna-Mejia began receiving SNAP benefits in June of 2021 and continued to receive benefits through 2026. Every year she was required to re-certify the income her household was receiving both on a written form and verified through a phone interview. The re-certifications also ask for information about resources of the household including assets and bank accounts.
As part of a broader employment investigation, it was discovered that Luna-Mejia’s employer had removed her from the wage and hour tax reporting required by the State of Missouri. Further investigation determined Luna-Mejia had been receiving wages from that employer the entire time she received SNAP but she did not report it on her recertifications. She also did not report the existence of her bank account in which she deposited her paychecks to further conceal her income. Investigators determined that had she been truthful about her income, she would have been ineligible for nearly $40,000 in benefits she received during that time.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
Under federal statutes, Luna-Mejia is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda K. Hanson. It was investigated by Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations and Missouri Department of Social Services.
National Fraud Enforcement Division
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Iowa Man Charged with Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct and Receipt of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Iowa man has been charged by criminal complaint for travelling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct and receipt of child pornography over the internet.
Lyle M. Moser, 51, appeared in federal court this week on a two-count criminal complaint.
According to court documents, Moser drove from Iowa to Kansas City, Mo. to engage in sexual conduct with a minor child. Moser was intercepted by law enforcement. After a forensic examination of Moser’s electronic devices, law enforcement discovered images depicting Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) saved to Moser’s device.
The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett and Kelly Collins. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Project Safe Childhood
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."
Guatemalan National Sentenced for Unlawfully Returning to the United StatesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Guatemalan National was sentenced in federal court for unlawfully returning to the United States for the fifth time after multiple prior illegal reentries.
Edras Leonel Alcides Ramirez-Peralta, 35, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a previously deported alien and was sentenced today to one year and a day by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips.
According to court documents, Ramirez-Peralta was driving a vehicle that had been reported stolen when he was stopped by a deputy with the Henry County Missouri Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 8, 2025. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a folded dollar bill containing methamphetamine and a glass pipe with methamphetamine residue. Ramirez-Peralta was subsequently charged with felony possession of a controlled substance in the Circuit Court of Henry County, Mo.
Immigration authorities later determined that Ramirez-Peralta is a native and citizen of Guatemala who had been previously deported from the United States on four prior occasions, most recently on Nov. 15, 2024.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rudolph R. Rhodes IV. It was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Cole County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges Involving Multiple VictimsRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Cole County, Mo., resident Anthony Dale Pitts-Fugate, 33, pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of production of child pornography in two separate cases.
According to court documents filed in this case, in March 2023, the defendant communicated with a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Task Force Officer who was acting in an online undercover (UC) capacity as part of the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force operating out of a satellite office in Washington, D.C. The UC was monitoring a public online group to include members actively involved in the distribution, possession, receipt and production of child exploitation material (CSAM.) During his communication with the UC, the defendant sent CSAM depicting a pre-pubescent child to the UC. The defendant produced the CSAM image he sent to the UC.
In April 2023, a witness reported to the Cole County Sheriff’s Department that the defendant contacted her when she was 16 years old and requested sexually explicit photos. FBI agents applied for and received search warrants for the defendant’s SnapChat accounts. A review of the SnapChat records showed the defendant used a false persona of a 16-year-old male and to cause at least two minor females to produce CSAM.
Under federal statutes, the defendant is subject to a sentence of up to 60 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner It was investigated by The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Jefferson City Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
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."
The defendant will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
Callaway County Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Offense After Paying for Live Child Porn Videos in the PhilippinesRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Holts-Summit, Mo. man, David Lee Maddox, 60, pleaded guilty in federal court to one count of attempted production of child pornography.
The investigation began on Aug. 8, 2023 when the St. Louis Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) office received a referral from HSI Portland, Maine pertaining to the defendant’s communication via Microsoft Skype with known traffickers/sellers of live and recorded child sexual abuse videos operating in the Philippines. The investigation showed defendant used Skype to receive “shows” from minor victims in the Philippines and paid for the shows by sending money via various money transmittal services. From on or about Sept. 20, 2021, through Dec. 23, 2023, the defendant received “shows” depicting underage females on approximately 20 occasions.
Under federal statutes, the defendant is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Project Safe Childhood
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."
The defendant will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms and Dog Fighting Charges from Interstate “Mayhem Madness” EventRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY – Kansas City, Mo., resident Vinol Wilson, 52, pleaded guilty today in federal court to illegally possessing a firearm after a felony conviction and to multiple federal dog fighting offenses. Those offenses include conspiring to violate the federal Animal Welfare Act’s animal fighting law, keeping a dog for use in dog fighting, and buying and receiving a dog to use in a dog fighting venture.
“Wilson subjected animals to pain and suffering all for sport and profit,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam R.F. Gustafson of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Energy and Natural Resources Division. “The Justice Department continues to aggressively prosecute this criminal activity, and we work with our partners to rescue dogs whenever we can.”
“Inflicting cruelty on innocent dogs for entertainment and profit is both deplorable and in violation of federal law,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price of the Western District of Missouri. “The Western District of Missouri is proud to have worked alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to enforce the Animal Welfare Act and hold those responsible accountable. Through these efforts, we help protect those that cannot defend themselves.”
According to court documents filed in the case, the defendant ran a dog fighting operation. He invited several others to participate in a multi-card dog fighting event known as “Mayhem Madness 2025” to be held at his residence in Kansas City on May 17, 2025. Parties traveled with fighting dogs from multiple states and used rental cars and short-term, internet-based vacation rental housing in connection with their trip to attend the “Mayhem Madness 2025” dog fighting event.
At the event, four dog fights were set to take place and three occurred. During the overnight period of May 17–18, 2025, after all dog fights were completed, the defendant polled attendees for their views on which dog performed the best and which was the “gamest,” or most willing to continue fighting despite injury, of the evening. The defendant awarded large trophies for “Best in Show” and “Gamest in Show” to two of the dog fight participants. Wilson further purchased and received a puppy from one of the out-of-state participants and intended to possess this dog for fighting purposes.
During a search warrant executed at Wilson’s residence on May 20, 2025, agents recovered sixteen fighting dogs, four of whom were pregnant and soon thereafter gave birth to 31 puppies. Agents also recovered items used in connection with the possession and maintenance of fighting dogs, such as medications, syringes, a “slatmill” dog treadmill, and fighting dog “pedigrees.” The defendant was further found in unlawful possession of a 5.56mm pistol loaded and chambered with 29 rounds of ammunition.
The dogs were rescued and cared for by a program administered by the U.S. Marshals Service. Following a separate, successful civil forfeiture action brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri, these dogs did not have to be returned to the defendant, but instead, could be rehabilitated and evaluated for possible adoption.
Under federal law, it is illegal not only to fight dogs in a venture that affects interstate commerce, but also to possess, train, transport, deliver, sell, purchase or receive dogs for fighting purposes.
Each of the three dog fighting counts carries a maximum of five years in prison and a criminal fine of up to $250,000. The firearm charge carries a maximum of fifteen years in prison and a criminal fine of up to $250,000.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and the Jackson County Drug Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Becker, David Barnes, and James Kirkpatrick and Senior Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Farmakidis handled the civil forfeiture case for the dogs.
Kansas City Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms and Dog Fighting Charges from Interstate “Mayhem Madness” EventRead the Press Release
Kansas City, Missouri, resident Vinol Wilson, 52, pleaded guilty today in federal court to illegally possessing a firearm after a felony conviction and to multiple federal dogfighting offenses. Those offenses include conspiring to violate the federal Animal Welfare Act’s animal fighting law, keeping a dog for use in dog fighting, and buying and receiving a dog to use in a dogfighting venture.
“Wilson subjected animals to pain and suffering all for sport and profit,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division. “The Justice Department continues to aggressively prosecute this criminal activity, and we work with our partners to rescue dogs whenever we can.”
“Inflicting cruelty on innocent dogs for entertainment and profit is both deplorable and in violation of federal law,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price for the Western District of Missouri. “The Western District of Missouri is proud to have worked alongside our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to enforce the Animal Welfare Act and hold those responsible accountable. Through these efforts, we help protect those that cannot defend themselves.”
According to court documents filed in the case, the defendant ran a dog fighting operation. He invited several others to participate in a multi-card dog fighting event known as “Mayhem Madness 2025” to be held at his residence in Kansas City on May 17, 2025. Parties traveled with fighting dogs from multiple states and used rental cars and short-term, internet-based vacation rental housing in connection with their trip to attend the “Mayhem Madness 2025” dog fighting event.
At the event, four dog fights were set to take place and three occurred. During the overnight period of May 17–18, 2025, after all dog fights were completed, the defendant polled attendees for their views on which dog performed the best and which was the “gamest,” or most willing to continue fighting despite injury, of the evening. The defendant awarded large trophies for “Best in Show” and “Gamest in Show” to two of the dog fight participants. Wilson further purchased and received a puppy from one of the out-of-state participants and intended to possess this dog for fighting purposes.
During a search warrant executed at Wilson’s residence on May 20, 2025, agents recovered sixteen fighting dogs, four of whom were pregnant and soon thereafter gave birth to 31 puppies. Agents also recovered items used in connection with the possession and maintenance of fighting dogs, such as medications, syringes, a “slatmill” dog treadmill, and fighting dog “pedigrees.” The defendant was further found in unlawful possession of a 5.56mm pistol loaded and chambered with 29 rounds of ammunition.
The dogs were rescued and cared for by a program administered by the U.S. Marshals Service. Following a separate, successful civil forfeiture action brought by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri, these dogs did not have to be returned to the defendant, but instead, could be rehabilitated and evaluated for possible adoption.
Under federal law, it is illegal not only to fight dogs in a venture that affects interstate commerce, but also to possess, train, transport, deliver, sell, purchase or receive dogs for fighting purposes.
Each of the three dog fighting counts carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a criminal fine of up to $250,000. The firearm charge carries a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison and a criminal fine of up to $250,000.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General and the Jackson County Drug Task Force investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Becker, David Barnes, and James Kirkpatrick for the Western District of Missouri and Senior Trial Attorney Ethan Eddy of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Farmakidis for the Western District of Missouri handled the civil forfeiture case for the dogs.
Jamaican National Indicted for Assaulting a Federal Deportation OfficerRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Jamaican National was indicted by a federal grand jury for one count of assault on a federal officer in Branson, Mo.
Demaro Ray Foster, 28, was contacted by immigration officers as he had overstayed his visas to remain in the United States. Immigration Officers identified themselves as law enforcement to Mr. Foster and advised that he was to come with them.
Mr. Foster is accused of pinning the arm of one of the federal agents by raising the window of his car, trapping the officer’s arm in the process. Mr. Foster proceeded to try to leave the area, potentially dragging the immigration officer along the outside of his car. The immigration officer was able to free himself from the vehicle but not before sustaining injuries.
The federal officer was engaged in his duties as a deportation officer with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Enforcement and Removal Operations at the time of the assault.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), and the Monett, Missouri Police Department.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Guatemalan National Indicted for Illegal Re-Entry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Guatemalan National was indicted by Grand Jury on June 30, 2026, for illegal re-entry into the United States after being previously deported.
Julien Cristobal-Perez, 62, was indicted for an offense that occurred on May 25, 2026, in Barry County, Mo., related to his illegal re-entry after being previously deported from the United States. Under federal statute, illegally re-entering into the United States after being previously deported is in direct violation of existing federal immigration law and is subject to a sentence of up to two years imprisonment. The maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Monett, Missouri, Police Department.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
North Kansas City Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A North Kansas City, Mo., man has been charged by criminal complaint for distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms by a felon.
Danny D. Garrett, Jr., 46, appeared in federal court on a nine-count complaint earlier today.
According to court documents, Garrett distributed methamphetamine and cocaine on multiple occasions from May through June of 2026. On June 24, 2026, law enforcement served a federal search warrant at Garrett’s apartment and seized an additional 4.42 kilograms of methamphetamine, 323 grams of cocaine, and three firearms.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelly Collins and Heather Siegele. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Kansas City Mo Police Department, with the assistance of North Kansas City Police Department and Olathe Police Department.
Homeland Security Task Force
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
Jefferson City Restaurant Owner Charged with Harboring Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Jefferson City, Mo., man was charged in federal court for harboring illegal aliens.
Danny Wei Cheng, 46, self-surrendered on an arrest warrant related to a criminal complaint signed June 18, 2026, by Chief United States Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr. Cheng, who owns Dragon Kitchen, a Chinese Buffet in Jefferson City, is accused of employing, housing, and transporting multiple illegal aliens.
The complaint alleges that Cheng housed multiple illegal aliens in a residential home owned by Cheng in Jefferson City. The residence was divided into at least eight rooms using plywood and other materials. The City of Jefferson City has since condemned the home. Individuals who worked for Cheng transported illegal aliens to and from work utilizing a van owned by Cheng.
The charges contained in this criminal complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley S. Turner. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service, and the Jefferson City Police Department.
Homeland Security Task Force
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
Mexican National Sentenced for Possessing Firearm and Illegal Reentry into the United StatesRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national was sentenced in federal court today for being an alien in possession of a firearm, and for illegal reentry into the United States.
Isreal Ramirez-Jaramillo, 34, a citizen of Mexico who has been previously deported on two occasions and was living in Osage Beach, Mo., pleaded guilty on Dec. 9, 2025.
United States District Judge Stephen R. Bough sentenced Ramirez-Jaramillo to two years in federal prison without parole, to be followed by one year of supervised release.
On April 20, 2025, Osage Beach Police Department responded to an apartment in response to a report of a man abusing his wife and discharging a firearm. Through investigation, officers learned Ramirez-Jaramillo consumed alcohol, became intoxicated and was arguing with his girlfriend. During the argument, Ramirez-Jaramillo went to his car in the parking lot, and his girlfriend followed him and they continued arguing. Neighbors exited their apartments to observe the disturbance, which angered Ramirez-Jaramillo. He removed a firearm from his car, yelled “where is the tough guy at,” and fired a round into the sky. Police officers located Ramirez-Jaramillo within the apartment and recovered the firearm, a SCCY, model CPX-2 9mm pistol.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Komoroski and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jordan Duenckel. It was investigated by the Osage Beach Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Mexican National Sentenced for Illegally Reentering United StatesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Mexican National illegally residing in the Springfield, Mo. area, was sentenced for illegally reentering the United States after being convicted of a prior felony.
Pedro Lopez-Dominguez, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Megan Benton to eight months imprisonment and one year of supervised release.
On Jan. 18, 2026, Greene County Missouri Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Lopez-Dominguez during a traffic stop for erratic and intoxicated driving. After the arrest, authorities learned that Lopez-Dominguez had an outstanding arrest warrant from Taney County, Missouri, for a previous criminal offense and failing to appear before that court. Upon determining that Lopez-Dominguez was illegally within the United States, local law enforcement contacted agents with the Department of Homeland Security – Immigration Customs Enforcement (HSI-ICE). Agents responded and determined Lopez-Dominguez was illegally in the United States and had illegally entered the United States in violation of federal immigration law on at least five previous occasions.
Lopez-Dominguez was previous convicted for illegal entry into the United States as a previously removed alien in 2019.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Greene County Missouri Sheriff’s Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Marshall, Missouri Man Sentenced to 265 Months on Drug and Firearms Charges Linked to Search Warrant Shooting that Injured Two DeputiesRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Marshall, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for drug and gun charges arising out of a May 2025 search warrant, during which two Pettis County deputies were injured.
James Joseph Elsea, 63, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 145 months’ imprisonment on two counts relating to his possession of methamphetamine and firearms, and an additional consecutive sentence of 120 months’ imprisonment for possession and discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. The total sentence of 265 months will be followed by a term of supervised release.
Elsea previously pleaded guilty on Jan. 13, 2026, to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, discharging and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing firearms after a prior felony conviction. In a plea agreement filed with the court, Elsea admitted that while Pettis County Sheriff’s Office deputies were executing a no-knock search warrant at his home on May 2, 2025, Elsea fired shots from inside the residence, hitting and injuring two deputies. Approximately nine minutes after the shots were fired, Elsea made a 911 call reporting that he believed he had shot someone. Later, after the officers arrested Elsea and made entry into his residence, they found evidence that Elsea had discarded methamphetamine down the toilet, leaving loose methamphetamine on the bathroom floor, around and underneath the toilet, on the toilet seat, and in the toilet bowl. Firearms were also found within the home. Elsea has prior felony convictions and is not permitted to possess a gun.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Kummerer. It was investigated by the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Stockton Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Stockton, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for distributing child pornography.
Brian Lee Cox, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough to 230 months in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Cox to serve a 10-year term of supervised release following his incarceration.
Cox will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
Cox pleaded guilty on Oct. 22, 2025, to receiving and distributing child pornography over the internet. According to court documents, Cox traded child sexual abuse material with other individuals using Kik messenger, an application which focuses on the privacy of its users. A National Center for Missing and Exploitive Children (NCMEC) Cyber Tip alerted the authorities to Cox’s conduct.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the Southwest Cybercrimes Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations.
Project Safe Childhood
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."
Federal Health Care Fraud Takedown Targets 455 Defendants and $6.5 Billion in False ClaimsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Today, The Honorable R. Matthew Price, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced criminal charges against four defendants in connection with alleged schemes to defraud government health care benefits programs. The charges filed in federal court are part of the Department of Justice’s 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown. The charges include forgery and using fraudulent nursing credentials to Medicaid fraud.
“Every fraudulent claim diverts taxpayer dollars away from programs that are intended to support the health and well-being of American citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Price. “Healthcare fraud not only depletes critical resources but also threatens the long-term sustainability of essential healthcare services. Today’s enforcement action in the Western District of Missouri, along with coordinated efforts across the country conveys a strong message: individuals who engage in healthcare fraud will be identified, investigated, and held accountable for their actions.”
The charges announced today are part of a strategically coordinated, nationwide law enforcement action that resulted in charges against 455 defendants, including 90 doctors and other licensed medical professionals, for their alleged participation in health care fraud and opioid abuse schemes involving over $6.5 billion in false claims and significant patient harm, including death. Today’s Takedown represents a new era in federal, state, and international cooperation to combat health care fraud: cases in 56 federal districts and 45 U.S. states and territories, with 50 state Medicaid Fraud Control Units participating, the most in Department history.
In addition, unprecedented international cooperation over the two-week Takedown resulted in the apprehension and return to the United States of the following health care fraudsters: one defendant in Kyrenia in connection with an over $3.7 billion scheme; two defendants in Estonia in connection with a previously charged $10.6 billion scheme; and, in the Philippines, one of FBI’s Most Wanted Fraudsters in connection with a previously-charged $1.2 billion telemedicine fraud scheme.
Today’s coordinated enforcement action involves a whole-of-government approach, including:
- Actions by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to suspend 1,079 providers and revoke billing privileges for 1,403 providers.
- 48 Civil Monetary Payment settlements amounting to over $73 million, over 1,400 provider exclusions, and 25 actions by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”) under the Civil Monetary Penalties Law seeking more than $10 billion in payments to the Medicare Trust Fund from payments that CMS caught and suspended before the funds were paid to the fraudulent providers.
- Civil charges against 13 defendants for $14.8 million in health care fraud schemes, as well as civil settlements with 31 defendants totaling $23 million.
- 928 administrative cases by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seeking the revocation of authority to handle and/or prescribe controlled substances since October 1, 2025.
The following individuals were charged in the Western District of Missouri:
- Darcee Jo Heath, 38, of Linn Creek, Mo., was charged by complaint with forgery and using fraudulent nursing credentials. As alleged in the complaint, Heath forged and presented college records and a diploma claiming she graduated from a licensed practical nurse program in order to obtain employment at a hospital as a graduate practical nurse. The nurses responsible for overseeing Heath’s work recognized her incompetence, which lead to an investigation and her termination. The case is being prosecuted by Camden County, Missouri Prosecutor Richelle Grosvernor and the Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
- Romond E. Holt, 40, of Kansas City, Mo., was charged by complaint with false statement to receive a health care payment and stealing by deceit in connection with Medicaid fraud in the amount of $4,743.61. As alleged in the complaint, Holt submitted 32 claims for personal care services he purportedly provided to a Medicaid recipient between December 2023 and June 2024. These services were not provided because the Medicaid recipient was hospitalized and in long-term rehabilitation facilities during that time. The case is being prosecuted by Cole County Missouri, Prosecutor Wm. Locke Thompson and the Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
- Carolyn S. McGinnis, 75, of Richmond, Mo., was charged by complaint with false statement to receive a health care payment and stealing by deceit in connection with Medicaid fraud in the amount of $3,022.94. As alleged in the complaint, McGinnis, a Medicaid recipient, submitted 35 false claims purporting that her personal care attendant, S.M., was providing personal care services to McGinnis at McGinnis’s home. In fact, S.M. was not providing services and McGinnis was not living at home. The case is being prosecuted by Cole County Missouri, Prosecutor Wm. Locke Thompson and the Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
- Kevin E. Oliver, 30, of Independence, Mo., was charged by complaint with false statement to receive a health care payment and stealing by deceit in connection with Medicaid fraud in the amount of $6,171.40. As alleged in the complaint, Oliver filed 82 fraudulent claims with Medicaid purporting to have provided personal care services to Medicaid recipient, P.O., from January to July 2024. However, P.O. was hospitalized or in a long-term rehabilitation facility on the dates of service falsely claimed by Oliver. The case is being prosecuted by Cole County, Missouri Prosecutor Wm. Locke Thompson and the Missouri Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.
Nationally, the cases are being prosecuted by the Health Care Fraud Unit’s National Rapid Response, Florida, Gulf Coast, Los Angeles, Midwest, New England, Northeast, Texas, and West Coast Strike Forces; U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Middle District of Alabama, District of Arizona, Central District of California, Southern District of California, District of Colorado, District of Connecticut, District of Delaware, Middle District of Florida, Northern District of Florida, Southern District of Florida, Northern District of Georgia, District of Hawaii, District of Idaho, Northern District of Illinois, Northern District of Iowa, Southern District of Iowa, Western District of Kentucky, Eastern District of Louisiana, Middle District of Louisiana, District of Massachusetts, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern District of Mississippi, District of Montana, District of Nebraska, District of New Hampshire, District of New Jersey, District of New Mexico, Eastern District of New York, Northern District of New York, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, Northern District of Ohio, Northern District of Oklahoma, Western District of Oklahoma, District of Oregon, Eastern District of Pennsylvania, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Western District of Pennsylvania, District of Puerto Rico, District of Rhode Island, District of South Carolina, District of South Dakota, 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 Virginia, Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia, Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Western District of Wisconsin; and State Attorneys General’s Offices, through their MFCUs, in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. In addition, the MFCUs for Alabama, North Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Virigina participated in the investigation of federal cases announced today.
Descriptions of each case involved in today’s enforcement action are available on the Department’s website here.
National Fraud Enforcement Division
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Charges contained in any indictment, information, or complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
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Second Missouri Man Charged in Plot to Kill Government Officials During Ultimate Fighting Championship White House EventRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A St. Joseph, Mo., man was charged in an alleged plot to attack and kill government officials and others attending the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event held at the White House on June 14, 2026.
Jordan Rincker, 28, was charged in a one-count criminal complaint with conspiracy to commit murder. He made his first appearance in federal court today after his arrest on June 21, 2026.
“This case demonstrates the effectiveness of our law enforcement partners and U.S. Attorneys working together to prevent violence before it can take place,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price for the Western District of Missouri. “We will continue taking decisive action against those who seek to endanger national security and threaten the safety of Americans. By staying proactive, we will disrupt their operations, break apart their networks, and hold those responsible accountable under the law.”
According to the complaint, Rincker accepted $1,200 in cash from co-conspirator, Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Neb., to disperse payment to other co-conspirators involved in the UFC event attack plot. The complaint alleges that with this money Rincker sent Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of Calimesa, Calif., $100 through CashApp, for gas to drive from California to Washington, D.C. to pick up the “drone operator” for the attack. Both Alvarez and Roa were arrested and charged last week for their involvement in the plot to kill government officials during the UFC event at the White House.
Rincker allegedly communicated with co-conspirators on an encrypted messaging application. According to court documents, Rincker also gave a 12-gague pump action shotgun to Alvarez during an in-person meeting in Omaha. During this meeting, Alvarez gave Rincker a ballistic plate, face shield, 3D printer, 3D printing filament, night vision goggles, binoculars, a “wire checker,” and a minicomputer. Alvarez allegedly gave Rincker the 3D printer to make drones. The complaint also states Rincker “traded” the 12-gauge pump action shot gun with an ammunition-filled bandolier.
While executing a search warrant of Rincker’s home and storage unit, investigators found:
- FN Reflex 9mm pistol with a magazine and loose 9mm rounds
- FMK AR1 eXtreme multi-caliber rifle
- A Remington 597 .22 LR caliber rifle
- 3D printed Glock-style pistol with 3D-printed magazine and 3D-printed
- ammunition
- Gas mask with cartridge
- Night vision goggles
- Multiple electronic devices
- 3D printer (Ender brand)
- 3D printer (Creality brand)
- 3D filament
- 3D printed gun parts
- Shield Strike Face Level III ballistic plate
- Plate carrier with plates inside
- Thermal imaging scope
- Muzi Works off grid mesh network
- A mini-Mac computer
The charges contained in this complaint or any others are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen Brackett, Trey Alford, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Chlarson. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
FBI Arrests Two More Men in Washington and Missouri in Connection with Planned Attack on Government Officials at White House UFC eventRead the Press Release
Two more men have been arrested by the FBI since Friday in a fast-moving FBI investigation of a plot to attack the June 14 Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event at the White House.
William Lee Spartacus Falkner was arrested midday Friday, June 19. Falkner is charged by criminal complaint in the Western District of Washington with conspiracy to commit murder. He appeared in U.S. District Court in Tacoma at 2:00 pacific time today.
Jordan W. Rincker, 28, of St. Joseph, Missouri, was arrested Sunday, June 21. Rincker is charged by criminal complaint in the Western District of Missouri with conspiracy to commit murder. He appeared in U.S. District Court in Kansas City at 2:00 central time today.
“Law enforcement continues to do what it does — move to disrupt and hold accountable those allegedly plotting to do harm on the White House Grounds on June 14,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Each and every day, the FBI and their federal, state and local law enforcement partners, along with U.S. Attorneys offices across the country, safeguard American communities and our nation’s security.”
“These arrests are the latest result of the FBI, teaming up with our great partners, to identify and apprehend those who allegedly wanted to attack the UFC Freedom 250 event — a threat this FBI and our partners prevented,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “In just over a week we have executed a multi-state operation that could not have been possible without our Justice Department prosecutors, the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, Secret Service, and our state and local law enforcement partners to once again stop a potentially deadly plot before alleged criminals could act. This collective resolve demonstrates to anyone who threatens the lives of American citizens — this FBI and our partners will find you no matter where you hide, and you will face justice.”
“These latest arrests reflect the rapid progress of our investigation into the alleged plot targeting the UFC event at the White House — an apparent attempt to destabilize the U.S. government,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security (NSD) John A. Eisenberg. “NSD will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that all individuals who sought to carry out this potential attack are identified and brought to justice.”
“I commend the work of the FBI for their effective investigative work on what was clearly a plot to murder members of the federal government at the highest levels,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Neil Floyd for the Western District of Washington. “This was a geographically wide-ranging conspiracy, and the investigation has required round-the-clock coordination to identify and arrest those responsible. Here in the Pacific Northwest, the FBI and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office moved swiftly and carefully to ensure any threat to the public was neutralized.”
“This case demonstrates the effectiveness of our law enforcement partners and U.S. Attorneys working together to prevent violence before it can take place,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price for the Western District of Missouri. “We will continue taking decisive action against those who seek to endanger national security and threaten the safety of Americans. By staying proactive, we will disrupt their operations, break apart their networks, and hold those responsible accountable under the law.”
William Falkner
According to the detailed complaint filed in the Western District of Washington, law enforcement first learned of the plot to attack the UFC White House event when the parents of a co-conspirator in Ohio, Tycen C. Proper, alerted police to their son’s purchase of weapons and concerning online activities. As investigators reviewed cell data and online communications, they identified a number of coconspirators including Falkner. The communications indicate that Falkner has experience with drones, both manufacturing and piloting them. In the communications, he discussed loading explosives on the drones and how to configure and fly them for maximum destructive impact.
The plan apparently called for the drones to attack the event on one side to force those in attendance to try to exit from the other side of the event where they could be shot by coconspirators with sniper rifles and other weapons.
Falkner and another had been discussing their “Work trip” prior to the scheduled UFC fight. After the arrests of some of the co-conspirators, Falkner and others communicated that the “work trip” was cancelled.
One of those arrested in this case said the goal of the conspirators was to cause enough chaos to bring about the overthrow of the U.S. government.
Conspiracy to commit murder is punishable by up to life in prison.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Wynne for the Western District of Washington is prosecuting the case, working closely with the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
Jordan Rincker
In the criminal complaint filed in the Western District of Missouri, it is alleged that Rincker accepted $1,200 in cash from co-conspirator, Abraham Hermosillo Alvarez, 31, of Omaha, Nebraska, to disperse payment to other co-conspirators involved in the UFC event attack plot. The complaint alleges that with this money Rincker sent Bryan Omar Roa, 24, of Calimesa, California, $100 through CashApp, for gas to drive from California to Washington, D.C., to pick up the “drone operator” for the attack. Both Alvarez and Roa were arrested and charged last week for their involvement in the plot to kill government officials during the UFC event at the White House.
Rincker allegedly communicated with co-conspirators on an encrypted messaging application. According to court documents, Rincker also gave a 12-gague pump action shotgun to Alvarez during an in-person meeting in Omaha. During this meeting, Alvarez gave Rincker a ballistic plate, face shield, 3D printer, 3D printing filament, night vision goggles, binoculars, a “wire checker,” and a minicomputer. Alvarez allegedly gave Rincker the 3D printer to make drones. The complaint also states Rincker “traded” the 12-gauge pump action shot gun with an ammunition-filled bandolier.
While executing a search warrant of Rincker’s home and storage unit, investigators found:
- FN Reflex 9mm pistol with a magazine and loose 9mm rounds;
- FMK AR1 eXtreme multi-caliber rifle;
- A Remington 597 .22 LR caliber rifle;
- 3D printed Glock-style pistol with 3D-printed magazine and 3D-printed ammunition;
- Gas mask with cartridge;
- Night vision goggles;
- Multiple electronic devices; 3D printer (Ender brand)
- 3D printer and filament;
- 3D printed gun parts;
- Shield;
- Strike Face Level III ballistic plate;
- Plate carrier with plates inside;
- Thermal imaging scope;
- A mini-Mac computer; and
- Muzi Works off grid mesh network (a network that uses rugged, pre-built and specific devices to send secure text messages and share locations without cellular service or the internet; it relies on long-range, low-power radio frequencies, like 900MHz LoRa, to hop messages between devices, creating a decentralized communication grid owned by its users).
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen Brackett, Trey Alford, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Chlarson for the Western District of Missouri are prosecuting the case, working closely with the Department of Justice’s National Security Division.
The charges contained in a complaint are merely accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Odessa Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Possessing Firearm Used in KC ShootingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Odessa, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today to 13 years for possessing a firearm used in a shooting in Kansas City, Mo.
Gary D. Holcomb II, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 120 months on a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and 36 months for violating a previous term of supervised release. The sentences were ordered to be served consecutively for a total sentence of 13 years. On Jan. 29, 2026, Holcomb, pleaded guilty to one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm that he admitted he used in a shooting in Kansas City, Mo.
According to the plea agreement, Holcomb admitted during the early morning hours on Sept. 30, 2025, he and his co-defendant, were in an alley behind a residence in Kansas City, Mo. Holcomb admitted they both possessed semi-automatic AR style rifles with large capacity magazines and shot at another individual in the alleyway, before fleeing the area in an SUV. Holcomb further admitted he had multiple felony convictions, to include a prior federal felony conviction for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jess Michaelsen. It was investigated by Kansas City, Mo. Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Kansas City Man Sentenced for Escape from CustodyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today to two years in prison for escaping from federal custody.
Carlos Rosas, 30, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Brian C. Wimes to two years in prison followed by three years of supervised release, following Rosas’s guilty plea to escaping from custody in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 751(a).
In January 2024, Rosas was serving a term of supervised release stemming from a conviction for unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. On Jan. 24, 2024, Rosas attended a hearing before a federal district court judge regarding violations of the terms of his supervised release. At the end of the hearing, the judge remanded Rosas into the custody of the United States Marshals Service and allowed Rosas to self-report—with his attorney—to the Marshals’ office in the federal courthouse. Rather than report to the Marshals’ office as directed, Rosas fled from the courthouse.
Deputy Marshals searched for Rosas for almost two months. In March 2024, they located Rosas at the home of his girlfriend in Kansas. More than two hours after deputies arrived at the residence, Rosas eventually surrendered and was returned to custody.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Bradley and David Wagner and by former Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Moeder. It was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.
Joplin Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court for his illegal possession of a firearm.
Quincy E. Richards, 38, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Megan Blair Benton to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Richards was charged as part of Operation Spring Cleaning, that was coordinated by the United States Attorney’s Office and law enforcement across Southwest Missouri.
On Sept. 9, 2025, Richards was contacted by law enforcement during the execution of a prior arrest warrant. During that contact, Richards consented to a search of his vehicle. During the search, officers found a black backpack in the trunk of his vehicle that contained a tan and black Palmetto State Armory 9mm semiautomatic firearm. In addition to the firearm, law enforcement also discovered two oversized magazines that could hold 40 and 25 rounds of ammunition.
Under federal statutes, Richards is subject to sentences of up to 15 years in federal prison without parole and a maximum fine of $250,000. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Carthage Missouri Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Galloping Goose Members Plead Guilty to Charges Related to July 2021 Lake of the Ozarks ShootingRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Three members of the Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club plead guilty in federal court to charges relating to the July 15, 2021 shooting at Lake of the Ozarks resulting in the death of one individual.
On May 13, 2026, Tonka Way Con Ponder, 55, pleaded guilty to two counts of a crime of violence in aid of racketeering, one count of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence in aid of racketeering, one count of discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm.
On May 5, 2026, Keith Nolen, 36, pleaded guilty to one count of a crime of violence in aid of racketeering, one count of conspiracy to commit a crime of violence in aid of racketeering, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
On June 17, 2026, Tretch Lawrence, 50, pleaded guilty to one count of a crime of violence in aid of racketeering and one count of attempted extortion.
By pleading guilty, Ponder, Nolen and Lawrence admitted they were members of the Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club and that the Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club engaged in racketeering activities to include attempted robbery and extortion. The focus of the robbery and extortion were the Iron Celtics Motorcycle Association. They also admitted to aiding and abetting an assault on members of the Iron Celtics Motorcycle Club in December 2021 at the Chuckwagon Café in Camdenton, Missouri. They admitted the assault included one individual being assaulted with a pistol.
Ponder and Nolen also admitted that on July 15, 2021, they conspired with other members of the Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club to cause serious bodily injury to members of the Iron Celtics Motorcycle Club and the Mongols Motorcycle Club. This occurred at Casablanca Pub & Grille. Ponder admitted that during the incident at Casablanca, he caused serious bodily injury to another by shooting at another person.
Ponder also admitted to entering into a conspiracy with others to distribute methamphetamine during the fall of 2022. He also admitted to selling methamphetamine during the summer of 2023. Finally, Ponder admitted to possessing a silencer in June of 2024, which was found during a search of his residence by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Nolen admitted to being a felon in possession of a firearm. The firearm was found on Nolen during an August 2023 traffic stop by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Lawrence also admitted to demanding money from the Iron Celtics Motorcycle Association. After the demand was refused, members of the Galloping Goose Motorcycle Club went to the residence of two Iron Celtics members and confronted them. Iron Celtics were told they could not operate and if they continued to operate, individual members would face repercussions.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron M. Maness, David Wagner, and Bradley Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Lake Ozark Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court yesterday for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Calvin Eugene Harrell, 40, who has prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest, pleaded guilty on Aug. 19, 2025. Harrell was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 53 months in federal prison without parole, to be followed by three years of supervised release.
On Dec. 3, 2024, Springfield Police Department (SPD), responded to Cox Medical Center South, in reference to a four-year-old with a gunshot wound to the hand. Through investigation, officers learned the four-year-old victim accidentally shot himself in the hand with a firearm possessed by Harrell. Due to having been convicted of multiple felonies, Harrell was prohibited from possessing firearms. After the victim shot himself, Harrell had a former paramour take the child to urgent care, rather than calling 911. The child was transferred to Cox Medical Center South as the injuries were too great for urgent care to treat. Offices called Harrell and attempted to have him come to the hospital. Harrell lied to officers on the phone about his location, what had occurred, the location of the gun, and refused to come to the hospital.
SPD responded to Harrell’s residence and established a perimeter. After a several-hour stand-off, Harrell eventually exited the residence. When officers conducted a search warrant for Harrell’s apartment, they found that Harrell had been attempting to hide evidence and clean the scene, including evidence that he had attempted to mop up blood. Investigators located a shell casing hidden in a trash can, and a loaded Taurus, 9-mm pistol underneath the stove.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Springfield, Missouri, Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Mexican National Sentenced for Illegal Reentry into United StatesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national was sentenced in federal court today by United States District Judge Stephen R. Bough to three months in federal prison without parole for illegal reentry by an alien previously convicted of a felony.
Genaro Torres-Rizo, 48, a citizen of Mexico living in Chillicothe, Mo., was arrested Feb. 22, 2025, in Chillicothe, Mo. Torres-Rizo has been removed five times from the United States and was convicted in the District of New Mexico of illegal reentry by a removed alien in 2013.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Mahoney and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Nichols. It was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Kansas Man Sentenced to 9 Years for MachinegunRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Overland Park, Ks., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a machinegun.
Verdell D. Mays, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Stephen Bough to nine years in federal prison without parole.
On Dec. 4, 2025, Mays pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machinegun. Mays admitted on June 28, 2025, he possessed a Glock, Model 22C, .40 caliber fully automatic pistol, and that the Glock pistol had a rear slide plate that was modified to produce automatic fire.
On June 28, 2025, Mays fled from Cass County, Mo. Sheriff’s Office deputies by driving approximately 130 miles per hour. The pursuit occurred on Interstate 49, and Mays passed vehicles on the outside shoulder during his flight from law enforcement. During the pursuit, Mays nearly struck a motorcycle, then later nearly struck an SUV.
Mays was driving a stolen vehicle in the pursuit. Deputies conducted an inventory of the vehicle and found the Glock pistol that contained a machinegun conversion device, also known as an “MCD”, or a “switch.” The firearm was loaded with 16 live rounds in the magazine and one live round in the chamber. The firearm was also reported as stolen. Mays also possessed a .40 caliber, 50-round drum magazine containing 46 rounds of live .40 caliber ammunition.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who is convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Mays felony convictions for distribution of marijuana and being an unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Jennings. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Cass County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Illinois Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Transporting Meth and a Firearm Through KC Union StationRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Chicago, Ill., man was sentenced in federal court on June 16, 2026, for transporting more than 4 kilograms of methamphetamine through Kansas City, Mo., aboard a train. Radcliffe also pleaded guilty to possessing a revolver in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.
Larry L. Radcliffe, 41, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 156 months in federal prison without parole. On Feb. 3, 2026, Radcliffe pleaded guilty to one count of possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute it and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking offense.
Members of the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics Task Force (MoWIN) were conducting interdiction activities at a Kansas City, Mo., train station on Sep. 30, 2024. As passengers disembarked from a train originating in Los Angeles, Ca., officers conducted consensual encounters with other passengers remaining on the train. While one detective was interviewing a passenger, Larry L. Radcliffe jumped from his seat and exclaimed: “What’s going on?” Another detective believed this response was strange and was concerned for the safety of his colleague and accordingly engaged Radcliffe asking Radcliffe to step away from the officers. The detective identified himself with law enforcement credentials. Radcliffe reported he was traveling from Los Angeles to Chicago. Radcliffe claimed he did not have identification. The detective noticed three pieces of luggage and asked Radcliffe if they belonged to him. Radcliffe acknowledged ownership of two pieces of luggage but stated he was unsure if the third piece was his. The detective asked to look inside the last piece to ensure there were no weapons and Radcliffe stated: “go ahead.” Upon searching, the detective discovered 10 bundles of methamphetamine wrapped in clear cellophane. A forensic drug testing laboratory later determined the bundles contained approximately 4.33 kilograms of pure methamphetamine. In a subsequent search, investigators found a .357 revolver in one of Radcliffe’s other pieces of luggage. Pursuant to a plea agreement, Radcliffe admitted he knowingly possessed the methamphetamine and was transporting it to a person he knew would distribute it. Radcliffe also admitted he knowingly possessed the firearm to protect himself and the methamphetamine he was transporting.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Eight Drones Seized and Two Violation Notices Issued During June 16 FIFA World Cup EventsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS), FBI-Kansas City, and Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (CUAS) joint operation intercepted eight drones yesterday during FIFA World Cup 2026 events at Kansas City Stadium and FIFA Fan Festival for violations of temporary flight restrictions (TFRs). All eight drones and controllers were seized by the FBI. Two drone operators were issued misdemeanor violation notices by FAMS. The counter-drone operation also resulted in the apprehension of a female wanted on six outstanding arrest warrants.
Since June 11, the CUAS joint operation has detected 19 drones operating in TFR zones around Kansas City stadium, Fan Festival, and other event locations. These detections have resulted in 18 contacts by law enforcement with drone operators, 14 drone seizures, and 5 federal criminal citations.
“Not only is flying drones in TFR zones illegal, it’s dangerous. My office is committed to keeping our community and visitors safe by keeping our skies drone free,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price. “If you see a drone breaking the rules, report it. If you are flying an illegal drone, think twice because violators will be held accountable by the Department of Justice.”
Checking for TFRs before every drone flight is required by federal law. A list of approved providers offering free airspace awareness tools for desktop and mobile devices is available at faa.gov/uas/getting_started/b4ufly. Violations of these TFRs can result in civil fines up to $75,000, criminal fines up to $100,000, up to a year in prison, and seizure of the drone.
If you spot unsafe drone activity, report it immediately by calling 9-1-1 or 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Christian County Man Sentenced for Trafficking FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Clever, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for one count each of conspiracy to traffic firearms, trafficking firearms, and unlawful possession of firearms.
Dakota Mitchell, 21, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 78 months in federal prison without parole. Mitchell’s sentence will be followed by a three-year term of supervised release.
Mitchell unlawfully possessed six Glock pistols and a Micro Draco pistol between April 28, 2023, and July 9, 2024. Mitchell, who previously pleaded guilty, admitted to being a member of a local street gang known as “FTO,” who have been linked to several violent crimes and firearm offenses.
Mitchell conspired with a straw purchaser to obtain four firearms, knowing he was prohibited from possessing firearms as an unlawful user of controlled substances. Many of the members of FTO are unable to purchase firearms due to their youth, history of drug use, or other prohibited status and use straw purchasers to obtain them.
On May 11, 2023, a detective with the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) responded to a call about a road rage incident at the intersection of Farm Roads 137 and 182. In a post-Miranda interview Mitchell admitted to yelling and shooting at a vehicle that had stopped short at the intersection. GCSO officers seized a Glock 9mm pistol with a high-capacity magazine and a Glock .40 caliber pistol with a high-capacity magazine from the vehicle Mitchell was driving.
Officers with the Springfield, Mo., Police Department (SPD) responded to the scene of a car accident on Jan. 30, 2024, where Mitchell displayed a firearm. The victim of the accident identified Mitchell as the driver and brandisher of the firearm. SPD officers seized a loaded Glock .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol with a high-capacity magazine from Mitchell.
On April 11, 2024, Ozark School Resource officers recovered a Glock 9mm pistol from a vehicle in the parking lot at Ozark High School. That firearm was ultimately traced back to Mitchell.
On July 9, 2024, when GCSO officers arrested Mitchell in relation to a vandalism incident, he was in possession of a Glock .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol. In a post-Miranda interview Mitchell told officers he had someone else buy guns for him because he was too young. He stated his straw purchaser purchased the Glock pistol seized on Jan. 30, the Glock seized on April 11, an additional Glock pistol that was not recovered, and an additional Micro Draco pistol for him. He also told officers he had been using marijuana daily since he was 11 or 12 years old and he occasionally used narcotics and psychedelic drugs.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Christian County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, the Flossmoor, Ill., Police Department, the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Springfield Man Sentenced for Leading Drug Trafficking OrganizationRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his leadership role in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving four defendants and millions of dollars’ worth of controlled substances.
Keith L. Rayford, 52, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 25 years in federal prison without parole for one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy after a prior drug felony conviction. Rayford pleaded guilty on Aug. 6, 2025. Because Rayford committed the offense while on federal supervised release following a prior federal drug trafficking conviction, Judge Wimes sentenced Rayford to an additional five years in federal prison without parole, for a total sentence of 30 years in federal prison.
According to court documents, on June 8, 2023, officers with the Springfield, Mo., Police Department were conducting surveillance on Ted Tyson’s residence when they observed a cream-colored Chevrolet Avalanche pull into the driveway. Tyson walked out of the residence carrying a white plastic sack and approached the vehicle. Tyson walked back to the residence without the sack and the Avalanche left. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the Avalanche in a parking lot and identified the driver as Rayford. Rayford consented to a search of his vehicle, and officers located the white plastic sack, which was found to contain approximately $21,004 in U.S. currency. Officers then executed a search warrant at Tyson’s residence, where they located and seized a black trash bag containing three gallon-size Ziploc bags of methamphetamine, five firearms, assorted ammunition, digital scales and plastic baggies. Investigators later learned that Tyson was conspiring with Rayford, Corey Williams, and Shannon Wells to distribute controlled substances.
On Sept. 1, 2023, officers executed a search warrant at Corey Williams’ residence in Springfield. Search of the residence yielded approximately 97.76 grams of cocaine, approximately 326.95 grams of fentanyl, approximately 104.78 grams of heroin, approximately 330 fentanyl pills, four firearms, and approximately $54,500 in U.S. currency. On Sept. 6, 2023, officers arrested Williams in possession of approximately 37 pounds of methamphetamine and approximately 930 grams of cocaine. Investigators later discovered that Williams paid Rayford between $80,000 and $85,000 for the drugs, and that Williams was obtaining similar amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine from Rayford on a weekly basis. In total, Rayford was found to be responsible for the distribution of 3,085 pounds of methamphetamine, 97.61 pounds of cocaine, six kilograms of fentanyl, and 330 fentanyl pills.
Rayford is the third defendant to be sentenced in this case. Corey Williams was sentenced on Apr. 6, 2026, to 276 months in federal prison without parole for one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Shannon Wells was sentenced on June 15, 2026, to 124 months in federal prison without parole for one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Ted Tyson has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and ecstasy, and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and is awaiting sentencing.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the Springfield, Mo., Police Department, and the Greene County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office.
Homeland Security Task Force
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Kansas City comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
Former Joplin Man Sentenced to 33 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Joshua Stanley Miloszewski, 37, of Joplin, Mo., was sentenced in federal court on June 15, 2026, for sexual exploitation of a minor and receiving and distributing child pornography.
Miloszewski was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 400 months in federal prison without parole, followed by a life term of supervised release. Miloszewski was sentenced to 300 months for sexual exploitation of a minor and 100 months for receiving and distributing child pornography, with both sentences running consecutive to each other.
According to court documents, Miloszewski, who pleaded guilty on Dec. 18, 2025, used a cellular device to record sexually explicit activity between himself and a 16-year-old minor victim identified in court documents as Jane Doe. Miloszewski’s cellular device contained both images and videos of Miloszewski and Jane Doe engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and Jane Doe reported she had taken nude images of herself and sent them to Miloszewski using a cellular device.
Miloszewski will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by the FBI, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and the Joplin Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
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."
Western District of Missouri Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Honorable R. Matthew Price, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, joined national, state, and local leaders in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, 2026. Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and increase understanding of the many forms of elder abuse as well as the resources available to those at risk.
“Seniors are among the most likely to be targeted by fraud, false billing scams, and abuse. Financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse and is estimated to cost older adults more than $25 billion every year,” stated U.S. Attorney Price. “Combatting elder fraud and abuse is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice, and our law enforcement partners. As part of our elder justice initiative, my office has expanded our fraud and forfeiture practice, focusing on prosecuting offenders and seizing assets to be returned to victims. Everyone can protect their loved ones and the community by reporting instances of elder abuse when they see it.”
Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trusted relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological. The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat elder abuse.The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force marshals federal and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, as well as trending schemes.
Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the goodwill or financial vulnerability of their targets, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in perpetuating fraud.
To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. For example, in Social Security Administration Impostor Schemes, scammers impersonate government employees and falsely report suspicious activity to request that potential victims provide their Social Security numbers for confirmation. In Tech Support scams, fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask the victim to give them remote access to their computer to identify a fake problem, and then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services. In lottery scams, telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won sweepstakes and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes.
To learn more about the Justice Department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page.
The U.S Attorney’s Office continues to work with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute elder abuse crimes. Additionally, the office consistently works with courageous whistleblowers who provide vital information to protect people and the community from fraud and abuse that targets the elderly.
Examples of cases protecting elder members of our community prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in 2025 and 2026 include the following:
- In May 2026, United States Attorney R. Matthew Price awarded the Hometown Heroes Award to United States Postal Inspection Service inspectors who intercept mail packages sent by elderly victims to scammers and return them to the victims. The packages contain cash, money orders, gift cards, and credit cards that victims send at the direction of scammers.
- In May 2026, Syed Makki, an Indian national, was sentenced to 15½ years’ imprisonment for his role in a government imposter wire fraud conspiracy in which he picked up gold bars worth millions from elderly victims throughout the country.
- In May 2026, Amanda Rutherford, 46, of Junction City, Kan., was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment for stealing firearms and collector coins from an elderly couple for whom she claimed to be a caregiver, and sold those coins in Clay County, Mo.
- In February 2026, Peter A. Lee, an attorney in Stockton, Mo., pleaded guilty to wire fraud for defrauding vulnerable clients, including the elderly, of funds for his personal gain. The clients he defrauded included decedent estates and a special needs trust. From January 2019 through February 2025, Lee obtained $296,140 in client funds.
- In December 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a civil forfeiture complaint against $1.2 million in digital currency seized in connection with fraudulent online investment schemes called TMGM and NEEX, that targeted older victims and others.
- In July 2025, the U.S. Attorney’s Office seized more than $325,000 in cryptocurrency connected to an online investment scam called Triangular, that targeted older victims and others.
To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
Joplin Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Clinton John Gray, 48, of Joplin, Mo., was sentenced in federal court today for receiving and distributing child pornography, also referred to as “child sexual abuse material” or “CSAM.”
Gray was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian C. Wimes to 200 months in federal prison without parole, followed by a lifetime term of supervised release for his conviction of receipt and distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents, Gray, who pleaded guilty on Sept. 22, 2025, used social media applications to solicit sexually explicit images from minors. Gray engaged in online communications with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing as a 14-year-old girl on Facebook. During the exchange, Gray sent the agent pictures of his genitals and requested nude photos from a person he believed to be a minor. A forensic search of Gray’s phone located 1200 image files and 44 video files depicting child pornography. In addition to his sentence, Gray was ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution to the victims depicted in those CSAM images and videos.
Gray will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Kelleher. It was investigated by the FBI, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Southwest Missouri Cybercrimes Task Force, and the Joplin Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
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."
Area Scouting America Troop Leader Charged with Production of Child ObscenityRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, MO. – Jonathan Xavier Valdez, 36, of Blue Springs, Mo., was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Valdez had his initial appearance this afternoon.
The federal complaint charges Valdez with one count of Production of Child Obscenity involving multiple minors. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Valdez, over the course of at least 10 months, manipulated clothed images of multiple minors to create nude graphic depictions of those children appearing to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Valdez has been a troop leader with Scouting America for over a year. Members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the allegations after a witness came forward on June 12, 2026, and reported having observed obscene images of minors on Valdez’s smart TV screensaver. During a subsequent search of Valdez’s residence, FBI investigators located multiple manipulated still images and videos depicting at least five minors either nude or engaged in sexually explicit conduct on Valdez’s TV, cell phone, and other devices.
At this time, investigators have not determined any alleged offenses regarding hands-on abuse by Valdez. As always, the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office encourage the public to report any knowledge of potential violations of federal law to 1-800-CALL-FBI or provide a tip at tips.fbi.gov.
The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Project Safe Childhood
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."
Springfield Man Sentenced to 130 Months for Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for one count of being a felon in possession of firearms.
Ricky Joe Braden, 38, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 130 months in federal prison without parole, followed by three years of supervised release. Braden pleaded guilty on Sept. 29, 2025.
Braden was previously convicted of multiple felonies, including tampering with a motor vehicle and forgery. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition.
On Aug. 8, 2022, officers with the Springfield, Missouri Police Department (SPD) responded to a 911 call at Braden’s residence. Witnesses, who were at the property with the landlord’s permission, reported that Braden retrieved a pistol from a vehicle and pointed the gun at them, demanding they leave the property. Braden then pointed it at his wife before shooting at the ground. While on scene, officers saw Braden exit his residence and travel through backyards in the neighborhood, carrying his child in front of him. Officers were able to eventually handcuff Braden, who was initially uncooperative and ignored multiple commands.
While conducting a search warrant at the residence, SPD investigators found a loaded .40 caliber Glock pistol with an extended magazine, a loaded 9mm Glock pistol, a loaded, stolen Charter Arms .38 special revolver, and spent shell casings in Braden’s vehicle. Officers also found a Stag Arms, 5.56 caliber AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle and multiple 30-round magazines in a second truck, and various additional firearm magazines, ammunition, and other firearm accessories on the property. A third vehicle on the property, which appeared to belong to Braden’s wife, had bullet holes in the door and windshield. Braden’s hands tested positive for gunshot residue and officers located brass knuckles on his person.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Christian County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Republic Man Sentenced for Illegal Possession of FirearmsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Republic, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court yesterday for being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while in possession of firearms.
Franklin E. Brownlee, 41, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 60 months in federal prison without parole, followed by three years of supervised release. Brownlee pleaded guilty on Dec. 18, 2025.
According to court records, on March 27, 2025, deputies with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) responded to a domestic disturbance at Brownlee’s residence. During the incident, Brownlee discharged the firearm over the head of the victim. Upon learning that police were responding to his residence, Brownlee, who was under the influence of alcohol and methamphetamine, had gathered multiple firearms and was behaving erratically. Brownlee made multiple statements threatening to kill responding officers. Officers responded, utilizing drones to monitor the situation, and prevent Brownlee from driving away from the property.
During the incident, Brownlee stood outside of his shop building and appeared to hold a firearm. Deputies reported hearing a gunshot. The drone footage captured Brownlee attempting to shoot at the drones. After several hours, law enforcement was able to convince Brownlee to disarm and surrender. Investigators located a Glock 26 pistol, a Remington model 17 shotgun, and a SGT Stitched Armory AR15 in Brownlee’s truck. All three firearms were loaded and a tactical vest containing AR15 magazines was in Brownlee’s shop.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and the Greene County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Springfield, Missouri-Based Investment Professional Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud, Money Laundering and Embezzling Retirement FundsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today for his commission of a scheme of wire fraud and money laundering that involved fraudulent embezzlement of the retirement funds of his clients. This is one of many federal fraud cases pursued under the leadership of President Donald Trump and through the establishment of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
Bob Hunter, 72, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush, to one count of wire fraud and one count of money laundering.According to the plea agreement, Hunter, working as an investment and retirement professional in the Springfield, Mo. area, promoted various retirement programs, including Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans (SERP). Hunter would promote the use and administration of SERPs to area executives who could invest their money with an eye toward building an investment retirement account that would be available for an investor during their retirement years. Instead of utilizing the monies he received from his clients to invest in their individual retirement accounts, Hunter utilized those monies for his own personal expenses.
In total, $373,230.50 in intended retirement funds were embezzled by Hunter from his clients. Hunter’s clients only became aware of his fraud after realizing that he was misleading them with false investment reports that claimed they had money in their investment accounts that never truly existed, known as “lulling” letters or documents. These lulling letters and documents significantly delayed investors from reporting the fraud to law enforcement and even attempted to conceal the nature and scope of Hunter’s true embezzlement.
Under federal statutes, Hunter is subject to sentences of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole and a maximum fine of $250,000 for Count One, Wire Fraud, and up to 10 years in federal prison without parole and a maximum fine of $250,000 for Count Two, Money Laundering. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the IRS-CI and the FBI.
National Fraud Enforcement Division
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
North Carolina Woman Charged with Conspiracy to Commit Immigration Fraud, VA Disability FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A North Carolina woman was indicted by a federal grand jury with conspiracy to commit immigration fraud, making false statements under oath on immigration documents, unlawfully procuring citizenship, mail fraud, and wire fraud. This indictment is one of many federal fraud cases pursued under the leadership of President Donald Trump and through the establishment of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.
Britney Sherene Curry, 26, of Charlotte, N.C. is a Jamaican National and entered the United States on a six-month B-2 visa on Aug. 27, 2015, but never left. Curry allegedly paid a third-party to arrange a fraudulent marriage between herself and a United States citizen for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits. Curry and her husband met for the first time on the day of their marriage and never lived together before or after. After the marriage, Curry became a lawful permanent resident of the United States then joined the United States Army which allowed her to apply to become a naturalized United States citizen immediately, instead of having to wait a minimum of three years.
Curry allegedly provided false information about her marriage, under penalty of perjury, in immigration documents filed both online and via the U.S. Postal Service. After becoming a United States citizen, Curry used her status to petition for her mother to become a lawful permanent resident of the United States. All of the immigration applications were initially processed at the United States Immigration and Citizenship Services (USCIS) National Benefits Center in Lee’s Summit, Mo.
Less than two years after joining the Army, Curry applied for a medical discharge and was awarded Veteran’s Administration disability compensation. Curry claimed her husband as a dependent for purposes of her disability compensation which increased her monthly benefit, despite never having lived with him and not having seen him since before she enlisted in the Army. All Veteran’s Administration disability compensation benefits passed through Treasury Payment Operations at the Federal Disbursement Services in Kansas City, Mo.
The charges contained in the indictment are simply accusations and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury who will be responsible for determining whether Curry is guilty or not.
Under federal statutes, Curry is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison on the wire fraud and mail fraud charges, up to 10 years in prison on some of the immigration charges, and faces the possibility of being denaturalized. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors
This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Michael J. Nichols. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services—National Benefits Center, Veteran’s Administration Office of Inspector General, and the United States Army Criminal Investigations Division.
National Fraud Enforcement Division
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Lenexa Man Charged with Attempted Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas man was charged in federal court with attempted sex trafficking of a minor.
Curtis Ray Gibson, 47, of Lenexa, Kan., was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Gibson had his initial appearance this afternoon.
The federal complaint charges Gibson with one count of Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Minor. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Gibson, over the course of two days, engaged in online communications with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing online as a 15-year-old minor. During his communications with the person he believed to be a minor, Gibson arranged to meet the purported minor to engage in sexual conduct in exchange for $400.00, and also asked the purported minor to send him pornographic images. Gibson was later arrested on June 9, 2026, after he arrived at a hotel where he had arranged to meet the minor to engage in sexual conduct.
The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Kansas City Missouri Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
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."
Kansas City Man Found Guilty of Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., man was found guilty by a federal jury today for illegally possessing a firearm.
Kassim Aquil, 46, of Kansas City, Mo., was found guilty of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm following a two‑day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays. Following the presentation of evidence, the jury deliberated for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes before returning a guilty verdict.
Evidence presented at trial showed that on July 20, 2023, members of the Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force, led by the United States Marshals Service, with support from Task Force Officers with the Kansas City Missouri, Police Department, executed an arrest warrant against Aquil in the 3300 block of Karnes Avenue in Kansas City. The arrest warrant was issued against Aquil for violations of the federal supervised release he was under from a prior conviction of being a felon in possession of ammunition.
When task force members approached, Aquil exited his car and ran eastbound through residential yards, eventually crossing six lanes of traffic on Southwest Trafficway before being detained in an adjacent field. Task force officers deployed tasers multiple times during the pursuit. While fleeing, Aquil removed a firearm from his waistband and threw it to the ground. Officers later recovered the firearm, a loaded Jimenez Arms 9mm pistol.
Aquil was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to multiple prior felony convictions, including a federal conviction for being a felon in possession of ammunition and a federal conviction for assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
Aquil faces up to 15 years in federal prison without parole for the firearm offense and up to an additional two years’ imprisonment for violating the terms of his supervised release. The statutory maximum penalties are provided for informational purposes only. The court will determine the final sentence based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Kirkpatrick and David Barnes for the Western District of Missouri. The investigation was conducted by the United States Marshals Service, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Kansas City Missouri Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) Investigation Results in Federal Charges of Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Conspiracies against Prolific Methamphetamine Trafficker Tied to United CartelsRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia returned an indictment yesterday against Jaime “Jimmy” Sanchez Soriano, 45, of Mexico, a prolific drug trafficker who imported vast amounts of methamphetamine into the United States.
Before his capture on March 19 by Mexican authorities, Sanchez Soriano procured methamphetamine from Los Viagras Cartel, a notoriously violent drug trafficking organization affiliated with the United Cartels, which is among the world’s most significant methamphetamine producers, capable of manufacturing multiple tons every month. The United Cartels’ distribution network spans the United States, with hubs in Kansas City, Missouri, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Sacramento, California, Los Angeles, Denver, and Chicago, and extends to Europe, Australia, and other regions. On Feb. 20, 2025, the U.S. Department of State designated the United Cartels (also known as Cárteles Unidos), as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224, as amended. In August 2025, the Criminal Division announced criminal charges against several top leaders of the United Cartels and Los Viagras Cartel.
Sanchez-Soriano is charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine for importation into the United States, and money laundering conspiracy. If convicted he faces a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Roger Polack and Kirk Handrich of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section (MNF) are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri provided significant assistance.
MNF’s mission is to take the profit out of crime, eliminate drug cartels, and protect the U.S. financial system. MNF pursues criminal prosecutions and criminal and civil asset recovery actions involving: financial facilitators who launder profits for criminals; financial institutions and their officers and employees whose actions threaten the U.S. financial system and financial institutions; international money launderers who support transnational organized crime; and the top command and control of international drug trafficking organizations.
MNF’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Unit investigates and prosecutes the top command and control elements of international drug cartels, drug trafficking organizations and related transnational criminal organizations.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Guatemalan National Pleas Guilty to Being an Illegal Immigrant in Possession of a Firearm and Illegally Entering the United StatesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Guatemalan National illegally residing in the Branson, Taney County, Mo., area, pleaded guilty today in federal court to one count of Illegal Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Immigrant, and Illegal Entry into the United States.
Edilberto Gonzalez-Barrera, 40, pleaded guilty before District Judge Douglas Harpool to being an illegal immigrant in possession of a firearm, and illegally entering into the United States. Upon serving any period of imprisonment ordered by the Court at the time of sentencing, Gonzalez-Barrera will then be deported to his native country of Guatemala.
On March 29, 2026, officers with the Branson, Missouri Police Department responded to Cox Hospital in Branson, Mo., in response to a male who had come into the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound. Officers learned that Gonzalez-Barrera, an individual who illegally entered the United States, had possessed a firearm, and as he was cleaning the firearm, it accidentally discharged, shooting off the lower end of one of his fingers. Upon determining that Gonzalez-Barrera was illegally within the United States, local law enforcement contacted agents with the Department of Homeland Security – Immigration Customs Enforcement (HSI-ICE). Agents responded and determined that Gonzlez-Barrera was illegally in the United States, as he was a citizen of Guatemala, without permission to enter or remain within the United States.
Under federal statutes, Gonzalez-Barrera is subject to a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison without parole for the offense of being an illegal immigrant in possession of a firearm, and six months imprisonment for illegally entering the United States. The maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Branson Missouri, Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Columbia, Missouri Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today for her involvement in a fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan.
Lakeysha Day, 45, pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Willie J. Epps, Jr., to one count of wire fraud. In her plea agreement, Day admitted that she had completed and submitted a PPP loan application, falsely claiming that she was the sole proprietor of a business that had an average monthly payroll of $8,000. As a result of this application, a $20,000 wire transfer was issued on March 23, 2021. This successful prosecution is one of many federal fraud cases pursued under the leadership of President Donald Trump and through the establishment of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. Under federal statutes, Day is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Kummerer. It was investigated by the Veterans Administration Office of Inspector General.
National Fraud Enforcement Division
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Joplin Man Charged with Unlawful Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Joplin, Mo. man was charged in federal court for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Andre E. Swindell, 41, was charged in a one-count criminal complaint and had his initial appearance in federal court this morning.
The complaint alleges that officers with the Joplin Police Department located firearms connected to Swindell while executing search warrants at his residence in connection with a homicide investigation on Feb. 28, 2026.
The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Joplin, Missouri Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Jury Convicts Springfield Man of Receiving Child Pornography and Using AI to Produce Obscene ImagesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo. man, who was caught with multiple images of child pornography and used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to produce obscene images of children, was convicted by a federal jury.
Jeremy Koppenhaver, 46, was found guilty on June 2, 2026, of one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of production of obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children.
On June 22, 2024, the Springfield, Missouri Police Department responded to a coffee shop in downtown Springfield, after another customer reported that Koppenhaver, who was also at the coffee shop using their internet, was attempting to use AI to produce child pornography. The responding officers seized Koppenhaver’s laptop. Investigators conducted a forensic examination of the laptop and found multiple images of child pornography and multiple obscene images of children created by AI. All the images of child pornography depicted real children.
The computer data from the obscene images showed that Koppenhaver was using an AI image generation website to depict female celebrities as minors who were being subjected to sexual abuse. Investigators also located images in which Koppenhaver used photo editing software to edit nude images of Koppenhaver into photographs that depicted nude girls. Data on the computer also demonstrated that Koppenhaver had multiple web searches looking for child pornography.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the United States District Court in Springfield deliberated for approximately 50 minutes before returning guilty verdicts to United States District Court Judge Megan Blair Benton, ending a trial that began on June 1, 2026.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie L. Wan and Randall Eggert. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Springfield, Missouri Police Department.
Project Safe Childhood
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.”
Making America Safe Again: DOJ to Award $300 Million to Model Cities Dedicated to Restoring Law and OrderRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Justice Department today announced the Model Cities Initiative (MCI), a whole-of-city approach directing nearly $300 million in federal funding to transform public safety in America’s cities. Through this initiative, two to four cities will be selected to receive awards supporting the implementation of comprehensive and innovative strategies to reduce crime, restore law and order, and enhance public safety. Proposals from qualifying cities are due September 1.
“This administration is leveraging every authority to ensure the safety of all Americans,” said Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “The Model Cities Initiative will supercharge our law enforcement partners and restore the rule of law to America’s neighborhoods, towns, and cities. Our message is clear: We will help those who help us Make America Safe Again.”
“With the safety and well-being of citizens as our highest priority, we recognize the Model Cities Initiative as a valuable opportunity to advance meaningful and lasting public safety efforts at the local level,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price of the Western District of Missouri. “We are encouraged by the support this program will provide and look forward to seeing leaders leverage these resources to reduce crime and strengthen public safety.”
Investments will be made in a variety of areas addressing public safety, behavioral health, and related staffing, equipment, and services with the goal of leveraging federal resources to build capacity, strengthen accountability, and deliver measurable reductions in crime that can serve as a model of innovation for replication nationwide. Eligible applicants include local government entities serving a population of at least 100,000.
The MCI initiative will support a range of allowable activities, including:
- Hiring and retention of sworn and non-sworn personnel directly engaged in or supporting violent crime reduction efforts.
- Purchase or lease of equipment, tools, or technology that reduce crime and restore law and order including but not limited to real-time crime centers; forensic and DNA tools; body-worn cameras; license plate readers; artificial intelligence systems; small, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and counter-UAS; ballistic identification systems; and information technology upgrades.
- Training and professional development that support intelligence-led policing, violent crime investigations, crisis response, correctional practices that strengthen reentry outcomes, and coordination with state and federal law enforcement partners.
- Facility Costs including lease, rental, or renovation expenses for space directly used in program operations, such as service delivery sites, training facilities, real-time crime centers, or intelligence analysis centers.
- Mental health and substance use services that directly support prevention, crisis response, screening and early intervention, treatment, case management, and related services addressing issues linked to public safety outcomes, including services provided in correctional facilities and in the community.
- Reentry, transitional support, and recidivism reduction programs and services designed to reduce repeat offending, support transitions from custody, and promote successful reintegration into communities, including operational costs for county jails and state prisons that support reentry preparation.
- Victim services for American victims of crime, including, emergency assistance, case management, shelter and temporary housing, medical and dental care, advocacy, transportation, childcare, legal services, and employment assistance.
- Youth crime prevention and intervention services that address risk factors for juvenile delinquency and violence, including gang intervention and suppression programs.
Cities will apply through a whole-of-city approach. That means that city leaders, including the mayor, sheriff, county prosecutor, and others will work together to submit one application that proposes a persuasive vision of how this money can be awarded strategically throughout their city to improve law enforcement engagement, victim services, detention and reentry services, and preventive programs.
Additional information about the award is available at www.justice.gov/grants. The planned competition is a multi-phase process. DOJ anticipates making initial award decisions in late 2026. To apply for this award, please submit application materials to [email protected].
For any questions related to the MCI Call for Applications, you can send your inquiry to [email protected].
Kansas City, Missouri Man Charged with Unlawfully Possessing Unregistered Destructive DevicesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo. man was charged in federal court for possession of unregistered destructive devices, in violation of U.S. law.
Lake Ethan Roberts, 26, of Kansas City, Mo., was charged in a one-count criminal complaint. Roberts had his initial appearance this morning/afternoon.
Court documents, allege that Roberts was a member of a group called the “Red Legs.” The Red Legs has been active since at least November 2023. Red Legs members frequently communicated with each other using a private chat group. In their chat, Red Legs members discussed plans to commit acts of violence directed towards government entities and property, particularly the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE), the National Guard, and other opposing political groups.
Some of Roberts’ communications to the group included the following messages:
“We need to plan decisive action against ice and dhs.”
“What are the chances we could get away with using drones to drop incendiary’s [sic] to demolish key infrastructure.”
“I like the idea of using drones carrying cocktails to demolish key structures.
“After we build our ranks and adequately arm ourselves, we can look into escalation.”
“If ice moves to kc, thoughts on an armed response.”
As part of their preparations for armed conflict with the federal government, Red Legs members also periodically trained by shooting firearms at a local firearm range.
According to the complaint, on May 14, 2026, Roberts and another Red Legs member met with an undercover law enforcement officer in Richmond, Mo. Roberts had brought with him two devices that were wrapped in duct tape and had an apparent fuse. Roberts referred to the devices as “alcohol shooters filled with black powder surrounded with steel BBs.” Roberts brought the devices to test how they worked. Roberts detonated both devices in a rock quarry area. The FBI Laboratory Explosives Unit provided an opinion that the two devices constituted improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
According to an explosive expert’s opinion, IEDs, also called homemade bombs, generally consist of an explosive main charge, method of initiation, and sometimes a container and/or enhancements. These devices were described as small liquor bottles containing the low explosive black powder with a cannon fuse used as the method of initiation. Properly assembled, the described IEDs would be capable of causing property damage, injury, and/or death. Investigators conducted an inquiry of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Firearms Act Branch and determined that Roberts had not registered any destructive devices as required by the National Firearms Act of 1934.
The allegations contained in the complaint are accusations, not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted of unlawfully possessing an unregistered destructive device, Roberts would be subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. In the federal judicial system, there is not the possibility of parole. These maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress and they are provided here for informational purposes. Any sentence would be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Collins, Missouri Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Collins, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for producing and receiving child pornography.
Matthew Maggard, 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 20 years in federal prison without parole. The court also ordered Maggard to serve a 15-year term of supervised release following his incarceration.
Maggard pleaded guilty on Feb. 4, 2026, to producing images of a minor for the purpose of manufacturing child pornography. Maggard also pleaded guilty to receiving images of child pornography over the internet. According to court documents, Maggard was identified through an investigation that originated in Minnesota. During a search warrant executed at Maggard’s home in Collins, Mo., investigators with the Missouri State Highway Patrol located and seized the defendant’s electronic devices. A forensic analysis of the devices located child pornography images, also known as child sexual abuse material (CSAM), the defendant had received over the internet. The forensic examination also located images of a minor victim the defendant had taken using his cell phone on two separate occasions; March 9, 2024, and June 8, 2024.
Maggard will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. It was investigated by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Project Safe Childhood
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."
Sweet Springs, Missouri Man Indicted for Engaging in Business of Manufacturing Explosives, Unlawfully Possessing Unregistered Destructive Devices and Distributing Information Relating to Manufacturing ExplosivesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Sweet Springs, Mo., man has been charged by a federal grand jury with one count of engaging in the business of manufacturing explosive materials without a license, one count of unlawful possession of unregistered destructive devices, one count of unlawful possession of components that can readily be converted into destructive devices, and one count of distributing information relating to manufacturing explosives, in violation of U.S. law.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the original criminal complaint, no later than Sept. 18, 2023, Jordan Derrick, 40, began using several social media sites to distribute videos of himself making various explosive materials. In his videos, Derrick provided step-by-step instructions on how to make these explosives.
Derrick’s videos were downloaded from his publicly available video sharing accounts and used by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the terrorist who conducted an attack in New Orleans on Jan. 1, 2025. Jabbar had created IEDs consistent with Derrick’s instructional videos. The devices placed by Jabbar did not detonate and were subsequently rendered safe by law enforcement. Also, according to the complaint, on May 4, 2026, an explosion occurred at a private residence in Odessa, Mo. Investigators who searched the private residence after the explosion found two components suspected of being used in explosive devices. The occupant of the residence told investigators that he manufactured explosive devices after watching online tutorials on a social media account that is believed to be utilized by Derrick to distribute information relating to the manufacture of explosives. An investigation of the Odessa explosion is ongoing.
The allegations contained in the indictment are accusations, not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If convicted of engaging in the business of manufacturing explosive materials without a license, Derrick would be subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. If convicted of unlawfully possessing an unregistered destructive device or components that can readily be converted into a destructive device, Derrick would be subject to a sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison on each count. And if convicted of distributing information relating to the manufacture of explosives, Derrick would be subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison. In the federal judicial system, there is not the possibility of parole. These maximum statutory sentences are prescribed by Congress, and they are provided here for informational purposes. Any sentence would be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Chlarson with valuable assistance provided by Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe of the National Security Division. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Mexico, Missouri Man Sentenced for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A Mexico, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court to seven years’ imprisonment for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Frank Gray, IV, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 84 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Gray had previously pleaded guilty on June 3, 2025, admitting that he possessed a Glock handgun in Columbia, Mo.
According to court documents, Gray traveled to the downtown Columbia, Mo. area in the early morning hours of Nov. 10, 2024, and pulled out a weapon during a confrontation with other individuals in the area. Both the other individual and Gray fired shots. Numerous vehicles, as well as two bystanders, were hit by bullets. Gray has prior felony convictions, including a prior federal conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, and was on federal supervised release when he committed this offense.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren E. Kummerer. It was investigated by the Columbia Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.