Western District of Missouri
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Romanian Illegal Alien Charged with Wire Fraud in Scheme to Defraud WalmartRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – An illegal alien from Romania has been charged by a federal grand jury with one count of wire fraud involving a scheme to defraud Walmart of thousands of dollars.
Hozu Rostas, 25, of Romania, was charged in an indictment filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. on Aug. 28, 2026. The federal indictment charges Rostas with one count of wire fraud.
According to the indictment, between February 2025 and June 2026, Rostas would carry out a confidence scheme at Walmart stores throughout the United States, including a Walmart in Columbia, Mo. Rostas would use a sleight of hand technique to shortchange Walmart cashiers of money. Specifically, Rostas would select merchandise and then count out the money in separate piles. After the cashier counted the money, Rostas would take it back, quietly remove a portion, and then return the reduced amount without being detected. After the cashier put the money into the teller, Rostas would leave with the merchandise. Rostas would then go to another Walmart store and return the merchandise for the full amount. According to the indictment, Rostas obtained more than $150,000 during this scheme.The charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations and are 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 Aaron M. Maness. It was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations.
Registered Sex Offender/Parolee Charged with Receipt and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A registered sex offender has been charged in federal court for child pornography charges committed while he was on state parole for similar crimes.
Michael D. Shimon, 43 of Kansas City, Mo., was charged in a criminal complaint on Aug. 28, 2026. Shimon had his initial appearance this afternoon.
The federal complaint charges Shimon with one count each of receipt of child pornography and possession of child pornography, both charged as a prior sex offender.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Dropbox, Inc. submitted a cyber tip report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding a video uploaded to the Dropbox application by Shimon’s account. Weeks later, an acquaintance of Shimon reported to authorities that he had observed images of possible child pornography in Shimon’s home on one of Shimon’s electronic devices. Based on this information, investigators with the Federal Bureau of Investigations served a federal search warrant upon Shimon’s residence on Aug. 27, 2026. During their contact with Shimon at his home, investigators seized multiple electronic devices from his person. An analysis of Shimon’s electronic devices located thousands of images of child pornography.
Shimon was previously convicted in Phelps County, Missouri with one count of promoting child pornography in the first degree and two counts of possession of child pornography. He was sentenced on all three counts to 12 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections in February 2017. Shimon was released from incarceration and placed on parole in 2021 and is currently a registered sex offender in the State of Missouri.
The charges contained in this complaint are simply accusations, and are 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 David Luna and Mitchell Widener. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the 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."
Law Enforcement Officers Honored for Investigations Related to Foreign Acts of Violence and Deadly Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – R. Matthew Price, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, recognized the recipients of the 2026 Guardian of Justice Award, which honored several local and federal law enforcement officers for their work on significant investigations within the district.
The award recipients were honored during the 24th Annual Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee Training Seminar in Springfield, Mo. The prestigious law enforcement award is presented annually by the Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee.
“I commend the agents and law enforcement officers whose dedication and investigative efforts helped bring many dangerous individuals to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Price. “Their work has made our communities safer and serves as an important reminder that collaboration and cooperation are critical to our shared mission of protecting the communities we serve.”
Material Support to Cameroon Separatists CaseSpecial Agent Jake Green with the Federal Bureau of Investigation Kansas City Field Office, received this year’s Guardian of Justice Award for his exemplary work in helping the Western District of Missouri obtain its first ever trial conviction for providing material support to commit various acts of violence abroad.
Green’s work resulted in the successful conviction of three men who provided material support to separatists in Cameroon. Francis Chenyi, Sr., 52, of Saint Paul, Minn. and Lah Nestor Langmi, 49, of Buffalo, N.Y., both citizens of Cameroon, were sentenced to 180 months each in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Claude Ngenevu Chi, 43, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced to 63 months, followed by three years of supervised release. All three men were involved in a conspiracy to provide material support or resources to kill, kidnap, and maim persons and use weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in a foreign country. The defendants conspired to provide funds and equipment to separatist fighters in Cameroon to allow them to construct and use IEDs against various targets in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.
SA Green provided countless hours of diligent, professional, and useful collaboration with the trial team. For example, SA Green worked with the Assistant U.S. Attorneys on the case by traveling out of state to speak with the victims prior to trial about the possibility of testifying. SA Green also worked with the AUSAs for months to identify useful electronic evidence, which was both voluminous and difficult to sift through due to the older document management system in which it was previously uploaded.
Tiger Draggoo Fentanyl Distribution Case
The second Guardian of Justice Award was presented to the law enforcement and legal team responsible for the successful conviction of drug distributor Tiger Draggoo, who was responsible for three fentanyl overdose deaths in the district.
The recipients were:
Detective Jennifer Maynard, Jackson County Drug Task Force/Lee’s Summit Police Department; Detective Mike Murphy, Grandview, Missouri Police Department/formerly Jackson County Drug Task Force; Detective Jeff Richardson, Belton, Missouri Police Department; Corporal Tony Sterner, Cass County Sheriff’s Office; Special Agent Tim Phipps, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Special Agent Tim Flohrschutz, Federal Bureau of Investigation Kansas City Field Office; and Scott Hamann, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of Missouri, Financial Investigator.
Tiger Draggoo, 26, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced to 40 years in prison, followed by 30 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and three counts of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. The victims were ages 17, 18, and 21. In addition, the Court ordered the forfeiture of $146,066 that was seized at the time of his arrest, imposition of a money judgment in the amount of $611,698, and restitution to the victims’ families in the total amount of $65,937.20. At his guilty plea, Draggoo admitted to distributing or possessing with intent to distribute at least 22,364 fentanyl pills. Law enforcement seized 23 firearms from Draggoo, which included two machineguns and one short-barreled shotgun. In addition to Draggoo, seven other defendants pleaded guilty to this conspiracy.
2026 Enoch B. Morelock Award
Detective Steve Cook of the Independence, Missouri Police Department was the recipient of the 2026 Enoch B. Morelock Award, which celebrates outstanding moral character as well as service to law enforcement and the community.
Detective Cook has been employed with the Independence Missouri Police Department since 1993 and has more than 30 years of criminal investigations experience to include assignments at the Jackson County Drug Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration’s Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Team, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Violent Crime Gang Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Task Force. In these capacities, Detective Cook has been a leading force in the prosecution of over 1000 defendants at the state and federal level.
In 1999, Detective Cook’s initiation into federal prosecution requiring jury determination was in the matter of United States v. Mark P. Clayton, a clandestine laboratory methamphetamine manufacturing case which resulted in the defendant receiving a 241-month sentence.
Detective Cook also prepared and presented more than 40 of the approximately 180 cases for federal prosecution involving the illegal use/possession of firearms, the distribution of controlled substances and the victimization of women and children during the Western District of Missouri’s, Operation Red Card, which commenced just before the FIFA World Cup Soccer Games in Kansas City, Mo.
Additionally, Detective Cook is considered a subject matter expert in the area of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMG) and provides OMG training to law enforcement around the world.Guardian of Justice Award
The annual Guardian of Justice Award recognizes a state or local officer as well as a federal agent for investigative excellence, selfless collaboration, tireless trial support, commendable diligence and professionalism, and noteworthy assistance to prosecution. The prestigious law enforcement award is presented by the Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee each year during the law enforcement training seminar.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 24 Months for Threatening to Blow up Schools and Kill California District Attorney’s Office EmployeeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for threatening to kill a prominent member of the California District Attorney’s office and bomb area schools.
David William Platek, 43, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Megan Blair Benton, to two years in federal prison, followed by three years supervised release. Platek previously pleaded guilty to threatening interstate communication.
In 2019, the San Luis Obispo (SLO) County, Calif. District Attorney’s Office charged Platek with identity theft. Eventually, those charges were dismissed. After the dismissal, Platek moved to Springfield, Mo., and blamed a member of the SLO District Attorney’s Office for his prosecution, his “self-exile” to Missouri, and his inability to find employment.
Platek sent his friend, who was living in another state, in excess of 125 pages of text messages. In the text messages, Platek threatened to blow up schools in SLO County, as well as threatened to kill a prominent member of the SLO District Attorney’s Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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 Chiropractor Pleads Guilty to Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas chiropractor has pleaded guilty to federal health care fraud charges.
Kenya Laser, 35, of Overland Park, Kan., pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge W. Brian Gaddy to health care fraud. This plea 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.According to information presented in court, Laser was enrolled as a provider with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Blue KC) and was otherwise authorized to submit claims for reimbursements to Blue KC for chiropractic and related services. Beginning around March 2022 and continuing until around March 2025, Laser carried out a scheme to receive payments from Blue KC for health care services that were not provided as billed. Laser submitted insurance claims to Blue KC seeking payment for services that were purportedly rendered to patients on dates for which Laser knew the patients had not visited Laser Chiropractic and received no medical treatment.
As part of the scheme, Laser used the information of an individual to bill for services between October 2024 and March 2025, knowing that individual had never utilized Laser for treatment. Under federal statutes, Laser is subject to a sentence of up to 10 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 Rudolph R. Rhodes IV. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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.
Three Men Sentenced for Providing Material Support to Separatists in CameroonRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Three individuals have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a conspiracy to provide material support or resources to kill, kidnap, and maim persons and use weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in a foreign country. The defendants conspired to provide funds and equipment to separatist fighters in Cameroon to allow them to construct and use IEDs against various targets in the Northwest Region of Cameroon.
Francis Chenyi, Sr., 52, of Saint Paul, Minn. and Lah Nestor Langmi, 49, of Buffalo, N.Y., both citizens of Cameroon, were sentenced to 180 months each in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
Claude Ngenevu Chi, 43, of Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced to 63 months, followed by three years of supervised release.
Previously, Chenyi and Langmi, both of whom are U.S. citizens of Cameroonian origin, were found guilty after a federal jury trial of one count of a conspiracy to provide material support or resources intended to be used to carry out conspiracies to kill, kidnap, and maim persons in a foreign country and to use a WMD outside the United States. Chenyi and Langmi were also found guilty of one count of being involved in an international money laundering conspiracy that transferred funds from the United States to Cameroon to promote conspiracies to kill, kidnap, and maim and use WMDs abroad. Additionally, Chenyi was convicted of conspiring to provide material support and resources to use a WMD abroad.
Chi previously pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to provide material support and resources to use WMDs abroad.
According to court documents and evidence from trial, Langmi sent an audio message to separatist fighters requesting they kidnap a traditional leader in Cameroon. Following a battle with Cameroonian forces, separatists took the traditional leader along with the Catholic Cardinal Christian Tumi, who was traveling with the traditional leader, from their vehicles. Following the kidnapping, Chenyi, provided the interrogation questions to be asked of the traditional leader and the Cardinal and approved the transferring of funds through peer-to-peer transactions to the separatist fighters in Cameroon to further the kidnapping.
Chenyi was involved in ransom payments by individuals outside of Cameroon for the release of family members taken in Cameroon and communicated with Langmi about these payments. Multiple instances occurred in which co-conspirators, including Langmi, requested funds to purchase IEDs or components of IEDs for construction and use in Cameroon that were approved and funded by Chenyi. Chenyi also coordinated with individuals in Cameroon to ensure separatist fighters he supported obtained training on IED use. The defendants corresponded with co-conspirators in Cameroon to coordinate development, payment for, and logistical support toward IED use upon targets in Cameroon.
Around Dec. 3, 2020, Chenyi was requested to provide funds for construction of multiple IEDs to be used in connection with efforts to enforce a lockdown of an area before an upcoming election. Chenyi, along with Chi, agreed to provide funds for the IEDs’ construction and Chenyi coordinated the transfer of funds from the United States through peer-to-peer transactions to the separatist fighters in Cameroon.
Langmi coordinated with, and provided funds to, an unindicted co-conspirator to develop IEDs and rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) in Cameroon and kept Chenyi apprised of the IED and RPG development. Langmi also attempted to coordinate attacks near the 2021 African Cup of Nations soccer tournament hosted in Cameroon, as well as various cities throughout the Northwest Region in the spring of 2022.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean T. Foley and Joseph M. Marquez for the Western District of Missouri, with the assistance of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Kansas City Field Office.
St. Joseph Man Sentenced to 50 Years Imprisonment for Drug & Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A St. Joseph, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to commit drug trafficking and money laundering.
Montrez Dixon, 33, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to a total of 50 years in federal prison without parole for participating in a conspiracy to commit drug trafficking and money laundering.
On July 29, 2020, law enforcement officers recovered a package shipped to Kansas City, Mo. from Arizona, which contained 4,715 fentanyl pills. The investigation revealed that Dixon distributed this package and other packages to the Western District of Missouri, containing thousands of fentanyl pills. On Nov. 30, 2022, law enforcement officers with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service executed a search warrant on Dixon’s residence in Los Angeles, where over 7,500 fentanyl pills and a firearm were recovered. Dixon fled to Fresno, Calif., where he was ultimately arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service.
On Sept. 18, 2025, a jury found Dixon guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and one count of conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering. Three co-defendants had already pleaded guilty in this case.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Internal Revenue Services; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Kansas City, Missouri Police Department; Kansas City, Kansas Police Department; Buchanan County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office; Buchanan County, Missouri Drug Strike Force; St. Joseph, Missouri Police Department; Kansas City, Missouri Police Crime Laboratory; and DEA-North Central Laboratory.
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.
Nevada, Missouri Man Sentenced for Embezzling Approximately $1.5 Million from Employer and Filing a False Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Nevada, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court yesterday for a fraud scheme and filing false income tax returns.
Justin Marquardt, 55, was sentenced by United States District Judge Greg Kays, to 48 months in federal prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release, for a fraud scheme in which he embezzled approximately $1.5 million from his employer and for failing to disclose the embezzled funds as income on his federal income tax returns. Marquardt was also ordered to pay full restitution to the victims of his crimes. 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.
Marquardt previously admitted that he stole approximately $1.5 million from his employer’s bank accounts and used those funds for his personal benefit. Marquardt held the title of executive director at his employer’s company and by virtue of his position, had access to all company finances and financial accounts from 1994 to 2023. As part of his scheme, Marquardt, without authorization, transferred funds from his employer’s bank accounts to his personal accounts and wrote himself unauthorized checks from business bank accounts. Marquardt spent most of the money on personal expenses, including travel and gambling both online and at casinos. To hide his embezzlement, Marquardt omitted these unauthorized transactions from the business’s QuickBooks ledger he provided to an accountant and tax preparer. Marquardt recorded false and fraudulent payments as business expenses in the QuickBooks records to conceal his embezzlement. Marquardt embezzled at least $1,387,926.39 and has been ordered to pay this amount as restitution to his former employer.
For tax years 2017 – 2020 and 2023, Marquardt filed United States federal income tax returns on Forms 1040 in which he willfully failed to report his embezzled income. As a result of his false tax returns, he has been ordered to pay restitution of $322,596 to the Internal Revenue Service and Missouri Department of Revenue.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Venneman. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation.
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
Guatemalan Illegal Alien Sentenced to 84 Months for Aggravated Identity Theft of Minnesota ManRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An illegal alien from Guatemala residing in St. Joseph, Mo., was sentenced in federal court for fraudulently using a Minnesota man’s identity for over a decade to work legally in the United States.
Romeo Perez-Bravo, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to seven years imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release for assuming the victim’s identity to live and work in the United States. Perez-Bravo was also ordered to pay the victim restitution for the funds he expended attempting to regain his identity. This sentence includes two years for aggravated identity theft and five years for illegal reentry to the United States after a previous felony conviction. 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.
“The actions of Romeo Perez-Bravo caused extensive harm to the victim, including substantial lost wages, impact to the victim’s credit, and countless hours spent trying to resolve the consequences; hours that can never be restored,” said R. Matthew Price, U.S. Attorney for the District of Western Missouri. “Identity theft is a serious crime that can have lasting consequences for victims while also placing an unnecessary burden on taxpayers, government programs, and the agencies responsible for administering them. Our district will continue to aggressively pursue those who break the law by not only fraudulently assuming the identity of an American citizen, but also violating our country’s immigration policies.”
“For more than a decade, this defendant stole more than a name. He stole a real person’s financial security, peace of mind, and ability to live free from the consequences of someone else’s crimes,” said Rick Sabatini, Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City Special Agent Charge. “HSI Kansas City will continue to pursue identity thieves, repeat immigration offenders, and criminal aliens who exploit our systems and victimize innocent Americans. If you use fraud to hide, work, or commit crimes in our communities, we will find you and bring you to justice.”
Perez-Bravo admitted that beginning in Missouri in 2009, he used the victim’s name, social security number, and date of birth to fraudulently obtain work authorization. He also used the victim’s identity to obtain a Missouri non-driver’s license and to register vehicles. At the sentencing hearing, the victim testified that he learned someone had stolen his identity when his wages began to be garnished for an unknown debt. He inquired with the Social Security Administration and was told there were several employers reporting wages under his SSN in states he never visited or lived in. For over a decade, the victim received demand letters from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for unpaid tax debts accrued by Perez-Bravo working under his identity. The victim estimated he had paid nearly $15,000 to the IRS and continues to pay monthly installments on the tax debts. The victim also incurred expenses related to attempting to remove Perez-Bravo’s taxes from his record.Perez-Bravo was illegally present in the United States after being deported three previous times in 2005, 2008, and 2009. While illegally present in the United States, Perez-Bravo was convicted of six driving while intoxicated offenses, domestic violence, and three felonies including terroristic threats and aggravated forgery. He also used the victim’s identity when he was found liable in a wrongful death suit for a vehicle crash he caused.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda K. Hanson. It was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General, Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations, the Olivia Minnesota Police Department, and the St. Joseph Missouri Police Department.
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.
Strafford Woman Sentenced to 300 Months for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Strafford, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court today for her role in a “throuple” who sexually abused two children to produce child pornography.
Jessica Nicole Pickett, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Megan Blair Benton to a total of 25 years in federal prison without parole, to be followed by a life term of supervised release. Pickett will be required to register as a sex offender upon her release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout her life.
Pickett pleaded guilty on Jan. 22, 2026, to conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of children and transfer of obscene material to a minor. Pickett admitted that she participated in a conspiracy with Mallory Bunch and Thomas Bunch (now deceased, formerly Mallory Bunch’s husband with whom they were involved in a polyamorous relationship) to sexually abuse two minor victims and to produce child pornography depicting that abuse from Sept. 2, 2016, to May 23, 2024. Pickett also admitted to sharing an iCloud link that contained 376 images and two videos of the sexual activity of Mallory and Thomas Bunch and Pickett with one of the minor victims.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Wan. It was investigated by the Greene County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Southwest Missouri Cyber Crimes Task Force, and Webster County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.
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 15 Months for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo. man was sentenced in federal court today for his illegal possession of a firearm.
William Thomas Alexander Moore, 30, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Megan Blair Benton for being a felon in possession of a firearm. This defendant was charged as a part of Operation Spring Cleaning, that was coordinated by the United States Attorney’s Office and law enforcement across Southwest Missouri.
On June 26, 2025, Moore was contacted by the Christian County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office for exceeding the posted speed limit. Christian County deputies conducted a search of Moore’s vehicle after a K-9 unit indicated on the vehicle. Deputies discovered two Smith and Wesson .38 caliber firearms. Deputies then learned Moore was a convicted felon and was arrested for his illegal possession of the firearms. Moore was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, followed by three years of post-release supervision, and payment of a $100 Special Assessment as required by law.
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 Christian 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.
Illegal Alien from Guatemala Sentenced to 14 Months for Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Guatemalan illegal alien residing in St. Joseph, Mo., was sentenced in federal court for reentering the United States after being deported.
Byron Perez-Roblero, 39, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 14 months imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release for reentering the United States after deportation.
Perez-Roblero was arrested Sept. 18, 2025, in St. Joseph, Mo., by investigators and officers with Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Marshals Service, the Missouri Highway Patrol, and the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Department, who were serving a federal warrant for another subject. Perez-Roblero had been deported from the United States five times – in 2009, 2011, 2017, 2020, and 2021. Perez-Roblero had a 2021 felony conviction for illegal reentry in United States District Court in Tucson, Ariz.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen D. Mahoney. It was investigated by 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.
Bolivar, Missouri Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Bolivar, Mo. man was sentenced in federal court today for his illegal possession of multiple firearms, including two AR-15 type rifles, that held 30-round and 60-round extended magazines.
Russell Dean Taylor, Jr., 47, was sentenced to five years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Megan Blair Benton for being a felon illegally in possession of a firearm. This defendant was charged as a part of Operation Spring Cleaning, that was coordinated by the United States Attorney’s Office and law enforcement across Southwest Missouri.
On April 28, 2024, detectives with the Polk County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office received a report of Taylor possessing an AR-15 styled rifle during an argument at his residence. Polk County deputies were aware Taylor was a previously convicted felon and would be prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.
Taylor was arrested by Polk County Sheriff’s deputies when he came to the sheriff’s department for an unrelated incident. Following the execution of a search warrant, law enforcement located a CD Defense, AR12A, 12-gauge shotgun, a Diamondback, AR-style, 5.6mm caliber semi-automatic rifle, and a Bushmaster, AR-15 style, 5.6mm caliber semi-automatic rifle. Law enforcement noted that the Diamondback, AR-15 style rifle, was loaded with a 30-round extended magazine, and the Bushmaster, AR-15 style rifle, was loaded with a 60-round extended magazine. Each rifle had a round of ammunition in the chamber. Taylor was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, followed by three years of post-release supervision, payment of a $75,000 fine, and payment of a $100 Special Assessment as required by law.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Polk 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.
As Children Return to School, U.S. Attorney Announces Prosecutions of Six Trusted Adults Accused of Exploiting MinorsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri announced six recent prosecutions involving trusted adults accused of exploiting children while serving in positions of authority. This announcement comes on the heels of back-to-school season and is part of the district’s ongoing commitment to protect children from alleged predators.
“When parents send their children to school, they do so with the expectation that their children are in the care of trusted adults,” said R. Matthew Price, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. “They should never have to question whether a teacher, school administrator, or coach, is exploiting or putting their child at risk. Our office, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute those who compromise the safety, security, and well-being of children in our district. Protecting children is among our highest priorities, and we will hold accountable anyone who threatens their safety, to the fullest extent of the law.”
“We entrust our educators with one of the most important responsibilities in our communities: helping shape the lives and futures of our children,” said Chris Ormerod, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kansas City Field Office. We trust them to educate our students, to teach them the values of responsible citizenship, and to provide guidance and life lessons that extend far beyond the classroom. The vast majority of educators across this country honor that responsibility every day and we deeply commend them for their dedication and service. But make no mistake: when an educator abuses their position of trust to exploit a child, that will not be tolerated. The FBI will pursue those who prey upon children and will work to ensure that offenders are held accountable under the law.”
Matthew Joseph Wick, 35, Independence, Mo., is a guidance counselor at Raytown South Middle School. On Aug. 25, 2026, a federal grand jury charged Wick with one count of possession of child pornography. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Wick’s telephone provider submitted several cyber tip reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding videos that were uploaded to the provider’s cloud storage for Wick’s account. According to court documents, investigators discovered that there was a secure folder that contained 55 video files that constituted child pornography on Wick’s cellular device. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Independence, Missouri Police Department.
Caleb J. Eyde, 21, is a substitute elementary school teacher for the Independence, Missouri. School District. On Aug. 25, 2026, a federal grand jury charged Eyde with four counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Discord Inc., a group communication platform, submitted several cyber tip reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding videos depicting Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) that were uploaded to the company’s platform from two accounts. The results of the investigation led local law enforcement and federal agents to Eyde. Investigators obtained Discord Inc. records which investigators believe indicate Eyde was distributing, trading, and purchasing CSAM from other users. Examinations of Eyde’s electronic devices uncovered images and videos depicting CSAM that were saved to Eyde’s devices. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly Collins. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Independence, Missouri Police Department.
Joel Thomas Rosales, 44, of Independence, Mo., was a former recreational softball coach in Oak Grove, Mo. On Aug. 25, 2026, a federal grand jury charged Rosales with one count of receipt of child pornography. According to an affidavit filed in support of a criminal complaint, an adult witness discovered communications from Rosales on a minor victim’s cell phone. The communications were sexually explicit in nature and Rosales received images depicting CSAM. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Teresa Moore. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Oak Grove, Missouri Police Department.
Jonathan Xavier Valdez, 36, of Blue Springs, Mo., was an area Scouting America Troop Leader. On June 24, 2026, a federal grand jury charged Valdez with one count each of production of child obscenity and possession 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, allegedly manipulated clothed images of multiple minors to create graphic nude depictions of those children appearing to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Valdez is a troop leader with Scouting America and has been active with the Scouts for several years. Members of the Federal Bureau of Investigations 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 engaging in sexually explicit conduct on Valdez’s TV, cell phone, and other devices. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Richard Villigram, 43, of Kansas City, Mo., a Plaza Middle School teacher, was charged in federal court on attempted child exploitation charges. On May 6, 2026, a federal grand jury charged Villigram with one count each of attempted use of an interstate facility to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, attempted receipt of child pornography, and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Villigram, over the course of several days, allegedly 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, Villigram arranged to meet the purported minor to engage in sexual conduct and asked the purported minor to send him pornographic images. Villigram was later arrested on April 21, 2026, after arriving at the location he arranged to meet the minor to engage in sexual conduct. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Luna. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The charges contained in the indictments above 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.
Independence, Missouri Elementary Substitute Teacher Charged with Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An elementary school substitute teacher for the Independence, Mo. School District has been charged by criminal complaint with distributing and possessing child pornography.
Caleb J. Eyde, 21, appeared in federal court today on a five-count criminal complaint.
According to court documents, multiple cyber tips reports were made after Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) was uploaded to Discord, a group communication platform. The results of the investigation led local law enforcement and federal agents to Eyde. Investigators believe Discord records indicate Eyde was distributing, trading, and purchasing CSAM from other users. A forensic examination of Eyde’s electronic devices uncovered images and videos depicting CSAM saved to Eyde’s devices.
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 Kelly Collins. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Child Exploitation Task Force and the Independence, Missouri Police Department.
For more information about online safety for kids please visit https://www.fbi.gov/onlinesafety. To report a tip visit, https://tips.fbi.gov/home.
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."
Raytown Man Sentenced to 74 Months for Using Gun During CVS RobberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Rayton, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for using a firearm to rob a CVS pharmacy.
Ta’Rod Glenel Perkins, 28, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Brian C. Wimes to six years and two months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release for using a firearm during an armed robbery of a CVS pharmacy in Kansas City, Mo.
On Jan. 21, 2026, Perkins, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Lajuan M. Counts to one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, specifically a robbery of a CVS pharmacy store. At the time Perkins robbed the CVS, he was on federal supervised release related to another federal prosecution. Perkins’s sentence includes his sentence for violating his conditions of supervised release by robbing the CVS.
According to the written plea agreement, Perkins admitted that on Feb. 13, 2025, he entered a CVS in Kansas City, Mo., wearing a mask, a black coat, blue jeans, and gloves. Witnesses reported that the robber had a handgun and stated: “I want promethazine and oxy. I don’t want any trouble. Just give me Promethazine and Oxy.” Perkins jumped over the counter and grabbed a red tub that was filled with controlled substances. CVS employees were able to place a tracking device in the red tub that Perkins stole. This tracker led investigators to a residence in Belton, Mo., where Perkins was found. Investigators obtained a search warrant of the residence and found clothing worn by the robber during the robbery. A firearm was later recovered from a neighbor who found it hidden under a barbeque grill on the deck. Law enforcement officials swabbed the firearm for genetic material and DNA comparative analysis tended to show that Perkins’s DNA was present on the firearm.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by Kansas City, Mo. Police Department, the Belton, Mo. Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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 to 84 Months for Assaulting Postal WorkerRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for assaulting a U.S. Postal Service worker.
Courtney J. Ellis, 45, was sentenced to seven years, followed by three years supervised release for assaulting a postal worker while they were performing their official duties. Ellis pleaded guilty to the assault earlier this year.
According to court documents, on June 18, 2025, Ellis struck the victim on the head with a wooden board while he was delivering mail to Ellis’s address. The victim, who was delivering mail along that route for the first time, was wearing a USPS uniform and driving a marked USPS delivery vehicle. After striking the victim, Ellis yelled that he didn’t belong in the neighborhood and followed him back to his vehicle where he continued to yell at and threaten the victim.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall D. Eggert. It was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Springfield, Mo., Police Department.
Operation Take Back America
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Former Elementary School Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former elementary school teacher and employee of two area school districts pleaded guilty to 13 child pornography offenses involving 12 minor victims.
Dennis Adlai Hernandez, 29, of Independence, Mo., pleaded guilty today in federal court to 11 counts of production and attempted production of child pornography, one count of transportation of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography for offenses alleged to have occurred between August 2022 and August 2025.
Under federal statutes, Hernandez is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole on each count of production and attempted production of child pornography and up to 20 years in federal prison without parole on each of the two remaining child pornography offenses. 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 Alison Dunning. 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."
Jury Convicts Kansas City Woman for Fraud Related to Social Security Administration BenefitsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., woman was found guilty by a federal jury for stealing federal benefits.
Divianys Morales-Alvarez, 50, was found guilty of two counts of theft of government funds, one count of bank fraud, and one count of aggravated identity theft.
In 2024, the Social Security Administration’s Office of the Inspector General (“SSA-OIG”) received a report of a retirement beneficiary living in Cuba in substandard conditions. This beneficiary, R.A., had moved to Cuba upon her retirement in February of 2020. The United States Treasury does not allow government payments to individuals living in Cuba; however, SSA was not made aware of R.A.’s move so it continued to send her monthly benefits to her bank account in the United States on which her daughter, Morales-Alvarez, was a joint owner. 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.
From February 2020 to September 2024, SSA sent over $66,000 to that joint account. The defendant claimed she had sent $10,000 of those benefit payments in cash to Cuba to take care of her mother who was suffering from dementia. Although records show she did not travel to Cuba herself, she claimed to have sent R.A. many packages containing supplies and clothing with others who were traveling to Cuba. The evidence introduced at trial showed she sent approximately $1,600 and four to five packages containing clothes and supplies over that four-year period. Morales-Alvarez spent the remaining funds on herself including purchasing a vehicle and paying her delinquent real estate taxes.
While R.A. was living in Cuba, Morales-Alvarez also intercepted United States Treasury checks made payable to R.A. for tax refunds and credits. She forged her mother’s signature on the back of the checks, deposited them into the joint account, and then transferred the majority of the money to her own savings account. She spent that money on her own living expenses including restaurants, online streaming services, and car repairs.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City deliberated for four hours before returning a guilty verdict on all four counts to U.S. District Stephen R. Bough, ending a trial that began Monday, August 10.
Under federal statutes, Morales-Alvarez, 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.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda K. Hanson and Patrick D. Daly. It was investigated by the Social Security Administration’s Office of the 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.
Bolivar, Missouri Woman Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Bolivar, Mo. woman was sentenced in federal court today for her illegal possession of a firearm.
Summer Gomes, 44, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips for her conviction of being a felon illegally in possession of a firearm. This defendant was charged as part of Operation Spring Cleaning, an initiative in March led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri, in coordination with law enforcement agencies across Southwest Missouri.
On June 5, 2025, Gomes was contacted by law enforcement during a traffic stop for an improper display of a license plate. During that contact, Gomes consented to a search of the vehicle she drove. During the search, officers found a Jimenez Arms .22 caliber semiautomatic firearm, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and marijuana. Gomes was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, followed by three years of post-release supervision, and payment of a $100 Special Assessment as required by law.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the FBI and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Former Escrow Officer Sentenced to Prison for Bank FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Cameron, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court for bank fraud in relation to an embezzlement scheme committed between December 2018 and February 2024.
Tracy L. Kellerstrass, 52, former escrow officer for Cameron Title Company, was sentenced to a year and a day in federal prison without parole. Following her release from prison, Kellerstrass will serve a three-year term of supervised release. She will also be required to pay restitution for her theft of $460,415.84. 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. Kellerstrass previously pleaded guilty to bank fraud on March 24, 2026, and admitted to forging another employee’s signature on numerous company checks and presenting them for deposit into her personal bank account.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tony Brown It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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.
Kansas City Man Sentenced to Nearly 12 Years in Prison for Illegal Firearm PossessionRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City man was sentenced in federal court for illegally possessing a firearm. Authorities recovered the firearm while arresting the suspect in a 2024 homicide.
Tracy Parker, 38, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 139 months in federal prison without parole. The sentence consists of 115 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm and an additional 24 months to be served consecutively, for violating the terms of the federal supervised release he was serving for a 2017 firearm conviction. Following his release from prison, Parker will serve a three-year term of federal supervised release.
On Oct. 23, 2024, deputies with the U.S. Marshals Service and the Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force arrested Parker pursuant to a federal arrest warrant for supervised-release violations. As deputies moved in to execute the arrest, Parker fled on foot. During the chase, a deputy saw Parker retrieve a handgun from his waistband, which Parker then dropped behind a parked car.
Deputies detained Parker moments later and found the loaded 9mm handgun that Parker had dropped. The firearm had been reported stolen in Olathe, Kansas.
After being taken into custody, Parker admitted he possessed the firearm, stating he had found it several days earlier. Parker acknowledged he was a convicted felon and said he discarded the handgun while fleeing because he feared being caught with it.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kirkpatrick. It was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Midwest Violent Fugitive Task Force.
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 Pleads Guilty for Illegal Reentry into the United States After a Prior DeportationRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Guatemalan National who had a complaint brought by the United States Attorney’s Office, pleaded guilty to an information charging him with illegal reentry into the United States after being previously deported.
Jelber Gomez-Lopez, 33, pleaded guilty to the charge before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge David P. Rush. Under federal statute, illegally reentering 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 Missouri State Highway Patrol.
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.
Interim Jackson County Executive Philip LeVota Indicted for BriberyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Interim Jackson County Executive has been indicted by a federal grand jury for engaging in a bribery scheme related to the 2026 election for Jackson County Executive.
Philip LeVota, 61, was charged in a five-count sealed indictment on July 16, 2026, by a federal grand jury sitting in Kansas City, Mo. The indictment was unsealed today upon LeVota’s initial court appearance. LeVota is charged with honest services fraud, federal program bribery, Travel Act violations, and making a false statement to federal law enforcement agents.
As alleged in the indictment, from March 16, 2026, to March 31, 2026, LeVota took multiple actions aimed at inducing a specific candidate to abandon the 2026 election for Jackson County Executive. As part of the scheme, LeVota entered into an agreement for the candidate to abandon the election in exchange for the candidate and a colleague of the candidate receiving full-time positions in the government of Jackson County. When approached by federal law enforcement agents on April 6, 2026, LeVota made false statements related to the agreement.
“The allegations contained in the indictment are incredibly serious and should send a clear warning to any officeholders who violate their oath. My office will aggressively pursue all allegations of public corruption and will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to hold wrongdoers accountable. Bottom line, the citizens in the Western District deserve to have faith in their public officials, whether elected or appointed.” said United States Attorney Matthew Price.
“The citizens of Jackson County deserve honesty, transparency, accountability, and integrity from those entrusted with public office. Today’s indictment announcement alleges serious breaches of those principles and represents a significant moment for our community.” said Chris Ormeord, FBI Kansas City- Special Agent in Charge. “Public trust is the foundation of an effective government. Citizens must have confidence that public officials will uphold the law and serve the public interest above all else.”
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, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsels Patrick D. Daly and Nicholas P. Heberle and Assistant United States Attorney J. Benton Hurst. This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Attached is a copy of the indictment:
levota_indictment.pdfFour Individuals Charged with Illegal Re-Entry After Being Previously DeportedRead the Press Release
SRINGFIELD, Mo. – Four individuals were indicted by a federal grand jury in separate cases this week for illegally re-entering the United States after they were previously deported.
Honduran National charged with Illegal Re-Entry After Being Previously Deported and Convicted of a Prior Aggravated Felony Offense
According to an indictment returned today, Mario Robert Mejia-Valledares, 49, was charged with illegal re-entry by a previously deported alien who had been previously convicted of an aggravated felony offense. On July 27, 2026, Mejia-Valledares was found voluntarily in the United States after being previously deported on January 29, 2010, September 23, 2011, and February 4, 2023. Further, Mejia-Valledares’ aggravated felony offense was because of his conviction in Houston, Texas for discharging a firearm at an occupied dwelling, building or vehicle.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick. It was investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HIS) and the Christian County, Missouri Sheriff’s Department.
Honduran National Charged with Immigration Offense
Fredy Rolando Rivera-Gonzalez, 31, was indicted today with one count of illegal re-entry by an alien. The indictment alleges Rivera-Gonzalez had been previously deported from the United States on November 6, 2019, from Huntsville, Texas.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), and the Pulaski County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.
Guatemalan National Charged in Indictment with Illegal Re-Entry After Being Previously Deported and Convicted of a Prior Aggravated Felony Offense
Yalex Rodas-Rodas, 25, was indicted today by a Federal Grand Jury for illegally re-entering the United States after being previously deported and convicted of a prior aggravated felony offense. On July 3, 2026, Rodas-Rodas was discovered by law enforcement voluntarily and illegally within the United States after having been deported on October 21, 2010, on April 26, 2012, and October 21, 2020.
Rodas-Rodas has an aggravated felony conviction for forgery on August 18, 2010, in Jasper County, Missouri. Rodas-Rodas has also been previously convicted of the felony offense of illegal re-entry after being previously deported on April 1, 2012, in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Missouri.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and the Jasper County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office.
Mexican National charged with Illegal Re-Entry After Being Previously Deported
Lorenzo Castillo-Rivera, 32, was indicted today by a Federal Grand Jury charging him with illegal re-entry into the United States by a previously deported alien. On July 20, 2026, Castillo-Rivera was found voluntarily within the United States, specifically Stone County, Missouri, after being previously deported on April 18, 2022, November 14, 2023, and September 18, 2024.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), the Stone County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, and the Reed Springs, Missouri, police department.
The charges contained in these indictments 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
These cases are 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.
Former Union Officer Sentenced to Federal Prison for EmbezzlementRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A 65-year-old former financial secretary of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, Local Lodge 21, has been sentenced to prison for federal charges in the Western District of Missouri.
David Scofield of Independence, Missouri, pleaded guilty on November 24, 2025, to bank fraud, embezzlement of labor union assets, and falsification of annual financial report filed by labor union. He was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Stephen R. Bough.
According to information presented in court, for nearly nine years, Scofield used his position as the financial secretary of Local Lodge 21 to steal more than $54,000 from the union. He issued unauthorized checks, made personal payments from the union account, and conducted hundreds of online transactions for his own benefit. He then hid his fraud by falsifying records.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rudolph R. Rhodes IV. This case was investigated by U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Labor-Management Standards.
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.
Utah Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Sexual Exploitation of Two Minor Victims and Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Salt Lake City, Utah man was sentenced today for sexually exploiting two minor victims and illegally reentering the United States.
Erik Santana-Garcia, 34, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Greg Kays to 20 years in federal prison without parole, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Santana-Garcia received a 20-year total sentence for interstate transportation of a minor with intent to engage in illegal sexual activity, possession of child pornography, and illegally reentering the United States following a prior deportation.
According to court documents, Santana-Garcia, who pleaded guilty on March 3, 2026, transported a minor, identified as Minor Victim 1, across state lines with the intent to engage in illegal sexual activity with the minor victim. Santana-Garcia left Utah with Minor Victim 1 on Nov. 10, 2024. Santana-Garcia intended to transport Minor Victim 1 to New York, but they were located in Missouri on Nov. 12, 2024, by officers with the Oak Grove, Missouri Police Department. Investigators with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations later found child pornography depicting Minor Victim 2 on a phone seized from Santana-Garcia at his arrest. Santana-Garcia was an alien who had been previously deported and removed from the United States on multiple occasions, most recently on March 6, 2019.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alison Dunning. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Oak Grove, 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."
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 Woman Sentenced to Seven Years for Possession and Intent to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City, Mo., woman was sentenced in federal court for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
April Cevasco, 48, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark to 84 months in federal prison without parole for possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Cevasco pleaded guilty on Jan. 2, 2026.
On Jan. 12, 2024, Riverside Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop of Cevasco. After a drug‑detection canine alerted to the vehicle, officers searched the car and located a purple duffle bag containing a loaded .38‑caliber revolver and drug paraphernalia. Officers also recovered a large amount of cash from Cevasco representing proceeds of drug distribution. Cevasco had previously possessed two pounds of methamphetamine for distribution and the quantity recovered by officers was what remained.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Kirkpatrick. It was investigated by the Riverside Police Department and the Jackson County Drug Task Force.
Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty for Illegal Reentry into the United States After a Prior DeportationRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Guatemalan National who was previously indicted by a federal grand jury, pleaded guilty to the offense of illegal reentry into the United States after being previously deported.
Julien Cristobal-Perez, 62, pleaded guilty before District Judge Douglas Harpool to the sole count of the indictment, related to his illegal re-entry after being previously deported from the United States. Under federal statute, illegally reentering 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.
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 Reentry into the United States After Prior DeportationRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Guatemalan National was indicted by a federal grand jury for illegal re-entry into the United States after being previously deported.
Isaias Hernandez-Sales, 40, was indicted for an offense that occurred on June 20, 2026, in Newton County, Mo., related to his illegal reentry after being previously deported from the United States. Under federal statute, illegally reentering 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 Neosho, 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.
Criminal Complaint Filed Against Lee’s Summit, Missouri Man for Ponzi Scheme Defrauding Millions of Dollars from InvestorsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A criminal complaint has been filed against a Lee’s Summit, Mo. man, alleging he operated an ongoing investment scheme that defrauded millions of dollars from victims.
Signed by United States Magistrate Judge W. Brian Gaddy, the complaint alleges that Trevor Uhls, 29, operated a Ponzi scheme that fraudulently obtained more than $2 million from at least 24 individual investors through false and misleading representations. Investor funds were allegedly misappropriated for Uhls’ personal benefit. 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.
The complaint charges that on or about June 12, 2025, Uhls text messaged an Independence, Mo., investor claiming that the investor could earn 8.5% interest by pooling his money with others for a storage unit investment. The investor wired $15,000 to Uhls’ checking account. The complaint alleges Uhls used that investor’s money plus another $5,000 to purchase a Rolex FMT-Master II watch and a Rolex Jubilee bracelet from Meierotto Jewelers for a total amount of $20,155.35. According to the complaint, the storage unit investment Uhls offered the victim was part of a fraudulent scheme and that Uhls made false statements to solicit funds to further the scheme. A review of Uhls’ financial records found no evidence that he invested the victim’s money in storage units, according to the complaint.
On July 20, 2026, United States District Judge Stephen R. Bough issued a temporary restraining order against Uhls, ordering him to, among other things, stop committing wire fraud; soliciting, receiving, or accepting any funds from investors; and contacting people that he had previously asked for money.
A motion filed with the complaint seeking Uhls’ detention without bond alleges that Uhls continued to contact victims and confronted them about their cooperation with law enforcement.
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.
Under federal statutes, Uhls is subject to a sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison without parole for wire fraud and up to 10 years in federal prison without parole for money laundering. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as any 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 Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Ketchmark. It was investigated by Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI).
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.
Prairie Village, Kansas Woman Pleads Guilty to Social Security Benefits FraudRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Prairie Village, Kan., woman pleaded guilty in federal court today for defrauding the Social Security Administration.
Gloria Burggraf, 70, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge D. Greg Kays to one count of theft of government money. According to the plea agreement, Burggraf’s former husband passed away in March of 2021 while he was receiving Social Security Administration (“SSA”) retirement benefits. At the time, Burggraf was also receiving her own SSA retirement benefits in the same joint account. Burggraf was aware of her obligation to report that she was receiving her late husband’s benefits in error, failed to do so and continued to collect nearly $95,000 over a four-year period. 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, Burggraf is subject to a sentence of up to 10 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 the Social Security Office of the 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.
Independence, Mo. Man Connected to Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) Group Charged with Sexual Exploitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – An Independence, Mo., man has been charged by criminal complaint with receipt of child pornography over the internet and possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, Jordan A. Porter, 23, has been connected to Nihilistic Violent Extremist (NVE) groups similar to the group “764.” Porter has an extensive history of engaging in criminal conduct related to the exploitation of minors, including conduct related to NVEs. NVEs consist of individuals who engage in criminal conduct within the United States and abroad, in furtherance of political, social, or religious goals that derive primarily from a hatred of society at large and a desire to bring about its collapse by sowing indiscriminate chaos, destruction, and social instability.
The investigation by Homeland Security Investigations into Porter’s conduct revealed that on multiple occasions, Porter received Child Sexual Abuse Material (“CSAM”) on a social media application. The communications and content shared by members in the social media group are consistent with NVEs. NVEs, both individually and as a network, systematically and methodically target vulnerable populations, which often include minors, across the United States and the globe, frequently using social media communication platforms. NVEs frequently conduct coordinated extortions of individuals by blackmailing them so they comply with the demands of the network. These demands vary and include, but are not limited to, self-mutilation, online and in-person sexual acts, harm to animals, sexual exploitation of siblings and others, acts of violence, threats of violence, suicide, and murder.
NVE networks have adopted various monikers to identify themselves. The networks have changed names over time, which has led to the creation of related networks. Although the networks change names and use a variety of different social media platforms, the core members and goals remain consistent and align with the overarching threat of NVE.
“764” and related groups (“764”) are NVEs who engage in criminal conduct within the United States and engage with other extremists abroad. The 764 network’s accelerationist goals include social unrest and the downfall of the current world order, including the United States Government. Members of 764 work in concert with one another towards a common purpose of destroying civilized society through the corruption and exploitation of vulnerable populations, including minors.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett, Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Chlarson are prosecuting the case. This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.
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.
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 Indicted for Illegally Reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Guatemalan citizen has been indicted for immigration violations in the Western District of Missouri.
Francisco Solis-Ralios, 20, was named in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on July 28, 2026, charging him with possession of a fraudulent immigration document and illegal reentry by a previously deported alien.
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, Sois-Ralios is subject to a sentence of up to ten years in federal prison without parole and deportation, if convicted.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rudolph R. Rhodes IV. It was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), 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.
Columbia, Missouri Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute MethRead the Press Release
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A Columbia, Mo. man was sentenced in federal court today for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Ronald Dale Thornton, III, 35, of Columbia, Mo., was sentenced in federal court for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine by U.S. District Judge Steven R. Bough to 15 years in prison without parole for conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.
On March 19, 2024, members of the Columbia Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) served a search warrant at an Airbnb rented by Thornton in Columbia. During the search, 50 packages of methamphetamine weighing a total of 50 pounds were recovered along with $24,957 in U.S. currency. Thornton was present at the residence along with other individuals.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn. It was investigated by the Columbia Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
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, Missouri, Man Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud and Failure to Pay Employment Taxes Associated with his Time Share Exit BusinessesRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today for his commission of a fraud scheme and his failure to pay employment taxes that stemmed from his operation and ownership of multiple time share exit businesses.
Brian Scroggs, 54, pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge David P. Rush to one count of wire fraud and one count of failure to pay employment taxes. 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. According to the plea agreement, Scroggs owned and operated several time-share exit businesses, namely, Vacation Consulting Services, LLC., The Transfer Group, VCS Communication, LLC., and Real Travel, LLC. Through these businesses, Scroggs offered services to get clients out of their time shares. The individuals who hired Scroggs paid him substantial fees to cover costs for the services.
Scroggs took monies from each of his clients while making promises that guaranteed he would either get his clients out of their times shares, give each client a full refund, or assume financial responsibility over the client’s time share moving forward.
Scroggs failed to honor the representations and guarantees made to each of his clients despite them paying Scroggs considerable amounts of money. In addition to the fraud associated with his time share exit business, Scroggs also employed numerous sales and administrative employees. While operating these businesses and collecting employment taxes from each employee, Scroggs failed to pay those monies forward to the Internal Revenue Service and the state of Missouri and failed to pay any matching monies that he was obligated to pay as the owner and operator of these businesses.
Under federal statutes, Scroggs 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 five years in federal prison without parole. In addition, Scroggs is subject to a maximum fine of $10,000 for Count Six, Failure to Pay Employment Taxes. 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 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, the FBI and the Missouri Department of Revenue.
Mexican National Sentenced to 9 1/2 Years for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national was sentenced in federal court today for possessing more than 56 pounds of methamphetamine.
Pablo DeJesus Peralta Anguis, 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to 9 1/2 years in prison without parole for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and unlawful reentry after removal.
On Sept. 3, 2024, a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper pulled over a vehicle on Interstate 29 in Kansas City, Mo. Pedro Alberto Quiroz Ayala, 22, who did not have a valid driver’s license, was driving the vehicle, with a female juvenile in the front passenger seat and Apolinar Gocovachi Pacheco, 26, and Anguis in the back seat.
When the trooper searched the vehicle, he found a large duffle bag in the third-row seating area containing approximately 55.6 pounds of methamphetamine. Also found was a grocery bag containing approximately one pound of methamphetamine on the floorboard, and a loaded firearm in the driver’s door pouch.
When the four occupants got out of the vehicle for the search, Ayala and Anguis fled on foot. A manhunt ensued and both were apprehended a short time later.
Ayala told investigators he, Pacheco, and Anguis drove to Omaha, Neb., to pick up drugs in exchange for approximately $2,000 for his help in transporting the drugs.
Pacheco told investigators he arrived in the United States approximately two weeks earlier from Nogales Sonora, Mexico. Pacheco said he paid $6,000 to cross the border illegally. Pacheco said he was asked to travel from Kansas City, Kan., to Omaha to pick up drugs by Anguis. Pacheco said he was promised to receive a significant amount of U.S. currency for assisting with the transportation of the drugs from Omaha to the Kansas City area.
Officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed Anguis and Pacheco had previously been found illegally in the United States by Border Patrol Agents near Nogalez, Ariz. on Aug. 22, 2024. Anguis and Pacheco were removed from the United States to Mexico that same day.
Ayala pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and on May 6, 2026, was sentenced to 11 years in prison without parole.
Pacheco pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and unlawful reentry after removal, and on April 2, 2026, was sentenced to eight years in prison without parole.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, , Drug Enforcement Administration, Jackson County Drug Task Force, Kansas City, Missouri Police Department and the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
KC Metro Strike Force
This prosecution was brought as a part of the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Co-located Strike Forces Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against a continuum of priority targets and their affiliate illicit financial networks. These prosecutor-led co-located Strike Forces capitalize on the synergy created through the long-term relationships that can be forged by agents, analysts, and prosecutors who remain together over time, and they epitomize the model that has proven most effective in combating organized crime. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking organizations, transnational criminal organizations, and money laundering organizations that present a significant threat to the public safety, economic, or national security of the United States.
Homeland Security Task Force Search Warrants Result in Seizure of 1,311 Grams of Fentanyl, 50 Firearms in Kansas City, MissouriRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – On July 17, federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, with the help of prosecutors, executed multiple federal search warrants, in Kansas City, Mo. The effort was part of the Homeland Security Task Force, a multi-agency Department of Justice Initiative, that works to protect U.S. citizens from security threats and violent crime.
The search warrants resulted in the combined seizure of 1,311 grams of fentanyl, 50 firearms, 1,559.2 grams of methamphetamine, 20,479 grams of marijuana, nearly $40,000 in cash, and six pill presses, among other illegal items.
“This Homeland Security Task Force operation demonstrates the tremendous impact of strong partnerships among federal, state, and local law enforcement working toward a shared mission,” said U.S. Attorney R. Matthew Price of the Western District of Missouri. “By combining our resources and expertise, we are making our communities safer and ensuring that those who commit violent crimes are held fully accountable under the law.”
Several Kansas City, Mo. residents, including one Mexican national, were charged by criminal complaints during the operation:
Cornelius D. Phelps, 40; Maurice C. Beasley, 30; Jose E. Marquez-Echeverria, 30; and Porsha E. Dixon, 40, were charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
In addition, Phelps and Dixon were charged with conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Andre Evans, 46, and Andre Evans Jr., 18, were charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Taron D. Ford, 41, was charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, psilocybin, and marijuana. In addition, Ford was charged with possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of firearms.
Xavier Lambros, 27, was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The charges contained in these complaints 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 Jessica Jennings and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Alec Guy. It is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Jackson County Drug Task Force, and Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, and Grandview 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.
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Columbia Man Indicted with Attempted Enticement and Sex Trafficking of a Minor, and Child Pornography OffensesRead the Press Release
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Travis R. Moreland, 37, of Columbia, Mo., was indicted by a federal grand jury for attempted enticement and sex trafficking of a minor, as well as child pornography offenses.
On Dec. 29, 2025, Moreland allegedly engaged in online communication with an undercover law enforcement officer posing online as a 16-year-old minor. According to court documents, during his conversation with the person he believed to be a minor, Moreland arranged to meet the purported minor to engage in sexual conduct in exchange for $80. Moreland was later arrested on Dec. 29, 2025, after he arrived at an agreed upon location.
After the arrest, law enforcement analyzed Moreland’s cellular telephone and located more than 8,000 files depicting Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).
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, 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 Boone County Sheriff’s Office and the Boone County Cyber Crimes Taskforce.
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 CPA Sentenced for Wire Fraud and Submitting False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for one count of wire fraud and one count of filing false tax.
Ray Leonard Marple, 63, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Douglas Harpool, for one count of wire fraud and one count of submitting false taxes. Marple was sentenced to 18 months incarceration with the Bureau of Prisons for each count to run concurrently, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $415,481.50 to the victim of his embezzlement and $86,210.84 to the Internal Revenue Service, for a total amount of $501,692.34 in restitution and a final order of forfeiture in the amount of $415,481.50. 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.Marple used his position as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to serve as the executor of a trust for a family. As the executor of the trust, Marple then made numerous financial transactions that resulted in him embezzling $415,481.50. In addition, Marple also repeatedly filed false tax returns in 2018, 2019, and 2020, in which he grossly understated the amount of money that he earned during those years. As a result of his false tax returns, Marple owes the United States $86,210.84 in unpaid income taxes.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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.
Springfield Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Sexual Exploitation of Two Child VictimsRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man who sexually exploited two child victims was sentenced in federal court today.
Connor Wilson Zacha, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge M. Douglas Harpool to 30 years in federal prison without parole, followed by a lifetime of supervised release. Zacha received 30-year sentences for two counts of child exploitation with both sentences running concurrently. Zacha 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.
According to court documents, Zacha, who pleaded guilty on Oct. 14, 2025, used a minor, identified as Jane Doe 1, to produce child pornography from Nov. 1, 2022, to Nov. 15, 2023. Zacha also used another minor, identified as Jane Doe 2, to produce child pornography from Oct. 1, 2023, to April 18, 2024. Zacha’s cellular device contained images of both Jane Doe 1 and 2, and sexually explicit images and videos of Jane Doe 2, including video of Zach and Jane Doe 2 engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ami Harshad Miller. It was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Greene County, Missouri Sheriff’s 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."
Mexican National Sentenced for Conspiracy to Fraudulently Obtain Visas for Alien ‘Victims’ of Staged CrimesRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Mexican national in the Kansas City area was sentenced in federal court today for his role in helping illegal aliens fraudulently obtain visas permitting them to reside and work in the United States.
Jose Luis Morales Salgado, 37, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced by United States District Judge Beth Phillips to 21 months of imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The Court ordered Salgado to pay a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $61,200 which constituted the illicit proceeds he obtained as a result of his involvement in the conspiracy to commit visa fraud.
On March 23, 2026, Salgado pleaded guilty to conspiring to fraudulently obtain immigration visas for aliens. Salgado admitted that immigrants contacted Salgado to arrange for themselves to become “victims” of staged robberies so they could submit applications for U-Visas, which are granted to crime victims. These immigrants, who were either illegally present in the United States or in the United States legally through work visas, paid Salgado thousands of dollars to participate. In exchange, Salgado directed them to the location of a planned staged robbery on a particular day and time.
Salgado also admitted that he recruited individuals to pose as robbers during the staged crimes and provided directions to those individuals. Salgado admitted that each robbery involved aliens who told police they had car trouble and pulled over. Soon after stopping, another vehicle would arrive and park next to, or in front of, the purported victim’s vehicle. The robber, wearing a medical mask over their face and brandishing a firearm, would strike the purported victims in the head or face, take their cash, and typically fire two rounds into the purported victim’s vehicle.
Investigators with the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department initially identified 11 incidents in which the reported robberies followed this pattern. These cases were linked to each other, based in part, on leads generated from the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN). NIBIN utilized ballistic imaging technology to compare cartridge case markings on the expended cartridges from each crime scene. Detectives determined there was likely one firearm used in the commission of all the robberies. Detectives gathered information from city cameras and license plate readers to identify the vehicles used in the robberies.
Salgado instructed the alien “victims” to falsely report to law enforcement officials how the robberies occurred and advised them how to make these false reports in an effort to bolster their applications for U-Visas.
The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act was designed to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute certain crimes while also protecting victims of crimes who are willing to help law enforcement authorities in the investigation or prosecution of criminal activity. A foreign national is eligible for a U-Visa if he/she was the victim of qualifying criminal activity, suffered substantial physical or mental abuse as a result of having been a victim of the criminal activity, possessed information about the criminal activity, and was likely to be helpful to law enforcement in the investigation or prosecution of the crime.
According to court documents, a source told investigators the number of purported “victims” involved in the scheme was well over 100. Court documents also indicate that investigators identified 11 robberies involving 33 purported “victims” that occurred as part of the conspiracy between Dec. 29, 2021, and July 13, 2024. Of those 33 immigrants, 18 submitted U-Visa applications falsely claiming to be victims of violent crimes.
An undercover federal agent and a law enforcement source met with Salgado on Jan. 22, 2025, and recorded their meeting. The undercover agent made arrangements to pay Salgado $4,000 for a robbery to be staged in order to fraudulently obtain a U-Visa. Salgado told the undercover agent he would “put on a grand show.” Once the plans were agreed upon, the undercover agent paid Salgado $500 with a promise to pay the balance later. The undercover agent met with Salgado again on , Jan. 30, and Salgado was arrested.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Trey Alford. It was investigated by the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 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.
Kansas City Woman Sentenced for Making False Statements to a Financial Institution and Preparing Fraudulent Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Kansas City woman was sentenced in federal court yesterday for her role in two separate fraudulent schemes.
Bianca Cobbins, 43, was sentenced by United States District Judge Greg Kays, to 45 months in federal prison, followed by a four-year term of supervised release, for making false statements to a financial institution, as well as aiding in the preparation of false tax returns, resulting in an actual loss of $312,656.00 and an intended loss of $36,128.32. Cobbins was also ordered to pay full restitution to the victims of her crimes. 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.
In December 2019, Cobbins obtained personal information belonging to a victim, including the victim’s legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, and credit score. Utilizing this information, Cobbins obtained a fraudulent driver’s license containing the victim’s personal information and a photograph of another individual, Quanisha Capelton. Cobbins and Capelton then utilized the fraudulent driver’s license to apply for a checking account at a local financial institution.
After opening the checking account, Cobbins manufactured two fraudulent paystubs. The paystubs falsely indicated that the above-mentioned victim worked for a healthcare company in Kansas City, Mo., and that the victim’s paychecks were directly deposited into the fraudulently opened checking account. Cobbins and Capelton then used the fraudulent driver’s license and paystubs to apply for a consumer loan at the above-mentioned local financial institution as well as other loans at various financial institutions and consumer loan companies. This criminal activity resulted in an intended loss of $36,128.32.
Quanisha Capelton was previously charged, convicted, and sentenced to the Bureau of Prisons for her use of the victim’s personal information.
In a separate scheme, Cobbins, a professional tax preparer who owned and operated a tax preparation business in Kansas City, Mo., knowingly prepared false federal tax returns for tax years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. In many instances, Cobbins attached fraudulent Schedule C forms to her clients’ returns to fraudulently inflate her clients’ refunds. Specifically, the fraudulent Schedule C forms falsely claimed business profits and/or losses, all to ensure her clients received the maximum amount of earned income credit.
In total, Cobbins fraudulently prepared at least 60 false federal tax returns, resulting in an actual loss of $312,656.00.
This case is being prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Nicholas P. Heberle. It was investigated by the United States Secret Service, IRS-CI, and the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Police Department.
National Fraud Enforcement DivisionOn 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
Temporary Restraining Order Granted Against Lee’s Summit Man for Allegedly Defrauding Millions of Dollars from InvestorsRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A temporary restraining order has been granted against a Lee’s Summit man, alleging that he operated an ongoing investment scheme that defrauded millions of dollars from victims.
According to the motion and accompanying court documents, Trevor Uhls, 29, operated a Ponzi scheme that fraudulently obtained more than $2.1 million from individual investors through false and misleading representations. Investor funds were allegedly misappropriated for Uhls’ personal benefit, resulting in substantial financial losses to his victims. 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.
According to court documents, Uhls’ fraudulent activity involved promissory note contracts guaranteeing investors a 10–15% return on their principal investment after 30, 60, or 90 days. Investors could elect to leave their funds invested and receive monthly interest payments. The average investor received only a few interest payments, if any. In addition, multiple investors have been unable to recover any of their principal investment or accrued interest.
The allegations contained in this motion are simply accusations, and not evidence of civil or criminal liability. Evidence supporting the allegations must be presented to a federal trial judge, whose duty it is to determine the government’s entitlement to relief. An injunction hearing is scheduled for Aug. 3, 2026.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Constance and is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI).
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
Republic Man Sentenced for Firearms OffenseRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Republic, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Phillip Brad Curtis, 52, who has prior felony convictions for robbery, domestic assault, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of a firearm, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to 110 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.
According to court documents, deputies with the Barry County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a property near Aurora, Mo., for a report that Curtis was trespassing. Deputies contacted Curtis, who had multiple active felony warrants for his arrest. During the encounter, Curtis threatened to kill the responding deputies, announced he had a gun, and exhibited a firearm at the window during a stand-off that lasted approximately eight hours. Curtis was ultimately taken into custody without incident, and a firearm was recovered from inside a dog-food bag inside the residence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Barry 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.
Jury Convicts Springfield Man of Possessing Methamphetamine with Intent to DistributeRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Springfield, Mo., man was convicted by a federal jury for possessing distributive amounts of methamphetamine on three separate occasions.
Jeremy Whitcher, 45, was found guilty of three incidents of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Whitcher represented himself throughout the trial.
On March 17, 2023, Whitcher was the subject of a traffic stop in Jasper County, Mo., where law enforcement located 106 grams of pure methamphetamine under his seat in the vehicle.
In October 2024, investigators with the Department of Homeland Security and the Louisville, Ky., Metropolitan Police Department intercepted a parcel containing approximately 15 pounds of methamphetamine that was sent from Los Angeles, Calif., to Springfield, Mo. Investigators with the Drug Enforcement Administration identified Whitcher as the individual who shipped the parcel based on surveillance footage and conducted a controlled delivery of the parcel to the address included on the parcel, which was Whitcher’s mother. Whitcher’s mother told investigators that Whitcher informed her he was going to ship a parcel to her address.
On Dec. 23, 2024, Whitcher was again the subject of a traffic stop in Jasper County, Mo., where a Missouri State Highway Patrol investigator located 29 grams of pure methamphetamine in a bag belonging to Whitcher.
Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Springfield, Mo., returned three guilty verdicts to U.S. District Judge Megan Blair Benton, ending a trial that began on July 14, 2026.
Under federal statutes, Whitcher is subject to a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life 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 Hannah Lucas and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Eatmon. It was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Jasper County, Missouri, Sheriff’s Office, Louisville, Kentucky, Metropolitan Police Department, and the Department of Homeland Security.
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.
Liberty, Missouri Man Sentenced for Attempted Production, Receipt, and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Liberty, Mo. man was sentenced in federal court today for attempted production of child pornography, and receipt and possession of child pornography.
Trevor Scott Teegarden, 35, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Beth Phillips to 188 months in federal prison without parole. The Court also ordered Teegarden to serve a 15-year term of supervised release following his incarceration.
Teegarden 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.
Teegarden pleaded guilty on Jan. 29, 2026, to attempting to produce, receiving, and possessing child pornography. According to court documents, Teegarden engaged in explicit sexual communications with a person Teegarden believed to be a 14-year-old child but was an undercover law enforcement officer. On June 28, 2024, Teegarden requested a nude image of the alleged minor and expressed an interest in meeting with the purported 14-year-old child to engage in sexual conduct. A federal search warrant was executed at Teegarden’s residence in Liberty, Mo., and additional images of child pornography were discovered in his possession.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen A. Brackett. It was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation – Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force.
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."
Barry County Man Sentenced to 96 Months for Drug Trafficking and Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A Purdy, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court for trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, and illegally possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Dennis E. McMullen, 69, was sentenced by Chief United States District Judge Brian C. Wimes to eight years in federal prison for possessing fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin with the intent to distribute, and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, followed by five years of supervised release. McMullen pleaded guilty to the offenses on Sept. 29, 2025.
On July 30, 2024, investigators with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team (ODET), and Barry County, Mo., Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) executed a search warrant on McMullen’s residence following a controlled purchase of fentanyl from McMullen. Investigators searched the residence and discovered various controlled substances, paraphernalia, and a firearm. In the kitchen, investigators seized plastic baggies containing suspected controlled substances, including a baggie located inside a plastic tub of candy, an additional white rock-like substance, and scales.
In the residence’s upstairs bedroom, investigators located a Jennings model J-22 .22 caliber pistol, several boxes of ammunition, and two additional baggies of a white powder-like substance. Investigators also located a bag of a white powder-like substance from the console area of a vehicle parked outside. The suspected controlled substances were sent to a DEA laboratory for analysis, which resulted in the following substances being identified: 8.1 grams of fentanyl and lidocaine; 2.007 grams of fentanyl (found in the tub of candy); 2.169 grams of fentanyl; 2.501 grams of fentanyl and lidocaine; 5.2 grams of fentanyl, lidocaine, and acetaminophen; 31.874 grams of cocaine; .087 grams of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, lidocaine, and xylazine; and .754 grams of fentanyl, lidocaine, and acetaminophen.
According to court documents, McMullen has a criminal history that extends back decades, including prior felony convictions for forgery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, money laundering, and solicitation to kill a federal witness.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Wyatt A. Cross and Supervisory Assistant United States Attorney Jessica R. Eatmon. It was investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Ozarks Drug Enforcement Team, and the Barry County, Mo. Sheriff’s Office.
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
Gladstone Man charged with Attempted Sex Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, MO. – Scott R. Smith, 35, of Gladstone, Mo., was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court today. Smith had his initial appearance this afternoon.
The federal complaint charges Smith with one count of Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Minor. According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Smith, over the course of four 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, Smith arranged to meet the purported minor to engage in sexual conduct in exchange for $200.00 and asked the purported minor to send him sexually graphic images. Smith was later arrested on July 13, 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.
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."
Lenexa Man Charged with Traveling to Missouri to Engage in Illegal Sexual Conduct with a MinorRead the Press Release
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A Lenexa, Kan., man has been charged in federal court on an attempted child exploitation charge.
Ruben A. Gutierrez, II, 25, of Lenexa was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. on Monday, July 13, 2026. Gutierrez had his initial appearance yesterday afternoon.
The federal complaint charges Gutierrez with one count of Travel with Intent to Engage in Sexual Conduct with a Minor.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Gutierrez engaged in online communications with an undercover law enforcement officer who was posing online as a 14-year-old minor. During his communications with the person he believed to be a minor, Gutierrez arranged to meet the purported minor to engage in sexual conduct.
Gutierrez was later arrested on July 12, 2026, after he traveled from Kansas to the location in Missouri where he had arranged to meet the minor to engage in sexual conduct. A subsequent search of Gutierrez’s cell phone by law enforcement located text messages between Gutierrez and the purported minor.
The charge contained in this complaint is simply an accusation, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charge 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 and the 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."