Southern District of Ohio
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Pennsylvania Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Make and Distribute Animal Crush Videos Involving MonkeysRead the Press Release
A Pennsylvania man pleaded guilty in federal court in Cincinnati today to conspiring to create and distribute “animal crush” videos through his active participation in certain online groups. The videos depicted extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.
According to court documents, Hugh T. Campbell conspired with others to create and distribute videos depicting acts of sadistic violence against monkeys. Making and sharing such videos violates the federal anti-animal crush law.
Campbell and his co-conspirators used encrypted chat applications to direct money to individuals in Indonesia willing to carry out requested acts of torture on camera. As stated in a court document, Campbell sent chats commenting on torture videos including “That video was awesome. Nice and gruesome,” and “It’s just so unsatisfying to see a live monkey at the end.”
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gercace II for the Southern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie for the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office made the announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement, and the FBI investigated the case.
Senior Trial Attorney Adam C. Cullman of the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section is prosecuting the case.
Germantown man charged with illegally possessing firearm, destructive devicesRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – Tony Houston, 40, of Germantown, has been arrested and charged federally with possessing unregistered firearms.
According to charging documents, in May 2026, Germantown police officers responded to the Windcliff Apartments because Houston allegedly threatened two individuals with a sawed-off shotgun. Subsequent investigation led investigators to obtain a search warrants for Houston’s residence.
On June 3, FBI agents and the FBI’s hostage rescue team executed the search warrants at Houston’s home and recovered a sawed-off shotgun, as well as at least eight apparent destructive devices, including pipe bombs. Houston was not registered to possess the short-barreled shotgun or the destructive devices.
Houston appeared in federal court in Dayton today.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division and Germantown Police Chief Matt Burns announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Rob Painter is representing the United States in this case. The Dayton Police Department's bomb squad and FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force are also coordinating on the investigation.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
Dayton man pleads guilty to illegally possessing machinegunRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A defendant who was arrested as part of the Dayton downtown violent crime reduction initiative pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to illegally possessing a machinegun.
Rondell Coleman, 18, of Dayton, was indicted in February after Dayton police officers encountered Coleman during a domestic violence incident. Coleman admitted to carrying a stolen pistol with a machinegun conversion device in his pants. The pistol was loaded with ammunition and had a high-capacity magazine.
Coleman faces up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Dayton Police Chief Eric Henderson announced the guilty plea entered today before Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorney Christina E. Mahy is representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Owners of Nationwide Nail Salon Business Plead Guilty to Tax CrimesRead the Press Release
A Texas man and woman pleaded guilty on Monday to operating a significant under-the-table cash payroll at their nationwide nail salon business.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Vinh Q. Ho, 53, and Thanh Lan Do, 34, owned and managed a business comprised of over 60 high-end nail salons across the United States, doing business as the Anthony Vince Nail Salons, Prive Nail Spas, and Zen Nail & Spas. Ho was the de-facto CEO and Do oversaw management of the salons.
The salons employed nail technicians, a significant portion of whose compensation was paid in cash. At the end of each year, the business prepared tax forms reporting each nail technician’s compensation. To help the technicians conceal that income and evade taxes, these forms did not include the cash compensation. Ho and Do trained salon managers to operate the under-the-table cash payroll. They also prepared false Forms 1099 and instructed employees to keep the true payroll hidden.
Ho also underreported income on his 2020 and 2021 individual income tax returns.
As part of his plea agreement, Do agreed that between 2016 and 2024, the nail salons paid over $116 million in cash compensation that was not reported to the IRS, which caused an estimated actual tax loss of at least $32 million.
Ho and Do both pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, and Ho also pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. They are scheduled to be sentenced at a later date. Ho faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Do faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Colin McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio made the announcement.
Columbus man who sexually abused non-verbal boy with autism sentenced to 35 years in prisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Christian Toms, 47, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 420 months in prison for child pornography crimes involving a non-verbal boy with autism.
According to court documents, between October 2024 and February 2025, Toms sexually exploited the 11-year-old, wholly non-verbal boy and created child pornography of the abuse. Toms distributed the child sexual abuse materials to others with whom he communicated online about their sexual interest in children.
Investigators searched Toms’s residence and electronics after cyber tips were submitted regarding one of the men with whom Toms was communicating online.
A search of Toms’s iPhone revealed more than 130 files, including images and videos, that depicted the non-verbal minor nude or being sexually abused by the defendant. The phone contained a total of 700 images and videos of child pornography.
In his online conversations, Toms shared photos of other minor males in his residence and discussed grooming a second victim. He messaged, in part, “…too bad [minor victim] is neuro typical…” and “I’m gonna get him I swear lol.”
Toms pleaded guilty in December 2025 to producing, distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio: Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and other members of the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.
This case is 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
# # #
Ohio Man Sentenced to Prison for Dog Fighting and Drug DistributionRead the Press Release
An Ohio man was sentenced today to 71 months in prison and four years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to dog fighting and drug distribution charges.
As part of his plea, Joel Brown, of Columbus, Ohio, admitted to keeping 11 pit bull-type dogs for fighting purposes in Franklin County, Ohio. He also admitted to possessing at least 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it in the community.
“Dog fighting is a crime, and it is often, as in this case, linked with other crimes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “Communities are harmed when this kind of activity occurs. We’re grateful to the community members who called attention to the derelict condition of the dogs in Brown’s possession, which led to today’s sentencing. We are also grateful for the partnership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, ATF, and others who investigated and prosecuted this case.”
“Brown’s actions were cruel and illegal, endangering both the dogs that he trained to fight and the people of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio. “That he was a repeat drug dealer who possessed a firearm while engaging in such inhumane treatment of animals only further demonstrates that a significant sentence in federal prison is needed to protect the community from his criminal conduct.”
According to court documents, law enforcement first investigated a property owned by Brown following a complaint to Columbus Humane about the condition of the dogs being housed by Brown. Dogs being kept for use in animal fights are often kept outdoors on heavy chains close to other dogs, but far enough apart to prevent them from touching. The heavy chains force the dogs to build muscles. The dogs’ proximity encourages aggression because they are near each other but unable to interact naturally.
Eventually, 12 dogs were recovered from Brown’s property, many of which showed scarring and other signs of dog fighting. In addition, treadmills, veterinary medicine, and other equipment commonly used by dog fighters were located in the residence. Law enforcement also recovered 53.48 grams of methamphetamine, a shotgun and ammunition, and various items associated with drug distribution.
Brown had previously been sentenced to 108 months in prison on drug and gun charges as part of a multi-defendant prosecution involving the notorious Columbus street gang, the Short North Posse.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Columbus Division of Police, and Columbus Humane investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Pakiz and Kevin W. Kelley for the Southern District of Ohio and Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case.
Federal authorities warn public of fraudsters impersonating prosecutorsRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Federal authorities are warning citizens of a scammer or group of scammers—potentially outside of the United States—contacting American citizens around the country, posing as prosecutors or other federal law enforcement officials and attempting to defraud people of money.
According to the FBI, the perpetrators reach out via text message, email or phone call, impersonating federal prosecutors or agents and claiming you have been a victim of fraud or are a suspect in a fraud investigation. There are typically several contacts before personal information is requested, including credit cards, banking and other information.
Scammers often provide details like actual law enforcement titles, badge numbers, names, and addresses to increase their credibility. They may even “spoof” phone numbers to make calls appear to come from legitimate government agencies, further deceiving victims. In this specific scheme, callers are identifying themselves as “Prosecutor Dominick Gerace.”
“The Department of Justice and the FBI will never direct you to wire money,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “If you receive calls or messages of this sort, do not provide any personal information, credit card numbers, prepaid cards or money. Federal authorities do not call victims of crimes or suspects of crimes and ask for money or personal identifying information over the telephone.”
“Government impersonation scams are on the rise and scammers are getting more sophisticated,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie. “If someone contacts you claiming to be from the government and pressures you to send money, it’s a scam. Report this activity to ic3.gov and protect your hard-earned savings by never sending money.”
Here are some tips to avoid becoming the victim of this type of scam:- Always be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls, text messages and emails.
- Never give money or personal information to someone with whom you don’t have ties and did not initiate contact.
- Trust your instincts: if an unknown caller pressures you or says things that don’t sound right, hang up.
- If concerns remain about the caller’s claims, verify the information with the appropriate law enforcement agency or court officials.
If you believe you have been a victim of a fraudulent scheme, you are encouraged to file a report, including a description of the caller and any available caller ID information, with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.
# # #
Columbus man sentenced to prison for dogfighting, drug distributionRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man was sentenced today to 71 months in prison and four years of supervised release after previously pleading guilty to dogfighting and drug distribution charges.
As part of his plea, Joel Brown, of Columbus, Ohio, admitted to keeping 11 pit bull-type dogs for fighting purposes in Franklin County, Ohio. He also admitted to possessing at least 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it in the community.
“Brown’s actions were cruel and illegal, endangering both the dogs that he trained to fight and the people of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio. “That he was a repeat drug dealer who possessed a firearm while engaging in such inhumane treatment of animals only further demonstrates that a significant sentence in federal prison is needed to protect the community from his criminal conduct.”
“Dog fighting is a crime, and it is often, as in this case, linked with other crimes,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “Communities are harmed when this kind of activity occurs. We’re grateful to the community members who called attention to the derelict condition of the dogs in Brown’s possession, which led to today’s sentencing. We are also grateful for the partnership of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio, ATF, and others who investigated and prosecuted this case.”
According to court documents, law enforcement first investigated a property owned by Brown following a complaint to Columbus Humane about the condition of the dogs being housed by Brown. Dogs being kept for use in animal fights are often kept outdoors on heavy chains close to other dogs, but far enough apart to prevent them from touching. The heavy chains force the dogs to build muscles. The dogs’ proximity encourages aggression because they are near each other but unable to interact naturally.
Eventually, 12 dogs were recovered from Brown’s property, many of which showed scarring and other signs of dog fighting. In addition, treadmills, veterinary medicine, and other equipment commonly used by dog fighters were located in the residence. Law enforcement also recovered 53.48 grams of methamphetamine, a shotgun and ammunition, and various items associated with drug distribution.
Brown had previously been sentenced to 108 months in prison on drug and gun charges as part of a multi-defendant prosecution involving the notorious Columbus street gang, the Short North Posse.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Columbus Division of Police, and Columbus Humane investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Pakiz and Kevin W. Kelley for the Southern District of Ohio and Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section prosecuted the case.
# # #
Grand jury indicts Venezuelan illegal alien for assaulting federal officerRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury has indicted an illegal alien from Venezuela for allegedly assaulting a federal officer.
Kendry Jose Cubian-Perez, 40, allegedly punched a federal officer during apprehension.
“We will not tolerate assaults against law enforcement officers,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “As today’s indictment shows, those who threaten the safety of our federal law enforcement partners will be prosecuted.”
According to charging documents, on May 8, law enforcement officials were conducting surveillance of a residence in Powell, attempting to apprehend a known criminal alien. Cubian-Perez allegedly exited the residence and entered a vehicle registered to the target of the enforcement operation.
When an apprehension team officer turned on their emergency vehicle lights, Cubian-Perez allegedly attempted to flee. The defendant encountered an Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officer and punched the officer in the face, causing the officer’s tooth to puncture through his bottom lip.
Cubian-Perez allegedly continued punching the officer as the officer and others worked to apprehend the defendant. Officers were able to apprehend and arrest Cubian-Perez.
Cubian-Perez was charged by criminal complaint on May 8. The grand jury returned the one-count indictment against him today.
Assault of a federal officer inflicting bodily injury is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Kevin Raycroft, Acting Field Office Director, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Detroit Field Office; announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Nicole Pakiz is representing the United States in this case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
2 Mexican illegal aliens sentenced to federal prison for drug, immigration crimesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two illegal aliens from Mexico were sentenced in U.S. District Court today for their roles in a cocaine conspiracy and for violating immigration laws.
Cristian Melendez, 42, and Ismerio Garcia-Ontivaro, 39, were transporting more than three kilograms of cocaine in a hidden compartment in a car when they were pulled over by law enforcement on I-70 in June 2025 for a window tint violation.
Melendez and Garcia-Ontivaro received the Honda Accord from a car hauler traveling from Arizona to Columbus. The Accord had a hidden compartment from the console to the rear seats.
Melendez and Garcia-Ontivaro were each sentenced today to 60 months in prison.
“Both defendants previously were convicted of drug trafficking and subsequently deported from the United States, only to illegally return and continue to traffic dangerous drugs into our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “This Office will continue to aggressively prosecute such repeat offenders and seek strong sentences to hold them to account.”
Both men were in the United States illegally after previously being removed and previously being convicted of aggravated felony offenses. Melendez had former convictions for trafficking heroin and illegally possessing firearms. Garcia-Ontivaro’s prior crimes include cocaine trafficking in North Carolina.
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.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Kevin Raycraft, Acting Field Office Director, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Detroit Field Office; announced the sentences imposed today by Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth A. Geraghty is representing the United States in this case.
# # #
U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes Columbus police officer who saved man from burning vehicle as Hometown HeroRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II presented today the District’s Hometown Hero award to Columbus Division of Police officer Gloria West.
The Hometown Hero award commemorates the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. It honors the enduring ideals of Liberty, Service, and Civic Responsibility. This award is dedicated in recognition of a steadfast commitment to these ideals and an embodiment of the spirit upon which our Nation was founded.
“Officer West represents the very best of the Columbus Division of Police,” said U.S. Attorney Gerace. “Her dedication to her community, her professionalism, and her willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty make her an exemplary officer and a true hometown hero.”
Officer West is recognized for her extraordinary bravery, selflessness and unwavering commitment to public safety.
On Nov. 13, 2024, Officer West responded to a vehicle crash that quickly escalated into a life-threatening emergency when the car caught fire. The driver of the vehicle was trapped and in imminent peril after his vehicle’s brakes failed and he crashed into a pillar of a highway bridge.
While on the phone with 911 dispatchers, the driver told them that he was trapped and, fearing he was going to die, he asked them to, “Tell my wife I love her, please tell my wife I love her.” Without hesitation and fully aware of the danger, Officer West rushed toward the burning vehicle. While demonstrating remarkable courage under pressure, Officer West acted decisively, pulling the driver from the vehicle moments before the fire fully engulfed it. Officer West suffered significant burns to her hands; the driver lived.
“Officer West’s actions that day were nothing short of heroic,” U.S. Attorney Gerace added. “She placed the life of another above her own safety, embodying the highest ideals of law enforcement and public service. Because of her quick thinking and fearless response, a life was saved—an outcome that likely would not have been possible without her intervention.”
# # #
Homeland Security Task Force investigation leads to additional narcotics seizures, current total of more than 700 pounds of suspected cocaine with street value of $5.8 millionRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Ongoing investigation stemming from the arrest earlier this week of two Southwest Ohio relatives has led investigators to taking an additional 244 kilograms of suspected cocaine from the alleged drug traffickers.
Damian Galan, 31, of Cincinnati, and Diego Galan, 19, of Fairfield, appeared in federal court on Monday following their weekend arrests by agents with the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF). Their case was announced at that time and involved approximately 80 kilograms of cocaine.
During subsequent searches of properties, investigators discovered an additional 244 kilograms of suspected cocaine in locations near Columbus. In total, the case thus far involves 325 kilograms, or approximately 716 pounds, of narcotics. The street value of the drugs seized is more than $5.8 million dollars.
According to charging documents, the DEA Cincinnati District Office, the Cincinnati Police Department and other agencies within the Cincinnati Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) received information regarding the Galans’ potential drug trafficking throughout the Southern District of Ohio and elsewhere.
Surveillance of the men, as well as additional investigation, led law enforcement officials to locations in the Columbus area on May 9. Those involved in the organization were seen traveling in tandem to locations suspected of storing narcotics and drug proceeds.
The defendants then allegedly traveled to Diego’s residence in Fairfield, where they moved the four storage containers observed being placed in their vehicle.
Law enforcement officials executed search warrants at both Galan residences. They discovered four kilograms of suspected cocaine and a firearm at Damian Galan’s home. The search of Diego Galan’s residence recovered the storage bins – which contained approximately 77 kilograms of suspected cocaine – along with bulk cash, firearms and suspected methamphetamine.
The men were arrested in the early morning hours of May 10.
They are each charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, a federal crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio and members of the HSTF, including the DEA, Cincinnati Police Department, FBI, HSI and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office’s Regional Narcotics Unit (RENU), announced the charges. Executive Assistant United States Attorney Christy L. Muncy is representing the United States in this case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Cincinnati comprises agents and officers from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
Registered sex offender sentenced to more than 34 years in prison for sexually exploiting high schoolersRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man was sentenced in federal court here today to 410 months in prison for preying on high school girls by providing them with drugs and gifts in exchange for sexual activities or explicit images and videos.
Investigators initially identified at least four minors victimized by Terrance P. Cummings, 31. After the news of Cummings’s arrest in 2024, at least 17 other females contacted the related law enforcement tipline to report similar interactions with Cummings.
“Despite previously being convicted of sex crimes against minors, Cummings continued to prey on a slew of young females, exploiting and manipulating his victims in order to maintain his reputation of a lifestyle of sex and drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Cummings has demonstrated time and again that he is a danger to society and must be imprisoned to protect our youth.”
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie stated: “This type of egregious victimization of minors cannot and will not be tolerated. We are grateful for our partnership with the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force that allows us to investigate and prosecute this type of conduct.”
According to court documents, in July 2024, the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force received information about a teenage victim allegedly receiving gifts and illicit substances from Cummings in exchange for sex acts. Cummings was known on social media as “614 Terrance.”
Further investigation revealed that Cummings had sex with numerous minor victims and requested nude images and videos of the victims in exchange for marijuana, Xanax, cocaine, acid and ecstasy. The defendant bought the victims gifts like clothes and shoes and offered to buy lingerie and sex toys for at least one of the victims.
While executing a search warrant at Cummings’s apartment in August 2024, agents discovered two iPhones submerged in the water tank on the back of the bathroom toilet, which Cummings had attempted to destroy after learning about the warrant. Investigators also discovered fentanyl pills, Xanax, cocaine, methamphetamine, mushrooms and amphetamine in the apartment.
Cummings’s electronics contained approximately 62,000 chat messages, 26,000 emails and 150 instant messages about drug sales and to various females. In the messages, Cummings requested the females send him “content” videos and said he would give cash, clothes, concert tickets, drugs, alcohol or other items of value to them.
Between 2015 and 2023, Cummings kept information on his iPhone investigators later recovered and connected to his crimes, such as lists of the full names of hundreds of females, including some of the identified victims. He also kept track of his monthly spending on his iPhone, with one example where Cummings noted he spent $1,300 on a**, $400 on “nudes” and $400 on “gifts for hoes” one month. He also made a list of the ways females could make $250, which included seven different sexual acts and a time frame for which to complete the sex act.
Cummings has a criminal history of unlawful sexual conduct with minors dating back to 2016. He pleaded guilty in this case in June 2025 to sexually exploiting minors, sex trafficking of a minor and to distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Jennifer Rausch are representing the United States in this case.
The Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force was formed under the Ohio Attorney General’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, and includes resources from the Columbus Division of Police, Homeland Security Investigations, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Powell Police Department, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, The Ohio State University Police Department, Marysville Division of Police, Salvation Army, Southeast Healthcare, the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office and the Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office.
# # #
U.S. Attorney Gerace recognizes National Police WeekRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – As we observe National Police Week this week, United States Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II thanks all federal, state and local law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifice.
National Police Week is a week dedicated in May each year as a time when we honor America’s law enforcement community and pay tribute to those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives or were injured in the line of duty.
In the Southern District of Ohio, we remember the law enforcement officers who paid the ultimate price this past year for our safety and security, including Hamilton County Deputy Sheriff Larry Henderson, Morrow County Deputy Sherriff Daniel “Weston” Sherrer, Lorain Police Department Officer Phillip Wagner, and Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Nicholas Cayton.
In the attached letter to all District law enforcement, U.S. Attorney Gerace highlighted the role of law enforcement in America as we approach the nation’s 250th birthday.
He wrote: “Without a doubt, since our Founders wrote the Declaration 250 years ago, our country has prospered beyond even what they could have imagined. The foundation of that prosperity, unquestionably, is the security that we enjoy in this country. And that security is provided by you—our dedicated law enforcement partners. It is your service that has allowed this country to grow and prosper. That is why it is critical that we support you at all levels of government and give you the tools necessary to firmly police our communities. Without that, we cannot be the country that our forefathers envisioned.”
U.S. Attorney Gerace added: “We know, unfortunately, that security is not free, and that sometimes the cost of security is exacted in the form of a fallen officer. As devastating as it is to lose an officer in the line of duty, we take solace in the fact that they died while living a life of honor and self-sacrifice—dedicated to their fellow citizens. That sacrifice reminds us that security and prosperity are not guaranteed, and they depend upon extraordinary public servants who willingly place the safety of others ahead of their own.”
For more information about National Police Week and related events, including the 38th Annual Candlelight Vigil, visit https://nleomf.org/events/.
# # #
Homeland Security Task Force investigation leads to arrest of uncle & nephew, seizure of more than 80 kilograms of suspected cocaineRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Two Southwest Ohio relatives were arrested by federal agents for allegedly conducting large-scale cocaine trafficking.
Damian Galan, 31, of Cincinnati, and Diego Galan, 19, of Fairfield, will appear in federal court today for initial appearances.
According to charging documents, the DEA Cincinnati District Office, the Cincinnati Police Department and other agencies within the Cincinnati Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) received information regarding the Galans’ potential drug trafficking throughout the Southern District of Ohio and elsewhere.
Surveillance of the men, as well as additional investigation, led law enforcement officials to a Holiday Inn Express in Columbus on May 9. Damian and Diego Galan allegedly traveled to the hotel in tandem and obtained four 17-gallon storage containers from two Hispanic males staying at the hotel. The storage containers were placed in the trunk and backseat of Damian Galan’s vehicle.
The defendants then allegedly traveled to Diego’s residence in Fairfield, where they moved the four storage containers.
Law enforcement officials executed search warrants at both Galan residences. They discovered four kilograms of suspected cocaine and a firearm at Damian Galan’s home. The search of Diego Galan’s residence recovered the storage bins – which contained approximately 77 kilograms of suspected cocaine – along with bulk cash, firearms and suspected methamphetamine.
The men were arrested in the early morning hours of May 10.
They are each charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, a federal crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio and members of the HSTF, including the DEA, Cincinnati Police Department, FBI, HSI and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office’s Regional Narcotics Unit (RENU), announced the charges. Executive Assistant United States Attorney Christy L. Muncy is representing the United States in this case.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Cincinnati comprises agents and officers from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
Hilliard man sentenced to 14 years in prison for using AI to morph images of real minors into child pornographyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Hilliard man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 168 months in prison for two child pornography crimes.
Austin Pittman, 35, admitted to distributing images of real child pornography and using AI to morph videos and photos of real children to whom he had access into images of child pornography.
According to court documents, in January 2025, the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force received multiple cyber tipline reports regarding Pittman’s activity on Kik messenger. On the instant messaging app, Pittman distributed child pornography depicting an adult sexually abusing a child.
Further investigation revealed that, in 2024, Pittman was the target of an investigation at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, where he uploaded 47 files of child pornography to Kik.
A search warrant executed at Pittman’s residence in April 2025 led to the seizure of numerous devices. During a review of Pittman’s cell phone, law enforcement officials discovered images and videos of real children to whom Pittman had access. Some of the files Pittman had secretly recorded and created some of the images and videos himself. Pittman then used AI programs to alter these images so that the minor females depicted in them now appeared fully nude. He also distributed this content he morphed to others in online chat platforms dedicated to child sexual abuse material.
Pittman was charged federally and arrested in April 2025 and pleaded guilty in December 2025.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin; and other members of the Franklin County ICAC Task Force announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.
This case is 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
# # #
Jury finds Westerville man guilty of impersonating federal agent, making unlawful arrestRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal jury has convicted a Westerville man of impersonating a federal law enforcement agent and making an arrest as an impersonator.
Brendan Conklin, 45, pretended to be a federal officer and unlawfully detained, searched and arrested a victim.
The verdict was announced yesterday following a trial that began on May 4 before U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley.
According to court documents and trial testimony, in December 2023, Conklin, driving a former police SUV with police lights, unlawfully pulled over the victim. Conklin pointed a firearm at the victim, who had just departed her Westerville home with her minor child in the car.
Conklin told the victim that he was a federal officer and wore a vest with various badges and insignias suggesting he was law enforcement. Conklin also had an illegal license plate registered to the Columbus police headquarters.
Conklin searched and detained the victim. After handcuffing the victim and placing her in his vehicle, Conklin mistakenly locked himself out with the victim in the car and had to have Blendon Township officers let her out.
Conklin then called the Columbus division of police’s non-emergency line and inquired about a warrant with them. After that conversation, Conklin told the victim it was her “lucky day” and he would have to release her. He then released the victim.
Conklin had previously registered the Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Program (O.F.A.P.) as a nonprofit organization that provided the Columbus police headquarters as its address.
Conklin’s internet searches in winter and spring of 2023 included “howbto determine if a us marshal is legit,” “us marshals fugitive task force badge” and “fake federal license plate.”
He was indicted by a federal grand jury in January 2026.
Impersonating a federal officer and conducting a search or arrest while impersonating are each federal crimes punishable by up to three years in prison. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court at a future hearing based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Westerville Police Chief Holly Murchland and Blendon Township Police Chief John Belford announced the verdict. Assistant United States Attorneys Damoun Delaviz and Kevin W. Kelley are representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Registered sex offender pleads guilty to possessing child pornography of infants, toddlersRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A repeat sex offender faces 10 to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty today in U.S. District Court to a child pornography crime.
Alan Martina, 37, of Columbus, admitted to possessing child sexual abuse material of infants and toddlers.
According to court documents, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received a cyber tipline report from Kik regarding the uploading of child pornography from Martina’s account.
In September 2025, law enforcement officials executed a search warrant at Martina’s residence and seized six electronic devices. A forensic examination of the devices revealed more than 170 videos and 215 images of child sexual abuse.
Martina used the apps Session and Teleguard to discuss and trade child pornography with other users. Some of his messages in response to receiving images and videos of infants and toddlers being sexually abused include: “Mmmmmmm I want to hear her cry and scream…” and “Mmmmmmm yes abuse and rape her and let me watch.”
The defendant was charged by criminal complaint in October 2025. Martina was previously convicted in Franklin County of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor and is a registered sex offender.
Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court at a future hearing based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin and other members of the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force announced the guilty plea offered today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.
This case is 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
# # #
Federal grand jury indicts 2 Cincinnati men for possessing machinegunsRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A federal grand jury indicted two Cincinnati men for illegally possessing machineguns due to firearm conversion devices.
Michael Goss, 18, and Felix Burnette, 22, are each charged in separate indictments with one count of illegally possessing a machinegun. They appeared in federal court in Cincinnati this afternoon and their cases were unsealed at that time.
“The two cases announced today demonstrate our continuing commitment to bring federal firearms charges whenever we can,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Public safety in Cincinnati is top priority. If you possess a firearm equipped with a Glock switch, you will be subject to federal prosecution regardless of age or criminal history.”
According to their indictments and local arrest information, each of the men possessed a firearm equipped with a Glock switch device. These devices convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic firearms or machineguns.
On March 12, Goss and Burnette were arrested near the Valley Shopping Center on Reading Road. The defendants were together in a vehicle that was stopped by Cincinnati police officers for having illegal window tint.
The federal charges announced today will supersede the local ones.
Illegal possession of a machinegun is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) and Cincinnati Police Interim Chief Adam Hennie announced the charges.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Allison B. Oswall from Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s Office is representing the United States in these cases. Oswall was designated this spring as a special prosecutor at the U.S. Attorney’s Office to help bring federal gun cases as part of the federal, state and local violent crime reduction initiative.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
Federal agents arrest Highland County man for sexual exploitation crimesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Highland County man was arrested today and is charged federally with sexually exploiting minors from California, Texas and Michigan. Mark A. Chandler, 37, of Mount Orab, Ohio, appeared in federal court in Cincinnati this afternoon. He faces charges of sexual exploitation of children, coercion and enticement, and receipt of child pornography.
According to charging documents, the Highland County Sheriff’s Office received a tip regarding Chandler in November 2025. The resulting investigation revealed that Chandler allegedly paid at least five girls he met online to engage in sexually explicit acts on video.
Chandler used multiple social media apps to connect with the victims, who were all approximately 14 years old. The criminal complaint affidavit details that Chandler groomed victims online for up to two years and allegedly paid the victims through Visa gift cards in exchange for sexual videos and images.
Screen recordings and messages on Chandler’s electronic devices allegedly show that he threatened to kill at least one of the victims if she “tattled” on him. Chandler referred to drowning the victim or using knives to cut the victim’s throat.
Chandler was originally arrested on local charges in Highland County.
Sexual exploitation of children is a federal crime punishable by at least 15 and up to 30 years in prison. Coercion and enticement carries a potential penalty of at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Receipt of child pornography is punishable by five to 20 years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; Highland County Sheriff Randy Sanders and Highland County Prosecuting Attorney Anneka P. Collins announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case.
This case is 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
Global ransomware group negotiator involved in $56 million cyberattacks sentenced to 8.5 years in prisonRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Latvian national was sentenced in federal court here today to 102 months in prison for his role as a negotiator in one of the most notorious ransomware groups in the world, known as Karakurt, TommyLeaks and SchoolBoys Ransomware.
Deniss Zolotarjovs, 35, was arrested overseas in December 2023 and transferred to the United States’ custody in August 2024. He pleaded guilty in July 2025 to conspiring to commit both money laundering and wire fraud.
Ransomware is a type of cybercrime that typically involves an intrusion into a victim’s network to steal and/or encrypt the victim’s data via malware, followed by an extortion demand seeking the payment of a ransom in cryptocurrency. The attacks identified in this case included client records like Social Security numbers, addresses, dates of birth, home addresses, healthcare information and the shutdown of a government entity’s 911 system.
“Ransomware groups disrupt victims’ lives, cruelly extracting money through psychological manipulation and fear. And they create lingering security issues,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio. “Cybercriminals might think they are invulnerable by hiding behind anonymizing tools and complex cryptocurrency patterns while they attack American victims from non-extradition countries. But Zolotarjovs’s prosecution shows that federal law enforcement also has a global reach, and we will hold accountable bad actors like Zolotarjovs, who will now spend significant time in prison.”
“With this sentence, a cruel, ruthless, and dangerous international cybercriminal is now behind bars,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Deniss Zolotarjovs helped his ransomware gang profit from hacks of dozens of companies, and even on a government entity whose 911 system was forced offline. He also used stolen children’s health information to increase his leverage to extort victim payments. The Criminal Division will continue to investigate and prosecute international hackers and extortionists from around the world, no matter where they live or operate.”
“Cybercriminals like Deniss Zolotarjovs may try to hide in the shadows, but the FBI will find them,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie. “This case demonstrates the relentless pursuit by our FBI special agents, working with partners across the globe, to hold this criminal accountable for the millions of dollars he extorted from U.S. organizations.”
During Zolotarjovs’s involvement in the ransomware conspiracy from June 2021 through March 2023, the group had at least 53 victims and caused more than $56 million in actual losses. Victim companies and clients of victim companies were located in the Southern District of Ohio.
According to court documents, Zolotarjovs was an essential part of the conspiracy in which data was stolen and then used for extortion. Online chats show that Zolotarjovs was personally involved in directly negotiating with victim companies and in strategizing on the extortion threats with coconspirators. Zolotarjovs did not personally execute cyber penetrations against victim companies. Rather, Zolotarjovs’s role was to analyze the data that was stolen and conduct or advise on ransom negotiations.
For example, Zolotarjovs helped escalate the pressure on a pediatric healthcare victim company who was refusing to promptly pay a ransom by deliberately leveraging “patient lists and histories.”. Zolotarjovs also recommend publishing pediatric patient data on the darkweb to punish the victim company for not complying with the organization’s demands.
The defendant would receive 10 percent of the ransom payments he negotiated. He was paid in cryptocurrency, which was then moved through multiple wallets before the funds were ultimately exchanged for Russian rubles.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; A Tysen Duva, Assistant Attorney General of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division; and Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Michael R. Barrett.
Law enforcement leaders commended the FBI offices in Cleveland, San Diego, Richmond and Salt Lake City for their vital roles in the investigation and officials in Georgia for their role in the extradition. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing Zolotarjovs’s extradition from Georgia.
Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Timothy S. Mangan, Assistant United States Attorney Matthew C. Singer and Department of Justice Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section Trial Attorney Benjamin A. Bleiberg and Senior Counsel Bryce B. Rosenbower are representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Previously convicted felon sentenced to federal prison for possessing firearmRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Robert Isham, 41, of Cincinnati, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 51 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
According to court documents, on Aug. 20, 2024, in Hamilton, Isham possessed a loaded semi-automatic handgun.
Officers observed Isham walk into the middle of a street, causing disturbance to the traffic flow. When they approached Isham, he began to flee on foot. During the pursuit, Isham reached into his pocket, pulled out a handgun and threw it. He was tased by officers and taken into custody without further incident.
Isham’s criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, including for aggravated robbery and domestic violence. Isham previously served 10 years in state prison. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Cincinnati Police Interim Chief Adam Hennie announced the sentence imposed by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Susan J. Dlott. Executive Assistant United States Attorney Christy L. Muncy is representing the United States in this case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
# # #
Mexican illegal alien & Dayton man indicted by grand jury for allegedly attempting to bring more than a kilogram of fentanyl from Philadelphia to DaytonRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – An illegal alien from Mexico and a Dayton man have been charged in the Southern District of Ohio for a fentanyl crime.
Luis Gomez-Andres, 27, and Jonathan Salomon-Muguel, 22, were allegedly caught traveling with more than a kilogram of fentanyl they obtained in Philadelphia to bring back to Dayton.
They are each charged with charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, a federal drug crime that carries a penalty of at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Gomez-Andres is also charged by a bill of information with eluding inspection as an illegal alien.
According to charging documents, Gomez-Andres had been stopped by law enforcement in Dayton in September 2025 and was deported at that time as he lacked legal status in the United States.
Four months later, in January 2026, law enforcement observed that Gomez-Andres had returned to the Dayton area, and they obtained a warrant for his arrest.
On Jan. 21, 2026, the defendant was stopped while driving in the state of Delaware for a traffic violation. Gomez-Andres and Salomon-Muguel were both present in the vehicle, where officers located more than a kilogram of fentanyl – which was intended for distribution in Dayton – in a black metal safe on the backseat of the SUV.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Joseph O. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit announced the charges returned on April 28. Assistant United States Attorney Rob Painter is representing the United States in this case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
# # #
Cincinnati man pleads guilty to stealing more than 700 pieces of mail intended for bankRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Isaac Jackson, 32, of Cincinnati, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to stealing more than 700 parcels of mail intended for a national bank.
Jackson admitted that, on Oct. 5, 2025, he used an employee’s badge to enter the U.S. Postal Service Network Distribution Center (NDC) in Sharonville, where he then stole mail parcels intended for the financial institution, packed them into two duffel bags, and left. Jackson did the same on Oct. 12 and 13.
On Oct. 26, 2025, Jackson attempted another theft at the NDC but was stopped by an employee. Jackson dropped the duffel bags and fled. He had 160 parcels of mail he was attempting to steal in the bags at the time.
The bank identified 769 mail parcels that were stolen from Jackson’s prior thefts.
As part of his conviction, Jackson will pay at least $235,000 in restitution.
Mail theft is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, David Cunningham, Acting Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), announced the guilty plea entered today before Senior U.S. District Judge Susan J. Dlott. Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Timothy S. Mangan is representing the United States in this case.
# # #
New charges added against Dayton man who allegedly had multiple kilograms of narcotics in safeRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – Three new charges have been added via a superseding indictment against a Dayton man who had multiple kilograms of suspected fentanyl in a safe.
Ke-Shawn Rivers, 46, now faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison.
According to the charging documents, between September 2025 and January 2026, Rivers, who also goes by “JayZ,” distributed fentanyl on multiple occasions.
On March 11, law enforcement executed a search warrant and seized narcotics, a firearm and a safe. The safe contained multiple kilograms of fentanyl, cocaine, and cutting agent, bulk amounts of cash, and an additional firearm.
Rivers’s original indictment in March charged him with 13 counts of distributing fentanyl, a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Those 13 counts remain in addition to the new charges of possessing with the intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost; Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck and members of the Regional Area Narcotics and Gun Enforcement Task Force (RANGE) announced the charges. Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Amy M. Smith is representing the United States in this case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
New Albany man pleads guilty to threatening more than 30 public officialsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A New Albany man who sent 92 threatening communications targeting more than 30 public officials pleaded guilty in federal court here today.
Ronald Lidderdale, 40, admitted guilt to 31 counts of federal crimes including mailing threatening communications, transmitting threatening communications in interstate commerce, false information and hoaxes and cyberstalking. As part of his conviction, law enforcement seized two 9mm pistols, ammunition, a lock-picking kit and tactical gear from Lidderdale’s residence.
“Threatening political violence against public officeholders is antithetical to our system of government and will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Public officials must be permitted to carry out their duties free from threats that cause concern for their personal safety and the safety of their loved ones. Perpetrators like Lidderdale, who use mail or the internet to engage in such conduct, will be taken at their word and prosecuted accordingly.”
“Ronald Lidderdale violently threatened public officials because he didn’t agree with their views,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie. “Threats of political violence have no place in our society and Lidderdale will be held accountable for his criminal actions.”
According to court documents, Lidderdale sent the communications threatening to kill and injure public officials in Ohio and elsewhere between July 2024 and May 2025. At the state level, the victims included the governor, attorney general, secretary of state, members of the supreme court, state senators and representatives, and a gubernatorial candidate. Federally, Lidderdale threatened several members of the United States Congress.
Lidderdale often mailed letters to the victims’ offices and homes. Several letters were addressed to public officials and their spouses. Return addresses were for staffers, law firms and other individuals in the community. Many of the letters contained a white powder purported to be poison.
One letter included a single round of 9mm ammunition with the Ohio Attorney General’s name etched on it.
In January 2025, Lidderdale mailed letters containing white powder to seven different locations threatening to kill the Ohio Governor. In total, Lidderdale sent nearly 50 letters containing a white powder that he sometimes referred to as ricin, a deadly toxin.
Lidderdale used an email service based in Switzerland to create encrypted emails to anonymously send threatening electronic communications.
Throughout his messages, Lidderdale threatened to kill the officials by shooting them in the head and/or by poisoning them with a type of chemical agent. He repeatedly referred to his victims as “fascists” and “pedophiles.”
The defendant anonymously submitted an online tip to the FBI stating, in part: “My urge to act has hit a boiling point. I believe that by removing those parasites will bring a renewed peace to all of Ohio…This is a fair warning that my urge to kill will break my patience…”
A forensic review of Lidderdale’s devices revealed that he used the AI-powered chat bot to discuss his criminal conduct and its legal implications. Lidderdale stated he had mailed threatening letters to politicians and described sending a bullet with the victim’s name etched on it. He asked ChatGPT about the charges he could face, the sentence that could be imposed and what to expect while in federal prison.
Lidderdale was arrested and charged by federal criminal complaint in May 2025.
Mailing threatening communications carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison per count. Making interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure, conveying false information and hoaxes, and cyberstalking are all federal crimes punishable by up to five years in prison per count.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and David Cunningham, Acting Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); as well as the U.S. Capitol Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol and several Ohio police departments; announced the plea entered into today before Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Deputy Criminal Chief Brian J. Martinez and Assistant United States Attorney Damoun Delaviz are representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Cincinnati man sentenced to more than 6 years in federal prison for gun & drug crimesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Myron Nichols, 29, of Mt. Healthy, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 80 months in prison for fentanyl and firearms crimes.
According to court documents, in November 2024, Nichols, driving a stolen vehicle, fled from Cincinnati police officers when they attempted to stop him for multiple traffic violations.
Hours later, police officers were dispatched to Kellogg Avenue for a reported fight or disturbance. Nichols was at the scene in the stolen vehicle. When officers told him to exit the vehicle, the defendant fled on foot and was ultimately apprehended after a short pursuit.
Upon Nichols’ arrest, officers discovered a pistol in his jacket pocket. After the stolen vehicle was towed to the Cincinnati police impound lot, officers located distribution quantities of fentanyl and fentanyl mixture in the vehicle’s center console area.
Nichols was arrested in July 2025 and pleaded guilty in October 2025.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Cincinnati Police Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie; and Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Susan J. Dlott. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Fugitive wanted for murder pleads guilty to attempted murder of federal officers at Springfield hotelRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A Franklin County man who shot at law enforcement officials from inside a Springfield hotel room pleaded guilty today to attempted murder of federal officers. At the time of this latest crime, the defendant was a fugitive and had an active arrest warrant for aggravated murder out of Franklin County.
Andre Jordan II, 35, of Reynoldsburg, surrendered after an hours-long standoff with law enforcement at the hotel on Aug. 14, 2025. His plea agreement includes a sentencing recommendation of 25 years in prison.
According to court documents, in early August 2025, the Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST), a federal task force, adopted the fugitive investigation of Jordan, which led officials to the Quality Inn in Springfield.
SOFAST tracked Jordan to a room at the hotel and set up to apprehend him. Law enforcement announced their presence to Jordan, who then looked out the window of the room. Following additional announcements, Jordan fired a shot through the window toward the pool area in the vicinity of officers and federal agents who then retreated to take cover. Jordan then fired a round through the middle of the hotel door into the hallway where federal agents had been standing just moments prior.
At the time Jordan discharged his firearm, there were three young children and two other adults in the hotel room with him. Hotel surveillance video shows the other adults and children fleeing the room before Jordan fired at least eight additional rounds through the connecting doors to the adjacent hotel room at an angle and direction where law enforcement officers had previously been positioned in the hallway.
The Springfield Police Division SWAT Team responded to the scene and hostage negotiators established communication with Jordan. After several hours of hostage negotiation, Jordan surrendered without further incident and was taken into custody.
Jordan was charged federally in August 2025.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; United States Marshal Michael D. Black; Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliott and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the guilty plea offered today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline H. Gentry. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth McCormick and Rob Painter are representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Fairfield County man faces federal charges after allegedly traveling to North Carolina to kidnap, sexually exploit 12-year-oldRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Federal charges were filed against a Bremen, Ohio, man who allegedly kidnapped a 12-year-old North Carolina girl after meeting the minor online. The defendant was discovered with the victim in Ohio when he crashed his car into a median.
Virgil Larson, 45, is charged with kidnapping a minor and four other child exploitation or pornography crimes. He will appear in federal court today at 1:30pm.
According to charging documents, in early April, the FBI received information regarding a missing 12-year-old from North Carolina. Investigation revealed that Larson had been communicating with the victim on Snapchat and through text messages.
North Carolina law enforcement officials were still at the girl’s home investigating the missing person report when her parents received a call from the Hocking County Sheriff’s Office on the victim’s cell phone. Deputies confirmed that they were with the victim and that she had been in the front passenger seat of a vehicle being driven by Larson.
An affidavit details that Larson crashed his car into the median of Highway 33 near Hocking and Athens counties. Deputies were called to the single-vehicle crash and Larson claimed he had fallen asleep while driving and needed assistance getting his vehicle out of a ditch.
Larson allegedly told law enforcement officials that the victim was “just a friend” and that she was 18 years old. When the victim could not name her birth year, officers separated her from the defendant and learned she was 12 years old.
A forensic review of their online messages revealed that the victim was threatened and told others would be killed if the victim did not send a sexually explicit image.
Larson was arrested in Hocking County on local charges on April 7 and has remained in custody since.
His federal charges will supersede the local ones and include sexual exploitation of a minor, receipt or possession of child pornography, coercion and enticement of a minor, travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and kidnapping a minor. If convicted as currently charged, Larson would face up to life in prison. Larson is a sex offender with at least two prior related convictions.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Hocking County Sheriff Lanny E. North; and Stokes County, North Carolina, Sheriff Joey Lemons announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Jennifer M. Rausch are representing the United States in this case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
# # #
Dayton man who allegedly participated in shootout at downtown bus hub arrested by federal agents for possessing machinegunRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – James Thomas Hurt, 25, of Dayton, was arrested by federal agents and charged with a firearms crime in connection with a shooting at the RTA bus hub in downtown Dayton in September 2025. Hurt appeared in federal court here this afternoon.
According to court documents, Hurt possessed a machinegun during the shooting at the bus hub during the morning of Sept. 26, 2025. Surveillance video allegedly showed Hurt being assaulted by other individuals before running and returning fire.
Hurt allegedly discarded his firearm in a trash can in a parking garage near East Fourth Street. Hurt later returned to the trash can, allegedly to locate his weapon, but it had already been seized by Dayton police officers.
Officers subsequently discovered additional evidence, including ammunition and Glock switches, or machinegun conversion devices, buried in an area near the RTA bus hub where Hurt was observed on surveillance digging shortly after the shooting.
At the time of his arrest yesterday evening, Hurt was allegedly in possession of 10 suspected machinegun conversion devices, two of which were swift links made for AR-type firearms.
Hurt is charged with illegal possession of a machinegun, a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is representing the United States in this case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
# # #
Repeat offender sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for role in drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A repeat drug and firearms offender was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 160 months in prison for his role in a local narcotics conspiracy.
Terrel Patterson, 38, of Columbus, was part of a drug trafficking organization that sold fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine. Patterson is a co-defendant of Petrocelli Robertson, 40, of Columbus, who was sentenced last month to 20 years in prison for running drug operations from Columbus houses and from prison.
According to court documents, from February until July 2024, Patterson was an active participant in the drug conspiracy. Patterson trafficked narcotics that he received from his girlfriend and co-defendant Amber Limoli. Limoli is Robertson’s former wife and admitted to continuing the drug operation while her former husband was in jail.
The couple exchanged messages often about which drugs were being sold and in what quantities. Patterson also messaged Limoli about obtaining more drug premises so they could “control the market.” Patterson’s contact was saved in Limoli’s phone as “Partner in Crime.”
Throughout their investigation in this case, law enforcement seized at least 19 firearms, more than $130,000 in cash, jewelry and ammunition from at least five different Columbus residences being used as drug premises.
Patterson’s criminal history includes federal convictions dating back to 2006. He was sentenced then to 60 months in prison for participating in a group that sold crack cocaine. He has at least two other former federal convictions for illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.
Patterson pleaded guilty in July 2025 to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Fellow defendant Limoli was also sentenced last month and received a term of imprisonment of 172 months for drug offenses, including drug crimes committed within 225 feet of Westgate Elementary School.
Robertson’s doorman, Danny Hood, was sentenced to 170 months in prison for overseeing one of the drug houses. The investigation also revealed that Hood was renting rooms for women engaging in prostitution and was exchanging drugs for things of value. Hood exploited drug-addicted women, often letting them stay with him and assisting them as they engaged in prostitution so they would have cash to purchase drugs from him.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit and officials with the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorneys Elizabeth A. Geraghty and Jennifer M. Rausch are representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Morrow County man sentenced to more than 14 years in prison for 2 armed bank robberies near Polaris mallRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Morrow County man was sentenced in federal court here today to 171 months in prison for robbing the same bank at gunpoint twice in the spring of 2025.
James Travis Scurlock, 44, of Cardington, stole a total of approximately $41,000 from a bank branch near the Polaris mall.
According to court documents, on March 6 and May 16, Scurlock robbed the Huntington Bank on Gemini Place while carrying a firearm. Scurlock wore a black sweatshirt, jeans, white Nike shoes, black gloves and a white camouflage mask during both robberies.
During the first robbery, he initially inquired about opening a bank account. After the teller asked him for two forms of identification, he pointed a handgun at the teller and told the teller to put money in his backpack. Scurlock then stole approximately $13,700.
During the May robbery, Scurlock pointed the handgun at a teller before walking to two tellers’ drawers and taking cash. He then ordered the tellers to the vault and placed more cash into his backpack. Scurlock stole approximately $27,700 during the second robbery.
The defendant was charged in June 2025 and pleaded guilty in October 2025.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge James L. Graham. Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Noah R. Litton is representing the United States in this case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
# # #
Military contractor sentenced to federal prison time for providing faulty partsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The owner of a company that fraudulently provided nonconforming critical application parts to the United States military was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 24 months in prison.
Andrew C. Nolan, 46, of Riviera Beach, Florida, and formerly of Westerville, defrauded the government of more than $800,000 by providing nonconforming parts through nearly 150 Department of War (DoW) contracts.
“Nolan knowingly provided cheaper, nonconforming parts to the U.S. military for use as critical application items on aircraft and other weapons systems,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “His actions dangerously disregarded the safety of our troops in pursuit of higher profits and he now will rightfully spend time in federal prison.”
“Outcomes of this nature protect the DoD from financial loss and operational risk, directly strengthening national defense capabilities,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Sargenski of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service, Southeast Field Office. “This result demonstrates the value of vigilant oversight and reinforces DCIS’s steadfast commitment to aggressively countering fraud, corruption, and misconduct that threaten military readiness.”
According to court documents, Nolan was the sole owner and operator of Nolan Manufacturing, LLC, a DoW contractor that supplied a variety of military parts from at least 2012 through 2020.
To execute his fraud scheme, Nolan intentionally supplied military parts that did not conform to his contracts with DoW. Instead of complying with the contracts, Nolan instead purchased the parts from unapproved manufacturers and then fraudulently shipped them to a third party to laser-etch the approved part numbers onto them before turning them over to the DoW.
In total, Nolan caused a loss of $829,512 through 148 contracts.
Nolan was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2022 and pleaded guilty in October 2025 to wire fraud and money laundering.
Nolans’s sentence was imposed today by U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Twombly and Tyler Aagard are representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Grand jury indicts illegal alien from Mexico for illegally possessing firearmsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Mexican illegal alien who fired a shot in the garage at his residence has been indicted by a grand jury for illegally possessing firearms.
Armando Rivera-Sereno, 41, was originally charged by a federal criminal complaint in November 2025.
According to charging documents, on Sept. 9, 2024, Columbus police officers were dispatched to Holly Hill Drive in Columbus on reports of shots fired. They discovered Rivera-Sereno in his garage, where they also found a pistol, loaded magazine, rifle, box of ammunition, spent shell casing, suspected narcotics and numerous empty beer cans.
Rivero-Sereno, who has also gone by Armando Rivera-Sanchez and Alejandro Aguirre, was convicted in 2022 of unlawfully reentering the United States as an illegal alien. He had been removed five other times before his arrest in that case.
Today’s two-count indictment charges him with illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and illegally possessing a firearm as an illegal alien, which each carry a potential penalty of up to 15 years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the charges. Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Brian J. Martinez is representing the United States in this case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
Repeat child sex crime offender sentenced to more than 30 years in prisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A defendant who served more than 11 years in prison for a child pornography offense then re-engaged with an individual he believed to be the mother of three minor girls to discuss his sexual desires with the girls was sentenced in federal court here today to 378 months in prison.
This case marks the fourth federal child exploitation or pornography conviction for William Kisor, 57, of Columbus. Kisor was on supervised release for two prior offenses when he first communicated in 2012 with the undercover agent whom he believed was a mother of minors.
According to court documents, after being released from prison, Kisor contacted the same online undercover agent with whom he communicated prior to his 2012 conviction, never realizing that the person was an agent of law enforcement. The undercover agent used the persona of an adult mother with minor daughters. The defendant contacted the agent in hopes of beginning an incestuous relationship with the “mother” and “daughters.”
For several months, while the defendant was on supervised release, the defendant communicated with the purported mother via email, text message, and phone call and described in detail the sexual acts that he wanted to perpetrate on the fictional daughters whom he was told were 8 and 14 years old.
In November 2024, Kisor drove to a hotel in Canal Winchester to meet the woman and her children and was arrested by federal agents.
Kisor pleaded guilty in October 2025 to attempted coercion and enticement.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit, announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Watson. Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill and Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer M. Rausch are representing the United States in this case.
This case is 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
# # #
Pickaway County man pleads guilty to federal gun, drug crimes involving multiple kilograms of narcotics seized from Hilliard hotelRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Pickaway County man pleaded guilty in federal court here today after investigators seized 18 firearms, tens of thousands of dollars in cash and bulk amounts of narcotics from his Hilliard hotel room in October 2025.
Samuel A. Griffith, 35, of Ashville, Ohio, admitted guilt in six federal drug and gun crimes. He faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.
According to court documents, in October 2025, Griffith sold fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine from a hotel room at the Red Roof Inn in Hilliard. When agents executed a search warrant in the hotel room, they discovered more than four kilograms of methamphetamine, 800 grams of fentanyl, a partial kilogram of cocaine, numerous firearms and nearly $40,000 in cash.
Griffith has prior felony convictions for robbery, aggravated possession of drugs and having weapons under disability. As a previously convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Specifically, Griffith pleaded guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and illegally possessing a firearm as a felon.
Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); Fairfield County Sheriff Alex Lape; Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Charles A. Jones and Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant announced the guilty plea offered today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Norah McCann King. Assistant United States Attorney Kevin W. Kelley is representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Grand jury indicts former fugitive on attempted murder of federal officers, firearms & violent crimesRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A federal grand jury returned an indictment here today against a Dayton man who had been a fugitive in Missouri for approximately five years. The defendant fired shots at fugitive apprehension officers when they arrived at his Dayton home to take him into custody.
Terrence Gay, 41, had been a fugitive since September 2021, when he failed to appear to begin serving a federal prison sentence for fentanyl crimes.
According to court documents, on March 19, the Southern District of Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) developed new information regarding Gay’s whereabouts and began surveillance on his residence.
On March 23, law enforcement officials surrounded Gay’s home, announcing their presence and purpose.
Gay allegedly failed to comply with agents to come out of his home and eventually fired approximately 12 rounds at officers, striking an unmarked Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office vehicle with deputies nearby.
Dayton Police SWAT and Montgomery County SWAT teams arrived to provide assistance.
During this time, United States Marshals received a phone call from Gay’s attorney, and a three-way call was made to arrange Gay’s peaceful surrender.
Gay is charged in the six-count indictment with assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon, attempted murder of a federal officer, two counts of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon and illegally possessing a firearm as a fugitive. He was originally charged by federal criminal complaint on March 25.
Besides his prior convictions in Missouri, Gay has prior convictions in Montgomery County for aggravated robbery, theft and kidnapping.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; United States Marshal Michael D. Black; Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck; and Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Erica D. Lunderman is representing the United States in this case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
Grand jury indicts Dayton man for robbing local bankRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A Dayton man arrested three hours after he allegedly robbed a local bank has been indicted by a federal grand jury.
John Donald Butler, 62, was originally charged by federal criminal complaint on April 1. His indictment was returned today.
According to charging documents, on March 30, Butler entered the Key Bank on Miamisburg Centerville Road in Dayton at approximately 2:45pm. Butler was dressed as a construction worker. He allegedly passed a note to the bank teller, telling the individual to get everything out of the top drawer and not to include any dye packs. Butler received more than $9,000 in cash and fled the scene.
Law enforcement obtained security images of Butler, who was not wearing any sort of face covering. Officials also used license plate readers to track Butler’s vehicle before and after the robbery.
Approximately three hours after the robbery, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop on Butler and arrested him. Cash, drugs and the robbery note were all subsequently located on Butler or in his vehicle.
The defendant has previously been convicted of more than 20 other bank robberies in prior federal cases in Florida and Georgia.
Bank robbery is a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Butler has remained in custody since his arrest.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Moraine Police Chief Craig Richardson announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth L. McCormick is representing the United States in this case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
Drug dealer known as ‘Panda’ sentenced to more than 11 years in prisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Patricia Flesch, 36, of Columbus, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 135 months in prison for conspiring to traffic bulk amounts of narcotics.
According to court documents, Flesch, who is also known as “Panda,” was a well-known mid-level drug dealer in central Ohio. Between September 2020 and June 2023, she distributed fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine to local users and other dealers in the Columbus area.
As part of her narcotics conspiracy, Flesch used houses and motels throughout the region to store drugs and facilitate drug transactions. She ran several drug premises and, at one time, was coordinating the delivery of 10 to 15 pounds of methamphetamine weekly from a source in Texas, according to her Facebook account.
Some of the drug premises included Flesch’s apartment on Hilton Avenue and other residences on Franshire Drive, East 14th Avenue and Helen Street. Law enforcement observed Flesch travel to different motels in Columbus and back to Helen Street nearly 440 times between March 16 and April 6, 2023.
Flesch was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2024 and pleaded guilty in October 2025 to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl and cocaine.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Joseph O. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit; announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Watson. Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Adult Parole Authority, and the Columbus and Pickerington police departments also coordinated throughout the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Pakiz and Jennifer M. Rausch are representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Social media influencer sentenced to 6 years in prison for $20 million Ponzi scheme, tax fraudRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – United States Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II announced today enforcement actions against violators of tax laws, including a social media influencer who orchestrated a $20 million real estate Ponzi scheme and committed tax fraud to further that scheme.
“As we close out tax season for the year, I want to remind the public that this office will aggressively pursue those who cheat the tax system or otherwise steal from the U.S. Treasury,” said U.S. Attorney Gerace. “We will not tolerate fraud—whether committed against the government or private citizens.”
Tyler Bossetti
Tyler Bossetti, 31, of Columbus, was sentenced in federal court in Columbus today to 72 months in prison. He received more than $23 million in investments from victim investors throughout the United States and abroad. In total, dozens of investors lost more than $11 million.
According to court documents, from 2019 until 2023, Bossetti widely publicized what he described as a real estate investment program. Through his company Boss Lifestyle LLC, Bossetti guaranteed large rates of return for short-term investments. He advertised the investments, often promising a rate of return of thirty percent or more, through social media, especially Facebook and YouTube.
Bossetti also caused the issuance and filing of approximately 14 false and fraudulent 1099-INT tax forms. He filed the IRS forms to report interest income for investors who did not earn interest. Bossetti claimed he had reinvested victims’ interest earnings when in fact he had not.
Bossetti admitted to misappropriating investor funds to further his lifestyle and make purchases like rental payments on a condo in downtown Columbus, frequent travel, a $150,000 Mercedes SUV and various cryptocurrency investments.
Bossetti was charged by a bill of information in April 2025 and pleaded guilty in June 2025 to wire fraud and aiding in a false tax filing.
Tiauna Castro
Also in Columbus, Tiauna Castro was convicted of submitting false federal tax forms related to a pair of sham businesses. Castro was part of a methamphetamine trafficking organization and mailed packages of methamphetamine from Las Vegas to Columbus. While on pretrial release in this case, Castro submitted false tax forms and received more than half a million dollars in refunds to which she was not entitled. Castro pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and to the submission of false tax claims while on pretrial release. Castro awaits sentencing.
Christopher Dowtin
On March 10, a federal judge in Dayton found Christopher Dowtin, an Atlanta-area man, guilty of wire fraud and theft of public funds following a bench trial. Dowtin fraudulently received two tax refund checks—including one for more than $32 million—by falsely converting two businesses’ IRS accounts to his name and address. After receiving these tax refund checks, Dowtin then traveled to Ohio and attempted to negotiate the funds into a brokerage account in his name. Dowtin awaits sentencing.
Angela and Shonda Michael
On March 24, Angela and Shonda Michael were indicted by a grand jury in Dayton and charged with 15 counts of willfully failing to pay over taxes to the IRS. According to the indictment, the defendants own and operate Free To Be You Residential Services, LLC, a business in Eaton, Ohio, that provides healthcare and other services to disabled adults. As alleged in the indictment, since at least 2021, the Michaels failed to pay over employment taxes they withheld from their employees, totaling more than $400,000, and instead kept the money for their own personal benefit.
Marshae Love
On April 29, Marshae Love is scheduled to plead guilty to aiding in the preparation of false and fraudulent tax returns. According to the plea agreement, Love worked as a tax preparer at a Columbus business, and, over the span of two years, falsified tax returns that were submitted to the IRS. Specifically, the defendant filed Schedule Cs with fake businesses and claimed false tax credits for COVID-related sick leave and family leave. The total tax loss is nearly $1.6 million. Love’s plea agreement requires her to pay restitution of the full tax loss.
Deputy Criminal Chief Brent G. Tabacchi, Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Amy M. Smith, and Assistant United States Attorneys David J. Twombly, Erica D. Lunderman and Timothy D. Prichard are representing the United States in these cases. These cases were investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and the FBI.
# # #
Dayton man sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for mailing methamphetamine, cocaine from Las Vegas to nephew in Dayton areaRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – Kuron Evans, 47, of Dayton, was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 130 months in prison for participating in a narcotics conspiracy involving more than two kilograms total of methamphetamine and cocaine.
According to court documents, in January 2024, Evans used the United States mail to send a package from a post office in Las Vegas to his nephew in Trotwood, Ohio. Evans used fictitious names for the sender and the recipient.
Law enforcement officials intercepted the package and discovered approximately one kilogram each of cocaine and methamphetamine.
Both Evans and his nephew, Dorian Evans, also age 47, were arrested in Trotwood in February 2024. Dorian Evans was sentenced in March to 60 months in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Pittsburgh Division; Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck; and officials with the Montgomery County Regional Agencies Narcotics & Gun Enforcement Task Force (RANGE) Task Force announced the sentence imposed on April 7 by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders is representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Tennessee man who was found in Florida with missing Ohio teen charged with transporting a minor to engage in sexual activityRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Charges have been filed in the Southern District of Ohio against a Tennessee man with whom a previously missing Colerain teenager was found in Florida on March 13.
Stephen L. Negron, 42, of Rogersville, Tennessee, is charged federally with transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, a federal crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison.
“I want to commend the excellent work of the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies involved in this investigation, recovery, and prosecution,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “My office is proud to partner with these outstanding public servants to ensure that our children remain safe from those who seek to prey upon them.”
According to charging documents, cell phone data revealed the victim’s cell phone was powered off on Feb. 13. Just prior to being turned off, cell site data placed the phone at an intersection near the victim’s home.
Subsequent review of area security cameras showed a silver Chevrolet pickup truck with a Tennessee license plate number registered to Negron in the vicinity at the same time. Investigators used license plate readers to track the truck’s previous travel southbound through Kentucky and into Tennessee.
Further investigation into Negron revealed an ongoing protective order issued out of Texas regarding an 18-year-old female who allegedly met Negron online in 2023 when she was 16 and Negron was 41. According to documents related to that matter, Negron traveled from Florida and Tennessee to meet up with the teenager and brought her back to Tennessee. He allegedly drugged her, sexually assaulted her and threatened violence to her and her family.
On March 12, FBI agents in Tennessee executed a federal search warrant at Negron’s home and found evidence of a new cell phone number. GPS pings on that cell phone number led agents to the Quality Inn & Suites Palatka Riverfront Hotel in Palatka, Florida.
Court documents detail that Negron had driven to Florida in a work truck, a White Dodge Ram, with a Virginia license plate. On March 13, law enforcement officials located Negron and the victim in Florida and arrested Negron on charges out of the Eastern District of Tennessee related to the former Texas victim.
Negron will be transferred to the Southern District of Ohio to face his charges here.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Colerain Township Police Chief Edwin C. Cordie III and Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office (Florida), Palatka Police Department (Florida), FBI Jacksonville, FBI Nashville, the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee have all played integral parts in this investigation.
This case is 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
Cincinnati man who supplied methamphetamine to area drug dealers sentenced to 10 years in prisonRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Quinten McCommons, 36, of Cincinnati, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 120 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, McCommons was a source of supply of methamphetamine for numerous street-level drug traffickers throughout the greater Cincinnati region.
In October 2023 and November 2023, McCommons distributed methamphetamine that was lab-confirmed to be between 81 percent and 98 percent pure crystal methamphetamine. He conducted drug sales transactions at the Beechmont Mall.
When law enforcement officials searched McCommons’s residence, they discovered methamphetamine, digital scales and more than $2,300 in cash.
McCommons has prior local convictions for aggravated drug trafficking, aggravated possession of drugs and possession of marijuana, as well as aggravated assault, domestic violence, disorderly conduct and criminal trespassing.
The defendant was arrested in November 2023 and pleaded guilty in October 2025 to possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Joseph O. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Detroit; and officials with the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorney David P. Dornette is representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Illinois man pleads guilty to traveling to Zanesville to engage in sex acts with minor after meeting onlineRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – An Illinois man who traveled to Muskingum County to engage in sexual activity with a local teenager pleaded guilty in federal court here today.
Immanuel D. Nellum, 30, of Peoria Heights, Illinois, faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison. He is convicted of coercion and enticement of a minor and traveling interstate with the intent to engage in unlawful sexual activity with a minor.
According to court documents, Nellum met the victim on the online app Friend when she was 12 years old. Between August 2023 and August 2025, Nellum and the victim engaged in an online relationship and exchanged nude images and videos of themselves.
Nellum’s phone contained more than 141,000 messages between him and the victim, including approximately 5,500 attachments. Of those, more than 10,000 messages and 2,000 attachments were noted as being exchanged on social media platforms like Snapchat.
Nellum admitted that he traveled to Zanesville to engage in sex acts with the minor. In August 2025, law enforcement located Nellum at the Quality Inn in Zanesville with the minor and arrested him. Nellum’s phone showed that he made 75 videos of his encounters with the minor at the hotel.
The defendant was charged in Muskingum County and arrested on Aug. 19. He was charged by federal criminal complaint the next month.
Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Zanesville Police Chief Scott Comstock announced the guilty plea entered today before Chief U.S. District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.
This case is 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
# # #
Former financial advisor sentenced to 5 years in prison for running $8.6M Ponzi schemeRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A former financial advisor who stole $8.6 million from friends and relatives over the course of a 20-year Ponzi scheme was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 60 months in prison.
John Jay Kersey, 65, of Maineville, Ohio, pleaded guilty in June 2025 to wire fraud.
According to court documents, Kersey was a long-time, trusted financial advisor to friends and relatives. For approximately two decades, from 2003 through 2023, he convinced his clients to move their existing investments from his company to purportedly invest in other funds. Kersey then stole the funds and used the money to pay down credit card bills, pay insurance premiums and to provide a downpayment on real estate. Kersey also used the money to pay other clients, when required, to maintain his investment scheme.
To keep his scheme going, the defendant told his clients that their investments were performing well. He provided false documents that included fictitious financial summaries and bank account numbers. Kersey also fabricated charts and graphs to show his victims.
Kersey took advantage of and deceived his victims during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. For example, after a victim’s spouse passed away, Kersey assured the victim that he would take care of her finances – when in reality, he had stolen the victim’s funds and used them for his own benefit.
Kersey was charged federally in June 2025 by bill of information.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Susan J. Dlott. Deputy Criminal Chief Emily N. Glatfelter is representing the United States in this case.
# # #
Columbus man pleads guilty to cyberstalking exes, creating AI-generated obscene material of adults & childrenRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – James Strahler II, 37, of Columbus, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to cybercrimes that included both real and AI-generated sexually explicit images and threats of violence to numerous victims.
Strahler had installed more than 24 AI platforms and more than 100 AI web-based models on his phone. The defendant used telephone calls, voicemails, text messages and web postings to engage in a campaign of harassment against his victims.
Specifically, Strahler pleaded guilty today to cyberstalking, producing obscene visual representations of child sexual abuse and publication of digital forgeries. His conviction of publication of digital forgeries is part of the Take It Down Act, a law enacted in 2025 that prohibits non-consensual online publication of intimate visual depictions and AI forgeries.
“We believe Strahler is the first person in the United States to be convicted under the Take It Down Act,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “We will not tolerate the abhorrent practice of posting and publicizing AI-generated intimate images of real individuals without consent. And we are committed to using every tool at our disposal to hold accountable offenders like Strahler, who seek to intimidate and harass others by creating and circulating this disturbing content.”
From December 2024 until June 2025, Strahler sent harassing messages to at least six adult female victims. These messages included nude images of the victims, both real and AI-generated.
For example, Strahler used AI to create pornographic videos depicting at least one adult victim engaged in sex acts with her father. He then distributed those videos to the victim’s co-workers. He also messaged the mothers of the adult females and demanded nude photos of them, threatening to circulate explicit or obscene images he created of their daughters if they did not comply. He often called the victims and left voicemails of him masturbating or threatening rape. He referred to the victims’ specific home addresses in his threats.
Strahler also posted online AI-generated obscenities he created of children. He generated these files using the faces of minor boys from his community. He then morphed the face of the minor boys onto the bodies of other adults or children and created videos that depicted the boys engaged in sex acts. Strahler specifically created AI-generated obscenity of the minor boys having sex with their mothers and/or grandmothers.
Strahler created more than 700 images of both real victims and animated persons and posted them to a website dedicated to child sexual abuse. An additional 2,400 images and videos on his phone were flagged as depicting nudity, morphed child sexual abuse material or violence.
Strahler’s criminal conduct was first reported to the Hilliard Police Department and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office before being referred to the FBI. He was arrested on federal charges in June 2025.
Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and officials with the Maryland AI and Synthetic Media Threats Task Force (MASTTF); announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Court Chief Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski is representing the United States in this case.
# # #
U.S. Attorney’s Office brings federal firearms charges in 8 cases in Dayton as part of downtown gun violence initiativeRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – Federal and local law enforcement officials announced today eight recent cases involving violations of federal firearms laws.
“It’s my job as U.S. Attorney to keep our communities in Southern Ohio safe. Doing that requires strong partnerships between our local police departments and our federal law enforcement agencies. And we have those strong partnerships here in Dayton,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “We want to make it clear to criminals, if you illegally possess or use a firearm or ammunition in Dayton, or anywhere else in our district for that matter, expect to see federal charges.”
The federal defendants include:
JaMichael Craver
On Monday, March 30, federal charges were filed against JaMichael Craver for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Craver was arrested on Friday night during operations conducted by the Dayton Police Department and the Ohio State Highway Patrol as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Initiative between the City of Dayton and the State of Ohio.
According to charging documents, Craver fled on foot from a vehicle being tracked by Dayton police officers and an aviation unit from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. He was apprehended by officers after a foot pursuit and allegedly found to be in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun. At the time of this incident, Craver was a wanted fugitive with multiple warrants for his arrest on state charges, including aggravated trafficking in drugs and having weapons while under disability. Craver has previously been convicted in state court of aggravated robbery and kidnapping.
Terrence Gay
On March 24, Terrence Gay was charged with assaulting federal agents with a deadly weapon, attempted murder of federal agents, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
As alleged in the criminal complaint, Gay was a federal fugitive out of Missouri who had failed to surrender after being sentenced for drug trafficking in 2021. The Southern Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) tracked Gay to a home a Dayton on March 23. After strike team officers announced their presence and attempted to convince Gay to exit the residence, Gay opened fire on the officers. Officers ultimately secured Gay and recovered multiple weapons from the residence.
Johnny Ray Perkins and Elisah Lobbley
On March 10, Johnny Ray Perkins and Elisah Lobbley were indicted for trafficking drugs in the vicinity of the RTA bus hub in downtown Dayton. During these sales, Perkins allegedly kept a firearm on him and is charged with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Anton Hurston
On Feb. 10, a federal grand jury in Dayton indicted Anton Hurston for possession of a firearm fitted with a high-capacity magazine during a traffic stop in Dayton’s central business district.
Rondell Coleman
On Feb. 10, a federal grand jury indicted Rondell Coleman for possession of a machinegun and possession of a stolen firearm. As alleged in an earlier criminal complaint, while responding to a domestic violence incident on Feb. 1, Dayton police encountered Coleman carrying a stolen machinegun in his pants.
Dylan Hiner
On Feb. 4, Dylan Hiner pleaded guilty to illegally shipping, transporting and receiving ammunition while under indictment for a felony offense. Hiner repeatedly discharged a handgun near the University of Dayton’s campus. At the time of this shooting, Hiner was under indictment on state weapons charges.
Colby Smith
On Jan. 13, Colby Smith was indicted for kidnapping, carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. As alleged in an earlier criminal complaint, during the morning of Dec. 9, 2025, Smith used a handgun to rob two Dayton-area residents of their vehicles and personal belongings as they traveled to their jobs.
Jacquan Sims, Miyauhn Vineyard, Raheem Goff and Joshua Haggins
On Dec. 9, Jacquan Sims, Miyauhn Vineyard, Raheem Goff, and Joshua Haggins were federally indicted for conspiring to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Law enforcement officials seized multiple firearms in that case, including one machinegun.
Illegally possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon is punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Possessing an unregistered firearm or a machinegun is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Illegally shipping, transporting, or receiving ammunition while under indictment for a felony offense is punishable by up to five years in prison. Possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime requires a mandatory minimum of at least five years in prison in addition to any other sentence imposed. Brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence requires a mandatory minimum of at least seven years in prison in addition to any other sentence imposed. Discharging a firearm during a crime of violence requires a mandatory minimum of at least 10 years in prison in addition to any other sentence imposed.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and United States Marshal Michael D. Black announced the charges. Deputy Criminal Chief Brent G. Tabacchi and Assistant United States Attorneys Christina Mahy, Erica Lunderman, Ryan Saunders, Rob Painter and Kelly Rossi are representing the United States in these cases.
Indictments and criminal complaints merely contain allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
Grand Jury charges additional Chinese nationals & pharmaceutical companies with drug trafficking & money laundering conspiracies, attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organizationRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A federal grand jury in Dayton returned charges against six Chinese nationals and two Chinese pharmaceutical companies in narcotics and money laundering conspiracies involving chemical agents used to manufacture and cut fentanyl. Three defendants are also charged with attempting to provide material support to a Mexican drug cartel.
“This new indictment marks the first time in the Southern District of Ohio that we have brought charges for providing material support to a Mexican drug cartel designated as a foreign terrorist organization by way of President Trump’s Executive Order of January 20, 2025, and Secretary Rubio’s February 20, 2025 designation,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “We are going after the entire chain of supply for these deadly drugs, from Mexican cartels and Chinese pharmaceutical companies to the high-level distributors on our streets in the Southern District of Ohio.”
“The FBI is aggressively pursuing individuals and companies in China that are selling dangerous narcotics and working with terrorist organizations,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie. “We will continue to use innovative approaches to investigate those peddling lethal drugs as we work to protect our communities.”
In September 2025, dozens of defendants were charged in the Southern District of Ohio in similar narcotics and money laundering conspiracies, including at least two defendants from the greater Dayton area.
According to the indictment returned today, the defendants openly marketed, sold and delivered various chemical precursors that they intended for domestic and foreign drug traffickers to use in the manufacture and production of fentanyl for ultimate distribution in the United States.
Drug traffickers use chemical precursors to manufacture fentanyl and other substances known as “cut” to increase the quantity of retail doses available for sale. For example, drug traffickers often “cut” fentanyl with medetomidine, an animal tranquilizer that is up to 200 times more powerful than morphine. Medetomidine has the potential to increase the yield of a single kilogram of fentanyl at least twenty-fold, producing millions of dosages for street level sales.
Three defendants also allegedly attempted to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization by selling chemical precursors and medetomidine to an individual who claimed to be a member of the Cártel del Golfo (also known as the Gulf Cartel), a violent transnational organization based in Mexico involved in drug trafficking, kidnapping, extortion, human smuggling and other crimes. purported
Those charged in the indictment include Chinese companies Shandong Believe Chemical Company Pte Ltd. and Shandong Ranhang Biotechnology Co. Ltd., as well as individuals Hanson Zhao, Gao Yanpeng, Xia Yi, Zhang Jian, Wang Zhoalan and Zhang Chunhai.
The companies allegedly used Zhao, Yanpeng, Yi, Jian, Zhoalan and Chunhai to solicit, negotiate, and secure payments for illegal cutting agents from U.S. customers. It is alleged the foreign nationals generally directed U.S. customers to pay for the cutting agents using cryptocurrency transferred to crypto wallets under the foreign national’s control for ultimate deposit into financial institutions located overseas.
The defendants are charged with conspiring to manufacture, to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl mixture, which is a federal crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Attempting to provide material support to a designated terrorist organization and international money laundering are crimes punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. Deputy Criminal Chief Brent G. Tabacchi and Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth L. McCormick are representing the United States in this case.
China’s Ministry of Public Security provided the FBI with critical intelligence that helped advance its understanding and investigation of Shandong Believe Chemical Company and its criminal network.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
Former fugitive charged with attempted murder of federal officers, firearms crimesRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – Federal charges were filed here against a Dayton man who had been a fugitive in Missouri for approximately five years. The defendant fired shots at fugitive apprehension officers when they arrived at his Dayton home to take him into custody.
Terrence Gay, 41, had been a fugitive since September 2021, when he failed to appear to begin serving a federal prison sentence for fentanyl crimes.
According to court documents, on March 19, the Southern District of Ohio Fugitive Apprehension Strike Team (SOFAST) developed new information regarding Gay’s whereabouts and began surveillance on his residence.
On March 23, law enforcement officials surrounded Gay’s home, announcing their presence and purpose.
Gay allegedly failed to comply with agents to come out of his home and eventually fired approximately 12 rounds at officers, striking an unmarked Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office vehicle with deputies inside.
Dayton Police SWAT and Montgomery County SWAT teams arrived to provide assistance.
During this time, United States Marshals received a phone call from Gay’s attorney, and a three-way call was made to arrange Gay’s peaceful surrender.
Gay is charged with assaulting federal officers with a deadly weapon, attempted murder of a federal officer, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
Besides his prior convictions in Missouri, Gay has prior convictions in Montgomery County for aggravated robbery, theft and kidnapping.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; United States Marshal Michael D. Black; Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck and Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Erica D. Lunderman is representing the United States in this case.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
# # #
Southwest Ohio man sentenced to 30 years in prison for child pornography crimes including secretly recording young girls, filming sex with teenagerRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Hamilton, Ohio, man who secretly recorded young girls nude and committed hands-on offenses of a teenager was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 360 months in prison.
Johnathan Brown, 34, hid outside bedroom windows and placed cameras inside a laundry basket to record minors after they exited from showers. He told victims he needed to see their bodies for “medical reasons.”
According to court documents, Brown also groomed a teenager, starting when she was 15 years old, eventually soliciting pictures and sexual behaviors from the victim. The defendant used emotional ploys of suicide or self-harm to manipulate the teenager. He also filmed himself having sex with the victim.
In August 2024, when he was discovered at a Dayton hotel with the teenaged victim, Brown led law enforcement on a prolonged, multi-jurisdiction, high-speed chase that required the deployment of stop sticks, the Ohio State Patrol Aviation team and SWAT. Brown drove his truck into a moving train and, even then, did not surrender to authorities but engaged in an hours’ long standoff with law enforcement until he was forced to exit his vehicle due to the deployment of tear gas and a K9 officer.
Brown pleaded guilty in October 2025 to producing and attempting to produce child pornography.
This case is 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 U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jared Murphey, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle J. Healey and Danielle E. Margeaux are representing the United States in this case.
# # #