Southern District of Ohio
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
California man pleads guilty to role in narcotics conspiracy involving 300 pounds of methamphetamineRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Los Angeles man admitted in federal court here today that he took part in a narcotics conspiracy involving more than 300 pounds of methamphetamine shipped to the greater Cincinnati area in 10 pallets of paver stones.
Jontah Jackson, 31, pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, in January 2025, DEA agents in Cincinnati received intelligence regarding a potential shipment of methamphetamine awaiting delivery in West Chester.
Law enforcement conducted surveillance of the shipment and observed Jackson parked in the vicinity and observing the delivery as others loaded up the pallets onto a box truck and a flatbed trailer.
When all the vehicles began to depart the delivery area, law enforcement converged on the vehicles. Jackson fled from the police, collided with a law enforcement vehicle, crashed into a tree line and fled on foot before being apprehended on a nearby highway.
Law enforcement discovered fake paver stones of methamphetamine interspersed among real paver stones.
Jackson and co-defendant Ramiro Mendoza, 30, of Santa Maria, California, were indicted by a grand jury in April 2025.
Jackson faces at least 10 years and up to life 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; Joseph O. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Detroit; Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Charles A. Jones; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Middletown Police Chief Earl Nelson announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Keefe is representing the United States in this case.
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U.S. Attorney’s Office brings federal firearms charges against 9 additional defendants in Cincinnati as part of federal, state & local violent crime reduction initiativeRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Federal, state and local law enforcement officials announced today nine additional cases involving violations of federal firearms laws. All nine defendants have been arrested on these charges and were indicted by a federal grand jury on March 4.
These nine defendants are in addition to three defendants—Shaquille Ferguson, Franeek Cobb and Derrick Long—who were indicted by a federal grand jury on March 11 for firearms crimes related to public shootings in Cincinnati on Fountain Square in October 2025 and at Riverfront Live on March 1, 2026.
“Shortly after becoming U.S. Attorney, I stood with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in Cincinnati and promised the public that we would aggressively prosecute federal firearms cases and seek harsh penalties for repeat violent offenders caught with guns,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “These nine cases, along with the prosecutions of the individuals allegedly responsible for the shootings on Fountain Square and at Riverfront Live, highlight our continuing determination to make good on that promise.”
The nine additional defendants, all from Cincinnati, are as follows:
Auston Page
Auston Page was arrested as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Initiative involving the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Cincinnati Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive, and other partner agencies.
On Dec. 30, 2025, Page allegedly was a passenger in a vehicle that fled from law enforcement. As Ohio State Highway Patrol aviation followed the vehicle, Page allegedly ran and disposed of one handgun. After a Cincinnati Police officer deployed his taser, Page was taken into custody. A search of Page revealed another firearm. Page has previously been convicted of carrying a concealed weapon and aggravated robbery.
Rodrick Meatchem-White and Adrian Hardy
Eighteen-year-old Rodrick Meatchem-White and 19-year-old Adrian Hardy each allegedly possessed a Glock switch, which converts firearms into an automatic weapon or machinegun.
Polo Alexander
Alexander was previously convicted of robbery with a gun specification and allegedly was found in possession of a firearm in October 2025.
Austin Fowler
Fowler has previous convictions for aggravated robbery, drug possession, drug trafficking, and weapons under disability and allegedly was found with a firearm in November 2025.
Lamont Golightly
Golightly has previous convictions for drug trafficking and receiving stolen property and allegedly was found with a gun on Jan. 14.
Nathaniel Mack
Mack has multiple state convictions for trafficking heroin. He allegedly was found with a loaded, stolen gun in his pants during a traffic stop on Central Parkway in Cincinnati.
Reca Shelton
Shelton has multiple prior convictions for domestic violence and drug trafficking, as well as a conviction for robbery. He allegedly was found with a firearm on Jan. 13.
Naim Warren
Warren has previous convictions for felonious assault and burglary and allegedly was found with a gun in November 2025.
A complete list of the defendants is included below:
NameAgeCity of ResidenceChargePolo Alexander37CincinnatiFelon in possession of firearmAustin Fowler46CincinnatiFelon in possession of firearmLamont Golightly28CincinnatiFelon in possession of firearmAdrian Hardy19CincinnatiIllegal possession of a machinegunNathaniel Mack40CincinnatiFelon in possession of firearmRodrick Meatchem-White18CincinnatiIllegal possession of a machinegunAuston Page31CincinnatiFelon in possession of firearmReca Shelton40CincinnatiFelon in possession of firearmNaim Warren29CincinnatiFelon in possession of firearmIllegally 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 carry potential penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
As part of law enforcement’s targeted efforts to hold accountable perpetrators of gun violence, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has dedicated a state prosecutor to help bring federal cases as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Cincinnati Police Interim Chief Adam Hennie; Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Col. Charles A. Jones; Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost; Jorge Rosendo, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF); and Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorneys Ashley N. Brucato, Julie D. Garcia, Matthew C. Singer, Ryan A. Keefe and Anthony Springer, and Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry are representing the United States in this case.
Indictments and criminal complaints merely contain allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Tennessee Woman Sentenced to 40 Months in Prison for Conspiring to Create and Distribute Videos Depicting Monkey Torture and MutilationRead the Press Release
A Tennessee woman was sentenced today to 40 months in prison and three years of supervised release in connection with her involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.
Katrina Favret, of Greeneville, Tennessee, pleaded guilty on Nov. 7, 2025, to conspiring to create and distribute so-called “animal crush videos,” and with creating animal crush videos.
According to court documents, Favret used encrypted chat applications to direct money to individuals in Indonesia willing to create videos depicting acts of sadistic violence against baby and adult monkeys. Favret would send specific instructions describing the acts of torture she wished to see and would then distribute the resulting videos to others in the online group.
According to a statement of facts Favret signed, the videos in question included numerous depictions of extreme violence and torture against monkeys that had been specifically requested by the defendant and her co-conspirators.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) and U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio made the announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Mark Romley and Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Pakiz for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
Dayton man who exploited teens online sentenced to more than 22 years in prisonRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A Dayton man who preyed on minors online on multiple social media and messaging platforms was sentenced in federal court here today to 270 months in prison for coercion and enticement.
David A. Snell, 37, used multiple usernames and fake identities to connect with victims. According to court documents, from May to July 2024, Snell used various Reddit accounts to identify and target vulnerable minors, and to communicate with two minor females, 16 and 17 years old. Snell groomed these minors and coerced and enticed them to send him child pornography images and videos – including degrading depictions of sexual activity and acts of self-harm – for Snell’s sexual enjoyment.
Snell was charged federally in August 2024 and pleaded guilty in September 2025.
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 Senior U.S. District Court Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorney Christina E. Mahy 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.
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Law enforcement seized 11 kilograms of suspected fentanyl, cocaine from a Dayton man’s safe following his arrest on federal drug crimesRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A Dayton man has been charged federally in a narcotics trafficking case in which law enforcement seized approximately 11 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and cocaine.
Ke-Shawn Rivers, 46, appeared in federal court yesterday morning for a detention hearing. The Court ordered that he remain in custody pending trial.
According to the indictment, 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 approximately 11 kilograms of suspected fentanyl and cocaine and $260,000 in cash as well as an additional firearm.
“Illicit fentanyl destroys lives and directly threatens our national security,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “My office will continue to fight alongside our law enforcement partners at all levels of government to rid our streets of this deadly drug.”
“Fentanyl has been a scourge on our communities and has sadly taken many of our family and friends too soon,” said HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “HSI will continue to vigorously investigate and dismantle narcotics trafficking networks across Ohio and Michigan to protect our communities. I want to thank our partners from the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office for their partnership in this investigation.”
“Fentanyl’s catastrophic impact on our communities is well-documented – when a tiny speck can cause an overdose, taking pounds off the streets makes Ohio exponentially safer,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said. “This task force and our BCI narcotics agents have my gratitude for a job well done.”
“Fentanyl continues to devastate families and communities throughout Montgomery County,” said Rob Streck. “The amount of fentanyl seized in this case had the potential to cause unimaginable harm in our community. This case is another example of what can be accomplished when federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies work together to identify and hold accountable those responsible for trafficking these deadly drugs.”
Rivers is charged with 13 counts of distributing fentanyl, a federal crime 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; 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 United States Attorney Amy M. Smith and Special Assistant United States Attorney Kelly Collins are 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.
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Former commander of local AMVETS Post sentenced to more than 3 years in prison for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollarsRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A former local AMVETS Post commander was sentenced in U.S. District Court to 41 months in prison for embezzling more than $620,000 from the non-profit organization’s bank accounts.
Danny Dale Gordon, 49, of Kettering, served as the commander for AMVETS Post #24 on Leo Street in Dayton from January 2022 until May 2024.
According to court documents, during that timeframe, Gordon engaged in more than 1,900 fraudulent banking transactions using the Post’s credit and debit cards to make ATM withdrawals.
Gordon used the money at various local gambling casinos, for travel and hotel expenses, to pay for his personal truck loan and to frequent a Dayton-area “gentlemen’s club.”
Gordon was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2025 and pleaded guilty in October 2025 to wire fraud.
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; Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal; and Lt. Col. Seth Newfang, Commander of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, 10th Field Investigations Squadron; announced the sentence imposed on March 12 by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Newman. Special Assistant United States Attorney Dwight K. Keller and Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Amy M. Smith are representing the United States in this case.
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Jamaican illegal alien who volunteered as local teacher, youth minister sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – An illegal alien from Jamaica who volunteered as a teacher and youth minister in Worthington was sentenced in federal court here today to 160 months in prison for distributing, receiving and possessing child pornography.
Andrew Brown, 51, of Columbus, possessed a total of 15 terabytes of child sexual abuse material across multiple devices. Brown’s IP address was flagged by the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) as the most active IP address in the state of Ohio using peer-to-peer software to download child pornography.
“This defendant, who overstayed his visa in the United States, was such a prolific perpetrator that when agents arrived at his apartment to execute a search warrant, he was at his computer actively downloading and exchanging images and videos of children being sexually abused, including child pornography depicting infants and toddlers,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Adding to the alarm, Brown placed himself in a position of trust with children as a religion teacher and youth minister. Our children undoubtedly are safer with Brown serving this significant term of imprisonment.”
Further investigation revealed that Brown was using the computer where he volunteered at Worthington Adventist Academy and Worthington Seventh-Day Adventist Church to download child pornography when not at home. In fact, the IP address for the church and school was flagged as the third most active IP address in Ohio downloading child pornography.
Between October 2023 and April 2024, Brown possessed more than 40,000 files of minors engaged in sex acts.
Brown was charged by a bill of information and pleaded guilty in March 2025.
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 Sheriff’s Office’s ICAC Task Force; Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O’Malley; and Ohio ICAC Task Force Commander David Frattare announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Court Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. 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.
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Grand jury indicts New York man charged with federal sexual exploitation crimesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A federal grand jury indicted the New York man who was arrested in late February on federal sexual exploitation charges filed in the Southern District of Ohio after investigation into a missing Colerain teenager revealed he was previously involved with the minor.
Kyle D. Lawrence, 43, of Buffalo, New York, appeared in federal court in Cincinnati on March 10 and was ordered to remain in custody pending trial. His two-count indictment was filed today.
According to charging documents, on Feb. 16, Colerain Township police began investigating the circumstances surrounding a missing teenager. Officers reviewed video surveillance from the minor’s home and discovered that in January, the teenager entered a black Jeep Grand Cherokee with New York license plates. License plate readers and receipts confirm that Lawrence allegedly rented the vehicle and that he and the minor stayed at a Cincinnati hotel together on Jan. 31.
It was discovered that Lawrence was the subject of a report to the FBI in May 2024. Lawrence was confronted by a citizen vigilante group while in Canada for allegedly traveling to Canada to have sexual contact with a purported 15-year-old girl. Agents in Buffalo had previously been in contact with Lawrence in response to the report.
Further investigation by the FBI revealed two cyber tip reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding Lawrence’s Snapchat account and child exploitation activity.
On Feb. 26, FBI agents in Buffalo executed a federal search warrant at Lawrence’s residence and seized several electronic devices, which contained child sexual abuse material.
An affidavit details that Lawrence told agents he communicated with the minor from Colerain on Snapchat and traveled to the Cincinnati area twice in January to meet up. He used the location services on Snapchat to locate the minor when he picked her up.
Law enforcement’s investigation into the whereabouts of the missing teenager remains ongoing.
The indictment charges Lawrence with transportation with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity (a crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison) and transportation of child pornography (five to 20 years in prison).
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.
This is a joint investigation being conducted by the FBI divisions in Cincinnati and Buffalo, Colerain Township Police Department, New York State Police and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Federal grand jury indicts 3 defendants on charges related to public shootingsRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Three defendants allegedly involved in public shootings in Cincinnati have now been indicted by a federal grand jury.
Franeek Cobb, 24, and Derrick Long, 29, were originally charged by federal criminal complaint last week. They face felon-in-possession charges for their alleged involvement in a mass shooting on March 1 at Riverfront Live.
Shaquille Ferguson, 24, was allegedly involved in an October 2025 shooting outside the City Bird restaurant on Fountain Square in downtown Cincinnati. He was also originally charged by criminal complaint last week.
According to charging documents for Cobb and Long, on March 1, Cincinnati police officers responded to Riverfront Live on Kellogg Avenue for a report of a shooting inside the night club and event venue. Nine individuals were wounded in the incident.
Cobb and Long were identified as the two alleged shooters based on a review of surveillance footage from Riverfront Live and the recovery of a firearm and ammunition.
Cobb is charged in an indictment filed today with illegally possessing a pistol and ammunition.
Long’s indictment charges him with illegally possessing eight .45 cartridge cases.
As previously convicted felons, Cobb and Long are prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Cobb has a 2022 felony conviction of having weapons while under disability. Long has several prior felony convictions, including two separate cases involving trafficking in heroin, trafficking in fentanyl, failure to comply, carrying concealed weapons, arson and receiving stolen property.
According to Ferguson’s charging documents, in October 2025, Ferguson fired three shots and struck two individuals outside City Bird. He was allegedly involved in an altercation inside the restaurant. After exiting the restaurant, he allegedly brandished and fired his weapon. His indictment charges him with illegally possessing three 9mm cartridge cases.
In July 2025, Ferguson was convicted of aggravated assault, prohibiting him from possessing ammunition.
Each of the defendants faces 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); Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Henni; and Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. Members of the ATF & Cincinnati Police Department Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) participated in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato is representing the United States in these cases.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Green Township man sentenced to 2 years in prison for constructing pipe bombsRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Green Township man was sentenced in federal court here today to 24 months in prison for constructing three pipe bombs.
Robert Gilb, 51, caused the detonation of three improvised explosive devices (IED) in Hamilton and Butler counties in March and April 2025.
Specifically, on April 12, 2025, Hamilton County sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to Miami Township for a report of a loud explosion. They discovered what appeared to be a blast crater and components of an improvised explosive device (IED).
Further investigation revealed that there were two prior incidents in Morgan Township
that had similar characteristics to the incident in Miami Township. Butler County sheriff’s deputies had responded to incidents there on March 23 and March 28. Witnesses saw Gilb in his white BMW near the site of at least one of the devices when it exploded.
A search of Gilb’s residence revealed materials consistent with the construction of destructive devices.
Gilb was indicted in June 2025 and pleaded guilty in October 2025 to possessing an unregistered destructive device.
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, as well as the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Hamilton County Sheriff's Office, Butler County Sheriff's Office, Ohio State Fire Marshalls Office, Greater Cincinnati HAZMAT, Green Township Police Department and Green Township Fire Department, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Jeffery P. Hopkins. Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Timothy S. Mangan is representing the United States in this case.
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Federal judge convicts man who fraudulently received $32 million business tax refund checkRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A federal judge has found an Atlanta-area man guilty of wire fraud and theft of public funds. In a separate bench trial, a second man was also found guilty of filing a false, retaliatory lien against a different federal judge.
Christopher Dowtin, 49, of Jonesboro, Georgia, fraudulently converted two businesses’ IRS accounts to his name and address. The defendant received tax refund checks – including one for more than $32 million – that were to be paid out to these two businesses.
Two months after Dowtin’s arrest on the tax crimes, Bondary McCall, 64, of Lithia Springs, Georgia, filed a false lien in the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation claiming that Senior U.S. District Court Judge Thomas M. Rose owed Dowtin $32 million. Judge Rose was originally presiding over Dowtin’s fraud case.
The verdicts were announced on March 9 following bench trials before Senior U.S. District Judge Walter H. Rice.
According to court documents and trial testimony, Dowtin fraudulently submitted IRS forms claiming to be the responsible party for two separate companies.
In December 2024, the IRS processed eight Change of Address or Responsible Party-Business forms associated with Dowtin. Dowtin’s requests for changes were completed and accepted. He ultimately received two tax refund checks for those companies: one in the amount of $32,495,888.58 and one in the amount of $26,156.50.
Dowtin traveled from Georgia to Ohio with the two checks to open an account in the Southern District of Ohio.
On Feb. 13, 2025, Dowtin took the checks to a Morgan Stanley office in Beavercreek, Ohio, and attempted to negotiate the funds into a brokerage account in a trust in his name. Dowtin told the Morgan Stanley financial advisor that the two companies were paying him for illegally using his “personhood.” He said the payments owed to him had been transferred to him from the IRS. The financial advisor verified that the checks were valid U.S. Treasury checks.
On Feb. 19, 2025, an executive director at Morgan Stanley contacted the United States Secret Service and IRS Criminal Investigation regarding the suspicious nature of the checks and Dowtin’s supporting paperwork. The checks were seized by law enforcement.
Dowtin was charged and arrested in April 2025. He is convicted of wire fraud (punishable by up to 20 years in prison) and theft of public funds (up to 10 years in prison).
McCall faces up to 10 years in prison for making a retaliatory lien against a federal official.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and Jason Rees, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service; announced the verdicts. Assistant United States Attorneys Amy M. Smith and Erica D. Lunderman are representing the United States in the cases.
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Cincinnati man sentenced to prison for laundering proceeds of romance fraud conspiracy that scammed dozens of victims out of more than $2 millionRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Richard Opoku Agyemang, 41, of Cincinnati, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 41 months in prison for laundering the proceeds of a romance fraud conspiracy involving more than $2 million in losses to dozens of victims.
For years, Agyemang laundered millions of dollars in fraud proceeds to others in the United States and abroad and kept a substantial sum for himself.
The targets of the conspiracy were elderly or recently bereaved people who were looking for love on dating websites. As part of the romance fraud scheme, other individuals used stolen photographs and false information to create profiles on dating websites and establish online romantic relationships with victims. Victims were tricked into sending money under the false pretense that doing so would support a romantic partner for things like medical expenses.
Victims in this case detailed having to sell their homes and vehicles, cash in life insurance policies and 401k accounts, and max out credit cards because of their financial losses from the scam.
Many perpetrators were individuals living in Ghana. Because Agyemang lived in the United States, he was able to open American bank accounts to receive the fraud proceeds, which he then laundered to other accounts in the United States and in foreign countries.
According to court documents, victims sent more than $2 million by either wiring money or depositing checks to accounts controlled by Agyemang.
Separately from his money laundering, Agyemang also defrauded the Small Business Administration during the COVID-19 pandemic by fraudulently obtaining a Paycheck Protection Program loan requesting pandemic relief funds. He ultimately received a loan for nearly $21,000 that was later forgiven.
The defendant was charged federally in April 2024 and pleaded guilty in September 2025. As part of his sentence, the Court has ordered him to pay nearly $1.4 million in restitution to the individual victims who could be identified and approximately $20,800 in restitution to the Small Business Administration.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Pittsburgh Division, announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland. Assistant United States Attorneys Julie D. Garcia and Ebunoluwa A. Taiwo are representing the United States in this case.
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Illegal alien from Mexico sentenced to more than 16 years in prison for drug trafficking, sexually exploiting teenagerRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – An illegal alien from Mexico was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to 200 months in prison for drug trafficking and child exploitation crimes.
Anicleto Olvera-Sanchez, 35, of Columbus, was the target of a drug trafficking investigation. When law enforcement officers searched his residence, they recovered fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine and multiple firearms.
“Olvera-Sanchez committed a smorgasbord of crimes while illegally present in this country, and today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of those crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “This is the seventh criminal illegal alien to be sentenced, convicted, or charged in this district during the past two months thanks to the fine work of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners.”
A search of Olvera-Sanchez’s cell phone revealed evidence that he paid a teenage girl to create and send him sexually explicit videos and images. The defendant continuously requested photos of the minor, often telling her how to pose or what to do in the images. He also asked her to meet with him for sexual acts in exchange for money, but the victim did not comply.
According to court documents, the MEGA app on Olvera-Sanchez’s cell phone contained more than 700 images and six videos of child sexual abuse material. A search of the defendant’s Apple account revealed another approximately 990 images and 270 videos of child pornography.
Olvera-Sanchez pleaded guilty in October 2025 to sexual exploitation of a minor, possession of child pornography, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
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 by U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorneys Jennifer M. Rausch and Emily Czerniejewski are representing the United States in this case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America and Project Safe Childhood. Operation Take Back America is 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.
Project Safe Childhood is 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.
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Cincinnati fentanyl dealer sentenced to 18 years in prisonRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A defendant who led a significant fentanyl trafficking organization in Cincinnati was sentenced in federal court today to 216 months in prison.
Quinell Hadden, 38, of Cincinnati, was responsible for obtaining and distributing hundreds of kilograms of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Hadden’s drug trafficking organization obtained at least 100 kilograms of fentanyl directly from the Sinaloa Cartel, 45 kilograms of cocaine from members of the Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG), precursor shipments from China, fentanyl and methamphetamine in the mail from Arizona, and drugs from at least two other local drug trafficking organizations.
Hadden ran his drug operation from January 2020 until 2023 when he was arrested. At times, he was receiving at least 50 to 60 kilograms of fentanyl and heroin per week.
Hadden cut and processed each kilogram of fentanyl into three-to-four kilograms of product that was nearly as potent. He used a variety of cutting agents to dilute the fentanyl, resulting in deadly and unpredictable narcotics.
Forty other defendants in six current federal prosecutions were identified through the investigation into Hadden. In January 2026, Braylon Carr, one of Hadden’s “top lieutenants” according to court documents, was sentenced to 158 months in prison. And today, in addition to Hadden, co-defendant Alantee Hulbert was sentenced to 144 months in prison. Several other defendants await sentencing.
Hadden, who is also known as “Nell,” “Q” and “Fat Boy,” pleaded guilty in October 2025 to participating in drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracies.
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; Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and other members of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task 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.
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Longtime offender sentenced to 20 years in prison for running drug operations from Columbus houses & prisonRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A career criminal offender was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 240 months in prison for leading a narcotics operation, including from jail.
Petrocelli Robertson, 40, of Columbus, was part of a drug trafficking organization that sold fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine. Robertson is also known as “Bible” and “Juice.”
According to court documents, from May 2021 until July 2024, Robertson trafficked narcotics out of Columbus residences on Racine and Dana avenues. After his arrest in this case, Robertson directed his other associates to continue his drug operations.
Robertson’s criminal history started at least 20 years ago. In the early 2000s, he was convicted of kidnapping with a firearm and sentenced to serve eight years in prison consecutive to a federal sentence imposed for dealing cocaine base. After serving those prison sentences, he was convicted of illegally conveying drugs into Mansfield Correctional Institution and spitting on a corrections officer at Lebanon Correctional Institution.
Two of Robertson’s four co-defendants in this case are also scheduled to be sentenced this week. Robertson’s former wife, Amber Limoli, pleaded guilty to continuing the drug operation while her husband was in jail. His doorman, Danny Hood, oversaw a residence on South Guilford Avenue where drugs were regularly sold and was in the process of establishing another stash house on Stevens Avenue.
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.
Coconspirator Terrel L. Patterson has also pleaded guilty in this case and awaits sentencing later this month.
Robertson pleaded guilty in July 2025 to conspiring to distribute and possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine, and to illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon.
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); 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.
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2 Cincinnati men involved in mass shooting now face federal chargesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Two Cincinnati men previously arrested on local charges related to a shooting on March 1 at Riverfront Live now face federal charges.
Franeek Cobb, 24, and Derrick Long, 29, are each charged federally with illegally possessing a firearm or ammunition as a convicted felon.
“Gun violence in Cincinnati must end,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Our top priority is protecting our communities and holding accountable those who threaten them. If you pull a trigger in an illegal act of violence or otherwise illegally possess a firearm or ammunition, rest assured we will do everything we can to send you to federal prison.”
“I am pleased with the aggressive and expeditious manner in which this offense was investigated. The full force of law enforcement — including the Cincinnati Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the FBI, prosecutors, and the United States Attorney’s Office — worked in close partnership to bring these alleged violent criminals to justice,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jorge Rosendo. “This level of coordination and commitment is exactly what makes our communities safer for everyone.”
According to charging documents, on March 1, Cincinnati police officers responded to Riverfront Live on Kellogg Avenue for a report of a shooting inside the night club and event venue. Nine individuals were wounded in the incident.
Long and Cobb were identified as the two alleged shooters based on a review of surveillance footage from Riverfront Live.
An affidavit details that Cobb observed Long in his immediate vicinity, pulled out a firearm and began firing shots towards Long, causing patrons to seek cover. Long fell to the ground, then allegedly brandished a firearm and began firing multiple gunshots in the direction of Cobb.
Law enforcement seized a handgun that Cobb allegedly dropped at the bar while fleeing the scene. The ATF determined casings recovered from the area where Long was shooting were all fired from the same .45 caliber gun. National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) examination showed that only two firearms were discharged during the shooting.
As previously convicted felons, Cobb and Long are prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. Cobb has a 2022 felony conviction of having weapons while under disability. Long has several prior felony convictions, including two separate cases involving trafficking in heroin, trafficking in fentanyl, failure to comply, carrying concealed weapons, arson and receiving stolen property.
Each defendant faces 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); Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Henni; and Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the charges. Members of the ATF & Cincinnati Police Department Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) participated in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Ashley N. Brucato is representing the United States in this case.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
A complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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New York man arrested on federal sexual exploitation chargesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A New York man was arrested last night on federal sexual exploitation charges filed in the Southern District of Ohio after investigation into a missing Colerain teenager revealed he was previously involved with the minor.
Kyle D. Lawrence, 43, of Buffalo, New York, was arrested at his residence. He appeared in federal court in New York today.
According to charging documents, on Feb. 16, Colerain Township police began investigating the circumstances surrounding a missing teenager. Officers reviewed video surveillance from the minor’s home and discovered that in January, the teenager entered a black Jeep Grand Cherokee with New York license plates. License plate readers and receipts confirm that Lawrence allegedly rented the vehicle and that he and the minor stayed at a Cincinnati hotel together on Jan. 31.
It was discovered that Lawrence was the subject of a report to the FBI in May 2024. Lawrence was confronted by a citizen vigilante group while in Canada for allegedly traveling to Canada to have sexual contact with a purported 15-year-old girl. Agents in Buffalo had previously been in contact with Lawrence in response to the report.
Further investigation by the FBI revealed two cyber tip reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding Lawrence’s Snapchat account and child exploitation activity.
On Feb. 26, FBI agents in Buffalo executed a federal search warrant at Lawrence’s residence and seized several electronic devices, which contained child sexual abuse material.
An affidavit details that Lawrence told agents he communicated with the minor from Colerain on Snapchat and traveled to the Cincinnati area twice in January to meet up. He used the location services on Snapchat to locate the minor when he picked her up.
Law enforcement’s investigation into the whereabouts of the missing teenager remains ongoing.
Lawrence is charged with transportation with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity (a crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison), travel with the intent to engage in illicit conduct (up to 30 years in prison) and transportation of child pornography (five to 20 years in prison).
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.
This is a joint investigation being conducted by the FBI divisions in Cincinnati and Buffalo, Colerain Township Police Department, New York State Police and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). Assistant United States Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Dayton man faces federal child pornography crimes involving victim under 5 years oldRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – United States Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II and Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck, Jr. announced today that Christopher Houck, 20, of Dayton, has been charged federally with child pornography crimes involving a child under the age of 5.
Allegations in the charging documents state that Houck created sexually explicit videos involving the victim.
Initial forensic review of Houck’s cell phones revealed that Houck also allegedly traded child pornography with other individuals online on platforms like Snapchat. He possessed numerous images and videos of child pornography of other victims.
Earlier this month, Houck allegedly messaged online with another adult male, discussing their sexual fantasies involving children and the possibility of meeting up to find children with whom to engage in sexually explicit conduct together.
This case originated with reports to the Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Center. Houck was originally arrested on local charges of gross sexual imposition, voyeurism, pandering obscenity and child endangering, and he has been incarcerated in the Montgomery County Jail since Feb. 15.
Houck is now charged federally with producing child pornography (punishable by 15 to 30 years in prison), distributing child pornography (five to 20 years in prison) and possessing child pornography depicting a prepubescent minor (up to 20 years).
“We will work together across all levels of government to hold accountable offenders who perpetrate crimes against children,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “My office is grateful for the collaboration between the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI that led to these charges.”
“The allegations in this case are deeply troubling and involve the exploitation of a vulnerable child,” said Sheriff Rob Streck. “Protecting children is our top priority, and we will continue to work closely with federal and local partners to investigate these crimes, hold offenders accountable, and ensure victims receive the support they need.”
This case is being prosecuted in collaboration with the Montgomery County Prosecutor’s Office. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and FBI are investigating. Assistant United States Attorney Christina Mahy is representing the United States in this case.
This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Chicago man sentenced to 20 years in prison for drug crimes in Guernsey CountyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Chicago man was sentenced in federal court here today to 240 months in prison for having bulk amounts of narcotics at a Guernsey County hotel.
A federal jury convicted Kenneth D. Triplett, 38, of three narcotics offenses following a trial in May 2025. The crimes include possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl and heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base.
According to court documents and trial testimony, in April 2024, the Guernsey County Sheriff’s Office received a tip that Triplett was in the county to distribute drugs. Triplett had traveled to Guernsey County with distributable amounts of drugs after being in the Columbus area.
Within 12 hours of receiving the tip, law enforcement observed Triplett’s vehicle at a Quality Inn in Cambridge, Ohio, and arrested the defendant nearby. Triplett had an active full extradition warrant for his arrest from Minnesota.
After arresting Triplett, officers searched his hotel room and discovered hidden throughout the room: cocaine and more than 230 grams cocaine base, an open vacuum sealed bag of fentanyl mixed with heroin, and a digital scale.
Triplett’s criminal history includes multiple drug convictions in multiple jurisdictions, often rural communities. Sentencing documents also note that Triplett’s drug trafficking is tied to at least one nonlethal drug overdose.
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 Guernsey County Sheriff Jeffrey D. Paden announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Algenon L. Marbley. Assistant United States Attorneys Tyler J. Aagard and Kevin W. Kelley are representing the United States in this case.
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Repeat sex offender from Licking County pleads guilty to new child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A repeat sex offender pleaded guilty in federal court here today to receiving and possessing child pornography.
Christopher McInturf, 56, of Newark, Ohio, faces 15 to 40 years in prison for receiving child sexual abuse material and 10 to 20 years in prison for possessing it.
According to court documents, in February 2025, the Homeland Security Investigations Cyber Crime Center referred an investigative lead regarding McInturf using CashApp to pay for child pornography. Further investigation revealed that McInturf met an individual online who he believed to be in Paraguay. McInturf would pay the person typically $80 or $86 for bundles of child pornography.
In January 2025, McInturf messaged the individual asking for “something new? Rape is good. 10 to 15 yr…”
Investigators discovered child sexual abuse material of prepubescent female victims on McInturf’s digital devices. For example, one video was a 70-minute compilation of 55 children being sexually assaulted who were approximately two to 10 years old.
On a thumb drive, McInturf had an explicit photo of a minor previously identified as the victim in a case against the defendant in Licking County. McInturf was convicted in 2011 in Licking County of two counts of rape and two counts of sexual battery. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in his local case.
McInturf was charged federally in February 2025. He will be sentenced at a future court hearing.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and HSI Detroit Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey, announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorney Tyler J. Aagard is representing the United States in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Chinese illegal alien sentenced to 8 years in prison for role in fraud scheme targeting elderly Americans’ retirement & savings accountsRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – Xiangyang He, 41, a Chinese national and illegal alien living in Los Angeles, was sentenced in U.S. District Court here to 96 months in prison for his role as a courier in a fraud scheme that targeted elderly Americans. He personally picked up more than half a million dollars in cash and gold from older victims, including at least one victim in Ohio.
“Retired Americans unknowingly give away their hard-earned retirement savings to criminals like He, an illegal alien who preyed on a vulnerable population,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “This sort of conspiracy uses deceptive tactics and fear to steal millions of dollars in savings and retirement accounts from hardworking Americans. My office will do everything we can to protect our elderly citizens. And we want folks to be aware of these schemes so they can protect themselves from future fraud attempts.”
According to court documents, victims of the scam are usually contacted initially through a message sent to their computer or cell phone or an unsolicited phone call by a person purporting to be an employee or customer service representative from a legitimate business.
A conspirator then directs the victim to contact either a “security official” for the given company or a “government employee” for more information. The conspirators represent to the victim that an IP address, bank account or other account has been compromised, and victim information has been used in some sort of criminal activity for which they are being investigated.
The scheme perpetrators often use fictitious employee identification numbers or names of legitimate government employees. They also tell victims there is a warrant for their arrest or their life savings will be seized.
Finally, elderly victims are instructed to withdraw large amounts of cash or purchase gold bars from online brokers and give the cash or gold to a “government employee” at a specific time and place for purported safe keeping in secure government accounts.
From late February through early April 2024, He flew to at least six different states to pick up approximately 17 packages from victims ages 65 or older. Packages included $35,000 to $73,000 in cash or gold. On April 4, 2024, He traveled to the Southern District of Ohio to retrieve funds from a victim and was subsequently arrested.
The defendant was indicted by a grand jury in April 2024 and pleaded guilty in November 2024 to conspiring to commit wire and bank fraud.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jason Rees, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, announced the sentence imposed on Feb. 23 by U.S. District Court Judge Michael J. Newman. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth L. McCormick and Special Assistant United States Attorney Dwight K. Keller are representing the United States in this case.
Anyone who suspects they or a loved one is a victim of such a fraud can report it by calling the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11, or go to the Department of Justice’s Elder Justice Initiative website for more information at www.Justice.gov/elderjustice.
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Grand jury indicts Columbus man for defrauding the U.S. through GI Bill, student aid & disabled veteran loan forgiveness programsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury has indicted a Columbus man, charging him with defrauding the United States through fraudulent GI Bill educational assistance, Federal Student Aid and military loan discharge.
Adam L. Steinberger, 36, of Columbus, allegedly recruited several co-conspirators, including a family member and friends who served in the military, to enroll in college courses to fraudulently obtain financial assistance.
According to the indictment, from 2018 until 2024, Steinberger and others enrolled in college courses and applied for and received GI Bill-33 funds for tuition, monthly housing allowances and stipends for books and supplies. In addition, Steinberger and others also allegedly obtained Federal Student Aid while enrolled.
Once enrolled, Steinberger allegedly paid an individual in Africa to complete course assignments for the co-conspirators.
The defendant also allegedly caused fraudulent federal student loan discharge or forgiveness based on alleged Total and Permanent Disability status for veterans.
Finally, part of the fraudulently obtained government benefits and student loan discharge proceeds would allegedly be paid to Steinberger from co-conspirators through money apps. The indictment details a series of payments sent to Steinberger totaling nearly $15,000, with approximately $6,000 of the proceeds then going to the person in Africa completing the college coursework.
Conspiring to defraud the United States is a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the case, which is being investigated by the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General and Department of Education Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorney Kenneth F. Affeldt and Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Noah R. Litton are 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.
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U.S. Attorney Gerace announces Operation Take Back America enforcement actionsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II announced today results of targeted enforcement actions in the Southern District of Ohio in support of Operation Take Back America. These results involve new charges, convictions and prison sentences for illegal aliens with prior criminal histories including violent crime, drug trafficking and sex offenses.
“As our results over the last month have shown, my Office is laser-focused on prosecuting illegal aliens who illegally enter our country and commit crimes that threaten the safety of our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Our ability to hold these offenders accountable is the direct result of the painstaking efforts of our prosecutors and law enforcement partners.”
Today, Cenuhe Zepeda-Vibanco, 37, a convicted felon who is an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced in federal district court in Columbus to 170 months in prison for his role in a drug trafficking organization that distributed fentanyl, carfentanil and heroin to multiple counties in the Southern District of Ohio.
Zepeda-Vibanco possessed more than 1.3 kilograms of fentanyl and carfentanil, an animal tranquilizer that is 100 times more lethal than fentanyl. At the time that he committed this offense, Zepeda-Vibanco was on federal supervised release for illegal reentry.
Zepeda-Vibanco is the sixth illegal alien with a criminal history to be sentenced, convicted or charged in the Southern District of Ohio in the last month:
- Also in federal district court in Columbus today, Jaime Fernandez-Alacron, an illegal alien from Colombia, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for illegally reentering the United States after sustaining an aggravated felony conviction. Fernandez-Alacron has prior federal convictions for conspiracy to commit kidnapping in aid of racketeering, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and illegal reentry.
- On Feb. 3, in Columbus, Abel Velasquez-Avecedo, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm and possessing cocaine and methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Velasquez-Avecedo fired multiple shots from a vehicle after an argument with another individual and was found to be in possession of a pistol and several baggies of cocaine and methamphetamine. He previously had been convicted of assault and operating a vehicle while intoxicated and had absconded from probation supervision prior to committing these offenses.
- On Jan. 27, a federal grand jury in Columbus indicted Luis Cabrales-Guerra, an illegal alien from Mexico, for allegedly conspiring to distribute fentanyl and for illegally reentering the United States following his previous federal conviction for an aggravated drug felony. Cabrales-Guerra was previously removed from the United States to Mexico multiple times in 2010 and 2011. In 2016, Cabrales-Guerra was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute heroin in the District of Minnesota. He was again removed from the United States to Mexico in 2019 after serving his sentence in that case.
- On Jan. 22, in Cincinnati, William Noe Cuellar Montufa, an illegal alien from Guatemala, pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States. He was convicted in Warren County in January 2006 for attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and in September 2007 for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Cuellar Montufa was deported in 2008 following his terms of incarceration and is the subject of a warrant for homicide in Guatemala.
- On Jan. 15, in Columbus, Daniel H. Rodriguez-Andrade, an illegal alien from Mexico, was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment for possessing with intent to distribute more than two kilograms of heroin and illegally reentering the United States. He had been deported from the United States on four previous occasions and, at the time of the offense, was on supervised release for a previous federal illegal reentry conviction in Arizona.
“We will continue to hold criminal illegal aliens accountable for their actions under Operation Take Back America. And we will do everything in our power to ensure that their unwelcome stay in the United States includes a trip to the Bureau of Prisons,” said U.S. Attorney Gerace.
Deputy Criminal Chief Brian J. Martinez and Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Pakiz, Elizabeth Geraghty, Sheila G. Lafferty and Danielle E. Margeaux prosecuted the cases as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
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Federal grand jury indicts man arrested with weapons near airportRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal grand jury today indicted the man who allegedly had multiple loaded guns near the John Glenn Columbus International Airport last month.
William T. Griffith, 40, of Delaware, Ohio, was charged by federal criminal complaint in January. The indictment returned today charges him with illegally possessing firearms as a convicted felon.
According to charging documents, on Jan. 9, local law enforcement responded to a 911 call at approximately 4am regarding Griffith trespassing in a construction area at the airport. Law enforcement officers discovered firearms at the scene. The indictment details Griffith possessing a rifle, a pistol and a revolver.
At the time of Griffith’s arrest, he was dressed in military-style fatigue trousers. Body armor with ceramic plates and a ballistic helmet with night vision were also located nearby.
In 2011, Griffith was convicted of kidnapping, prohibiting him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
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, and members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Damoun Delaviz 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.
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Leader of drug trafficking organization sentenced to more than 24 years in prisonRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Four Cincinnati men were sentenced in U.S. District Court here this week for their roles in a large-scale narcotics conspiracy that provided drugs in the West End.
Kevin Deramus, 46, was the head of the drug trafficking organization. He obtained, cut, processed and distributed large quantities of drug mixes made with heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, xylazine and other drugs. He was sentenced on Feb. 11 to 294 months in prison.
Throughout this investigation, agents learned that Deramus purchased large quantities of heroin from a co-defendant before he and one of his top distributors, Dorian Freeman, cut and processed that heroin with fentanyl, cocaine, xylazine and other substances. The drugs were then sold to co-conspirators who helped run a handful of stash houses in Cincinnati.
Deramus was heard during law enforcement surveillance bragging about how potent his drugs were, while simultaneously complaining that they were too strong because it now took his “licks” longer to come back and buy more. He was also heard joking that one of his drug testers may have overdosed and died from the potency.
When law enforcement officials executed search warrants at associated residences in February and March 2024, they discovered $291,000 in cash at one stash house. They also seized bulk quantities of drugs and loaded firearms.
Freeman has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. He faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison. Co-defendant Gregory Isham was sentenced on Feb. 11 to 57 months in prison. Damien Tribble and Edmond Hurt were each sentenced today to 36 months in prison.
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 Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie announced the sentences imposed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Susan J. Dlott. Former Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Oakley and Assistant United States Attorney David P. Dornette represented the United States in this case.
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Grand jury indicts 4 men in case involving freight shipment of hundreds of pounds of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamine & marijuanaRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A federal grand jury has indicted four defendants for a federal crime related to the seizure of 119 kilograms of suspected cocaine and fentanyl, 170 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and 80 pounds of suspected marijuana.
According to charging documents, on Feb. 2, DEA agents executed a federal search warrant on a freight package delivered to a distribution center in Dayton where agents discovered and seized the large quantity of suspected controlled substances.
Those charged today include Jason Heath, 40, of Dayton; Roderic Searcy, 60, of Los Angeles; Craig Worthen, 40, of Los Angeles; and Mark Lane, 33, of Cincinnati.
An affidavit details that Lane and Searcy drove a white Mercedes van to the distribution center on Feb. 3 to retrieve the shipment. Lane and Searcy then allegedly took possession of the freight and loaded two pallets into the van before leaving the distribution center.
From the distribution center, Heath and Worthen followed the van in a Honda Civic to an address in Dayton. The defendants discovered the suspected controlled substances had been removed when they started to unwrap the package inside the van, and all four defendants immediately attempted to leave the residence unsuccessfully. All four individuals were stopped and arrested by federal agents.
The defendants are all charged with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine, a 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 Joseph O. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Detroit, announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth A. 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.
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Asphalt companies agree to pay $30 million to settle False Claims Act allegationsRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – Two asphalt companies have agreed to pay $30 million total to resolve False Claims Act allegations that they submitted fraudulent test results to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for federally funded asphalt projects in Ohio.
Specifically, Kokosing Materials, Inc. will pay $17.5 million to resolve allegations that it submitted false or fraudulent asphalt test results from 2012 through 2024.
Barrett Paving Materials, Inc. will pay $12.5 million to resolve allegations that it submitted false or fraudulent asphalt test results from 2013 through 2025.
Ohio’s Construction and Materials Specifications require that companies performing asphalt projects must conduct certain mix design testing of their asphalt mixtures, known as Job Mix Formulas (JMFs). Companies are then required to submit the test results for ODOT to approve their proposed JMFs prior to beginning their asphalt work on federally funded projects. The companies are also required to conduct regular quality control tests as asphalt is being laid on Ohio roadways.
The settlements resolve allegations that, rather than performing these required mix design tests, the companies repeatedly submitted JMFs to ODOT containing data copied from prior JMFs. The settlements also resolve allegations that the companies submitted false quality control test results.
“The settlements announced today underscore our unwavering commitment to keeping federally funded transportation projects in Ohio and across the nation free from fraud, waste, and abuse,” said Elise Chawaga, Principal Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. “Through sustained coordination with our federal, state, law enforcement, and prosecutorial partners, we will continue to investigate misconduct and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”
“I applaud our federal partners for holding companies accountable and protecting the integrity of State contracts,” said Inspector General of Ohio Randall Meyer.
“The Trump Administration is rooting out fraud at all levels of government,” said FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster. “I commend Department of Justice attorneys, USDOT’s Inspector General and the Ohio Inspector General’s Office for going after bad actors, ensuring the integrity of the Federal-aid highway program, and protecting taxpayer dollars.”
The civil settlements include the resolution of claims brought by individuals under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act. These provisions allow a private party, known as a relator, to file an action on behalf of the United States.
This matter was investigated jointly by agents from the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General and investigators from the Office of the Ohio Inspector General.
Civil Chief Matthew J. Horwitz and Assistant United States Attorneys Linda Mindrutiu and Brandi Stewart are representing the United States in these matters.
Vipal J. Patel, First Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Elise Chawaga, Principal Assistant Inspector General for Investigations, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General; Randall Meyer, Inspector General of Ohio; and Sean McMaster, Administrator, U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration; announced the settlements.
The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
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Columbus man arrested in connection with Indiana teen’s death now faces federal exploitation chargesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Tyler Thomas, the 39-year-old Columbus man arrested in January on local charges related to the disappearance and death of 17-year-old Hailey Buzbee, now faces federal exploitation charges.
“The filing of these federal charges does not signal the end of the investigation,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Our prosecutors continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to collect and comb through evidence in pursuit of justice for Hailey and her family. We appreciate the public’s patience as the investigation proceeds.”
“The FBI and our partners will continue to aggressively pursue all evidence in this case as we seek the facts about Hailey’s disappearance and death,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie. “While we are deeply saddened that we cannot bring Hailey home, we are committed to holding accountable anyone involved in the crimes against her.”
In a federal criminal complaint that was unsealed today, Thomas is charged with sexually exploiting a minor and traveling interstate with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. If convicted as currently charged, he would face up to 30 years in prison on each count.
The defendant appeared in federal court at 1:30pm today and his case was unsealed at that time.
Thomas allegedly met the victim online playing video games including Roblox and League of Legends.
According to charging documents, Thomas traveled from Columbus to Fortville, Indiana, during the overnight hours of Jan. 5 to Jan. 6 to pick up the victim and drive her back to Ohio with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity, specifically the production of child pornography.
Cell phone analysis reveals Thomas then allegedly traveled to an Airbnb residence in Logan, Ohio, on the afternoon of Jan. 6. At approximately 9:25am the next morning, Jan. 7, Thomas’s phone data shows he traveled near the North Country Trail Trailhead in Wayne National Forest, where the victim’s remains were later located. The phone remained in that location until approximately 2:15pm, when it began to travel back towards Columbus.
During a forensic review of Thomas’s cell phone, agents identified deleted communications and interactions between Thomas and the victim, including messages on SnapChat and sexually explicit images of the victim in Thomas’s Columbus residence and the Airbnb residence.
Columbus police officers searched Thomas’s residence on Hunter Avenue in Columbus and collected cell phones, computers and numerous other items of potential evidentiary value.
FBI agents also executed search warrants at the Airbnb residence in Logan and located potential traces of blood throughout the residence and seized numerous items that potentially contained traces of blood. Those items are awaiting further analysis.
Additionally, Thomas’s cell phone allegedly contained child sexual abuse material of a girl approximately seven to 10 years old and a sexual Discord conversation with another teenager. Specifically, in that Discord conversation, Thomas allegedly messaged: “Does baby carve parts of her own body?” and “…you’d look so good covered in red.”
The local charges against Thomas for pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor will be dismissed and the case will proceed in federal court.
The Fishers, Indiana Police Department, Columbus Division of Police, Hocking County Sheriff’s Office, Perry County Sheriff’s Office, FBI Indianapolis, U.S. Forest Service, Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) are also investigating the case. The Perry, Hocking and Franklin County Prosecutor’s Offices are coordinating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Senior Litigation Counsel Heather A. Hill and Assistant United States Attorney Emily Czerniejewski 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.
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Repeat sex offender convicted at trial of child pornography crimes, including AI-generated child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal jury found a Vinton County man guilty of receiving and possessing child pornography and AI-generated images of child sexual abuse.
Cody L. Prater, 28, of McArthur, Ohio, was convicted on all four counts of crimes related to his receipt and possession of both child pornography and obscene visual representations of the sexual abuse of children.
The verdict was announced Thursday evening following a trial that began on Feb. 2 before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson.
According to evidence presented at trial, Prater received and possessed videos depicting the rape and sadistic sexual abuse of real minors, primarily babies and toddlers. He also used an artificial intelligence text-to-image program to convert his text prompts into photorealistic depictions of child sexual abuse, including nude prepubescent children being mutilated and tortured, bestiality, and children engaged in sexual acts with adults.
“Prater collected vile videos of real babies and toddlers being sexually abused and created other AI-generated obscene material involving children,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “We will continue to crack down on those who victimize children through these horrific materials. I commend the investigators and trial team for their outstanding work.”
“Following a prior conviction for a state child pornography offense, the defendant continued to demonstrate his depravity through his possession and trafficking of images depicting the brutal sexual abuse of both real and photorealistic AI-generated infants and toddlers,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Child sexual abuse material, whether real or AI-generated, causes real harm to real children. As demonstrated by today’s verdict, the Department of Justice will continue to use all available tools to prosecute offenders who create, share, possess, or otherwise illegally engage with such material.”
“Homeland Security Investigations is committed to protecting children from exploitation, whether that abuse is captured in traditional imagery or generated with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence,” said HSI Detroit Acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey. “This verdict underscores that there is no distinction under the law between child sexual abuse material involving real victims and AI generated depictions of such horrific crimes. HSI will continue to work tirelessly with our federal, state, and local partners to identify offenders, dismantle the networks that enable this abuse, and ensure that those who prey on children are brought to justice.”
Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Tyler Aagard of the Southern District of Ohio and Trial Attorney Eduardo Palomo of the Justice Department’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) are representing the United States in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by 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. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Repeat sex offender pleads guilty to attempted kidnapping, sexually exploiting minor he met through online gamingRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Texas man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here today to exploitation crimes related to traveling to Ohio to have sex with a minor he met online playing Call of Duty.
Harrison Michael Barton, 38, of North Detroit, Texas, was arrested in February 2025 at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport while attempting to fly to Florida with the victim. Barton’s plea agreement includes a recommended sentence of 25 to 30 years in prison.
According to court documents, in February 2025, Barton took a Greyhound bus from Texas to Ohio to meet a 15-year-old approximately one month after connecting with the victim on the Call of Duty mobile game.
At the time, Barton was wanted on an outstanding parole warrant out of Texas stemming from a prior conviction for online solicitation of a minor, in which he was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Barton admitted that, in this instant case, the teenager picked him up in Newcomerstown, Ohio. Prior to arriving at the airport, the defendant admitted to having vaginal and oral sex with the minor and to taking sexually explicit pictures of the victim.
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; Coshocton County Sheriff Christopher Walters; Newark Police Chief Erik McKee; and John Glenn Columbus International Airport Police Chief Ronald Gray announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Czerniejewski and Jennifer M. Rausch are representing the United States in this case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Grand jury indicts Columbus man for threatening to kill federal agentsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man was indicted today and charged federally for allegedly threatening on social media to kill federal immigration agents.
Justin Mesael Novoa, 21, is charged in a two-count indictment with threatening to assault or murder a federal law enforcement officer and with making threatening interstate communications. Novoa was originally charged by criminal complaint on Jan. 22.
According to charging documents, HSI received information in December 2025 regarding threats to ICE employees on the social media platform X. Investigation revealed that, in June 2025, Novoa allegedly posted: “they should blast every ice agent they find.”
Later, in November 2025, Novoa allegedly posted “can’t wait to shoot these p***y ice agents and r******d maga maggots.”
Novoa used the screennames “Lord of Frenzied Flame” and “Father2High.”
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Novoa’s residence in December 2025 and seized multiple firearms, including two rifles, two shotguns and one handgun, as well as ammunition. Novoa also possessed two helmets and a body armor vest.
Threatening to kill a federal officer is a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Making threatening interstate communications carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Jared Murphey, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Prichard 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.
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Fairfield County man pleads guilty to receiving child pornographyRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Lancaster man pleaded guilty in federal court today to receiving child pornography.
Carson A. Bigham, 24, was originally arrested on federal charges in May 2025. In a bill of information filed in January 2026, Bigham is charged with receipt of child pornography.
According to court documents, law enforcement received two separate Cybertips from the National Center of Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) related to a Columbus man who was subsequently charged with federal child pornography crimes in March 2025, including exploitation of a minor. One report was from Kik messenger regarding the distribution of 13 child pornography files. The second report was from Sniffies LLC, a map-based hookup application for gay, bisexual and bicurious men.
As part of their investigation, devices were seized from the Columbus man. Law enforcement’s forensic review of the devices revealed conversations between the Columbus man and Bigham. The conversations between the two men were sexual in nature and included discussions about engaging in sex with minors. Between August 2024 and May 2025, Bigham received child pornography, including files that depicted prepubescent minors engaged in sex acts with adults.
Law enforcement officers learned that Bigham was at the time employed as a Columbus firefighter and photographs of Bigham match those sent to the Columbus man during their conversations.
Receiving child pornography is a federal crime 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; Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin; other members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force; and officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Columbus Airport Group and Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office 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 was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and DOJ Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Dayton man pleads guilty to gun crime after shootout on University of Dayton campusRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – Dylan Hiner, 19, of Dayton, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to illegally receiving a firearm or ammunition while under indictment for another felony crime.
According to court documents, Hiner was attending a Halloween party on Nov. 1, 2025, at the University of Dayton. While at the party, Hiner participated in a shootout. The defendant fired multiple rounds of ammunition into the air.
The Dayton Police Department and University of Dayton Police Department arrived on scene and discovered multiple rounds of ammunition and observed home surveillance footage.
Hiner was arrested and charged federally on Nov. 10, 2025. At the time, he was under indictment in Montgomery County for allegedly carrying a concealed weapon and improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle.
Illegally receiving a firearm or ammunition while under indictment for a felony crime is punishable by up to five 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); Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal and University of Dayton Police Chief Steve Durian announced the guilty plea offered today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline H. Gentry. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders 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.
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Mexican national who fired shots into local restaurant parking lot sentenced to 27 months in prison for firearms, drug crimesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Mexican national who opened fire in a local taco restaurant parking lot was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to 27 months in prison.
Abel Velasquez-Avecedo, 30, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to illegally possessing a firearm as an illegal alien and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on April 11, 2025, Velasquez-Avecedo and another individual had an argument at Taco Nice restaurant in Columbus. The defendant fired multiple shots from a vehicle while driving near the restaurant.
Local law enforcement authorities found Velasquez-Avecedo to be in possession of a pistol as well as 44 small baggies of cocaine and five small baggies of methamphetamine.
The defendant has a prior conviction for assault and two prior convictions for operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The assault conviction was originally charged as aggravated burglary, kidnapping, rape and assault. At the time of this offense, Velasquez-Avecedo had absconded from probation supervision for the violent offense.
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 Chief U.S District Judge Sarah D. Morrison. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth A. Geraghty 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.
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Delaware County man found guilty on all counts related to bulk narcotics hauled in vehicle to Polaris Fashion PlaceRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A federal jury has convicted Terrance Colvin, 39, of Columbus, Ohio, with six counts of drug and gun crimes related to 28 kilograms of drugs found stashed in hidden compartments of a vehicle being hauled from California to Polaris Fashion Place.
The verdict was announced today following a trial that began on Jan. 28 before U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr. Colvin faces at least 15 years and up to life in prison.
According to court documents and trial testimony, in May 2024, local HSI agents were notified by HSI Albuquerque that the New Mexico State Police stopped a commercial car hauler. One of the vehicles was to be delivered to Polaris Fashion Place in Delaware County. That vehicle had two hidden compartments and inside, investigators discovered 21 kilograms of methamphetamine and seven kilograms of cocaine.
Federal and local law enforcement officials arranged for the controlled delivery of the vehicle to the Polaris mall parking lot.
Colvin took an Uber to Polaris Fashion Place to retrieve the vehicle upon delivery and drove the vehicle to his apartment in the 801 Polaris Apartments. Colvin parked the vehicle in a private parking garage next to a 2015 Cadillac Escalade and accessed the hidden compartments to transfer the narcotics, which law enforcement had primarily replaced with sham narcotics, into a duffel bag before being apprehended by law enforcement.
In a subsequent search of Colvin’s apartment, agents discovered and seized additional bulk amounts of narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine. They also seized three loaded firearms.
As a previously convicted felon, Colvin is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. His criminal history includes arrests and convictions for various narcotics and weapons-related charges, kidnapping, receiving stolen property, driving under the influence, obstructing justice and disorderly conduct.
Colvin was originally indicted in June 2024.
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 officials with the Delaware County Drug Task Force announced today’s verdict. Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin W. Kelley and S. Courter Shimeall are representing the United States in this case.
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Cincinnati woman admits to stealing more than $158,000 from elderly or ill veteransRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Cincinnati woman pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court here today to misappropriating money that she was managing on behalf of four United States military veterans.
Ishwanzya Rivers, 46, was charged federally and arrested in August 2025.
According to court documents, Rivers stole more than $135,000 from one elderly, dying veteran who lived at the VA hospital in Cincinnati. Rivers admitted she misappropriated the victim’s money at least 45 times from June 2021 through November 2022.
Rivers stole smaller amounts of money from three other elderly or infirm veterans totaling more than $23,000.
The defendant used the money for shopping, restaurants and to travel to New Orleans, Montego Bay, Cancun, London, Panama, Zurich, Vienna and Maldives.
Misappropriating funds as a fiduciary is a federal crime punishable by up to five years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Matthew W. McFarland.
The case is being investigated by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General, Central Field Office. Special Assistant United States Attorney Timothy Landry is representing the United States in this case.
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Former teacher sentenced to 7 years in prison for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A former teacher at a Catholic school who was fired 25 years ago for hands-on sex offenses to students was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 84 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for possessing child pornography.
Martin Bayhan, 58, of Cincinnati, pleaded guilty to the instant offense in July 2025.
In 1999, while working as a teacher at a Catholic school in Pittsburgh, Bayhan molested two teen boy students. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor crimes and received probation.
According to court documents, Bayhan’s Kik, SnapChat and Telegram accounts were all flagged for uploading child sexual abuse material. Agents executed a search warrant at Bayhan’s home and discovered child pornography on his cell phone and a thumb drive. In total, investigators located 36 videos and 300 images of child pornography.
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 Attorney Kyle J. Healey is representing the United States in this case.
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Dayton man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for 12 armed robberiesRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A Dayton man was sentenced in federal court here today to 240 months in prison for committing 12 separate armed robberies at businesses throughout southwest Ohio.
In December 2024, Timothy Farr, 44, brandished a firearm at local gas stations, convenience stores and drive thru stores, demanding cash and cigarettes.
During the robberies, Farr often wore a dark jacket, pants and shoes, as well as gray two-tone style gloves and a black balaclava mask covering part of his face. In some instances, Farr also wore an N-95 style mask. He brandished a black firearm.
As the crime spree progressed, the defendant became more aggressive with his verbal commands to store clerk victims and his use of the firearm.
Law enforcement was able to identify a vehicle of interest using the Flock Safety Camera System and identified a 2011 red Ford Taurus linked to armed robbery locations.
When Dayton police officers initiated a traffic stop of the red Taurus on Dec. 16, 2024, Farr was in the front passenger seat wearing the outfit described in the armed robberies, had an N-95 style mask on the floorboard and gray two-tone gloves in his pocket. Farr also had a 9mm pistol in his waistband.
Farr admitted to committing armed robberies on:
- Dec. 3, 2024, at Sunoco gas station on Wayne Avenue in Dayton,
- Dec. 4, 2024, at Marathon gas station on Linden Avenue in Riverside,
- Dec. 6, 2024, at Ray’s Xenia Avenue Market on Xenia Avenue in Dayton,
- Dec. 7, 2024, at Free Pike Drive-Thru on Free Pike in Dayton,
- Dec. 8, 2024, at Sunoco gas station on Selma Road in Springfield,
- Dec. 8, 2024, at Family Dollar on Salem Avenue in Trotwood,
- Dec. 10, 2024, at Mini Mart on N. Main Street in Dayton,
- Dec. 11, 2024, at Marathon gas station on E. Fifth Street in Dayton,
- Dec. 12, 2024, at White Oak Deli on Cheviot Road in Green Township,
- Dec. 14, 2024, at Family Dollar on West Main Street in Springfield,
- Dec. 15, 2024, at Sammy’s Drive-thru store on Woodman Drive in Riverside, and
- Dec. 15, 2024, at United Dairy Farmers on Vine Street in Cincinnati.
The defendant was charged federally in December 2024 and pleaded guilty in October 2025.
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); Springfield Police Chief Allison Elliott; Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal; Green Township Police Chief James Vetter; Cincinnati Police Interim Chief Adam Hennie; Trotwood Police Chief Erik Wilson; and Riverside Police Acting Chief Angela Jackson announced the sentence imposed today by Senior U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Rose. Assistant United States Attorney Ryan A. Saunders and Christina E. Mahy are 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.
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Local doctor who tied up, repeatedly raped a woman in 1989 sentenced to 15 years in prison for making false statements to FBIRead the Press Release
DAYTON, Ohio – A Sycamore Township man who admitted to tying up and repeatedly raping a woman in 1989 was sentenced in U.S. District Court here today to the statutory maximum 180 months in prison for making false statements about the rapes to federal agents.
Frederick Louis Tanzer, 67, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to three counts of the false‑statements crime.
“Before admitting that he was the man who committed these horrific rapes in 1989, Tanzer lied to the FBI. His DNA confirmed his guilt, and evidence points to Tanzer being a serial rapist,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “Tanzer poses a grave risk to the public and deserves to be in prison not only for his lies but also for the despicable attack he was trying to cover up.”
“The strong investigative work by the Cincinnati Police Department and the FBI led to Frederick Tanzer’s identification and his admission of his heinous crimes,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie. “I commend the investigators who never gave up in their pursuit of justice for the victim.”
According to court documents, on Aug. 1, 1989, Tanzer broke into the home of Dana Beatty (then Dana Sandbo) in Cincinnati and repeatedly raped her over the course of five and a half hours. Tanzer, masked and dressed from head to toe in black Lycra, held a knife to the victim’s throat, dragged her into her bedroom, blindfolded her with surgical tape, bound her hands and feet to her bed frame, and then repeatedly, and with extreme violence, raped her vaginally, anally and orally.
The case remained unsolved for nearly 35 years. In 2024, the FBI, working with the Cincinnati Police Department, confirmed that DNA taken from Tanzer’s coffee cup matched the semen left by the man who attacked Dana Beatty in 1989.
When approached about the rapes, the defendant made several distinct and materially false statements to a federal agent and a Cincinnati Police Department detective, including denying having seen or interacted with the victim on the date of the attack.
The statute of limitations for the crimes committed during the 1989 attack expired in approximately 1995.
Tanzer was arrested in December 2024 and has remained in custody since.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cincinnati Division; and Cincinnati Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie announced the sentence imposed today by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Newman. The IRS-Criminal Investigation Cincinnati Field Office assisted in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Kelly K. Rossi and Julie D. Garcia are representing the United States in this case.
While the United States Attorney’s Office typically does not identify crime victims, Dana Beatty is identified here by name at her request.
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Grand jury indicts Mexican national with prior heroin conviction for new drug, immigration crimesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Luis Cabrales-Guerra, 32, was indicted in U.S. District Court here for allegedly conspiring to distribute fentanyl and for illegally reentering the United States following his previous federal conviction for an aggravated drug felony.
According to charging documents, between January and September 2025, Cabrales-Guerra participated in a narcotics conspiracy involving 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 100 grams or more of para-fluorofentanyl. Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at the defendant’s Columbus apartment and discovered more than a kilogram of narcotics.
Court documents detail that Cabrales-Guerra was previously removed from the United States to Mexico multiple times in 2010 and 2011. In 2016, Cabrales-Guerra was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute heroin in the District of Minnesota. He was again removed from the United States to Mexico in 2019 after serving his sentence in that case.
Cabrales-Guerra’s prior federal conviction for conspiring to distribute heroin is an aggravated felony, which increases his potential penalty in this case to 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; Columbus Police Chief Elaine Bryant and officials with the Central Ohio High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Sheila G. Lafferty 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.
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North Carolina Man Pleads Guilty to Charges Related to Creation and Distribution of Videos Depicting Animal Torture and MutilationRead the Press Release
A North Carolina man pleaded guilty yesterday to crimes based on his involvement with online groups dedicated to creating and distributing videos depicting acts of extreme violence and sexual abuse against monkeys.
According to court documents, Robert Craig, of Charlotte, conspired with others to create and distribute so-called “animal crush videos” which depicted acts of sadistic violence against baby and adult monkeys. The conspirators used encrypted chat applications to direct money to individuals in Indonesia willing to commit the requested acts of torture on camera. Craig signed a statement of facts saying he shared a video in which a monkey was mutilated, and other videos shared by the conspirators also depicted mutilation as well as sodomization of monkeys.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD), U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II for the Southern District of Ohio, Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie of FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office, and Assistant Director Doug Ault, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Law Enforcement made the announcement.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FBI investigated the case.
Trial Attorney Mark Romley and Senior Trial Attorney Adam Cullman of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Pakiz for the Southern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
Guatemalan national pleads guilty to illegally reentering United StatesRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Guatemalan man who was twice convicted in Warren County of sex crimes involving minors pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to illegally reentering the United States.
Cincinnati Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) agents learned of a warrant from Guatemala for the arrest of William Noe Cuellar Montufa for homicide.
Cuellar Montufa, 39, was illegally residing in Cincinnati and was arrested in Colerain Township, Ohio, on Oct. 29.
“This defendant illegally reentered the country after being deported following his convictions for sex crimes and is now wanted for murder in Guatemala,” said U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II. “The identification, apprehension, and prosecution of criminal illegal aliens like Cuellar Montufa is essential to protect our communities, and my office will continue aggressively to pursue these cases.”
Court documents detail that U.S. Border Patrol intelligence agents alerted the Cincinnati HSTF to Cuellar Montufa’s potential presence in the area and described vehicles possibly associated with the defendant. Further investigation by the HSTF agents led them to surveil Cuellar Montufa’s residence, where one of the associated vehicles was located. He was subsequently apprehended.
The defendant was convicted in Warren County in January 2006 for attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and in September 2007 for unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Cuellar Montufa was deported in 2008 following his terms of incarceration.
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, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit, announced the guilty plea entered on Jan. 21 before U.S. District Judge Douglas R. Cole. Assistant United States Attorney Danielle E. Margeaux is representing the United States in this case.
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Columbus man charged with threatening to kill federal agentsRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A Columbus man has been charged federally for allegedly threatening on social media to kill federal immigration agents.
Justin Mesael Novoa, 21, is charged with making threatening interstate communications, including threats to assault or murder a federal law enforcement officer.
According to charging documents, HSI received information in December 2025 regarding threats to ICE employees on the social media platform X. Investigation revealed that, in June 2025, Novoa allegedly posted: “they should blast every ice agent they find.”
Later, in November 2025, Novoa allegedly posted “can’t wait to shoot these p***y ice agents and r******d maga maggots.”
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Novoa’s residence in December 2025 and seized multiple firearms, including two rifles, two shotguns and one handgun, as well as ammunition. Novoa also possessed two helmets and body armor.
Threatening to kill a federal officer is a crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Making threatening interstate communications carries a potential penalty of up to five years in prison.
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. Assistant United States Attorney Timothy D. Prichard 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.
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California man sentenced to more than 20 years in prison for leading 90-kilogram methamphetamine ring that shipped drugs to central OhioRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Troy Patterson, 55, of Beverly Hills, California, was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 250 months in prison for shipping more than 90 kilograms of methamphetamine from southern California to Columbus for redistribution.
In February 2025, a jury trial commenced in the case against Patterson. Shortly after the jury was selected, Patterson pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Court documents detail that he was responsible for nearly 14 kilograms of methamphetamine and more than 77 kilograms of narcotics mixtures containing methamphetamine. Between December 2020 and April 2023, Patterson shipped or instructed others to ship at least 150 parcels containing kilogram quantities of narcotics to central Ohio.
Patterson is a repeat federal and local offender who has several convictions for violent crimes, including domestic violence and aggravated burglary. He was released from state prison just five months before this instant drug conspiracy began. Patterson has two prior federal drug trafficking convictions in 1991 and 2005 for which he served 168 months and 21 months in prison.
Four co-defendants were also convicted and received prison sentences ranging from approximately three years to approximately 16 years in prison.
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; Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Pittsburgh Division; and officials with the Ohio HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area); announced the sentence imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorneys Nicole Pakiz and Jennifer Rausch are representing the United States in this case.
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Man arrested with weapons near airport now faces federal chargesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A man arrested on Jan. 9 who allegedly had multiple loaded guns near the John Glenn Columbus International Airport has now been charged with a federal firearms crime as well.
William T. Griffith III, 40, of Delaware, Ohio, is charged by federal criminal complaint with illegally possessing ammunition as a convicted felon.
According to charging documents, on Jan. 9, local law enforcement responded to a 911 call at approximately 4am regarding Griffith trespassing in a construction area at the airport. Law enforcement officers located four firearms, including an AK-style rifle, shortened shotgun and two handguns, as well as several rounds of ammunition.
At the time of Griffith’s arrest, he was dressed in military-style fatigue trousers. Body armor with ceramic plates and a ballistic helmet with night vision were also located nearby.
In 2011, Griffith was convicted of kidnapping. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
Griffith appeared in federal court in Columbus today and his case was unsealed at that time.
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, and members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force announced the charges. Assistant United States Attorney Damoun Delaviz 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.
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Mexican national sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for trafficking heroin, illegally reentering United StatesRead the Press Release
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Daniel H. Rodriguez-Andrade, 52, of Mexico, was sentenced in U.S. District Court here to 120 months in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin and for illegally reentering the United States after being convicted of a felony.
According to court documents, Rodriguez-Andrade has been deported from the United States on four previous occasions.
In July 2024, law enforcement officials encountered Rodriguez-Andrade in Pataskala, Ohio. The defendant possessed nearly two and a half kilograms of black tar heroin that he intended to sell for profit in Central Ohio. Rodriguez-Andrade attempted to sell the bulk heroin for $80,000 but was apprehended by law enforcement.
Rodriguez-Andrade was charged by federal criminal complaint in August 2024 and pleaded guilty in July 2025.
At the time of his instant offense, the defendant was on supervised release for a federal conviction in Arizona. The Court also sentenced him to 16 months in prison for violating his supervised release, with 12 months of that sentence to be served consecutively to the 120-month sentence imposed.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Matthew Stentz, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Licking County Sheriff Randy Thorp announced the sentence imposed on Jan. 14 by U.S. District Court Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorney Sheila G. Lafferty 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.
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Grand jury indicts owners of real estate investment group, closing & title company employees in more than $50 million bank fraud conspiracyRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A federal grand jury has indicted two Israeli real estate investment entrepreneurs, their company, and two other co-conspirators for allegedly double-pledging properties to obtain multiple loans and for conspiring to conceal information from lenders and investors.
Those charged include the business Vision & Beyond Group LLC (V&B), its co-owners Stanislav Grinberg and Peter Gizunterman, and real estate closing and title company employees Keya Hamilton and Kelly West.
According to the indictment, Grinberg and Gizunterman formed the real estate business V&B in approximately 2019 to purchase 100 multi-unit apartments and family properties, including in the greater Cincinnati area, for renovation and rental income.
Grinberg and Gizunterman, with the help of Hamilton and West, then allegedly obtained refinancing for the properties but did not use the funds to pay off the existing loans and mortgages. The defendants also allegedly falsified financial documents, altered closing documents and removed mortgages from title commitments.
For example, in December 2022, the indictment details that Grinberg and Gizunterman received two loans totaling more than $36 million for approximately 60 multi-family properties in the Cincinnati area that were owned by the defendants. The closing of the two loans was supposed to pay off 30 specific prior mortgages.
It is alleged that 20 of the prior mortgages worth $17.2 million were not paid off at closing. Instead, more than $273,000 was allegedly paid directly to Hamilton; nearly $7 million was paid to a title company controlled by Hamilton and used by V&B; more than $6.2 million was paid directly to V&B’s account and approximately $2.7 million was paid to another bank.
The co-conspirators allegedly engaged in a similar scheme in 2023 involving four apartment complexes in Lexington, Kentucky, involving loans totaling $24.6 million.
The defendants are each charged with conspiring to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, making false statements and money laundering. Grinberg was originally charged by criminal complaint in March 2025.
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; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Korey Brinkman, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General; Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigations; and Shawn Rice, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General; announced the charges. Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Timothy S. Mangan and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rob Painter are 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.
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Federal grand jury indicts man who allegedly vandalized Vice President Vance’s Cincinnati home, assaulted federal officerRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – The man who allegedly vandalized Vice President JD Vance’s Cincinnati home has now been indicted by a federal grand jury on several charges related to the incident.
The three-count indictment charges William D. DeFoor, 26, with damaging government property, engaging in physical violence against any person or property in a restricted building or grounds, and assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers.
DeFoor was originally charged by criminal complaint on Jan. 5. The U.S. District Court has ordered that the defendant remain in custody pending trial.
According to court documents, around midnight, United States Secret Service (USSS) agents observed DeFoor running along the front fence of the protected residence. DeFoor allegedly breached the property line at the driveway and attempted to break the driver’s side window of an unmarked federal law enforcement vehicle blocking the driveway entrance. DeFoor was armed with a hammer.
DeFoor allegedly refused law enforcement commands to stop and drop the weapon. Charging documents state DeFoor ignored all commands and began to use the hammer to break glass windows across the front of the protected residence. DeFoor’s hammer strikes also caused damage to the enhanced security assets on each window owned by the United States government and valued at more than $28,000.
The defendant allegedly attempted to flee on foot and was detained by USSS agents and Cincinnati police officers.
Causing more than $1,000 in damage to United States property and engaging in physical violence against any person or property in a restricted building or grounds are each federal crimes punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Assaulting, resisting or impeding federal officers carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Jason Rees, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, and Cincinnati Police Acting Chief Adam Hennie announced the charges. Executive Assistant United States Attorney Christy L. Muncy and Assistant Deputy Criminal Chief Timothy S. Mangan are representing the United States in this case.
An indictment contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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Local man sentenced to nearly 22 years in prison for exploiting childRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – A Loveland, Ohio, man was sentenced in U.S. District Court today to 262 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release for sexually exploiting an 11-year-old.
Jonathan Travis Mackey, 46, of Loveland, exploited a child victim in person while employed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). As part of his guilty plea in August 2025, Mackey immediately resigned from the FDIC.
According to his court documents, in May 2024, Mackey sexually exploited an 11-year-old and created photos of the abuse. For example, the defendant created a digital photo that depicted Mackey directly engaged in sexual conduct with the victim.
Mackey was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2025.
Dominick S. Gerace II, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Matthew Stentz, Acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; Jason Cromartie, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; Jason J. Scalzo, Special Agent in Charge of the FDIC Office of Inspector General Electronic Crimes Unit; and officials with the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle J. Healey and Danielle E. Margeaux are representing the United States in this case.
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Court of Appeals affirms 40-year prison sentence for convicted sex traffickerRead the Press Release
CINCINNATI – United States Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II announced today that the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed the 40-year prison sentence imposed against a Cincinnati man convicted at trial of sex trafficking and exploiting two teenagers.
Following a six-day jury trial, Kelly Richards, 44, was found guilty on all five counts of sex trafficking minors, sexually exploiting children and illegally possessing a firearm as a previously convicted felon. Richards was sentenced in October 2024 to 480 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release.
Richards drugged, raped, abused, photographed and sold two teenage girls. He held them for days in a one-bedroom apartment the appeals court called “a house of horrors.” Richards provided the minors with cocaine before sexually assaulting them and forcing them to have sex with other men.
On appeal, Richards challenged his convictions and argued that his sentence was substantively unreasonable. The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the convictions and sentence, noting his “horrific crimes against multiple victims” and failure to show “a scintilla of remorse for his actions.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexis J. Zouhary represented the United States on appeal. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle J. Healey and was investigated by the FBI and other members of the FBI’s Anti-Trafficking Task Force.
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