Eastern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Illegal alien living in Irving sentenced to federal prison as part of Homeland Security Task Force investigation in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – An illegal alien has been sentenced to federal prison as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jose Guadalupe Lopez-Arana, 41, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and aiding and abetting and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on August 27, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in 2023, Lopez-Arana, a Mexican national illegally living in Irving, was identified during an investigation into activities associated with a drug trafficking conspiracy responsible for distributing methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. Lopez-Arana was specifically responsible for receiving and delivering proceeds from the drug trafficking organization to conceal the illegal activity. Lopez-Arana laundered between $150,000 and $250,000 in U.S. currency.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas Field Office; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CD; United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS); United States Secret Service (USSS); Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS); TEXOMA HIDTA; and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Wes Wynne.
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Colombian drug trafficker convicted as part of the Homeland Security Task Force in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Colombian man has been found guilty of federal drug trafficking violations as part of the Homeland Security Task Force in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Nelson Javier Christancho Parada, 45, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of federal drug trafficking violations related to a cocaine distribution conspiracy. The verdict was reached on August 27, 2026, following a two-day trial before U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan.
According to information presented in court, Cristancho Parada used his skills as a machinist to manufacture water bag rolls with a false compartment in them. He and others filled the false void with kilograms of cocaine that were intended to be sent to the United States. The Colombia National Police, Homeland Security Investigations, and DEA were able to seize 1,207 kilograms of cocaine on November 22, 2019, on the island of San Andres, Colombia, that were sent in a cargo shipment. The cocaine was found in hidden voids in the containers that Cristancho Parada manufactured.
“Today’s verdict marks another significant step in our ongoing efforts to dismantle the transnational criminal networks that threaten the safety and security of our communities," said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. "This defendant exploited his technical skills to hide more than a metric ton of cocaine destined for the United States, but through the dedication of our Colombian partners and the unwavering commitment of Homeland Security Task Force agencies, his scheme was uncovered and justice has been served. The Homeland Security Task Force represents a historic level of coordination among federal law enforcement, and this case demonstrates exactly why that partnership matters. We will continue to use every lawful tool at our disposal to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who traffic drugs, exploit vulnerable people, and endanger Americans. I am grateful for the outstanding work of our agents, officers, and prosecutors whose efforts made today’s outcome possible.”
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas Field Office; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CD; United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS); United States Secret Service (USSS); Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS); TEXOMA HIDTA; and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Rapp and David Rehfuss.
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Beaumont felon convicted of federal firearms offense in the Eastern District of Texas for illegally possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont convicted felon has been found guilty of a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
David Michael Gilliam, 45, was found guilty by a jury of being a felon in possession of a firearm following a trial before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on August 27, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on November 15, 2024, local law enforcement responded to a burglary alarm at an apartment complex on Magnolia Road in Beaumont. As the officer arrived, he observed an apartment with broken windows and a door that appeared to have been forced open. Upon entering the apartment, the officer encountered Gilliam, who stated he had been evicted from the apartment the previous day. Gilliam gave consent to be searched, which resulted in the discovery of a firearm in a cross-body bag he was wearing. Further investigation revealed Gilliam was a convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
Gilliam faces up to 15 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Beaumont Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Russell James and Chris Jackson.
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Quinlan woman sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Quinlan woman has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Michelle Hignight, 48, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on August 25, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in 2023, Hignight was identified during an on-going investigation into drug trafficking activities in the Eastern District of Texas. Hignight was responsible for trafficking at least 50 grams of methamphetamine during the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Plano Office.
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Illegal alien sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for an immigration violation in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – An illegal alien, who is also a convicted sex offender, has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for an immigration violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Walter Enoe Reyes Guzman, 51, of El Salvador, pleaded guilty to illegally re-entering the United States after being deported and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on August 25, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in February 2026, Reyes Guzman was found illegally in the United States after having been deported in 2001. Reyes Guzman is a convicted felon, having a prior felony conviction for indecency with a child by sexual contact.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter T. Thomas.
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Hunt County man sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Greenville man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Ronnie Jakeis Zamijay Baylor, 22, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute and possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on August 25, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in 2023, an on-going investigation into drug trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas identified Baylor as an active participant, responsible for distributing over 500 grams of methamphetamine during the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Plano Office.
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Dallas man receives lengthy federal prison sentence as part of Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Dallas man has been sentenced to over 16 years in federal prison as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Joshua Isaiah Castillo, 31, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on August 25, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in 2024, Castillo was identified as being part of a drug trafficking organization in the Eastern District of Texas and was personally responsible for distributing large amounts of fentanyl-laced tablets and fentanyl powder in bulk form to others for redistribution.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas Field Office; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CD; United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS); United States Secret Service (USSS); Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS); TEXOMA HIDTA; and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
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Collin County felon sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for creating an armed disturbance at a Plano apartment complexRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas –A Plano convicted felon has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Tapatrick Newton Martin, 26, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on August 25, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on November 6, 2024, law enforcement officers responded to several calls made regarding a man armed with an AR-15-style firearm at a Plano apartment complex. Witnesses described Martin walking in circles with the firearm and threatening to kill people on scene and advising others he planned to have a shootout with police when they arrived. However, once officers arrived, Martin fled the scene. Further investigation revealed Martin is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Plano Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chalana A. Oliver.
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Car wash commotion results in federal prison sentence for Beaumont convicted felonRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Beaumont convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Kendrick Deon Ewing, 37, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on August 20, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on December 28, 2025, law enforcement responded to a Beaumont car wash where Ewing was involved in a disturbance. As the officer approached, Ewing fled in a vehicle. Later that evening, Ewing was located again and as the officer was speaking to him, Ewing put his vehicle in drive and fled the scene. Ewing evaded officers for over a mile, failing to stop at approximately 14 stop signs, and traveling more than 50 mph in a residential neighborhood, before being apprehended after reaching a dead-end street and fleeing on foot. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of two firearms. Further investigation revealed Ewing is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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Beaumont man sentenced to federal prison following neighborhood shootoutRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Beaumont felon has been sentenced to federal prison following a neighborhood shootout in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Martinez Lamond Baltrip, 29, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of ammunition and was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on August 20, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on August 5, 2025, law enforcement responded to a shooting near Avenues G and H in Beaumont. Officers found Baltrip at the scene suffering from a gunshot wound. An investigation revealed Baltrip and the person who shot him had been involved in an ongoing dispute when Baltrip came upon him working on his vehicle. Baltrip approached the individual and pulled out a 9mm pistol and began firing. The other person retrieved a shotgun and returned fire on Baltrip, striking him. Baltrip retreated to his vehicle and called police. Police responded and recovered 9mm shell casings from the scene, which Baltrip admitted to firing. Further investigation revealed Baltrip is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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Beaumont felon sentenced to federal prison after leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle with a stolen gunRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Beaumont convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms possession in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Christopher Eugene Stelly, 23, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on August 20, 2026.
Stelly was arrested on September 30, 2025, after leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle in Beaumont. According to reports, law enforcement officers at the intersection of North Major Drive and Dishman Road noticed a stolen vehicle stopped at a traffic light near them. The car suddenly accelerated through the red light and officers pursued in a high-speed chase. Stelly eventually stopped the vehicle and fled on foot into an apartment complex on French Road where he was apprehended. Stelly had a firearm in his pocket that had been reported stolen in 2018. Further investigation revealed Stelly is a convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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Eight inmates guilty of possessing cellular phones while incarcerated in Beaumont’s Federal Correctional ComplexRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – Eight inmates have pleaded guilty to possessing contraband while incarcerated at a federal prison in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Rudolph Tatum Jr., 44; Toan Tran, 47; Terral Blackwell, 49; Roderick Stills, 49; Gene Rudolph, 49; Elijah Pennington, 31; Dawnta Mitchell, 35; and Andre Powers, 41, have all pleaded guilty to possession of contraband in prison. Plea hearings were heard by U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on August 13, 2026.
These convictions are the direct result of a Department of Justice task force aimed at identifying and removing contraband and investigating misconduct in the federal prison complex in Beaumont. An initial operation began on March 3, 2026, at the Federal Correctional Complex Beaumont (FCC Beaumont). During the operation, law enforcement officers identified and confiscated numerous electronic devices, drugs and associated paraphernalia, and homemade weapons.
These defendants were all found in possession of working cell phones, and each admitted to obtaining the phones while serving federal prison sentences at the FCC-Beaumont Camp. They each face an additional year in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
“Inmates with access to cell phones are continuing the criminal activities that landed them in prison to begin with,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “We will continue to work closely with BOP to ensure felons serve their time without treating it like a summer camp vacation.”
“Cellphones in prison are a danger to inmates, staff, and the community at large,” said Special Agent in Charge Cloey Pierce of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General’s South Central Region. “The DOJ OIG is committed to working with its law enforcement partners to keep contraband out of federal prisons and ensure the safety and security of BOP institutions.”
“I witnessed firsthand the strength and effectiveness of this partnership at FCC Beaumont, where federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies came together with a shared commitment to identifying and removing dangerous contraband from our prisons,” said BOP Director William K. Marshall III. “Keeping contraband out of our institutions is critical to the safety and security of our facilities.”
This operation was supported by law enforcement agents and officers from the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, Federal Bureau of Prisons, FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection, and local law enforcement from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The operation continues the longstanding cooperation between the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), and other law enforcement partners to address the dangers of contraband in the federal prison system.
These cases were investigated by the OIG, BOP, and FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Batte.
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Jefferson County felon sentenced to federal prison for gun possession in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Nederland man has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms possession in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Christopher Wade Garbett, 40, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale on August 12, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in March 2025, law enforcement received information that Garbett was trying to sell three shotguns for $1,200. Garbett has multiple prior felony convictions and is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Undercover agents met with Garbett at a motel room in Groves to buy the guns. Garbett told the agents he had already sold one shotgun but would sell the other two firearms to them for $550. Garbett also discussed selling them more guns in the future.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the Law enforcement seized firearms from the vehicle prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Nederland Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove.
Former Cherokee County employee guilty of embezzling over $400k from Tax Assessor-Collector’s OfficeRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A former Cherokee County employee has pleaded guilty to a federal violation related to embezzling over $400,000 in funds in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Gina Upshaw, 65, of Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to federal program theft before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love on August 11, 2026.
According to information presented in court, Upshaw was a bookkeeper for the Cherokee County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office from 2008 through January 2022. The Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office collects both property taxes and motor vehicle sales taxes, as well as registration fees, from Cherokee County residents, for both Cherokee County and the State of Texas. The office receives these payments in the form of both cash and checks. During her employment as a bookkeeper for the office, Upshaw was responsible for making daily deposits of the cash payments at a local bank. Instead of doing so, Upshaw stole cash payments totaling $431,375.91.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (“Fraud Division”). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Upshaw faces up to 10 years in federal prison, a potential fine, and restitution at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled after the completion of presentence investigations by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and the Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Rangers and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.
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Illegal alien brothers sentenced for gun possession in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A pair of illegal alien brothers have been sentenced to federal prison for firearms possession in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Isaac Valencia-Espinosa, 33, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on August 7, 2026. Isaac’s brother, Fernando Valencia-Espinosa, 30, was also sentenced to 15 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on August 4, 2026, for the same violation.
According to information presented in court, in November 2025, while conducting enforcement actions in the Sabine National Forest, law enforcement encountered a vehicle occupied by two men later identified as Isaac Valencia-Espinosa and Fernando Valencia-Espinosa. Both men provided Arkansas drivers licenses and claimed to be United States citizens. Homeland Security personnel determined the drivers’ licenses were fraudulent. Once Isaac and Fernando’s true names were ascertained, law enforcement determined they were both citizens of Mexico who were illegally present in the United States. Law enforcement also recovered two rifles and two handguns during the encounter. Isaac and Fernando are prohibited from possessing firearms as they are illegally present in the United States.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the Law enforcement seized firearms from the vehicle prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Department of Homeland Security. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.
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Illegal alien living in Dallas sentenced to 13 years in federal prison as part of Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – An illegal alien has been sentenced to 13 years in federal prison as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jose Romero-Sanchez, 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 156 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on August 6, 2026.
According to information presented in court, Romero-Sanchez, a Mexican national illegally living in Dallas, was part of a drug trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine imported from Mexico into Dallas and the North Texas area. Romero-Sanchez received 40-45 kilograms of methamphetamine from his source in Mexico at a time. Romero-Sanchez stored the illegal drugs at his Dallas residence before distributing the drugs in the Eastern District of Texas and elsewhere. A search of Romero-Sanchez’s residence resulted in the seizure of over 49 kilograms of methamphetamine, a digital scale, bulk U.S. currency, a drug ledger, and a bill counter.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas Field Office; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CD; United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS); United States Secret Service (USSS); Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS); TEXOMA HIDTA; and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
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Dallas drug dealer sentenced to 30 years in federal prison in the Eastern District of Texas in connection with a 2022 overdose deathRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A Dallas drug dealer has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison in the Eastern District of Texas in connection with an overdose death, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Dauerashawn Carr, 49, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine and was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on August 6, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on June 26, 2022, an unresponsive individual was dropped off at an Irving hospital and ultimately died from the toxic effects of a drug overdose. An investigation revealed the victim had purchased drugs from an individual working directly for Carr. Further investigation revealed Carr was using at least four separate rooms at a Dallas hotel as his residence and his personal stash house where he stored, packaged, and sold a multitude of illegal and counterfeit drugs. According to drug ledgers found in the hotel rooms, the following drugs were distributed on a regular basis: Adderall, Blue M-30, Cocaine, Ketamine, LSD, MDMA, Marijuana, Mushrooms, and Xanax.
“Every drug overdose death leaves countless victims,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “The victims are the dead, taken too early, families who lose loved ones, and the community that has been torn apart. This case embodies the devastating impact illicit drugs have on individuals, families, and communities. Our deepest sympathies are with the victim and his family, as well as with all others who have lost loved ones due to fentanyl or other controlled substances. Let this 360-month sentence send an unmistakable message: if you choose to profit from distributing these deadly substances, my office will pursue you relentlessly and hold you fully accountable. We will continue to use every tool available to identify, investigate, and prosecute those responsible for poisoning our communities.”
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.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Little Elm Police Department, and Lewisville Police Department and prosecuted by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
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Collin County man sentenced to over 20 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine, firearms violation in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – An Anna man has been sentenced to over 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Pedro Rodriguez, 36, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 248 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on August 5, 2026.
According to information presented in court, an investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in the area led to Rodriguez. It was determined that from at least September 2024, Rodriguez was conspiring with others to distribute methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, and elsewhere. Rodriguez was also found to be in possession of a firearm during his drug trafficking activities.
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.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Collin County Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley D. Brooks.
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Mexican national sentenced for firearms possession in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Mexican national illegally in the United States has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms possession in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Alberto Saenz-DeLaCruz, 33, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on August 4, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on December 8, 2025, Saenz-DeLaCruz was stopped for a traffic violation in Lufkin. During the stop, Saenz-DeLaCruz provided a Mexican passport for identification, but did not provide a driver license. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a firearm and drug paraphernalia. Further investigation revealed Saenz-DeLaCruz was a Mexican citizen who had previously been deported from the United States and did not have permission to return to the United States. As a prohibited person, Saenz-DeLaCruz cannot legally possess firearms in the United States.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Department of Homeland Security. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.
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Eastern District of Texas prosecutes multiple defendants as part of Homeland Security Task Force investigations in July 2026Read the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – The Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative was established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States.
In the Eastern District of Texas, two defendants were sentenced to a total of 350 months in federal prison during the month of July as part of the Homeland Security Task Force, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Additionally, two other defendants pleaded guilty to drug trafficking violations and face up to life in federal prison, and a fugitive was extradited from Qatar after absconding to Pakistan.
On July 8, 2026, Nestor Molina Molina, also known as Chocolate, 37, a Mexican national illegally living in Garland, was sentenced to 140 months in federal prison for being involved in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Molina Molina was part of a cartel affiliated drug trafficking organization that distributed multiple kilogram quantities of methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States. A methamphetamine conversion laboratory, along with large amounts of methamphetamine in the conversion process, were discovered at Molina Molina’s residence during the investigation.
On July 10, 2026, a Houston man pleaded guilty to being involved in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas. Indolfo Hernandez, 36, faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison for leading a drug trafficking organization responsible for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine. Law enforcement seized over 16 kilograms of the drug during the investigation.
On July 10, 2026, Garland man, Abdullah Anwar, 28, was extradited from Qatar to the United States to face multiple charges in the Eastern District of Texas, including conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate and foreign commerce. Anwar had fled the United States for Pakistan while on pretrial release.
On July 20, 2026, Saginaw man, Kevin Chase McCauley, 38, was sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison for selling fentanyl-laced hydrocodone pills resulting in the death of an individual in Argyle, Texas. McCauley was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison for drug trafficking violations.
On July 22, 2026, Luis Enrique Ruiz Morales, 40, pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges on the 2nd day of his jury trial. Morales was extradited from Guatemala to the United States after being indicted in the Eastern District of Texas for his involvement in a drug trafficking organization responsible for smuggling cocaine from Tecun Uman, a city located on Guatemala’s border with Mexico, to members of the Sinaloa Cartel for further distribution. Morales faces up to life in federal prison at sentencing.
HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas Field Office; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CD; United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS); United States Secret Service (USSS); Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS); TEXOMA HIDTA; and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas.
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx.
Ivorian national charged in $14 million fraud scheme in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A national of Côte d’Ivoire has been indicted in a $14 million fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Koffi Dongo Parfait Teya, 30, of Core D’Ivoire, was indicted by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud; wire fraud; and unauthorized use of an access device.
The three-count indictment alleges that Teya and associates utilized an email phishing scheme to target travel agencies with deceptive emails. They sent emails claiming to be from the company that handles airline reservations for the travel agencies, stating there was a security update that required their login credentials. The emails included links to fake websites that closely resembled the real reservation company’s login page. When the travel agency employees entered their information, their credentials were stolen. The group then used the stolen credentials to access the legitimate reservation system and book airline tickets, charging the costs to the travel agencies’ accounts. In total, the scheme caused about $14 million in losses to approximately 430 travel agencies.
Teya has been arrested in Cote D’Ivoire with the cooperation and assistance of law enforcement there although he will not be extradited to face charges in the Eastern District of Texas, but charges are expected to be pursued against him in Cote D’Ivoire.
This case is a part of Operation Riptide, an FBI campaign targeting the criminal actors, infrastructure, and financial networks behind cyber-enabled crime and fraud against the American people. Operation Riptide seeks to eliminate cyber-enabled crime, fraud, and predatory schemes that operate through organized criminal networks and the online services that support them, often reaching across borders to evade law enforcement. These schemes are especially destructive for family-owned and small businesses, often resulting in closures and financial ruin.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.
A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Louisiana man sentenced to 25+ years in federal prison for Jefferson County violent crime spree that included carjackings, a shooting, and a convenience store robberyRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Sunset, Louisiana, man has been sentenced to over 25 years in federal prison for a violent crime spree in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Bracelon Armon Charles, 23, pleaded guilty to attempted carjacking; carjacking; Hobbs Act robbery; and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to 308 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 30, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on October 6-7, 2023, Charles and a juvenile engaged in a violent crime spree that included the attempted carjacking of a vehicle in Beaumont, the shooting of the vehicle’s owner, another carjacking in Port Arthur, and an attempted armed robbery of a convenience store in Beaumont.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Beaumont Police Department; the Port Arthur Police Department; and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy Coleman.
Jefferson County man sentenced to federal prison for burglarizing Beaumont gun storeRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced to federal prison for burglarizing a gun store in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Leonard Joseph Flowers, 60, pleaded guilty to theft of a firearm from a licensed firearms dealer and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 30, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on July 17, 2025, a federally licensed gun store on East-Tex Freeway in Beaumont was burglarized and three firearms were stolen. Soon after, an investigation began and Flowers turned himself in to law enforcement and admitted to smashing the front door of the gun store and stealing the firearms.
Video surveillance identified the getaway car which led to James Christopher Moffett, a convicted felon. Moffett was stopped for a traffic violation that same day and found to be in possession of two of the firearms stolen in the earlier burglary. As a convicted felon, Moffett is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Moffett, 56, of Beaumont, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison on June 4, 2026.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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Nashville man charged with child exploitation, child pornography violations after traveling to the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Nashville, Tennessee man has been arrested and charged with federal child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Joseph Dalton Bowman, 32, was named in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with coercion of a minor; production of child pornography; and traveling with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. Bowman appeared before U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on July 27, 2026, and was ordered to be detained.
Investigators have reason to believe that there are additional victims in this case. Bowman may have had contact with minors in the following cities and their surrounding areas:
Lakeland, Florida
Tampa, Florida
North Chesterfield, Virginia
Glen Allen, Virginia
Covington, Kentucky
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
New York City, New York
Brooklyn, New York
Mulvane, Kansas
Caldwell, Kansas
Kansas City, Missouri
Memphis, Tennessee
Nashville, Tennessee
Mount Juliet, Tennessee
Orlando, Florida
Dallas, Texas
Frisco, Texas
If you suspect your child may have had contact with Joseph Dalton Bowman, either in person or through social media applications using accounts such as “snapwithdalton,” please call the HSI Tipline at 1-877-4-HSI-TIP. Or you can submit a tip online at HSI Online Tip Form or NCMEC Tipline CyberTipline. Law enforcement will take the necessary steps to protect all minors’ identities and confidential information.
If convicted, Bowman faces up to life in federal prison.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
This case is being investigated by the Homeland Security Investigations – Child Exploitation Group and the Frisco Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey.
It is important to note that an indictment or arrest should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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North Texas men sentenced to federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – Two North Texas men have been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Heath Darrian Denson, 28, of Dallas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, on July 28, 2026.
Tyson Lamar Johnson, also known as TY, or TeeWhy, 38, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, on July 28, 2026.
According to information presented in court, Denson and Johnson were part of a drug trafficking conspiracy responsible for distributing was thousands of counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area including the Eastern District of Texas. Johnson was also operating a trap, or drug distribution house on McCallum Avenue in Dallas. During a search of the house, a firearm used in support of the illicit drug trafficking conspiracy was found.
“The scourge of fentanyl has caused devastation and destruction across all of our communities. Trap houses filled with drugs and guns aren’t just figments of Hollywood’s imagination. They are real, tangible, and active in all of our neighborhoods. Texoma HIDTA will remain committed to assisting all of our partners in helping attack this plague on our society. Texoma HIDTA’s commitment to supporting public safety will remain unwavering,” stated Texoma HIDTA Director Keith Brown.
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.
This case was part of the Texoma HIDTA and investigated by the Plano Police Department, FBI, and the Texas Department of Public Safety with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Maureen Smith.
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Illegal alien from Venezuela sentenced to federal prison in the Eastern District of Texas for trafficking methamphetamineRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Venezuelan national, illegally in the United States, has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Anthony Juber Viloria Colina, 32, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on July 28, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on January 22, 2025, Colina was stopped for a traffic violation in Grayson County. After consenting to a search of the vehicle and opening the trunk, Colina fled on foot. Law enforcement discovered 100 individually wrapped “bricks” of methamphetamine in the trunk of the vehicle, totaling approximately 100 kilograms.
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.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Erlandson.
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Former law enforcement officer guilty of sexual exploitation of a child in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A former law enforcement officer has pleaded guilty to child exploitation charges in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Skyler Douglas Laza, 34, pleaded guilty on July 27, 2026, to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love.
According to court documents, on at least two occasions, Laza, a former licensed peace officer, persuaded a minor under the age of 12 to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of creating a visual depiction using a cell phone.
The terms of Laza’s plea agreement contain an agreed sentencing range of between 40-60 years in federal prison as well as lifetime supervision and sex offender registration. The actual sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
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. Attorneys’ 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.
This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Dallas Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Palestine Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
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Jefferson County man sentenced to federal prison for armed robbery of a Beaumont tobacco storeRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced for a violent crime in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Bradley Broussard, 39, pleaded guilty to brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to 84 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 23, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on July 5, 2025, Broussard entered a tobacco store on Washington Boulevard, pointed a firearm at the clerk, and demanded money. Broussard fled the store with a bag containing money from the register. Broussard’s getaway driver, Dustin Lee Davis, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on July 13, 2026.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Beaumont Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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Illegal alien sentenced to federal prison for immigration violation in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Mexican national, illegally living in Lufkin, has been sentenced to federal prison for an immigration violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Miguel Garza-Soluga, 45, pleaded guilty to illegally re-entering the United States after being deported and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 23, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in August 2025, Garza-Soluga was discovered illegally in the United States after having been previously deported in 2020 and 2022. Garza-Soluga is a convicted felon having prior felony convictions for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, delivery of a controlled substance, and illegal reentry.
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.
This case was investigated by the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.
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Hardin County convicted felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Kountze man has been sentenced for a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Joshua Kenneth Hope, 33, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 23, 2026.
According to information presented in court, very early on June 21, 2025, local law enforcement responded to a call of shots fired near a Kountze residence when they encountered Hope with a shotgun. Further investigation revealed that Hope was a convicted felon and had been previously convicted in Hardin County of aggravated assault family violence and assault on a public servant. Under federal law, convicted felons are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.
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Tyler meth dealer sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Tyler man has been sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Patrick Dewayne Foreman, 61, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on July 21, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on two separate occasions, Foreman was stopped in Smith County for traffic violations and during both stops was found in possession of drugs. In total, officers recovered over 323 grams of methamphetamine; 3.32 grams of cocaine, marijuana, $9,524 in cash, and drug trafficking paraphernalia such as digital scales and unused syringes.
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.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, Smith County Sheriff’s Office and Tyler Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
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Smith County drug trafficker sentenced to federal prison in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Tyler drug trafficker has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Delbert Dan Borens, Jr., 49, also known as Preacher, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on July 21, 2026.
According to information presented in court, from April to June of 2025, Borens and his co-conspirators sold a total of 564.3 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Longview. On June 17, 2025, investigators executed a search warrant at Borens’ residence, during which they located and seized 1,115.51grams of methamphetamine, a firearm, drug distribution paraphernalia such as digital scales, a money counter, and plastic bags, and a total of $12,927 in cash.
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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Gregg County Sheriff’s Office; and Longview Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
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Illegal alien and Smith County man sentenced to federal prison for operating a meth lab in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – An illegal alien and a Smith County man have been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Daniel Garibay-Barriga, 39, an illegal alien from Mexico, and Craig Allen Wallace, 50, of Tyler, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On July 21, 2026, Garibay-Barriga was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle. Wallace was sentenced to 165 months on the same day.
According to information presented in court, on January 28, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Wallace’s residence on FM 724 in Tyler following a drug trafficking investigation. During the search, investigators located two outbuildings containing numerous items of paraphernalia consistent with a clandestine methamphetamine conversion lab, including heating sources, chemicals such as volatile solvents, filtering items such as mesh screens, and large storage containers. In addition, investigators seized 44.71 liters of liquid containing methamphetamine in various stages of the conversion process and 9.57 kilograms of crystallized methamphetamine ready for distribution.
Officers also discovered an RV on the property that was being used as a makeshift drugstore stocked with methamphetamine, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and numerous THC products. Inside the residence, investigators located nine firearms.
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.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Gregg County Sheriff’s Office; and Smith County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
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Gregg County man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for armed robbery of a Longview gun storeRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Longview man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for committing a robbery and using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Kip Semauah Hurt, 26, pleaded guilty to a Hobbs Act robbery and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on July 21, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on August 1, 2024, a Longview gun store was robbed resulting in the theft of 31 firearms. Many of the firearms were recovered by local law enforcement agencies such as the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office, the Marshall Police Department, and the Longview Police Department. It was determined that one of the recovered firearms had been used in the shooting of a Longview Police officer.
“Our priority was securing justice for the Longview community and the victims of this robbery, whose business empowered law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “We have a duty to relentlessly prosecute anyone who threatens innocent lives in East Texas, and today’s success is a direct result of the exceptional collaboration of our law enforcement partners.”
“ATF is proud to stand alongside our local, state, and federal partners in bringing this offender to justice. This case highlights the cascade effects when criminals obtain firearms. Through strong collaboration and determined investigative work, we were able to hold a violent offender accountable and make our communities safer. We will continue to prioritize cases like this to disrupt criminal activity and protect the public.” said Special Agent in Charge Brian Garner.
“This type of organized criminal behavior will not be tolerated in Longview and the surrounding area,” said Longview Police Chief Anthony Boone. “Local law enforcement in Gregg County will continue working together and will utilize every available state and federal resource to combat crime. We are thankful for the partnership and support of the Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Longview Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Farahnak.
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Smith County sex offender guilty of child pornography violationsRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Tyler man previously convicted of a child pornography violation, has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
John Matthew Emerson, 42, pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography on July 21, 2026, before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell.
According to information presented in court, Emerson, while on supervised release for a prior conviction for possession of child pornography, was found in possession of a cellular phone containing child pornography.
Emerson faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
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. Attorneys’ 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.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.
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Texarkana man sentenced to federal prison in the Eastern District of Texas for possessing firearm equipped with an illegal Glock-switchRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – A Texarkana man has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jakeem Butler, 25, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a machinegun and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III on July 20, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on December 31, 2024, Butler was stopped for a traffic violation in Texarkana. During the stop, officers detected the strong odor of marijuana leading to a search of the vehicle. During the search, officers located a firearm equipped with an illegal machinegun conversion device, also commonly referred to as a Glock-switch. Machinegun conversion devices are small mechanisms that can be attached to the rear of the slide of a firearm, converting a semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic machinegun. Federal law defines a machinegun as a weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Texarkana, Texas, Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Richards.
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Tarrant County man receives lengthy federal prison sentence as part of Homeland Security Task Force investigation into a fentanyl overdose death in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A Saginaw man has been sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation into a fentanyl overdose death in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Kevin Chase McCauley, 38, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Richard A. Schell on July 20, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on March 8, 2023, Denton County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the death of an individual at a residence on Stonecrest Road in Argyle, Texas. An investigation revealed the individual died from an overdose of fentanyl-laced counterfeit hydrocodone pills, which were purchased from McCauley.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas Field Office; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CD; United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS); United States Secret Service (USSS); Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS); TEXOMA HIDTA; and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
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Collin County man charged with child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – An Allen man has been arrested and charged with federal child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Sanjay Sachithanandham, 44, was named in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with coercion and enticement of a minor; transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, conspiracy; and engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places. Sachithanandham appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bill Davis on July 16, 2026.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
This case is being investigated by the Allen Police Department and the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey.
It is important to note that an indictment or arrest should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Dallas felon sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for attempting to rob Plano Lyft driver at gunpointRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas –A Dallas convicted felon has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Antonio Detravion Woodard, Jr., 24, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Richard Schell on July 13, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on January 10, 2025, Woodard called for a Lyft and upon arrival, pulled out a gun and told the Lyft driver, “This is a robbery.” Woodard asked the driver for access to his Cash App and Wallet. Upon inspection, Woodard discovered that the victim driver had no cash. Woodard was upset and demanded the victim, “Not tell the police what happened.” The Lyft driver was able to hit the safety feature in his Lyft app and local law enforcement responded. Further investigation revealed Woodard was a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.
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.
This case was investigated by the Plano Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
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Two sentenced to federal prison in Eastern District of Texas cocaine trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – Two individuals were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jonathan Guerra, 30, of Irving, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on July 10, 2026.
Laura Loera-Flores, 38, of Mexico, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by Judge Jordan.
According to information presented in court, Guerra and Loera-Flores were involved in a conspiracy with others to traffic more than five kilograms of cocaine from Mexico into the Eastern District of Texas and beyond. Loera-Flores played an integral role in the conspiracy and was responsible for driving her vehicle loaded with hidden drug proceeds from the United States into Mexico so that Mexican drug traffickers could receive the profits from the illegal drug trade. Loera-Flores was found with ten bundles totaling $198,902 in cash on one trip. She made multiple trips between Mexico and the United States during the conspiracy.
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.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley Brooks.
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Houston man guilty of drug trafficking as part of Homeland Security Task Force investigation in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Houston man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking violations following a Homeland Security Task Force investigation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Indolfo Hernandez, 36, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on July 10, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in January 2024, law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large amounts of methamphetamine throughout Texas and neighboring regions. The organization, based in Houston and operating within the Eastern District of Texas, was led by Hernandez. During the investigation, law enforcement seized more than 16 kilograms of methamphetamine that had been distributed by Hernandez and his coconspirators.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Houston comprises agents and officers from the FBI; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Houston (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI); and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas; DEA Beaumont HIDTA Task Force Group D23; Houston Police Department; Liberty County Sheriff’s Office; and Harris County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Lee.
Hernandez faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison at sentencing. The actual sentence will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
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Frisco furry enthusiast sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for transporting child for sexual exploitationRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A Frisco man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for transporting a minor for sexual exploitation, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Joseph Ray Robertson, 37, pleaded guilty to transportation of minors and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Richard Schell on July 13, 2026. Judge Schell also imposed lifetime supervised release on the defendant.
According to information presented in court, in May of 2024, Robertson, a furry enthusiast, transported a minor from Frisco to Atlanta, Georgia for a furry convention. Furry refers to a subculture of enthusiasts of anthropomorphic (human-like) animals in which fans create animal characters with human personalities and traits. Robertson commissioned an elaborate, custom-made costume to further facilitate his furry persona. While at the convention, Robertson sexually abused the child by engaging in acts that would constitute child molestation and sodomy under Georgia State law. Additionally, Robertson purchased sexual stimulants and devices at the convention, and commissioned artwork depicting his furry persona engaged in sex acts with the minor victim.
“This defendant’s actions were depraved and absolutely justify every day of the imposed 20-year sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “Most children’s experiences with people costumed as animals comes in the context of fun encounters in theme parks. This defendant turned a furry costume into a nightmare of sexual abuse. It shocks the conscience that a child was allowed into a convention where adults were dressed up as furry animals and sex devices were being sold. Not one person in that convention contacted the authorities to protect the child. Every child deserves security, dignity, and a community that stands fiercely in their defense. Protecting children is one of our most solemn responsibilities, and we will act ferociously against anyone who threatens their safety.”
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. Attorneys’ 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.
This case was investigated by FBI and the Frisco Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Miller.
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Dallas County man has been extradited from Qatar to the United States to face charges in the Eastern District of Texas stemming from a Homeland Security Task Force investigationRead the Press Release
A Garland man has been extradited from Qatar to the United States to face charges related to a Homeland Security Task Force investigation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Illegal alien sentenced for gun possession in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –An illegal alien has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms possession in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Freddie Castillo, 36, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 9, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on August 2, 2025, Castillo, a national of Belize illegally living in Houston was stopped by law enforcement in Trinity County. During the stop, Castillo provided the officer with a Belize passport, Belize driver’s license, and Belize consular identification card and informed the officer that he was in the United States on an expired visa. Castillo admitted to possessing a shotgun and rifle which were in the vehicle. Further investigation revealed Castillo was issued a visa in 2000, which expired in 2010, and he had not applied for permission to extend the visa or remain in the United States.
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.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Forest Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Department of Homeland Security. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.
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Illegal alien indicted in the Eastern District of Texas and charged with the kidnapping of a child from LouisianaRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A Honduran national illegally living in Princeton has been charged with federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas related to the kidnapping of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Osman Daniel Vasquez-Mejia, 18, was named in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with kidnapping, transportation of a minor, and improper entry by an alien.
If convicted, Vasquez-Mejia faces life in federal prison.
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. Attorneys’ 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.
This case is being investigated by the Allen Police Department, FBI, and the Collin County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Anderson.
A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Angelina County felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Lufkin convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Preston Allen, 59, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 9, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in February 2025, Allen was found in possession of multiple firearms while law enforcement officers attempted to serve a warrant at his Lufkin home. Further investigation revealed Allen was a convicted felon, having been previously found guilty of aggravated sexual assault of a child in 2003 in Angelina County. As a convicted felon, Allen is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.
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.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.
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Illegal alien living in Garland sentenced to federal prison as part of Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – An illegal alien has been sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Nestor Molina Molina, also known as Chocoalte, 37, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 140 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on July 8, 2026.
According to information presented in court, Molina Molina, a Mexican national illegally living in Garland, was part of a cartel affiliated drug trafficking organization that distributed methamphetamine imported from Mexico into Dallas and the North Texas area. Molina Molina negotiated the sale and delivery of multiple kilogram quantities of crystal methamphetamine in the Eastern and Northern Districts of Texas. During the execution of a search warrant at his residence in Garland, agents discovered a methamphetamine conversion laboratory along with large amounts of methamphetamine in the conversion process.
This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Dallas comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Dallas Field Office; U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations - Dallas (ICE-HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Dallas Field Division; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division; Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigations (IRS-CD; United States Postal Service, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); Transportation Security Administration, Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS); United States Secret Service (USSS); Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DSS); TEXOMA HIDTA; and U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Eastern District of Texas with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney William R. Tatum.
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Henderson County man sentenced to federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Brownsboro man has been sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Bradley Korral Gould, 36, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on July 6, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on October 4, 2024, Henderson County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a shooting in Brownsboro, where they found Gould inside his vehicle with a gunshot wound to his upper thigh. While investigating the shooting, deputies located an abandoned backpack on the roadside between Gould’s vehicle and the location of the reported shooting. Inside the backpack, deputies located 121.3 grams of methamphetamine, 50.86 grams of cocaine, and pills containing fluorofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue. Also, inside the backpack, deputies discovered the title of the vehicle in which Gould was found bearing Gould’s name. Gould admitted that the backpack and its contents belonged to him and agreed to forfeit a pistol found at the location of the shooting.
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.
The case was investigated by the FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Henderson County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
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Smith County methamphetamine dealer receives lengthy federal prison sentence for drug trafficking violation in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Tyler drug dealer has been sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Charles Ray Griffith, Jr., 36, also known as Root, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on July 6, 2026.
According to information presented in court, Griffith was detained while driving vehicles on two separate occasions in July and September 2024, resulting in the discovery of a total of 140.30 grams of methamphetamine. During one attempted traffic stop, Griffith fled recklessly at a high rate of speed on a motorcycle through residential neighborhoods, disregarding stop signs and traffic signals and driving on the wrong side of the road before crashing in the yard of a private residence, where he was apprehended.
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.
The case was investigated by the FBI; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Smith County Sheriff’s Office; and Tyler Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
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Michigan man sentenced to federal prison in the Eastern District of Texas for firearms trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Michigan man has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms trafficking conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Caleb Timothy Fox, 34, pleaded guilty to attempt or conspiracy to commit firearms trafficking and was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on July 6, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on March 10, 2025, Fox enlisted another individual, commonly referred to as a “straw purchaser,” to unlawfully purchase six firearms on his behalf at a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) gun shop in Tyler. After the firearms purchase was delayed, Fox admitted to federal agents that he knew, as a non-resident of Texas, that he was unable to legally purchase the firearms in Texas. Fox also admitted that he intended to illegally transport the firearms out of the United States to Oaxaca, Mexico, where he had arranged to sell them to others. Further investigation led to cell phone texts that corroborated the plan, including an offer to exchange the firearms for drugs. A search of Fox’s vehicle led to the discovery of another firearm as well as various illegal drugs, including cocaine base and fentanyl.
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.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
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