Eastern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Eastern District of Texas prosecutes five defendants as part of Homeland Security Task Force investigations in June 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, five defendants were sentenced to a total of 903 months in federal prison during the month of June as part of the Homeland Security Task Force, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Those cases include:
On June 9, 2026, David Ortiz-Moreno, 55, a Mexican national illegally living in Fate, Texas, was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison for being involved in a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine. Ortiz-Moreno was responsible for the distribution of at least 50 grams of methamphetamine.
On June 10, 2026, Abrahan Solano-Zarate, 42, a Mexican national illegally living in Dallas, was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for being involved in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Solano-Zarate distributed at least five kilograms of cocaine.
On June 10, 2026, Corrigan man, Jose Pedro Guzman, Jr., 35, was the final defendant sentenced in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas. Guzman was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison for drug trafficking violations. In all, 17 individuals were convicted and sentenced in this investigation to a total of 2,213 months, or more than 184 years, in federal prison.
On June 15, 2026, a Mexican national illegally living in Dallas was sentenced to 270 months in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas. Juan Lopez-Carmona, 32, was responsible for moving large amounts of illegal narcotics from Mexico to the United States for redistribution.
On June 15, 2026, Dulio Ariel De-La-O, 25, of Irving, was sentenced to 165 months in federal prison for trafficking over “k-packs” or 1,000 pill quantities of fentanyl-laced pills. A search of De-La-O’s residence resulted in the seizure of over 3,000 counterfeit Xanax pills laced with fentanyl and $91,799 in cash.
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.
Juvenile probation officer sentenced to federal prison for soliciting sexual relations with an eleven-year-old in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A juvenile probation officer was sentenced to federal prison for 190 months for soliciting sexual relations with an eleven-year-old, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Steven Dale Criddle, 51, a former Juvenile Probation Officer from Bryan, Texas, pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and was sentenced to 190 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on July 1, 2026.
According to information presented in court, Criddle was convicted for conversing on the dark web with who he believed to be a mother that would allow Criddle to sexually molest her eleven-year-old daughter. Arrangements were made, and on September 28, 2025, Criddle drove three hours from Bryan to Wylie, Texas, the location where he planned to sexually molest the eleven-year-old girl. Criddle was apprehended by law enforcement and admitted that he traveled to Wylie to sexually molest the girl. He further admitted that he had child pornography on his cell phone.
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 the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Anderson.
Hopkins County woman guilty of federal charges related to an unlicensed breeding facility in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Hopkins County woman has pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges following an animal welfare investigation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Kristine Michelle Hicks, 51, pleaded guilty to four counts of wire fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge John Love on July 1, 2026.
According to information presented in court, Hicks was the sole owner and operator of an unlicensed dog breeding business called Giant German Shepherds in Hopkins County, Texas. Toward the end of the operation in December 2025, Hicks had as many as 131 German shepherds on her property.
Hicks advertised her services online through a website and Facebook account she controlled. When she received inquiries about dogs that she had advertised for sale, she made representations and promises about the dogs, including that they were healthy, trained for specific services, that they had certain specified parentage, and that they were registered with the AKC. These representations were false. Instead of selling purebred, properly AKC registered, healthy animals, Hicks sometimes sold dogs that were a mix of breeds, were randomly sourced from other litters, and had diseases or were in an unhealthy state. Soil from Hicks’ property was contaminated with coccidia, an intestinal parasite. Hicks also created and fabricated false AKC documentation, and greatly inflated the sales prices for the dogs, often by thousands of dollars above the dogs’ real market value.
“The depraved indifference to animal suffering we witnessed in this case was shocking,” said United States Attorney Jay R. Combs. “My office will continue to advocate for the victims who were defrauded by the defendant as well as the animals who suffered, and often died, in cruel conditions. The concerned citizens who brought this to light are to be commended along with the amazing animal rescue organizations who worked so hard to assist in caring for the animals, most especially Big Dog Ranch Rescue.”
“This fraudulent, unlicensed dog breeder subjected dogs to grotesque cruelty, keeping a kill pit at her facility,” said U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspector General John Walk. “I am proud of the USDA OIG agents who rescued 143 dogs and brought swift justice to this unconscionable crime. Criminals should know that USDA OIG will continue working aggressively with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate crimes endangering animal welfare and protect public safety. I thank the FBI, APHIS Animal Care, SPCA of Texas, Tulsa SPCA, and Big Dog Ranch Rescue for their assistance in conducting the investigation and housing the rescued animals.”
Hicks faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Office of Inspector General and the FBI, with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Morris.
Denton County man sentenced to federal prison for committing three armed robberies of banks in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Denton man who committed three armed robberies of banks in the Denton County area, has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison, announced Eastern District of Texas, U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jonathan Mark Fleming, 41, pleaded guilty to bank robbery and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Richard Schell on June 29, 2026.
According to information presented in court, from November 2022 to February 2023, the defendant committed three armed robberies of banks in the Denton County area. For each robbery, the defendant dressed in all black, wore black gloves, black ski goggles and a black mask. He also brandished a firearm. During the first two robberies, the defendant arrived at the banks in a red Dodge Challenger. For the final robbery, he arrived in a Dodge Ram TRX truck. Investigators were able to track the Dodge Ram TRX truck to the original dealership and learned the defendant had purchased the truck with a large cash payment and a trade-in of a red Dodge Challenger. Having identified the defendant as a possible suspect, a search warrant was subsequently obtained for Fleming’s apartment on February 23, 2023. During the search of the apartment, Fleming was located as the sole occupant and was arrested. Officers also located items that they had observed on video surveillance from the robberies, including a black/gray duffel bag, black clothing, a black face covering, a gun belt with holster, and black ski goggles. A large sum of United States currency, which was still wrapped in bank currency bands, was also located inside the apartment, as well as multiple firearms; specifically, a black M&P Smith and Wesson handgun in a holster (believed to be used in the robbery committed on November 10, 2022); a black newly purchased Glock handgun with a receipt; and two AR-style rifles. In addition, two police radio scanners and multiple receipts, detailing large deposits ranging from $19,000 to $40,000 into various bank accounts, were located. In all the defendant stole approximately $450,000.00 in cash from the three bank robberies.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Denton Police Department; Lewisville Police Department; Flower Mound Police Department; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
Houston man sentenced to lengthy federal prison sentence for armed convenience store robberies in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Houston man has been sentenced to over 13 years in federal prison in connection with two armed convenience store robberies in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Fredy Jose Barrera Borjas, 26, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to carry a firearm during a crime of violence; two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, aiding and abetting; and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Borjas was sentenced to 162 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant this week.
According to information presented in court, on March 4 and 5, 2022, Borjas conspired with others to rob the Buy Low Liquor Store in Lewisville and Zoom Zooms Convenience store in Denton, at gunpoint. On both occasions, the defendants entered the businesses by force, brandished firearms, and stole large quantities of cash from the store owners. During one of the robberies, Borjas and others ordered an employee to her knees at gunpoint, while the others went into the manager’s office where he was robbed and severely beaten. Borjas was the final defendant sentenced in this case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Denton Police Department, and Lewisville Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chalana A. Oliver.
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Port Neches felon sentenced for federal firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Port Neches felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jordan Lee Davis, 36, 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 Michael Truncale on June 22, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on January 1, 2025, Port Neches police officers were investigating a possible assault at Davis’s residence when they found him in possession of a loaded revolver. Further investigation revealed that Davis was previously convicted of felony offenses in Jefferson County. As a convicted felon, Davis 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, to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Port Neches Police Department; the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John B. Ross and Jonathan Lee.
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Grayson County man sentenced to life in federal prison for supplying fentanyl and then watching and recording the victim’s overdose deathRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Denison man who supplied fentanyl that resulted in an individual’s death, has been sentenced to life in federal prison, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Andrew Michael Smith, 36, was found guilty at trial of possession with intent to distribute and dispense fentanyl resulting in death and was sentenced to life in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on June 22, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on September 5, 2024, Smith provided a woman with fentanyl and methamphetamine. Smith watched and recorded the victim for several hours as she began to show severe signs of an overdose, including difficulty breathing, severe mental confusion, vomiting, and tremors. After the victim had taken her last breath, Smith finally, but untimely, called emergency responders. After law enforcement arrived, they began to perform lifesaving measures, but those efforts proved futile. The evidence during trial showed that Smith talked to numerous individuals over the course of hours while the victim was dying and even continued to arrange additional deals to acquire drugs.
“Smith targeted this victim because he knew her addiction made her vulnerable,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “Smith deserves every day of this life sentence. Our office, and our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively seek justice for drug trafficking victims.”
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Denison Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Erlandson and Abe McGlothin, Jr.
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Former Wylie Assistant Principal charged with child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A former high school assistant principal has been arrested and charged with federal child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Zachary Christian Neu, 32, of Richardson, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with two counts of enticement of a minor. Neu appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Aileen Durrett on June 17, 2026.
Neu was an Assistant Principal at Wylie East High School at the time of the alleged offenses.
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 Wylie 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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Irving 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 – An Irving man has been sentenced to over 13 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.
Dulio Ariel De-La-O, 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 165 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on June 15, 2026.
According to information presented in court, during a drug trafficking investigation in 2022, it was determined that De-La-O was distributing “k-packs,” or 1,000 pill quantities of fentanyl, to individuals in the Eastern District of Texas. A search of De-La-O’s residence during the investigation resulted in the seizure of over 3,000 counterfeit Xanax pills laced with fentanyl and $91,799 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 Matthew T. Johnson.
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Illegal alien living in Dallas 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 22 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.
Juan Lopez-Carmona, 32, 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 270 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on June 15, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in 2021, federal law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking organization that was responsible for moving large amounts of illegal narcotics from Mexico into the United States for redistribution. On October 4, 2022, while federal agents attempted to execute a search warrant at a Dallas residence, Lopez-Carmona, a Mexican national illegally living in Dallas, began firing on them from inside the house before fleeing on foot. Lopez-Carmona and another individual were quickly detained and a search of the residence revealed over 30 kilograms of methamphetamine, four firearms, and other drug trafficking supplies. The investigation resulted in multiple seizures of methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, heroin, firearms, and large amounts of 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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Texas Couple Sentenced for Running an Illegal Pyramid SchemeRead the Press Release
A Texas couple was sentenced on June 9, 2026, to 40 years each in prison for running a fraudulent chain-referral pyramid scheme, following their convictions by a jury on conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering charges in January 2026.
“At the peak of the pandemic, LaShonda and Marlon Moore launched an investment fraud scheme and cheated struggling Americans out of $30 million,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This fraud scheme exploited people out of their hard-earned money at a time when they needed it most. Opportunistic fraudsters like the Moores belong in prison.”
“The Moores’ get rich quick scheme has earned them a well-deserved stay in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs for the Eastern District of Texas. “Playing games with other peoples’ money while promising unrealistic returns is stealing and will be prosecuted and punished.”
“The harm caused by greed-driven, deceptive investments promising returns too good to be true cannot be overstated,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group. “The mission of the USPIS continues, to aggressively investigate such schemes and hold fraudsters fully accountable.”
“Those who exploit uncertainty and hardship for personal profit undermine the safety and security of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Christina Foley of the U.S. Secret Service Dallas Field Office. “The Moores took advantage of trust and hope during a time of national crisis, causing significant harm to thousands of victims. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: the Secret Service remains steadfast in our mission to investigate and disrupt these schemes, and those who prey on vulnerable communities for personal gain will be held fully accountable.”
“The Moores used a polished image and a reality TV appearance to build trust, but behind the scenes, they orchestrated a deceptive pyramid scheme built on fake ‘playing boards’ and false promises of 800% returns,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus Jr. of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Dallas Field Office. “This scheme deliberately targeted the African American community, exploiting cultural trust and community ties. These sentences make it clear: if you abuse trust and exploit communities, you will face justice.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, LaShonda Moore, 38, and Marlon Moore, 39, of Frisco, Texas, co-founded and ran “Blessings in No Time,” known as “BINT,” an illegal chain-referral pyramid scheme that targeted victims during the COVID‑19 pandemic from June 2020 to June 2021. BINT targeted and recruited victims with false and misleading promises through weekly live-stream video broadcasts to thousands of participants across the United States during the COVID-19 shutdown. Victims were falsely promised that they would earn 800% returns on each $1,400 investment and were guaranteed a refund if they were unsatisfied. The Moores falsely held out BINT as a way for people to help their own community by paying “blessings” of at least $1,400 to participants who had already joined. The Moores falsely promised that new participants’ “blessing” payments would be paid back eight-fold within a few weeks. BINT was falsely presented as an altruistic invitation-only community to help others during the economic downturn from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The defendants structured BINT to operate on “playing boards” that had positions for participants on four levels: eight Fires, four Winds, two Earths, and one Water. Once eight new participants were recruited to fill all eight Fire positions on the playing board, each Fire was directed to “bless” or pay at least $1,400 to the participant in the Water position. A Water participant then received eight payments totaling more than $11,000. After a Water participant received his or her payment, other participants at lower levels would move up one level on the playing board and then be required to recruit new participants into the Fire positions to perpetuate the scheme. To profit from the investment scheme, the defendants placed themselves in positions on the playing boards so that they received many of the ultimate payments, and they otherwise diverted substantial money to themselves that was paid by the participants. The defendants’ pyramid scheme victimized more than 10,000 people across the country and inflicted more than $30 million in victim losses.
USPIS, USSS, and IRS-CI investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Theodore Kneller and Adam L.D. Stempel of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin Jr. for the Eastern District of Texas prosecuted the case.
Texas Couple Sentenced for Running an Illegal Pyramid SchemeRead the Press Release
A Texas couple was sentenced yesterday to 40 years each in prison for running a fraudulent chain-referral pyramid scheme, following their convictions by a jury on conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering charges in January 2026.
“At the peak of the pandemic, LaShonda and Marlon Moore launched an investment fraud scheme and cheated struggling Americans out of $30 million,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This fraud scheme exploited people out of their hard-earned money at a time when they needed it most. Opportunistic fraudsters like the Moores belong in prison.”
“The Moores’ get rich quick scheme has earned them a well-deserved stay in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs for the Eastern District of Texas. “Playing games with other peoples’ money while promising unrealistic returns is stealing and will be prosecuted and punished.”
“The harm caused by greed-driven, deceptive investments promising returns too good to be true cannot be overstated,” said Inspector in Charge Eric Shen of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Criminal Investigations Group. “The mission of the USPIS continues, to aggressively investigate such schemes and hold fraudsters fully accountable.”
“Those who exploit uncertainty and hardship for personal profit undermine the safety and security of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Christina Foley of the U.S. Secret Service Dallas Field Office. “The Moores took advantage of trust and hope during a time of national crisis, causing significant harm to thousands of victims. Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: the Secret Service remains steadfast in our mission to investigate and disrupt these schemes, and those who prey on vulnerable communities for personal gain will be held fully accountable.”
“The Moores used a polished image and a reality TV appearance to build trust, but behind the scenes, they orchestrated a deceptive pyramid scheme built on fake ‘playing boards’ and false promises of 800% returns,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher J. Altemus Jr. of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s (IRS-CI) Dallas Field Office. “This scheme deliberately targeted the African American community, exploiting cultural trust and community ties. These sentences make it clear: if you abuse trust and exploit communities, you will face justice.”
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, LaShonda Moore, 38, and Marlon Moore, 39, of Frisco, Texas, co-founded and ran “Blessings in No Time,” known as “BINT,” an illegal chain-referral pyramid scheme that targeted victims during the COVID‑19 pandemic from June 2020 to June 2021. BINT targeted and recruited victims with false and misleading promises through weekly live-stream video broadcasts to thousands of participants across the United States during the COVID-19 shutdown. Victims were falsely promised that they would earn 800% returns on each $1,400 investment and were guaranteed a refund if they were unsatisfied. The Moores falsely held out BINT as a way for people to help their own community by paying “blessings” of at least $1,400 to participants who had already joined. The Moores falsely promised that new participants’ “blessing” payments would be paid back eight-fold within a few weeks. BINT was falsely presented as an altruistic invitation-only community to help others during the economic downturn from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The defendants structured BINT to operate on “playing boards” that had positions for participants on four levels: eight Fires, four Winds, two Earths, and one Water. Once eight new participants were recruited to fill all eight Fire positions on the playing board, each Fire was directed to “bless” or pay at least $1,400 to the participant in the Water position. A Water participant then received eight payments totaling more than $11,000. After a Water participant received his or her payment, other participants at lower levels would move up one level on the playing board and then be required to recruit new participants into the Fire positions to perpetuate the scheme. To profit from the investment scheme, the defendants placed themselves in positions on the playing boards so that they received many of the ultimate payments, and they otherwise diverted substantial money to themselves that was paid by the participants. The defendants’ pyramid scheme victimized more than 10,000 people across the country and inflicted more than $30 million in victim losses.
USPIS, USSS, and IRS-CI investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Theodore Kneller and Adam L.D. Stempel of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin Jr. for the Eastern District of Texas prosecuted the case.
Illegal alien living in Dallas sentenced to federal prison as part of Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking cocaine in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – An illegal alien has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation for trafficking cocaine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Abrahan Solano-Zarate, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on June 10, 2026.
According to information presented in court, beginning in 2021, Solano-Zarate, a Mexican national who was illegally living in Dallas, was part of a cocaine distributing conspiracy responsible for trafficking a large amount of cocaine from Mexico into the Eastern District of Texas and beyond. Solano-Zarate admitted to being personally responsible for the distribution of at least five kilograms of cocaine.
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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Homeland Security Task Force investigation leads to 17 convictions related to a methamphetamine trafficking organization in Angelina CountyRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Homeland Security Task Force investigation in Angelina County has resulted in the convictions and sentencings of 17 individuals related to a methamphetamine trafficking organization in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jose Pedro Guzman, Jr., 35, of Corrigan, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 130 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on June 10, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in November 2022, a law enforcement investigation into drug trafficking, firearms crimes, and immigration violations in Angelina County resulted in the seizure of over 10 kilograms of methamphetamine and fourteen firearms. Guzman is the 17th person sentenced to federal prison as a result of this investigation. Other defendants sentenced include:
Albert Lopez, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 292 months;
Hector Gomez, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 188 months;
Jodi Calvin Sparkman, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 151 months;
Christopher Dewayne Harvey, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 175 months;
Oscar Padilla, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 70 months;
Adaryl Douglas, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 135 months;
Leanna Jean Busby, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 120 months;
Gary Mills, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 121 months;
Amanda McBride, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 120 months;
Clifton Collin-Dakota Smith, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 63 months;
John Christopher Rios, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 140 months;
Lorene Michelle Baker, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 121 months;
Corey Mullan, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 162 months;
David Davis, Jr., conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 97 months;
Penny Ann King, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, 121 months; and
Eduardo Barajas-Macias, illegal reentry by a previously deported alien, 7 months.
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 Federal Bureau of Investigation (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; Angelina County Sheriff’s Office; Lufkin Police Department; Texas Department of Public Safety; and Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.
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Brazos County methamphetamine dealer sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violation in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Bryan drug dealer has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Matthew Forrest Jarrett, 38, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on June 10, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in June of 2025, law enforcement received information that Jarrett would be delivering a large amount of methamphetamine to the Liberty County area. A traffic stop was attempted and Jarrett fled at a high rate of speed. Once the vehicle pursuit ended, Jarrett attempted to flee on foot and was apprehended by a canine unit. Jarrett was arrested pursuant to active warrants, and a search of the vehicle revealed nearly one kilogram of methamphetamine and a firearm.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration and the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Lee.
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Illegal alien living in Rockwall County 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 14 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.
David Ortiz-Moreno, 55, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on June 9, 2026.
According to information presented in court, beginning in 2021, Ortiz-Moreno, a Mexican national who was illegally living in Fate, Texas, was part of a methamphetamine distributing conspiracy responsible for trafficking a large amount of methamphetamine from Mexico into the Eastern District of Texas and beyond. Ortiz-Moreno admitted to being personally responsible for the distribution of at least 50 grams of methamphetamine.
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 methamphetamine dealer sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violation in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Dallas drug dealer has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Deldrick Damond Lewis, 40, was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in August of 2025. Lewis was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant III on June 9, 2026.
According to information presented in court, Lewis was identified as a methamphetamine supplier during an investigation of drug trafficking activities in the Grayson County area. Lewis sold approximately 460 grams of pure methamphetamine during a drug trafficking transaction. Additionally, prosecutors presented evidence at trial that included Lewis’ social media accounts, text messages, and other evidence from his cellular phones. Lewis received a sentencing enhancement because it was determined the methamphetamine was imported from Mexico for distribution 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 Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, Sherman Police Department, and FBI’s Texoma Narcotics and Violent Crime Task Force. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen Smith and Stevan Buys.
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Jefferson County felon charged with federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont felon has been indicted in the Eastern District of Texas and charged with a federal firearms violation, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jared Cole Stephenson, 41, was indicted by a federal grand jury last week and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. Stephenson appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson on June 8, 2026.
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, to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case is being investigated by the Jasper Police Department, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, and the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
A federal indictment or complaint 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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Collin County man arrested and charged in the Eastern District of Texas with making threats against the President of the United StatesRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Collin County man has been arrested and charged in the Eastern District of Texas with making threats against the President of the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Ronnie “Chip” Austin, Jr., 56, of Allen, was charged in a criminal complaint with making threats against the President of the United States and transmitting threats in interstate commerce. Austin was arrested on June 4, 2026, and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Aileen Goldman Durrett on June 5, 2026.
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, to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Rapp.
A federal indictment or complaint 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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Matrix, HealthFair, and HealthFair founder agree to pay $56.5 million to resolve False Claims Act allegationsRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – Community Care Health Network LLC, doing business as Matrix Medical Network (Matrix), DPN USA, doing business as HealthFair (HealthFair), and Shahriah “James” Ekbatani have agreed to pay a total of $56.5 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act (FCA) by causing the submission of false or invalid diagnosis codes to the Medicare Advantage program. Matrix will pay $36.5 million to resolve claims in a qui tam action filed in the Southern District of New York. HealthFair, which was acquired by Matrix, will pay $5 million and Ekbatani will pay $15 million to resolve claims in a qui tam action filed in the Eastern District of Texas.
“When healthcare companies report risk-adjusting diagnoses that are invalid, they siphon money from the Medicare Advantage program,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department remains vigilant in pursuing MAOs, downstream entities, and responsible individuals who do not play by the rules.”
“Patients should be able to trust that their medical providers are making, documenting, and sending diagnosis information to insurers based on accurate assessment, testing, and what is best for the patient,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs of the Eastern District of Texas. “It is a breach of trust when providers look to make more money by making their patients appear sicker than they are. Submitting unsubstantiated diagnoses increases costs to the Medicare Advantage program. This case emphasizes our District’s commitment to justice by pursuing anyone who attempts to steal through misrepresentations.”
“The allegations in these matters describe conduct that puts profit ahead of patients and undermines the integrity of the Medicare Advantage program,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will not tolerate efforts to divert taxpayer funded health care dollars for personal or corporate gain. We will continue to pursue every available enforcement avenue with our law enforcement partners to ensure that anyone who endangers federal program integrity is met with swift and robust accountability.”
The Medicare Advantage (MA) program, also known as Medicare Part C, allows Medicare beneficiaries to opt out of traditional Medicare and enroll in health plans that are administered by private insurance companies known as Medicare Advantage Organizations (MAOs). The MAOs contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide traditional Medicare coverage to beneficiaries enrolled in their plans in exchange for capitated payments. CMS adjusts these capitated payments based on the health status of each beneficiary as determined through diagnoses submitted by the MAOs. In general, CMS pays more for sicker beneficiaries likely to incur higher healthcare expenses and less for healthier beneficiaries. Diagnosis codes submitted to CMS must be supported by the beneficiaries’ medical records and be accurate, complete, and truthful, based on the best knowledge, information, and belief of the MAO making the submission.
Matrix, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, is a health services company that contracts with MAOs to provide in-home assessments to MA plan beneficiaries. HealthFair, a company founded and managed by Ekbatani, operated mobile health care buses staffed by nurse practitioners and medical technicians and fitted with certain medical equipment. It contracted with MAOs in several states to provide health assessments to MA plan beneficiaries on HealthFair buses. Matrix acquired HealthFair in 2018 and shut down its operations by 2020.
The United States alleges that during the period from 2014 to 2019, Matrix knowingly caused MAOs to submit false and invalid diagnoses of the following chronic medical conditions to CMS for risk adjustment purposes: proliferative diabetic retinopathy, drug-induced polyneuropathy, rheumatoid polyneuropathy, atrial fibrillation, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and simple chronic bronchitis (the “Invalid Diagnoses”). Matrix reported the Invalid Diagnoses to MAOs based on its in-home assessments even though: (a) there was not sufficient information to support the diagnoses; (b) the diagnoses did not conform with the guidelines for coding and reporting diagnoses as required by CMS; and (c) the conditions were frequently not diagnosed by any other healthcare provider who saw the beneficiary during the year in which the home visit occurred or in the preceding two years or subsequent two years. As a result of the reporting of these Invalid Diagnoses, the MAOs obtained inflated risk adjustment payments from CMS to which they were not entitled.
As to HealthFair and Ekbatani, the United States contends that HealthFair knowingly reported certain diagnoses to MAOs that were unsupported, unsubstantiated, and/or invalid. Specifically, from 2015 to 2017, HealthFair providers (1) made certain diagnoses (including but not limited to HIV/AIDS, metastatic cancer, and Myasthenia Gravis) without documentation establishing or confirming the existence of the condition; (2) made certain diagnoses (including but not limited to morbid obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, coagulation defect, drug dependence, major depressive disorder, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) solely based on patient attestation, claims history, past medical history, or medication; (3) diagnosed congestive heart failure and heart arrhythmia despite contradiction by electrocardiogram and echocardiogram results; and (4) diagnosed thrombophilia solely based on separate diagnoses of atrial fibrillation. HealthFair, which acted at the direction of Ekbatani, submitted the diagnoses to its MAO customers, and the MAOs often submitted the diagnoses to CMS for risk-adjusted payments.
The settlement with Matrix resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the FCA by Nancy Cahill, a former employee of Matrix, in United States ex rel. Cahill v. Matrix, No. 19-CV-11153 (S.D.N.Y.). The settlements with HealthFair and Ekbatani resolve claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the FCA by Robert Oristaglio, Jr., D.O., who was the chief medical officer of HealthFair, in United States ex rel. Oristaglio v. Community Care Health Network, Inc., d/b/a Matrix Medical Network et al., No. 4:22-CV-00133-SDJ (E.D. Tex.). Under the FCA, private parties are permitted to sue on behalf of the government for false claims for government funds and to receive a share of the recovery. The settlements in these cases provide for Cahill to receive $7.3 million and Oristaglio to receive $3.6 million.
This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of coordinated efforts between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Eastern District of Texas and Southern District of New York, with assistance from HHS-OIG.
The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrate the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the FCA. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at www.oig.hhs.gov/fraud/report-fraud/ or 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
The matters were handled by Trial Attorney Samson Asiyanbi of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachael Doud and Ilan Stein of the Southern District of New York, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin McClendon of the Eastern District of Texas.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Note: The settlement agreement with Matrix Medical Network can be read here, the settlement with HealthFair can be read here, and the settlement with Shahriah Ekbatani can be read here.
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Eastern District of Texas prosecutes 35 defendants as part of Homeland Security Task Force investigations in May 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.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas brought eight new Homeland Security Task Force cases in May while securing five convictions and achieving five substantial sentences totaling 944 months in federal prison as part of the Homeland Security Task Force, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. Those cases include:
Charges
Eight indictments were returned by federal grand juries in the Eastern District of Texas during May, charging 25 defendants with various crimes including drug trafficking and immigration violations. 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. We are unable to comment on indicted cases as investigations continue.
Convictions
On May 21, 2026, Beaumont man, James William Quinney, Jr., 38, pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges. Quinney was the leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed kilograms of methamphetamine to other distributors for redistribution. Quinney was found to be purchasing 18 kilograms of methamphetamine at a time for redistribution. In total, law enforcement seized nearly five kilograms of methamphetamine from Quinney and over $80,000.00 in U.S. currency. On May 28, 2026, Latisha Mae Thebeau, 42, of Port Arthur, pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy. The defendants face up to life in federal prison at sentencing.
On May 28, 2026, Beaumont convicted felon, Micheal Corbin, 48, pleaded guilty to distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm. As a convicted felon, Corbin is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Corbin faces up to life in federal prison at sentencing.
New Orleans man, Darrell Charles Coleman, 37, pleaded guilty on May 28, 2026, to trafficking methamphetamine after being pulled over for speeding on Interstate-10 in Beaumont. Coleman’s passenger, Kory Jarvis Schaffer, 34, also of New Orleans, pleaded guilty on May 18, 2026, to distributing fentanyl. The defendants each face up to life in federal prison at sentencing.
Sentencings
A Mexican national illegally living in Arlington, Mauricio Diaz-Abraham, 37, was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison on May 12, 2026. Diaz-Abraham was personally responsible for the distribution of at least 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine while conspiring to traffic large amounts of methamphetamine from Mexico into the Eastern District of Texas and beyond.
On May 12, 2026, Juan Jose Montanez, also known as Happy Johnny, 40, a Dallas barbershop employee, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison and ordered to forfeit $131,800 in cash; several bank accounts totaling $126,000; three firearms; and assorted shoes, purses, sunglasses, and a jacket all together estimated to be worth approximately $64,215, after it was determined he was trafficking not only methamphetamine, but large amounts of cocaine.
On May 28, 2026, Oklahoma man, Steven Mark Moore, 27, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for being involved in a firearms trafficking scheme that involved straw purchases of firearms that were then illegally resold at an inflated price to individuals involved in criminal activities. The firearms were linked to various crimes in the United States as well as deadly cartel shootings in Mexico.
A Mexican national illegally living in Dallas was sentenced on May 28, 2026, to 18 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas. Angel Luis Lopez-Montero, 45, was identified as a source of supply and responsible for trafficking at least 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
On May 29, 2026, Fort Worth man, Donald Lee Harris, 40, was sentenced to 350 months in federal prison for trafficking over three kilograms of methamphetamine which was brought from Mexico for distribution in 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.
HSTF Houston comprises agents and officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (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.
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx.
Laboratory Executives, Marketers, and Physician to Pay over $2M to Settle Allegations of Illegal Kickbacks to DoctorsRead the Press Release
Former laboratory CEO Susan Hertzberg, of New York, and former laboratory sales executive Matthew Theiler, of Pinehurst, North Carolina, have agreed to pay $1.2 million to resolve False Claims Act litigation with the United States alleging illegal payments to doctors for laboratory referrals in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute.
One doctor — Frederick Brown, of Missouri City, Texas — and six marketers — Thomas Gray Hardaway, of San Antonio, Texas; William Todd Hickman, of Anna, Texas; and Ginny Jacobs, Scott Jacobs, S&G Staffing LLC, and Jacobs Marketing Inc., all of Magnolia, Texas — have agreed to pay an additional $859,055 to settle the United States’ laboratory kickback allegations against them in the case.
With these settlements, the Department of Justice has secured over $61 million in civil False Claims Act settlements since 2019 for kickbacks to healthcare providers disguised as managed service organization (MSO) investment distributions, including recoveries from over 50 physicians.
“The Department of Justice is committed to rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse in federally funded healthcare programs,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Kickback schemes can waste taxpayer dollars, erode healthcare providers’ medical judgment, and result in patients being subjected to unnecessary medical treatments.”
“Nearly every working American took time recently to pay their federal taxes. As we did so, we all hoped that our money was being used wisely, and we trusted that systems were in place to prevent the types of fraud and kickback schemes that this case uncovered,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs for the Eastern District of Texas. “In the Eastern District of Texas, we mean to deliver on the promise of the President, the Vice President, and Acting Attorney General to aggressively combat the fraudulent use of tax dollars. The settlements today, along with the criminal convictions in the related case, show that we are delivering on that promise.”
“Today’s settlement demonstrates that violations of the Anti‑Kickback Statute, such as alleged here, can undermine clinical judgment and erode trust in the health care system,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS‑OIG). “HHS‑OIG will continue working with our law enforcement partners to make sure that anyone who uses kickbacks to compromise the integrity of medical decision‑making and generate unnecessary services is held accountable.”
“By disrupting fraud and misconduct of this nature, we help to ensure TRICARE, the uniformed services’ primary health care program, is better positioned to deliver critical care to the warfighter,” said Special Agent in Charge Chad Gosch of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) Southwest Field Office. “This result demonstrates the commitment of DCIS and our investigative partners to aggressively pursue those who seek to betray the American taxpayer and undermine our military’s healthcare system.”
The Anti-Kickback Statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federally funded healthcare programs. It seeks to ensure that medical providers’ judgments are not compromised by improper financial incentives and are instead based on the best interests of their patients.
Susan Hertzberg — the former CEO of Boston Heart Diagnostics Corporation (Boston Heart), a laboratory in Framingham, Massachusetts — agreed to pay $600,000 to resolve allegations that she caused false claims for laboratory testing to Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE from 2015 to 2017. Likewise, Theiler, Boston Heart’s former VP of Sales, also agreed to pay $600,000 to resolve allegations that he caused false claims for laboratory testing to Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE from 2015 to 2017. Hertzberg and Theiler allegedly agreed to a kickback scheme in which marketers, including Boston Heart’s own employees, offered and paid doctors kickbacks disguised as MSO distributions to induce the doctors’ referrals to Texas hospitals for laboratory testing performed by Boston Heart, including medically unnecessary testing. Hertzberg and Theiler allegedly knew that marketers using MSOs were recruiting doctors to order testing performed by Boston Heart for a hospital in Texas and were given a “strong recommendation” to “reel this in” and “stand down on all hospitals,” particularly in Texas. Nevertheless, Hertzberg allegedly approved, and Theiler allegedly implemented, an expansion of the Texas hospital arrangement to another hospital to continue working with many of the same marketers.
In addition, the settlements announced today resolve the United States’ allegations in the lawsuit that Dr. Brown solicited and received kickbacks in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute from laboratory marketers’ purported MSOs in return for laboratory testing referrals. Dr. Brown agreed to pay $309,055 to resolve allegations that from November 2015 to November 2017, he received thousands of dollars in payments from two purported MSOs, Ascend MSO of TX LLC and Indus MG LLC, in return for ordering laboratory tests from Little River Healthcare, a critical access hospital in Rockdale, Texas, and True Health Diagnostics LLC, a clinical laboratory in Frisco, Texas.
Lastly, the following marketers and their associated entities agreed to pay a total of $550,000 to resolve the United States’ allegations in the civil litigation that they paid kickbacks disguised as MSO payments to doctors to induce the doctors’ laboratory testing referrals: Former MSO owner William Todd Hickman; Thomas Gray Hardaway, a former Boston Heart sales representative and co-owner of Texas marketing company LGRB Management Services LLC; and Ginny Jacobs and Scott Jacobs, co-owners of Texas marketing companies S&G Staffing LLC and Jacobs Marketing Inc. Hickman’s civil settlement amount was based on his ability to pay. The civil settlement amounts that Hertzberg, Theiler, Dr. Brown, Hickman, and Hardaway agreed to pay were in addition to amounts they were ordered to pay in a criminal proceeding captioned United States v. Susan Hertzberg, et al., No. 6:22-cr-3-JDK (E.D. Tex.).
The settlements announced today were the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, with assistance from HHS-OIG and DCIS. They were handled by attorneys Christopher Terranova and Gavin Thole in the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch (Fraud Section) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Gillingham and Betty Young in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.
The government’s pursuit of these matters illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services, at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).
This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.
The claims resolved by the settlements are allegations only, and there has been no determination of civil liability.
Note: View the Hertzberg Settlement here, Theiler Settlement here, Brown Settlement here, Hardaway Settlement here, Hickman Settlement here, and Jacobs Settlement here.
Homeland Security Task Force investigation into methamphetamine trafficking leads to lengthy federal prison sentence for Fort Worth manRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Fort Worth man has been sentenced to over 29 years in federal prison as a result of an investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Donald Lee Harris, 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 350 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale on May 29, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in 2024, law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking conspiracy involving large amounts of methamphetamine being brought to the United States from Mexico for distribution. Harris was found to be responsible for trafficking over three kilograms of methamphetamine.
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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Port Arthur woman guilty of drug trafficking as part of Homeland Security Task Force investigation in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Port Arthur woman 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.
Latisha Mae Thebeau, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on May 28, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in October 2024, law enforcement began investigating James William Quinney, Jr., for trafficking drugs in Beaumont and the surrounding area. During the investigation, Quinney was identified as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed kilogram quantities of methamphetamine to other distributors, including Thebeau, for redistribution. Thebeau conspired with Quinney and others to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine throughout the Jefferson County area.
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; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; Beaumont Police Department; Orange Police Department; Orange County Sheriff’s Office; Texas Department of Public Safety; Lumberton Police Department; and Galveston County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Lee.
Thebeau 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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NOLA man guilty of drug trafficking as part of Homeland Security Task Force investigation following Interstate-10 traffic stop in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A New Orleans 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.
Darrell Charles Coleman, 37, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on May 28, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on June 27, 2024, Coleman was stopped for speeding on Interstate-10 in Beaumont. Coleman and his passenger, Kory Jarvis Schaffer, were returning to Louisiana from Houston. A search of the vehicle revealed more than four kilograms of methamphetamine and nearly 500 grams of fentanyl, which Coleman and Schaffer possessed for redistribution to others. Schaffer, also of New Orleans, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl on May 18, 2026.
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; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; and Beaumont Police Department with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Lee.
Coleman and Schaffer each face 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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Mexican national illegally living in Dallas sentenced to 18 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 18 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.
Angel Luis Lopez-Montero, 45, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on May 28, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in 2024, an investigation into illegal trafficking of drugs, including cocaine and methamphetamine, identified Lopez-Montero as a source of supply for methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas. Lopez-Montero admitted to being personally responsible for the distribution of at least 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
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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Homeland Security Task Force investigation into firearms trafficking results in federal prison sentence in the Eastern District of Texas for Oklahoma manRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – An Oklahoma man has been sentenced to federal prison following an investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Steven Mark Moore, 27, of Yukon, Oklahoma, pleaded guilty to straw purchase of firearms and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on May 28, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in 2022, an investigation revealed firearms purchased at various pawn shops and gun shows were linked to various crimes in the United States as well as deadly cartel-related shootings in Mexico. The investigation identified Moore as a source of funding used to purchase the firearms from legitimate sources to illegally resale the guns at an inflated price to individuals involved in criminal activities.
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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Beaumont felon guilty of drug trafficking and firearms violations following Homeland Security Task Force investigation in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont convicted felon has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking and firearms violations following a Homeland Security Task Force investigation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Micheal Corbin, 48, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on May 28, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in April of 2025, law enforcement began investigating Corbin, a drug trafficker and convicted felon in Beaumont. As the investigation progressed, it was determined that Corbin was supplying other drug traffickers with methamphetamine to be distributed throughout the area. In total, law enforcement seized more than 8 kilograms of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine from Corbin, who was also found in possession of a firearm. As a previously convicted felon, Corbin is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.
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; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; Beaumont Police Department; Texas Department of Public Safety; Nederland Police Department; Jasper Police Department; and San Augustine County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Lee.
Corbin 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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Houston man sentenced to federal prison as part of Homeland Security Task Force investigation in ATM hook and chain crime spree involving Prosper banksRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A Houston man has been sentenced to four years in federal prison as part of a Homeland Security Task Force investigation for a violent crime spree in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jacobei Townsend, 24, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank theft and was sentenced to 48 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on May 26, 2026.
According to court documents, from August to September 2020, Townsend was involved in a crime spree referred to as “Hook and Chain” burglaries, which involved stealing a truck, attaching hooks and chains to the vehicle, and using it to drag the door off an ATM to retrieve the cash currency from the machine. This crime spree involved several burglaries in Texas and Arizona, including Independent Bank on North Prosper Road and Texas Bank on South Preston Road, both located in Prosper.
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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Lewisville man, Michigan woman indicted in the Eastern District of Texas for synthetic drug schemeRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A man and woman have been indicted for a drug trafficking scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Adell Willis, 43, of Lewisville, and Judy Ly, 30, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were named in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas. Willis and Ly were charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute synthetic drugs and conspiracy to possess contraband in prison. Ly was also charged with possession of synthetic drugs with intent to distribute.
The indictment alleges that beginning in March 2023, Willis and Ly conspired to possess synthetic opioids, synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic stimulants, and other controlled analogues, in correctional institutions. It is alleged in the indictment that Willis purchased synthetic drugs from China and had them shipped to his residence in the Eastern District of Texas and Ly’s residence in Michigan. It is also alleged that once Willis and Ly received the synthetic drugs, they would convert the drugs to a liquid before soaking sheets of paper in the drug mixture. Once the sheets of paper were saturated, they were then delivered to inmates at various federal and state correctional institutions across the country.
If convicted, Willis and Ly could face up to 20 years in federal prison.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.
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.
Jefferson County 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 Beaumont 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.
James William Quinney, Jr., 38, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on May 21, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in October 2024, law enforcement began investigating Quinney for trafficking drugs in Beaumont and the surrounding area. During the investigation, Quinney was identified as the leader of a drug trafficking organization that distributed kilogram quantities of methamphetamine to other distributors for redistribution. Quinney was found to be purchasing 18 kilograms of methamphetamine at a time for redistribution. In total, law enforcement seized nearly five kilograms of methamphetamine from Quinney and over $80,000.00 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 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; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; Beaumont Police Department; Orange Police Department; Orange County Sheriff’s Office; Texas Department of Public Safety; Lumberton Police Department; and Galveston County Sheriff’s Office with the prosecution being led by Eastern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan C. Lee.
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Illegal alien with multiple felony convictions, indicted for returning to the United States after being previously deportedRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Mexican national has been charged with unlawfully returning to the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Julio Zamudio-Ramirez, 33, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien.
The indictment alleges that in August 2025, Zamudio-Ramirez was in the Gregg County jail for abandoning or endangering a child, when it was determined that he was a citizen of Mexico and in the United States illegally after having been previously deported to Mexico. Zamudio-Ramirez had previously been removed from the United States on June 6, 2020, following a Gregg County conviction in 2016 for delivery of a controlled substance. Zamudio-Ramirez also has a Gregg County conviction for burglary of a vehicle from 2013.
If convicted, Zamudio-Ramirez faces up to 10 years in federal prison and deportation.
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 is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.
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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Houston felon sentenced to federal prison for Crockett firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Houston 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.
Erik Saenz, 43, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on May 21, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on February 2, 2025, law enforcement officers were dispatched to a child endangerment complaint in Crockett. The reporting party stated that Saenz was intoxicated and traveling on foot with a pre-school aged child. Officers located Saenz walking on the side of a highway and attempted to speak with him. Saenz smelled of alcohol and showed signs of intoxication. When officers attempted to remove the child from Saenz, he resisted. During the struggle, Saenz attempted to reach for a firearm that was tucked into his waistband. The officers were eventually able to disarm Saenz and he was arrested. Further investigation revealed
Saenz has previous felony convictions for evading arrest with a motor vehicle, burglary, and injury to a child. Federal law prohibits convicted felons 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 Crockett Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.
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Eastern District of Texas honors Jacksonville Police Officer with Hometown Hero AwardRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs of the Eastern District of Texas announced Officer Elyse Hand of the Jacksonville Police Department as the district’s 2026 Hometown Hero Award recipient.
The Hometown Hero Award is sponsored by the Department of Justice in honor of the United States of America’s 250th year of celebrating its independence. The Hometown Hero award recognizes one of our law enforcement partners who best embodies the spirit upon which our Nation was founded and reflects a steadfast commitment to the enduring ideals of liberty, service, and civic responsibility.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office recognizes Officer Hand for her courageous actions on the evening of Sunday, November 2, 2025. On this day, Officer Hand was shot twice in the line of duty while attempting to apprehend a wanted fugitive. Today, she is on the road to recovery, supported by her husband, a Texas State Trooper, and their young son.
In honor of Officer Hand, employees of the U.S. Attorney’s Office held a gift-in-kind charity drive to benefit local child advocacy centers in the Eastern District of Texas. Those centers include the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County in Plano, the Grayson County Children’s Advocacy Center in Sherman, the Texarkana Children’s Advocacy Center, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County in Tyler, Harold’s House East Texas Alliance for Children in Lufkin, and the Garth House in Beaumont.
As the Eastern District of Texas’ Hometown Hero, Officer Hand represents the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers across the nation every day. We salute Officer Hand and her bravery and wish her a speedy recovery.
To learn more about the Hometown Hero award and Freedom 250, please visit https://freedom250.org/.
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Jasper County felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Jasper 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.
Cammorn Joseph Brizendine, 36, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale May 20, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in January 2025, Brizendine was stopped for a traffic violation in Hardin County. Brizendine consented to a search of the vehicle, during which a portable lock box containing two firearms was located on the floorboard of the vehicle. Further investigation revealed Brizendine is 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reynaldo P. Morin.
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Former Texas Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Civil Rights ViolationRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that a former corrections officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) in Rusk, Texas, pleaded guilty for his participation in a conspiracy to assault an inmate in his custody, identified by initials M.S., on Feb. 25, 2025. Samuel Thomas pleaded guilty to one count of violating 18 U.S.C. § 241.
“This former corrections officer engaged in a conspiracy to beat and injure a man in his care and custody,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Today’s conviction reinforces the Justice Department’s commitment to protect victims from state officials who abuse their power.”
“Today’s guilty plea sends a clear message that corruption by those entrusted with public safety will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs for the Eastern District of Texas. “Correctional officers hold positions of tremendous responsibility and authority, and when that trust is abused, it undermines the integrity of our justice system and jeopardizes the safety of inmates and staff. Nobody is above the law, and this office will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute corruption wherever it occurs.”
According to his plea agreement, Thomas acknowledged that he was on duty as a TDCJ correctional officer when he opened the door of inmate M.S.’s cell and allowed other conspiracy members to strike and injure M.S. to retaliate against M.S. for spitting on Thomas two days earlier. M.S. suffered bodily injury as a result of the actions of Thomas and the other conspiracy members.
Thomas pleaded guilty on May 19 before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love. A sentencing date has not yet been set. According to his plea agreement, Thomas faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal judge will determine any sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Dallas Field Office, Tyler Resident Agency, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan Jackson and Emil Mikkelsen for the Eastern District of Texas and Trial Attorney Sarah Armstrong of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case
Liberty County felon sentenced to 14 years in federal prison after taking firearm from law enforcement officers during courtroom scuffleRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Liberty convicted felon has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Allen Joe Fregia, Sr., 48, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on May 14, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on April 29, 2025, Fregia was a defendant in a Liberty County courtroom where he had just been sentenced to prison by a State District Judge. As he was being escorted out of the courtroom by several law enforcement officers, Fregia became enraged and noncompliant, and a scuffle ensued. During the altercation, Fregia removed a firearm from an officer’s gun holster. The officer was able to retrieve the firearm as other officers were able to subdue Fregia. During the altercation, an officer suffered injuries that required medical attention. Fregia, a previously convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing the firearm.
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 Texas Rangers, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy Coleman.
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Mexican national illegally living in Lufkin guilty of immigration violations as part of Operation Take Back AmericaRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Mexican national illegally living in the Eastern District of Texas, has pleaded guilty to immigration violations, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jose Perez-Segura, 41, pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry by a deported alien before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on May 13, 2026.
According to information presented in court, Perez-Segura was arrested by the Lufkin Police Department in August 2025 for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Further investigation revealed Perez-Segura was an alien illegal present in the United States after having been previously deported in 2011 and did not have permission to return to 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 Homeland Security Investigations, the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lufkin Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.
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Mexican national illegally living in Arlington sentenced to 20 years in 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 20 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.
Mauricio Diaz-Abraham, 37, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on May 12, 2026.
According to information presented in court, beginning in 2020, Diaz-Abraham, a Mexican national who was illegally living in Arlington, was part of a methamphetamine distributing conspiracy responsible for trafficking a large amount of methamphetamine from Mexico into the Eastern District of Texas and beyond. Diaz-Abraham admitted to being personally responsible for the distribution of at least 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine.
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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Jefferson County felon sentenced for federal firearms violation related to Dowlen Road disturbanceRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Wendell Rashaud McKinney, 38, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on May 12, 2026.
According to information presented in court, during the early morning hours of February 22, 2025, a 911-caller reported multiple armed men loitering in the parking lot of the Fuma Dubai Hookah Lounge on Dowlen Road. Moments later when Beaumont police responded they found McKinney in possession of an AK-style pistol. Further investigation revealed McKinney was a previously convicted felon having been found guilty of a felony drug offense in Jefferson County 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 Beaumont Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.
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Homeland Security Task Force investigation into methamphetamine trafficking leads to lengthy federal prison sentence for Dallas manRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Dallas man has been sentenced to federal prison as a result of an investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Juan Jose Montanez, also known as Happy Johnny, 40, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on May 12, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in 2021 federal agents began investigating a drug trafficking scheme in the Dallas area and the Eastern District of Texas. The investigation led authorities to Montanez, an employee at a Dallas barbershop, and it was determined he was responsible for trafficking not only methamphetamine, but a large amount of cocaine. In addition to his federal prison sentence, Montanez was ordered to forfeit $131,800 in cash; several bank accounts totaling $126,000; three firearms; and assorted shoes, purses, sunglasses, and a jacket all together estimated to be worth approximately $64,215.
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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Former federal inmate sentenced to 30 years for his third child pornography violationRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A former federal inmate will return to federal prison for 30 years for his third child pornography violation, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Keanu Deavan Wesley Ortiz, 32, of Vernon, Texas, pleaded guilty to distribution of child pornography and was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on May 11, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in the fall of 2024, Ortiz was subject to federal supervision, following his release from the Bureau of Prisons for a child pornography conviction. During that time, he engaged in online communications with another sex offender in which he discussed his sexual interest in children and child pornography. Ortiz ultimately distributed child pornography to the sex offender, who was then located in the Eastern District of Texas. The distributed video files depicted prepubescent females (including infant and toddler-aged children) being subjected to violent sexual abuse. As part of his plea, Ortiz admitted to distributing the child pornography videos in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce, between September 2024 and April 2025. This is Ortiz’ third federal conviction for child pornography violations.
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 Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa Miller.
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Three-time deported illegal alien arrested and charged after assaulting federal immigration officers in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A Mexican national, illegally living in Lewisville, has been arrested and charged following an assault on federal immigration officers in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jose Andres Hernandez Medina, 38, a Mexican national illegally living in the United States, was charged by complaint with assaulting or impeding federal officers in the Eastern District of Texas. Hernandez Medina was in court on May 8, 2026, for an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bill Davis.
The federal complaint alleges that on April 30, 2026, federal officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement were conducting a law enforcement operation near an apartment complex in Lewisville when they identified and attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Hernandez Medina on the I-35 frontage road. The federal officers, in three separate vehicles, all with activated red and blue emergency lights and sirens, attempted to box in Hernandez Medina. Hernandez Medina attempted to flee and aggressively accelerated, rammed one of the law enforcement vehicles, and caused significant injuries to the federal officer, causing the officer to be immediately transported to the hospital. Hernandez Medina continued to evade the stop and collided again with another law enforcement vehicle, causing significant damage and seriously injuring a second federal officer. This officer was also hospitalized. Hernandez Medina then continued to flee, hitting multiple unoccupied vehicles before attempting to flee on foot. A passenger in the vehicle was also apprehended and remains in custody on an immigration hold. A third occupant remains at large.
According to immigration records, Hernandez Medina has been deported from the United States to Mexico on at least three different occasions. Hernandez Medina faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
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, to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and to protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Calli Bailey.
A federal complaint 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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Harrison County methamphetamine dealer sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violationRead the Press Release
MARSHALL, Texas – A Marshall man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for a drug trafficking violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Avis Delynn Jones, 41, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap on May 1, 2026April 15, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on March 17, 2023, a search warrant was executed at Jones’ University Avenue residence in Marshall resulting in the discovery of 440.7 grams of methamphetamine concealed in children's backpacks found in the kitchen. In addition, investigators found cocaine, marijuana, a stolen firearm, U.S. currency, and distribution paraphernalia such as digital scales and plastic bags.
Jones also has prior Texas felony convictions for injury to a child, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, out of both Harrison and Gregg counties.
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; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Marshall Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
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Gregg County man guilty of federal firearms violations in Longview drive-by shootingRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Longview man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jamichael Devorea O’Quinn, 21, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a machine gun before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell on May 1, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on May 18, 2024, the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office responded to a drive-by, machine-gun shooting of a high school graduation party near Longview. Eyewitnesses and gunshot victims identified O’Quinn as a shooter. Further investigation revealed O’Quinn publicly bragged on a social media platform about his distinctive blue machine gun conversion device, commonly referred to as a Glock Switch, while warning of his willingness to use the weapon.
The attached images of social media posts were presented in court, which included multiple images of a pistol with a distinctive blue machine gun conversion device installed on its slide.
O’Quinn was arrested on July 26, 2024, during a traffic stop in Longview, during which a firearm outfitted with a machine gun conversion device was seized. Ballistic testing confirmed the firearm was the same gun used in the shooting on May 18, 2024.
O’Quinn faces up to 10 years 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.
O’Quinn has also been indicted in Gregg County and charged with murder in an unrelated drive-by shooting. An indictment is not proof of guilt, and a defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
“Our focus in this case was to bring some measure of justice for the victims of this shooting. The illegal possession of a machine gun cannot, and will not, be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “The families of Longview deserve to live free of fear. My office, federal agents, and local law enforcement will never tire in their efforts to root out and hold accountable those who inflict violence on our communities.”
District Attorney John Moore said, “The Gregg County District Attorney’s Office is proud to work with our partners to share a strategy that has improved public safety in Gregg County.”
“ATF is proud to stand alongside our local, state, and federal partners in bringing this offender to justice. This case highlights the real and growing danger posed by illegal machine gun conversion devices, which turn firearms into extremely lethal weapons. 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
“The Longview Police Department will not tolerate illegal fully automatic weapons in our city,” said Longview Police Chief Anthony Boone. “We will continue to utilize every available state and federal resource to combat criminal activity in Longview, Texas. We are thankful for the partnership and support of the Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
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; the Longview Police Department; the Gregg County Sheriff’s Office; the Gregg County District Attorney’s Office; and the Texas Department of Public Safety. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dustin Farahnak and Emil Mikkelsen.
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Jefferson County felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Beaumont 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.
John Edwin Redeaux, 32, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 71 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale April 29, 2026.
According to information presented in court, on November 17, 2024, Redeaux was stopped in Beaumont for a traffic violation and gave permission to search his vehicle after officers observed baggies on the floorboard of the vehicle that are commonly used to store and sell illegal drugs. A search of the vehicle revealed a firearm, a box of ammunition, a bag of marijuana, a black ski mask and a digital scale. Further investigation revealed Redeaux is a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
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 Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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Houston men sentenced to lengthy federal prison terms as part of Homeland Security Task Force for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – Five members of a Houston drug trafficking organization have been sentenced to lengthy terms in federal prison as part of the Homeland Security Task Force in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Salvador Abraham Gomez, also known as Chop and Chief, 45, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl and was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on April 16, 2026.
Da Neang, 46, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on April 7, 2026.
Fernando Adalberto Vazquez-Pardo, 33, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on March 4, 2026.
Guillermo Alfredo Sisnados, 39, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl and was sentenced to 121 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on April 16, 2026.
Ebony Barber, 35, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a substance containing fentanyl and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on March 4, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in 2021 federal agents began investigating a drug trafficking scheme in Louisiana and the Eastern District of Texas. The investigation led authorities to Gomez as the source of supply and his associates, Neang, Vazquez-Pardo, Sisnados, and Barber. Further investigation revealed a significant drug distribution network that spanned multiple states. Ultimately, Gomez was found to be responsible for coordinating the distribution of at least 7,805 grams of methamphetamine and 4,907 grams of a substance containing fentanyl.
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 with the prosecution being led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Houston Division Office Texas Anti-Gang Enforcement Group 22; DEA New Orleans; Houston Police Department; Beaumont Police Department; Baytown Police Department; Harris County Precinct 5 Constable; Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 3; Harris County Sheriff’s Office; and Waller County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lee.
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Jefferson County woman charged in federal tax return fraud schemeRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont woman has been charged in connection with federal tax return fraud in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Chrysantha Wilson was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with 40 counts of assisting in the preparation of fraudulent federal tax returns. Wilson appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson on April 28, 2026, for an Initial Appearance and Arraignment.
Wilson faces up to three years in federal prison for each count if convicted.
This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raynaldo P. Morin.
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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Eastern District of Texas highlights child sexual abuse and sex trafficking convictions for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, 10 offenders sentenced to a total of 270 years in federal prison and one offender sentenced to LIFERead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs joins the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the Executive Office for the United States Attorneys (EOUSA) in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme is, “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”
“The dark web has exploded into an unprecedented underground world of perversion and horror,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “Predators are using the internet to facilitate the abuse of children, as well as adult sex trafficking. The cases below highlight our relentless work to protect children in the Eastern District of Texas and beyond. We are also committed to bringing those who are engaged in sex trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas to justice.”
In April 2026, Kyle Lee Roy Francis, a Northwest ISD teacher, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with receiving and possessing child pornography.
On March 19, 2026, Justin Philip Ciruti was convicted by a jury in Plano of possessing and distributing over 200 images of child pornography. Ciruti faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing.
On January 22, 2026, William McKinnley Garland and Anastasiya Claire Lyons were convicted at trial in a sex trafficking conspiracy that involved recruiting young women on social media sites, convincing them they could make a lot of money as models or escorts, and then forcing them into prostitution, which often included beatings, tasers, shock collars, frigid showers, unwanted tattoos, and acts of humiliation. Garland and Lyons face up to life in federal prison at sentencing.
On December 16, 2025, Rolando Alexis Bravo pleaded guilty to being involved in a conspiracy to transport children from Oklahoma to Texas where they engaged in prostitution with others. Bravo faces life in federal prison at sentencing.
In December 2025, Henry Alberto Calix-Martinez, an illegal alien, was indicted and charged with sexually exploiting a minor by producing and distributing child pornography.
In November 2025, Gavin Rivers Weisenburg and Tanner Christopher Thomas were indicted for an elaborate scheme to lead an expedition to an island in Haiti where they planned to murder the men and turn the women and children into sex slaves.
In November 2025, William Caleb Elliott, a Celina ISD teacher and coach, was indicted and charged with production of child pornography.
On October 21, 2025, John Prentice Robertson was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for paying women in the Philippines to sexually abuse their own children and produce custom-ordered child pornography for him.
On October 21, 2025, Ashley Blaine Brooks, a convicted sex offender, was sentenced to 200 months in federal prison for child pornography violations.
On October 21, 2025, Trinity Snow Cassells was sentenced to 170 months in federal prison for posing online as a teen boy to communicate with minors and distribute child pornography to them.
On August 26, 2025, Traylan Xavier Mosley was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for pretending online to be an attractive teenage girl in order to entice teen boys to send him sexually explicit photos and videos. Mosley then created online child porn packets which he advertised for sale to others.
In August 2025, John Matthew Emerson, a convicted felon on supervised release for a previous child pornography conviction, was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with child pornography violations.
On July 30, 2025, Enrique Adrian Gomez was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for enticing two pre-teen victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct to create child pornography images and videos. At sentencing, U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs said, “The ease with which Gomez was able to communicate with the minor victims here is a reminder of the constant threat that social media applications can pose to children. Under the guise of online friendship, Gomez persuaded these children to engage in adult acts that no child should be doing, let alone be doing online. Our office is committed to stopping criminals like Gomez in their tracks, but the most important tool to stop online predators is an active and engaged parent. Nothing protects children better than a parent who sets and enforces limits on a child’s online activities and actively monitors their social media presence.”
On July 29, 2025, James Richard Rollins, a parolee, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography at his halfway house.
On July 21, 2025, Tristan Kalobbe Martin was sentenced to over 24 years in federal prison for communicating with a minor while gaming through an on-line game console and convincing the child to engage in sexually explicit conduct.
On June 24, 2025, Sasha Sheree Abshire was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for sexually assaulting a pre-school age child, creating sexually explicit videos and photos of the abuse, and distributing the material online for pay.
On June 24, 2025, Fransisco Gonzalez was sentenced to 55 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting a minor girl. Gonzalez isolated the girl from her family under the guise of taking her to church, then used her to produce sexually explicit photos and videos, which he distributed to others.
On June 18, 2025, Desnique Deshawn Herndon was sentenced to life in federal prison for trafficking multiple teen girls, some as young as 13, for commercial prostitution.
On June 5, 2025, Zachary Arzola was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for traveling from Texas to Ohio to have sex with a child.
On May 19, 2025, Corey Lamar Johnson was convicted at trial of sex trafficking violations. Johnson trafficked young women across the United States and forced them into prostitution, often brandishing firearms and violently beating them when they objected. Johnson faces life in federal prison at sentencing.
Achieving justice for victims and protecting their rights is our highest duty, and we are honored to participate in the national observance of this special week to honor victims and victim advocates.
For additional information regarding National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and resources for victims, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/.
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Eastern District of Texas observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, continues vigorous prosecution of firearms-related offenses sentencing 17 defendants to over 261 years in federal prisonRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs joins the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the Executive Office for the United States Attorneys (EOUSA) in observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This year’s theme is “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”
“Firearms are a staple in the world of drug trafficking, street gangs and cartels, and other criminal enterprises,” said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “We are committed to making our communities safer by keeping firearms out of the hands of violent offenders. The cases below highlight our work to eradicate gun violence in the Eastern District of Texas.”
On April 15, 2026, Israel Sanchez Arciga, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine. Arciga, an illegal alien, was in possession of a firearm when he was arrested.
On April 7, 2026, Brandon Elliot Bennett was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for robbing a licensed firearms store in Plano of more than 60 guns, which he sold to others.
On March 24, 2026, Jaquallon Tyjuan Hargett was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for robbing an individual of $100 at an ATM machine in Daingerfield. Hargett was armed with a pistol outfitted with a machinegun conversion device, also commonly referred to as a Glock-switch.
On March 10, 2026, William Charles Fincher was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm during a domestic violence disturbance. As a convicted felon, Fincher is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.
On March 5, 2026, Charles Bernard Byrd, a Houston gang member, was convicted by a jury in Beaumont in connection with a violent crime spree that included multiple burglaries, auto thefts, and the armed robbery of two ATM repair technicians. Three of Byrd’s fellow gang members had previously pleaded guilty. The defendants are awaiting sentencing and face from 20 to 45 years in federal prison.
On February 26, 2026, Victor Manuel Navarette Roman, an illegal alien, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and trafficking methamphetamine.
On January 22, 2026, Abigael Colin Saldana, an illegal alien, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to traffic firearms from Texas to Mexico.
On January 5, 2026, Victor Heredia was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for a string of convenience store robberies, during one of which he discharged a firearm in the ceiling of the store.
On December 11, 2025, Naiyme Kidd was sentenced to 117 months in federal prison for the armed robbery of a game room in Beaumont.
On December 9, 2025, Santana Deangelo Powell was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after law enforcement discovered a hidden compartment in his vehicle full of methamphetamine and cocaine. Powell was also found to be carrying a firearm during his drug trafficking activities.
On October 2, 2025, Charleston Jamal Washington was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for two armed bank robberies.
On September 16, 2025, Jahtaya O’Dayjah Hamilton was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison after being stopped for a traffic violation and found in possession of four stolen handguns.
On August 26, 2025, Victor Guardado Zepeda was sentenced to 231 months in federal prison for leading a violent crime spree which included robbing two convenience stores at gunpoint and severely beating a store employee. The stores were robbed of over $100,000.
On July 29, 2025, Carly Melana Fowler was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison, her co-defendant, Cole Ethan Schroeder had already been sentenced to 114 months in federal prison. The Jefferson County couple attempted to rob a convenience store armed with a rifle.
On July 9, 2025, Brian Keith Murphy was sentenced to 85 months in federal prison after firing shots at individuals in a gas station parking lt. Murphy was identified by police after monitoring a live-stream video of the incident.
On May 30, 2025, Keandre Marquis Robinson was sentenced to 405 months in federal prison for robbing a Beaumont convenience store and killing the store clerk. After shooting the clerk twice in the chest, Robinson stole cigarettes from behind the counter and fled with co-defendant Larry Nathaniel Hagan. Hagan was sentenced to 420 months in federal prison.
Achieving justice for victims and protecting their rights is our highest duty, and we are honored to participate in the national observance of this special week to honor victims and victim advocates.
For additional information regarding National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and resources for victims, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/.
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