Eastern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Mexican national guilty of immigration violations in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Mexican national has pleaded guilty to an immigration violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Alejandro Uribe-Chavez, 43, a Mexican national illegally residing in Beaumont, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a previously deported person before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on July 10, 2025.
According to information presented in court, Uribe-Chavez was arrested in Beaumont on unrelated state charges on May 3, 2024. Further investigation revealed that he had been previously convicted of illegally entering the United States in the Southern District of Texas and deported to Mexico in 2019.
Uribe-Chavez faces up to 2 years in federal prison and deportation at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. Uribe-Chavez still faces unrelated state charges in Jefferson County.
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 Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Jackson.
###
Mexican national sentenced to federal prison in human smuggling conspiracyRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas –A Mexican national has been sentenced for illegally smuggling aliens through the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Octavio Hernandez-Hernandez, 50, a Mexican national illegally living in Austin, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport illegal aliens within the United States and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on July 10, 2025.
According to information presented in court, in 2022 and 2023, Hernandez-Hernandez conspired with others to transport illegal aliens from the Texas border to other locations throughout the United States. Hernandez-Hernandez provided instructions and directions to those who were transporting the illegal aliens, including some from Smith County. Hernandez-Hernandez admitted to conspiring to smuggle at least 100 illegal aliens, including unaccompanied minors.
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; Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and Texas Department of Public Safety-Criminal Investigation Division. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.
###
Henderson County habitual offender man sentenced to federal prison for methamphetamine traffickingRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – An Athens man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
James Kiser, 40, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on July 10, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on October 19, 2023, Kiser was arrested after selling approximately 34 grams of methamphetamine to another person for $500 cash. Further investigation revealed Kiser has 27 prior convictions for criminal offenses in Henderson and Smith counties.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.
###
Armed Mexican national sentenced for firearms violationRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas –A Mexican national has been sentenced for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Tomas Ocamp-Mondragon, 37, a Mexican national illegally living in Tyler, pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on July 10, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on August 5, 2024, Ocampo-Mondragon was stopped for a traffic violation in Smith County. It was determined that he was intoxicated, and he was arrested. During the arrest, a loaded firearm was discovered in his pocket.
Further investigation revealed Ocampo-Mondragon was a citizen of Mexico and had previously been found unlawfully present in the United States on September 14, 2019, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was also found to be in possession of a firearm during that encounter. He voluntarily returned to Mexico on January 3, 2020, 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. 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 Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Department of Homeland Security, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.
###
Port Arthur felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Port Arthur convicted felon has been sentenced for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Carl Sampson Solomon, 43, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 9, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on March 27, 2024, Sampson was stopped for a traffic violation on Gulfway Drive in Port Arthur. During the stop, Solomon advised officers he had a firearm holstered under the seat. A search of the vehicle revealed the firearm and a small baggie of marijuana. Further investigation revealed Solomon had previously been convicted of five felonies and was on felony probation. Federal law prohibits convicted felons of possessing or owning 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. 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 Port Arthur Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosive. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.
###
Jefferson County felon sentenced to federal prison for live-stream shootingRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Beaumont man has been sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Brian Keith Murphy, 33, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 85 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 9, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on August 11, 2024, law enforcement officers received a call of shots fired near a gas station on Concord Avenue in Beaumont. As officers were being dispatched to the scene, the Beaumont Police Department was able to view a live stream of the shooting through their “Real-Time-Crime Center.” Officers monitoring the live stream were able to witness the shooter fire multiple shots near vehicles and individuals in the parking lot. Through coordination with officers monitoring the live stream and officers on scene, law enforcement was able to identify the vehicle the shooter had fled in. The vehicle was stopped, and Murphy was identified as the shooter. Two firearms were recovered from the vehicle Murphy was fleeing in, one of which was the firearm Murphy used in the shooting. Murphy was on federal supervised release at the time for a previous conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. 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. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
###
Orange County man indicted on federal carjacking, firearms violationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – An Orange County, Texas man has been charged with federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Owen Lee Giles, 36, was named in a three-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with carjacking, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
The indictment alleges that on June 20, 2025, Giles, a convicted felon, took another person’s vehicle while threatening serious bodily harm with 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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
If convicted, Giles faces up to 15 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reynaldo 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.
###
Federal inmate indicted for threatening Bureau of Prisons AdministratorRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A federal inmate has been charged with violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
John Robert Bond, 55, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with making threats against a federal official.
The indictment alleges that on May 25, 2025, Bond, a federal inmate housed with the Bureau of Prisons in Beaumont, threatened to assault and murder the Federal Bureau of Prisons Camp Administrator.
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).
If convicted, Bond faces up to 10 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.
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.
###
Federal inmate indicted for assaulting corrections officersRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A federal inmate has been charged with violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Juan Arturo Mendoza, 32, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with assault, resisting or impeding a federal correctional officer.
The indictment alleges that on November 13, 2024, Mendoza, a federal inmate housed with the Bureau of Prisons in Beaumont, had a physical altercation with two corrections officers resulting in bodily injuries to the officers.
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).
If convicted, Mendoza faces up to 20 years in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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.
###
Texarkana inmate receives additional sentence for injuring corrections officerRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – A federal inmate has received an additional prison sentence for assaulting a correctional officer in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Andrew Hunter, 23, of Mount Pleasant, pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer and was sentenced to an additional 18 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III, on July 2, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on November 29, 2022, Hunter, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution in Texarkana, had an altercation with a correctional officer in a hallway at the Federal Prison Camp. During the altercation, Hunter shoved the officer causing him to strike the back of his head against a wall. The officer sustained serious injuries that required medical attention.
This case was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Noble.
###
Sabine County woman sentenced to federal prison for credit union theft, ordered to pay over $330,000 in restitutionRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Milam woman has been sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay restitution for stealing from her employer in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Haley Maxine Snodgrass, 29, pleaded guilty to credit union theft and was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 1, 2025. Judge Crone also ordered Snodgrass to pay restitution in the amount of $330,351.39.
According to information presented in court, in April 2023, an auditor with Doches Credit Union requested a sample of loans from the Hemphill branch for review. The review showed missing paperwork and unusual transactions on loans that were approved by Haley Maxine Snodgrass. Snodgrass had been employed by the Doches Credit Union since 2016, first as a teller and then as a branch manager.
An investigation conducted by a third party revealed that Snodgrass used a variety of schemes to take money from the credit union for personal gain. This included creating fraudulent loans, refinancing legitimate loans without the consent of the credit union member, misappropriating loan payments, and conducting unauthorized transactions on member accounts.
As part of her plea, Snodgrass admitted that she embezzled and willfully misapplied approximately $281,097.97 in money, funds, and assets belonging to Doches Credit Union with the intent to defraud the credit union. She also admitted that the amount of restitution owed was $330,351.39.
This case was investigated by FBI’s Lufkin Field Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.
###
Louisiana felon sentenced to federal prison for Shelby County firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Bourg, Louisiana man has been sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Brad Michael Broussard, 44, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 1, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on January 1, 2024, Broussard was stopped by law enforcement in Shelby County after he struck several construction barrels while traveling down the highway. The smell of marijuana was evident during the traffic stop prompting a search of the vehicle. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of four firearms, including a pistol equipped with a homemade silencer. Broussard was also in possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms, marijuana, numerous prescription pills, a methamphetamine pipe, and assorted other drug paraphernalia.
Further investigation revealed Broussard has five felony convictions, all for burglary. Federal law prohibits convicted felons 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. 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 Texas Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.
###
Twice-deported Mexican national federally indicted in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A twice-deported Mexican national, illegally living in Texarkana, Texas, has been charged with federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jose Orlando Colorado-Barcenas, 35, was named in a federal indictment returned by a grand jury last week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed.
The indictment alleges that on May 14, 2025, Colorado-Barcenas was found illegally in Texarkana, after having been previously deported to Mexico from the United States in June 2009 and again in January 2010.
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).
If convicted, Colorado-Barcenas faces up to 2 years in federal prison and deportation.
This case is being investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Bowie County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Richards.
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.
###
Mexican national federally indicted in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Mexican national, illegally living in Mount Pleasant, has been charged with federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jose Solorio-Martinez, 38, was named in a federal indictment returned by a grand jury last week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported.
The indictment alleges that on April 24, 2025, Solorio-Martinez was found illegally in Mount Pleasant, after having been previously deported to Mexico from the United States on August 8, 2017.
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).
If convicted, Solorio-Martinez faces up to 2 years in federal prison and deportation.
This case is being investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety, FBI, and Mount Pleasant Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Richards.
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.
###
Armed Mexican national federally indicted in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Mexican national, illegally living in Rains County, has been charged with federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Rigoberto Herrera-Rodriguez, 59, was named in a two-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury last week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
The indictment alleges that on June 4, 2025, Herrera-Rodriguez was found illegally in the United States and in possession of a firearm. Herrera-Rodriguez had been previously deported to Mexico from the United States in December 2024.
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).
If convicted, Herrera-Rodriguez faces up to 15 years in federal prison and deportation.
This case is being investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Farahnak.
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.
###
Wood County man sentenced to 55 years in federal prison for child exploitation violationsRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Mineola man has been sentenced to 55 years in federal prison for child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Fransisco Gonzalez, also known as Kiko Gonzalez, 29, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual exploitation of a child and was sentenced to 660 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on June 23, 2025.
According to information presented in court, over the course of several months, Gonzalez sexually exploited a minor female victim. Under the guise of taking her to church, he isolated her from her family, then used her to produce sexually explicit images and videos. Later, he distributed several of the images to others.
“Fransisco Gonzalez is on his way to prison where he will serve a very long sentence,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “For his crimes, he deserves every day of that lengthy term. I commend the efforts of the team that brought this defendant to justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office stands committed to seeking justice for victims and to defending the defenseless.”
This case was prosecuted 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety - Criminal Investigations Division and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld and Lucas Machicek.
###
Mexican national sentenced to federal prison for immigration violationRead the Press Release
A Mexican national has been sentenced for illegally reentering the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
David Sanchez-Mares, 32, a Mexican national illegally living in Longview, pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States after having been previously deported and was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on June 23, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on April 4, 2024, Sanchez-Mares was arrested in Longview for an unrelated state violation. Further investigation revealed Sanchez-Mares had been previously convicted in the Southern District of Texas for illegally reentering the United States after having been previously deported in 2018.
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 Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Longview Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.
###
Jefferson County woman sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for child exploitation violationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Port Arthur woman has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Sasha Sheree Abshire, 36, pleaded guilty to production of child pornography and was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale on June 24, 2025.
According to information presented in court, in July 2024, law enforcement authorities received information that sexually explicit photos of a pre-school age child were being offered for distribution online by an individual with a screen name associated with Abshire. Abshire subsequently sent images of child pornography to another person from a cell phone that was later determined to belong to Abshire who was living at an address in Port Arthur. Some of the sexually explicit images contained an adult woman’s face. Social media accounts belonging to Abshire confirmed the woman in some of the photos was in fact Abshire. Federal agents arrested Abshire at her Port Arthur home and confirmed that she was the woman who produced the child pornography.
This case was prosecuted 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the FBI and Port Arthur Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove.
###
Georgian man sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in East TexasRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – An Atlanta man has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for his role in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Clarence Nero, 56, was convicted following a three-day trial of conspiring to traffic fentanyl and was sentenced to 264 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant on June 24, 2025.
According to information presented in court, Nero was the organizer of a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy, that smuggled fentanyl across the United States border into Arizona, and then from Phoenix to New Orleans and the east coast.
On February 14, 2022, Quanita Brown, was the subject of a traffic stop on Highway 380 in Denton County, after she was found with 2.5 kilograms of fentanyl. The illegal drugs were hidden in a false compartment in the vehicle and was alerted on by a police K-9. An investigation into the source of the fentanyl revealed Nero as the principal supplier responsible for trafficking fentanyl in a conspiracy that spanned the southern 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. 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 Homeland Security Investigations and the Denton County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Anderson and Chris Rapp.
###
Twice-deported Mexican national sentenced to 168 months in federal prison in drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A twice-deported Mexican national has been sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jose Mercedes Saucedo-Guerrero, 34, a Mexican national illegally living in Longview, was sentenced to 168 months by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on June 23, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on May 2, 2024, Saucedo-Guerrero was stopped for a traffic violation in Kilgore. During the stop, officers deployed a K9 to conduct an open-air sniff of the vehicle, resulting in a positive alert for the presence of a controlled substance. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 2,972 grams of methamphetamine hidden in the vehicle. Further investigation revealed Saucedo-Guerrero was unlawfully present in the United States after having been previously prosecuted and deported on two separate occasions for immigration crimes.
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 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the Gregg County Sheriff's Office, and the Kilgore Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
###
Previously deported Mexican national sentenced to 262 months for methamphetamine distribution, second Mexican national sentenced to 168 monthsRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – Two Mexican nationals were sentenced to lengthy federal prison sentences for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Leopoldo Alonso-Palacios, 38, and Juan Luis Salinas-Leon, 37, both Mexican nationals illegally living in Center, were sentenced to 168 months and 262 months, respectively, by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on June 23, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on March 4, 2025, Alonso-Palacios and Salinas-Leon were stopped while driving on Interstate-20 in Wills Point for speeding. During the stop, they consented to a search of the vehicle, which resulted in the discovery of 937.7 grams of methamphetamine. During his arrest, officers found Salinas-Leon in possession of a firearm. The two men then confessed to having additional methamphetamine at their homes in Center. Federal agents searched the residences, where they discovered large plastic tubs containing chicken lard that tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine, along with paraphernalia such as metal pots and mesh screens, materials commonly used in a methamphetamine conversion lab. At such clandestine labs, methamphetamine concealed in other substances is extracted by applying chemical processes and reconstituted into distributable drugs. In total, agents recovered more than six kilograms of methamphetamine ready for distribution as well as 22 kilograms of liquids in various stages of the conversion process, which also tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine.
Immigration records reveal that both men were unlawfully present in the United States and that Salinas-Leon has been previously prosecuted for illegally entering the country.
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 U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive; Gregg County Sheriff's Office; and Wills Point Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
Cherokee County man sentenced to life in federal prison for sex trafficking teensRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Jacksonville man has been sentenced to life in federal prison for sex trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Desnique Deshawn Herndon, 28, was sentenced to seven life sentences by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on June 18, 2025. In 2023, Herndon was convicted by a jury of six counts of sex trafficking of children and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of children following a five-day trial before Judge Barker. Herndon remained in custody between the time of trial and sentencing.
“Victimizing children through commercial sex trafficking is reprehensible and will be prosecuted vigorously in East Texas,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “We will not stand by and watch the lives of young people ruined by predators like Herndon to satisfy the wanton interests of commercial sex customers. Herndon’s life sentence demonstrates our society’s intolerance for such callous disregard for others. I want to thank our many law enforcement partners for their diligent work on this case.”
“Sex trafficking is one of the most appalling crimes in our society, exploiting the most vulnerable among us. HSI remains committed to identifying traffickers, dismantling their criminal networks, and providing critical support to survivors,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Dallas Special Agent in Charge Travis Pickard. “Through our victim-centered investigations, we will spare no resource to protect communities and seek justice for those victimized by this modern-day slavery. “
According to information presented in court, beginning in 2019, Herndon engaged in trafficking multiple teenage girls for commercial sex acts. Herndon recruited the girls by social media, deceived them by promising riches, and placed them in hotels in the Tyler area. He then posted advertisements on sex trafficking websites showing explicit photos of the girls and offering commercial sex acts. Some of Herndon’s victims were as young as 13 years old. During trial, jurors heard testimony that Herndon used co-conspirators to continue to run his operation while he was in jail so that the victims could earn money to pay his bond.
Three of Herndon's co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the offenses. Malcolm Kadeem Roberts, 29, of Tyler, was sentenced on November 16, 2023, to over 12 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of children. Roberts was also sentenced to 75 years in state prison in Smith County District Court for aggravated sexual assault of a child charges in relation to one of the minor victims in this case. Tavarus D. Watkins, 29, of Jacksonville, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on November 16, 2023, for interstate transport of a minor for illegal sexual activity. Patrick Lamont Cross, Jr, 28, of Palestine, pleaded guilty on August 22, 2022, to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of children. Cross is scheduled to be sentenced on July 10, 2025.
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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations’ Tyler Resident Agency, North Texas Trafficking Task Force, FBI Tyler Resident Agency, Texas DPS Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Unit, Tyler Police Department, Henderson County Sherriff’s Office, Cherokee County Sherriff’s Office, Jacksonville Police Department, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, Panola County Sheriff’s Office, Palestine Police Department, Abilene Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Lab. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Locker and Alan Jackson, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan Jiral.
###
Mexican national guilty of immigration violations in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Mexican national has pleaded guilty to an immigration violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Rigoberto Rodriguez-Moreno, 44, a Mexican national illegally residing in Lufkin, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a previously deported person before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson on June 16, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on March 4, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security and Investigations (HSI) received information that Rodriguez-Moreno was being held in the Angelina County Jail on a state arrest warrant. An HSI investigation determined that Rodriguez-Moreno was previously deported from the United States to Mexico on October 4, 2017, and did not have permission to return to the United States.
Immigration records reveal this was the second time Rodriguez-Moreno was deported. The first deportation occurred in 1999. He has previous federal convictions for bringing in and harboring illegal aliens in 1999 and illegal reentry by a deported person in 2015.
Rodriguez-Moreno faces up to 20 years in federal prison and deportation at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office. Rodriguez-Moreno still faces unrelated state charges in Angelina County.
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 Lufkin Homeland Security Investigations and the Angelina County Sheriff's Office. This case was prosecuted by the Lufkin Division of the U.S Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Texas.
Conspirators sentenced for engaging in a multitude of fraud schemes, including romance scams, investment fraud, and business email compromise, to steal at least $17 millionRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas –Multiple defendants have been sentenced to federal prison for their role in an elaborate fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Damilola Kumapayi, 39, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 109 months in federal prison.
Sandra Iribhogbe Popnen, 50, of Plano, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 365 months in federal prison.
Edgal Iribhogbe, 51, of Allen, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.
Chidindu Okeke, 32, of Houston, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.
Chiagoziem Okeke, 32, of Houston, was found guilty at trial of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering and was sentenced to 480 months in federal prison.
“Transnational organized criminals targeting the hard-earned savings of elderly and vulnerable populations are simply despicable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable populations. The defendants’ lengthy sentences in this case reflect the seriousness of their crimes and the dedication of law enforcement officers and prosecutors to bring them to justice. I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work on this case.”
“The defendants were part of a transnational organized crime syndicate that defrauded victims collectively out of millions of dollars. For some individuals, this was their life savings, and they were unable to financially recover,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “We hope these sentences give them a sense of comfort and sends a clear message that the FBI is committed to pursuing justice for victims."
“The collective sentences of nearly 160 years handed down to these defendants is a testament to the unwavering resolve of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and our law enforcement partners,” said Christopher J. Altemus, Jr., IRS-CI Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Office. “Through relentless investigation and prosecution, they have brought justice to the victims, holding these predators accountable for exploiting trust and devastating lives. IRS-CI and our partners are committed to prosecuting criminals for financial crimes, especially those that prey on our elderly and vulnerable.”
The sentencing hearings were held before U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III on June 16, 2025, in Sherman.
According to information presented in court, beginning around January 2017, the defendants used a multitude of fraudulent schemes to obtain money from their victims, including online romance scams, business email compromise and investor fraud, and unemployment insurance fraud. The defendants coordinated how to extract money from their victims, and then how to disguise, disburse, and launder that money once they successfully defrauded their victims. The scheme resulted in approximately $17 million fraudulently obtained from at least 100 individual victims, companies, and government entities from across the world. The scheme specifically targeted elderly persons and used various schemes such as online dating sites to lure their victims. Once funds were obtained from their victims, the defendants laundered the money through a network of various bank accounts and sent money to bank accounts, co-conspirators and businesses located in Africa and Asia.
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’s Dallas Field Office; Homeland Security Investigations; Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation; Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General; the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS); U.S. Postal Inspection Service; U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service; Allen Police Department; Denton Police Department; Dallas County Sheriff’s Office; and Texas Department of Public Safety. This case was prosecuted by assistant U.S. attorneys in the Plano office.
###
Mexican national indicted in the Eastern District of Texas for immigration violationsRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Mexican national has been charged with a federal immigration violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Silvestre Montoya-Medina, 45, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported.
According to the indictment, on February 19, 2025, Montoya-Medina was found unlawfully in Frisco after being previously deported from the United States on May 21, 2024.
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).
If convicted, Montoya-Medina faces up to 20 years in federal prison and deportation.
This case is being investigated by the Frisco Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chalana A. Oliver.
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.
###
Honduran national indicted in the Eastern District of Texas for immigration violationsRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Honduran man has been charged with a federal immigration violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Darwin Adalid Romero-Garcia, 32, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported.
According to the indictment, on July 19, 2023, Romero-Garcia was found unlawfully in Lewisville after being previously deported from the United States on January 30, 2018.
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).
If convicted, Romero-Garcia faces up to 20 years in federal prison and deportation.
This case is being investigated by the Lewisville Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chalana A. Oliver.
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.
###
Honduran national indicted in the Eastern District of Texas for immigration violationsRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Honduran man has been charged with a federal immigration violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jose Mejia-Carranza, 37, was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury this week in the Eastern District of Texas charging him with illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported.
According to the indictment, on August 18, 2024, Mejia-Carranza was found unlawfully in Sherman after being previously deported from the United States on October 14, 2023.
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).
If convicted, Mejia-Carranza faces up to 20 years in federal prison and deportation.
This case is being investigated by the Sherman Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chalana A. Oliver.
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.
###
Mexican national sentenced to federal prison for trafficking illegal immigrantsRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas –A Mexican national living in Plano has been sentenced for immigration violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Ana Maria Villa-Flores, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport aliens into the United States and conspiracy to conceal or harbor aliens. Villa-Flores was sentenced to the maximum term of 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant, III, on June 12, 2025.
According to information presented in court, in January of 2022, twenty-four illegal aliens were located at one of Villa-Flores’ homes. During the investigation, it was determined that Villa-Flores was responsible for recruiting drivers as well as coordinating the smuggling of the undocumented individuals from Mexico to the United States, bringing them to Plano to stay until they could be transported along other routes throughout the United States. The male individuals were instructed to remove their pants to keep them from escaping. Federal agents determined that Villa-Flores was responsible for smuggling approximately 254 illegal aliens.
In 2023, Villa-Flores was prosecuted in the Western District of Texas in connection with her alien smuggling activities. She was sentenced to four years in federal prison for smuggling approximately 124 illegal aliens.
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 Dallas and El Paso Homeland Security Investigations and the Plano Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Batson.
###
FBI Dallas and North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force announce results of Operation Soteria Shield in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
DALLAS, Texas – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas joined the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the FBI Dallas’s North Texas Child Exploitation Task Force to announce the conclusion of Operation Soteria Shield, a month-long collaborative enforcement effort conducted in April 2025 aimed at rescuing children from online sexual exploitation and bringing perpetrators to justice. This operation was run in conjunction with the National Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and was jointly managed by the FBI Dallas Division, Dallas Police Department, Plano Police Department, Wylie Police Department, and Garland Police Department.
More than 70 Texas law enforcement agencies joined forces throughout the month of April to combat the exploitation of children in the digital space. These agencies leveraged the expertise of highly skilled computer crimes investigators that worked around the clock to identify victims and apprehend offenders engaged in the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material.
Operation Soteria Shield resulted in the rescue of 109 children and the arrest of 244 offenders. In addition to these enforcement actions, investigators seized extensive volumes of digital evidence, including terabytes of illicit data stored on electronic devices that were used in the commission of these crimes. These devices are undergoing forensic analysis and may lead to further arrests and the identification of additional victims.
“The numbers of offenders arrested, and children rescued in this operation are stunning. The numbers leave us breathless because, at some level, we understand that behind every statistic, every number, there is a child with dreams, aspirations, and the right to live a life free from sexual exploitation,” said Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Jay Combs. “We are committed to teaming with law enforcement to investigate and prosecute these cases with urgency and ferocity in order to protect our children.”
In the Eastern District of Texas, this Operation has led to the grand jury indictment of individuals for not only distributing child pornography, but also sexually exploiting children to produce child sexual abuse material.
Operation Soteria Shield stands as a powerful example of what can be accomplished with coordinated, interagency cooperation. It reflects the shared commitment of law enforcement professionals across Texas to relentlessly pursue those who prey on children and to ensure that survivors are no longer silenced or hiding in the shadows.
The participating agencies also extend their gratitude to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) for their unwavering support. NCMEC analysts provided vital intelligence and case coordination that proved instrumental to the success of this operation.
List of Participating Agencies:
Abilene Police Department, Allen Police Department, Alvarado Police Department, Amarillo Police Department, Arlington Police Department, Army Criminal Investigative Division, Aubrey Police Department, Azle Police Department, Bartonville Police Department, Breckenridge Police Department, Cedar Hill Police Department, Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County, Cleburne Police Department, Colleyville Police Department, Collin County District Attorney’s Office, Collin County Sheriff’s Office, Cooke County Sheriff’s Office, Crowley Police Department, Dalhart Police Department, Dallas Children’s Advocacy Center, Dallas Police Department, Dawson County Sheriff’s Office, Denton County Sheriff’s Office, DeSoto Police Department, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Elm Ridge Police Department, Ennis Police Department, Euless Police Department, Fannin County Sheriff’s Office, Fate Police Department, FBI Dallas Field Office, FBI El Paso Field Office, FBI San Antonio Field Office, Fort Worth Police Department, Frisco Police Department, Garland Police Department, Grand Prairie Police Department, Grand Saline Police Department, Grayson County Sheriff’s Office, Gregg County Sheriff’s Office, Haltom City Police Department, Harrison County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Honey Grove Police Department, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department, Hurst Police Department, Irving Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Joshua Police Department, Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office, Kaufman Police Department, Lamesa Police Department, Lone Star Police Department, Lubbock Police Department, McKinney Police Department, Midlothian Police Department, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, North Richland Hills Police Department, Office of Inspector General, Plano Police Department, Prosper Police Department, Richardson Police Department, Richardson Police Department SWAT, Rockwall County District Attorney’s Office, Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office, Rockwall Police Department, Rowlett Police Department, Royse City Police Department, Sachse Police Department, San Antonio Police Department, Snyder Police Department, Tarrant County Human Trafficking Task Force, Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, Terrell Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, University of Texas System Police, White Settlement Police Department, Wilmer Police Department, and Wylie Police Department.
###
Jefferson County man sentenced to federal prison, ordered to pay over $2 million in restitution for bank fraud conspiracyRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Nome, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay over $2 million in restitution for his role in a bank fraud conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Eulice Emerson Alvey, also known as Trey, 50, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on June 5, 2025. Judge Crone also ordered Alvey to pay restitution in the amount of $2,075,458.57.
According to information presented in court, on September 6, 2018, a Neches Federal Credit Union (NFCU) member contacted the credit union and reported there were loans reflected on their account that they did not request. Shortly thereafter, another member notified the credit union that they also had loans on their account that were not theirs. This type of notification then became common over the next few weeks, involving as many as 30 members, all associated with Billy Ray Thomas, an assistant branch manager for NFCU. An investigation revealed Thomas was working with Alvey to commit bank fraud. Alvey would fabricate fraudulent purchase invoices for tractors from his business, Oil City Tractor, LLC, and send the invoices to Thomas. Thomas would then use credit union members’ information to request a loan. Once the loan was approved, Thomas would share the proceeds with Alvey and they would use the money for personal and business ventures. In April 2025, Thomas was sentenced to 34 months in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by FBI’s Beaumont Field Office and the Beaumont Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reynaldo P. Morin.
###
Franklin County man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for child exploitation violationRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – A Mount Vernon man has been sentenced to federal prison for child exploitation violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Zachary Arzola, 28, pleaded guilty to travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III on June 5, 2025.
According to information presented in court, Arzola met a minor victim online in September 2022 when he was 26 years old, and the minor victim was 14 years old. Arzola communicated with the minor victim through social media applications and eventually traveled to Ohio to meet her in December 2022. Once in Ohio, Arzola presented the victim’s family with an altered driver’s license to falsely represent that he was 16 years old. After briefly returning to Texas, Arzola traveled back to Ohio in January 2023, picked the minor victim up from her home after her mother left for work, and transported the victim back to Texas with him. Mount Vernon Police discovered the minor victim and Arzola at Arzola’s home shortly after they arrived in Texas. Arzola admitted in court documents that he persuaded, induced, enticed, and coerced the 14-year-old victim to engage in prohibited sexual activity.
“With the scope and accessibility of social media applications, predators like Arzola are every parent’s worst nightmare,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “Arzola’s despicable crime took online predation to a whole new level. He invented a new identity, lied about his age, and traveled to Ohio to meet the victim and her family. He concocted a plan to kidnap the victim under the guise of elopement and acted on it. The sentence he received should serve as a warning to other online predators that they will get caught, and they will face justice. Parents around our country should take note of the ease with which Arzola was able to exploit technology to lure an innocent child into danger.”
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 Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigations Division, the Mount Vernon Police Department, and the Clermont (Ohio) County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Austin Wells.
###
Collin County physician agrees to pay $3.5 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations of billing false claims to the COVID-19 Uninsured Program for evaluation & management services not renderedRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A Frisco physician has agreed to pay $3.5 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Samad Khan, M.D. has agreed to pay the United States $3.5 million to resolve allegations that he violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting or causing the submission of false claims to the Health Resources & Services Administration COVID-19 Claims Reimbursement to Health Care Providers and Facilities for Testing, Treatment, and Vaccine Administration for the Uninsured Program (the “Uninsured Program”) for evaluation and management services that were not performed.
Between approximately May 2020 and April 2022, the Uninsured Program reimbursed eligible providers for COVID-19 tests, testing-related items and services, treatment, and vaccines performed on uninsured individuals. Khan is a physician who owns SK Primary Care, PLLC (“SK Primary Care”), a medical clinic in Frisco. During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (“PHE”), SK Primary Care provided healthcare services, including specimen collection for COVID-19 tests. The settlement announced today resolves allegations that from April 2020 through October 2021, Khan knowingly submitted or caused the submission of false claims to the Uninsured Program by billing evaluation and management services (E/M Services) that were not performed.
As alleged by the United States, claims for E/M Services, sometimes referred to as “office visits,” are submitted under Current Procedural Terminology (“CPT”) Codes, and vary in level of complexity. Higher level codes reflect increased complexity, such as a higher level of decision-making, more detailed history, or longer duration of time. E/M Services levels 2 through 5 (e.g. CPT Codes 99202 through 99205, and 99212 through 99215) (“Higher Level E/M Services”) can only be performed by physicians or other qualified health care professionals (“QHPs”). These professionals are distinct from clinical staff, such as medical assistants. A level 1 E/M Service, under CPT Code 99211, may not require the presence of a physician or other QHP. During the PHE, CMS approved the use of CPT Code 99211 for COVID-19 test specimen collection. Physicians and non-physician practitioners, such as nurse practitioners (NPs) were required to use CPT Code 99211 to bill for COVID-19 specimen collection billed by clinical staff incident to their services.
The United States contends that during the PHE, SK Primary Care provided services at dozens of COVID-19 testing sites in Texas, operated by SK Primary Care and its management company, the majority of which were walk up or drive through testing sites (the “COVID test sites”). Patients could register to receive a test at the COVID test sites by registering online through a website called “GoGetTested.Com.” The United States alleges that the COVID test sites were staffed with medical assistants who performed specimen collection services through nasal swabs on patients for COVID-19 tests. Khan knew that the appropriate CPT Codes for the services provided at the COVID test sites were specimen collection codes, including CPT Code 99211, but instead submitted claims under CPT Codes for Higher Level E/M Services. The United States contends that patients who went to the COVID test sites were never seen by Khan or any other QHP, and at no time was Khan or any other QHP providing any E/M Services to patients at the COVID test sites either in person or by audiovisual means. From April 2020 through October 2021, for the services provided at the COVID test sites, Khan submitted or caused the submission of approximately 400,000 claims by SK Primary Care to the Uninsured Program for Higher Level E/M Services, the majority of which were level 2 and 3 E/M services. Khan is the only rendering provider listed on SK Primary Care’s claims.
The United States further alleges that Khan, in conjunction with and at the direction of SK Primary Care’s management company, coded the COVID specimen collection services as Higher Level E/M Services. Reimbursements for E/M Services were substantially higher than reimbursements for specimen collection. Moreover, in conjunction with and at the direction of SK Primary Care’s management company, SK Primary Care and Khan often submitted two claims for E/M Services for COVID-19 test specimen collection—the first “encounter” for the test, and a second “encounter” for providing results. The second “encounter” of providing results was not Khan providing E/M Services. Instead, an employee or contractor of SK Primary Care or SK Primary Care’s management company, such as nurse practitioners (NPs) and medical assistants, would provide tests results via telephone based on a courtesy call script. NPs were not providing medical services, did not have any audiovisual connection to patients, and in many instances never even spoke to the patients to provide results, which were emailed or sent by text message. As a result of these false claims for payment for E/M Services that were not performed, Khan received payments from the Uninsured Program to which he was not entitled.
“The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic required both beneficiaries and the government to place their trust in front-line healthcare providers, even more than usual,” said Jay R. Combs, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. “Unfortunately, some of those providers abused that trust and instead took advantage of the crisis to artificially inflate profits. It is these individuals that the Eastern District of Texas will hold accountable for their greed.”
“When health care professionals receive payments for false claims they submit to federal health care programs, they erode public trust and divert taxpayer-funded resources away from those who truly need them,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “This settlement demonstrates our steadfast commitment to safeguarding taxpayer funds and working with our law enforcement partners to use all tools in our arsenal to hold accountable those who steal from the American public.”
The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas with assistance from HHS-OIG. This matter was handled by Civil Division Fraud Section Trial Attorney Elizabeth J. Kappakas and by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Gillingham and Kevin McClendon.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
###
Beaumont convenience store robbers sentenced for killing clerk with firearmRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – Two men who robbed a Beaumont convenience store and killed the clerk have been sentenced to over 30 years in federal prison for firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Keandre Marquis Robinson, 20, of Beaumont, pleaded guilty to possessing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death and was sentenced to 405 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on May 30, 2025. Larry Nathaniel Hagan, 28, of Houston, also pleaded guilty to the same charges and was sentenced to 420 months in federal prison by Judge Crone.
According to information presented in court, on December 29, 2023, Robinson and Hagan were wearing masks and brandishing semi-automatic pistols when they entered the Kris Food Mart located on Gulf Street in Beaumont. Robinson quickly forced the clerk behind the counter and demanded cash while Hagan guarded the front door. Seconds later, Robinson shot the clerk two times in the chest, killing him. Robinson grabbed cigarettes from behind the counter and fled with Hagan. No cash was taken.
Later that night, the Beaumont Police Department posted images from the robbery to social media and a tip identified Robinson. Police detained Robinson about three hours after the robbery as he was leaving his residence just a few blocks from the store. Robinson later confessed to his role in the robbery and killing but would not identify Hagan.
Detectives searched Robinson’s phone and discovered text messages with Hagan related to the robbery. The texts began on December 28 at 10:15 a.m. and ended a few minutes after the robbery. During the conversation, Robinson and Hagan planned to rob the store to “[g]et some money.” In one text, Robinson told Hagan that he would “knock [the clerk’s] top” [to eliminate any] “lose [sic] ends…”. The conversation ended on December 29 at 10:07 p.m. (approximately 4 minutes after the shooting). In that text, Hagan told Robinson to “[s]tay in the house for some days”.
“The despicable killing committed by Robinson and Hagan has caused unimaginable pain and loss to the victim’s loved ones and damaged the fabric of our society,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. “We can never undue the pain that the victim’s loved ones have endured, but we hope this outcome provides them with some measure of closure. The lengthy sentences that were meted out today reflect the gravity of the brazen and senseless crime committed by Robinson and Hagan.”
“This case shows the importance of collaboration between our officers, our federal partners, and the community that helped us identify the suspect so quickly,” said Beaumont Police Chief Tim Ocnaschek. “The shooter had already committed an aggravated robbery a year before and was back on the streets just weeks before this murder. The second suspect came to our city with a violent past. While no sentence can bring back the innocent life that was lost, taking these dangerous criminals off the streets for decades makes our community safer and sends a strong message about consequences.”
“Keandre Robinson’s text messages with Larry Hagan, plotting the slaughter of an unsuspecting store clerk, leave no doubt their only ‘plan’ was to kill,” said Douglas Williams, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Houston. “This was not a robbery gone wrong; it was a cold-blooded, premeditated execution. Thanks to the exceptional partnership between FBI Beaumont and the Beaumont Police Department, these savage criminals will now endure the full consequences of murdering an innocent man.”
Robinson was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 7, 2024. Hagan, who was at large until April 24, 2024 when he was arrested in New Orleans by the U.S. Marshals Service, was added to the indictment by the grand jury on May 1, 2024.
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 Beaumont Police Department, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.
###
Longtime federal prosecutor named Acting U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – President Donald J. Trump has named Jay R. Combs as Acting United States Attorney of the Eastern District of Texas (EDTX).
“I am thankful to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for this opportunity and humbled by the honor of leading the Eastern District of Texas,” said Combs. “This opportunity to serve the American people is both a tremendous responsibility and a great privilege. This office plays a critical role in ensuring the American people are kept safe. I look forward to advancing the administration’s core priorities of immigration enforcement; combatting human trafficking and smuggling; attacking transnational organized crime, cartels, and gangs; and protecting the federal, state, and local law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect us all. I look forward to working alongside our great prosecutors, staff and brave law enforcement partners.”
Combs is a longtime federal prosecutor who previously served as the branch chief of the largest and most active office in the Eastern District of Texas. He joined the Department of Justice in 2006 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) on the U.S. – Mexico border. As an AUSA, Combs prosecuted organized crime, immigration, narcotics and human trafficking cases, as well as fraud, public corruption and white collar matters. Combs has received several nationwide awards during his time in the Department of Justice, recognizing his contributions in the fight against international drug cartels.
As Acting U.S. Attorney, Combs is the chief law enforcement officer for one of the busiest districts in the United States. The EDTX typically prosecutes and extradites more foreign drug cartel leaders than most other U.S. Attorney’s Office’s nationwide. The district represents 43 counties and over 3.5 million people. This district currently comprises six U.S. District Court divisions with federal district courts in Beaumont, Sherman, Plano, Tyler, Lufkin, and Marshall.
Before joining the Department, Combs served in the United States Army as a Judge Advocate General for six years. He is a twenty-year veteran of the Army with several stints of active duty service as well as service in the reserve component. He served in a number of roles in the Army including as the Executive Officer of an Air Defense Artillery Battery. He is the graduate of numerous military schools including the Military Police Officer Basic Course. Combs served two combat tours. He served in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Iraq in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-91). Combs also served in Afghanistan in 2008-2009, earning the Bronze Star medal.
Combs has lived in Texas for over twenty years but originally hails from Springerville, Arizona. He received his bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University and his law degree from the University of New Mexico. He has been married to his wife, Melissa, for 30 years and they have seven children.
For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx.
###
Orange County felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –An Orange, Texas man has been sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
John Marion LeBlanc, 45, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 162 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on May 27, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on October 29, 2023, law enforcement responded to the Orange Boat Ramp on Pier Road in Orange in reference to a large disturbance with shots fired. Upon arrival, officers could see a large crowd with numerous vehicles in the boat ramp parking lot. As officers approached the scene, they heard several gunshots and observed muzzle flashes. One person had been shot in the arm. Video surveillance footage shows LeBlanc arrive at the boat ramp parking lot and fire a pistol in the crowd. Other individuals also fired shots, and as police arrived on scene, video footage shows LeBlanc throwing a firearm in the grass where it was later recovered.
Further investigation revealed LeBlanc has previously been convicted of eight felony convictions, including two prior federal drug trafficking convictions. Federal law prohibits convicted felons 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. 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 Orange Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.
###
Mexican national sentenced to federal prison for firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Mexican national has been sentenced for illegally possessing a firearm in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Maria Magdalena Chavez, 41, illegally residing in Port Arthur, pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on May 27, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on September 11, 2024, Chavez was in a vehicle stopped for a traffic violation in Nederland. During the stop, it was determined that Chavez had a firearm concealed in her bra. Further investigation revealed Chavez was a Mexican national who had been previously removed from 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. 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 Department of Homeland Security, the Nederland Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case was prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy L. Coleman.
###
Vidor man sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison for child pornography violationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Vidor man has been sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison for child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
David Dwane Parker, 54, pleaded guilty to transportation of child pornography and was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on May 21, 2025.
According to information presented in court, in April 2024, local law enforcement received a CyberTip which had been submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) by a computer search engine. According to the CyberTip, 2,500 files had been uploaded, of which 1,605 files contained apparent child pornography. The information provided came back to Parker with a 409-area code. Further investigation revealed an internet protocol (IP) address, which included a date-of-birth and driver’s license number, leading authorities to a Vidor residence. A search warrant was issued for that residence, where Parker was located. During the search, a preview of Parker’s cellular phone and a computer revealed child pornography images. A forensic analysis discovered over 34,000 images of child pornography.
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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Vidor Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove.
###
Jefferson County man sentenced for possessing machinegun conversion deviceRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing a machinegun in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Aaron Charles Hill, 22, pleaded guilty to possession of a machinegun and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on May 21, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on July 15, 2024, law enforcement was dispatched to an apartment complex on Pinchback Road in Beaumont in reference to a disturbance with a firearm. The victim reported being chased by multiple armed persons trying to shoot him. Hill was apprehended attempting to leave the scene with two stolen pistols, one of which was equipped with an extended magazine and a machinegun conversion device, also referred to as a Glock switch. A Glock switch is a small device that can be attached to the rear of the slide of a handgun, converting a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic machinegun. Federal law defines a machinegun as a weapon which shoots, is designed to shoot, or can be readily restored to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.
###
Marion County man convicted of federal sex trafficking violationsRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Jefferson man has been found guilty of federal sex trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Corey Lamar Johnson, 42, was found guilty by a jury on all counts following a six-day trial before U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker, on May 19, 2025. Specifically, the jury convicted Johnson of two counts of sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, obstruction of a sex trafficking investigation, three counts of interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, and conspiracy to violate the Travel Act. Johnson’s co-defendants, Jessica Smith and Rachel Walker, previously pleaded guilty to related charges.
“Congratulations to the team who brought Corey Johnson to a well-deserved appointment with justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. “For far too long, the defendant treated vulnerable, young women in ways no person should ever be treated, but today justice was served. There is no more important work for the U.S. Attorney’s Office than to rescue the oppressed and protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
“The defendant used violence and threats of violence to compel his victims to engage in commercial sex for his profit,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “There is no place in a civilized society for the defendant’s inhumane conduct, and the Justice Department is committed to punishing human trafficking and achieving justice for its victims.”
On June 15, 2023, Johnson and two co-conspirators were named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury, charging them with sex trafficking conspiracy, sex trafficking, transportation, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy to violate the Travel Act.
Evidence presented at trial showed that Johnson trafficked young women across the United States and compelled them to engage in commercial sex through force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion. Johnson recruited vulnerable, young women through social media posts that boasted of his lavish lifestyle. He promised the victims he recruited that they could also achieve such a lifestyle. Once they were recruited, Johnson introduced the victims to commercial sex, and when the victims wanted to leave him, he became violent, using force and threats, brandishing firearms, and bragging about having “beat” a murder charge, all to keep the victims engaged in commercial sex for his profit.
At sentencing, Johnson faces a minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum sentence of life in federal prison as well as mandatory restitution. The statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division with assistance from the Canton Police Department, the Chandler Police Department, the Arlington Police Department, and the Bossier City Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert A. Wells, and James Mack Noble, IV, and Trial Attorney Slava Kuperstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit with the assistance of Trial Attorney Julie Pfluger and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
###
Jefferson Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking Two Victims in TexasRead the Press Release
A federal jury in the Eastern District of Texas convicted Corey Lamar Johnson, 42, of Jefferson, Texas, today on two counts of sex trafficking and related charges for his conduct in trafficking multiple young women in several states, compelling the victims to engage in commercial sex through acts and threats of physical and psychological harm. Specifically, the jury convicted Johnson of two counts of sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, obstruction of a sex trafficking investigation, three counts of interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, interstate travel in aid of racketeering, and conspiracy to commit interstate travel in aid of racketeering. Johnson’s co-defendants, Jessica Smith, 38, and Rachel Walker, 31, previously pleaded guilty respectively to conspiracy to commit interstate travel in aid of racketeering, and interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution sex trafficking.
“The defendant used violence and threats of violence to compel his victims to engage in commercial sex for his profit,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “There is no place in a civilized society for the defendant’s inhumane conduct, and the Justice Department is committed to punishing human trafficking and achieving justice for its victims.”
“Congratulations to the team who brought Corey Johnson to a well-deserved appointment with justice,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin Jr. for the Eastern District of Texas. “For far too long, the defendant treated vulnerable, young women in ways no person should ever be treated, but today justice was served. There is no more important work for the U.S. Attorney’s Office than to rescue the oppressed and protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
Evidence at trial showed that Johnson recruited young and vulnerable women through alluring posts online of his supposedly extravagant lifestyle. Johnson promised the victims he recruited that they, too, could achieve such a lifestyle. Once recruited, however, Johnson had the victims engage in commercial sex acts, and when the victims wanted to leave Johnson, he turned violent, using threats, physical force, brandishing his firearms, and bragging about having “beat” a murder charge, all to keep the victims engaging in commercial sex for his profit.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. Johnson faces a minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison as well as mandatory restitution. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Texas Department of Public Safety investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel Kummerfeld and Robert Wells for the Eastern District of Texas, and Trial Attorney Slava Kuperstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.
Bowie County man convicted of federal drug trafficking violationsRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – A Texarkana man has been found guilty of federal drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Deablo Deshon Lewis, 34, was found guilty by a jury of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III, on May 15, 2025.
According to information presented in court, Lewis was arrested on April 1, 2021, in Texarkana, Arkansas, after agreeing to sell 150 counterfeit oxycontin “M-30” pills to another person. After the arrest, Lewis admitted that he had marijuana at his home in Texarkana, Texas, and a search warrant was issued. During the search, officers located over 2,800 counterfeit “M-30” pills containing fentanyl, over 700 “ecstasy” pills containing methamphetamine, over 180 counterfeit Xanax pills containing clonazolam, bulk marijuana, THC edibles, and synthetic marijuana products. Officers also recovered two loaded firearms. In February 2022, after being released on bond, officers stopped a vehicle leaving a suspected drug transaction with Lewis. The occupant confirmed that they had just purchased counterfeit “M-30” pills from Lewis. A search warrant was issued, and officers discovered additional fake “M-30” pills containing fentanyl and hundreds more “ecstasy” pills containing methamphetamine.
At sentencing, Lewis faces up to 40 years in federal prison. The statutory maximum sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the Texarkana (Texas) Police Department, Texarkana (Arkansas) Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bowie County Sheriff's Office, Miller County (Arkansas) Sheriff's Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Locker, Lauren Richards, and Jonathan Hornok.
###
Jefferson County man sentenced to federal prison after robbing convenience store and leading police on a high-speed chaseRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced to federal prison for violent crime violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Patrick Lee Bridgewater, 22, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on May 16, 2025.
According to court documents, on April 14, 2023, local law enforcement officers responded to a report of an armed robbery in progress at the Speedy Stop on College Street in Beaumont. Witnesses reported two men entered the store and demanded money from the clerk at gunpoint. A description of the men and the vehicle they fled in was broadcast to law enforcement. The vehicle was quickly located traveling eastbound on College Street. A traffic stop was initiated, but the vehicle evaded police resulting in a high-speed chase eventually ending in Nederland. Bridgewater was a passenger in the vehicle, which had been reported stolen and was being driven by a minor. Evidence from the robbery was found in the vehicle.
This case was sentenced as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 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 FBI’s Beaumont field office and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove.
###
Former employee sentenced to federal prison for stealing from psychiatristRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced to federal prison for fraud violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Jerry Leonard Carnley, Jr., 55, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on May 16, 2025. Carnley was also ordered to pay restitution of $191,251.35 to his victims.
According to information presented in court, Carnley was employed as an office manager and information technology (IT) specialist for a local psychiatric practice. As such, Carnley had access to the business checking account. As part of his scheme to defraud the business, Carnley would utilize the business checking account, which had a debit card attached to it, and withdraw money from ATMs for matters other than business, including his own personal use. One of Carnley’s responsibilities was to provide an accounting firm with documents necessary for the filing of federal income tax returns. From December 2020 to September 2021, However, Carnley purposefully refused to provide the accounting firm with requested information such as quick books and bank statements. Eventually, Carnley told the accounting firm that he would file the taxes himself and that the doctor would no longer be using their services. These actions allowed Carnley to continue to discretely withdraw money from the business checking account. Carnley befriended the doctor’s mother with the pretense of getting to know the doctor better and obtained information that would help him change passwords to bank accounts. From November 2020 to December 2021, Carnley made 355 unauthorized withdrawals from an ATM machine located at the Delta Downs Racetrack, Hotel and Casino in Vinton, Louisiana, and 53 unauthorized cash withdrawals from banks in and around Beaumont, Texas. As a result of the scheme, Carnley was responsible for obtaining over $191,000 by fraud.
This case was investigated by FBI’s Beaumont field office and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reynaldo P. Morin.
###
Port Arthur woman sentenced to federal prison for trafficking fentanylRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Port Arthur woman has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing fentanyl for distribution in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Kailynn Ina Hardy, 25, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on May 13, 2025.
According to information presented in court, in August 2023, law enforcement began investigating Hardy for suspicion of drug trafficking in Jefferson County. During the investigation, officers were able to obtain fentanyl-laced pills which Hardy had distributed. Hardy admitted to being involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy involving at least 400 grams of fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Beaumont Police Department; Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; Port Neches Police Department; FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Port Arthur Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan C. Lee and Matt Quinn.
###
Mexican national guilty of federal immigration violations in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Mexican national, illegally living in Houston, has pleaded guilty to immigration violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Arsenio Leal Rodriguez, 27, pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry by a previously deported alien before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on May 12, 2025.
According to court documents, on September 19, 2024, Rodriguez was in the Liberty County Jail for another violation when a records check revealed he had prior convictions, including a conviction for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Harris County in September 2019. It was also determined Rodriguez had been previously deported from the United States in 2018 and 2020.
Rodriguez faces up to two years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being investigated as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 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 is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rachel Grove and Chris Jackson.
###
Jefferson County men sentenced to federal prison for robbing neighborhood grocery storeRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – Two Beaumont men have been sentenced to federal prison for violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Johnaton Rechard Hite, 22, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to 108 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on May 13, 2025. Cody Lane Wilson, 28, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison by Judge Crone on May 13th.
According to court documents, on April 11, 2024, local law enforcement officers responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Kidd Grocery Store, located at 8608 Kidd Road, in Beaumont. Upon arrival, the store clerk reported that a man entered the store armed with an AR-15 style rifle and threatened to shoot him if he did not open the safe. The subject took approximately $1,340 in cash and fled the store. Deputies reviewed surveillance footage of the robbery and observed the robber was a black male wearing a woman’s brown or black wig, a white hoodie jacket, dark pants, sunglasses, one white shoe and one black shoe.
While responding to the robbery call, deputies observed a 2004 Honda Accord leaving the grocery store and conducted a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Wilson. Wilson was detained and gave consent to search his vehicle where deputies located wigs, one black shoe, and one white shoe. Wilson told deputies that he and Hite planned to rob the grocery store with Wilson as the getaway driver while Hite robbed the store. However, Wilson got scared and fled the scene leaving Hite behind.
While deputies were conducting their investigation with Wilson, dispatch received another call from a concerned citizen near the grocery store reporting someone was knocking on their door. Deputies responded to the location and located Hite hiding on the porch of the caller’s residence. Next to where Hite was hiding, deputies found $1,340 in cash.
This case was sentenced as part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Quinn.
###
Angelina County man guilty of federal violations related to various schemesRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Lufkin man has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Matthew Jess Thrash, 49, pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud on May 12, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn.
According to information presented in court, in December 2020, law enforcement received a report of suspected fraud. An investigation revealed Thrash obtained approximately $9,170,124 from over 100 victims through fraudulent means, including sports related investment schemes; a Las Vegas cannabis store scheme; and loans from victims. Thrash also fraudulently obtained money by applying for COVID relief loans to which he was not entitled, including a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. The PPP was a Small Business Administration program that provided forgivable loans to qualifying entities. Thrash did not invest or use the fraudulently obtained funds for the intended purposes. Instead, he used the money to gamble, pay personal expenses, and to repay other victims in an attempt to avoid detection.
Thrash faces up to 30 years in federal prison, a potential fine, and restitution at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being investigated by FBI’s Lufkin Field Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Lufkin Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.
###
Grayson County felon sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for gun violationRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A Sherman convicted felon has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Mouaidad Mohamad, 30, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sean D. Jordan on May 9, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on August 5, 2022, law enforcement officers responded to a report of shots fired in Sherman. They discovered that Mohamad had fired two shots from the window of a vehicle before forcing his girlfriend to drive away from the scene. Mohamad was located later in the day in the same vehicle and taken into custody. Further investigation revealed Mohamad to be a convicted felon having several state felony convictions including robbery and burglary of a habitation. As a convicted felon, Mohamad is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Sherman Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William R. Tatum.
###
Justice Department announces results of Operation Restore Justice: more than 205 child sex abuse offenders arrested in FBI-led nationwide crackdown including an arrest in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – Today, the Department of Justice announced the results of Operation Restore Justice, a coordinated enforcement effort to identify, track and arrest child sex predators. The operation resulted in the rescue of 115 children and the arrests of 205 child sexual abuse offenders in the nationwide crackdown. The coordinated effort was executed over the course of five days by all 55 FBI field offices, the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in the Department’s Criminal Division, and United States Attorney’s Offices around the country.
“The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims — especially child victims — and we will not rest until we hunt down, arrest, and prosecute every child predator who preys on the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “I am grateful to the FBI and their state and local partners for their incredible work in Operation Restore Justice and have directed my prosecutors not to negotiate.”
“Every child deserves to grow up free from fear and exploitation, and the FBI will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who exploit the most vulnerable among us,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Operation Restore Justice proves that no predator is out of reach and no child will be forgotten. By leveraging the strength of all our field offices and our federal, state and local partners, we’re sending a clear message: there is no place to hide for those who prey on children.”
“Children are the world’s most valuable resource and our best hope for the future and here in the Eastern District of Texas, we will do all we can to ensure that they are protected and have the means of achieving the future they deserve free of vicious predators,” said Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. “Operation Restore Justice leveraged the resources of federal, state, and local law enforcement to track down these predators who prey on our most vulnerable and I thank our law enforcement partners for the tireless work they committed to this operation. The message should be clear: In the Eastern District of Texas, we will find you and prosecute you to the fullest extent because protecting our children demands such.”
“Protecting children is a top priority of the FBI and our partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement allow us to combine resources and collectively tackle this heinous crime,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock. “Every arrest made in these cases delivers justice and also sends a clear message that crimes against children will not be tolerated.”
In the Eastern District of Texas, Yehudra-Ari Nathan Esquenazi, 25, of Dallas, Collin County, Texas, was arrested on April 30, 2025, after being identified during an investigation initiated by the FBI in North Carolina. Esquenazi is alleged to have engaged in social media and communications applications in which he actively engaged in chats about the sexual exploitation of children. Esquenazi sought out children to abuse within the Eastern District of Texas, traded child pornography with others, and encouraged others to sexually abuse children. The FBI served a search warrant at his home in February 2025 and he was indicted by a federal grand jury in April.
Others arrested around the country are alleged to have committed various crimes including the production, distribution, and possession of child sexual abuse material, online enticement and transportation of minors, and child sex trafficking. In Minneapolis, for example, a state trooper and Army Reservist was arrested for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material while wearing his uniforms. In Norfolk, VA, an illegal alien from Mexico is accused of transporting a minor across state lines for sex. In Washington, D.C., a former Metropolitan Police Department Police Officer was arrested for allegedly trafficking minor victims.
In many cases, parental vigilance and community outreach efforts played a critical role in bringing these offenders to justice. For example, a California man was arrested about eight hours after a young victim bravely came forward and disclosed their abuse to FBI agents after an online safety presentation at a school near Albany, N.Y.
This effort follows the Department’s observance of National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April, and underscores the Department’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and raising awareness about the dangers they face. While the Department, including the FBI, investigates and prosecutes these crimes every day, April serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing these crimes, seeking justice for victims, and raising awareness through community education.
The Justice Department is committed to combating child sexual exploitation. These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the 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, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The Department partners with and oversees funding grants for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which receives and shares tips about possible child sexual exploitation received through its 24/7 hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST and on missingkids.org.
The Department urges the public to remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation of a child through the FBI’s tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), tips.fbi.gov, or by calling your local FBI field office.
Other online resources:
Electronic Press Kit
Violent Crimes Against Children
How we can help you: Parents and caregivers protecting your kids
An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###
Dallas man sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for East Texas methamphetamine traffickingRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – A Dallas man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Emmanuel Robles, 39, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder III on May 5, 2025.
According to information presented in court, between 2019 and 2021, Robles conspired with others to bring methamphetamine to East Texas for distribution. During this time, Robles distributed more than 1.5 kilograms of actual methamphetamine. Robles admitted to providing controlled substances to another co-conspirator in July 2019; August 2019; September 2019; October 2019; December 2019; January 2020; February 2020; March 2020; and April 2020. Robles also agreed to a forfeiture of a money judgment in the amount of $20,000.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigation Division, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.
###