Eastern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Mexican national sentenced in drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas –A Mexican national has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Willy Armando Ramirez-Garcia, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 320 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on May 1, 2025.
According to information presented in court, from January 2021 to May 2021, Ramirez-Garcia was illegally in the United States, but operated as the leader of a methamphetamine trafficking organization in Texas. The group was responsible for smuggling liquid methamphetamine into the U.S. from Mexico by using bladders hidden within diesel tanks of commercial tractor trailers. The liquid methamphetamine would be transported to the North Texas area where it was then converted into crystal methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was stored at a stash house in Dallas where it would be retrieved by couriers for distribution in kilogram quantities.
In January 2021, the investigation revealed that the drug trafficking organization included a local narcotics broker, Rosa Velasco De Ballin, her source of supply, Ivan Dejesus Suastes-Cruz, and other co-conspirators, operating from a stash house in Dallas, and a ranch in Kemp, where the methamphetamine was “cooked.” Angel Rodriguez-Campuzano was identified as a distributor working for Suastes-Cruz. It was also determined that Suastes-Cruz and co-conspirators, Juan Fuentez and German Zapata, worked at the direction of Ramirez-Garcia. They assisted in transporting and distributing the methamphetamine, finding buyers, and obtaining properties to store and manufacture the methamphetamine. As a result, a search warrant was obtained for the stash house in Dallas, where approximately 40 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 25 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine were found. The ranch in Kemp was also searched and a meth conversion lab was discovered. In all, agents seized 66 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 25 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine. For their involvement, these co-defendants were previously sentenced to the following terms of imprisonment: De Ballin - 168 months; Rodriguez-Campuzano-295 months; Suastes-Cruz - 240 months; Fuentez - 300 months; and Zapata - 270 months.
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, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Collin County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas County Sheriff’s Office, and Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wes Wynne.
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MS-13 leaders sentenced for January 2022 double murder that resulted in nationwide lockdown of federal prison systemRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – The last of seven defendants, all members of the violent transnational criminal organization La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as the MS-13, were sentenced in Beaumont for a double murder in 2022, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Juan Carlos Rivas-Moreiera, also known as “Juan Carlos Moriera” and “Stocky,” 45, a national of El Salvador and a high-ranking member and leader of MS-13, was sentenced to an additional term of life in federal prison on April 25, 2025, for his role in orchestrating and leading the violent plot to murder rival gang members.
On April 29, Hector Ramires, also known as “Cuervo,” 31, a national of Honduras, was sentenced to 360 months in federal prison for his role in the attack.
In April 2022, seven defendants, including Rivas-Moreiera and Ramires, were indicted with charges relating to the planning and execution of a violent attack orchestrated by members of MS-13 against Mexican Mafia and Sureños associates that resulted in two deaths, two attempted murders, and a nationwide lockdown of all inmates in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) for almost a week.
“This case illustrates the danger posed, both in and out of prison, by MS-13, a foreign terrorist organization,” said Abe McGlothin, Jr., Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. “MS-13 leaders in El Salvador ordered and plotted these heinous murders from thousands of miles away. MS-13 ‘soldiers’ incarcerated in a Texas prison executed that plan, murdering two rival gang members and stabbing two others. These sentences should serve as a warning for any foreign terrorist organizations that the Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s office, along with our law enforcement partners, will use all available resources to disrupt and dismantle their terrorist network. Thanks to the outstanding work of the FBI and BOP investigators, the deservedly stiff sentences handed out in this case will likely ensure that these MS-13 defendants never see life beyond the walls of a federal prison.”
“The vicious brutality of MS-13 has no place in our prisons or our society,” said FBOP Director William K. Marshall III. “This heinous attack, which claimed two lives and endangered countless others, demanded a swift and decisive response. The life sentences handed down send an unmistakable message: we will relentlessly pursue and dismantle those who sow chaos and violence within our facilities. The Bureau of Prisons stands united with our law enforcement partners to ensure justice prevails and our communities are protected from these ruthless predators.”
“In a brutal, calculated act designed to terrorize rival gangs, MS-13 members butchered two men with over 45 stab wounds and left others clinging to life in a Beaumont prison,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “This was no ordinary attack— it was one of the most violent prison executions in Texas history that triggered a nationwide lockdown of federal inmates and exposed the arrogance of MS-13 leaders, who believed they were beyond reach. Today’s sentencing shatters that delusion and sends a clear message: the FBI and our law enforcement partners will stop at nothing to guarantee these violent terrorists face the full consequences of their crimes.”
MS-13 is a transnational criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, but also includes members from other countries such as Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. Although the gang originated in Los Angeles, California, it quickly spread and is now a national and international criminal organization with an estimated 10,000+ members regularly conducting gang activities in nearly all of the United States, including Texas, California, New York, and in El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico. On Feb. 20, the U.S. Department of State designated MS-13 as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT).
The Mexican Mafia controls large portions of the Hispanic prison population in California and Texas and the federal prison system. MS-13 has had a symbiotic relationship with both the Mexican Mafia and the Sureños, which is a close association of Hispanic gangs that pay tribute to the Mexican Mafia while incarcerated in federal and state prisons in the United States. That symbiotic relationship recently began to fall apart as MS-13’s leadership in El Salvador, the Ranfla Nacional, sought to exert more control and independence of its own members while incarcerated in prisons within the United States, including using MS-13 command and control structure to enforce their orders, including orders to commit murders, even while in prison.
According to information presented in court, on January 31, 2022, at the U.S. Penitentiary (USP) in Beaumont, seven MS-13 members converged in a housing unit and attacked multiple Sureños members and one Mexican Mafia associate. Defendant Rivas-Moreiera began the prison attack when he came up behind Guillermo Riojas and stabbed Riojas twice in the chest. Riojas fell immediately, and other MS-13 defendants stabbed and kicked Riojas while he lay motionless on the prison floor. The MS-13 defendants then chased, cornered, beat, and repeatedly stabbed Andrew Pineda, and other Sureños members. The prison attack lasted approximately eight minutes.
Riojas, 54, died as a result of the attack after suffering three stab wounds to the chest, piercing his heart twice and his lung once. He also suffered injuries to his head and stomach during the attack. Pineda, 34, who also died as a result of the attack, was stabbed 20 times on the front of his body and 26 times to the back of his body, for a total of 46 distinct stab wounds. Two other Sureños members received serious injuries during the attack and were transported to an area hospital with numerous stab and puncture wounds.
In addition to Rivas-Moreiera and Ramires, the following defendants have been sentenced for their role in the attack:
Larry Navarete, 44, a national of Nicaragua, was sentenced to an additional 360 months in federal prison;
Jorge Parada, 45, a national of El Salvador, was sentenced to an additional 360 months in federal prison;
Raul Landaverde-Giron, 35, a national of El Salvador, was sentenced to an additional 360 months in federal prison;
Sergio Sibrian, 32, a national of El Salvador, was sentenced to an additional 420 months in federal prison; and
Dimas Alfaro-Granados, 42, a national of El Salvador, was sentenced to an additional 360 months in federal prison.
This prosecution is the result of coordination between the Eastern District of Texas and Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV). JTFV was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and now expanded to target Tren de Aragua (TdA) and is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. Those include Eastern and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Northern District of Ohio; Districts of New Jersey, Utah, Massachusetts, Nevada and Alaska; Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Virginia; Southern District of California; and the District of Columbia, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; and the FBOP National Gang Unit have been essential law enforcement partners with JTFV.
This case is also a 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 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 and Project Safe Neighborhood.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Batte from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, and now-co-directors of JTFV, Christopher A. Eason and Jacob Warren. The case was investigated by the FBI and the FBOP.
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Former credit union employee sentenced for bank fraud conspiracyRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Winnie man has been sentenced to federal prison for bank fraud conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Billy Ray Thomas, Jr., 40, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit bank fraud and was sentenced to 34 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on April 29, 2025. Thomas was also ordered to pay restitution of $1,363,825.18
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 Thomas, an assistant branch manager for NFCU. An investigation revealed Thomas was working with another individual to commit bank fraud by using family members and acquaintances as the identified borrowers. The victims stated either they did not sign the documents, or they did sign the documents but did so electronically when Thomas would bring them a tablet for signature. In other circumstances, the victims stated they did physically sign some paper documents. However, in most circumstances, the victims stated they did not know what they were signing as they trusted Thomas implicitly. Thomas was originally employed on May 16, 2005, with NFCU at the Pearl Street Branch in Beaumont. At some point, Thomas was promoted to the position of assistant branch manager and some of Thomas’ responsibilities included serving as a loan officer. Thomas resigned from his employment as the assistant branch manager on September 18, 2018. As a result of Thomas’ fraudulent activities, losses are estimated at over $1 million.
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.
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Two former laboratory sales executives sentenced to federal prison for roles in health care kickback conspiracyRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – Two former laboratory sales executives were sentenced to federal prison for conspiring to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Stephen Kash, 51, of Winnie, was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison and ordered to forfeit $779,773.70 in criminal proceeds. Courtney Love, 46, of Dallas, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison and ordered to forfeit $217,268.75 in criminal proceeds. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on April 24, 2025.
On September 22, 2022, Christopher Grottenthaler, 46, of Dorado, Puerto Rico; Blake Whitaker, 54, of Frisco; Stephen Kash; Chrissy Alfaro, 39, of Frisco; Courtney Love; Charles Dickens, 45, of Beaumont; Marty Flores, 67, of Montgomery; and Frederick Brown, 52, of Missouri City, were indicted for conspiring to commit illegal remunerations in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. The statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving remuneration to induce referrals of items or services covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal health care programs. The defendants were charged for their roles in a conspiracy through which physicians were incentivized to make referrals to rural hospitals and an affiliated lab in exchange for kickbacks which were disguised as investment returns; and in which marketers were incentivized to arrange for or recommend the ordering of services from rural hospitals and an affiliated lab.
Two rural Texas hospitals, Little River Healthcare (LRH) based in Rockdale, and Stamford Memorial Hospital based in Stamford, partnered with True Health Diagnostics (THD), a clinical laboratory based in Frisco, Texas, that specialized in advanced cardiovascular lipid testing. For a fee, THD processed the blood tests while the hospitals billed the tests to insurers as hospital outpatient services, with the hospitals charging insurers a much higher rate than THD could receive as a clinical laboratory. The hospitals utilized a network of marketers who in turn operated management services organizations (MSOs) that offered investment opportunities to physicians throughout the State of Texas. In reality, the MSOs were simply a means to facilitate payments to physicians in return for the physicians’ laboratory referrals. Pursuant to the kickback scheme, the hospitals paid a portion of their laboratory revenues to marketers, who in turn kicked back a portion of those funds to the referring physicians who ordered THD tests. THD executives and sales force personnel leveraged the MSO kickbacks to gain and increase referrals and, in turn, to increase their revenues, bonuses, and commissions.
On July 14, 2022, Kash was also indicted for conspiring to commit money laundering for his involvement in a conspiracy to launder the proceeds of the kickback conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Department of Defense – Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) with assistance from the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Department of Commerce - Export Enforcement. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adrian Garcia, Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld, Lucas Machicek, and Robert Austin Wells.
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Former Trinidad ISD business manager sentenced to federal prison for theft from school districtRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – An Orange, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for theft from the Trinidad Independent School District, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Brandon Delane Looney, 39, pleaded guilty to theft from a program receiving federal funds and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on April 24, 2025.
According to information presented in court, Looney stole nearly $340,000 from Trinidad ISD between 2017 and 2023 while he served as Trinidad ISD’s business manager. Federal law makes it a crime for someone to steal from an organization receiving more than $10,000 in federal funds annually. Looney used the stolen funds to purchase personal trips to Walt Disney World and on spending sprees at the Disney Store. Trinidad ISD is one of the poorest school districts in Texas and suffered adverse financial consequences as a result of Looney’s theft.
Looney worked with the Financial Litigation Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to liquidate his available assets, including his home, to pay $200,000 of the restitution before sentencing. The remaining balance of the restitution judgment will be collectible for 20 years after the termination of Looney’s incarceration.
This case was investigated by FBI’s Tyler Field Office, with assistance from the Tyler Police Department and the Trinidad ISD. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Austin Wells.
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Jasper County man sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for drug trafficking in Newton CountyRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Jasper man has been sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Jeremy O’Quinn Brown, 34, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 264 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on April 17, 2025.
According to information presented in court, in October 2023, Brown was identified by law enforcement as a drug trafficker distributing large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana in Newton County. A search warrant was executed at Brown’s residence resulting in the discovery of methamphetamine; cocaine; $94,997 in U.S. currency; and two firearms. Brown is believed to have been responsible for distributing 497.44 grams of “actual” methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the FBI, Texas Department of Public Safety, Jasper Police Department, Newton County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Lee.
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Mexican national caught mid-burglary sentenced for immigration violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Mexican national has been sentenced for illegally reentering the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Heladio Ruchon Rocha-Tellez, 31, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry after removal and was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on April 22, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on December 19, 2023, local law enforcement responded to a burglary in progress at a Beaumont laundry mat. When officers arrived, they encountered Rocha-Tellez hiding behind the counter of the laundry mat with a large amount of cash hanging out of his pocket. A check of immigration records revealed that Rocha-Tellez was a Mexican national who had been previously removed from the United States in 2015 and twice in 2022.
In addition to the immigration charges, Rocha-Tellez was convicted of a state burglary charge in Jefferson County court and sentenced to 12 months in prison on November 19, 2024. Judge Crone ordered that the sentences run consecutively, and Rocha-Tellez will begin his federal prison sentence after completing his state sentence.
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 and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy L. Coleman with the cooperation of the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office.
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Sixteen charged in East Texas federal methamphetamine conspiracyRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A federal indictment in the Eastern District of Texas has resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals charged with various violations related to a wide-spread methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury on April 2, 2025, in the Eastern District of Texas, charges the defendants with federal drug and gun violations. A multi-agency law enforcement action was held on April 16, 2025, resulting in those arrests. Since the investigation began in November 2022, law enforcement has seized over 10 kilograms of methamphetamine and 14 firearms. Those in custody began making initial appearances in federal court on April 16, 2025, in Beaumont.
According to information provided in court, the following individuals are alleged to have been involved in the methamphetamine conspiracy in the Angelina, Nacogdoches, and Polk counties area:
• Albert Lopez, 39, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
• Adaryl Douglas, 45, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime;
• Hector Gomez, 40, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;
• Oscar Padilla, 44, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;
• Leanna Jean Busby, 45, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;
• Amanda McBride, 43, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;
• John Christopher Rios, 53, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;
• Jose Pedro Guzman Jr., 34, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;
• Lorene Michelle Baker, 44, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;
• David Davis, Jr., 48, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;
• Penny Ann King, 51, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;
• Jodi Calvin Sparkman, 53, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;
• Christopher Dewayne Harvey, 51, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine;
• Gary Mills, 65, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm;
• Clifton Collin-Dakota Smith, 32, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine; and
• Corey Mullan, 39, charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
If convicted, defendants face from 10 years to life in federal prison.
As part of the operation, Eduardo Barajas-Macias, 32, a close associate of the criminal conspiracy, was also arrested and charged with unlawful reentry by a removed or deported alien.
This investigation 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).
The case is being investigated by the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; FBI; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; Lufkin Police Department; Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office; Texas Department of Public Safety; and U.S. Marshals Service. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.
A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Liberty County man sentenced to federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine in school zoneRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Liberty man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Thomas James Lawson, 35, pleaded guilty to possession to distribute methamphetamine within 1000 feet of a school and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on April 17, 2025.
According to information presented in court, in January 2024, law enforcement authorities received information that Lawson was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine and other narcotics. During the investigation, drugs were purchased from Lawson at his Liberty residence.
On January 31, 2024, a search warrant was executed at Lawson’s residence resulting in the discovery of a backpack on his bed. Inside the backpack, investigators found multiple vacuum sealed bags containing crystal methamphetamine, a vacuum sealed bag containing marijuana, numerous clear baggies containing red/orange pills marked “AD-30”, two pill bottles labeled as Adderall, and numerous bottles of Xanax pills. Additionally, deputies found a digital scale and other drug paraphernalia in the backpack. A further search of Lawson’s bedroom revealed over $2000 in U.S. currency. While searching the kitchen, investigators located another large amount of crystal-like substance, which was determined to be methamphetamine. A total of 862.51 grams of actual methamphetamine was recovered.
Lawson’s residence is within 1000 feet of the Liberty Elementary School and the school playground. A school zone sign is located on Lawson’s street and children were playing on the school playground while the search warrant was executed at his residence.
This case was investigated by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.
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Houston man sentenced to federal prison for Smith County ATM burglariesRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Houston man has been sentenced to prison for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Julius Lawan Lockett, Jr., 30, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank theft and was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $243,540.85 and forfeiture of $79,850 by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on April 17, 2025.
According to information presented in court, Lockett conspired with others to burglarize ATMs (automated teller machines) in the Smith County area. On March 28, 2021, Lockett and Jermone Christopher Mayes, Jr., drove from Houston to Tyler to steal U.S. currency from ATMs in the area. Using a Ford F-250 truck which had been stolen in Smith County, they attached chains to the truck and to an ATM at Chase Bank at South Southwest Loop 323 in Tyler. The ATM was pulled open and approximately $159,700 was stolen.
On January 29, 2025, Mayes was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Tyler Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan R. Jackson.
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Cherokee County man sentenced to federal prison in drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – An Alto man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Robert Jessie Martin, 47, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 220 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on April 17, 2025. Judge Barker also entered an order forfeiting to the government Martin’s 75 acre property located in Cherokee County.
According to information presented in court, Martin conspired with others to distribute five kilograms or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of actual methamphetamine. As part of the conspiracy, Martin set up rotary tablet pill presses on his property near Alto to manufacture and press out hundreds of thousands of counterfeit pills laced with methamphetamine that were then distributed throughout the United States for profit. Martin recruited and supplied wholesale and mid-level distributors of the pills he manufactured.
On July 11, 2023, law enforcement executed a federal search and arrest warrant on Martin’s property located near Alto and seized five firearms, five rotary pill presses, 111.22 grams of actual methamphetamine, approximately 7,669 grams of methamphetamine in powder form, and 29,283 methamphetamine-laced pills.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); HSI Currency Narcotics Enforcement Team-Houston; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office; the Jacksonville Police Department; and the Texas Department of Public Safety. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Hurst.
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Texarkana federal inmate sentenced in prison meth conspiracyRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – A federal inmate man has been sentenced to additional time in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Jimmy Barrientos, 38, of Grand Prairie, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in prison and was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III, on April 15, 2025.
According to information presented in court, Barrientos, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Texarkana, instructed Catherine Gamez to bring methamphetamine with her during prisoner visitation. On September 25, 2022, Gamez brought a portion of a condom containing approximately 20 grams of actual methamphetamine into the federal prison when she came to visit Barrientos. Once Gamez entered the visitation room, she hid the condom containing methamphetamine in the soap dispenser in the restroom of the visitation room at the prison. FCI personnel recovered the condom from the soap dispenser and provided it to federal law enforcement. Gamez pleaded guilty to the same offense in 2024 and is awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Texarkana Field Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Noble.
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Tyler tax preparer sentenced to federal prison for role in tax refund fraud schemeRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Tyler tax preparer has been sentenced to federal prison for her role in a tax refund fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Karistha Johnson, 38, pleaded guilty to making false and fraudulent statements on a tax return and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on April 15, 2025. Johnson was ordered to pay $1,244,934 in restitution.
“The Eastern District of Texas is committed to prosecuting tax preparers who engage in return preparer fraud schemes,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. “Schemes like this threaten to disrupt the orderly administration of the income tax system for law-abiding taxpayers, and taxpayers ultimately end up paying the bill.”
“Ms. Johnson, in her role as a tax preparer, took advantage of those seeking assistance by filing fraudulent returns,” said Christopher J. Altemus Jr., Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Dallas Field Office. “By fabricating deductions and business expenses, she filed hundreds of false returns, resulting in more than $1.2 million in fraudulent refunds. The women and men of IRS-CI remain dedicated to safeguarding our tax system and ensuring that individuals who engage in fraudulent activities face the full consequences under the law.”
According to information presented in court, Johnson was involved in a multi-year return preparer fraud scheme involving the submission of tax returns containing false and fraudulent statements. Johnson prepared and filed 610 returns from 2017 through 2019 and received $1,244,934 in fraudulent refunds.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld.
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Orange County man sentenced to federal prison for kidnapping attorneyRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – An Orange, Texas, man has been sentenced to federal prison for violations related to a kidnapping in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Putnam Darwin Richardson, 79, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and brandishing a firearm and was sentenced to 294 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on April 9, 2025.
“Thanks to the quick and outstanding work of the FBI, in concert with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Orange Police Department, an innocent victim was rescued from the clutches of a gun-wielding kidnapper and returned safely home to his family, and a now-twice convicted armed kidnapper is returned home to prison,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. “This case serves as a reminder that violent predators come in all shapes, sizes and age-ranges, and to always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.”
“Putnam Richardson clearly failed to learn from his previous imprisonment for kidnapping, and he definitely underestimated FBI Houston’s capacity to mobilize critical resources when a life is at risk," said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “We are in the business of saving lives, and cases like this are why we exist. I’m especially grateful to the FBI Beaumont investigators, crisis negotiators, and special surveillance teams who swiftly deployed and worked tirelessly for days to rescue and reunite the victim with his family.”
According to information presented in court, on July 15, 2024, a kidnapping for ransom was reported to the FBI. The victim, a local attorney, was kidnapped at gunpoint that morning after arriving at his law office in Beaumont. The victim’s wife received a call from the victim’s cell phone, during which the kidnapper indicated the victim was being held hostage in exchange for $1 million ransom. The kidnapper also indicated he would kill the victim if the ransom was not met. Richardson, a former client of the victim, was identified as a suspect during the investigation. Richardson had previously been convicted of kidnapping in 1984 and was sentenced to 50 years in prison. On July 17, 2024, Richardson was arrested at a gas station and the victim was rescued by law enforcement authorities.
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 FBI, the Beaumont Police Department, the Orange Police Department, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Reynaldo P. Morin.
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Three sentenced to federal prison for roles in tax refund fraud schemeRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – Three men have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a tax refund fraud scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Imafedia Adevokhai, 47, of Alpharetta, Georgia, pleaded guilty to money laundering on February 15, 2023, and was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III on April 2, 2025. Adevokhai was ordered to pay $90,380.60 in restitution and $3500 in forfeiture.
Michael Martin, 52, of Texarkana, Texas, pleaded guilty to conspiracy on February 14, 2023, and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison by Judge Schroeder on November 21, 2023. Martin was ordered to pay $90,380.60 in restitution and $121,623.41 in forfeiture.
Osazuwa Peter Okunoghae, 46, of Houston, pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy on November 12, 2019, and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by Judge Schroeder on January 13, 2022. Okunoghae was ordered to pay $451,117.63 in restitution and $451,117.63 in forfeiture.
“The Eastern District of Texas is committed to prosecuting individuals who participate in schemes to steal personal information, prepare and file fraudulent tax returns, and launder the proceeds,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. “Crimes like these affect all of us, the individual victims whose identities are stolen and used to file fraudulent tax returns, the taxpayers, who are left with the bill, and our financial institutions, which are manipulated and misused to launder the proceeds.”
“Adevokhai, Martin, and Okunoghae, along with others, created a complex scheme to steal the tax refunds of law-abiding U.S. taxpayers through stolen identity refund fraud,” said Christopher J. Altemus Jr., special agent in charge of the IRS Criminal Investigation’s Dallas Field Office. “The women and men of IRS-CI did an outstanding job of uncovering this fraudulent activity and bringing the individuals to justice. Their sentences should be a warning to anyone who would try to defraud the U.S. Government or prey on law-abiding taxpayers.”
According to information presented in court, Adevokhai, Martin, Okunoghae, and others were involved in a multi-year stolen identity refund fraud (SIRF) conspiracy involving the theft of victims’ personal identifying information and the use of the stolen information to file fraudulent tax returns. The total tax refunds claimed by the fraudulent returns was $4,945,886, and the U.S. Department of Treasury, Internal Revenue Service, suffered at least a $390,220.40 loss. Adevokhai was involved in the preparation and filing of many of the fraudulent tax returns. Okunoghae and Martin were involved in the laundering of the stolen funds. To that end, they worked together and with others who would transfer fraud proceeds through United States financial accounts and ultimately to foreign financial accounts. The investigation connected Adevokhai, Martin, and Okunoghae to dozens of victims whose taxpayer identities were stolen.
In January 2019, individuals from three states and other individuals from Nigeria were charged for their roles in the conspiracy.
One of the Department of Justice Tax Division’s top priorities is prosecuting individuals who use stolen identities to steal money from the United States Treasury by filing fraudulent tax returns. SIRF schemes threaten to disrupt the orderly administration of the income tax system for law-abiding taxpayers and have cost the United States Treasury billions of dollars.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld and Sean Taylor.
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Mexican national sentenced for illegal reentry in Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Mexican national has been sentenced for illegally reentering the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Valentin Hernandez-Yanez, 38, pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry by a deported alien and was sentenced to time served by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale on April 2, 2025. Hernandez-Yanez has been imprisoned since July of 2024. He is currently being held on an immigration detainer and will be processed by Homeland Security before being deported to Mexico.
According to information presented in court, on April 30, 2024, Hernandez-Yanez was observed by federal immigration agents in Vidor, Texas. Agents were familiar with Hernandez-Yanez from past dealings. An immigration database check revealed Hernandez-Yanez to be a national of Mexico having been previously deported to Mexico in June of 2011. Hernandez-Yanez has not since applied for permission to reenter the United States since he was last removed.
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 Matt Quinn.
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Bowie County man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for fentanyl overdose deathRead the Press Release
TEXARKANA, Texas – A Hooks man who sold fake prescription pills containing fentanyl has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Henry Wayne Milligan, 28, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III, on April 2, 2025.
“The Eastern District of Texas will continue to aggressively prosecute those who distribute deadly drugs such as fentanyl in our communities and seek enhanced sentences commensurate with the tragic consequences and immeasurable losses suffered by victims and their families,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
According to information presented in court, Milligan pleaded guilty to selling the victim what were purported to be prescription pills, after which the victim was found dead in his home of what an autopsy later determined to be a fentanyl overdose. The pills sold by Milligan were tested and confirmed to be laced with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid commonly used as an analgesic or anesthetic that is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Following his arrest, Milligan provided a voluntary statement during which he confessed.
“We sincerely appreciate the unwavering commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in prosecuting this case,” said Texarkana, Texas Police Department’s Public Information Officer Shawn Vaughn. “Their dedication to seeking justice for the victim and holding those accountable who distribute deadly fentanyl is invaluable in our ongoing fight against this epidemic. We also want to recognize Detective Daniel Linn for his outstanding work in leading this investigation. His relentless efforts and attention to detail were instrumental in identifying Milligan as the supplier of the fentanyl that tragically led to the victim’s death. Additionally, we extend our gratitude to the Texas Department of Public Safety for their invaluable assistance in this case. Their collaboration and resources played a crucial role in bringing this investigation to a successful resolution.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a public safety alert warning Americans of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. The public safety alert coincides with the launch of DEA’s One Pill Can Kill public awareness campaign to educate the public of the dangers of counterfeit pills and urges all Americans to take only medications prescribed by a medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of a significant nationwide surge in fake pills that are mass-produced by criminal drug networks in labs, deceptively marketed as legitimate prescription pills, and are killing unsuspecting Americans at an unprecedented rate. For more information, please visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill.
This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigations Division; and Texarkana Texas Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.
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Orange, Texas man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for fatal fentanyl overdoseRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – An Orange, Texas man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his role in a fatal fentanyl overdose in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Lawrence Duguett Hardin, Jr., 39, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on April 1, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on August 17, 2023, law enforcement officers responded to an overdose death in Humble, Texas. Autopsy results determined the victim died due to the toxic effects of fentanyl. An investigation determined Hardin to be responsible for supplying the fentanyl that led to the individual’s death. A search warrant was executed at Hardin’s residence in Orange and a substance containing fentanyl and weighing 365.2 grams was discovered.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a Public Safety Alert warning Americans of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. The Public Safety Alert coincides with the launch of DEA’s One Pill Can Kill Public Awareness Campaign to educate the public of the dangers of counterfeit pills and urges all Americans to take only medications prescribed by a medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of a significant nationwide surge in fake pills that are mass-produced by criminal drug networks in labs, deceptively marketed as legitimate prescription pills, and are killing unsuspecting Americans at an unprecedented rate. For more information, please visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI; Orange Police Department; Houston Police Department; West Orange Police Department; Bridge City Police Department; Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4; Jefferson County Crime Laboratory; and Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Lee and Rachel Grove.
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Orange, Texas man guilty of federal violation in investment schemeRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – An Orange, Texas man has pleaded guilty to a federal violation related to a fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Bradley Morgan Holts, 54, pleaded guilty on March 31, 2025, to wire fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn.
According to information presented in court, Holts, a financial advisor and stockbroker, was previously a financial advisor at Capital One Bank and World Capital Brokerage. In 2021, Holts opened a bank account in the name “Bradley Morgan Holts dba Invesco Investment Texas” (ITT). Using this account, Holts deceived investors intending to make investments in Invesco, Ltd., a global investment firm, and used the client funds for his own personal use.
Holts faces up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here only for informational purposes. The ultimate sentence will be determined by the court, based on 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 Beaumont Field Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Jackson and Reynaldo P. Morin.
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Guatemalan national guilty of federal violations in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Guatemalan national, illegally in Port Arthur, has pleaded guilty to immigration violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Wilmer Armando Xitumul-Godinez, 24, pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry by a previously deported alien before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on March 31, 2025.
According to court documents, Xitumul-Godinez was arrested in October 2024 after having been deported by immigration officials in September of 2024.
Xitumul-Godinez 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 and the Port Arthur Police Department and being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy L. Coleman with the cooperation of the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office.
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Jefferson County man sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for armed robbery spreeRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Port Arthur man has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Jahmir Jacobi Riley, 19, pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and two counts of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence and was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on March 31, 2025.
According to court documents, an investigation determined Riley was responsible for convenience store robberies in Jefferson County in the fall of 2024. On September 24, 2024, the Checkpoint gas station on Gulfway Drive in Port Arthur was robbed and the clerk was pistol-whipped. On September 29, 2024, the Exxpress Mart gas station on Interstate-10 South in Beaumont was robbed and on October 3, 2024, the Hamshire Quick Mart gas station on Hwy 73 was also robbed. Riley was identified through witnesses and surveillance video as the suspect. Riley can be seen on one surveillance video brandishing a firearm equipped with a machinegun conversion device, also known as a glock switch. Riley was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 4, 2024.
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; the Beaumont Police Department; the Port Arthur Police Department, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Quinn.
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Van Zandt electrical contractor sentenced in wire fraud conspiracyRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Canton man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a wire fraud conspiracy in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
James Derr, 55, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy Kernodle on March 18, 2025. Derr was also ordered to pay $2,615,585.93 in restitution.
According to information presented in court, Derr, an electrical contractor with J&D Electric, was involved in a conspiracy with Rebekah Mitchell and Brittany Burton to divert equipment for their own financial gain. Between March of 2017 and May of 2021, Mitchell used her position at Schneider Electric in Athens to steal Schneider Electric circuit breakers from their inventory and direct the shipment of the stolen circuit breakers to locations where Derr could take possession of them. Mitchell paid Burton to use her position at J&K Storage in Flint to receive shipments of stolen Schneider Electric circuit breakers at J&K Storage. Mitchell created fraudulent documentation in the purchase order and/or bill of lading logistics systems depicting fictional customers that resulted in the shipment of Schneider Electric circuit breakers to locations that she and Derr agreed upon, which included, on approximately 11 occasions in 2017 and 2018, J&K Storage. Derr took possession of the Schneider Electric products at various locations and sold them to various buyers. Derr shared the proceeds of these sales with Mitchell in consideration for her role in the conspiracy. As a result, Derr, Mitchell and Burton caused Schneider Electric to suffer a financial loss of approximately $2,615,585.93.
On February 18, 2025, Mitchell was sentenced to 34 months in federal prison and was also ordered to pay $2.6 million in restitution to Schneider Electric. Burton pleaded guilty to her role in the conspiracy and is currently awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the FBI Tyler Field Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Noble.
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Beaumont felon guilty of federal firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has pleaded guilty to a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Cydney James Dorsey, 23, pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition by a prohibited person before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on March 18, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on September 8, 2024, at approximately 3:30 a.m., law enforcement officers responded to the parking lot of SNS grocery store on Concord Avenue in Beaumont as a large crowd had gathered and refused to leave. As police attempted to dispel the crowd, Dorsey ran from them, and in the process, discarded a firearm. Dorsey was apprehended carrying a bag that had a magazine with ammunition. Further investigation revealed Dorsey had a previous felony conviction which prohibited him from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.
Dorsey was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 6, 2024. Dorsey faces up to 15 years in federal prison at sentencing. The 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 is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is a violent crime reduction strategy based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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Armed Mexican national guilty of federal immigration and firearms violations in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Mexican national, illegally living in Nacogdoches, has pleaded guilty to federal immigration and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Joel Bustamante Moreno, 25, pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry by a deported alien and unlawful possession of a machine gun before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on March 18, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on February 1, 2024, Moreno was arrested after selling multiple firearms, including a 9mm pistol equipped with a machine gun conversion device, also known as a Glock switch. Machine gun conversion devices are devices that once affixed to a pistol make the pistol capable of firing automatically by a single trigger pull. These devices allow a pistol to operate as a machine gun. After the purchase, law enforcement attempted to arrest Moreno as he fled the scene in his vehicle. Moreno wrecked the vehicle and fled on foot to a residence where he was arrested. Moreno had been previously deported in 2019 and 2020 and did not have permission to be in the United States.
Moreno was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 20, 2024. Moreno faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. The 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 is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. PSN is a violent crime reduction strategy based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Nacogdoches Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter.
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Websites seized, ten arrested, in prison drug distribution scheme in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – Three internet domains have been seized and ten individuals arrested in a scheme to provide drugs in prison, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
The internet domain name HerbalIncenseUSA.com and two related domains, Herbal-Biz.com and Herbal-Empire.com, were seized on March 6, 2025, following an investigation into drug distribution over the internet and through the U.S. Mail.
According to information provided in court, the three websites are alleged to have sold a variety of controlled substances, to include synthetic cannabinoids, aka “K2” or “Spice” specifically marketed as fictitious legal mail for the express purpose of smuggling the drugs into prisons and correctional facilities through the U.S. Mail and with the assistance of corrupt guards. “K2” supplied by the sites was responsible for multiple overdoses of prisoners being held on pre-trial detention in the Eastern District of Texas and throughout the country. A sheet of paper soaked in the drug sells for approximately $1,000 within a prison. “K2” distribution is difficult for correctional facilities to detect, as there are no reliable presumptive drug test kits that identify the drug.
The investigation identified the three websites as being the primary supplier of “K2,” shipping thousands of drug parcels to the Eastern District of Texas and tens of thousands being shipped nationwide yearly. Gross revenue from the websites was in the millions of dollars each year.
Those arrested and named in two separate federal indictments in the Eastern District of Texas are as follows:
Rana Alrichani, 46, of San Jose, CA;
Taleen Gabriel Zakarian, 36, of Glendale, CA;
Daniela Inman, 58, of Anaheim, CA;
Ioana Harhoiu, 35, of Irvine, CA;
Ziad Tohme, 48, of Burbank, CA;
Gabriel Raad, 50, of Land O’Lakes, FL;
Daisy Chalfoun, 40, of Land O’Lakes, FL;
Luisa Shahinyan, 33, of North Hills, CA;
Harout Payaslyan, 36, of Valley Village, CA; and
Manuk Payaslyan, 40, of Los Angeles, CA.
This investigation 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).
The seizures are part of a joint investigation with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General. This matter will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.
A federal indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Louisiana man sentenced for trafficking methamphetamine through East TexasRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Shreveport, LA, man has been sentenced to over 21 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Darren Tremaine Jackson, 41, was convicted at trial in March 2024 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Jackson was sentenced to 260 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on March 12, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on February 13, 2020, Jackson, and co-defendant Gary Wayne Sepulvado, were stopped by law enforcement officers for a traffic violation in Smith County. After observing a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, a search was executed, and a kilogram of methamphetamine was discovered. Sepulvado pleaded guilty to related charges on November 15, 2023, and is awaiting sentencing.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Locker and Dustin Farahnak.
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Mexican national sentenced for trafficking methamphetamine through East TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Mexican national has been sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Audivier Martinez-Gomez, 24, of Oaxaca, Mexico, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale on March 11, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on June 18, 2024, Martinez-Gomez was identified as the passenger in an eastbound vehicle stopped on Interstate-10 in Beaumont for speeding in a construction zone. Martinez-Gomez and his wife, who was the driver of the vehicle, gave conflicting stories about their travel, and were unusually nervous during the interaction. Consent was given to search the vehicle, and law enforcement located THC edibles in the passenger compartment. In the trunk, law enforcement located large garbage sacks containing multiple bags of crystal methamphetamine totaling 29.6 kilograms.
This case was investigated by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.
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Jefferson County man sentenced for federal firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Port Arthur man has been sentenced to prison for a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Christopher Dante Karo, 34, pleaded guilty to carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale on March 11, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on April 3, 2024, Karo was observed during a drug transaction in Port Arthur by law enforcement. After driving away from the scene with two minor passengers, Karo was stopped for speeding. During the stop, Karo did not have a driver’s license and was asked to step out of the vehicle and stand in front of the patrol car. Officers observed a bottle containing what appeared to be PCP under their patrol car where Karo was standing, and determined from video evidence that Karo had dropped the bottle during the traffic stop and kicked it under the patrol car. A search of Karo’s vehicle revealed a pistol under the driver’s seat. The firearm had an extended magazine with 17 rounds of ammunition and had previously been reported stolen out of Port Arthur.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Port Arthur Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.
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Wood County man sentenced for trafficking methamphetamine in East TexasRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Mineola man has been sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Bobby Wayne Land, 48, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and was sentenced to 210 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy Kernodle on March 7, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on February 28, 2023, law enforcement officers executed a search of Land’s residence in Van Zandt County which resulted in the discovery of approximately 205 grams of methamphetamine. Land admitted that the methamphetamine was his and possessed if for the purpose of distributing to others. Co-defendant, Preston Mitchell Wilson, was sentenced on January 17, 2025, to 120 months in federal prison. Danny Lynn Nabors was also sentenced on January 17, 2025, to 96 months in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Grand Saline Police Department; the Canton Police Department; and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan Jackson.
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Over 30 individuals sentenced to federal prison following Angelina County drug trafficking investigationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – Over 30 individuals have been sentenced to federal prison following a five-year investigation into drug trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
According to information presented in court, in 2019, law enforcement in Angelina County began investigating numerous individuals for trafficking methamphetamine into and through East Texas. As of February 2025, over 30 individuals have been sentenced to federal prison for offenses including conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and other related offenses. The investigation and prosecution of individuals from East Texas, Houston, and elsewhere, resulted in the dismantling of a drug trafficking organization that operated between Mexico, Houston, Angelina County, Tyler County, and other areas.
The following individuals were sentenced for various roles in the methamphetamine distribution conspiracy:
- Jesus Sanchez-Rueda, 33, of Houston – 360 months
- Jesse Canseco, 35, of Houston – 292 months
- Oscar Negrete, 26, of Humble – 68 months
- Adolfo Lopez-Lemus, 35, of Houston – 57 months
- Ryan Canseco, 35, of Houston – 120 months + 60 months for a firearms violation (for a total of 180 months)
- Jason Thompson, 44, of Lufkin – 210 months + 60 months consecutively for a firearms violation (for a total of 295 months)
- Krista Thompson, 38, of Lufkin – 95 months + 60 months for a firearms violation (for a total of 155 months)
- Rogers Williams, 31, of Houston – 135 months
- Edgar Reyes, 26, of Houston – 57 months
- Edwin Galicia, 26, of Houston – 150 months
- Joel Hernandez, Jr., 30, of Humble – 57 months
- Matthew Rogers, 43, of Houston – 70 months
- Robert Rogers, 68, of Woodville – 120 months + 60 months for a firearms violation (for a total of 180 months)
- Dustin Dauzart, 32, of Alexandria, LA – 140 months
- Everett Charles Lutz, 67, of Lufkin – 235 months
- Amanda Jane Lorentz, 37, of Lufkin – 235 months
- Kevin Edward Hughes, 30 of Lufkin – 120 months
- Aaron Dewberry, 52, of Lufkin – 120 months
- Charles Gregory Runnels, 46, of Zavalla – 137 months
- Richard Lyles, 44, of Lufkin – 84 months
- Shane Gammons, 44, of Lufkin – 96 months
- Andrea Bosley, 49, of Lufkin – 37 months
- Paul Smith, 62, of Lufkin – 77 months
- Joshua Gilpin, 37, of Lufkin – 121 months + 60 months consecutively for a firearms violation (for a total of 181 months)
- Martin Deanda, 32, of Houston – 121 months
- Lorenzo Hernandez, 24, of Houston – 121 months
- Larry Sanchez, 30, of Houston – 121 months
- Eric Copaus, 44, of Houston – 135 months
- Autumn Farley aka Autumn Sheppard, 30, of Houston – 57 months
- Santos Navarro, 50, of Houston – 130 months
- Fernando Arias, 26, of Humble – 87 months
- Lamarcus Morris, 38, of Houston – 235 months
- Luke Bridges, 49, of Missouri City – 235 months
- Brian Jones, 45, of Pensacola, FL – 48 months
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Lufkin; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Angelina County Sheriff’s Office; Lufkin Police Department; Harris County Sheriff’s Office; Houston Police Department; and the Texas Department of Public Safety-Criminal Investigations Division. These cases were prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Gaston.
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Montana man convicted in cryptocurrency money laundering conspiracyRead the Press Release
TYLER, Texas – A Montana man was found guilty of a cryptocurrency money laundering conspiracy, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Randall V. Rule, 73, formerly of Kalispell, Montana, was found guilty by a jury on all counts following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on February 26, 2025.
“We will not stand by as our citizens are victimized by financial crimes and their life savings are stolen,” said Acting U.S. Attorney McGlothin. “We will aggressively pursue cases against scammers and against those who facilitate their crimes by laundering the criminal proceeds.”
“The U.S. Secret Service extends our appreciation to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Texas, for their efforts and partnership in this case,” said Resident Agent in Charge Brad Schley. “This case culminates the work of a great team of investigators and prosecutors that works tirelessly to protect the financial infrastructure of the United States.”
On November 16, 2022, Rule and Gregory C. Nysewander, formerly of Irmo, South Carolina, were named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury, charging them with money laundering conspiracy, money laundering, and a conspiracy to violate the Bank Secrecy Act.
According to the indictment, Rule and Nysewander were alleged to have conspired with others to launder the proceeds of wire fraud and mail fraud schemes through cryptocurrency. The defendants converted funds from romance scams, business email compromises, real estate scams, and other fraudulent schemes into cryptocurrency and sent the cryptocurrency to accounts controlled by foreign and domestic co-conspirators. The defendants and their co-conspirators made false representations and concealed material facts, in order to avoid discovery of the fraudulent nature of deposits, wires, and transfers, such as providing instructions to co-conspirators and victims to label wire transfers as “loan repayments” and “advertising.” The defendants also made false representations and concealed material facts when completing account opening documents and when communicating with financial institutions and cryptocurrency exchanges. During the course of the conspiracy, Rule, Nysewander, and their co-conspirators laundered more than $2.4 million. Rule and Nysewander were also charged with willfully violating the money services business requirements of the Bank Secrecy Act.
At sentencing, Rule faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each money laundering charge and up to 5 years in federal prison on the conspiracy to violate the Bank Secrecy Act charge. 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 effort is part of Operation Crypto Runner, an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys D. Ryan Locker, Dustin Farahnak, and Nathaniel C. Kummerfeld.
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Guatemalan national sentenced for illegal reentry in Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Guatemalan national has been sentenced to federal prison for illegally reentering the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Luis Tomas Dionicio-Coche, 43, pleaded guilty to unlawful reentry by deported alien and was sentenced to 12 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale on February 24, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on August 30, 2024, Dionicio-Coche was stopped and arrested on Roberts Avenue in Beaumont. Dionicio-Coche is a Guatemalan national illegally present in the United States. Further investigation revealed Dionicio-Coche had been previously deported or removed to Guatemala on November 29, 2012; February 22, 2013; and April 11, 2019. Dionicio-Coche had also been previously convicted of multiple offenses including driving while intoxicated; driving under the influence; hit and run; and driving while license suspended.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ross.
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Houston felon sentenced for federal firearms violation in Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Houston convicted felon has been sentenced to prison for a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Bobby Ray Emanis, 40, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon and was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on February 18, 2025.
According to information presented in court, in September 2023, a deputy with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a suspicious vehicle on County Road 2286 in Cleveland. The vehicle was parked in the roadway with its lights off. The truck had no front license plate and no registration sticker in the windshield. Emanis was identified as the driver and informed the deputy there was a sawed-off shotgun behind the seat. The loaded shotgun was recovered. Further investigation revealed Emanis was a convicted felon, having been previously convicted of numerous violations in Liberty County, Nacogdoches County, and Harris County. As a convicted felon, Emanis knew he was prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.
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Guatemalan national sentenced for illegal reentry in Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Guatemalan national has been sentenced to federal prison for illegally reentering the United States, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Carlos Rodriguez-Torres, 42, pleaded guilty to reenty of deported alien and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on February 18, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on April 18, 2024, Rodriguez-Torres was found in Lumberton. Data system checks revealed Rodriguez-Torres is a citizen and national of Guatemala and illegally present in the United States. Further investigation revealed Rodriguez-Torres had been previously deported or removed to Guatemala on March 14, 2012; October 9, 2012; March 12, 2013; and January 8, 2019. Rodriguez-Torres had also been previously convicted of unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien on February 20, 2018, in the Eastern District of Texas.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Lumberton Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.
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Former Guatemalan Congressman sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for international drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
PLANO, Texas – A former Guatemalan congressman has been sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for his role in an international drug trafficking conspiracy, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. of the Eastern District of Texas.
Jose Armando Ubico Aguilar, 45, a former senior Republic of Guatemala official, pleaded guilty to being involved in an international drug trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced to 216 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael Truncale on February 11, 2025.
According to information presented in court, Ubico Aguilar served as an elected member of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala from 2016 to 2024. He also served as an elected Deputy and was the President of the National Defense Committee of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala from 2018 to 2023.
“The sentencing of this corrupt Guatemalan official who brokered and facilitated cocaine shipments into the United States while betraying his country through his partnerships with known drug traffickers and other corrupt officials shows the commitment of the Eastern District of Texas United States Attorney’s Office to identify, disrupt, and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. “I am grateful to our law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to ensure that Ubico Aguilar will no longer be allowed to hide behind his position of power.”
“The sentencing of this corrupt official who brokered and facilitated cocaine shipments into the United States sends a message to Transnational Criminal Organizations across the world that they will be held responsible for the poison they distribute into the United States,” said Dallas DEA Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chávez. “This sentence reflects our continued resolve to partner with our international law-enforcement counterparts to fight greed, violence, and public corruption.”
On March 3, 2021, a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Texas indicted Ubico Aguilar charging him with federal drug trafficking violations. In May 2024, Ubico Aguilar arrived in the United States and pleaded guilty. During his plea hearing, Ubico Aguilar admitted his role in the conspiracy, including relaying drug-related information and U.S. currency to another Guatemalan official on behalf of an international drug trafficker. These actions resulted in the safe passage of at least 450 kilograms of cocaine through Guatemala for distribution in the United States.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.
This case was investigated by the North Texas Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) Strike Force Group Two; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Division; the DEA’s Guatemala City Country Office and the DEA’s San Jose (Costa Rica) Country Office; the FBI’s Dallas Field Office; the Homeland Security Investigation’s Dallas and Guatemala Field Offices; the U.S. Marshals Service’s Dallas Field Office; and Customs and Border Protection’s San Diego Field Office. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division also provided significant assistance in securing the surrender of Ubico Aguilar.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Eason.
Denton County woman sentenced to federal prison for fatal fentanyl overdoseRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Denton woman has been sentenced to over 19 years in federal prison for her role in a fatal fentanyl overdose in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Tiffane Chantial Volz, 37, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 235 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Amos
Mazzant on February 18, 2025.Co-defendant, Courtney Green, 28, also of Denton, pleaded guilty to the same charges and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison on January 30, 2025, by Judge Mazzant.
According to information presented in court, on April 15, 2023, law enforcement officers responded to a reported overdose death on Heatherton Drive in Celina, Texas. Autopsy results determined the victim died of pulmonary congestion and edema due to the toxic effects of fentanyl. An investigation revealed emails and text messages between the victim and Green discussing the distribution of prescription pills. Further investigation determined Volz to be Green’s source of supply.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a Public Safety Alert warning Americans of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. The Public Safety Alert coincides with the launch of DEA’s One Pill Can Kill Public Awareness Campaign to educate the public of the dangers of counterfeit pills and urges all Americans to take only medications prescribed by a medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of a significant nationwide surge in fake pills that are mass-produced by criminal drug networks in labs, deceptively marketed as legitimate prescription pills, and are killing unsuspecting Americans at an unprecedented rate. For more information, please visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill.
This case was investigated by the Celina Police Department, Denton County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
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Sex offender sentenced to federal prison for failing to register in BeaumontRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A sex offender living in Beaumont was sentenced to federal prison for failing to register in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Lequinte Dangelo Johnson, 37, pleaded guilty to failure to register as a sex offender and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on February 13, 2025.
According to information presented in court, in 2006, in Riverside, California, Johnson was convicted of lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14 years old. As part of his sentence, Johnson was required to register as a sex offender. In July of 2023, the U.S. Marshals Service in Beaumont received information containing Johnson’s updated sex offender registration paperwork from Arizona. The paperwork indicated that Johnson had registered as homeless with a “RESIDENCE OR PHYSICAL LOCATION” in Glendale, Arizona. However, he listed a “409” cell phone number as his contact information. Through information found on social media, it was determined that Johnson was living in Beaumont where he was eventually found living in a storage unit, although never having registered in Texas.
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 U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove.
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Orange County man sentenced for federal firearms violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – An Orange, Texas, man has been sentenced for a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. today.
Alton Wayne Wallace, 31, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on February 13, 2025.
According to information presented in court, just before midnight on October 27, 2023, law enforcement officers responded to a report of loitering behind a restaurant on 16th Street in Orange. When officers arrived, they found Wallace sitting on a gun in the passenger seat of the car that was described in the call. Another pistol was found on the floorboard in front of Wallace. Further investigation revealed that Wallace was previously convicted of carjacking in Beaumont. A federal grand jury indicted Wallace on May 1, 2024. Under federal law, convicted felons are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Orange Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.
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Angelina County felon sentenced for federal drug trafficking and firearms violationsRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Lufkin man has been sentenced for federal drug trafficking and firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Bradley Skyler Bryan, 27, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession of a firearm by a felon and was sentenced to 175 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on February 13, 2025.
According to information presented in court, in April 2024, Bryan was stopped for a traffic violation in Lufkin. During the stop, the officer smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed marijuana, vape pens, pills, and a large amount of methamphetamine. A concealed handgun was found on Bryan. Further investigation revealed Bryan had twelve prior felony convictions, including numerous felony convictions involving narcotics and firearms.
A search warrant was obtained for Bryan’s residence where officers located methamphetamine, cocaine, ammunition, a cell phone hidden inside of a wall, a camera surveillance system, and various other items typically used to distribute illegal drugs. As a convicted felon, Bryan is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigations Division; Lufkin Police Department; and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald Carter.
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Two convicted in Eastern District of Texas COVID fraud schemeRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Collin County man and a Floridian have been convicted of federal violations related to a COVID fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Cord Dean Newman, 47, of Homosassa, Florida, and Eric “Phoenix” Marascio, 53, of Allen, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on February 6, 2025.
According to information presented in court, Newman, a Hollywood stuntman, and Marascio, an author and baker, were convicted for their involvement in a multimillion-dollar loan fraud and money laundering conspiracy. The evidence at trial showed they were involved in a scheme to defraud lenders and the Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) by applying for and obtaining fraudulent PPP loans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Once Newman and Marascio obtained the loans, they used the funds in a manner inconsistent with the program, including to invest in foreign exchange currency markets, to purchase vehicles, and for various other non-business-related expenditures.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was a federal law enacted in March 2020 and designed to provide emergency financial assistance to the millions of Americans who were suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses, through a program referred to as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program was an SBA program that provided low-interest financing to small businesses, renters, and homeowners in regions affected by declared disasters.
The defendants each face up to 20 years in federal prison at sentencing. The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the Eastern District of Texas.
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Jefferson County felon sentenced for federal gun violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Demond Maurice Barnes, 46, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on February 7, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on June 15, 2023, law enforcement officers responded to a minor automobile accident in Port Arthur. While in route, officers received information from callers that one of the drivers had a firearm in his possession. Upon arrival, officers observed a red Ford Mustang that had backed into another vehicle. The driver of the Mustang, identified as Barnes, was unconscious in the driver’s seat, unresponsive and foaming at the mouth. When Barnes was removed from the vehicle, officers discovered he was sitting on a semi-automatic pistol. Further investigation revealed Barnes to be a convicted felon having been previously convicted in Louisiana of possession of cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. As a convicted felon, Barnes was 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 Port Arthur Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.
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Final defendant sentenced in large-scale federal drug trafficking caseRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A large-scale investigation has concluded with multiple individuals being sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking and firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
According to information presented in court, beginning in 2021, law enforcement investigated a drug trafficking organization operating throughout East Texas, identifying Edgar Garcia, Jr. as the primary distributor. Law enforcement began conducting operations to identify numerous individuals receiving methamphetamine from Garcia. During the investigation, law enforcement executed residential search warrants, purchased methamphetamine and/or firearms directly from Garcia and other members of his drug trafficking organization, and directed traffic stops to intercept narcotics and firearms being transported for distribution. Ultimately, multiple kilograms of methamphetamine were seized during the operation.
Law enforcement was also able to obtain almost a dozen firearms from various individuals in the organization. The firearms were either sold as part of narcotics transactions or being used to guard the illegal drugs.
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.
The individuals sentenced to federal prison during the investigation and prosecution of the drug trafficking organization are:
Edgar Garcia Jr., 26, of Nacogdoches, sentenced to 151 months;
Justin Michael Sanchez, 33, of Nacogdoches, sentenced to 235 months;
Beverly Hurst, 26, of Center, sentenced to 151 months;
Jason Clepper, 36, of Goliad, sentenced to 150 months;
Blake Trahan, 29, of Center, sentenced to 48 months;
Austin Yarbrough, 32, of Timpson, sentenced to 188 months;
Laddarus Perkins, 40, of Timpson, sentenced to 135 months;
Jeanese Fenley, 43, of Timpson, sentenced to 70 months; and
Koury Nowell, 49, of Gary City, sentenced to 33 months.
This case was investigated by the FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Texas Department of Public Safety; Shelby County Sheriff’s Office; Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office; and Panola County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Donald S. Carter and Lucas Machicek.
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Orange County felon sentenced for federal gun violationRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Vidor convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Dennis Lee Kelley, 32, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm was sentenced to 46 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on February 7, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on July 27, 2023, Kelley was arrested near Hwy 105 in Beaumont pursuant to an active warrant for a parole violation. At the time of his arrest, a pistol was discovered in the vehicle he was driving. As a convicted felon, Kelley was 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 Beaumont Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.
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Arkansas man sentenced for possessing machinegun conversion deviceRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Little Rock, Arkansas, man has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing a machinegun conversion device in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Jajuan Lee Bonds, 22, pleaded guilty to possession of a machinegun and was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on February 7, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on July 21, 2022, an officer with the Corrigan Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Bonds. The officer observed what appeared to be marijuana in a clear plastic baggie in the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, the officer located a firearm outfitted with a machinegun conversion device, commonly referred to as a “Glock Switch”. The modified handgun had been previously reported stolen. 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 Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Corrigan Police Department and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy Coleman.
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Lockheed Martin Corporation Agrees to Settle False Claims Act Allegations of Defective PricingRead the Press Release
Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMC) has agreed to pay $29.74 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations of defective pricing on contracts for F-35 military aircraft. This payment is in addition to $11.3 million that LMC previously paid to the Department of Defense (DOD) for the same undisclosed cost and pricing data on some of the same contracts. LMC, headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, is one of the world’s largest defense contractors.
According to court documents, between 2013 and 2015, LMC inflated pricing proposals it submitted to obtain contracts for the F-35 by failing to provide to DOD’s F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) accurate, complete, and current cost and pricing data during the negotiations leading to the award of five contracts for the production or sustainment of the F-35. The United States alleged that LMC had knowledge of suppliers’ cost or pricing data that it did not disclose to the JPO in violation of the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA). Congress enacted TINA in 1962 to help level the playing field in sole source contracts — where there is no price competition — by making sure that government negotiators have access to the cost or pricing data that the offeror used when developing its proposal. The United States alleged that had LMC provided accurate, complete, and current cost and pricing data, JPO would have awarded the contracts in lower amounts.
“Those who do business with the government must do so fairly and honestly,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We will pursue contractors that knowingly misuse taxpayer funds.”
“The United States relies on contractors such as Lockheed Martin to provide accurate, complete, and current information, including pricing data, when negotiating contracts with the government,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr, for the Eastern District of Texas. “If a contractor fails to do so, and that failure affects the value of its contract with the government, the Eastern District of Texas will take steps to ensure that the contractor is held accountable.”
“The F-35 program is at the heart of our nation’s defense,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Mike Schmidt, Director and Program Executive Officer, F-35 Joint Program Office. “The F-35 Joint Program Office will continue to insist on integrity and honesty in all business transactions. We demand 100% accountability for every dollar spent on this program on behalf of U.S. taxpayers and international customers and taxpayers.”
“The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) will methodically pursue all alleged violations of the False Claims Act and Truth in Negotiations Act,” said Principal Deputy Director James R. Ives of DCIS. “Today’s outcome reflects the unwavering commitment of DCIS and our investigative partners to hold accountable those who bilk the American taxpayer by perpetrating fraud against the DOD.”
“Overinflation of production and sustainment costs for an aircraft critical to our national defense undermines operational readiness and erodes the trust placed in the Department of Defense by the American people,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Economic Crimes Field Office. “NCIS and our investigative partners remain steadfast in our commitment to investigating entities that compromise the integrity of government contracts.”
The settlement derives from allegations originally brought in a lawsuit filed in the Eastern District of Texas by a whistleblower under the qui tam provisions of the False Claims Act, which allow private parties, known as relators, to bring suit on behalf of the government and to share in any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Patrick Girard v. Lockheed Martin Corp., No. 4:17-CV-147 (EDTX). The relator’s share of the settlement has not yet been determined.
This settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section of the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas with assistance from JPO, DCIS, NCIS, and the Defense Contract Audit Agency.
Trial Attorney Arnold M. Auerhan of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney James Gillingham for the Eastern District of Texas handled the matter.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability
Jasper County felon guilty of federal firearms and drug trafficking crimesRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Buna man has been convicted of federal firearms and drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Leotis Cornelius McMahon, 48, was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on February 5, 2025.
According to information presented in court, in 2023, law enforcement was investigating McMahon for distributing narcotics within Southeast Texas. After a prolonged surveillance operation, a traffic stop was conducted on McMahon where he was found to be transporting large amounts of marijuana, cocaine, and nearly a kilogram of “actual” methamphetamine. After the traffic stop, a search warrant for McMahon’s residence in Buna was obtained and executed. Law enforcement discovered materials used in the distribution of narcotics as well as four separate firearms, one being an AR style pistol. One of the firearms seized from McMahon’s residence was stolen.
McMahon was operating what was described as a mobile illegal drug shop. The amounts of controlled substances, along with the tools used in trafficking such as scales and bags used for distribution, seized from McMahon indicated that he was dealing significant quantities of drugs for profit.
Further investigation revealed McMahon is a convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
McMahon was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 10, 2024. He faces up to life 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 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 Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigations; Lumberton Police Department; Jasper County Sheriff’s Office; Beaumont Police Department; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Lee and John B. Ross.
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Denton County man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for fatal fentanyl overdoseRead the Press Release
SHERMAN, Texas – A Denton man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his role in a fatal fentanyl overdose in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Courtney Green, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Green was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison on January 30, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant.
Co-defendant Tiffane Chantial Volz, 37, also of Denton, pleaded guilty to the same charge and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Mazzant on February 18, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on April 15, 2023, law enforcement officers responded to a reported overdose death on Heatherton Drive in Celina, Texas. Autopsy results determined the victim died of pulmonary congestion and edema due to the toxic effects of fentanyl. An investigation revealed emails and text messages between the victim and Green discussing the distribution of prescription pills. Further investigation determined Volz to be Green’s source of supply.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a Public Safety Alert warning Americans of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. The Public Safety Alert coincides with the launch of DEA’s One Pill Can Kill Public Awareness Campaign to educate the public of the dangers of counterfeit pills and urges all Americans to take only medications prescribed by a medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of a significant nationwide surge in fake pills that are mass-produced by criminal drug networks in labs, deceptively marketed as legitimate prescription pills, and are killing unsuspecting Americans at an unprecedented rate. For more information, please visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill.
This case was investigated by the Celina Police Department, Denton County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Collin County Medical Examiner’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Johnson.
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McGlothin named Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of TexasRead the Press Release
Pursuant to the Vacancies Reform Act, First Assistant United States Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr., has been named the Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas following the departure of U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs on January 21, 2025.
Jefferson County man sentenced to 10 years for possessing fentanylRead the Press Release
BEAUMONT, Texas – A Beaumont man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for possessing fentanyl in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
Joe Anthony Garcia, 28, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on January 23, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on May 19, 2022, law enforcement officers responded to a 9-1-1 call regarding a shooting on Avenue E in Beaumont. Officers found at least 16 bullet holes in the front door of the home and Garcia, a resident of the home, inside with gunshot wounds to his chest and hip. Officers also observed narcotics throughout the house in plain view. A search warrant was obtained, and additional narcotics were discovered, including over 1,200 pills in the bathroom. The pills were analyzed by the crime lab and found to contain approximately 156 grams of fentanyl.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a Public Safety Alert warning Americans of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine. The Public Safety Alert coincides with the launch of DEA’s One Pill Can Kill Public Awareness Campaign to educate the public of the dangers of counterfeit pills and urges all Americans to take only medications prescribed by a medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. The campaign aims to raise public awareness of a significant nationwide surge in fake pills that are mass-produced by criminal drug networks in labs, deceptively marketed as legitimate prescription pills, and are killing unsuspecting Americans at an unprecedented rate. For more information, please visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill.
This case was investigated by the Beaumont Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn.
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Texas Defendant Pleads Guilty to Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act ViolationRead the Press Release
A Texas defendant pleaded guilty yesterday to a misdemeanor charge under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which prohibits a person from intentionally damaging or destroying the property of a facility because that facility provides reproductive health services.
According to court documents, on May 7, 2022, Ethan Skorick, 23, intentionally damaged the property of Loreto House and Woman to Woman pregnancy resource centers located in Denton, Texas, by defacing the clinics’ buildings, doors and security cameras with spray paint. Specifically, Skorick vandalized the buildings with words including, “NOT A CLINIC,” “FORCED BIRTH IS MURDER,” and “PRO BIRTH [does not equal] PRO LIFE.”
“Vandalizing facilities, including pregnancy resource centers, that provide reproductive health care has no place in the national discourse on reproductive health. Such conduct is unacceptable and unlawful,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will enforce the FACE Act to protect all providers of reproductive health services, and their patients.”
“This defendant sought to prevent fellow citizens from exercising rights protected by law,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs for the Eastern District of Texas. “People cannot resort to destroying property in an effort to intimidate or prevent others from engaging in lawful activity simply because they disagree with the law. This office will remain dedicated to protecting the rights of all Americans to safely access medical services and ensuring providers can perform their duties freely.”
“Under federal law the FBI is tasked with defending civil rights in the United States and will work with our partners to ensure those rights are protected,” said Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock of the Dallas FBI Field Office. “Anyone who intentionally damages property to prevent individuals from seeking to obtain or provide reproductive health services will be held accountable for their actions.”
The FBI Dallas Field Office, Frisco Resident Agency are investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracey Batson for the Eastern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.