District of Utah
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Alleged Drug Dealer Charged for Drug Trafficking and Firearm Crimes in the District of UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –A Salt Lake County man was indicted by a federal grand jury today for drug and firearm crimes after he allegedly attempted to sell fentanyl pills during a controlled buy in Murray, Utah.
Richard Daniel Garcia, 36, of, Murray, Utah, was charged by complaint on November 19, 2025.
According to court documents, on November 17, 2025, agents assigned to the DEA Metro Narcotics Task Force (MNTF) and Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) conducted an operation involving the controlled purchase of fentanyl pills. During the controlled purchase, after confirming the sale of fentanyl, agents arrested Garcia. Agents seized a Springfield Hellcast 9mm handgun and 1,032 grams of fentanyl. The weight of the fentanyl pills possessed by Garcia was approximately 10,000 individual pills.
Garcia is charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. His initial appearance on the indictment is December 4, 2025, at 1:15 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by the DEA Metro Narcotics Task Force (MNTF) and Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF).
Special Assistant United States Attorney Alex Westenskow of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. The case was investigated by agents and officers of the HSTF Salt Lake and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Idaho Man Admits to Assaulting Federal Officers in Southern UtahRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, Utah – Gregory Aaron Farley, 51, of Hazelton, Idaho, pleaded guilty in federal court today to assault of an employee of the United States with a deadly or dangerous weapon after he rammed his pickup truck into two U.S. Park Rangers’ vehicle in May 2025.
According to court documents and admissions made at Farley’s change of plea hearing, on May 3, 2025, while in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area in Southern Utah, Farley used his GMC Sierra Denali pickup truck to assault two on duty United States Park Rangers who conducted a traffic stop on Farley. During the traffic stop, Farley, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, fled the scene while one of the rangers was speaking to him, nearly hitting one of the rangers. A vehicle pursuit ensued, and at one point, Farley turned his vehicle around and rammed his truck into the driver’s side of the rangers’ vehicle, pushing them into the shoulder of the road, causing their vehicle’s air bags to deploy and rendering the driver’s side door inoperable. See prior press release: Idaho Man Indicted after Allegedly Assaulting U.S. Park Rangers in Southern Utah.
Farley is scheduled to be sentenced February 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. before a U.S. District Court Judge in courtroom 2B of the courthouse located at 206 West Tabernacle Street, St. George, Utah 84470.
“My office will have zero tolerance for attacks on law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “We are fortunate that these U.S. Park Rangers were not critically injured, but it is a stark reminder of the dangers they face while in the line of duty. My office will prosecute such violent offenders to the fullest extent of the law.”
The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph M. Hood and Stephen P. Dent of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Utah Businessman Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding the COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program Out of $437,230Read the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Troy Campbell, 57, of Taylorsville, Utah, was sentenced today to 18 months’ imprisonment for wire fraud and money laundering after he engaged in a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program and the Small Business Administration by unlawfully submitting and obtaining $437,230 in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan proceeds.
The COVID-19 PPP Loans were provided to small businesses for funding to meet specific obligations, including payroll and rent during the pandemic.
In addition to Campbell’s term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow ordered that he serve two years of supervised release and pay $437,230 in restitution to the victim.
According to court documents and statements made at Campbell’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, beginning in July 2020 and continuing until February 2023, Campbell, the registered agent and an owner of Salt IT Solutions LLC, a Utah business, fraudulently obtained $437,230 in PPP Loan proceeds. Campbell, who had control over SALT IT bank accounts, admitted that he submitted a PPP Loan application on behalf of SALT IT for $437,230 and received the proceeds via wire transfer after the fraudulent PPP Loan application was approved. Among other things, Campbell’s Salt IT PPP Loan Application falsely represented that SALT IT’s monthly payroll was $174,892.17 and that it had 22 employees. Campbell also submitted fake tax documents in support of the PPP Loan application that included grossly inflated wage information and, in fact, were never filed with the IRS.
Additionally, Campbell admitted he wire transferred $75,000 in PPP Loan proceeds to another participant in his scheme.
“Mr. Campbell’s crimes impacted all taxpaying citizens and small business owners that legitimately needed pandemic-related assistance during a challenging time,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “My office, along with our law enforcement partners are committed to bringing justice to those who exploited the pandemic for their personal gain.”
“This sentencing underscores SBA-OIG’s unwavering commitment to recovering stolen taxpayer dollars” said SBA OIG’s Western Region Acting Special Agent in Charge Tim Larson. “We are thankful for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners for their continued dedication to ensuring justice is served.”
“Mr. Campbell enriched himself with money meant to keep Americans working during a national crisis,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. “This sentence reflects the FBI’s commitment to uncovering fraud and ensuring that those who steal from the public are held accountable.”
The case was investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General (SBA OIG).
Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Woolf and Mark Y. Hirata of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud.
Florencia 13 Gang Member Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Drug and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Florencia 13 Gang Member, Gregorio Tabarez-Hernandez, aka “Trigger,” 20, of Sandy, Utah, was sentenced today to 240 months’ imprisonment, and three years’ supervised release for drug and gun crimes he committed in 2023.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow, comes after Tabarez-Hernandez pleaded guilty on September 4, 2025 to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of a machine gun.
According to court documents and admissions made at Tabarez-Hernandez’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on October 19, 2023 law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence. In Tabarez-Hernandez’s closet, investigators located cocaine, small plastic bags, over $23,000 in cash, and two firearms. One of the firearms was a Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun equipped with a machinegun conversion device known as a “switch.” Tabarez-Hernandez admitted that he had been distributing cocaine and that he possessed the firearms to protect his drugs and money.
Tabarez-Hernandez has a history of firearm offenses which is consistent with his association with Florencia 13, a criminal street gang affiliated with the Surenos.
“I am grateful to our state enforcement partners for their excellent investigation that led to Mr. Tabarez-Hernandez’s arrest,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. “This administration is committed to working with our federal and state partners to stop drug trafficking and organized crime in our communities. Mr. Tabarez-Hernandez’s 20-year sentence demonstrates that strong commitment.”
“These types of cases require a lot of work for law enforcement, and the arrest and conviction of Mr. Tabarez-Hernandez is a perfect example of how partnering with local, state and federal agencies gets results,” said Salt Lake County Sheriff Rosie Rivera.
"We are thankful for the hard work that the investigators put into this case,” said Sandy City Police Chief Greg Severson. “We are appreciative of our partnerships with local and federal agencies in taking this individual off our streets."
The case was investigated jointly by the Sandy City Police Department and the Salt Lake County Metro Gang Unit.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
West Valley Man Admits to Robbing a Credit UnionRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Joseph Troy Ortega, 58, of West Valley City, Utah, pleaded guilty in court today to credit union robbery after he threatened a teller and fled with $3,690 in cash.
According to court documents and admissions made at Sanchez-Carrillo’s change of plea hearing on August 28, 2025, Ortega entered a credit union in West Valley City, approached the teller and demanded money. The teller complied with Ortega’s demands and handed over $3,690. Ortega then took the money and fled the credit union in his black Toyota Rav 4. A short time later, Ortega was located by law enforcement and taken into custody. In an envelope inside the vehicle, officers found a portion of the stolen money. See prior press release: West Valley City Man Indicted Following Alleged Credit Union Robbery.
Ortega is scheduled to be sentenced February 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. in courtroom 3.4 before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorney, Carlos A. Esqueda, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Utah Woman Sentenced After Defacing Petroglyphs on BLM LandRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, Utah – Daniela Ganassim Ericksen, 47, of Ivins, Utah, was sentenced today after she vandalized petroglyphs on the Bureau of Land Management land located in in Kane County, Utah, in 2024.
The court ordered Ericksen to 12 months’ probation and ordered her to pay a total of $14,853.36 in fines and restitution. Ericksen was also ordered to send a letter of apology to the relevant stakeholder tribes in the area and is prohibited from entering on to Bureau of Land Management land during her probationary period.
According to court documents, on November 23, 2024, Ericksen entered onto U.S. BLM land near the confluence of Buckskin and Wire Pass in Kane County and vandalized archaeological resources, specifically a petroglyph panel. As a result of her illegal conduct, the cost to restore and repair the damage is $11,853.36.
United States Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Land Management.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Hood of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Melissa Holyoak Appointed Interim United States Attorney for the District of UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – On November 17, 2025, United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi appointed Melissa Holyoak as the Interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah.
Holyoak brings extensive experience to the United States Attorney’s Office as a litigator and leader. Most recently, she served as a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), protecting American consumers.
“I am grateful to Attorney General Bondi for trusting me to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Utah,” said U.S. Attorney Holyoak. “It is an honor to lead this outstanding office in my home state where I look forward to working closely with our federal, tribal, state, and local partners to ensure the safety of our citizens and uphold the rule of law.”
Prior to her role as an FTC Commissioner, Holyoak served as Solicitor General with the Utah Attorney General’s Office, where she oversaw civil appeals, criminal appeals, constitutional defense and special litigation, and antitrust and data privacy divisions. She also managed multistate matters including those involving consumer protection and antitrust claims.
Holyoak also served as president and general counsel of Hamilton Lincoln Law Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based public interest firm and in other public interest attorney positions with the Competitive Enterprise Institute and the Center for Class Action Fairness. Holyoak represented class members challenging unfair class actions and consumers fighting regulatory abuse in federal district courts and appellate courts across the country.
Holyoak has argued appeals in the Fifth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, and D.C. Circuits. She is a former prosecutor and attorney with O’Melveny & Myers LLP. She graduated from the University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law in 2003 as a member of the Order of the Coif and Law Review. Holyoak is a member of the Utah, D.C., and Missouri (inactive) bars. Holyoak is married and has four children.
ICYMI: Federal Cases by the District of Utah During the Recent Government ShutdownRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – During the lapse in government funding, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah continued its mission to protect public safety and prosecute federal cases. Below are some of the indictments, pleas of guilty, and sentencings obtained during the shutdown.
Oct. 9, 2025
Ryan Michael Gaines, 32, of Santa Clara, Utah, pleaded guilty to damaging government property, specifically a Department of Homeland Security Transit Van in April 2025. As a result, the damage to the van totaled $2,883.20. Gaines’ sentencing is set for January 7, 2026, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at 11:30 a.m. in courtroom 2B 206 in St. George, Utah.
Oct. 14, 2025
Hector Luis Castillo-Reyes, 33, a Nicaraguan citizen living in the United States illegally, was indicted by a federal grand jury after he allegedly obtained approximately 104,000 blue M30 fentanyl pills that field-tested positive for fentanyl and weighed 23 pounds total. Castillo-Reyes was charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. He had his initial appearance on the indictment on October 30, 2025.
Oct. 14, 2025
Mario Guzman Bonilla, 20, a Honduran citizen living in the United States illegally, was indicted by a federal grand Jury on October 14, 2025, after law enforcement in Washington County, Utah, seized ten packages of narcotics from his vehicle. The packages tested positive for fentanyl, with a total weigh of 10 kilograms of fentanyl powder. Guzman Bonilla was charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. He had his initial appearance on the indictment on October 20, 2025.
Oct. 15, 2025
Darwin Brock, 58 of Lapoint, Utah, was indicted by a federal grand jury for abusive sexual contact of a child in Indian Country after he allegedly engaged in sexual contact with a victim under the age of 12. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for November 18, 2025, at 2:15 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Oct. 29, 2025
Diriyeh Gass, 18, of Salt Lake City, Utah, was charged by a federal grand jury after he allegedly pulled out a handgun and pointed it at the driver of a vehicle that Gass then carjacked. Officers were able to stop the vehicle in Salt Lake City, Utah, but Gass took off on foot. Because Gass possessed the victim’s earbuds, the officers were able to track Gass to his home in Salt Lake City where Gass was arrested. Officers also seized a Hi-Point C9 9mm handgun from his home. Gass’s initial appearance on the indictment was on November 4, 2025.
Nov. 12, 2025
Thomas Paul Madden, 67, of Washington City, Utah, was sentenced to 100 months’ imprisonment and ordered to pay $13,860,988.56 in restitution after he engaged in a yearslong scheme in which he defrauded over 200 people out of $25 million. In addition to his term of imprisonment, the court also sentenced Madden to two years’ supervised release.
Undocumented Honduran Citizen Charged After Law Enforcement Seize a Large Load of Fentanyl in Washington CountyRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, Utah –A Honduran citizen living in the United States illegally, was indicted by a federal grand jury for drug crimes after he allegedly trafficked drugs into the district of Utah.
Mario Guzman Bonilla, 20, an undocumented Honduran citizen living in Salt Lake City, Utah, was charged on October 14, 2025. According to court documents, on August 7, 2025, a Washington City Police Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that Guzman Bonilla was driving. A K-9 officer was deployed and alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and seized ten packages of narcotics from the vehicle. The state crime lab tested the narcotics, which tested positive for fentanyl and weighed more than 10 kilograms of fentanyl powder.
Guzman Bonilla is charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment was October 20, 2025, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. A two-day jury trial is scheduled for December 30, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 2B 206 in St. George.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Special assistance was provided by the Washington City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Angela M. Reddish-Day of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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*This press release was posted November 14, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Nicaraguan Citizen Indicted After Law Enforcement Seize 104,000 Blue Fentanyl Pills in the District of UtahRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, Utah – A Nicaraguan citizen, living in the United States illegally, was indicted by a federal grand jury for drug crimes after he allegedly trafficked approximately 104,000 blue M30 fentanyl pills that tested positive for fentanyl and weighed 23 pounds total.
Hector Luis Castillo-Reyes, 33, an undocumented Nicaraguan citizen living in Denver, Colorado, was charged on October 14, 2025. According to court documents, on this date, a San Juan County Deputy Sheriff stopped Castillo-Reyes for a traffic violation. A K9 alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics and the vehicle was searched. Law enforcement found 104,000 blue M30 pills that weighed 23 pounds and field-tested positive for fentanyl. Castillo-Reyes, the sole occupant in the vehicle, was taken into custody.
Castillo-Reyes is charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment was October 30, 2025, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. A two-day jury trial is scheduled for January 6, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 2B 206 in St. George.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and San Juan County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Joseph M. Hood of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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*This press release was posted November 14, after the end of the federal government shutdown.
Texas Man Found Guilty of Sexually Assaulting a Passenger During a Flight Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Robert Sutherland MacLean, 59, of Frisco, Texas, was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment after he was convicted by a jury in July of abusive sexual contact in the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.
In addition to MacLean’s term of imprisonment, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Dale Kimball imposed a term of three years’ supervised release, a fine of $10,000, and ordered MacLean to pay $7,261.60 in restitution.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on March 1, 2022, during an approximately 3-hour flight from Chicago to Salt Lake City, MacLean repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim seated next to him in the first-class cabin of a United Airlines Flight. MacLean also made calculated and sexually laced statements to the victim throughout the duration of the flight.
According to court documents, MacLean has a history of misconduct on an airplane and was cited by the Federal Aviation Administration civilly for interference with a flight crew where his reported conduct was similar to conduct at issue in this case in which he was convicted.
The case was investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Kennedy and Bryan N. Reeves of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
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*This press release was posted December 1, 2025, after the end of the federal government shutdown.Foreign National Facing Federal Charges Following Alleged Firearms Theft in Park City, UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –A foreign national, living in the United States illegally, was charged by felony information after he allegedly broke into the Park City Gun Club, stole firearms, and fled from police in a vehicle before crashing at a park and taken into custody.
Abraham Hernandez-Duron, 40, a foreign national who has been living in Taylorsville, Utah, was charged by complaint on August 26, 2025.
According to court documents, on August 24, 2025, at approximately 5:30 a.m. a “glass break” alarm was reported at the Park City Gun Club in Park City, Utah, a federally licensed firearms dealer (FFL). Hernandez-Duron allegedly utilized a hammer to break into the FFL. Law enforcement quickly arrived on scene and multiple shots were fired from inside the firearms business. Shortly after, Hernandez-Duron exited the building, got into a vehicle, and fled. Police safely pursued and eventually, Hernandez-Duron crashed the vehicle at Trailside Bike Park. Hernandez-Duron was initially non-compliant with law enforcement commands, which led to a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) callout. Hernandez-Duron was eventually taken into custody. Five firearms were located in the vehicle Hernandez-Duron was driving, all of which were taken from the firearms shop.
Hernandez-Duron is charged with theft of firearms from a licensed dealer. His initial appearance on the felony information was September 24, 2025, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Assistant United States Attorney Victoria K. McFarland of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
A felony information is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Child Predator in Utah Sentenced to 30 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Carlos Arturo Aparicio Hernandez, aka Raiza Daniela Yasira Aparicio Hernandez, 40, of Taylorsville, Utah, was sentenced to 360 months’ imprisonment after he pretended to be a minor female and communicated with a child victim on Facebook. The defendant convinced the victim to send sexually explicit photos and then extorted additional sexually explicit images and videos from the victim.
In addition to his term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow, sentenced Aparicio Hernandez to a lifetime term of supervised release.
According to court documents and admissions made at Aparicio Hernandez’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, Aparicio Hernandez engaged in sexual conduct with a minor that he met on Facebook while pretending to be a minor female. Specifically, beginning on April 29, 2022, Aparicio Hernandez used his iPhone and iPad while acting as a minor female to communicate with an actual 14-year-old on Facebook. Over months of communications, Aparicio Hernandez convinced the teen to send him explicit photos and videos, which he later extorted for additional explicit images and videos from the victim. He also arranged on two occasions to meet the 14-year-old and engaged in illegal sexual activity, of which he produced images of the illegal sexual encounters and stored them on his electronic devices. Aparicio Hernandez also had sexually explicit photographs of other minors on his devices.
“Aparicio Hernandez is a danger to the children in our communities and elsewhere,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “The Department of Justice will never stop fighting to protect victims-especially child victims, who are the most vulnerable among us. His 30-year sentence is a stern reminder that we will track down, arrest and prosecute child predators.”
“Protecting our community’s most vulnerable is our highest priority,” said West Valley City Police Chief Colleen Jacobs. “This sentence sends a clear message: anyone who uses social media to prey on children will be found, stopped, and held accountable.”
“This predator’s actions were deliberate, manipulative, and devastating,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI will continue to stand with our law enforcement partners to protect children, safeguard our communities, and ensure predators face the strongest consequences possible.”
The case was investigated jointly by the West Valley City Police Department and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Carol A. Dain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Virginia Man Sentenced to Prison After Trafficking 40 Pounds of Methamphetamine and Cocaine in UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Cruz Javier Garcia, 39, of Bland, Virginia, was sentenced today to 246 months’ imprisonment and a five-year term of supervised release for trafficking 40 pounds of methamphetamine and cocaine while in the District of Utah.
Garcia’s sentence comes after he pleaded guilty on May 8, 2025, to possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
According to court documents and admissions made at Garcia’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on September 22, 2023, Garcia was pulled over for speeding. During the traffic stop, the trooper conducted a search of the vehicle. In a suitcase, troopers found and seized a black garbage bag with approximately 40 bags of methamphetamine, each weighing one pound. In a backpack, troopers also found and seized 3.5 pounds of cocaine.
“Drug trafficking is a scourge on communities, and those who seek to profit from it while our communities are left to bear the cost of addiction, violence and death, is unacceptable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Garcia’s sentence sends a clear message to anyone involved in trafficking drugs in the District of Utah: you will be caught, prosecuted, and held accountable.”
“The Utah Department of Public Safety is committed to interdicting contraband on Utah highways and providing professional investigations that lead to successful prosecutions. We are grateful for the strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah. Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti's team played a crucial role in securing this conviction, and we congratulate them on this successful outcome,” said Commissioner Beau Mason of the Utah Department of Public Safety.
The case was investigated by the Utah Department of Public Safety, State Bureau of Investigation and the Utah Highway Patrol.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Burton of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Belgian National Sentenced to Prison after Defrauding Investors in a $5M Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Belgian national in the United States operated a $5 million Ponzi scheme over the course of five years was sentenced today to 60 months’ imprisonment.
Kenny Dirk Van Der Spek, 36, who was living in South Jordan, Utah, pleaded guilty to securities fraud, wire fraud and money laundering in May 2025, after he defrauded approximately 75 investors, and used at least $3 million on real estate, a personal chef, a new 2022 Chevrolet Corvette, online gambling and more.
In addition to Van Der Spek’s term of imprisonment, a U.S. District Court Judge sentenced him to three years’ supervised release and ordered he pay full restitution in the amount of $4,107,282.97 to the victims. He also was ordered to comply with the forfeiture of real property in Martinsville, Virginia and Spanish Fork, Utah. See prior press release: Belgium National and Utah Business Owner Charged After Allegedly Running a $5M Ponzi Scheme
According to court documents and admissions made at Van Der Spek’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, Van Der Spek was the owner and manager of K & K Strategies, LLC, which he marketed as a “hedge fund.” Between December 2017 to November 2023, Van Der Spek, convinced investors to invest in his company by making false promises and misrepresentations about investor funds. Van Der Spek, who was not licensed to sell securities, told investors K & K Strategies was legally operating a hedge fund and that he was licensed to do so. He represented to investors that their investments with K & K Strategies were succeeding, showing them fabricated financial records, when in reality, investors were suffering losses. He also displayed a “live stream” of trades on K&K Strategies’ website so that investors could “watch [their] money grow.”
As part of Van Der Spek’s criminal conduct, Van Der Spek promoted K & K as a “mom and pop hedge fund,” accepting investments as low as $500 and specifically targeting “smaller investors” – Investors who had little or no safety net beyond their slowly and meticulously accumulated savings. To those targets, Van Der Spek stated that he wanted to “help people who didn’t have much money.”
“This was not a crime of opportunity. Van Der Spek specifically planned and targeted vulnerable investors and caused substantial financial hardships for victims in Utah and other states,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Stealing hard earned money from our citizens is a serious offense, and it will not be tolerated in the District of Utah. We will continue to prosecute and seek justice for victims who suffer from these types of crimes.”
“Van Der Spek’s 'mom and pop hedge fund' had a devastating financial impact on hardworking Utahns, exploiting them for personal gain and taking millions to support his lavish lifestyle,” said Robert Cummings, Director of the Utah Division of Securities. The Division received complaints about Van Der Spek, which led to an investigation into his fraudulent activities and ultimately resulted in his arrest and conviction. “We are grateful to Utah’s law enforcement, the Financial Crime Task Force, the FBI, and the Department of Justice for their diligent work in apprehending Mr. Van Der Spek and holding him accountable. We encourage everyone to visit securities.utah.gov to verify the proper license of anyone providing investment advice before investing their money.”
“Like many fraudsters, Mr. Van Der Spek was motivated by greed, spending his victims’ money on luxuries for himself,” said Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Most of the victims in this case didn’t have the money to lose, resulting in financial and emotional devastation that will cause lasting harm. The FBI and our partners continue to seek accountability for those who exploit others for financial gain.”
“Mr. Van Der Spek chose to live a life of fraud built on the backs of hardworking Americans,” said IRS-CI Acting Special Agent in Charge, Jarom Gregory of the Phoenix field office. “He deliberately targeted his investment scheme to prey upon those who had the least to give and the most to lose. IRS-CI employs some of the world’s best financial investigators and working together on a team with our law enforcement partners we have been able to bring some measure of justice for the people victimized by Mr. Van Der Spek.”
The case was investigated by the Utah Division of Securities, FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Phoenix Field Office.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Sachiko J. Jepson and Assistant United States Attorney Mark Y. Hirata, of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
West Valley City Man Indicted Following Alleged Credit Union RobberyRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –A federal complaint was unsealed following a federal grand jury in Salt Lake City indicting a Utah man with a violent crime after he allegedly robbed a Cyprus Credit Union in the District of Utah.
Joseph Troy Ortega, 57, of West Valley City, Utah, was charged by complaint on August 29, 2025.
According to court documents, on August 28, 2025, officers with the West Valley City Police Department and members of the FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force responded to a robbery at the Cyprus Credit Union in West Valley City. As alleged, the suspect, later identified as Ortega, entered the credit union, approached the teller and demanded money. The teller provided the suspect with $3,690 in cash and Ortega then fled the credit union in a black Toyota Rav 4 with an obscured plate. Using facial recognition technology by the Statewide Information Analysis Center, a hit for Ortega was returned, and a 2011 Rav 4 was registered in his name. On the same day, a Toyota Rav 4 was observed on 5600 West and 3500 South. The vehicle was stopped and Ortega, the driver and sole occupant, was taken into custody. During an executed search of the vehicle, law enforcement seized a wallet with a large amount of U.S. currency, an envelope that contained $2,690, narcotics, and narcotic paraphernalia.
Ortega is charged with one count of credit union robbery. His initial appearance on the indictment was September 15, 2025. His three-day jury trial is scheduled for November 24, 2025, before a U.S. District Court Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by the FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force and West Valley City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Uintah Basin Man Sentenced to Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Travis Davies, 47, of Vernal, Utah, was sentenced to 97 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release after he trafficked narcotics, including hundreds of blue fentanyl pills in the District of Utah.
On June 5, 2025, Davies pleaded guilty to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
According to court documents and admissions made at Davies’ change of plea and sentencing hearings, on November 9, 2024, law enforcement seized 296 blue fentanyl pills (33 grams) during an executed search warrant at his residence in Vernal. Law enforcement also seized a digital scale, and several small plastic baggies.
Additionally, according to court documents, Davies is known to law enforcement as a distributor of fentanyl and was caught with pills while on pretrial release for multiple other drug trafficking cases. He has also obstructed justice while under investigation for drug trafficking cases.
The case was investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Vernal Resident Agency.
Assistant United States Attorney Sam Pead of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Two Men in Utah Facing Federal Drug Charges After Law Enforcement Seize Approximately 100,000 Fentanyl PillsRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging two Utah residents, one of which is a Honduran national who lacks legal status in the United States. The defendants are charged with a federal drug crime after approximately 100,000 individual field-tested fentanyl pills were seized by law enforcement during an executed search warrant.
Elvin Isaac Vega Zuniga, 19, an undocumented Honduran national, and Andrew Estefan Valle Acosta, 19, both living in West Valley City, Utah, were charged by complaint on September 4, 2025.
According to court documents, since May 2025, agents with the FBI and the Davis Metro Narcotics Strike Force have been investigating a drug trafficking organization. During a controlled purchase of fentanyl, agents identified a residence in West Valley City that the organization was allegedly using to distribute fentanyl. On September 2, 2025, a search warrant was obtained and executed at the West Valley City residence and agents seized approximately 100,000 individual pills, which field-tested positive for fentanyl.
Additionally, Vega Zuniga is in the United States illegally and was found by ICE in 2023. He was notified at that time of his illegal status and given a “notice to appear” in his immigration case. Despite being aware of his pending removal proceedings, Vega Zuniga engaged in the trafficking of fentanyl.
Vega Zuniga and Valle Acosta are charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute. Their initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for September 19, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI and the Davis Metro Narcotics Strike Force.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Peter Reichman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mexican National Indicted for Drug Crimes in UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah –A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging an undocumented Mexican national, living in the United States illegally, with drug crimes after he allegedly possessed and intended to distribute methamphetamine in the District of Utah.
Manuel Santos-Ramirez, 32, who was living in Salt Lake City, was charged by complaint on August 28, 2025.
According to court documents, since July 2025, agents with the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force have been investigating a drug trafficking organization (DTO). In August 2025, during a controlled purchase of methamphetamine, a male later identified as Santos-Ramirez, arrived in a silver Ford F-150 pick-up truck, which agents followed to a residence in Salt Lake City. A search warrant was obtained and executed at the residence in Salt Lake City and the silver Ford F-150 pick-up truck. Law enforcement seized 5,843 grams of methamphetamine, which field-tested positive for the narcotic. Half of the methamphetamine was found in the pick-up truck, and the other half was inside the residence. The substance purchased during the controlled buy also field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Santos-Ramirez was arrested and remains in federal custody.
Santos-Ramirez is charged possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment was September 11, 2025. A three-day jury trial is scheduled for November 14, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 7.2 before Senior U.S District Court Judge Clark Waddoups at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Peter Reichman of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Undocumented Mexican National Sentenced for Drug and Immigration Crimes in the District of UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Kevin Enrique Sanchez-Carrillo, 25, a native and citizen of Mexico, who had been living in Draper, Utah, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment by Senior U.S. District court Judge Dale A. Kimball.
In addition to Sanchez-Carrillo’s term of imprisonment, upon his release, he will be remanded to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation proceedings. The court also ordered the forfeiture of $7,750 in U.S. currency; a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun; and associated ammunition.
According to court documents and admissions made at Sanchez-Carrillo’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, an investigation into the defendant began in March 2025 when a confidential informant purchased methamphetamine from Sanchez-Carrillo. On April 3, 2025, law enforcement executed search warrants on Sanchez-Carrillo’s apartment and his vehicle. During the search of his apartment, law enforcement recovered, 1,249 grams of fentanyl, 571 grams of heroin, 11,099 grams of methamphetamine, and 15 grams of cocaine, along with a Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun, and $7,750 in United States currency. Sanchez-Carrillo admitted that he knowingly possessed and intended to distribute the narcotics for profit and that he knew he was restricted from possessing the firearm, which affected interstate commerce because he was in the United States illegally.
Additionally, court documents reveal that Sanchez-Carrillo admitted that he entered the United States on or after December 14, 2023, and eluded examination and inspection by immigration officers until his apprehension on April 3, 2025. Sanchez-Carrillo also admitted that after being in the United States illegally for 30 days or longer, he deliberately failed to apply for registration. Court documents reveal that Sanchez-Carrillo had not applied for registration at the time he was found by immigration officers in Salt Lake County, Utah, and remains unregistered.
“Pumping poison in the form of illegal narcotics into our communities will not be taken lightly, said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Sanchez-Carrillo’s sentence sends a clear message to the defendant and others willing to break federal laws, that if you choose to engage in drug trafficking, illegally possess a firearm in the United States or unlawfully enter the United States you will face serious criminal consequences.”
“Individuals like Sanchez-Carrillo seek to profit while our communities are left to bear the cost of addiction, violence, and death,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Bohls of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI will relentlessly pursue and investigate drug traffickers who threaten public safety.”
“The sentencing of Sanchez-Carrillo sends a clear message to anyone involved in bringing drugs into our community: you will be caught, prosecuted, and held accountable,” said Lester R. Hayes, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Las Vegas. “We’re proud of the hard work and strong teamwork of our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, who are committed to bringing criminals like Sanchez-Carrillo to justice.”
The case was investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE-ERO).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
Mexican National Indicted for Drug Crimes in UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Mexican national, who has been living in the United States illegally, has been indicted by a federal grand jury today for drug crimes after law enforcement seized over 15,000 fentanyl pills and heroin.
Alfredo Tovar-Ruiz, 26, of Mexico, who has been living in West Valley City, Utah, was charged by complaint August 22, 2025.
According to court documents, since July 2025, detectives with the Davis Metro Narcotics Strike Force have been investigating a drug trafficking organization. On August 20, 2025, detectives stopped a male, later identified as Tovar-Ruiz, in a parking lot as he approached a vehicle that belonged to the drug trafficking organization. Tovar-Ruiz and the vehicle were searched pursuant to a search warrant. Detectives seized 84 grams of fentanyl pills (approximately 840 pills), and 29 grams of heroin. During a subsequent search of Tovar-Ruiz’s residence in West Valley City, detectives seized an additional 1,930 grams of heroin and 1,478 grams of fentanyl pills (approximately 14,780 pills). In total, law enforcement seized approximately 15,620 fentanyl pills and 1,959 grams of heroin.
Tovar-Ruiz is charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and possession of heroin with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for September 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the Davis Metro Narcotics Strike Force and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Peter Reichman of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
California Man Sentenced to 15 Months’ Imprisonment for Assaulting a Federal Officer by Putting Him in a Choke HoldRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A California man convicted by a federal jury in April 2025 for assaulting a federal officer was sentenced today to 15 months’ imprisonment by Senior U.S. District Court Judge Ted Stewart. Gabriel Omar Gigena, 42, of Valley Springs, California, was also sentenced to three years of supervised release.
According to court documents and the evidence presented at trial, on May 4, 2024, two task force officers with the United States Marshal Service (USMS) were tasked with apprehending Gigena and safely securing his twin three-year-old daughters and keeping the public safe while at a park in Park City, Utah. However, security concerns hastened law enforcement’s approach, which resulted in officers charging at and tackling Gigena. During the tackle, one of the officers pushed Gigena’s hands away from the two young girls. As this officer and Gigena fell to the ground Gigena placed the officer in a choke hold and started to strangle him. See prior press release here: Federal Jury Convicts California Man of Assaulting a Federal Officer.
“Gigena is a danger to the public and to law enforcement across the country. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has zero tolerance to those who threaten public servants,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Gigena engaged in very serious and violent conduct against a law enforcement officer, and that is unacceptable. No one is above the law, and we will continue to aggressively prosecute crimes of this nature.”
“This case is a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement faces every day in service to our community,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Albert Kelly of the Salt Lake City FBI. “Violence against civil servants will not be tolerated. The FBI is committed to ensuring justice is served.”
The case was investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Sam Pead and J. Drew Yeates of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Mexican National Indicted for Drug and Firearm CrimesRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Mexican national, whose immigration status was revoked at the time of his arrest, is facing federal charges for drug and firearm crimes, and was ordered by the court to remain in federal custody.
Ignacio Gonzalez, 27, a Mexican citizen living in Riverton, Utah, was initially charged in a complaint earlier this month and indicted by a federal grand jury last week.
According to court documents, on August 5, 2025, federal law enforcement agents assisted Taylorsville Police Department during an executed search warrant at a residence in Riverton. During the search of the residence, law enforcement seized approximately 51.7 pounds of methamphetamine, a stolen Glock 43X, 9mm pistol, and other illegal drugs. Each of the seized bags of methamphetamine contained approximately 2.1 pounds of methamphetamine.
Gonzalez is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. A three day jury trial is scheduled for November 3, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. in courtroom 3.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Taylorsville Police Department. Special assistance was provided by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Assistant United States Attorney Mark E. Woolf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Attachments:
ignacio_gonzalez.indictment.pdf ignacio_gonzalez._felony_complaint.pdfUtah Man Sentenced to Two Years’ Imprisonment After Stealing $392,827 in Federal and State Funds During the COVID-19 PandemicRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former Utah State University Student Association Muslim Student Club President, Mubarak Sulaiman Ukashat, 38, of Kaysville, Utah, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment after he engaged in a $392,900 scheme that included COVID-fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, and state unemployment benefits fraud. On February 6, 2025, Ukashat pleaded guilty to failure to file currency and other monetary instruments reports.
In addition to his term of imprisonment, a U.S. District Court Judge sentenced Ukashat to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $392,827 in restitution. Ukashat has also agreed to $101,000 in forfeiture.
According to court documents and admissions made at Ukashat’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, between June 2020 and July 2020, Mr. Ukashat fraudulently received approximately $333,900 in Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL Loans) and wire transferred the funds into his USUSA Muslim Student Club Account. In doing so, Ukashsat submitted four fraudulent EIDL applications to the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA). He used the names of four people to whom he had no connection and directed the proceeds to be sent to the USUSA Muslim Students Club bank account at America First Credit Union, over which Ukashat had custody and control. Ukashat then used wire transfers to move the EIDL proceeds into another America First Credit Union account, over which he had ownership and control and held jointly with a relative before spending the funds on unauthorized personal expenses. Additionally, Ukashat fraudulently obtained $58,927 in state unemployment insurance benefits for which he did not qualify.
As a result of Ukashat’s fraudulent behavior, he intercepted and spent the EIDL-Loan money on a $45,900 GMC Yukon; $27,000 in electronics; $21,000 to pay off a car loan; $20,000 in debt payments; $10,000 in earnest money to buy a house; and $5,200 for college expenses. Ukashat also transferred over $100,000 outside of the Unites States to foreign countries such as Nigeria and Dubai.
Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation. (IRS-CI).
Assistant United States Attorneys Todd Bouton and Mark Y. Hirata of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Uintah County Man Facing Federal Charges After He Allegedly Murdered His MotherRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging a Uintah County, Utah man with second degree murder after he allegedly beat his elderly mother to death after she would not let him use her car.
According to court documents, on or about July 13, 2025, Philip Bernard Weston, aka Philip Bernard Mahpiya-Wicasta, 52, of Ft. Duchesne, Utah, allegedly beat his mother so severely with his bare hands inside her house that she later died from his assault of her.
Prior to her death, law enforcement responded to the victim’s house after dispatch received an emergency alert. The victim, who is hearing impaired, often used social media to communicate with others, and had made multiple contacts to an out-of-state relative on her tablet via social media asking for help. When an officer arrived at the victim’s home, Weston answered the door and allegedly stated the victim was there and fine.
However, the officer could see the victim on the ground with a large amount of blood around her. Weston was immediately taken into custody. Upon entering the residence, law enforcement allegedly observed blood in several areas of the home and a tablet in front of the victim. The victim was taken to the hospital in Roosevelt, Utah, and was able to give statements, using ASL, to an interpreter about the incident. The victim was transported to a trauma center in Salt Lake City for further medical treatment, but succumbed to her injuries, which included: multiple broken ribs; a severe chest injury; broken clavicles; multiple head injuries, including a four inch laceration on her forehead, eye damage, and a scalp hematoma; hemothorax; collapsed lung; fracture of the sternum; vertebrae; and other injuries.
Weston is charged with murder in the second degree while within Indian Country. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for August 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Vernal Resident Agency.
Assistant United States Attorneys Sam Pead and Tanner Zumwalt of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
This case is also 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Third and Final Defendant Sentenced to Prison After Stealing 75 Firearms from a C-A-L Ranch Store in Cedar CityRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, Utah – Darrell Glenn DeVoge, 50, of Cedar City, Utah, was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release after he pleaded guilty to theft of firearms from a licensed dealer. DeVoge is the last of three defendants to be sentenced for burglarizing a C-A-L Ranch store in Cedar City in November 2023.
Cedar City Police Dept.DeVoge’s codefendants include, the ringleader of the burglary, Russell Wesley Gruber, 31, and DeVoge’s son Parker Darrell DeVoge, 21, both of Cedar City. On July 9, 2025, Gruber was sentenced to 72 months’ imprisonment, and three years’ supervised release. On April 22, 2025, Parker DeVoge was sentenced to 16 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release. All three defendants were ordered to pay a joint restitution in the amount of $2,406.11 to C-A-L Ranch.
According to court documents and admissions made at the defendants’ change of plea and sentencing hearings, on November 21, 2023, just before midnight Gruber, Parker DeVoge and Darrell DeVoge burglarized C-A-L Ranch in Cedar City. All three were armed with guns Gruber provided, which were stolen from prior burglaries by Gruber and Parker. After smashing display cases, they stole dozens of firearms and fled the C-A-L Ranch store. A few hours later, on November 22, 2023, Gruber and Parker DeVoge returned to C-A-L Ranch to commit a second burglary before the store opened. In total, the defendants stole 75 firearms, which included rifles, shotguns, revolvers and pistols. They also stole ammunition, red dot sights, and firearm accessories. Gruber and Darrell DeVoge then stored the stolen firearms, which had been shipped and transported in interstate commerce.
Cedar City Police Dept.Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Cedar City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Burton and Brady Wilson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Utah Gymnastics Coach Sentenced to 10 Years’ Imprisonment for Child Sex CrimesRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Adam Richard Jacobs, 35, of Woods Cross, Utah, was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment for child exploitation crimes after he admitted to possessing a hidden camera to produce child sexual abuse material. In February 2025, Jacobs pleaded guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
In addition to his term of imprisonment, a U.S. District Court Judge, sentenced Jacobs to a lifetime term of supervised release.
According to court documents and admissions made at Jacobs change of plea and sentencing hearings, beginning on a date unknown and continuing until March 2023, he transported a minor, in his role as a gymnastics coach, from Utah to other states including Florida and Texas. During this time, he placed a hidden camera in the minor’s hotel room and bathroom to produce child sexual abuse materials.
According to court documents, on two occasions, a USA Gymnastics World employee discovered a hidden camera in a unisex restroom at the facility and contacted police. A subsequent investigation recovered approximately 120 video files of victims in the restroom. Approximately 40 videos showed Jacobs setting up the cameras in his home and at USA Gymnastics World.
In conjunction with this prosecution, Jacobs was charged by the State of Utah in state court. Jacobs has entered a guilty plea in that case and sentencing is pending in the state case.
The case was investigated jointly by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Woods Cross Police Department, the Utah Attorney General’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Kaysville Police Department, Clearfield Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the Davis County Attorney’s Office.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Carl Hollan and Assistant United States Attorney Carol A. Dain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Jury Convicts Utah County Man with Child Sex CrimesRead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal jury in Salt Lake City returned a guilty verdict today against a Utah County man after he sexually abused a 10-year-old girl and recorded the sexual abuse.
Brent Richard Johnson, 51, of Cedar Hills, Utah, was charged by indictment on November 20, 2024, with production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between approximately August and November 2013, defendant Johnson used his iPhone to record himself sexually abusing a 10-year-old minor victim while she was sleeping. Following the execution of a search warrant in 2024 on Mr. Johnson’s residence, the videos were discovered by law enforcement on a backup of an iPhone on Mr. Johnson’s computer. During the search, law enforcement also found a USB charging box that was disguised as a camera in a bathroom.
Johnson’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for February 9, 2026, before U.S. District Court Judge Howard C. Nielson, Jr. at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.The case is being investigated jointly by the American Fork Police Department, the Utah County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant United States Attorneys Carol A. Dain and Joey L. Blanch of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Mexican National Sentenced to Imprisonment for Fentanyl Trafficking in UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Sabino Osvaldo Gomez-Perez, 36, of Mexico, was sentenced today to 57 months’ imprisonment by a U.S. District Court Judge after he admitted to trafficking fentanyl, specifically 58,000 fentanyl pills seized by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force.
In addition to Gomez-Perez’s sentence of imprisonment, upon his release, he will be remanded to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation proceedings. Gomez-Perez pleaded guilty on May 29, 2025 to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
According to court documents and statements made at Gomez-Perez’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on October 9, 2024, he knowingly possessed 5,857 grams of fentanyl (approximately 58,000 fentanyl pills) and had distributed narcotics in Arizona and Utah prior to his arrest in Utah.
Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Three Time Convicted Sex Offender in Utah Sentenced to over 19 Years’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Daniel David Egli, 51, of South Jordan, Utah, was sentenced today to 210 months’ imprisonment after he was convicted in October 2024 by a federal jury for possession of child pornography. Egli will also serve a consecutive two-year term of imprisonment after he violated his terms of supervised release in a separate child exploitation case, therefore totaling over 19 years’ imprisonment.
In addition to his term of imprisonment, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Tena Campbell, sentenced Egli to lifetime term of supervised release.
According to court documents and the evidence presented at trial, in the spring of 2021, while Egli was serving a term of federal supervision, he violated his conditions of release. During a routine check by his probation officer, law enforcement found Egli possessed an unauthorized laptop and smart phone. These unauthorized devices were seized, along with other unauthorized electronic devices. Electronic evidence further demonstrated that Egli had accessed, viewed, and possessed nearly 500 images of child sexual abuse material – which led to the 2022 charge. See prior press release: Repeat Sex Offender Found Guilty of Possession of Child Pornography by a Federal Jury.
Prior to his most recent conviction, Egli has a history of child exploitation crimes for the past 20 years and has been in and out of incarceration after repeatedly violating his terms of supervised release.
“Egli is a repeat offender of child exploitation, and he has shown a complete lack of remorse and rehabilitation in his continued behavior,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Community safety is a priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our law enforcement partners. Our community and the children in it are safer with Egli behind bars.”
The case was investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Farmington Man Sentenced to Imprisonment After Embezzling Approximately $1.7M from His Small Business EmployerRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Timothy Sean Edgar, 44, of Farmington, Utah, was sentenced today to 18 months’ imprisonment for wire fraud and money laundering after he admitted to engaging in a years-long scheme to embezzle approximately $1.7 million from his employer for his personal enrichment.
In addition to Edgar’s term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Howard C. Nielson, Jr. ordered that he serve three years of supervised release and pay $1,778,251 in restitution to the victim.
According to court documents and statements made at Edgar’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, beginning in 2021 and continuing until October 2024, Edgar defrauded his employer to obtain money and property by stealing and lying. As part of Edgar’s scheme, he fraudulently opened a sales channel through a popular online marketplace and used his employment credentials to access the vendor portal and redirect Automated Clearing House payments to his personal bank account. Edgar then made payments back to his employer using his personal credit card.
Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.
“This case is an example of a defendant who used the victim’s trust against them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Mr. Edgar took advantage of a small business by building a strong relationship with his employer and gained access and control that he then used to perpetrate his fraud scheme. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will not tolerate fraud in our communities, and we will continue to investigate and prosecute fraudsters and seek justice for victims of these crimes.”
The case was investigated jointly by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, and the North Salt Lake City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Woolf and Jacob J. Strain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Arizona Resident and a Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Imprisonment for Trafficking 40,000 Fentanyl Pills to UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Dominic Jared Arias Aceves, 23, of Arizona, and Cristo Alexander Urias Salazar, 32, of Mexico, were sentenced by a U.S. District Court Judge after they trafficked about 40,000 fentanyl pills from Arizona to Utah for further distribution.
Aceves was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment and five years of supervised release. Salazar was sentenced to 48 months’ imprisonment. Upon his release, Salazar will be remanded to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation proceedings. The two defendants pleaded guilty on May 12, 2025 to possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
According to court documents and statements made at Aceves and Salazar’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on October 21, 2024, in the District of Utah, they possessed approximately 3,952 grams of field-tested positive fentanyl (about 40,000 pills) with the intent to distribute. See prior press release: Two Accused Drug Dealers Indicted After Allegedly Possessing 40,000 Fentanyl Pills in Salt Lake City
Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force (WMDTF).
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.
Indictment Unsealed Charging a U.S. Navy Sailor Stationed in Georgia with Multiple Child Sex Crimes After Enticing a Teen via Social MediaRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – An indictment was unsealed charging a U.S. Navy service member with multiple federal crimes after he allegedly manipulated a minor victim over social media for months and exchanged sexually explicit photos and videos of her.
Bryce Lucas Stimka, 24, currently stationed in Augusta, Georgia, was arrested on July 30, 2025.
According to court documents, between July 17, 2024 and March 30, 2025, Stimka allegedly began communicating with a 14-year-old girl he met and began manipulating her on social media. Over the course of their communication, more than 15,000 texts were exchanged between Stimka and the minor victim discussing various sex acts, the victim’s age, and their potential relationship. Additionally, sexually explicit images and videos of the victim were exchanged. The social media account was linked to Stimka by subscriber information (including IP addresses) matching Stimka, and photos of himself in his social media account.
Stimka is charged with production of child pornography, coercion and enticement for illegal sexual activity, and receipt of child pornography. His initial appearance in Utah has yet to be scheduled.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by an Officer with the West Valley Police Department assigned to the FBI’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. Special assistance was provided the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the FBI Atlanta Field Office, Augusta Resident Agency.
Assistant United States Attorney Carol A. Dain of the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Second Defendant Charged in a Superseding Indictment After Allegedly Assaulting Two Motorcyclists in Skull ValleyRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Alex Doran Craig, 32, of Tooele County, Utah, with multiple violent crimes after he and his codefendant, previously charged, allegedly zip-tied, kidnapped, and assaulted two motorcyclists when they unknowingly crossed onto the Skull Valley Indian Reservation.
According to court documents, in April 2025, Craig and Russell Allen, 50, of Tooele County, Utah, allegedly assaulted the victims and told them they were trespassing on Indian land. The victims were allegedly ordered to the ground facedown, zip-tied, kicked and threatened with a knife.
As alleged, the defendants took the victims’ belongings, including their motorcycles, purportedly as an impound for trespassing. The victims were then transported in a truck traveling at an estimated 100 mph to a remote desert area. The victims were then released without any of their property and had to hike over 10 miles, which took about six or seven hours, for help from the Dugway gate guards. Law enforcement later recovered the motorcycles in a maintenance shed on Skull Valley Indian Reservation Road. In June 2025, many of the additional stolen items were recovered by law enforcement, including two cell phones, two wallets containing identification cards for the victims and a GoPro Max camera. During the investigation, video evidence, victim reports, witnesses and jail calls identified both Craig and Allen as participants in the alleged crimes against the victims.
Craig and Allen are charged with kidnapping, assault, and theft while within Indian Country. Their initial appearance on the superseding indictment is scheduled for July 31, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Sam Pead of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
This case is also 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Ohio Child Predator Sentenced to 15 Years’ Imprisonment for Kidnapping and Sexually Abusing a California TeenRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, Utah – Ryan Gary Patch, 28, of Dayton, Ohio, was sentenced to 180 months’ imprisonment today and a lifetime term of supervised release after he kidnapped and sexually abused a 15-year-old girl that he met on Instagram, before he was captured and arrested in Cedar City, Utah.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Ann Marie McIff Allen, comes after Patch pleaded guilty on March 27, 2025, to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. As part of his sentence, the court ordered Patch to pay $11,093.15 in restitution to the victim.
According to court documents and statements made at Patch’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on July 24, 2024, the Cedar City Police Department received a call of an abducted minor being transported through Utah. According to the reporting party, the 15-year-old victim was taken from her home in California in the early morning hours of July 24, 2024, and was being transported to Ohio. The victim contacted her family from a newly created Instagram account on a newly gifted iPad and provided them information on her whereabouts. The victim’s phone was previously broken and disposed of by Patch before he took her from California. He also told the victim to factory reset various electronic devices and deleted their respective Snapchat and Instagram accounts. Based on the provided victim’s location, officers in Cedar City responded and found a car matching the description the victim had provided. In the car, officers found a teenage girl in the back seat and an adult male in the front seat, later identified as Patch, who appeared to be sleeping. Patch repeatedly claimed the girl was his sister, but after speaking to her, officers confirmed she was the victim they were looking for. Patch was arrested and officers found child sexual abuse materials depicting the victim on an iPad in the vehicle. Investigators also executed search warrants on Snapchat accounts known to belong to Patch and the victim. Both accounts contained child pornography depicting the victim and Patch’s plans to “come get” the victim. Patch’s account also had messages and explicit photograph exchanges with other accounts that appeared to belong to underage minors.
“It was only due to the victim’s technological savvy and quick thinking that Patch’s terrifying plan was undone. Nonetheless, his abduction of the victim has inflicted trauma no one should have to endure,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. Communities are safer with defendants like Patch behind bars, and it is our hope that the victim and her family can continue to heal knowing justice is being served.”
The case was investigated jointly by the Utah Department of Public Safety: Utah Highway Patrol (UHP), State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and the Cedar City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Christopher Burton and Brady Wilson of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
United States Attorney's Office for the District of Utah to Participate in Community Events During National Night OutRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah will join their law enforcement partners, neighbors, and communities in National Night Out events in cities across the state.
“Obtaining justice is a team effort and the U.S. Attorney’s Office could not do it without our law enforcement partnerships,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah. “Our office remains committed to building and strengthening our existing partnerships with law enforcement and National Night Out is a great way to do that and to engage with the communities that we serve.”
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes partnerships and camaraderie between law enforcement and the communities they serve to make our neighborhoods safer places to live. Millions take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities throughout the country on the first Tuesday of August in most areas of the country.
National Night Out was established in 1984 with funding from the Bureau of Justice Assistance of the U.S. Department of Justice. The program is administered by the National Association of Town Watch, a nationwide non-profit organization.Coordinated by local law enforcement and trained volunteers, National Night Out provides an opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Neighborhoods host block parties, cookouts, festivals, parades, safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and more. National Night Out sends a message that neighbors are united and working together to keep their communities and each other safe.
For more information, visit https://natw.org/.
Scheduled Events:1. North Salt Lake Night Out Against Crime 2025
Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Foxboro North Regional Park
1120 West 1100 North
North Salt Lake, UT 840542. Millcreek Night Out Against Crime
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Big Cottonwood Regional Park
4300 South 1300 East
Millcreek, UT 841173. Woods Cross Police Department’s National Night Out Against Crime
Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Woods Cross City Building
1555 South 800 West
Woods Cross, UT 840874. Murray City Police & Fire Safety Fair
Monday, August 25, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Murray Park
296 East Murray Park Avenue, Main Parking Lot
Murray, UT 841075. Ogden’s Night Out Against Crime
Thursday, August 14, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Marshall White Community Center
222 28th Street
Ogden, UT 844016. Clearfield Police Department’s Night Out Against Crime
Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Steed Park
300 North 1000 West
Clearfield, UT 840157. Syracuse Public Safety Jamboree
Thursday, October 2, 2025 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Syracuse City Fire Station #32
3418 S. Bluff Drive
Syracuse, UT 84075
Utah Man Sentenced for Wire Fraud SchemesRead the Press Release
A Utah man was sentenced yesterday to 108 months in prison for wire fraud, impersonating a federal officer, aggravated identity theft, and making a false statement.
The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: from 2018 through 2020, Santiago Garcia Gutierrez (Garcia), of Salt Lake City, defrauded a single victim out of more than $2.8 million by falsely representing that he was a confidential informant with the Department of Homeland Security. He also falsely represented that he could acquire, at discounted prices, exotic cars, planes, and vessels that had been seized by the U.S. government through forfeiture. Garcia falsely induced the victim to use him as an intermediary to receive the money that the victim believed was then being used to purchase what turned out to be non-existent luxury assets. To convince his victim the scheme was legitimate, Garcia contacted the victim on numerous occasions via text message from multiple phone numbers, falsely claiming to be a confidential government informant, federal agent and, at times, Garcia’s own attorney.
In addition, from 2019 through 2024, Garcia defrauded eight additional victims across the country. To execute these other frauds, Garcia falsely induced victims to invest money into federal oil wells in which he had an ownership interest, promising large returns on investment. The victims never realized any profits, however, because Garcia diverted the investment funds for his own benefit. To effectuate these schemes and lend them legitimacy, Garcia again assumed the identity of his attorney. In total, Garcia defrauded these victims of more than $900,000.
Finally, Garcia did not pay royalties to the federal government on the sale of oil extracted from the wells, despite knowing that he had a duty to do so.
In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Howard C. Nielson Jr. for the District of Utah ordered Garcia to pay $3,795,930.60 in restitution to the victims of his crimes, and to forfeit $2,853,789.27.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah, and Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation’s Phoenix Field Office and the EPA investigated the case.
Senior Litigation Counsel Richard M. Rolwing and former Trial Attorney Erika Suhr of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.
Former Missionary Charged with Sexually Abusing Minors AbroadRead the Press Release
A former missionary was arrested today in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for sexually abusing minors abroad. William James Purdy, 28, of West Valley, Utah, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 16 on charges related to the exploitation of minors outside the United States.
“The defendant in this case chose to travel abroad under the guise of good intentions and then sexually exploited and abused children who had been trusted to his care,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “When foreign authorities sought to hold him accountable, he fled back to the United States. The United States will not export child exploitation. The Justice Department is committed to securing justice for children exploited overseas when these heinous acts are committed by Americans.”
“William James Purdy's actions represent a profound betrayal of trust and have caused immeasurable harm to the young lives he was supposed to protect and nurture,” said Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Philadelphia. “HSI's global reach and partnerships are crucial in our relentless fight against child predators, ensuring that those who exploit and abuse children, no matter where they are, are brought to justice. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our society and will continue to work tirelessly to prevent such heinous crimes.”
“This is a perfect illustration of the DSS global reach and our ability to partner with U.S. and foreign law enforcement agencies on international cases,” said Acting Assistant Director of Domestic Operations Adrian Diaz of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). “DSS and our counterparts are conducting investigations like these on a daily basis around the world.”
According to court documents, Purdy, a U.S. Citizen, traveled to Tonga in 2017 for his mission with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While there, he allegedly sexually abused multiple minor boys. Purdy returned to Tonga in late 2019 to teach at a school in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. For years, Purdy allegedly groomed and sexually abused numerous male students, some of whom lived with him. Purdy allegedly provided gifts, including electronic devices and access to the internet, food, toys, and money, in exchange for the performance of sexual acts. Purdy is also alleged to have surreptitiously recorded minor males in his bathroom at his various Tonga apartments.
Purdy was arrested by Tonga police in October 2022, when an eight‑year‑old boy disclosed that Purdy sexually assaulted him during their tutoring sessions. When Purdy was released from jail, he allegedly continued to sexually abuse children. In March 2023, just prior to his scheduled trial, Purdy fled Tonga using an assumed identity and returned to Utah. The investigation thus far has identified 14 minor victims throughout Tonga.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) are investigating the case, with the substantial assistance of the Tonga Police and the Tongan Department of Public Prosecutions. The Justice Department’s Office of international Affairs provided assistance.
Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Joey L. Blanch for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Federal Jury Convicts a Texas Man of Sexually Assaulting a Female Passenger Onboard a Commercial Airline FlightRead the Press Release
Salt Lake City, Utah – A federal jury in Salt Lake City returned a guilty verdict today against a Texas man after he grabbed and groped a female passenger multiple times without her consent while onboard a late-night flight from Chicago to Salt Lake City.
Robert Sutherland MacLean, aka “Bobby,” 59, of Frisco, Texas, was charged by indictment on April 18, 2023, with abusive sexual contact in the special aircraft of the United States.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on March 1, 2022, while in flight, MacLean made calculated and sexually laced statements to a stranger seated next to him while he sexually assaulted her multiple times in the first-class cabin.
“Mr. MacLean unlawfully and illegally imposed his will upon another person— sexually assaulting her over and over again on that late night flight,” said prosecuting attorney Bryan N. Reeves of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, during the trial.
MacLean’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 1, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. before Senior U.S. District Court Judge Dale A. Kimball at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah made the announcement.The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and assisted by the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Michael P. Kennedy and Bryan N. Reeves of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
11 Venezuelan Nationals and One Columbian National Indicted for Financial Fraud in the District of UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – An indictment was unsealed today charging a dozen foreign nationals of bank fraud and engaging in transactions involving criminally derived property. The defendants were indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2025 at the U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City. Eleven Venezuelan nationals and one Colombian national are accused of committing financial fraud crimes after they allegedly participated in a scheme to defraud banks in Utah and elsewhere.
According to court documents, between January 2023 and June 2023, the defendants were involved in a scheme to defraud financial institutions by opening accounts and presenting fraudulent cashier’s checks to be deposited to those accounts. In some instances, defendants deposited multiple counterfeit checks at different branches on the same day. Defendants then laundered the funds by check, cashier’s check, and cash withdrawal.
Defendants are residents of Salt Lake County:
1. Gilberto Emiro Andrade-Romero, 36, of Venezuela
2. Felipe Enrique Linares-Lobo aka Carlos M. Hidalgo Noguera, 32, of Venezuela
3. Alexis Jose Calixto-Bracho, 25, of Venezuela
4. Daniel Jose Fuenmayor-leal, aka Enais Inciarte-Urdaneta, 34, of Venezuela
5. Yeritza Astrid Cuello-Plata, 40, of Venezuela
6. Federico Javier Gutierrez-Pirela, 36, of Venezuela
7. Hendry Ricardo Martinez-Concho, 42, of Venezuela
8. Cristina Paola Nava-Yoris, 24, of Venezuela
9. Patricia Del Carmen Orozco-Cuello, 37, of Colombia
10. Ismael Norberto Rodriguez-Moreno, 47, of Venezuela
11. Jorge Luis Urribarri-Vento, 32, of Venezuela
12. Rayner Jose Delgado-Quiroz, 24, of VenezuelaActing United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and a HSI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Assistant United States Attorneys Brent L. Andrus and Carl D. Lesueur of the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
This 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 (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Undocumented Mexican National Indicted for Sex Trafficking a Minor, Drug Crimes, and other ChargesRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment charging an undocumented Mexican national, living in the United States illegally, with federal crimes, including sex trafficking a minor, production of child pornography, and multiple drug and firearm crimes.
Victor Manuel Sanchez-Chacon, aka “Speedy,” 31, of Mexico, living in Taylorsville, Utah, was previously ordered detained by a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
According to the court documents, on November 9, 2024 and between August 27, 2023 and September 1, 2023, Sanchez-Chacon allegedly enticed a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing child sexual abuse material. Beginning on October 25, 2023, Sanchez-Chacon allegedly recruited and enticed a minor to engage in a commercial sex act.
As alleged, between August 2024 and December 2024, detectives with the South Valley Special Enforcement Team (SET) opened an investigation into the trafficking of narcotics to juveniles at high schools in the Salt Lake Valley area. During the investigation, Sanchez-Chacon was identified as a trafficker. On May 15, 2025, agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and task force officers from SET conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle Sanchez-Chacon was driving. During a search of the vehicle, officers seized drugs and other items. Subsequently, a residential search warrant was executed and law enforcement also seized three firearms, associated ammunition, and body armor. An Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations records check revealed Sanchez-Chacon does not possess valid immigration documents and entered the United States at an unknown date and time.
Chacon is charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, unlawful alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, production of child pornography, and sex trafficking of a minor. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for July 21, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by task force officers from the South Valley Special Enforcement Team (SET), Taylorsville City Police Department, Draper City Police Department and special assistance from Homeland Security Investigations, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Assistant United States Attorney Carol A. Dain of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
This case was also brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Utah Man Indicted for First Degree Murder After Allegedly Killing Another Man with a Bow and ArrowRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury in Salt Lake City returned an indictment today charging a Northeastern Utah man with first degree murder after he allegedly killed another man with a bow and arrow last month.
Leroy Casper Poowegup Reed, 42, of Whiterocks, Utah, was charged by complaint on June 27, 2025, and ordered detained by a U.S. Magistrate Judge.
According to court documents, on June 26, 2025, officers from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Uintah County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call from an individual who reported a possible vehicle accident in the Whiterocks community. It was reported that an individual was inside the vehicle unconscious and not breathing, with an arrow sticking out of him. Officers at the scene observed a black GMC pickup with the sole occupant/victim inside. The victim had an arrow pierced into his neck just above the collar bone. Officers concluded he was deceased.
As alleged in court documents, officers located a male individual on a porch of a residence, who was yelling at law enforcement. Officers also found blood on the road in front of the residence. The resident on the porch was identified as Reed and was taken into custody. Officers also located and seized a bow and arrows, and other items. Law enforcement obtained surveillance video of the incident, which showed a black GMC truck pull up and park. The victim exited the truck and walked towards Reed’s residence. Reed was then observed walking across the driveway with a bow and arrow drawn. The victim put his hands up and the video showed Reed move closer to the victim and then release an arrow, which hit the victim in the neck above the collar bone. The victim turned and walked back to his truck and Reed turned and walked towards his residence. The arrows seized from Reed’s residence match the arrow found in the victim.
Reed is charged with murder in the first degree while within Indian Country. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for July 17, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Uintah County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Vernal Resident Agency.
Assistant United States Attorneys Sam Pead and Victoria K. McFarland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah are prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Undocumented Mexican National Sentenced to Prison for Drug Trafficking and Illegal ReentryRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Armando Reyes-Ascension, 43, a Mexican national, living in the United States illegally, was sentenced to 58 months’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to immigration and drug trafficking crimes. In less than three months, Reyes-Ascension, who was previously removed from the United States on three different occasions and criminally convicted of felony illegal reentry, was again found back in the United States and in possession of more than 9,000 fentanyl pills, a loaded firearm, several dangerous weapons, and more than $80,000 in cash.
In addition to his term of imprisonment, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Clark Waddoups sentenced Reyes-Ascension to three years’ supervised release and ordered him to forfeit over $88,000.00 USD, a Smith and Wesson .380 caliber pistol, associated ammunition, including eight .380 rounds, nine knives and daggers, and nine collectors’ coins.
According to court documents and statements made at Reyes-Ascension’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on May 17, 2024, during an investigation, officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department seized 7,000 fentanyl pills, and $32,000 in cash from Reyes-Ascension’s apartment. On June 11, 2024, he was removed from the United States to Mexico by immigration officials. On August 7, 2024, Reyes-Ascension re-entered the United States illegally, and was found in Salt Lake County Metro jail after law enforcement had arrested him for drug crimes. During the arrest, officers seized 2,000 fentanyl pills and more than $55,000 cash, coins, and several dangerous weapons - including a firearm. See prior press release: Previously Removed Foreign National and Felon Indicted on Drug and Gun Crimes.
Prior to Reyes-Ascension’s May 2024 arrest and third removal on June 11, 2024, he was previously removed from the United States to Mexico on two separate occasions; one of which he was convicted of illegal reentry of a previously removed alien on March 4, 2020.
“Reyes-Ascension’s repeated criminal conduct is a complete and total disregard for the laws of this country, and it will not be tolerated,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti, of the District of Utah. “The defendant is a clear danger to Utah and the United States as a whole. The U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to prosecute anyone who breaks our laws and pumps poison into our communities.”
“This sentencing sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue individuals who combine violent narcotics distribution with firearms offenses,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Brent Beavers. “Possessing poisonous dangerous drugs alongside a loaded firearm posed an imminent and grave threat to public safety. ATF remains committed to disrupting the nexus between illicit drugs and guns because every one of the weapons we take off the street is one less chance for tragedy in our communities.”
"Defendants like Reyes-Ascension knowingly put people’s lives at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed of the Salt Lake City FBI. “The FBI and our partners will not stand by as traffickers, especially those in the United States illegally, push dangerous drugs into our neighborhoods. We will aggressively pursue those who seek to profit by fueling the opioid epidemic.”
The case was investigated jointly by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Salt Lake City Police Department, and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Bryan N. Reeves of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Taylorsville Man Sentenced to 20 Years’ Imprisonment for Distributing Methamphetamine in the District of Utah, and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Caile Noble, 67, of Taylorsville, Utah, was sentenced to 240 months’ imprisonment after he admitted to obtaining large amounts of methamphetamine from outside of Utah, bringing it to Utah, and providing it to several others in a conspiracy to distribute the drugs for profit.
The sentence comes after Noble pleaded guilty on April 3, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. In addition to his term of imprisonment, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Ted Stewart sentenced Noble to 60 months’ supervised release and ordered him to forfeit over $25,000 and his residence, from which Noble distributed methamphetamine.
According to court documents and statements made at Noble’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, beginning in July 2022, Noble and others in his drug trafficking organization were transporting approximately sixty pounds of methamphetamine to Utah to redistribute in the Salt Lake Valley. Noble was the head of the organization who acquired the large loads of methamphetamine and drove it to Utah. Once Noble arrived in Utah, he contacted his redistributors who sold the methamphetamine to others in amounts ranging from quarter pounds to full pounds.
Additionally, the defendant has distribution convictions dating back to 1986. Noble is also charged by the state of Utah with first degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated arson.
“The defendant’s conduct in this case and his nearly 40-year history of peddling poison for profit are egregious,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “Noble trafficked large amounts of methamphetamine into Utah and then distributed this poison into our communities for profit. Such criminal conduct will not be tolerated.”
“There is no room for drug traffickers in our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Carissa Messick of the IRS Criminal Investigation Phoenix Field Office. “Motivated by greed and with no regard for the safety of his community, Noble distributed massive amounts of this notoriously deadly substance. As the experts in following the money, IRS Criminal Investigation will always be there to offer our financial expertise to bring these criminals to justice.”
“The investigation of Noble confirmed the Sinaloa Cartel operates sophisticated drug distribution networks in Utah, and that drug trafficking and violent crime are often intertwined,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dustin Gillespie with the Rocky Mountain Field Division. “Methamphetamine is a persistent scourge on our society, and today our communities in Utah are safer with Noble’s imprisonment.”
The case was investigated by members of the DEA Salt Lake City Metro Narcotics Task Force.
Assistant United States Attorney Seth Nielsen of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced to Prison for Carjacking a U.S. Postal Service TruckRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Wilber Castellanos Hernandez, 33, an undocumented Mexican citizen, was sentenced to 30 months’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to carjacking a U.S. Postal Service Truck and threatening the U.S. Postal Service employee.
In addition to his term of imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge David Barlow sentenced Hernandez to 36 months’ supervised release and ordered him to pay $2,828.89 in restitution for damage to the postal vehicle and missing postal equipment.
According to court documents and statements made at Hernandez’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on February 5, 2024, Hernandez stole a U.S. Postal Service vehicle in Salt Lake City. He admitted to checking the door handle of the postal truck and entering the vehicle. When he was told to get out of the vehicle by the postal employee, he pointed a knife at him and fled from the area. Hernandez was tracked using GPS technology and stopped by law enforcement before he was subsequently taken into custody. See prior release here: Salt Lake City Man Accused of Carjacking a U.S. Postal Service Truck and Causing Multiple Car Accidents is Arrested and Charged.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and an FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department investigated the case.Assistant United States Attorney Carlos A. Esqueda of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Utah Man Indicted after Allegedly Shooting a Stolen Semi-Automatic Pistol at Two Victims in Salt Lake CityRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury returned and indictment charging a restricted person with multiple firearm crimes after he allegedly possessed a stolen semi-automatic pistol and shot at two victims in Salt Lake City.
Hiram Bokadrik, 29, of Salt Lake County, Utah, was charged by complaint on June 11, 2025.
According to court documents, on June 7, 2025 at approximately 4:18 p.m., officers with the Salt Lake City Police Department responded to a call of “shots fired” at a residence in Salt Lake City. Upon arrival, officers met with two individuals who reported a male suspect, later identified as Bokadrik, had fired a single round at them when confronted about trespassing on their property. During this time, officers recovered an expended 9mm casing from the scene. Additional officers quickly located Bokadrik, who fled from the officers on foot, but was subsequently located in a construction area hiding underneath a tarp. On construction materials, officers also recovered a loaded Glock 43X and a hat described to be worn by Bokadrik at the time of the crime.
Additionally, the investigation revealed the firearm, which was manufactured outside the state of Utah, was stolen during a vehicle burglary at a nearby residence at approximately 12:00 a.m. on the same day. Bokadrik is prohibited from possessing, purchasing, transferring, or owning firearms or ammunition under both state and federal law.
Bokadrik is charged with being a restricted person in possession of a stolen firearm and ammunition, and possession of a stolen firearm. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for June 26, 2025, at 2:15 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated by an FBI Task Force Officer with the Salt Lake City Police Department, Robbery and Violent Crimes Unit. Valuable assistance was provided by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Assistant United States Attorney Victoria K. McFarland of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Repeat Child Sex Offender in Southern Utah Sentenced to 25 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
ST. GEORGE, Utah – A convicted sex offender, Jaycee Stewart, 33, of St. George, was sentenced to 300 months’ imprisonment today after he pleaded guilty to charges involving receipt of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM).
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Ann Marie McIff Allen, comes after Stewart pleaded guilty to the charges on November 4, 2024. In addition to his term of imprisonment, the court sentenced Stewart to a lifetime of supervised release, and ordered him to pay restitution to the victims.
According to court documents and statements made at Stewart’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, on April 12, 2023, a child disclosed to their elementary school teacher that they were being sexually abused by Stewart. The victim said that Stewart occasionally used an item to sexually abuse them. The victim also stated that Stewart had numerous photographs of “naked girls” and images of children that were “inappropriate” in his room. Following an executed search warrant on Stewart’s residence, officers found multiple images of child sexual abuse hanging on his walls and a stack of images of child sexual abuse on his printer, in binders, and in Stewart’s closet. Stewart also had a digital frame that cycled through approximately 22,000 images of child sexual abuse. In sum, Stewart was in possession of tens of thousands of files depicting child sex abuse materials. Stewart was previously convicted in Utah state court of possession of child pornography in 2015. Additionally, Stewart has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing two victims and is pending sentencing in state court.
The St. George Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Burton of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC.
Convenience Store Robber Sentenced to 57 Months’ ImprisonmentRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Andrew Armani Deionte Rowe, 29, of Salt Lake City, was sentenced today to 57 months’ imprisonment, and a term of three years’ supervised release after he robbed multiple 7-Eleven stores across the Salt Lake Valley in 2023.
The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Judge Jill N. Parish, comes after Rowe pleaded guilty in September 2024 to four counts of interference with commerce by robbery.
According to court documents and statements made at Rowe’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, Rowe admitted that from September 12, 2023, through September 27, 2023, he robbed multiple 7-Eleven stores and threatened the clerk at each location. First, on Sept. 12, 2023, Rowe entered a 7-Eleven in Salt Lake City and locked the doors behind him. Rowe handed the clerk a note that stated, “Do as I say, or you will lose your life.” The clerk complied and gave Rowe the money from the register. On the same day, in a separate robbery, Rowe entered a 7-Eleven in Millcreek, Utah, with a gun and ordered the clerk to give him all the cash in the register. On Sept. 14, 2023, Rowe entered a 7-Eleven in Salt Lake City. Rowe pointed a gun at the clerk and demanded all the cash from the register. On Sept. 27, 2023, Rowe entered a 7-Eleven in Millcreek, threatened the clerk and demanded money from the register. See former press release here.
On October 11, 2023, Rowe was arrested. During the investigation, law enforcement seized clothing that matched the clothing worn by Rowe during the robberies. Law enforcement also seized a black firearm with an extended firearm that matched the description of the firearm used in the robberies. It was later determined the firearm was a BB gun designed to look like a Glock.
“No individual should feel unsafe while at work,” said Acting U.S Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah. “Mr. Rowe threatened and intimidated others for his personal gain and then repeated his criminal behavior three more times. Community safety is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners and we will continue to prosecute and seek justice against those who harm our communities.”
“It’s fortunate Mr. Rowe didn’t physically hurt or kill anyone during his crime spree, although the emotional toll on the victims will be long-lasting,” said Special Agent in Charge Mehtab Syed with the Salt Lake City FBI. “Opportunistic crimes don’t pay. The FBI and our partners are committed to keeping our communities safe from violent offenders.”
The case was investigated jointly by the Salt Lake City Police Department, Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake and the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
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 gun violence and other violent crime, 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. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
West Jordan Man Accused of Trafficking Cocaine in the District of UtahRead the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A federal grand jury returned and indictment today charging a Utah man with drug crimes after federal agents allegedly seized over 4,800 grams of field-tested positive cocaine during an executed search warrant.
Evar Mahmood Hashim, 25, of West Jordan, Utah, was charged by complaint on June 12, 2025.
According to court documents, beginning in May 2025, the Davis County Metro Narcotics Strike Force initiated a criminal investigation into members of a drug trafficking organization that was believed to be distributing large quantities of narcotics in Utah. During the investigation, agents identified a vehicle believed to be used by the organization to traffic the suspected narcotics. On June 10, 2025, a search warrant was executed on the vehicle, which was located and secured in Juab County, Utah. At this time, Hashim was the driver of the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle, agents seized approximately 4,836 grams of a white powder, which field-tested positive for cocaine. Hashim was taken into custody.
Hashim is charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. His initial appearance on the indictment is scheduled for June 26, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in courtroom 8.4 before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in downtown Salt Lake City.
Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah made the announcement.
The case is being investigated jointly by the Davis County Metro Narcotics Strike Force and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Special Assistant United States Attorney Kelsy Young of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Utah Businessman Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding the COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program Out of over $628,000Read the Press Release
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – A Utah entrepreneur was sentenced today to 18 months’ imprisonment after he fraudulently obtained $628,307 from a COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan in 2021 by submitting a fraudulent loan application in the name of his business.
The COVID-19 PPP Loans were provided to small businesses for funding to meet specific obligations, including payroll and rent during the pandemic.
Marcelo Federico Torre, 42, of Draper, Utah, pleaded guilty to wire fraud, and possession of stolen mail on April 10, 2025. In addition to his sentence, and credit for time served, Senior U.S. District Court Judge Clark Waddoups sentenced Torre to three years’ supervised release and ordered him to pay $628,307 in restitution. Torre also forfeited a money judgement in the amount of $628,307.
According to court documents and statements made at Torre’s change of plea and sentencing hearings, from April 27, 2021 to May 5, 2021, Torre fraudulently submitted a PPP Loan application through U.S. Bank for approximately $628,307 on behalf of his company, Offerworks Inc., a company he owned and controlled. By fraudulently submitting the Loan application, he lied to U.S. Bank and the United States government in order to be approved for the PPP Loan. Some of the false statements Torre made on the PPP Loan application included that his company, Offerworks Inc., had been in operation as of February 15, 2020, when it had not; his company had 37 employees, when it did not; and that Offerworks Inc., had an average monthly payroll of $251,323 in 2020, when it did not.
“The amount of money Mr. Torre stole from the U.S. government and taxpayers, which was intended to keep businesses open and provide salaries for employees and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic, is significant and his fraud will not go unpunished,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti of the District of Utah. “It is our hope Mr. Torre’s sentence will deter him and others who seek to take criminal advantage of government programs meant to help honest and hardworking business owners and their employees during a crisis.”
The case was investigated jointly by the U.S. Postal Investigation Service, Draper City Police Department, U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office, Salt Lake City Police Department, IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Small Business Administration – Office of Inspector General (SBA-OIG), and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA).
Assistant United States Attorney Todd C. Bouton of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division's prosecution of fraud schemes that exploit the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Since the inception of the CARES Act, the Fraud Section has prosecuted over 150 defendants in more than 95 criminal cases and has seized over $75 million in cash proceeds derived from fraudulently obtained PPP funds, as well as numerous real estate properties and luxury items purchased with such proceeds. More information can be found at Justice.gov/OPA/pr/justice-department-takes-action-against-covid-19-fraud.